A BIKE company’s latest speedy creation will be centre stage in a new Guinness World Record attempt this week.

The Rev Ray Biddis, who is a familiar figure conducting services at Huddersfield Crematorium, is the proud owner of the world’s most powerful motorcycle hearse.

The machine, called The Rocket, was built by DTB Panther Trikes Ltd in Liversedge.

And later today, the “revving” Rev will attempt to create a record for the world’s fastest motorcycle hearse, while carrying a coffin.

The machine is based on a Triumph Rocket III with a 2.3 litre, three-cylinder engine.

Panther Trikes, based at Valley Road Business Park, off Halifax Road, built the motorcycle hearse to the Department of Transport’s Vehicle and Operator Services Agency specifications from the Rev Ray’s plans.

The unique hybrid trike hearse merges the body of the British-made 2008 Triumph Rocket III trike conversion with a coffin carrier to create a sleek black and chrome hearse.

Self-proclaimed “heaven’s angel” the Rev Ray, 57, is so confident in his bike’s prowess that he is inviting guests and the world’s media to share his record attempt, which takes place at Elvington Airfield, near York.

The Halifax clergyman said: “The Rocket really is one of a kind and I’m so proud of my new machine.

“Achieving a Guinness World Record would mark its unique creation in a very special way and showcase it on the world stage.

“As a biker for over 40 years, I wouldn’t want to be in a car for my final journey.”

Ray launched his first motorcycle hearse creation, the purpose-built Suzuki Boulevard 1400cc Intruder, two years ago in May, 2008.

“Many people who are or have been bikers agree that a motorcycle hearse is the only way to travel for your final journey,” he said.

The new hearse is available to funeral directors across the country.

“The Rocket is the purest form of bike hearse,” said Ray. “Not a side car or trailer, it’s a true vehicle in its own right.

“I wanted to create the most powerful of all coffin carriers – a vehicle that maintains the integrity of a motorcycle, appeals to the most passionate of bikers and brings a credible alternative to the traditional four-wheeled hearse or other motorcycle hearse outfits.”