A new record has been set during the UK & ITA International Speed Week at Elvington Airfield. Graham and Diana Sykes designed a steam-powered motorbike that managed to invade supercar territory in terms of sheer speed – but the couple thinks it can do more.
The bike completed an eighth-mile run in 3.878 seconds and hit 264 km/h (164 mph) at the end of the line. It then proceeded to reach 290 km/h (180 mph) outside of the test distance, giving its creators hope that the result could be further improved.
Steam-engined bikes have a major advantage over their fuel and electric counterparts in that they do not pop wheelies during the launch, letting the driver focus on just keeping the handlebar straight.