By Steve & Tamami Laser
When Honda rolled out its second-generation Mean Mower V2 last year, it aimed to top the record as the “world’s fasted lawnmower” set by the original five years ago. Meaner, faster, and louder than the original, the Fireblade-powered V2 is an amazing machine that really kicks grass.
With pro driver Jessica Hawkins behind the wheel, Mean Mower V2 set a new Guinness World Records® title last month as the “Fastest Acceleration 0-100 mph for a Lawnmower” (prototype) in just 6.285 seconds.
On a racetrack near Dresden, Germany, Honda says that Mean Mower V2 was required to run in two opposite directions, within an hour, to meet the Guinness World Records requirements. Independent and accredited Timing Solutions Ltd. used a VBOX on-board recorder to measure acceleration.
In addition to setting a new record, Hawkins was allowed to complete a longer run to help determine V2’s top speed. Using the same VBOX recorder, Mean Mower V2 was clocked at an amazing 150.99 mph.
V2 looks like a hot-rodded garden mower, with its front cowl, body panels and grass box sourced from Honda’s HF 2622 lawn tractor. Built by Team Dynamics, Honda’s British Touring Car Championship partner, Mean Mower V2 is powered by a 999cc 4-cylinder CBR1000RR Fireblade SP engine that puts out 189+ bhp at 13,000 rpm.
Required to “intrinsically look like a mower” V2 must be capable of cutting grass. It features a slightly revised HF-2622 cutter deck, 12V electric motors, and composite carbon fiber blades. Mean Mower rides on special-order Hoosier R25B racing slicks mounted on Goldspeed DWT Red Label gold-anodized ATV wheels.
In addition to the engine, V2 employs other Fireblade parts including the clutch, ECU, 6-speed drivetrain, and color LCD display. A programmable quick-shift gear system includes carbon-fiber paddles fitted to the Sparco steering wheel.
T45 steel is used for the chassis instead of chomoly. Honda said that’s a vital component for durability and flexibility since Mean Mower has “no suspension.” Kelgate four-piston drilled titanium calipers in front and six in the rear bring it to a stop.
News sources and photos courtesy of Honda (UK) and Honda Motor Europe Ltd.
Story (commentary) © 2019 CarNichiWa.com