New motorcycle water record set

On October 25, 2026, Chinese rider and entrepreneur Zhang Xue set a new Guinness World Records distance mark for a motorcycle on water, traveling 40.74 km on the Jinjiang River in Mayang, Hunan province.

Modified motorcycle used for the attempt

The record-breaking attempt involved a heavily modified ZXMOTO MX450 motorcycle, which Zhang Xue described as much more advanced than previous prototypes. The previous record had been set at 31.8 km by Australian Robbie Maddison on a modified KTM 450.

Amphibious features of the motorcycle

The ZXMOTO MX450 was equipped with amphibious skis, an enlarged fuel tank, and a rear tire designed to push water backward. A directional front ski helped maintain course as the motorcycle "surfed" on the water's surface.

Preparation for the record attempt

The preparation for the attempt included five months of testing, buoyancy adjustments, and waterproofing work. Zhang Xue noted that the MX450 was nearing mass production, with the company having developed the necessary technology and resources.

Safety and validation of the attempt

The event took place on a wide section of the Jinjiang River, with rescue boats and medical teams on standby, while Guinness World Records officials observed the attempt using GPS tracking. Zhang Xue's team made several back-and-forth trips to accumulate the required distance.

Years of development behind the record

Zhang Xue had first attempted similar feats in 2009 with earlier prototypes, but those tests did not exceed twenty meters. He described the 2026 attempt as a culmination of seventeen years of development and refinement. The event took place in his hometown of Mayang, adding a personal dimension to the achievement.