Zhang Xue, ZXMoto’s founder and chief executive, has covered 40.74 km across open water on an MX450 rebuilt specifically for the attempt. The run took place on 25 October and was recorded as a new Guinness World Record, surpassing the previous 31.8-km mark.

A motocross bike rebuilt for the water

The project started with a motocross motorcycle, but the resulting MX450 was far removed from a conventional machine. Buoyancy systems kept it on the surface, while a special rear tyre converted wheel rotation into forward thrust. A ski-like device mounted at the ends of the front fork helped the bike stay balanced and gave the rider a way to control its direction.

Keeping the motorcycle running in that environment also required changes to the engine. Additional sealing was used to limit water ingress during the run, adding another essential layer to the machine’s unusual conversion.

For Zhang Xue, the achievement is the outcome of a project that began in 2009. At the age of 22, he first attempted to cross a water surface on a motorcycle, but that effort ended after only 20 metres. His decision to take the riding role himself gives the latest attempt two distinct dimensions: it is a personal achievement, but also a highly visible showcase for ZXMoto and its chief executive.