Man Breaks Solo Cannonball Motorcycle Record from Los Angeles to New York City in 38 hours, 49 minutes on BMW K 1600GT
Reese claims he did Los Angeles to New York City, 2,829 miles, in 38 hours and 49 minutes. He did it on a 2015 BMW K 1600 GT, which had GPS telemetry equipment to verify the trip. The previous record was set in 1983, by a man named George Egloff who did it in 42 hours.
Notaries and film crews were present at the start and finish locations, along with 13 witnesses, including Anthony Alvarado, Delaney Ashley, Matt Bartona, Ed Bolian, Jay Carlson, Rob Ferretti, Greg Ledet, Victor Manuel, Deena Mastracci, J.F. Musial, Matt Nordenstrom, Ryan Sorenson and Alex Roy.
As in his previous record runs, Reese carried an American flag for good luck. It was gifted to him by veteran and friend, retired Sgt. 1st class Rod Hawk. The flag originally flew at the U.S. Embassy in Mosul, Iraq and was presented to Hawk for his accomplishments during the war. Reese, who also served in the Army, said “I carry that flag to remind me of the men and women who have put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedom.”
Photos and video footage from the record-breaking trip in August 2015 are available to members of the media upon request. For more information about this record-breaking trip and future expeditions, follow Reese’s Twitter account, @EVRecordAttempt.
About the bike:
The BMW K 1600 GT
Gran Turismo. Travel in big style. That means combining dynamic performance and comfort - and transforming distance into free space. BMW Motorrad's vision was the essence of this philosophy - the pure sense of Gran Turismo. This vision has now taken shape in the new K 1600 GT.
The in-line 6-cylinder engines by BMW are legendary. A myth which has been realized once more in the K 1600 GT - but now more compactly than ever before. 1649 cc, 160 hp and a maximum torque of 129 ft-lb. Even the facts are impressive. But the riding experience is even more inspiring. The transversely installed power units delivers an extraordinary level of dynamic performance as well as refined running smoothness.
If the rider is in the mood for a show of sporty prowess, the engine willingly puts in a burst of speed even in the lower engine speed range, and it is in its element over high-speed stretches. Over 70% of the maximum torque is available from just 1500 rpm.
While the bike's power reserves are huge, its dimensions are reduced. Weighing 703 lbs (wet) and with a width of 39.4" - never was a large-volume in-line 6-cylinder so compact. For outstanding handling and increased banking freedom. And a whole new touring bike feel.
For better visibility going into bends, the GT presents a world premiere for motorcycles: the optionally available adaptive headlight. It not only increases the exclusivity but also the active safety of the machine. Vision fulfilled.