ZXMoto founder sets new world record with 25-mile open water crossing
Zhang Xue, the founder of Chinese motorcycle maker ZXMoto, has been having some fun ahead of this week’s EICMA show after setting a new Guinness World Record on two wheels.
ZXMoto founder Zhang Xue has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance travelled on two wheels across open water.
Riding a modified ZXMoto MX450 machine, Zhang set a new record of 40.74km (around 25.3 miles) in Mayang Miao autonomous county, Huaihua, Hunan province.
Zhang’s new record comfortably surpassed the previous distance of 31.8km (19.7 miles), with the attempt carried out on October 25.
According to reports in China, the attempt began at 11am local time with rescue boats and medical teams on standby throughout the challenge.
Guinness World Record officials were also present to make sure the attempt could be validated via GPS tracking, timing data, and audiovisual records.
The MX450 motorcycle was equipped with special water floatation slides underneath both tyres, as well as waterproof modifications.
The astonishing part about this achievement is that it comes 17 years after Zhang's first attempt at a water ride at the age of 22. On that occasion Zhang was said to be limited by vehicle technology and design, resulting in all four attempts ending in the water, with his best distance reaching only 20 meters.
It should not come as a surprise that Zhang, who also founded fellow Chinese motorcycle brand Kove and served as the company’s CEO before leaving, took part in such a challenge.
Zhang is a well-known off-road enthusiast, who started Kove with five other investors in 2017. Zhang left Kove rather abruptly in 2024 before launching ZXMoto a few months later.
ZXMoto’s rise has been impressive, with the Chinese company already proving to be a formidable competitor in the World Supersport championship with the 820RR-RS. Valentin Debise finished second in the year’s championship for ZXMoto Factory Evan Bros Racing Team.
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