Speed trials have a unique appeal. No crowds, no racing drama, no podiums. Just a rider, a machine, and a vast expanse of salt. Bonneville has always been a place where those daring enough to chase a number can test their limits. It's where motorcycles and their riders defy the laws of physics.
This year, all eyes are on Chris Rivas as he aims to break the 400-mile-per-hour barrier on a motorcycle. That's over 640 kilometers per hour, faster than most airplanes take off. It's a number that challenges reality and the possibility of such a feat.
You can't help but root for someone bold enough to attempt it.
Chris is no stranger to speed, with experience in drag racing and NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle. He comes from a family deeply involved in performance, with his father, Ray, a renowned engine builder. Now, Chris is passing on his passion to his own children who share his love for bikes.
To achieve his goal, Chris will ride the BUB Seven Streamliner, a machine that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Imagine a 2,997cc turbocharged V4 engine housed in a carbon-fiber shell that resembles something from a fighter jet hangar. It was already the fastest motorcycle in the world when Rocky Robinson rode it to 376.156 mph, and now it's been further refined.
The video above showcases a previous run of the BUB Seven Streamliner from 2009, and the sound is simply incredible. The engine, the power, the incredible top speed—it's like being next to a roar from the gods of combustion. It's a machine that commands respect even when stationary. Once it hits the salt, everything else fades away. It's all about pure speed, no distractions.
Most of us will never experience riding at these speeds, but that's not the point. What's truly remarkable is what this represents. It shows that there are always individuals pushing the limits, striving to see what's possible on two wheels. It's a reminder that motorcycling is more than just transportation or cornering. Sometimes, it's about taking your passion and pushing it to its limits.
Chris Rivas may set a new record, or he may not. But the fact that he's making the attempt is worthy of respect. It embodies the essence of the motorcycle world: passion, dedication, and an unending desire to go faster.