Robbie Maddison talks bike

Robbie Maddison’s New Year’s Eve world-recording breaking jump would not have been possible without a  machine that could handle the  task, according to the Honda Australia supported rider.

Robbie Maddison’s New Year’s Eve world-recording breaking jump would not have been possible without a worthy machine that could handle the mind boggling task, according to the Honda Australia supported rider.

‘Maddo’ recently reported in to comment on how his modified CRF performed at the Las Vegas event where he jumped 322 feet – 7 1/2 inches over the length of a regulation football field. His success at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino arena shattered the previous record of 277 feet, and was the first-ever "Red Bull Experiment", which involves world-class athletes attempting world-first athletic achievements.

"The bike was a pleasure to ride and the chassis handled and performed like a dream machine," Robbie said. "The bike was high tech with many mods just to be sure it could handle the unusual circumstances." We fitted Race Tech suspension that Terry Hayfrom Shock Treatment Sydney designed for me. We also attached some double oversized pegs from Moose Racing, and FMF built and Dyno tested a custom pipe for top end."

"My mechanic built and balanced wheels for the bike to ensure they would stand the enormous stress from such a landing," he explained further. "The bike was dressed from head to toe with Works Connection parts. We ran C12 gas and used Maxima oils throughout the bike. Pro taper handle bars eased the shock going into my arms and Dunlop tyres kept the wheels under me."

Maddo said the high quality Honda performance gave him the confidence he needed to take on such a leap of faith. The New South Welshman is also the owner of two additional world records – for the longest jump on a 125cc motorcycle (221 feet) and the longest jump with a trick (246 feet), both achieved on Hondas. A who’s who of action and motorsports superstars came to watch the young Australian attempt his amazing feat including 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden, five-time 500cc Grand Prix World Champion Mick Doohan, AMA Superbike racers Ben and Eric Bostrom, FMX stars Tommy Clowers, Mike Metzger and Ronnie Faisst, and the family of the late Evel Knievel, to whom Maddison dedicated his world record-breaking feat.

Honda Australia’s General Manager, Motorcycles, Tony Hinton congratulated Robbie on behalf of the company. "We are very proud to have supported Robbie in his quest to achieve this amazing feat, and for his ongoing contribution to the company’s "Power of Dreams" ideology."