Guy Martin sets new Bonneville speed record

On 8 August, 2016, Martin smashed the previous official Triumph record that stood at 245.667mph (395.46kph), as well as the unofficial Triumph Record of 264mph (424.86kph), both set by Bob Leppan, in the Gyronaut X-1.

 

Near perfect conditions greeted the team on the final day of the team's land speed practice week. With confidence high after a successful number of days running on the salt at Bonneville, the team's goal for the day with the Triumph Infor Rocket Streamliner was the Triumph record.

Just after 8:30am Guy Martin and the team set off on the first run of the day. After a steady start, Martin accelerated the streamliner to 274.2mph, rewriting Triumph history in the process.

Just after the two mile marker Martin came to a controlled stop near the team's base camp to be greeted by the news that he had broken the 46-year-old Triumph record.

 

The Triumph record run is proof of Martin's growing confidence on the salt and commitment to breaking the World two-wheeled Land Speed record - for all motorcycles.

Throughout the week Martin impressed everyone within the team with the speed in which he has been able to master the Triumph Infor Rocket Streamliner on the salt. Each time Martin has sat in the streamliner, he has been able to achieve the goals set by Crew Chief and the Triumph Infor Rocket Streamliner designer Matt Markstaller and his team with the required level of control.

When asked about becoming the fastest ever Triumph record holder Martin commented: "It's good and we are moving in the right direction, but it is just one step on the way to what me and team are here to do."

 

The Triumph Infor Rocket features a carbon Kevlar monocoque construction with two turbocharged Triumph Rocket III engines producing a combined 1,000bhp (745.6kW) at 9,000 rpm. The motorcycle is 25.5 feet long, 2 feet wide and 3 feet tall (7779mm x 600mm x 914mm). Powered by methanol fuel, the bike is competing in the Division C (streamlined motorcycle) category.

 

Triumph has a history of breaking land speed records, holding the title of 'World's Fastest Motorcycle' between 1955 and 1970*. The record-breaking Triumph Streamliners included: Devil's Arrow, Texas Cee-gar, Dudek Streamliner and Gyronaut X1, the latter achieving a top speed of 245.667 mph (395.46 km/h). Today's record, held by Rocky Robinson since 2010 riding the Top Oil-Ack Attack streamliner, sits at 376.363 mph (605.697 km/h).

 

To follow the progress of the world land speed record attempt, please visit: www.triumph.co.uk