Lisburn rider Darren Burns will ride a special 125cc machine for Pirate Racing at this year's North West 200.

The 37-year-old has been a podium finisher in the 250cc class for each of the last three years and will again contest that class on Saturday 17 May.

The 125cc bike has been prepared to compete at grand prix and European level by German Norman Rank.

Michael Dunlop will ride a 250cc machine for the same team at the North West.

Burns will warm up for the international race with appearances at the Cookstown 100 and Tandragee 100 national road races.

He also hopes to compete in the Superstock class at the North West 200.

At the North West, Burns was third in the 250 race last year, second in 2006 and third in 2005.