The idea of chasing a land speed record conjures up visions of blindingly fast streamliners. But the world of land speed racing is expansive, with a plethora of classes, and space for all sorts of machines. In that world, even a humble Honda CT200 can be a record holder.
This handsome little pocket rocket belongs to Isaac Siegl, who recently set the AMA 100-MPS-PF record with it at the Bonneville Motorcycle Trials. Those numbers denote a engine no bigger than 100 cc, with pushrod actuated valves, a modified frame, and only partial streamlining.

Isaac runs Speedy Siegl Racing out of the Seattle area, where he produces lightweight, racing-inspired parts for vintage and modern classic motorcycles. But he also carves out time to tackle a few custom builds a year. This is the first time he’s built a land speed bike though, despite being hassled by friends for years to give it a go. Picking the petite Honda as a donor was a calculated decision: Isaac pored over the various AMA classes to try figure out what sort of build would have the best chance at success. ?I’ve always been a firm believer in the saying, ‘It’s more fun to ride a slow bike at its limits than to try and ride a fast bike that can outride you’,? he explains.

?In Japan they have a race series called ‘BOBL,’ or ‘Battle of the Bottom Link.’ They are small displacement, vintage road race bikes on kart tracks, and they look like a ton of fun. This steered me t...