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martyb [soylentnews.org] writes:

Honda is looking to set a new speed record. Their upgraded platform sports a 190-hp, 999cc engine and... can mow a lawn! Introducing the Mean Mower v2 [cnet.com]:

[...] It sports a lightweight frame and the 1.0-liter I4 from a Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP, which puts out about 190 horsepower. It also uses the Fireblade's clutch, ECU, six-speed transmission and LCD display.

But it doesn't look like a sport bike, it looks like a mower. To achieve that, Honda used the body panels, front end and grass box from a HF 2622 riding mower and fitted it over the chassis. The wildest part is that it can still cut grass, thanks to a cutter deck with carbon fiber blades, powered by electric motors and two batteries. Most of the rest of the Mean Mower was made from scratch, since this isn't exactly a common thing.

[...] Honda is targeting a max velocity of 150 mph this time around, a far cry from last record's 116.575-mph top speed.

[...] Sliding behind the wheel for the record attempt is Jess Hawkins, a kart and car racer who currently stunt-drives for the Fast & Furious Live touring show.

No word yet on when Honda plans to make its record attempt.

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