Faster than the ice allows.
The road is not enough. Like almost everywhere in Scandinavia, the time of year during which you can ride on the roads in Sweden is very short. On the rugged terrain of the north, snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures set the tone more than half of the year. However, the lakes that become frozen over open up many new opportunities for riders, such as Robert, who's 25. Lakes are nothing other than water - hardened water. All that's needed is a little creativity in the workshop, tyres with spikes, a playful attitude and lots of courage...
World record chases world record.
World record chases world record.
His courage earned Robert a place in the Guinness Book of World Records 2016 for the "fastest motorcycle wheelie on ice". He had already set a world record in 2014 with a Honda - 183.3 km/h over 100 metres. But Ryan Suchanek from the USA already beat it in February 2015. Robert knew that he needed a motorcycle with the best possible performance if he wanted to take back the record. So he opted for a BMW. After his main sponsor Northbike brought him together with BMW Sweden, an S 1000 RR was provided for his next crack at it. The result: a speed of 206.09 km/h over 100 metres - on one wheel, mind you.
A magic brand, fragmented like ice.
A magic brand, fragmented like ice.
"It was a tremendous feeling to break the record one again. Especially since I was also the first one to exceed the 200 km/h mark this time on one wheel and on ice. I'm well aware that others will try to break this record. And I wish them all the best. The constant competition is what ultimately makes us faster and faster. Now it's up to another rider to show what they can do. And then it'll be my turn again. And so on, and so forth."
A fleet of full of passion.
A fleet of full of passion.
But Robert knows how much he owes to his father Anders - his constant support and inspiration. Anders was formerly Swedish motocross champion and has a garage full of 'toys', with which he and Robert can ride in any kind of weather. There's a 600 are CC racing bike, a 450 CC Supermoto and a motocross bike with studded tyres lined up next to each other. And in the corner a modified crosser with a crawler chassis added to the rear. It now resembles a snowmobile and is without a doubt designed to have fun and adventure in the deep snow.
Fresh ice and a new bike.
Robert Gull
A new bike for an old idea.
A new bike for an old idea.
After his spectacular run over, or better said through the ice, he is impressed by the dynamics and the spontaneous power output of the XR. It fits just right to his risk-taking nature, which entices Robert time and again to ride on ice. But he's also convinced by the bike's upright seating position and its comfort: "I find the BMW S 1000 XR very interesting." My father always wanted to undertake a long-haul trip to Russia or on Route 66. I'd like to take such a trip with him. I believe the XR with its travel capability would be the perfect motorcycle for that trip."
Words follow actions.
Words follow actions.
As soon as ice and snow make their appearance in Sweden, Robert Gull modifies his bikes using the craziest of ideas to be able to ride in winter. BMW Motorrad met with the Guinness world record holder, who wheelied at 200 km/h across the ice for the interview. Robert talks not at all in a crazy manner, but very pleasantly about broken world records, his roots, his driving career and his fleet. Although he is naturally a little crazy - luckily.
