How fast is too fast?
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I have absolutely no problem with someone going 187 or 387, for that matter, but isn't that why we have track days? A quick calculation shows that at 187mph you are travelling about 86 yards PER SECOND (almost the length of a football field, no?). I have no idea what would be the braking distance, etc. To me it means that something could happen a quarter mile ahead or more and you might not be able to react in time (we are not all Valentino Rossi, even though many think they are...). Now, I have no problems with someone taking a risk, losing the bet and painting himself on a tree, rock, guardrail, etc., but I do have problems if there is even the slightest chance that together with the rider someone else will be injured or killed.
I don't know how fast is too fast, but if you want to go 187, book a track day.
I don't know how fast is too fast, but if you want to go 187, book a track day.
Find me a track where I can actually get the 'ol R1 up to a buck 87, and I'll do it.
In my case, I had a stretch of straight, brand-new road that was not opened yet. I'd go out on Saturday and Sunday mornings, scope the joint, and get my jollies. No traffic, good lateral visibility for any wayward wildlife, and no intersections. The only hazards were birds. And they hurt like hell when they explode on your shoulder above 100mph...
Now tell me how I was putting anyone in danger.
In my case, I had a stretch of straight, brand-new road that was not opened yet. I'd go out on Saturday and Sunday mornings, scope the joint, and get my jollies. No traffic, good lateral visibility for any wayward wildlife, and no intersections. The only hazards were birds. And they hurt like hell when they explode on your shoulder above 100mph...
Now tell me how I was putting anyone in danger.
I got caught doing 110 on a deserted two lane,not a car, jogger,kid or animal in sight. Just a state trooper hiding behind some bushes. Paid lawyer $1500 to shmooze the prosecuter, paid $500 in fines. Got to keep my license. What I did might be foolish. What the lawyer charged me is criminal!
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After a recent incident on another motorcycle related board, and in light of the errosion of our civil liberties due to the "Patriot" Act let me just say that, hypotheticly a lone ride on a deserted interstate in Az. once topped 165 mph.
Big Brother IS listening!
Big Brother IS listening!
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Track days are wonderful, but you can rarely go 187 mph on a racetrack. That would require a LOT more talent and commitment than just opening 'er up on a desolate highway, and on a racetrack that 187 would be short lived before the next turn. Fastest I've gone? Indicated 165, in the middle of nowhere on a lonely freeway, but only for a few seconds. Track days, even on a bike that won't do 187, are waay more fun.
Let 'em come. I'm just wondering when the red-blooded, corn-fed, crew-cutted, flag-waving law enforcement types will see the light and stop the insanity.
They have to push back on this stupidity.
Half the reason I moved back to the "big city" is that the cops here have way too much crime to worry about to screw around with speeders.
Wisconsin? Nazis. Complete Nazism going on there w/ regard to traffic ticketing. I don't know how the troopers, sheriffs deputies, and town cops sleep at night in that state. Nothing more than tax collectors with badges there.
They have to push back on this stupidity.
Half the reason I moved back to the "big city" is that the cops here have way too much crime to worry about to screw around with speeders.
Wisconsin? Nazis. Complete Nazism going on there w/ regard to traffic ticketing. I don't know how the troopers, sheriffs deputies, and town cops sleep at night in that state. Nothing more than tax collectors with badges there.
OK from what I can tell my 98 Triumph T509 is not supposed to be able to do 155 mph but with a race exhaust and a good tune job by The Motorcycle Shop in Anchorage I have found the needle hitting 150 mph without the rev limiter kicking in about half dozen times, plus 125 mph many times. Crazy, stupid, criminal, unsafe to do on Alaskan roads that aren't the smoothest and frequently contain fallen rocks, sand, gravel not to mention the occasional moose? No I do not believe it to be any of those things. The bike is able to handle that speed in stable manner much longer than conditions allow me to go that fast. I also pick my piece of road plus wear qualtity gear and as always check the motorcycle out before the ride. The mind is clicking up there at hyper speed taking in all that data while the body performs. I love it! Not as much fun as a real good cornering feat but still gets your fun level up a wee bit from watching TV. High speeds are not that dangerous, unsafe riding is a different matter. Should I get a ticket for speeding? Yes. Jail? No. How about running 130 mph while weaving in and out of traffic and causing motorist to risk accidents. Ticket, Yes, jail, ?. Bottom line, I believe it is OK to risk your own life, not OK to risk anothers, but stupid to engage in dangerous activities carelessly. Take your shots people.
As the owner of a '77 R100/7, I (ahem) haven't any warp-speed tales to tell from recent rides. I'll wager, though, that 140 kph ('bout 85mph) on my old airhead feels much like 220 on an R1.
Which begs the question: Does the phenomenal competence of modern sportbikes render elevated but sane speeds boring? Is that a good thing?
Fer example, in '77, I bought my first 'big' bike. It was a KZ650C, which, at the time, was faster than most of the 750s on the market (maybe 60-65hp). I ran it up to 200kph ('bout 120mph) quite a few times, which, even in a straight line, felt like 300kph on the banking at Daytona on a superbike (I'm supposing). The difference, of course, is with that basically equivalent sensation of speed, I had almost twice as much time to react to any dear/dog/old-fart-in-a-clapped-out-Ford-Fairlane who might have wandered into my path.
Just some thoughts, folks.
Which begs the question: Does the phenomenal competence of modern sportbikes render elevated but sane speeds boring? Is that a good thing?
Fer example, in '77, I bought my first 'big' bike. It was a KZ650C, which, at the time, was faster than most of the 750s on the market (maybe 60-65hp). I ran it up to 200kph ('bout 120mph) quite a few times, which, even in a straight line, felt like 300kph on the banking at Daytona on a superbike (I'm supposing). The difference, of course, is with that basically equivalent sensation of speed, I had almost twice as much time to react to any dear/dog/old-fart-in-a-clapped-out-Ford-Fairlane who might have wandered into my path.
Just some thoughts, folks.
My astronomy professor in college said that someone with an alphabet after their name has calculated that at the speed of light the human heart will stop for some strange reason. If that's true (I don't know if it is) then I guess that the speed of light is too fast. Anything less than that isn't. 
I usually top out my 01 gsxr1000 about twice a week or so. I see no harm in it on a empty highway. I usually do it down a long hill so I can see any potential hazards form a distance. Hypotheticly speaking at those speeds I would not bother stopping to collect my ticket.
Anytime someone behaves contrary to a posted law (as opposed to a rule), they are a criminal (whether they are caught or not). With that said, if you are a motorcyclist, you have exceeded the posted speed limit on at least one occasion in your lifetime and, therefore, fit within the definition. With THAT said, since you are probably going to speed at some point in the future, it is up to you as to the how/where you go about it. To ensure public safety (as opposed to your own safety), you must pick your time & place so as to minimally impact (no pun intended) the public at large. In other words, do it where no one (but you) can get hurt. Motorcycling is a risky business as we all know. It is up to YOU to determine if the pleasure of clandestine WFO travel is worth the inherent risk. So, how fast is too fast? It is any speed which is unreasonable for the road/traffic/weather conditions. If the conditions are right, 25mph is too fast. I've travelled (on numerous occasions) as fast as my motorcycle was able to go, on (very) lightly travelled roads under beautiful weather conditions. I did it carefully and considerately (as best I could). I did not exceed my abilities (forget the bike - it has greater abilities than I do) nor did I attract public attention. It was (and continues to be) a successful clandestine operation. I do NOT recommend this behavior to others.
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I got my Cushman Super Eagle up to about 60 mph on San Fernando road Saturday, I was intoxicated.
With the chain humming, the pipe blaring out a flathead crescendo, the valves going ka-pokita pokita pokita, I could imagine myself free, unleashed from the surly bonds of Earth, much like a dirigible pilot.
Then, in my mirror, I saw another rider on a step-thru Honda 90 inching up on me.
Grabbing the "loud handle", I gave the mighty Eagle all the fury that it's 3/4 inch Tillotston could dish out.
Tucked in and on the boil, man and machine became one.
With the 90 hot on my tail, I weaved, lurched, slid and skipped through the midday Glendale traffic, willy-nilly, unmolested by time or thought. The mighty flathead mill churning out 8 thunderous horsepower under me, the valves going ka-pokita, pokita, pokita...gears meshing, gasses combusting.
A red light at the intersection of Los Feliz brought all this to a quick end. The 90 pilot slid up next to me, and we gave each other that "nod of respect", reserved for test pilots, S.E.A.L. team members, and automatic transmission mechanics.
I know how you feel, man.
With the chain humming, the pipe blaring out a flathead crescendo, the valves going ka-pokita pokita pokita, I could imagine myself free, unleashed from the surly bonds of Earth, much like a dirigible pilot.
Then, in my mirror, I saw another rider on a step-thru Honda 90 inching up on me.
Grabbing the "loud handle", I gave the mighty Eagle all the fury that it's 3/4 inch Tillotston could dish out.
Tucked in and on the boil, man and machine became one.
With the 90 hot on my tail, I weaved, lurched, slid and skipped through the midday Glendale traffic, willy-nilly, unmolested by time or thought. The mighty flathead mill churning out 8 thunderous horsepower under me, the valves going ka-pokita, pokita, pokita...gears meshing, gasses combusting.
A red light at the intersection of Los Feliz brought all this to a quick end. The 90 pilot slid up next to me, and we gave each other that "nod of respect", reserved for test pilots, S.E.A.L. team members, and automatic transmission mechanics.
I know how you feel, man.
anything faster than the law allows. now that I've gotten that out of the way, I've had the Meanstreak up to a buck 15 on more than one occasion. I pick the time and place and don't sustain the speed. For me the acceleration more than the top speed is the rush. But to each his own.
bottom line: If you're gonna do it, make sure you don't risk someone else's life.
and remember this: "It's not the speed, it's the sudden stops."
bottom line: If you're gonna do it, make sure you don't risk someone else's life.
and remember this: "It's not the speed, it's the sudden stops."
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4,129 Posts
152 on a Hot-Rodded '93 V-Max
145 in a '72 Vette
Both were fun. Both were extremely stupid. Both were worth the risk.
Had I been caught, should I be jailed? HELL YES!!!!! Should I pay a substantial fine if covicted in court? HELL YES, again. Should I have my license suspended for 30 to 90 days? Maybe....
Sould the insurance company that covers my assets be allowed to increase my premium to some "over inflated" rate or not renew my policy? Yes!!!!!!
As long as a rider can control the mount then do as you wish, but if you endanger someone in the process the cop that gets to you first should have the right to KICK THE LIVIN' S**T out of you for being a dumb ass on public roadways.
145 in a '72 Vette
Both were fun. Both were extremely stupid. Both were worth the risk.
Had I been caught, should I be jailed? HELL YES!!!!! Should I pay a substantial fine if covicted in court? HELL YES, again. Should I have my license suspended for 30 to 90 days? Maybe....
Sould the insurance company that covers my assets be allowed to increase my premium to some "over inflated" rate or not renew my policy? Yes!!!!!!
As long as a rider can control the mount then do as you wish, but if you endanger someone in the process the cop that gets to you first should have the right to KICK THE LIVIN' S**T out of you for being a dumb ass on public roadways.
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