A rundown of my personal bests: Top speed, 172 MPH. Fastest quarter-mile to date, 13.16@107 MPH. Fastest speed on a motorcycle? About eighty miles per hour on a fire road on a Yamaha YZ80 at full chat in fifth gear, and I was all but certain that I was going to die in the process. I had bigger bikes later on before I hopped off of racing machines for good, but the combination of the YZ80’s power and at the time, my lighter weight, made for a wicked combination. I understand mastering the art of two wheels, but I do not understand drag racing a motorcycle, especially one that thumps out more horsepower than your typical hot-boi LS turbo build. Have you ever seen a Pro Stock Bike-style machine in action before? It’s insanity. Pure, unadulterated, fire-fueled insanity. I’ll go try to jump a dirt bike again, twenty-two years after I gave that up, before I’ll ever suit up in leathers, throw on a helmet and expect something good to come out of what will happen next. My self-preservation instinct is in perfect working order, thank you kindly.
I have no choice but to stand in awe of what these riders do on each run. Their right wrist controls the performance of a Top Fuel machine and it’s not a gentle deal, either: drop the clutch and hold on for your life. It’s just a few seconds, but it’s also just a two-wheeled variation of a Hellfire missile, too. It’s going to leave like a black hole was pulling it down the track. It’s going to strain every last muscle on your body to control it. Better you than I, that’s all I can say…
If you think that is crazy, you need to see guys racing hand shift bikes!
These are awesome!
But imagine what it was like for guys like Bill Warner, taking a turbo Hayabusa up to over 300mph in the mile and a half!
Where Do I Sign Up?
There’s a good reason nitro bike riders have to wear a steel plate under their leathers to cover their chest area. They are laying on top of a bomb that sooner or later will go off. I also have ridden dirt bikes, some medium fast street bikes and bracket raced a Mustang. I recall laying on the tank of my brother in laws Honda 350 when I was like 14 trying to get it to go 100 mph wearing nothing but a t shirt, shorts and flip flops. I loved all of it and can say unequivocally that I wouldn’t ride one of those suckers for all the tea in China..
There’s a reason they don’t do psychological exams on top fuel riders. They’re all effin’ nuts. It’s a requirement.
I’ll stick to nice safe things like jumpin’ out airplanes, fast roping from helos & playin’ with C4.