I raced a Harley the other day, and after some really hard riding I finally managed to pass the guy. I was riding on one of those really, really, twisting sections of Mountain road with no straight sections to speak of and where most of the curves have warning signs that say "15 MPH".

I knew if I was going to pass one of those monsters with those big-cubic-inch motors, it would have to be a place like this 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, but it wouldn't be easy. I concentrated on my braking and cornering. Three 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 the mountain. I think he was shocked to see me next to him, as I nearly 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. His horsepower was almost too much to overcome, but this only made me more determined than ever.

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 bottom of the mountain, 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. Though it was not easy, I had won the race to the bottom of the mountain.

I will always remember that moment. I don't think I've ever pedaled so hard in my life. And some of the credit must go to Commencal, as well. They really make a great bicycle.

🙂

Bicycle beats Hardley Rideable; excellent. 😆

Is it time for this to do the rounds again?

Only seems like yesterday I read a strangely similar story somewhere else

😀

The old ones are the best.

I could no longer see him in my rear-view mirror.

😉

Yeah, I've got sparkly tassels and a pink basket too 😉

I think I know the bit of road 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gK9KdTEYL2M

True story or not, beating a Harley is hardly an achievment, they're basically tractors with two wheels…

Oy! I've owned and ridden Harleys for the past fifteen years – admittedly, the old one's were a bit dodgy (some people might call this 'character' but I dont buy into that). When I got my first one, it was like being seventeen again, when you'd just got your first 'big bike' (generally an RD250 or something along those lines)- couldnt stop grinning for weeks and felt like I'd finally 'arrived'. And then it broke down, repeatedly. The wife was constantly on at me to get rid and buy something reliable, but there's something about them that gets to you. An old greybeard biker once tried explaining to me that they had 'soul', I dont know if I'd agree with that, but they certainly are involving, if nothing else. Over the years, I learned that theyre not the sort of bike you can just get on and go, the older ones certainly do need regular attention. I owned a Buell for a couple of years (best described as a hand grenade with the pin pulled – it was never a question of if it'll break down, more one of 'when'), then two years ago I got a new Dyna street-bob. It's never once failed to start, it's as reliable as anything that the Japanese factories are turning out, it looks (in my opinion), the dogs, and best of all, it's 1600 cc's of grunty loveliness. The handling's fine, brakes are good, and it's more than quick enough for me. So, andyspaceman, cock right off.

I thought you meant this dude

Loved old school American Wrestling when I was a young un

Is that Ton?

Harleys are amazing. How do you squeeze all the power of an FS1E moped into "1600cc's of grunting loveliness"?

…and then he woke up…

More to the point, the old ones are the old ones.

Harleys are amazing. How do you squeeze all the power of an FS1E moped into "1600cc's of grunting loveliness"?

Sorry, but mine's good for about a hundred and twenty – not a patch on gixxers and the like, but perhaps a little bit more power than a fizzy.
Have you got a bike chubby?

My brother had a Harley – and secretly i would like one but i think an MX5 would more likely get "capex" approval.

Oh that story found this from 2005
http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2298530

I was on his fender.

Mudguard dear.

buell xb12scg here, would love to see some numpty on a push bike keep up with it……0-60 in 3.4 seconds even with my 13 stone on board, a bog standard 800 sporty or fat blob with a rubber frame and cast iron brakes should do 60 in less than six or seven I would think and…………

Oh I really can't be bothered anymore…… I don't believe it anyway

"buell xb12scg here, would love to see some numpty on a push bike keep up with it"

Depends where you're riding it, I bet I'd have you down nevis red