These little speed runs up and down the interstate result in problems for…ah, oh yeah, pretty much everybody! Other travelers using the highway must contend with these jackasses who are riding at excessive speeds, making erratic lane changes, and riding the dotted line, when no lanes are open. As well, law enforcement officials making efforts to curtail this behavior, maintain a police presence at or near the locations where these riders typically make their runs. Unfortunately, these efforts are often thwarted when the riders choose to meet elsewhere along the interstate, or just blatantly run from police, believing their sport bikes will outrun whatever vehicles law enforcement officials are using in pursuit.
High-speed motorcycle runs on the interstate, or on any public road, don’t just create problems for other motorists and the police. They create problems for other riders, as well. This type of behavior gives motorcycling, and sport bikes in particular, a bad reputation, which is where real damage can occur. I’ve already heard people make comments after seeing sport bikes go down like, “well, he was probably speeding, since he was riding one of those hyper-bikes after all.” As motorcyclists, we’re already in the minority of the motoring public. We also happen to be the most exposed out on the road compared to those traveling “inside” their vehicles. All things considered, riders certainly don’t need an additional bias against us in the form of people believing that we’re likely to be speeding or riding in an unsafe manner just because of the type of bikes we choose to ride.
So, my real question to these interstate speed racers is, “are you under the impression that somebody’s impressed?” Cause we’re not!!!
Riders who really impress the hell out of those who give a damn about motor-sports are the ones who show up at their local speedway on open track days. These cats have spent the time and effort to make whatever preparations are necessary to get out on the track and, when they’re doing their laps, turning wheels in anger, their competition isn’t some soccer mom with 3 kids on her way home from grandma’s place. Rather, it’s likely some rider who’s been there before, who knows a thing or two about trail-braking and finding each turn’s apex, someone who can handle off-camber turns at speed. Yeah, it’s that old dude on the Beezer who just handed you and your Gixxer your collective ass. But it’s a respectable ass-whooping, and if you’re smart you’ll follow that ole boy and his Beezer into the pits to find out what advice he may have for you regarding your burgeoning career in road-course motorcycle racing.
So, if you’re a sport bike enthusiast, like me, please realize that people get that your scooter can go fast, thus the “sport bike” moniker. There’s no need to make high-speed runs on public roads. In doing so, the only thing you’ve proven about yourself is the word uttered by all who see you rush by, “Jackass!” On the other hand, if you’re truly determined to race, and want the respect of other riders and the motor-sports community alike, then get serious about it, keep you’re high-speed riding off of public roads, and get on a racetrack. It won’t be easy, and you will have to prove yourself. But the respect and camaraderie of your fellow racers, the continuous improvement in your lap-times, and maybe even a trophy every now and then will make all of it worth the effort!