Author Topic: Racing Harleys  (Read 874 times)

Offline mike the bike

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Racing Harleys
« on: November 20, 2020, 07:28:14 PM »
I raced a Harley today. I was riding through the twisting sections of a back country road with no straight sections to speak of and where most of the curves have warning signs that say "40 MPH". I knew if I was going to pass him, it would have to be a place where handling and rider skill are more important than horsepower alone.
I saw the guy up ahead as I exited one of the turns and knew I could catch him. I concentrated on my braking and cornering. A few corners later, I was on his fender. Catching him was one thing; passing him would prove to be another.
Two corners later, I pulled up next to him as we sailed down a hill. I think he was shocked to see me next to him. I almost got by him before he could recover. Next corner, same thing. I'd manage to pull up next to him as we started to enter the corners but when we came out he'd get on the throttle and outpower me.
My only hope was to outbrake him. I held off squeezing the lever until the last instant. I kept my nerve while he lost his. In an instant I was by him. Corner after corner, I could hear the roar of his engine as he struggled to keep up.
Three more miles to go before the road straightens out and he would pass me for good.
But now I was in the lead and he would no longer hold me back. I stretched out my lead and by the time we reached the end of the twisties, he was more than a full corner behind. I could no longer see him in my rear-view mirror.
Once the road did straighten out, it seemed like it took miles before he passed me, but it was probably just a few hundred yards. I was no match for that kind of horsepower, but it was done. In the tightest section of road, where bravery and skill count for more than horsepower and deep pockets, I had passed him.
I will always remember that moment.....
Cos I don't think I've ever pedalled so hard in my life........
Where's that 10mm socket got to?

Offline marroinia

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Re: Racing Harleys
« Reply #1 on: November 20, 2020, 07:42:13 PM »

Offline Moorey

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Re: Racing Harleys
« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2020, 08:18:53 PM »
Nice one. ;D ;D

Offline Laverda Dave

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Re: Racing Harleys
« Reply #3 on: November 21, 2020, 02:56:53 PM »
 ;D ;D. Had me until the very end!
That video was something else, he must have a standing order at his local HD dealer for footrests and exhausts!
1976 Honda 400/4
1977 Rickman Honda CR750
1999 Honda VFR 800FX
1955 750 Dresda Triton
1978 Moto Morini 350 Sport
1978 Honda CB400/4 'Rat' bike
1982 Laverda 120 Jota

Offline Athame57

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Re: Racing Harleys
« Reply #4 on: November 21, 2020, 08:51:47 PM »
That video was something else, he must have a standing order at his local HD dealer for footrests and exhausts!
...and an outsize coffin tank pre-ordered too!  :o
I brake for animals!
1978 CB400F2

Offline pistonbroke 66

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Re: Racing Harleys
« Reply #5 on: November 25, 2020, 01:40:08 PM »
credit where credit's due....that fella could ride  :o 8)

Offline Kelly E

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Re: Racing Harleys
« Reply #6 on: November 25, 2020, 03:26:20 PM »
;D Was it that one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFzhc3i0PRY

That video proves it's really about rider skill and not just the bike or tires. I have surprised a lot of sportbike guys by chasing them down with the 84' Honda Sabre 700 with fairing and bags. 8) 
The Rust Brothers Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB550 K0
1975 Honda CB400F Super Sport
1979 Honda CB750F Super Sport
1980 Suzuki GS1100E
1982 Honda CB900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB1100F
1984 Honda VF700S Sabre
1984 Honda VF1000F Interceptor
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000 Le Mans
1994 Kawasaki Concours ZG1000
2006 Harley Davidson Fat Boy

 

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