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i raced a harley today....

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  • i raced a harley today....

    I raced a Harley today and after some really hard riding I managed to PASS the guy. I was riding on one of those really, really twisting sections of canyon 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 canyon, 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 horspower and deep pockets, I had passed him. though it was not easy, I had won the race to the bottom of the canyon and I had preserved the proud tradition of another of America's best bikes.

    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 Schwinn, as well. They really make a great bicycle...





    yes, i admit, i stole this from another forum. couldnt resist!!

    dug.

  • #2
    That's choice!

    Comment


    • #3
      What's funny for me is that I used to have a SCHWINN 26" tall Frame ultra light weight 26" wheel sized 10 speed when I lived in Hawaii in 73, and I've raced a car or two down the hill I lived on, what a rush!!
      T. C. Gresham
      81SH "Godzilla" . . .1179cc super-rat.
      79SF "The Teacher" . . .basket case!
      History shows again and again,
      How nature points out the folly of men!

      Comment


      • #4
        another of America's best

        Had me going till read above.
        Thought maybe you were racing with only one cylinder firing

        Time for a martini


        mro

        Comment


        • #5
          That's good stuff!!
          Jake Haynie
          __________

          81 xs1100lh

          Comment


          • #6
            LOL.... and I kept thinking how the duck can a hardley have more power than an XS... no way! I could outrun and outturn a hardley on my ex guzzi 350! Nice one!

            LP
            If it doesn't have an engine, it's not a sport, it's only a game.
            (stole that one from I-dont-know-who)

            Comment


            • #7
              You had me going, was thinking "what kind of Hardly Ableson is the guy riding? "Maybe he thought it was a Hardly and it was some highly moded chopper, from East Coast Choppers, or Orange County Choppers, or a Big Dog or something?!".

              Nice one, and I'm glad to see Schwinn come out on top
              '82 Xj1100j

              "Ride for the Son"

              < )) ><

              John

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              • #8
                GREAT story! Had me leaning into the turns!
                JimBoReeno
                My Ex!"Half-Breed"
                '82 XJ1100 Maxim with
                '80 XS1100SG Motor

                Current Bike
                2000 Indian Chief
                Millennium Edition

                Comment


                • #9
                  LOL..I was thinking maybe one of your spark plug wires fell off
                  Gary Granger
                  Remember, we are the caretakers of mechanical art.
                  2013 Suzuki DR650SE, 2009 Kawasaki Concours 1400, 2003 Aprilia RSV Mille Tuono

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Absolutely a CLASSIC! Great story...and very believable for a "standard" Hardly Worthitson.

                    But don't laugh too hard. Those stinkin' V-Rods can put the fear of God in any stock Eleven.

                    Dan Hodges thumped one good (a V-Rod) on his '81 SH. Said he looked up in his reaview and a V-Rod was closing in fast. Dan was in top gear and just screwed the throttle open. He said the "Rod" almost caught him until his Eleven (formally named Atilla) hit it's powerband and walked away.

                    But don't try this home folks. Atilla has had numerous mods, ported head, raised compression, and cams. I would venture a guess that Atilla is putting a hair over 100 hp TO THE PAVEMENT.

                    A lesser Eleven would've likely suffered a quite different fate.

                    G'day mates...and thanks for the funny story.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      That's true maximan...........and ya better not miss a gear if you tangle with a harley witha big bore kit . Only problem is the harley has more bucks tied up in the big-bore kit than most any of us has tied up in the XS11!.............plus to make it a pretty good acceleration contest I had 2-up on the XS to his rider only, and like I said, don't miss a gear up against a big-bore Harley, it'll become a race,(with 2-up on the XS
                      81H Venturer1100 "The Bentley" (on steroids) 97 Yamaha YZ250(age reducer) 92 Honda ST1100 "Twisty"(touring rocket) Age is relative to the number of seconds counted 'airing' out an 85ft. table-top.

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                      • #12
                        GREAT STORY,,, Had me going there........as for the V rod, and XS race. I have ridden,and owned both models , I loved the ride of the V rod, it was hard to beat, and thought I would not find a bike to replace the V rod, and when I bought my XS, I did not care for the sitting position initially, and it did not run perfect when I got her, but as I have owned her, and had the opportunity to learn about her, She has earned my respect !!
                        The Vrod was not a great bike for tight twisties due to the long rake of front end, but was much smoother, and pulled continueously through each gear, It was better only because of newer technology, if the XS was fuel injected, and had a lighter body and frame, it would be a mad house of a bike !! I would take the XS down through the twisties and win. XXXXXXXALERT Please do not bid on the XS 11 instrument cluster on ebay, I NEED ONE !!!!! I am the only bidder so far, wish me luck!!!
                        80'XS1100G "Red Velvet"
                        HD VRSCA 03' V Rod


                        While sitting in a chair, tilt your head back, and watch the wall behind you, instantly become a ceiling....

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                        • #13
                          Guess that would make you navahoblue then?
                          81H Venturer1100 "The Bentley" (on steroids) 97 Yamaha YZ250(age reducer) 92 Honda ST1100 "Twisty"(touring rocket) Age is relative to the number of seconds counted 'airing' out an 85ft. table-top.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Yes, on ebay that is my title!! I just hope it works!! Is the center portion on the instrument panel, where all the lights and writing is, is it removable from the instrument cluster?? I have a better one than the one being sold, can they be swapped??
                            80'XS1100G "Red Velvet"
                            HD VRSCA 03' V Rod


                            While sitting in a chair, tilt your head back, and watch the wall behind you, instantly become a ceiling....

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Hey Motoman, I really like that ST 1100, or even the 1300......what is your impression of each bike, as I have not had the priveledge of riding one......they look perfect for long tours........have you compared it with the Yamaha FJR 1300? thanks, I just have been intrigued with that bike, and have been looking for a honest review, especially with your various rides, you look to have the right knowledge!!
                              80'XS1100G "Red Velvet"
                              HD VRSCA 03' V Rod


                              While sitting in a chair, tilt your head back, and watch the wall behind you, instantly become a ceiling....

                              Comment

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