3 minute read
Hrushikesh Mandke Sets a New Record with No-Hands Wheelie
By Sanjana Bhowmick
Hrushikesh Mandke is back to setting a new benchmark and record in his thrill machine. This time he makes the record for the longest distance covered while performing a no-hands wheelie on the ‘Bajaj Pulsar NS 160’ motorcycle. He covered a distance of 184.8 metres breaking a previous world record of 89 metres.
The Baramati Airstrip once again echoed with triumph and jubilation as Hrushikesh makes a new world record in a no-hands wheelie. This record is not the one that can be smashed at the very first attempt. This stunt needed a light, strong and powerful bike which delivers stability, and Bajaj Pulsar NS 160 weighing 151 kg suited the bill. This made-in-India bike provides stability and balance, and the rear disc brake provides the necessary control over the wheelie.
He pops the wheelie sets the throttle, sets the handlebar to the desired position and slowly releases the handlebar. He places his foot on the rear brake to control the wheelie and ensures the Pulsar doesn’t arch over him. He engages his core muscle to ensure he is in control of the bike.
Talking to IBR, Sirish Chandran, Editor, Project GTO Publishing, says, “We broke the World Record for the longest no hands wheelie and also created a new National Record. Just like before, FMSCI guidelines were followed, with all safety precautions in place. An ambulance was on stand-by, stunt rider Hrushikesh wore all the mandatory safety gear and the runway was blocked for the record runs. After three attempts, Hrushikesh broke the previous 89-metre world record by a significant margin, covering an interminable 184.8 metres.”
According to Sirish, it takes a superhuman level of balance and concentration to pull off this stunt and keep up on the bike on one wheel. Talking about the challenges, he says, “Apart from the strong crosswinds and scorching summer heat, the main challenges were for Hrushikesh – maintaining the line, having a correct body posture and holding the wheelie at a steady angle. With both hands in the air, keeping the throttle steady was a task.”
Sharing an interesting anecdote about the record, Hrushikesh says, “Shoelaces were used to give a cruise-control-like effect to the throttle, and they were tied, with the right amount of tightness to maintain the effect.”
Hrushikesh has been finetuning his skills for years on the Pulsar. He trained for two hours daily, and his workout was tweaked with special emphasis on strengthening core muscles coupled with protein-based nutrition.
Giving tips for all the future riders who would like to make similar attempts, Sirish says, “Do not give up on those goals no matter how seemingly impossible they appear! Make sure you stay fit and treat your machine with care and love every single day.”
According to Sirish, it takes a superhuman level of balance and concentration to pull off this stunt and keep up on the bike on one wheel. Talking about the challenges, he says, “Apart from the strong crosswinds and scorching summer heat, the main challenges were for Hrushikesh – maintaining the line, having a correct body posture and holding the wheelie at a steady angle. With both hands in the air, keeping the throttle steady was a task.”
Sharing an interesting anecdote about the record, Hrushikesh says, “Shoelaces were used to give a cruisecontrollike effect to the throttle, and they were tied, with the right amount of tightness to maintain the effect.”
Hrushikesh has been finetuning his skills for years on the Pulsar. He trained for two hours daily, and his workout was tweaked with special emphasis on strengthening core muscles coupled with proteinbased nutrition.
Giving tips for all the future riders who would like to make similar attempts, Sirish says, “Do not give up on those goals no matter how seemingly impossible they appear! Make sure you stay fit and treat your machine with care and love every single day.”
