Jeff, I don't think the issue is whether or not the bike is capable of running those speeds relatively safely. Those bikes are basically street legal versions of the various companies racing bikes, and unlike a Harley they are actually designed and engineered to be able to run those speeds. That is not the problem. If someone wants to go find themselves a nice racetrack or totally deserted old airport runway or similar location and wind it out, I've got no problem with that at all. Where I have a major case of heartburn is when folks decide to risk the lives of innocent bystanders by doing this stupid stuff on public highways. These people need to be caught, thrown unceremoniously in jail, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I'd throw in any charges related to endangering the general public that might exist as well as all the vehicular violations, refuse to do any sort of plea bargains, and bury the stupid MF.
I still have images burned in my memory of a crotch rocket that t-boned a minivan while traveling at speeds estimated at around 150 mph. Not only was the idiot rider instantly killed, but two total innocents in the van died as well. Energy increases as a square of the velocity. Run that 600 pound motorcycle into the side of a van at 40 mph and you get a big dent in the side of the van. Run that same 600 pound bike into the side of the van at 150 mph and it's liable to blow completely through the van.
Jerry
I very much agree Jerry...
There was a local accident here where a sportbike was estimated to be travelling "with great speed", ran through a red light and almost through a Nissan sedan that was turning left and had both the green light and right of way.
http://archives.starbulletin.com/content/20081218_federal_guard_medic_die_in_nimitz_double_fatalityThe bike hit the car so hard it penetrated the passenger side door, all the way through the interior of the car, killing the driver. The impact was so great it flipped the car over.
I spend a few years roadracing bikes.. its a great sport and the skills you learn on the track can be applied to the street making you a much better rider as well... stuff happens real fast at speeds over 100MPH
sorry.. I cant find a picture.. it was pretty bad though.
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Topic: clocked @ 279 kph (Read 4798 times)