Author Topic: Who chases down other riders? (Read 20349 times)

canuguzzi · « **on:** August 07, 2015, 12:54:35 PM »

Just a discussion topic.

You see another rider quite a ways up the road, maybe as you crest a hill and they just vanish around the turn.

Do you try to catch up to them? What do you do when you catch up?

I've done it. The other rider was at the limits of line of sight. By the time I got close enough to see it was some gal on a K75, the usual form fitting leathers, fuel became an important consideration. She sure was in a hurry. Either that or she assumed someone was chasing her and their bike was faster. True on both accounts but harmless.

Spuddy · « **Reply #1 on:** August 07, 2015, 12:58:42 PM »

I've done it.

Problem is, I don't know what to do if I catch up. Usually just ride, or stop at a traffic control device behind 'em.

Spud

wrbix · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2015, 01:10:42 PM »

If on a mountain road, yes. Follow for a bit without pressing, pass when they give indication to.
In town - nope

tonUPRacer · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2015, 01:16:37 PM »

Yup I do it both on my bicycle and motorcycle. Just in our DNA I guess. I do try to be polite and considerate if/when I catch and pass.

Arizona Wayne · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2015, 01:21:40 PM »

I do it if I'm able to catch them and if I can I pass them. Lots of times it's someone on a BMW.

But I don't go really fast to pass them unless I was on my LM IV. That's why I got rid of it. Many times riders are fast on straights but not so much on twisties. That's where I like to pass them if I can.

If I'm on a long trip I just ignore their speed, unless it's in the twisties.

boatdetective · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2015, 01:22:53 PM »

I don't chase people and I don't like being chased. This is one reason I don't like group rides over 3-4 riders.

Kev m · « **Reply #6 on:** August 07, 2015, 01:23:20 PM »

Guilty more often than not (another reason for preferring slower bikes).

I have to admit that I especially enjoy it when it is a sportbike or something sporty from JAPanInc. and I'm on the Harley.

Have gotten my share of friendly waves after I've caught up, or occasionally even passed them with the Sporty.

One time on the Duc I caught and easily passed a JAPanInc. bike who was bombing the straights at maybe 80 but slowing WAY too much in the twisties (maybe down to 50-60 on curves the Sporty could even take at 70+). I tried to be polite and stayed in the throttle before pulling back in a maybe 20-30 over what he was doing when I passed (and that meant nearly triple-digit when I pulled in), but a few seconds later he passed me in my lane on my right (dick) at a good 40+ more than he'd been doing when I was catching up to him in the first place.

Oh well, guess he couldn't stand being passed by a wee-Italian bike. Actually, it would have been really funny to pull up to him and point out that it was only a 696 he'd been passed by in the first place, but after that he kept it in triple-digits on the straights so I didn't bother trying to stay with him or catch him again. I figured he was going to do something stupid.

A couple of times I noticed I was being chased and I wicked it up to stay ahead of them. One time on my wife's previous Harley (883) and a couple of JAPanInc. sportbikes fell back on that run. I stopped at the end of it and they both gave a friendly wave when they went by.

And best of all, the second day I owned the V7... chased by a BMW whom I pulled away from for a while, then waited for at a stop sign. He commented how much fun I was having and asked me how "old" the V7 was... I laughed and said "2 days".

Arizona Wayne · « **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2015, 01:24:54 PM »

Quote from: boatdetective on August 07, 2015, 01:22:53 PM

I don't chase people and I don't like being chased. This is one reason I don't like group rides over 3-4 riders.

If someone chases me and passes me, more power to them.

not-fishing · « **Reply #8 on:** August 07, 2015, 01:56:53 PM »

I only do it on a bicycle.

With the Griso I'm not interested in getting in over my head.

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #9 on:** August 07, 2015, 02:03:22 PM »

Yep, I do it too. Most of the time it's a cruiser bike with the leather fringe flapping in the breeze and a stereo blaring from a bat wing fairing. Guilty as charged, I get a kick out of blowing thier doors on a 32 year old 850cc bike. That, or some slow poke in a Prius.

nick949 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 07, 2015, 02:46:23 PM »

Yes, sometimes, but only to see what kind of bike. It's a bit tricky on the Nuovo Falcone, doesn't happen very often and the answer usually is Schwinn.

Nick

bad Chad · « **Reply #11 on:** August 07, 2015, 02:53:00 PM »

Quote from: oldbike54 on August 07, 2015, 02:00:37 PM

I am compelled by nature to leave no Harley unpassed

Dusty

:1:

bouts · « **Reply #12 on:** August 07, 2015, 03:19:23 PM »

Not usually, I ride at my speed and enjoy the ride, if I happen to catch up to someone, then I may pass right away, or just alter my speed a tad and follow them for a bit. Same thing happens when someone catches me. Usually one of us leaves, giving a friendly wave on the pass.

drw916 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 07, 2015, 03:24:34 PM »

Oh yeah! Any bike in front of me is someone I want behind me. Immature, of course. But I think I'm hardwired to it. I instinctively twist the throttle when ever a bike comes in to view. Freeway or twisty backroad. Makes no difference.

I remember 30 years ago coming over the North Cascades Highway when I saw a BMW R100RS in front of me. I chased him down and passed him like he was standing still. I was pretty impressed with myself until I looked in the mirror and he was right on my wheel. Came to the next hair pin, executed a perfect downshift as I set up for the corner, only to have him pull out, pass me, and continue on without touching the brakes.

I had to accept the conclusion that I was only the second fastest person in the world. Actually, I think I have dropped quite a few spots since then.

tiger_one · « **Reply #14 on:** August 07, 2015, 03:32:04 PM »

+2 on passing the HD riders. My first bike after I sold my 99 FXDX (HD) was a used 07 K1200GT, I got a kick out of going by a string of HDs on 4 lane Interstate doing strong triple digits (over 130). I doubt they even knew what went by.

Coming back from Alaska, I got behind a group of 3 bikes, (and I was in a group of 3 counting myself) we could see them miles ahead as they would go over a hill or big bend. We would not risk more than 130 kph, but we chased them for 2 or 3 days. They would stop and refuel and we would fly by, then while we were refueling, I would see them come by. One morning we were eating breakfast, and they came by. Passed them at next fuel stop. 950 KTM in the bunch had a rear flat, and we pulled over to see if we could help. One rider we knew, and recognized one of us before we even got off our bikes. Pretty funny.

zedXmick · « **Reply #15 on:** August 07, 2015, 03:46:37 PM »

Only if my pace catches them. I'd never "wick it up" just to catch them.

bad Chad · « **Reply #16 on:** August 07, 2015, 03:55:21 PM »

Unless traffic is so much, 90% of the time I will push to catch and ultiminlty pass the bike. Part of it is just seeing a bike makes me automatically competitive, but the other bigger part wants to see what kind of bike it is! If its to much trouble, or I know for sure its just another sheep of a HD out droning I won't bother, but if the roads somewhat open, and I'm on a bike that likes to roll, (which is always, I'm on a Guzzi for gods sake!) I'm gonna hunt him down!

charlie b · « **Reply #17 on:** August 07, 2015, 05:17:02 PM »

Quote from: nick949 on August 07, 2015, 02:46:23 PM

Yes, sometimes, but only to see what kind of bike. It's a bit tricky on the Nuovo Falcone, doesn't happen very often and the answer usually is Schwinn.

Nick

ROFL, yep. I also may ride a bit faster just to see what kind of bike it is. Otherwise, no. I am not a race qaulified rider by any means. The T5 suits me cause it is not fast and is still better than I am in the corners. So, almost any rider with a decent amount of skill can pass me in the twisties, and anyone on a decent bike can pass me on the straights.

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #18 on:** August 07, 2015, 05:39:51 PM »

Uh, well.. duh.

Hawgs are dead meat.

In the last few years though, I've only been passed once on the Snake. Kind of surprised me to see him in my mirrors, but I pulled over and waved him on. He was on a Tuono, doing a road test for a mag. I was definitely out classed.

We stopped at the Rock Store and sts. Nice guy.

56Pan · « **Reply #19 on:** August 07, 2015, 07:00:36 PM »

Never. Saw somebody's sig. here: not anti-social, just pro-solitude. Always ride alone. Life is better that way, at least in my world.

ohiorider · « **Reply #20 on:** August 07, 2015, 07:39:59 PM »

Means nothing to me. I ride my ride, they ride their ride. If they're obviously nubes, sure, I'll pass. But no compulsion to get around a bike making good speed, especially if I'd have to go out of my level of comfort to prove a 'point.'

56Pan · « **Reply #21 on:** August 07, 2015, 07:48:59 PM »

Yeah, it's about the comfort level. I'm not anti-social, with a few beers or without. Just happier riding alone.

charlie b · « **Reply #22 on:** August 07, 2015, 08:11:05 PM »

I think the point is, this is not a social thing. Not trying to be friends with anyone, join them, or stop and chat. Just want to see what kind of bike it is. If I do catch up to someone I will go out of my way to NOT stop where they are. I don't want to talk to them.

Unless, of course, it is another Guzzi. :) Then I will say hi.

OK, so sometimes at a parking lot or gas station there is a rare bike or one that I am interested in and I will ask them about it. But, don't want to ride with them or have lunch or anything. I have even been known to be rude to someone who stops to chat about my Guzzi. Not nice, I know.

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #23 on:** August 07, 2015, 08:20:36 PM »

Quote from: 56Pan on August 07, 2015, 07:00:36 PM

Never. Saw somebody's sig. here: not anti-social, just pro-solitude. Always ride alone. Life is better that way, at least in my world.

I ride alone quite a bit too. It's not easy to get together with others going the same way, same speed,same direction for the same distance. Much easier to just go. If you wait for others to go with you, you'll just do alot of waiting. A group of 3 or 4 is plenty. Most of the local riders I know just end up at a bar any-hoo. Not my style at all.

canuguzzi · « **Reply #24 on:** August 07, 2015, 10:09:52 PM »

The V65 Sabre was great for chasing since it was usually some hotdog that thought V65 meant 650cc and passed me to launch ahead. The old school 65 cubic inch engine would eat them alive in seconds. From a tiny spot in their mirror no doubt, to a flash that went past them.

LongRanger · « **Reply #25 on:** August 07, 2015, 10:14:22 PM »

Guilty, but only on back roads, not in town. We get a lot of out-of-state riders in the mountains here, mostly on cruisers, who don't exactly demonstrate proficient riding skills. They're like rolling roadblocks. Blowing past them was especially satisfying on my V7C. On the F800GT, they have no chance.

Rich A · « **Reply #26 on:** August 07, 2015, 10:19:15 PM »

Quote from: oldbike54 on August 07, 2015, 02:00:37 PM

I am compelled by nature to leave no Harley unpassed

Dusty

I've been passed by Harleys. Several times.

Rich A

Penderic · « **Reply #27 on:** August 07, 2015, 10:23:53 PM »

Guilty!

But .....

I have been chased a lot too!

Arizona Wayne · « **Reply #28 on:** August 07, 2015, 11:10:10 PM »

Quote from: Rich A on August 07, 2015, 10:19:15 PM

I've been passed by Harleys. Several times.

Rich A

If a Harley passes me it's because I let it.

Scud · « **Reply #29 on:** August 08, 2015, 12:09:04 AM »

Like some others said, I usually ride solo. I also like to start early and do long loops in less-travelled areas. So this is really not much of an issue for me.

I immediately slow down and move toward the shoulder if another rider is closing on me - to let them pass. I'd rather not have to think about whether the eager-passer is going to do something stupid.

As for slower riders ahead, sometimes I play a "constant speed" game - can I catch them by doing my best in the curves, but maintaining that same speed in the straights?

Here's what I do take great pleasure in: striking up a conversation with another rider about where we've both been so far - and dropping the "bomb" that I'm way over 100 miles from home on my morning loop. I'm more competitive on distance and saddle-time than pace. Anybody want to ride San Diego to San Francisco in two weeks? 550 miles of mostly twisties - 11 hours door to door - arrive in time for early dinner.

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Author Topic: Who chases down other riders? (Read 20349 times)

canuguzzi

56Pan

56Pan

canuguzzi

LongRanger

Penderic