Swedish stunt rider Magnus Carlsson has done the unimaginable by smashing not one, but two Guinness World Records in 2023, feats most people have never even heard of. Carlsson’s impressive accomplishments took place on an airfield in Sweden, where he set a record for the fastest handlebar-mounted wheelie and another for the longest distance ridden sitting backwards on a motorcycle.
The news may not be brand new, but as is customary with Guinness World Records, the extraordinary feats were only recently made public on their website. “The handlebar wheelie is my absolute favorite stunt of all, and one of the stunts that took the most attention during my career as a stunt rider,” Carlsson told Guinness World Records.
Carlsson became the first person to exceed 125 mph while performing the handlebar wheelie, achieving a top speed of 125.93 mph (202.67 km/h) on his KTM 1290 Super Duke. This new record shattered his previous record of 109.228 mph (175.785 km/h), which he set in 2020.
The journey to this record started back in 1992, when Carlsson first performed a handlebar wheelie. Three years later, he made his first record attempt at Skövde Airport in Sweden. Over the years, Carlsson made several attempts to break his own record, and by June 2023, with 30 years of practice, he finally succeeded. “Since a few handlebar wheelie record runs over the years have been made and documented by Guinness World Records, I wanted to make a record attempt while I still have the bike and the knowledge to break the 200 km/h barrier,” Carlsson explained.
Choosing the KTM 1290 Super Duke R, widely regarded as one of the most powerful naked bikes ever built, Carlsson knew the bike’s 1,301cc V-twin engine would provide enough power and torque to lift the front end with just a slight pull of the throttle. The record-breaking run was a perfect demonstration of his precision, balance, and throttle control.
In September 2023, Carlsson set his second Guinness World Record at Bällefors Airport near Moholm, Sweden. This time, he broke the record for the longest distance traveled on a motorcycle while sitting backwards. The previous record of 125.52 miles (202 km) had been held since 2014, but Carlsson smashed it by covering an astonishing 190.14 miles (306 km).
The goal was to surpass 250 km, and Carlsson even aimed for 300 km. “When I finally stopped and turned around, it felt completely wrong to sit facing forward,” Carlsson recalled. For this record, he selected the KTM 390 Duke, known for its ergonomics, and equipped it with a basket on the back seat to carry essential water bottles, ensuring he stayed hydrated during the long ride.
This attempt was more than just about the distance. Carlsson’s decision to attempt the record was driven by a desire to challenge his endurance and tenacity. The long planning process involved careful consideration of the motorcycle choice, fuel consumption, hydration, and how to document the attempt accurately.
These two remarkable records are just another chapter in Carlsson’s storied career as a stunt rider. From a handlebar wheelie enthusiast in the early ’90s to a Guinness World Record holder, Carlsson’s dedication to his craft has propelled him to new heights, proving that extraordinary feats are possible with passion, perseverance, and a bit of adrenaline.
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