I believe the figure of 17 kts was the demonstrated sideways speed on the R22 - the speed required by the FAA, but Robinson actually achieved about 35 kts during testing.
Tim Tucker has a saying relevant to the antics of these 'Watch this types'...
"If you exceed the limitations or recommendations in the POH you ve just become a test pilot..."
And to anyone who says "watch this.."
"No thank you!!"