World Land Speed Record On A Motorcycle
Breaking the world land speed record is a feat that many have attempted, but few have achieved. The record has been set and broken numerous times over the years, with speeds increasing exponentially as technology and engineering have improved. While many records have been set on four-wheeled vehicles, there is a special place in the record books for those who have achieved the feat on two wheels. In this article, we will take a closer look at the world land speed record on a motorcycle, the riders who have achieved this incredible feat, and the machines they used to do it.
What Is The World Land Speed Record On A Motorcycle?
The world land speed record on a motorcycle is the highest speed ever achieved by a person riding a motorcycle on land. The record is recognized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the governing body for motorcycle racing, and is set in a straight line over a measured distance of one mile. The record is determined by taking the average speed of two runs made in opposite directions within a one hour period. The current record stands at 376.363 mph (605.697 km/h), set by Rocky Robinson on the Top Oil-Ack Attack streamliner motorcycle in 2010.
The History Of The World Land Speed Record On A Motorcycle
The first official motorcycle land speed record was set on December 18, 1924, by British racer Percy E. Lambert. He achieved a speed of 103.39 mph (166.72 km/h) on a 500cc Zenith-JAP motorcycle at the Brooklands track in England. The record was broken several times over the years, with speeds gradually increasing. In 1970, American rider Cal Rayborn set a record of 265.492 mph (427.927 km/h) on a Harley-Davidson streamliner. This record stood for over a decade, until French rider Georges Martin broke it in 1980 with a speed of 279.36 mph (449.05 km/h) on a Kawasaki-powered streamliner. The record was broken numerous times in the following years, with the current record set in 2010 by Rocky Robinson on the Top Oil-Ack Attack streamliner.
The Riders Who Have Achieved The World Land Speed Record On A Motorcycle
Over the years, numerous riders have attempted to break the world land speed record on a motorcycle. Some have been successful, while others have not been so lucky. One of the most famous riders to achieve the record was American racer Burt Munro, who set a record of 183.58 mph (295.44 km/h) on a 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle in 1967. Munro's record was the subject of the 2005 film "The World's Fastest Indian", starring Anthony Hopkins. Other notable riders include Cal Rayborn, who set the record in 1970, and Rocky Robinson, who currently holds the record.
The Machines Used To Break The World Land Speed Record On A Motorcycle
Breaking the world land speed record on a motorcycle requires a machine that is specifically designed for the task. These machines, known as streamliners, are highly aerodynamic vehicles that are built to reduce drag and maximize speed. They are typically powered by high-performance engines, such as turbocharged or supercharged motorcycle engines, that can produce several hundred horsepower. The current record holder, the Top Oil-Ack Attack streamliner ridden by Rocky Robinson, is powered by two Suzuki Hayabusa engines and features a unique design that allows it to reach incredible speeds.
The Future Of The World Land Speed Record On A Motorcycle
The world land speed record on a motorcycle is a constantly evolving challenge, with riders and engineers always looking for new ways to push the limits of what is possible. As technology and engineering continue to improve, it is likely that the record will be broken again in the future. However, achieving such incredible speeds is not without risk, and riders must always take precautions to ensure their safety. Despite this, the world land speed record on a motorcycle remains one of the most exciting and awe-inspiring feats of human achievement.
