Isle of Man TT 2009 Onboard Yikes!

If that didn't give you chills or make your hair stand up, than you might want to check your pulse. This is a short clip of motorcycle racer Bruce Ansty aboard a 1000cc Suzuki at the start of the Superbike Isle of Man TT.

Basic bike stats: 210 HP, 350lbs with fuel, Full Racing slicks, Brembo Monoblock brakes, carbon fiber bodywork, etc. A Honda Civic Si is 200 HP and weighs 3000 lbs. Do that math!

Race and course stats: 4 laps x 37 miles per lap, 200+ turns, climbs up the first half, plunges down the second half. Riders go at 1 minute or so intervals. Most get airborn or wheelie over the many dips in the road.

Average speed: 130-134 mph
Top speed: 200 mph

Bruce Ansty was plagued with engine problems during the week of racing. In this clip, a faulty fuel sensor caused him to stop on the course. Many believe he had the fastest bike and may have been the winner had the bike held up.

Having done some track days on motorcycles I've previously owned, what these guys can do on these open roads is truly amazing and definitely nuts! I was scared at about half the speed on a safe, well maintained race track!

Ok, back to pedaling.