Honda jammed a CBR1000RR engine into a mower and they're taking it to Goodwood

The original 116 mph Mean Mower earned Honda the World's Fastest Mower record, but after some Norwegians stuffed an LS1 in a Viking T6 and went 134 mph, engineers at Honda UK started losing sleep. Reclaiming the title was the only option. Now Honda’s eyeing 150-plus mph with their most manic garden equipment yet, the Mean Mower v2

You’re looking at the remains of a Honda HF2622 lawn tractor. The chassis is a custom replacement, designed to shave weight and manage the mower’s new power. Under the hood is the liter mill out of the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP, making its stock 189 horsepower and 85 foot-pounds of torque. A full titanium exhaust system from Scorpion supplies the mean factor. ECU, clutch, and transmission all came with the transplant. The chain-driven quad wheels attempt to maintain traction with Hoosier race slicks, but mowing on wet days is not recommended.

Shifting’s via the carbon fiber paddles on the wheel (Honda says it’s good for 90 mph in first gear alone), and it’ll do 0-60 in under three seconds if you have the finesse to avoid endless burnouts. Kelgate four- and six-piston brakes take care of stopping the front and rear, respectively. Suspension? Not necessary, apparently.

All that focus on speed doesn’t mean that Honda forgot about the actual mowing. No, this is a practical vehicle. Twin electric motors spin carbon fiber blades inside the HF2622 deck, with a maximum mowing speed of 50 mph. Even if he starts now, the Duke should have his lawn done in time for the 25th Annual Goodwood Festival of Speed, which starts tomorrow. Honda’s running the Mean Mower v2 in the hillclimb, so look for it in the event’s coverage. Kart racer Jess Hawkins will be at the wheel as Honda looks to regain lost glory.