When it comes to motorcycle stunts, there are always riders who attract attention with extraordinary feats. One of them is Magnus Carlsson, a 51-year-old stunt rider from Sweden, who secured a place in the Guinness Book of Records in June 2023 - with the world's fastest handlebar wheelie. His official top speed for this stunt was an impressive 202.67 km/h, which equates to around 126 miles per hour.
In a classic wheelie, the rider normally stays on the seat and lifts the front wheel by accelerating. The handlebar wheelie is different: here, the rider positions himself directly on the handlebars, while his legs are placed close to the mirror holders over the handlebars. From this unusual position, the clutch is then pulled, the engine revved and the clutch released again abruptly. The front wheel lifts off – and the rider balances the motorcycle in this extreme position on just one wheel.
Such stunts are part of the repertoire of many professionals, but the speed Magnus achieved in his record attempt takes this action to a whole new level.
Over 30 years of preparation for the record
Magnus Carlsson is no newcomer to the stunt scene. He made his first attempts with a handlebar wheelie back in 1992. Three years later, in 1995, he took up the challenge of setting a speed record in this category for the first time at a Swedish airfield in Skövde.
Since then, Magnus has continued to work on his technique, improving his balance and perfecting his control of the throttle and clutch. For him, the handlebar wheelie was not just a trick, but the supreme discipline among stunts – a challenge that stayed with him for decades.
The right machine: KTM 1290 Super Duke R
Of course, the choice of motorcycle also plays a decisive role. For his record attempt, Magnus opted for the KTM 1290 Super Duke R. The naked bike icon from Austria is known for its powerful V2 engine with a displacement of 1,301 cubic centimeters. According to the manufacturer, the engine produces 177 hp (130 kW) and delivers a maximum torque of 140 Nm. With a dry weight of around 189 kilograms (417 lbs), it is not one of the lightest stunt bikes, but it does deliver plenty of power.
Although the Super Duke is not specifically designed for handlebar stunts, its power delivery and spontaneous throttle response make it a suitable basis for such actions.
Magnus also breaks the reversing record
As soon as the handlebar wheelie record was officially recognized, Magnus Carlsson went one better and secured another entry in the Guinness Book of Records. This time, he rode the longest distance ever covered backwards on a motorcycle. He completed a total of 306 kilometers (around 190 miles), significantly surpassing the previous record of 202 kilometers (around 125.5 miles).
His motorcycle for this particular record was a KTM 390 Duke – significantly smaller and easier to handle than the 1290. For the long ride, Magnus had a basket attached to the pillion seat in which he carried drinks to refresh himself on the way.
Conclusion: A stunt rider with stamina
Whether sitting on the handlebars at over 200 km/h or reversing for more than 300 kilometers – Magnus Carlsson impressively demonstrates that stunt riders not only push the limits, but also redefine them time and again with a great deal of stamina and dedication. And even if his actions are far outside the comfort zone of most motorcyclists, his story proves that records are rarely set overnight – but are often the result of decades of work.
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