Motorbike news

World record daredevil stunt almost ends in tragedy.

US motorcycle daredevil Trigger Gumm was lucky to walk away relatively unscathed last week after a spectacular crash during a world-record jump attempt.

The 38-year-old Californian-born biker was trying to cross a 315-foot gap at casino in Oklahoma but was unable to bridge the jaw-dropping distance. Launched 70-foot into the air after hitting a ramp at an estimated speed of 90mph, Gumm's adapted 450cc Service Honda fell short of the required distance, smashing sickeningly into a dirt ramp and throwing him over the handlebars.

The 5,000-strong crowd gasped as Gumm lay sprawled on the ground but were amazed to see him rise to his feet and give a wave before walking gingerly to a waiting ambulance.

His bike, which was fitted with specially designed shocks and a custom-built engine, was wrecked in the smash, but Gumm was thought to have somehow survived the accident with no serious personal injuries.

Trigger Gumm is a daredevil of some renown and currently holds the Guinness World Record for a 277- foot jump he completed in Australia in May 2005. The legendary Evel Knievel is said to be a fan and was reported to have wished Gumm luck for his latest stunt.

Speaking before last week's failed record attempt, the self-confessed adrenaline junkie told the media why he loves jumping, saying, "What I like about it is, when you make a mistake, you make a serious mistake. It ain't just like a little fender bender."

This time it looks like Gumm really has made a serious mistake but somehow he's avoided the reaper's scythe and is sure to be jumping again soon.

For more information about Trigger, check out www.etniesmotox.com.