Honda's Mean Mower is Back and Faster Than Ever

Way back in 2014, Honda partnered up with Top Gear to build the ‘Mean Mower’ – a motorcycle-engined riding lawnmower that landed itself in the Guinness Book of World Records after hitting a top speed of 116.57 mph.

The ‘World’s Fastest Mower’ record didn’t stand for long, though. A year after TG set its record, a Norwegian company dropped a GM LS V8 into the front a Stihl T6 mower and did 134 mph.

Honda has now decided they want to beat the record with the new and improved Mean Mower Mk.2. Powering the revised mower is a 190 hp 1000cc Honda Fireblade engine, which was plucked from a CBR1000R superbike. The four-cylinder is paired with a six-speed sequential transmission with an extra-long first gear, which will likely enable sub-three-second 0-60 mph runs, TG says.

SEE ALSO: Honda Will Let You Make Anything a Type R, but There’s a Catch

What will truly help Mean Mower Mk.2 go faster than its predecessor is the seating position. A go-kart style bucket seat has been fitted extremely low down in the chassis, minimizing the aerodynamic drag caused by the driver. Speaking of the insane individual tasked with setting this record, those honors have gone to karting ace and 2017 Mini Challenge Great Britain runner-up Jess Hawkins.

Mean Mower Mk.2 has also gotten some other go-fast hardware like sticky Hoosier tires, a race-style pedal box, a Sparco steering wheel and meaty vented brakes. Oh, and if you’re wondering, it’s still capable of cutting grass. And unlike the first Mean Mower, this one isn’t limited to the speeds at which it can cut. Honda says if you wanted to mow the lawn at 100 mph, that would be possible. The grass cutting blades will be made from carbon fiber and will be powered by small electric motors.

Honda and TG have yet to put Mean Mower MK.2 to the test, but after seeing the build photos, we’re confident it can top 134 mph with ease. Check out the preview video for Mean Mower MK.2 below before the record attempt is made.