triumph rocket gears up to break the motorcycle land speed record

the ‘triumph rocket’ is gearing up to break the motorcycle world land speed record. designed and built by the british brand, the purpose-built vehicle is currently undergoing testing at the legendary bonneville salt flats in northwestern utah. triumph’s aim is to exceed the current record that currently stands at 376.363 mph (605.698 kph), with the goal of a 400 mph run. the record-breaking attempt will be piloted by isle of man TT racer and multiple speed record holder guy martin.

the ‘triumph rocket‘ features a carbon kevlar monocoque construction and two turbocharged triumph rocket III engines that produce a combined 1,000 bhp at 9,000 rpm. developed by triumph, hot rod conspriacy, and carpenter racing, the motorcycle is 25.5 feet (7.8 m) long, 2 feet (60 cm) wide and 3 feet (90 cm) tall. powered by methanol fuel, the bike is competing in the division C (streamlined motorcycle) category.

on august 5th, 2016, triumph shared news of its testing progress on its facebook page: ‘we are now set up on the bonneville salt flats to begin testing for our land speed record attempt. TT legend and land speed rider guy martin has been reunited with the triumph. most of the first day centered around setting up the pit area, surveying the 11 mile land speed course and getting guy’s seating position correct within the cockpit. basic control familiarization followed and some in-depth time with crew chief and triumph infor rocket streamliner designer matt markstaller mean that guy goes into the second day on the salt ready to get to grips with his machine.’