World Land Speed Record Motorcycle Under 1000cc
Speed is one of the most thrilling aspects of motorsports, and the quest for the world land speed record has driven many racers to push the limits of what's possible on two wheels. While the most famous speed record attempts have been made in cars, motorcycles have also played a role in this high-speed pursuit, with riders attempting to set new records on the salt flats of Bonneville and other locations around the world.
While many record-setting motorcycles have been large-displacement machines with massive engines and streamlined fairings, there is also a category for bikes with engines under 1000cc. These "production" motorcycles must be based on a production model that is available to the public, with only minor modifications allowed to the engine, frame, and other components.
History of the Under-1000cc Land Speed Record
The history of the under-1000cc land speed record dates back to the 1920s and 30s, when riders began to modify production motorcycles to compete on the salt flats. One of the most famous early competitors was Burt Munro, a New Zealander who set numerous records on his heavily modified Indian Scout motorcycle. Munro's story was immortalized in the 2005 film The World's Fastest Indian, starring Anthony Hopkins.
In the decades since Munro's time, many other riders have attempted to break the under-1000cc land speed record, with varying degrees of success. In recent years, the record has been held by a number of different machines, with speeds ranging from around 200 mph to over 300 mph.
The Current Record Holder
The current holder of the under-1000cc land speed record is the Kawasaki Ninja H2R, a track-only machine that was introduced in 2015. The H2R is powered by a supercharged 998cc inline-four engine that produces an astonishing 310 horsepower, and Kawasaki claims a top speed of over 220 mph.
In 2016, rider Kenan Sofuoglu set the current record on the H2R, reaching a top speed of 249.76 mph on the salt flats of Bonneville. Sofuoglu, a five-time world champion in motorcycle racing, said that setting the record was one of the most challenging things he had ever done.
Other Competitors
While the Ninja H2R currently holds the under-1000cc land speed record, there are always other riders and machines looking to take the top spot. One of the most interesting competitors in recent years has been Danny Thompson, the son of legendary land speed racer Mickey Thompson.
In 2018, Danny Thompson set a new record in the "partially streamlined" motorcycle class, reaching a speed of 274.2 mph on his modified Triumph motorcycle. While Thompson's bike is not strictly a production motorcycle like the Ninja H2R, it is still a fascinating example of the kind of innovation and experimentation that goes into land speed record attempts.
The Future of Land Speed Records
As with all forms of motorsport, the world land speed record is constantly evolving and changing. One of the most interesting developments in recent years has been the rise of electric motorcycles, which offer incredible acceleration and speed without the noise and emissions of traditional gasoline-powered machines.
In 2018, the electric motorcycle company Lightning set a new land speed record for production electric motorcycles, reaching a top speed of 218 mph on the Bonneville salt flats. While electric bikes have not yet challenged for the under-1000cc record, it seems likely that they will play a role in the future of land speed racing.
Conclusion
The world land speed record is a fascinating and challenging pursuit for riders and machine builders alike. While the under-1000cc category may not receive as much attention as the larger-displacement classes, it still represents an incredible feat of engineering and skill. With new technologies and innovations constantly emerging, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for land speed racing.
