10 Incredible Motorcycle World Records

Many people take up motorcycling for practical transportation, a sense of adventure, or as a fulfilling pastime. However, some individuals push the boundaries far beyond the norm. For them, leisurely rides on scenic roads, social gatherings, charity events, or massive rallies in places like North Dakota simply aren't enough. These ambitious riders strive to outshine their peers by setting extraordinary motorcycle world records.

World records are fascinating because they cover almost every imaginable feat. Similarly, motorcycles offer endless possibilities with their diverse designs, speeds, and styles. Combining the two creates an infinite array of record-setting opportunities. Riders worldwide, particularly from countries like India, have attempted to achieve the most unusual, exciting, and jaw-dropping motorcycle world records. Here are 10 of the most remarkable ones.

10: Longest Time Balancing a Motorcycle on One's Head

While a helmet is essential for safe motorcycle riding, what protective gear is suitable for balancing a motorcycle on your head? This remains a topic of discussion, as it’s a scenario most people never encounter. However, for those aiming to set a world record in this unusual category, the answer is far from straightforward.

For Gerard Jessie, the motorcycle itself serves as the only necessary headgear. As documented by Record Setter, Jessie holds the world record for balancing a motorcycle on his head. In the recorded attempt, he maintained the balance for 14.93 seconds. While this may seem brief, consider that even lightweight motorcycles weigh around 300 pounds (136 kg). If you’re inspired to challenge Jessie’s record, start strengthening your neck and ensure your friends are okay with potential bike drops.

9: Longest Time Restraining a Harley

Harley-Davidson enthusiasts are often known for their adventurous spirit. While their bikes are affectionately nicknamed hogs, taming one of Milwaukee, Wisconsin's iconic V-twin machines is far from the typical image of handling a wild hog.

Here’s some context: Restraining a motorcycle involves mounting it, planting your feet firmly, gripping the handlebars, and twisting the throttle. As the rear wheel spins, your challenge is to hold on tightly while keeping the bike stationary. This activity, though tough on tires, is a favorite competition at biker gatherings. Juli Moody currently holds the world record, having restrained a running Harley for one minute and 4.53 seconds — a feat that likely earned her plenty of free drinks [source: Record Setter]. Moody doesn’t stop there; she also boasts records for restraining two running motorcycles simultaneously and pulling the heaviest vehicle by a woman. Unsurprisingly, she also holds the title for the largest female bicep [sources: Record Setter, Record Setter].

8: Highest Altitude Reached by Motorcycle

Reaching high altitudes by plane or helicopter might seem effortless, but where’s the challenge? On the other hand, hiking is far too strenuous. For those seeking a middle ground, especially if riding a mountain goat isn’t appealing, hopping on a motorcycle is the perfect solution.

Six members of the North Calcutta Disha Motorcycle Club achieved this feat by riding their Honda Hero motorcycles to an elevation of 20,488 feet, 9 inches (6,245 meters) in the Changchemno Mountain Range near Marsemikla, India. Their accomplishment was verified using GPS data and confirmed by the Indian Border Patrol [source: Guinness World Records].

The riders faced not only rough and challenging terrain but also the limitations of their motorcycle engines. At such high altitudes, the thin air makes it difficult for engines to maintain the correct air-fuel mixture, adding to the complexity of the task. This achievement is far more demanding than any typical uphill motorcycle ride.

7: Longest Wheelie on a Motorcycle

Performing a wheelie on a motorcycle is undeniably thrilling and visually impressive, but it’s also highly dangerous. Imagine the awe it would inspire at your next neighborhood gathering — but don’t take our word for it. Attempting a wheelie without proper skill often leads to accidents, bike damage, and embarrassment. While it looks spectacular, mastering this stunt is no easy task.

Attempting a wheelie next to Yasuyuki Kudo, the world record holder for the longest motorcycle wheelie, would make anyone look amateur. While others might joke about holding their drinks, Kudo focuses on the task. In 1991, he achieved a 205.7-mile (331-kilometer) wheelie at the Japan Auto Research Institute [source: Fivella]. Given that most riders need a break after 100 miles (161 kilometers), Kudo’s record showcases extraordinary endurance, skill, and resilience.

6: Most Expensive Production Bike

While Mytour writers enjoy a glamorous lifestyle — think extravagant parties with celebrities, generous salaries, and even a chocolate fountain in the office kitchen (most of this is fictional) — some luxuries remain out of reach. One such example is the Ecosse Titanium Series Fe Ti XX.

The Fe Ti XX holds the title of the most expensive production bike globally. However, the term "production" is used loosely, as only 13 units were ever made. With a price of $300,000, you won’t find this bike parked outside your local biker hangout. It’s a machine reserved for the elite.

What does a $300,000 motorcycle offer? A carbon-fiber frame, an Italian leather seat (because comfort matters), and a powerful 225-horsepower engine. While Ecosse might not include a free keychain with the Titanium Series Fe Ti XX, at that price, they likely assume you can afford your own accessories [source: Said].

5: Most People on One Motorcycle

For many Americans, a motorcycle typically accommodates one or two riders, or three with a sidecar (assuming everyone is slim, which isn’t common). In other parts of the world, motorcycles serve as family vehicles, efficiently transporting people and their belongings. However, setting the world record for the most people on one motorcycle transforms it from a family vehicle into something resembling a commuter bus.

Unsurprisingly, this record originates from a country where motorcycles are more than just recreational vehicles. The world record for the most people on a single motorcycle stands at 56 — yes, 56 individuals on one bike. To put it in perspective, that’s more than half a hundred people. The record was achieved by the Indian Army Corps of Signals "Daredevils" Display Team in Jabalpur, India, in 2013 [source: Guinness World Records].

4: First Motorcycle Double Backflip

For most riders, the golden rule of motorcycle riding is to avoid flipping over, as losing control is almost guaranteed when upside down. However, for stunt riders, this rule is turned on its head — literally. Their goal is to flip as many times as possible.

Travis Pastrana made history by landing the first double backflip on a motorcycle during the 2006 X Games Moto X Freestyle event. This trick was long deemed impossible, and as Pastrana explained to ESPN in 2014, there’s a reason for that. "The double backflip leaves no room for error," he said. "If you bail, you’re landing face-first with a motorcycle on top of you. You can’t even glance at your landing mid-flip, or you won’t complete the rotation" [source: Bane].

It’s worth emphasizing that the double backflip is a stunt best left to professionals and should never be attempted at home.

3: Fastest Motorcycle in the World

One of the reasons motorcycles are so exhilarating is the sensation of speed they provide. Every bump, turn, and curve in the road is felt directly, and the rider is fully exposed to the wind and elements.

However, when aiming for a land speed record, the experience changes dramatically. The motorcycle often resembles a hot dog more than a traditional bike, with the rider enclosed inside.

This was the scenario for Rocky Robinson when he set the world speed record on a motorcycle at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats. On September 25, 2010, Robinson made history by reaching an astonishing 376.363 miles per hour (605.697 kph) aboard his Top Oil-Ack Attack motorcycle [source: Guinness World Records]. Thankfully, the enclosed design spared him from dealing with bugs at such incredible speeds.

Robinson is well-acquainted with speed records, having broken the land speed record on a motorcycle twice before. Remarkably, he achieved all three of his records within just four years.

2: Longest Continuous Ride Standing on a Motorcycle

Sure, setting a 376-mile-per-hour land speed record is impressive, but sitting on a bike makes it relatively straightforward. The true test of skill is riding a motorcycle while standing on it.

We’re only half-joking. Operating a motorcycle typically requires both feet (for shifting and braking) and both hands (for throttle, clutch, and steering). Standing on a moving bike eliminates the use of your feet for control, and balancing becomes exponentially more difficult. This is what makes the record so extraordinary.

The world record for the longest continuous ride while standing on a motorcycle is 16 kilometers, or approximately 9 miles. This feat was achieved by Captain Abhayjit Mehlawat of the Indian Army in 2013 [source: Guinness World Records]. (Notice a trend? Indian riders seem to excel at setting extraordinary motorcycle world records.)

1: Longest Continuous Hands-free Motorcycle Ride

When most people think of hands-free activities, they imagine making phone calls in cars or giving voice commands to virtual assistants like Siri or Cortana. While technology hasn’t perfected hands-free gadgets, it’s still simpler to make a hands-free call than to ride a motorcycle without using your hands. (Feel free to add your own "look ma, no hands!" joke here.)

The longest continuous motorcycle ride without using hands covered 222 kilometers, or 137.94 miles. This remarkable achievement was accomplished by Marcello Sarandrea, an Italian rider [source: Guinness World Records]. What makes this record even more impressive is that he did it in Rome, Italy — a city notorious for its challenging traffic conditions. Riding a motorcycle hands-free for nearly 138 miles in such an environment deserves a standing ovation. And yes, Sarandrea can probably clap along, as his hands are clearly not needed for steering.