40 kilometers on water by motorcycle: Chinese entrepreneur sets a Guinness World Record
Zhang Xue, the founder of the Chinese motorcycle manufacturing company ZXMOTO, set a Guinness World Record by traveling more than 40 kilometers on water on a specially modified motorcycle. The test was conducted in his native region — Hunan Province.
40 kilometers on water on a motorcycle: Chinese entrepreneur sets a Guinness World Record
It is equipped with special skis designed for gliding on water, an enlarged fuel tank, and enhanced water protection.
The motorcycle first accelerates on land, then enters the water. The skis help it move on the water's surface, while the front ski serves to control the direction.
The rear wheel works differently than usual in this process: instead of pushing off a solid road, it pushes the water backward, creating a force that moves the motorcycle forward.
The record distance was accumulated by crossing the river multiple times. That is, Zhang Xue did not cover the path of more than 40 kilometers in a single direction. Additional modifications were made to the design to ensure a sufficient fuel reserve for a long distance and durability against repeated contact with water.
Covered only 20 meters on the first attempt
Zhang Xue first attempted to cross a body of water on a motorcycle in 2009. Back then, he tested whether it was possible to maintain motion on the water's surface using machinery with simple modifications.
In the initial experiment, he fell into the water four times, and the longest distance he covered was only 20 meters. After that, years of experiments to improve the motorcycle's design continued.
The current result was recorded as part of setting a record on a specially refitted MX450. This does not mean that the motorcycle is ready for daily water commuting or regular transport: it is not presented as a production vehicle intended for universal use on land and water.