It was really no contest

[Aussiebikerdave]

as I desperately tried to to fend off the marauding advances of the Hayabusa on the way down the Kereelpa hill from Mapleton this afternoon.

The day's ride was nearing the end after a slow but fun day with a bunch of riders and their wifey passengers however as we we came past the Mapleton Pub at the beginning of the descent down into the town of Nambour, I spot a sport bike with passenger up ahead. Breaking free from the shackles of my friends on their Americas, Speedmasters and lone Fatboy, I set of after the bike ahead. This'll be interesting I thought as I recognised the shapely lines of the Hayabusa's rear end.

Having caught the Suzuki and then both of us being holed up behind a slow moving fourbee (SUV) on double lines, I waited for an opportunity then nailed 'em both in one illegal swoop. With no delay the 'Busa pilot jerked it past the Nissan as well and was on my tail in an instant. This guy was keen I thought so the pace was upped then upped some more. Catching a couple of cars, we sweep around them in unison with the Busa man sticking his front wheel up either side at will. Although my pace had not quite reached 10/10ths, Mrs Pearce started showing her lack of appreciation by pummelling me in the side which caused me to back off half a point. Despite my vain attempts at making the Rocket as wide an obstacle as possible, the Busa shot past with a superior drive out of a medium speed left hander and then proceeded to demolish any thoughts that I might have had about retrieved glory further down the road.

Catching up once we arrived in town, I pulled along side where friendly gestures where exchanged.

As we cruised home along the main highway loaded with Easter traffic, I began to wonder if a turbo might have helped. Nah, I reasoned. Outright power certainly helped but was not the main issue today. Maybe put the Rocket on a diet of carbon fibre, exercise and weight loss pills? Nah, woulda still got beat. Hmmm, maybe I just need another bike in the shed... something like a Hayabusa fitted with a nice fruity Yoshi pipe and some fresh sticky rubber!!! Davo

[ This message was edited by: Aussiebikerdave on 2006-04-14 05:18 ]

[rick05rocket]

Davo,

Seems to me the Rocket acquitted itself righteously with you at the helm pitted against a premier sport bike. . . not a bad run for a behemoth cruiser. . .

Once again, the Rocket demonstrates incredible versatility and performance. . .I mean, the run sounded incredible, but when that sort of run is over, cruising home on the Rocket, especially with a passenger aboard would be much more comfortable and satisfying.

Nice recount. . and hope she didn't bruise your ribs too much. . though your spouse sounds like a real trooper to me!

ride on

rick

[Hondax]

Nice story Davo. Agreed, your wifey must be a real trooper as well as the busa's pillion.

I reckon the busa pilot, when he logs in to his favorite busa forum(s) will treat his minions to an equally dramatic "kill" story.

I find I continuously remind myself my Rocket is a cruiser not a crotch rocket.....

[Ugarte]

Davo, forget about juicing up and slimming down the Rocket to beat a Busa.....just get a Kawi ZX14R. Its about twice the price of the boostisgood turbo but will do (has done anyway) high 8's in the 1/4.

Yeah!!!!! That new ZX14 Kawasaki is supposed to be the first ever motorcycle capable of 200mph out of the crate. Insane!!!!! I still love the thrill however, of my Rocket when I role on from 60mph to 120mph, all while riding a massive cruiser and knowing that you are king in that class. That's insane enough for me these days.

[Jamie]

I began to wonder if a turbo might have helped. Nah, I reasoned. Outright power certainly helped but was not the main issue today. Maybe put the Rocket on a diet of carbon fibre, exercise and weight loss pills? Nah, woulda still got beat. Hmmm, maybe I just need another bike in the shed...

The Rocket acquitted itself decently, as rick05rocket aptly observed, Davo. Its bulk and, more critically, is limited cornering clearance --not its sheer power-- are the speed limits, as I routinely reach them and occasionally defy and surpass them during uphill alpine rides.

Hmmm, maybe a Daytona 675 could be an instant cure to your Hayabusa "Hi! Abuse ya?" blues


SOLO riding, that is, as I am afraid I have no no-allergy prescription for your "other " riding...er... irritant



[ This message was edited by: Jamie on 2006-04-15 13:47 ]

[Aussiebikerdave]

On 2006-04-14 11:43, Ugarte wrote:
Davo, forget about juicing up and slimming down the Rocket to beat a Busa.....just get a Kawi ZX14R. Its about twice the price of the boostisgood turbo but will do (has done anyway) high 8's in the 1/4.

Urgarte, those new Kwackers sound like the ducks guts alright. Even a goose should be able to get into the nines on one of those things. Despite their prodigous power, they will still only do 299kph (186mph) because of the electronic reins that they inflick bikes with these days.

Probably just as well too! I well remember the sight of protesting greiving fathers when their sons were killed in droves on the evil Kawasaki 500 triples back in '69. Hope we don't see the same thing over again! Davo

[Toystoretom]

I had a H1. Made about two horsepower until it hit the ports and then it made all 60 at once. It was a shame it couldn't go around corners, the quick and the dead bike....