Chinese man sets record by riding a motorcycle 40.74 km over water - Sarmad

Zhang Xiu, founder of ZX Moto motorcycle manufacturing company, set a Guinness World Record after riding a modified motorcycle for 40.74 kilometers on water, surpassing the previous record of 31.8 kilometers.

China Daily reported on Sunday that Zhang achieved the record on the Jingjiang River in Hunan Province, central China, using an MX 450 motorcycle modified to glide on water. He completed the journey in about 32 minutes, with Guinness representatives present to verify the achievement.

The modified motorcycle relies on sliding skis mounted at the front and rear to help keep it above the water surface. The specially modified rear frame provides forward thrust, while additional waterproofing and buoyancy enhancements ensure stability during the ride.

Zhang’s interest in this experiment dates back to 2009, when he attempted several times to ride a motorcycle on water without success. He resumed his efforts years later after extensive development and testing, which included improving buoyancy systems, waterproofing, and motorcycle balance.

Guinness officially confirmed the achievement on October 25, after verifying the distance covered and the data recorded during the ride, marking the realization of a goal Zhang had pursued for about 17 years.

This achievement highlights the potential for innovation in transportation development, leveraging engineering design and practical experimentation to transform unconventional ideas into testable applications, opening new horizons for vehicle development and expanding their uses.