Table of Content
When the pursuit of speed becomes an obsession, the results can be extraordinary. Nowhere is this more evident than in the story of the TOP 1 Ack Attack, a motorcycle unlike any other. Designed solely for the purpose of shattering land-speed records, it is more than a machine; it is a testament to the relentless drive, ingenuity, and courage of the people who built and piloted it. With a mind-blowing top speed of 394 mph and an official 376.363 mph (605.697 km/h) FIM World Record, theTOP 1 Ack Attack is the fastest motorcycle ever built, achieving a feat that combines cutting-edge engineering, innovative design, and sheer audacity.
The Vision Behind The TOP 1 Ack Attack – The fastest motorcycle
The genesis of this streamliner begins with Mike Akatiff, a visionary engineer whose fascination with speed was matched only by his determination. The story goes that Akatiff, while on a camping trip with friends, was drawn into a fireside conversation about breaking the world land-speed record for motorcycles. When someone mentioned that the current record stood at 322 mph and had remained unchallenged for over a decade, Akatiff declared, “I can break that record.” What started as friendly banter quickly became an obsession. Akatiff’s bold claim was met with laughter and skepticism, but he let neither deter him. Instead, he channeled this moment into a lifelong project, setting his sights on building a motorcycle that would not only break the existing record but redefine what was possible on two wheels.
Determined to realize his vision, Akatiff sought out the partnership of TOP 1 Oil Products, a company renowned for its high-performance lubricants. This collaboration was essential: the demands of land-speed racing would push every mechanical component to its limits, and only the best lubricants could ensure reliability at extreme velocities. The name “The TOP 1 Ack Attack” was born, a symbol of both technical excellence and the ambition to create the fastest motorcycle in the world.
Design Philosophy: Form Follows Speed
Unlike conventional motorcycles that balance speed, comfort, and maneuverability, the TOP 1 Ack Attack’s design is singularly focused on one goal: maximum velocity. Classified as a streamliner, this streamliner envelops the rider in a fully enclosed aerodynamic shell, drastically reducing air resistance. This approach is radically different from standard motorcycles, where the rider is exposed to the elements and turbulence.
- Aerodynamics: The TOP 1 Ack Attack’s bodywork is crafted from carbon fiber and Kevlar, materials chosen for their strength and light weight. Every contour, curve, and seam was meticulously optimized using advanced wind-tunnel testing, ensuring the shell sliced through the air with the least possible drag.
- Low Profile: Measuring over 20 feet in length and sitting mere inches above the ground, The streamliner minimizes its frontal area to reduce air resistance and enhance stability. This elongated, low-slung design is crucial for maintaining control at extreme speeds.
- Enclosed Cockpit: Inside the streamliner, the rider lies prone in a fortified capsule designed for both speed and safety. This position not only reduces wind exposure but also provides protection in the event of a crash, thanks to integrated safety features.
The Heart of the Beast: Twin Hayabusa Engines
At the core of the motorcycle’s blistering performance are two Suzuki Hayabusa engines, widely regarded as the most powerful production motorcycle engines available. But these engines in the fastest motorcycle are far from stock. Each is turbocharged and heavily modified, working in concert to deliver an astonishing combined output of over 1,000 horsepower.
- Twin Power: The pairing of two engines is a feat in itself, requiring a custom-built chassis capable of handling the immense torque and delivering stability at speeds that would overwhelm conventional frames.
- Turbocharging: Each engine utilizes a sophisticated turbocharging system, with boost pressure carefully managed to avoid detonation and extract the maximum possible performance.
- Fuel System: The TOP 1 Ack Attack runs on high-octane racing fuel, formulated to withstand the extreme pressures and temperatures generated during high-speed runs.
Engineering Challenges: Overcoming the Impossible
Building a motorcycle capable of exceeding 350 mph presented a host of technical challenges. Every aspect of the machine required innovation and meticulous attention to detail.
- Stability: At nearly 400 mph, even the slightest aerodynamic disturbance can spell disaster. The fastest motorcycle employs stabilizing fins and a finely tuned weight distribution to maintain balance and control.
- Traction: The Bonneville Salt Flats, where the TOP 1 Ack Attack made its record-breaking runs, present a unique surface—hard and flat. Custom tires and precise throttle modulation are essential to prevent wheel spin and maintain forward momentum.
- Safety: The enclosed cockpit is equipped with a roll cage, a fire suppression system, and an oxygen supply for the rider, ensuring survival even if the worst should happen.
Record-Breaking Runs
The TOP 1 Ack Attack first claimed the motorcycle land-speed record in 2006 with a run of 342.797 mph only to be bested by the BUB streamliner 2 days later at 350.884. In 2008 the Ack Attack returned to Bonneville to reclaim the record at 360.913. In 2009 the Bub team again broke the record at 367.382 But neither Akatiff nor his team was satisfied. They returned in 2010, determined to push the limits even further. That year, the streamliner achieved a certified speed of 376.363 mph, a record ratified by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). This record still stands today. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the team’s perseverance, technical mastery, and willingness to challenge the boundaries of possibility.
Why Bonneville Salt Flats?
The Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah are legendary among speed enthusiasts. This vast, flat expanse is one of the few places on Earth where land-speed records can be safely attempted. The hard, yet smooth salt surface allows for high-speed runs, but conditions can vary dramatically from year to year. Weather, surface imperfections, and other variables mean that successful attempts require meticulous planning and adaptability. The TOP 1 Ack Attack’s achievements at Bonneville are a direct result of the team’s diligence in preparing for every possible challenge. Because of the deteriorating salt conditions at Bonneville, the TOP 1 Ack Attack team has been pursuing its final goal of going well over 400 mph in Bolivia.
The Man Behind the Fastest Motorcycle: Rocky Robinson
No matter how advanced a machine may be, it takes extraordinary skill and courage to pilot it at the edge of its capabilities. Rocky Robinson, a seasoned land-speed racer, was the man chosen to ride The TOP 1 Ack Attack during its record-setting attempts. Robinson’s ability to remain calm, focused, and precise at nearly 400 mph is nothing short of heroic. His partnership with Akatiff was integral to the project’s success, marrying technical prowess with driving excellence.
Impact on Motorcycle Engineering
The TOP 1 Ack Attack is not just a record-breaker; it’s a technological pioneer. The lessons learned from its development have influenced high-performance motorcycle engineering, especially in the areas of aerodynamics and engine tuning. While streamliners remain a niche category, their innovations often trickle down to mainstream sport bikes, improving performance and safety for everyday riders.
Comparing The Fastest Motorcycle Ack Attack to Other Speed Machines
Production motorcycles such as the Kawasaki Ninja H2R and Ducati Panigale V4 are celebrated for their impressive top speeds (around 220–240 mph), but they pale in comparison to The TOP 1 Ack Attack’s dominance. Even other streamliners, like the BUB Seven or EZ-Hook, have struggled to come close to its record. The difference is not just in the numbers, but in the philosophy: The TOP 1 Ack Attack was designed to go as fast as possible, regardless of practicality or convention.
The Future of Motorcycle Land-Speed Racing
Will The TOP 1 Ack Attack’s record ever be surpassed? Advances in electric propulsion, materials science, and aerodynamics suggest that even faster machines may be possible in the future. However, the challenges of stability, traction, and rider safety at such extreme velocities remain formidable. For now, The TOP 1 Ack Attack stands as a monument to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of speed, inspiring new generations of engineers and riders to dream bigger. The depletion of the salt at Bonneville because of mining has made it unsuitable for the very fastest vehicles looking to set World Records. Bolivia is the new frontier for the fastest vehicles. There is a strong challenger to the Ack Attack record from Great Britain utilizing a 1,200 HP turbine engine. The Ack Attack and the Spirit of Britain will meet head to head in Bolivia in 2026.
Fun Facts About The Fastest Motorcycle
- The streamlinerAttack weighs approximately 1,700 pounds—a significant heft compared to standard motorcycles.
- The fastest motorcycle took over a decade of development and refinement to reach its record-breaking performance.
- The name “The TOP 1 Ack Attack” is derived from Akatiff’s surname, reflecting both his personal investment in the project and the aggressive nature of the undertaking.
- Only one person has ever built it, and only one person—Rocky Robinson—has mastered riding it at full speed.
· The viral video of The TOP 1 Ack Attack’s record run has been viewed by over 6.4 million people, showcasing its awe-inspiring achievement to a global audience.
Final Thought: The Legacy of The TOP 1 Ack Attack
The TOP 1 Ack Attack is not just the world’s fastest motorcycle—it’s a symbol of human ambition, engineering brilliance, and the thrill of pushing boundaries. From its twin Hayabusa engines to its aerodynamic streamliner body, every aspect of this machine was designed for one purpose: to go faster than anyone ever thought possible on a motorcycle. As technology continues to evolve, new challengers may emerge, but for now, The TOP 1 Ack Attack reigns supreme, inspiring speed enthusiasts and engineers around the world to chase their dreams and redefine what is possible.
FAQ — The World’s Fastest Motorcycle
1. How is the world's fastest motorcycle speed officially recorded?
The world’s fastest motorcycle speed is officially recorded by the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) as an average of two runs in opposite directions over a timed mile or kilometer, completed within a set time frame (usually two hours), to account for wind and track conditions. This involves specialized, streamlined “streamliner” motorcycles on salt flats like Bonneville, with electronic timing verifying the speeds for these official, non-production vehicles.
2. How fast is the world’s fastest motorcycle ever built?
The TOP 1 Ack Attack holds the title as the World’s Fastest motorcycle with an official FIM record speed of 376.363 mph (605.697 km/h). However, unofficially it has exceeded 400 mph (640 km/h), a speed no other motorcycle in history has reached.
3. Who holds the motorcycle land-speed record?
The record was achieved by rider Rocky Robinson aboard a motorcycle engineered and built by Mike Akatiff, whose design made this level of performance possible.
4. What does it take to build a 400-mph motorcycle?
Reaching 400 mph requires extreme aerodynamics, custom-built engines, and obsessive engineering precision. Mike Akatiff spent years refining every detail of the Ack Attack to reduce drag, increase stability, and survive forces most machines could not.
5. Can anyone ride a motorcycle at 400 mph?
No. At these speeds, even tiny errors can be fatal. Rocky Robinson is the only person who has successfully ridden the TOP 1 Ack Attack at full speed, requiring extraordinary skill, discipline, and nerve.
6. What motivated the team to attempt something this extreme?
Akatiff and Robinson were driven by a desire to push beyond the known limits of motorcycle performance—not for spectacle, but to see how fast a motorcycle could truly go.
7. Where can I watch the record-breaking runs?
Experience the Ack Attack through the eyes of rider Rocky Robinson in a viral video watched by more than 6 million viewers.
8. What makes the TOP 1 Ack Attack so different from other motorcycles?
It isn’t a conventional bike. It is a purpose-built streamliner, designed solely to eliminate air resistance and remain stable at impossibly high speeds. There is nothing else like it.
9. How does this compare to other land-speed records?
Very few vehicles have reached 400 mph. Doing it on two wheels, with a single rider inside a narrow streamliner, makes this one of the most extreme achievements in motorsports.
