Sam Sunderland Will Attempt Record-Breaking Ride Around the World on a Triumph Tiger 1200

Two-time Dakar Rally champion and Red Bull athlete Sam Sunderland has announced an ambitious attempt to break the world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by motorcycle. His weapon of choice? A nearly stock Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer, equipped only with Triumph accessories and a custom camera rig.

Departing this September from London, Sam will ride through more than 15 countries across 5 continents, including Saudi Arabia, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Morocco, and Spain, crossing 13 time zones and covering at least 18,000 miles (28,968 km) under the strict parameters of the challenge.

To beat the current record of 19 days, 8 hours, and 25 minutes, he’ll need to average nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) per day, riding up to 16 hours a day through unpredictable conditions, from desert heat to mountain cold, jetlag, and border logistics. Ocean crossings will pause the clock, but exhaustion won’t.

“This is going to test me to the core, physically and mentally,” says Sunderland. “But I’m not just trying to beat the record, I want to raise the bar.”

The Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer was chosen for its blend of long-distance comfort, off-road versatility, and endurance-tested reliability. With a 30-liter fuel tank, Michelin Anakee tires, and Triumph’s 10,000-mile service intervals, the bike is built to go the distance, literally.

The entire ride must be done on the same machine, so Triumph’s global dealer and service network will play a crucial role, helping Sam manage maintenance along the route.

Sunderland, who has already conquered the toughest race on Earth, the Dakar, sees this as his next great challenge. “This is more than a record, it’s a legacy. I want to inspire people to get out there and push their own limits.”