Chinese rider travels 40.74 km on water modified motorcycle. (instagram)

Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Xue has set a Guinness World Record by riding a modified motorcycle 40.74 km across open water in Hunan province.

Zhang, who used an MX450 fitted with amphibious skis and additional waterproofing, made multiple trips across a river, capping off a journey that started in 2009, when his very first try failed after only 20 meters.

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Thousands of spectators cheered from the riverbanks as Zhang charged his motorcycle up a launch ramp and directly onto the open water, balancing the vehicle upright while skimming along the surface for six gruelling full circuits in a remarkable showcase of high-speed physics and engineered control.

This world-first achievement took place on October 25, in Zhang’s hometown of Mayang Miao Autonomous County in central China’s Hunan.

The extraordinary stunt was witnessed by Guinness World Records adjudicator Xiong Wen.…