Stunt rider aims for speed record dragged behind amotorcycle
Kawasaki UK have teamed up with stunt rider Jonny Davies to try and break the Guinness World Record for ‘Fastest speed being dragged behind a motorcycle’ using a supercharged Ninja H2 SX sports tourer.
The record currently belongs to stunting legend Gary Rothwell, who achieved 156.3mph from the back of a Suzuki Hayabusa on April 18, 1999. The Liverpudlian rider was dragged behind his GSX1300R on special titanium-soled boots at the Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire.
“I’m surprised no one has attempted it sooner,” Rothwell told MCN following Kawasaki’s official announcement. “If he gets over that part of being scared and keeping the throttle open, I can’t see him not being able to break it.”
Davies (also known as JD Stunts) is a UK Stunt Champion and two-time record holder already. He hopes to achieve at least 160mph on the day. Current riding accolades include the fastest ‘highchair wheelie’ with his feet over the handlebars – clocking a rapid 109.228mph in August 2020.
“Gary Rothwell was one of the main inspirations with me becoming a stunt rider anyway,” Davies told MCN ahead of his first practice session on Monday, June 17.
“I’d watch his videos and practise on my pushbikes. Every time it would rain, I’d take that opportunity to drag myself on the side,” he continued. “Since doing the first record, I knew Gary’s record was a big one and a really big ask.”
Davies says that Kawasaki initially offered him a track-only Ninja H2R, which produces in excess of 300bhp, for the attempt. However, alongside power, bike stability is also a key requir
