So what sort of bikes did I just run with?

[Maff]

Coming off the motorway onto the dual carriageway I notice two bikes coming up very fast behind me with their lights on, we come to the end of the spur and have to sit at the lights, naturally being bikes they pull up next to me (single carriageway ahead, the lane they were in was to turn right) to accelerate away in front as they do, away from the lights.

The guys were all leathered up and sat level with me.

I engaged sport mode and waited for the lights to turn green, floored it and left two lines down the grippy stuff they put on the road, and I was off.

The two bikes got the jump of a few feet, and then both stayed pretty level with me until xxmph, then I started to pull very slowly on them until they were level with the rear of the car, the next roundabout came and they braked and went off looking back as they went round.

I could hear them pushing the bikes hard, as I had the roof open and they were only a few feet away.

Anyone fancy a guess? I'm not up on bikes, but they had fat rear tyres!

Overall I'm pleased that another bike didn't cut in front of me, like they usually do!

 

[BearFace]

Anyone fancy a guess? I'm not up on bikes, but they had fat rear tyres!

A pair of tasty 600s, I should think. The latest Kwaks, Hondas and Yams knock out about 110BHP at the back wheel and weigh no more than 170KG without a rider. Factor in a typical rider at 70kg and you have a real-world, power-to-weight ratio of close to 500BHP per ton, combined with some stunning off-the-line traction. The 350BHP per ton of your particular CL doesn't account for the drivetrain losses and added weights of driver and passengers etc., but it's nevertheless a clear enough indicator of the performance advantages (at least up to 100-120MPH on a 600 sportsbike) of a bike. Even so, I'd have expected you to whip past 'em on a decent straight.

Now a 1000cc sportsbike would've been a different story. They're actually about the same weight as their 600cc counterparts (because these days they're essentially the same bikes), but a good one produces about 150BHP at the back wheel, which makes for indecent power to weight ratios (with rider) approaching 650BHP per ton. Most of them are flat out at 175-180mph, but they get there so quickly that I doubt you'd have a chance of even keeping them in view unless you could cut them up at the roundabouts......it's happened to me several times and I've generally chosen to brake hard rather than take a bite of an M3 or an Evo V111, so it's clear that cars have certain advantages....

 

[Maff]

Thanks for the info, I guess they were 600's then.

I got a very good launch and had my foot to the floor, so based on previous GPS timings I recon I did 0-100 mph in about 8 seconds or so if that helps figuring it out.

 

[Sp!ke]

I'd say 600's or even newish 400's perhaps. 600's are capable of doing 0-60 in less than 4 secs and certainly less than 8 seconds to hit 100mph. Mebbe they were happier to sit back and watch you go?

Mine would leave you standing in my tyre smoke with a 0-60 in around 2.4 secs and 0-100 in less than 5.... That's if I can get the clutch action just right and don't get head butted by my clocks of course

[EDIT] Bearface< you need to get that ZX12 of yours down to Judgement Day at Woodbridge in May.

 

[lotusmark2]

I agree with Spike 6's or 4's... my Varadero 1000 touring bike did 60 in sub 4 seconds so I would think a Yammy 600 having a nice day

 

[BearFace]

I'd say 600's or even newish 400's perhaps. 600's are capable of doing 0-60 in less than 4 secs and certainly less than 8 seconds to hit 100mph. Mebbe they were happier to sit back and watch you go?

If it'd been a couple of 400s, his ears would still be ringing and the glazing from the CL would now be strewn down the carriageway...

Mine would leave you standing in my tyre smoke with a 0-60 in around 2.4 secs and 0-100 in less than 5.... That's if I can get the clutch action just right and don't get head butted by my clocks of course

...And if the subframe doesn't snap.........Okay, okay, I'm just kidding

Actually, had one of the first UK (and unrestricted) Hayabusas and loved it. Only trouble was that I couldn't get comfy on it, but then I'm particularly big (6'4" and 98kg right now... ). The ZX12 is more sports orientated and less of a long-distance bike, but it's more comfortable for me. The 'Busa felt torquier and very large, whereas the '12 feels relatively small and more revvy. Too different to compare objectively though, IMO.

[EDIT] Bearface< you need to get that ZX12 of yours down to Judgement Day at Woodbridge in May.

Oh I dunno. All those indimidating nutcases on Hayabusas..??? I'm scared already...

 

[BearFace]

Thanks for the info, I guess they were 600's then.

I got a very good launch and had my foot to the floor, so based on previous GPS timings I recon I did 0-100 mph in about 8 seconds or so if that helps figuring it out.

Yeah, it was probably a pair of 600s. I can't think of a road-going 400 which could hit 100MPH in 8 secs, whereas most decent 600s will get there in 7 or less. Also, 400 riders (with some exceptions) tend to be younger and less experienced. They'd have clipped your mirrors and high-sided on the roundabouts...

You'd be looking at five seconds or so to 100MPH for a 1000c sportsbike and similar performance for the larger-engined (but slightly heavier) stuff, like wot I've got

 

[esox]

I was going to suggest out-of-town London despatch riders on a pair of CX500`s.

 

[scumbag]

sounds like they must have known what they were doing tho. i tend to stay clear of bikes. they get a bit out of shape and fall off under your wheels. and them leathers are not crush proof. but from what you say, they may have been impressed and were actually very able riders.

bet it was an initial shock to them first tho.

 

[machasm]

I have a GSXR600 and can confirm what the others said.
Namely up to 100mph seems to take no time at all.
Although, beyond around 120 you would have started to pull away. There is nothing quite like the thrill of pure acceleration. I think what I like about the CLK is that doing 100 feels like cruising doing the same on the bike is hard work!
Mac.

 

[Sp!ke]

Oh I dunno. All those indimidating nutcases on Hayabusas..??? I'm scared already...

Not all Hayabusa's you know... plenty of 12R's too. I mean cmon, doesnt this shot below tempt you a little?

 

[Fudger]

I have a 1000cc Yamaha Thunderace and although it's a bit old hat it should do 0-60 is about 3.5 seconds. 1st gear change at 70mph and 2nd at 100 and tops out at 170ish. However, the stats are all very well but to do those stats requires a very good rider to be on board. I am personally not that good but the rush you do get when you do it right can't be beaten. And, there is always that thought that if you get it wrong, you aint likely to get a second chance.

IMO, it's much easier to drive a car fast than it is a bike which is probably why I admire those guys in WSB or BSB and alike much more than any formula in cars.

Interesting topic you started Maff. Have a :bannana:

 

[BearFace]

Not all Hayabusa's you know... plenty of 12R's too. I mean cmon, doesnt this shot below tempt you a little?

Yup

 

[BearFace]

IMO, it's much easier to drive a car fast than it is a bike which is probably why I admire those guys in WSB or BSB and alike much more than any formula in cars.

Those who know better than you or I reckon that F1 is just about the hardest, most physically and mentally demanding motorsport there is. The sheer g-forces alone that those guys experience for several hours at a time are apparently more than the average fit person could handle for two laps, and that's before we even talk about the complexities of setting the cars up and maintaining their performances during those long races. It just seems as if F1 takes more aptitude and physical prowess than other motorsports, although that doesn't mean I think less of bike formulas; far from it.

It's certainly harder to ride a bike fast (against a decent car) on the public roads, because while we have an unbelievable advantage in a straight line, fast cars can corner far more quickly and are more controllable under hard acceleration and braking, particularly in poor weather. However in bike racing, the competition is between bikes of similar power and weight, and while they're powerful machines (250+BHP in MotoGP, with bike weights from 130kg...), the riders quickly adapt. Essentially those guys need to look after the tyres and focus on the racing, which certainly requires skill and precision, but probably less than that required in F1. It'll beinteresting how Rossi performs when (or if) he joins F1 on due course, because I reckon he'll need one heck of an acclimatisation period...

 

[wobbly]

I have a 1000cc Yamaha Thunderace and although it's a bit old hat it should do 0-60 is about 3.5 seconds. 1st gear change at 70mph and 2nd at 100 and tops out at 170ish.


My Honda Blackbird 1100, 95mph in first gear, and just shy of 190mph flat out.

 

[Fudger]

My Honda Blackbird 1100, 95mph in first gear, and just shy of 190mph flat out.

That's quick, fancy a swap one day

 

[Sp!ke]

My Honda Blackbird 1100, 95mph in first gear, and just shy of 190mph flat out.

Bah ... mere speedo readings... recon you are around 20mph out. Get over to www.200mph.net and sign up for Judgement Day 7 in May and find out *exactly* what it can do.

 

[Fudger]

Bah ... mere speedo readings... recon you are around 20mph out. Get over to www.200mph.net and sign up for Judgement Day 7 in May and find out *exactly* what it can do.

Spike, great site, just registered. Now, can a Thunderace get over 200mph with some modding?

You may just have got me into something here

 

[Sp!ke]

Anythings possible in fact I think someone did hit 200mph on an old FZR1000 with a £600 nitrous kit and different sprockets.

Not an easy feat though.

 

[wobbly]

Bah ... mere speedo readings... recon you are around 20mph out. Get over to www.200mph.net and sign up for Judgement Day 7 in May and find out *exactly* what it can do.

Hi Spike,
As you ride a Hayabusa thought you may find this interesting, and states the Blackbird is capable of 190mph
Regards Wobbly


www.theautochannel.com/vehicles/new/reviews/motorcycles/1999/abachofen_suzuki_honda.html