Hollywood superstar Channing Tatum has found himself at the centre of a brutal internet pile-on after eagle-eyed fans spotted an embarrassing detail on his motorcycle during recent filming for a new motorsport drama. The Magic Mike star was seen at the Isle of Man TT, an event widely regarded as the most dangerous motorcycle race on the planet, for the movie fittingly titled Isle of Man.
Fans Spot 'Training Wheels' on Tatum's Bike
Photos and videos shared online show Tatum in full racing leathers during the opening days of the 2026 Isle of Man TT as filming officially got underway. However, fans were quick to spot a baffling detail on Tatum's $30,000 BMW S1000RR: what looks suspiciously like training wheels bolted to either side.
This bizarre sight at an event revered as the spiritual home of no-nonsense, death-defying motorcycle racing sparked immediate speculation about Tatum's riding ability. One person wrote on social media, 'Some of the bikes they are using in the movie filming have got training wheels. I sh*t you not. Another example of how fake movies are, and what utter c*ckwambles movie stars are. The tossers pretending to be TT riders can't even ride a bike.'
The Real Reason Behind the Stabilisers
The reality is far less dramatic. The stabilisers are not there because Tatum can't ride. In fact, Tatum is a keen sports bike enthusiast, regularly participates in track days, and is close friends with former MotoAmerica champion Josh Herrin. Instead, the training wheels are a bit of Hollywood magic. Behind-the-scenes images reveal Tatum hauling a massive camera mount on his head and chest, presumably to capture POV shots while riding. These so-called training wheel stabilisers help balance out the awkward weight ratio, which makes handling a motorbike significantly trickier.
At the same time, strict insurance requirements mean studios are reluctant to let lead actors take unnecessary risks that could derail a multimillion-dollar production. Despite the criticism, director Reid Carolin has promised the film will deliver an authentic portrayal of the iconic event.
Production Details and Cast
To help achieve that authenticity, production has enlisted James Hillier, a 15-time TT podium finisher and Lightweight TT winner, as a stunt rider for the more demanding race scenes. Carolin also hopes to capture not only the intensity of the race itself but the unique atmosphere that transforms the Isle of Man each year when thousands of fans descend on the event.
According to reports, this film has been in the works for years. Tatum and Carolin spent four years researching the TT, including making multiple visits to the island, before filming. The film is being made for Amazon MGM Studios and is expected to debut on Prime Video. No release date has been confirmed.
Background on the Isle of Man TT
Held on public roads across the tiny self-governing island in the Irish Sea, riders blast through a 60 km circuit consisting of villages, stone walls, mountain passes, and blind jumps at speeds exceeding 320 km/h. The competitors are considered among the bravest and most skilled riders in the sport. Since the success of last year's blockbuster F1 movie, Hollywood is once again embedding itself inside a live motorsport event rather than heavily relying on recreating the action in a studio.
While the 'training wheels' controversy may have amused some, fans are ultimately excited for the film, which promises to bring the dangerous and thrilling world of the Isle of Man TT to a global audience.
