500cc Manxman breaks speed record
Isle of Man team set new record of 188.73mph for a modified 500
A TEAM of motorcycle enthusiasts from the Isle of Man have a set a new land-speed record at the Bonneville salt flats.
The Lonan Gentlemen's Fellowship team clocked an average speed of 188.73mph over two runs, beating the previous record from 1973 for a 500cc special construction partial streamlined blown fuel machine by 12mph.
The record breaking run was done by Richard Barks on a specially designed 500 Manxman housed in streamlined Suzuki Hayabusa bodywork.
"It's been tremendous really and a bit like a dream. The whole team has pulled together to make this happen," Barks said.
He added: "To reach 191mph on the second run out here is tremendous. It's a bit like racing on a beach with a set of racing slicks on. It has been an incredible experience."
The team have four more days to improve on their record, Barks continued: "With some slight modifications we can try and break a few more records or we might go for the 200mph barrier. We will see how the week pans out."
