Zhang Xue Sets Record With 40.74-Km Motorcycle Ride on Water

Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Xue has set a Guinness World Record after riding a specially modified motorcycle across open water for an extraordinary distance of 40.74 kilometres. The unusual achievement took place in Hunan province, China, where Zhang demonstrated how engineering modifications and precise vehicle control could make it possible for a motorcycle to travel across a river.

The record-breaking attempt marked the culmination of a journey that began in 2009, when Zhang first experimented with riding a motorcycle on water. His initial attempt ended after the vehicle travelled just 20 metres. More than a decade later, he returned with a significantly modified machine and successfully completed a distance that turned his long-standing ambition into a Guinness World Records achievement.

Zhang Xue Completes 40.74-Kilometre Motorcycle Ride on Water

The record attempt took place on October 25 in Mayang Miao Autonomous County, Zhang’s hometown in central China’s Hunan province. Thousands of spectators gathered along the riverbanks to watch the unusual stunt as the entrepreneur prepared to take his motorcycle onto the water.

Rather than riding on a conventional road or track, Zhang accelerated up a launch ramp and moved directly onto the river’s surface. Maintaining balance and controlling the motorcycle at speed were essential to keeping the vehicle upright as it travelled across the water.

According to the reported details of the attempt, Zhang completed six full circuits across the river. His total recorded distance reached 40.74 kilometres, establishing a new Guinness World Record for the achievement.

The feat required more than simply modifying a motorcycle to float. Zhang had to maintain sufficient speed, manage the vehicle’s movement and keep it stable while travelling across an unpredictable water surface. Any loss of balance or control could have ended the attempt.

How Zhang Modified the Motorcycle to Travel on Water

For the record attempt, Zhang used an MX450 motorcycle that had been specially adapted for movement across water. The machine was fitted with amphibious skis and additional waterproofing to help it operate in conditions for which ordinary motorcycles are not designed.

The amphibious modifications were central to the unusual engineering setup. Unlike a conventional motorcycle, which depends on tyres maintaining contact with a solid surface, the modified vehicle needed a system capable of supporting movement over water while allowing Zhang to steer and balance it.

Waterproofing was another important part of the preparation. A motorcycle contains mechanical and electrical components that can be damaged by water exposure. Additional protection was therefore necessary to reduce the risk of water entering sensitive areas during the prolonged attempt.

However, the challenge extended beyond the equipment itself. Travelling across water requires a different approach to controlling a vehicle because the surface does not provide the same predictable grip as a road. Zhang had to maintain the correct movement and balance throughout the ride, making the achievement a combination of mechanical adaptation and riding skill.

A Journey That Began With a Failed Attempt in 2009

Zhang’s record-breaking performance was the result of a long-standing ambition rather than a sudden experiment. His interest in riding a motorcycle across water dates back to 2009, when he made his first attempt at the challenge.

That early effort was unsuccessful, with the motorcycle travelling only around 20 metres before the attempt came to an end. Although the distance was far from what he eventually achieved, the experience did not convince him to abandon the idea.

Instead, Zhang continued pursuing the challenge, working towards a design and riding approach that could overcome the technical difficulties involved. His latest attempt demonstrated how far the project had progressed, taking him from an initial 20-metre effort to a verified journey of 40.74 kilometres.

Reflecting on his determination, Zhang was quoted by china.org.cn as saying: “I have strong faith that I can make it happen. Even if I fail, I will pursue it without hesitation. I really enjoy the process.”

His statement reflected the persistence behind the achievement. The record was not simply about covering a long distance but also about continuing to develop an idea despite an unsuccessful first attempt.

Guinness World Records Verifies the Achievement

The unusual motorcycle ride was witnessed by Guinness World Records adjudicator Xiong Wen, who was present to oversee the attempt. The organisation verified the distance using multiple forms of evidence before confirming the record.

According to the reported details, the verification process included GPS tracking, timing data and audiovisual evidence. These methods helped establish how far the motorcycle travelled and provided supporting documentation of the attempt.

After reviewing the evidence, adjudicator Xiong Wen confirmed the new world record at the finish line. The official recognition gave the achievement international attention and established Zhang’s 40.74-kilometre ride as a Guinness World Records milestone.

Using multiple verification methods is particularly important for unusual records involving movement over large distances. GPS data can help establish the route and distance, while timing information and video evidence provide additional documentation of the attempt.

Spectators React as the Motorcycle Skims Across the River

The record attempt attracted thousands of spectators, many of whom watched from the riverbanks as Zhang moved onto the water. The sight of a motorcycle travelling across a river created an unusual spectacle, with the audience cheering as he completed the circuits.

Videos of the stunt also prompted reactions on social media. Viewers expressed surprise at the engineering involved, while others responded with humour and admiration for the entrepreneur’s determination.

One Instagram user joked about the possibility of using such a motorcycle on flooded roads in India, writing: “I need one for Indian city roads when raining.”

Another viewer praised the technical achievement, commenting: “That’s an impressive engineering feat. Turning a motorcycle into something capable of travelling that far across water takes some serious innovation.”

A third user expressed admiration for China’s technological experimentation, writing: “China is inventing or discovering new things every day; respect.”

The reactions highlighted two aspects of the stunt: its entertainment value and the engineering work required to make such an unusual ride possible.

Who Is Zhang Xue?

Zhang Xue is an entrepreneur in China’s motorcycle industry and the founder of motorcycle manufacturer ZXMOTO. His record-breaking water ride has brought attention to his interest in motorcycle engineering and unconventional vehicle experiments.

The achievement also demonstrates how a motorcycle platform can be adapted for a purpose far removed from ordinary road travel. By combining a modified MX450, amphibious skis and additional waterproofing, Zhang developed a machine capable of completing a long-distance journey across open water.

A Motorcycle Record That Combines Engineering and Determination

Zhang Xue’s 40.74-kilometre ride stands out because it required the successful combination of specialised equipment, mechanical preparation and sustained control. Riding a motorcycle on a conventional track is already a test of balance and handling, but travelling across open water introduces a different set of challenges.

The attempt also represents the culmination of years of persistence. Zhang’s first effort in 2009 ended after only 20 metres, but he continued working towards the same goal. His latest performance transformed that early setback into a Guinness World Records achievement.

With the distance verified through GPS tracking, timing data and audiovisual evidence, the October 25 attempt established a remarkable milestone for Zhang and his modified motorcycle. What began as an ambitious experiment has now become a recognised world record, drawing attention from spectators and social media users around the world.