Guinness World Record in China: Motorcycle Travels 40 km on a River

A Chinese entrepreneur set a new world record by traveling over 40 kilometers on a river aboard a motorcycle. Zhang Xue, founder of the ZXMOTO brand, on October 25 rode a modified MX450 for 40.74 kilometers on the surface of a watercourse in Hunan Province, surpassing the previous record of 31.8 km.

The performance, certified by a Guinness World Records judge, is the result of five months of testing to perfect the vehicle's flotation and waterproofing systems. The motorcycle was equipped with amphibious skids, a larger fuel tank, and a sealing system to protect components from water, while maintaining the original structure and propulsion.

The origin of this venture dates back to 2009, when Zhang Xue, then twenty-two years old, attempted for the first time to make a motorcycle travel on water. After four failed attempts and a distance covered of only 20 meters, the idea seemed abandoned. However, the entrepreneur never gave up on his dream, continuing to work on it for a full 17 years.

The path to the record required a long phase of engineering development. The goal was not only to make the motorcycle float, but to ensure its stability and control on an irregular surface like that of a river, also allowing for changes in direction. The tests took place in the Mayang Miao water channel, where cornering movements proved particularly challenging, requiring significant physical effort and concentration from the rider. The attempt was monitored by rescue teams and by Guinness World Records, which verified GPS data and audiovisual recordings.