Guys, I say this with all the possible love in my heart, but what you're about to watch is probably the most ADHD motorcycle drag racing video ever. To be clear, that's by no means a bad thing. Honestly, I think that makes it incredibly relatable. If you've ever spent time at a track and felt the energy, you know what I mean.
The machines racing may not be electric, but level of excitement definitely feels that way. It's almost total sensory overwhelm, too; all the sights, sounds, smells, and anticipation of what's to come will flood over and through you at a moment's notice. This video, I must say, captures it incredibly well.
Here, you'll see Craig from the Bearded Mechanic show up with his buddy Sean to try the build-off Harley V-Rod's luck on the eighth mile drag strip. The rules say that pretty regular street gear is acceptable for a run if the speed is under 100 mph, so Craig's gear fits the bill. Full-face helmet, jacket, boots, and gloves. If you're going over 100 mph, though, you'll need full race leathers.
The V-Rod, by the way, now appears to have been officially christened as the V-Glide, and the reason is immediately evident if you just take a good look at the thing. One key point in the finished build that I neglected to mention in previous pieces about it is the paint. It's not just any white; it's a very close approximation of Porsche's white, which just adds an extra layer of appreciation if you know your V-Rod history. I don't know about you, but I love little nods like that.
How did the V-Glide do at the drag strip? Pretty well, considering that it was in no way built with the intention of becoming a drag bike. Since Craig showed up on a Wednesday night, and the strip wasn't too busy, he and his buddies got to do quite a few runs before time was up. By the end, his reaction time had dropped significantly from the first run. By contrast, his top speed had markedly improved. While he never topped his goal of 90 mph, he did get pretty close.
And honestly, his enthusiasm is infectious. Part of that, I'm sure, is the electric energy of going from a place with snow and ice on the road in winter to someplace warm, and getting the chance to let 'er rip at a time when those of us who live in the frozen tundra normally have the air hurt our faces when we go get the mail. But part of that is also just what happens if you spend time at a grassroots racing event, be it at a drag strip or otherwise.
In other news, are you itching to get outside and ride as badly as I am? Let me know in the comments.
