Chris Rivas Returns to Bonneville with Ambitious 400mph Target
American racer Chris Rivas is heading back to the Bonneville Salt Flats with a 2,997cc turbocharged V4 streamliner, the BUB Seven, in an attempt to break the 400mph barrier.
American motorcycle racer Chris Rivas is gearing up for another attempt at the 400mph record at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This year, he will be riding the BUB Seven, a 2,997cc turbocharged V4 streamliner designed and built by Bonneville legend Denis Manning.
Rivas has already experienced high speeds on a sit-on motorcycle at California's El Mirage dry lake beds, reaching 235mph. However, he believes that the experience changes significantly when riding a streamliner like the BUB Seven. The machine requires precise balance on its skids and is vulnerable to crosswinds as the speed increases.
According to Rivas, patience is a crucial quality for land speed record chasing at Bonneville. The condition of the salt and the direction of the wind can greatly impact the outcome of a run. Rivas has previously been interrupted by strong winds and poor salt conditions, making it difficult for the BUB Seven to operate as intended.
Rivas will be the only rider at this year's Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials (BMST) specifically targeting Rocky Robinson's absolute record. His stated ambition is to finally break through the 400mph barrier, a record that has stood since 2010.
The BUB Seven has undergone changes to its suspension and skid system, intended to make it more capable of dealing with less-than-perfect salt conditions. However, these changes have not been properly tested, adding to the challenges of chasing a record at Bonneville.
Rivas acknowledges the difficulties of testing a machine like the BUB Seven, which is 30 feet long and has only one purpose in life. He wishes he could take it out for a spin on the weekend, but there is no possible way to do that anywhere.
Rivas has developed a close friendship with Rocky Robinson, who currently holds the record at 376.363mph. Robinson has been supportive and encouraging of Rivas' attempt, and the two have become good friends.
The biggest obstacle facing Rivas this year may not be another motorcycle, but rather the challenge of finding the perfect conditions for the BUB Seven to achieve its top speed. The recent Buell Leviathan attempt at Bonneville showed just how difficult it is to translate a huge theoretical top speed into a clean run across the salt.
Rivas is aware of the difficulties involved in chasing a record at Bonneville, but he remains excited and committed to his goal. With the support of his team and the camaraderie of fellow riders like Rocky Robinson, he is ready to take on the challenge and push the limits of speed.
### The BUB Seven: A Machine Built for Speed
The BUB Seven is a 2,997cc turbocharged V4 streamliner designed and built by Bonneville legend Denis Manning. It is a machine specifically designed for speed, with a long, narrow bodywork and a seven-point harness to secure the rider. The machine relies on pneumatic skids to keep it stable as the speed builds.
### A Record That Has Stood for Over a Decade
Rocky Robinson's record of 376.363mph has stood since 2010, despite numerous attempts to break it. Rivas is aware of the challenges involved in chasing this record, but he remains committed to his goal. With the support of his team and the camaraderie of fellow riders, he is ready to take on the challenge and push the limits of speed.
### The Importance of Patience in Land Speed Record Chasing
Rivas emphasizes the importance of patience in land speed record chasing at Bonneville. The condition of the salt and the direction of the wind can greatly impact the outcome of a run. Rivas has previously been interrupted by strong winds and poor salt conditions, making it difficult for the BUB Seven to operate as intended.
### A Machine That Requires Precise Balance
The BUB Seven requires precise balance on its skids and is vulnerable to crosswinds as the speed increases. Rivas believes that the experience of riding a streamliner like the BUB Seven is significantly different from riding a sit-on motorcycle at high speeds. The machine demands a high level of skill and precision from the rider.
### The Challenges of Testing a Machine Like the BUB Seven
Rivas acknowledges the difficulties of testing a machine like the BUB Seven, which is 30 feet long and has only one purpose in life. He wishes he could take it out for a spin on the weekend, but there is no possible way to do that anywhere. The machine's unique design and purpose make it difficult to test and prepare for a record attempt.
### The Camaraderie of Fellow Riders
Rivas has developed a close friendship with Rocky Robinson, who currently holds the record at 376.363mph. Robinson has been supportive and encouraging of Rivas' attempt, and the two have become good friends. The camaraderie of fellow riders like Robinson is an important aspect of land speed record chasing at Bonneville.
