Liane Langlois, aged 50, bravely pushed the boundaries of speed on her motorcycle, aiming to set a new record at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials held on the challenging Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Despite facing adverse conditions with the salt flat being wet and slippery, Langlois remained determined as she rode her three-cylinder 2012 2295cc Triumph Rocket 111 Roadster, equipped with a sidecar, at speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour.
Despite the rough terrain, Langlois managed to achieve a remarkable feat by establishing a new motorcycle land speed world record, surpassing 136 miles per hour (219 km/h) over a timed mile. She also broke the record for speed over a timed kilometer in the same impressive run. Her record in the 2500cc sidecar class was officially recognized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the global governing body for motorcycle sports.
Langlois proudly shared that she is the first Canadian woman to set an official FIM-accredited motorcycle speed record, as confirmed by FIM representatives. Riding the powerful 2295cc Triumph Rocket 111 Roadster with a weighted sidecar, Langlois demonstrated exceptional skill and courage. The motorcycle’s engine, boasting nearly 275 horsepower, is larger than most small cars, making it a thrilling yet challenging ride.
In the competition, Langlois strategically utilized the three-mile distance to optimize her aerodynamics on the motorcycle, aiming for maximum speed. The speeds recorded at the three- and four-mile marks were averaged to determine her performance. After successfully qualifying for a return run, Langlois achieved a record-breaking speed by averaging the results of her two runs.
Langlois’ outstanding achievement marked one of four new records set at the event and made her the fourth Canadian to establish an FIM-accredited motorcycle land speed world record. Eager to continue her success, Langlois expressed her desire to return to the salt flats to break more records and inspire other women to engage in the exhilarating sport of motorcycle racing.