No Chicken Strips!

[bad Chad]

Most solid center lines are engineered for more than two wheels. Yes, anything can happen in a lapsed moment of attention but 40 in front is always better than 70 behind, right? 51 yeas of crossing the center lines safely has provided some wonderfull thrills that continue to this day. There are exceptions to EVERY rule. Beaten paths are for beaten men. (Oh, & women!)

Agreed.  I consider carefully when to do it.  First out of safety, and second out of respect for other motorist, usually cages.  I don't like to make what might be interpreted as an egregious move by motorist, even if it seems safe.  I don't want to make more "biker haters".

[charlie b]

There are ways to ride safely and ways to stay within the lines and they are not always the same.

Have been on many roads out here where it was a simple thing to use the whole road in turns without being a safety hazard. 

I don't do it on blind corners, even in very remote locations.  Have had too many close calls over the years.  One was on a back highway.  Had not seen another car for over an hour.  Went around a blind corner hugging the centerline, helmet and body hanging into the other lane.....and here comes a TRUCK.  BIG dumptruck.  Yep, missed that sucker by inches, only because he was hugging the inside line of the corner.  Didn't see another vehicle for another 30 min (until the intersection with another highway).  Over 100miles and that was the only vehicle I saw.  So, blind corners I stay on my own side.

[Lannis]

Just reinforces something I've always said ...

You can tell very little (often nothing) about the "skill level" of a rider, or the level of "performance" of his bike, on the street.   The riders aren't doing anything with their bikes that I or most everyone I ride with can't do.   The acceleration, speeds, and lean angles aren't incredible, all of us have done it.

The only thing these riders are doing that I won't do is risk their lives on blind curves and narrow roads for a thrill.   In quite a few cases there, if there were a rock or gravel wash in the road, a car coming the other way crowding your lane, or a truck stalled in the wrong place, these riders would be badly hurt or dead.   

For what?   For going 20 mph faster than was safe?   To show how big their bollocks are?   To "beat" someone?    Just for the thrill of "cheating death"?

Again, it's their choice, but it's only a demonstration of dangerous behavior, not a demonstration of skill, motorcycle performance, or bravery.   They can show us those last three on a track, and I'll be the first one going "Wow!"

Lannis

[lucian]

They are pushing it a little hard for road riding for sure. Probably nothing most of us haven't done at one point or another, I know I am guilty. I agree with Kev on the bad habits that can come from repeated runs like these, luck will eventually run out unfortunately. I've had some wake up calls with everything from deer to gravel on blind corners and when you least expect it there it is. I hope these guys don't have to learn the hard way what can happen being a road racer.

[chuck peterson]

I got to watch LOTS of road racing in 78-82 at Loudon, NH...so when I see this kinda action, I get a quizzical look on my face...

Why risk your ass on the street? Go play on the track, then you'll see how big your kahunas are...on the street has ZERO relevance to a skill level like say, Freddie Spencer, and yet, they WILL risk their lives to look like him.

Go play in the right sandbox. Me, I'd prefer to throttle back and actually see the Dolomites...and chase down Harley's and pass them., but only when ....never mind

[Tom]

Obviously, the skill level of the riders has a big qualification for the type of riding and venue.  No one would force you to ride that way.  If you want to ride slower, your choice.  The riding style is different in the Italian Alps (Dolomites) 

A big difference to explain it is that the first vehicle a person can afford in Europe is a bicycle supplemented by public transportation.  If you can afford it then a moped, then a scooter, then a motorcycle, then a car.  U.S. drivers can be driving a car after reaching 15yrs. of age.  Way different in how the rules of the road are interpreted and applied.  For the most part, a motorcycle is transportation in Europe first and recreation 2nd.  The U.S. it's mostly recreational.

European licensing is also different.  A more graduated and expensive proposition than the U.S.. 

[Adan]

They look like skilled riders, but they're leaving little room for error.  A patch of gravel or an oil slick is all it would take. For that reason, I wouldn't push it quite that hard.

But yeah, as others have said, the big question here is how did a Harley (the filmer) keep up?

[Guzzistajohn]

I watched a few minutes, I get pretty bored with GoPro vid of others riding. Do they ever pick up to a good pace? Going that speed I'd think you could stay on your seat don't 'cha think?

[Cool Runnings]

I've never ridden like this, ever. Guess I'm just Mr. safety.

[Tom]

You're riding your own ride.     One caveat though.  Riding in the Italian and Austrian Alps will sharpen your motorcycle riding skills.