Brit stunting legend Jonny Davies gets set to take on a double world record aboard a Kawasaki ZX-10R

Stunt sensation Jonny Davies is gearing up to attempt not one but two Guinness World Records, as he prepares for a return to high-speed antics at Elvington Airfield aboard a modified Kawasaki ZX-10R.

The British rider, who previously held the accolade of the world’s fastest handlebar wheelie (known as a ‘high chair wheelie’), is plotting a comeback attempt on that very record – while also launching a new assault on the fastest speed riding backwards.

Davies is aiming to achieve 135mph on the high chair wheelie, then for the second record he will be aiming to ride his motorcycle at 160mph – while facing the wrong way!

Just last year, he bested the record for the ‘Fastest speed being dragged behind a motorcycle’ using a supercharged Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX, which he piloted using a secondary thumb throttle mounted on the bike’s grab rail.

“I might look unhinged when I’m riding, but I’m actually pretty calculated,” Davies told MCN. “I take it slow and build confidence.

“Growing up, my biggest inspirations were Dave Coates and Gary Rothwell. Gary had the skiing record [156.3mph] and Dave has held the backwards riding record since 2002, which is currently 151.7mph.”

Back in 2020, Davies claimed the high chair wheelie crown at 109.2mph, sat on the tank with both feet over the bars.

Although he’d clocked an unofficial 122mph in practice, poor weather on the day knocked his speed back – leaving him with unfinished business.

“My goal [in 2020] was 125mph, but there was a 20mph headwind,” he explained. “I still managed to beat the previous record by 1mph [although] I wasn’t completely happy with the result.

“The Suzuki GSX-R1000 K3 I used was quick in its day, but didn’t have much more in the tank.” That prompting Davies to replace the Suzuki with a 2018 Kawasaki ZX-10R – which he describes as “a bit of a weapon”.

Since buying the 197bhp racer, Davies has been fettling away while keeping his plans largely secret.

“I’ve removed all the fairings, fitted a rear hand-operated brake, adjustable high-rise clip-ons and an electronic [bar-mounted] gear shifter,” he said. “I’ve also taken a hammer to the tank to indent it precisely to my buttocks for the high chair.”

With monthly practice sessions under way, Davies claims to be already knocking on the door of his target speeds.

As for when the attempts will happen, Davies says nothing is “set in stone,” but suggests September is possible – weather permitting. He also added that both attempts are likely to take place on the same weekend.

Official runs will take place at Elvington, with final details to be confirmed closer to the time. Both attempts are currently unsupported, and any potential sponsors are encouraged to get in touch online now.