Speed records often come with fanfare, but every so often, someone breaks through the noise—or in this case, the air—in a way that redefines what’s possible. In April, two British riders, Jarrod Frost and Paul Milbourn, hit a jaw-dropping 224 mph (361 km/h) on a Motorcycle with two riders. Although the record isn’t yet official, it’s already making waves as one of the most extreme two-up motorcycle runs ever recorded. Check out more information about it!
The beast behind the record
This motorcycle has long been a favorite among speed enthusiasts, and it quickly earned a reputation as the fastest production motorcycle in the world, reaching over 190 mph thanks to its powerful 1,299cc inline-four engine. A few years later, the second-generation model arrived with even more impressive specs — pushing output to 191 horsepower — although its top speed was capped at 186 mph due to an industry-wide agreement among major motorcycle manufacturers.
The motorcycle behind this historic record that we are talking about is the Suzuki Hayabusa. The Japanese company has an international reputation in the market, and this is due to its elegant and fast motorcycles. This model, specifically, is a great phenomenon in the automotive industry in the motorcycle sector, first presented in 1999 and relaunched in 2008.
With this motorcycle, limits are meant to be tested. With modifications, this motorcycle has achieved far more. In 2023, Jarrod Frost of Holeshot Racing — the same man behind this recent tandem run — hit an official 274.9 mph in a solo standing mile. That number didn’t just break records; it redefined the ceiling of what a turbocharged motorcycle can do.
Two men, one goal: 800 horsepower on the line
The current two-up speed record sits at 183 mph, achieved with a custom B10-powered motorcycle. But Frost and Milbourn blew past that in a casual practice run a Elvington Airfield in the UK. Riding a heavily modified Hayabusa, they clocked 224 mph — without even going full throttle.
Their Hayabusa is no showroom model. The only original engine part left is the crankcase. Everything else has been upgraded: forged positions and rods, a new crankshaft, a turbocharger, and a custom billet transmission. The result? 800 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque — Ferrari-level performance from a two-wheeled machine.
And yet, the ride wasn’t as terrifying as it sounds. “It was the first time I’d ridden with someone that big on the back”, Frost told Motorcycle News. “But it all felt fine.” Instead of holding onto the rider, Milbourn grabbed custom frame-mounted bars, a safety feature designed to prevent mishaps during high-speed braking.
Precision over panic
One of the most astonishing parts? Frost wasn’t even pushing the bike to its limit. During the tandem run, he estimated using only about 60% throttle. Later the same day, he achieved 261 mph riding solo. The bike’s top confirmed speed? 274 mph.
Managing such speeds isn’t just about horsepower — it’s about harmony. Frost explains that Milbourn’s position and behavior on the bike help with braking. If the passenger were to grip the rider, it could cause accidental throttle inputs or even launch the passenger forward dangerously. The custom handholds ensure balance without interfering with the pilot.
That level of control turns this into more than just a tale of top speed. It’s a moment built on trust, sharp engineering, and perfect timing — a real human feat, made possible by a machine dialed in to do exactly what it had to.
The official record attempt is expected soon, but regardless of the paperwork, Frost and Milbourn have already left their mark. Their 224 mph tandem run showcases what happens when human ambition meets mechanical brilliance. The Hayabusa continues to evolve, but in the right hands, even a bike from 2008 can still shatter expectations — and records.
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