Motorcycle stunt riding has always been a daring spectacle, but Jonny Davies, known in the world of extreme sports as JD Stunts, recently pushed the boundaries even further. With the aid of a specially modified Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX and a unique pair of titanium shoes, Davies shattered a Guinness World Record for the fastest speed achieved while being dragged behind a motorcycle. This thrilling accomplishment is the latest addition to his growing list of records, cementing his status as one of the most fearless stunt riders today.
Davies achieved this feat at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire, England, a location known for its long runways that offer the perfect venue for high-speed attempts. The goal was simple yet audacious: beat the previous record set by Gary Rothewell in 1999. Rothewell had reached a speed of 156.3 mph (251.54 km/h) while being towed behind a bike, a record that had stood unchallenged for over two decades. But Davies was not deterred. Equipped with a modified thumb-controlled throttle and a specially built rear grab rail on the Ninja, he managed to reach a jaw-dropping speed of 159.522 mph (256.725 km/h), surpassing the previous mark.
One might wonder how Davies managed to maintain control while being dragged at such a blistering pace. The secret lies in the custom-made titanium “skis” attached to his racing boots. These skis were designed to minimize friction and provide a degree of lift, reducing the strain on Davies’ body as he zoomed down the runway. In a post-attempt interview, he remarked on the surreal experience of having one of his feet lifted off the ground due to the intense speed. “It felt that fast my left foot was actually going airborne,” he shared, adding with a touch of humor, “I hope that has broken the record because I don’t want to do that again.”
Interestingly, this successful record-breaking attempt came on Davies’ second try of the day. His first run saw him reach 154.677 mph (248.928 km/h)—an impressive speed but just shy of the record. It was a testament to his persistence and determination that he decided to go for another attempt, pushing both his physical limits and those of the motorcycle.
The Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX used for the attempt was only slightly modified from its original state. Besides the rear grab bar and the thumb throttle, it featured a steering damper from BG Motorsport and some crash-protection modifications by R&G, designed to safeguard the bike in the event of an accident. Kawasaki UK’s support played a crucial role in this venture, with Davies expressing gratitude for their trust in his capabilities. “The bike passed the ultimate stability test of 159.522 mph with no rider and pulled like a train even with me getting dragged along the floor behind it!” he said, highlighting the Ninja’s remarkable performance.
This isn’t the first time Davies has caught the public’s eye with his daredevil antics. In 2022, he set the record for the “Fastest Motorcycle Handlebar Wheelie,” reaching a speed of 109 mph (174 km/h). That same year, alongside stunt driver Paul Swift, he set another Guinness World Record for “The Most Donuts Around A Motorcycle Performing A Wheelie,” completing ten donuts. His latest feat at Elvington is another feather in his cap, underscoring his penchant for combining innovation with extreme stunts.
Davies’ record-breaking pursuit also offers a glimpse into the extreme sports community’s willingness to push limits and challenge the impossible. Stunt riding isn’t just about thrill and adrenaline; it’s about precision, practice, and sometimes a bit of ingenuity. Watching Davies’ journey to this latest world record, one can’t help but think about the countless hours of preparation and the team’s effort behind the scenes. For those who’ve seen his high-speed exploits, it’s clear that his passion for stunts is matched only by his commitment to achieving excellence—no matter how daring the endeavor may be.
As we await Guinness’s official confirmation of this new record, it’s clear that Jonny Davies’ latest achievement is not just a personal triumph but also a milestone for the world of motorcycle stunts. For enthusiasts and spectators alike, it’s a vivid reminder of why this extreme sport continues to captivate and inspire. And for Davies, it’s just another day on the job—a job that few would dare to undertake.
Source: Kawasaki
