The benchmark is set by Jackson Goldstone, who won the 2022 Red Bull Hardline with a blistering time of 2:20.53. Jonny Walker’s challenge is to see if he can beat that time on his much heavier, more powerful motorbike. The video captures both the technical and psychological hurdles Jonny faces: while his bike has more power, it’s also far heavier and less nimble than a mountain bike, especially on tight turns, steep descents, and massive jumps.
Throughout the run, Jonny and the mountain bikers discuss the unique difficulties of the course. The mountain bike’s lightness and agility are clear advantages on the narrow, technical sections, while the motorbike’s speed and power shine on the straights and big jumps. Jonny’s nerves are on full display as he tackles features like the infamous road gap and blind drops—sections that are daunting even for seasoned mountain bikers, let alone on a dirt bike.
After several practice runs and some tense moments, Jonny lines up for his full timed attempt. The commentary team, including Rob Warner, provides blow-by-blow analysis as Jonny navigates the course, wrestling the big enduro bike through sections designed for much lighter machines. He powers through the jumps, wrestles with the bike’s weight in the technical woods, and finally crosses the finish line in dramatic style.
The final result? Jonny Walker completes the track in 2:33, just a bit off the winning mountain bike pace but still an incredible achievement—especially considering the course was never meant for a motorbike. The video ends with Jonny admitting it was the scariest thing he’s ever done, but also expressing pride at having made it onto the virtual podium among the world’s best downhill riders.
Ultimately, the experiment proves that while sheer power counts for a lot, the unique demands of a course like Red Bull Hardline mean that agility, control, and nerve are just as important. Both machines—and the athletes who ride them—earn plenty of respect in this wild, unforgettable challenge.
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