72ft motorbike is world's longest

PLUMBER Colin Furze has built the world's longest motorbike measuring 22 metres and with 25 seats.

Furze, 31, spent a month building the bike in his mum's garden starting with a 125cc scooter and stretching it with a home-made aluminium frame. To set the record, the plumber had to ride the bike - which is nearly as long as a tennis court (78 feet) - for 100 metres but was able to ride for over a mile.

Riding along the Saltby Airfield in Grantham, Furze hit 35mph, he explained controlling the record-breaker: "When I first got on it I thought it would never work and at a slow speed it's almost impossible to keep upright.

"But once you get going it becomes a bit easier, although it is a real strain on your arms as it has such heavy steering. It wobbled a huge amount as I drove along and apparently the back of the bike was weaving around all over the place.

"This motorbike was so heavy and difficult to drive I think it would be impossible to make a longer bike. I think this record will stand for a very long time."

The record is waiting for verification from the Guinness World of Records. The current longest motorbike stands at 14 metres - also built by Furze. He also holds the distinction of the fastest mobility scooter, with a supercharged scooter hitting 115.21kmh.