Sportbikes and the SL.

[CDNC36AMG]

Originally posted by RickM
On the street a capable rider in any modern 600 cc sportbike will easily toss an SL to the side.

Yep, I agree as well. Used to road race bikes, don't believe an SL would stand a chance in the twisties against a good rider.

FWIW, I packed in the bike thing a few years back, too many spills and dumb car drivers out there.

[KenSilver]

Most people seem to have ridden and then retired because of getting sensible about the risks. I'm the same. After riding for about 35 years (with a 10 year gap for family), I gave up a few years ago because of a wish to protect and keep whole what I have left of my life.

I had no accidents (other than when I dropped my BMW K100 while parking). But even as a fast rider I rode safely, though I couldn't help thinking one day what that car turning across in front of me would have done to my bones if my skill levels dropped for an instant.

It was the same with flying helicopters. I even flew the last of 13 choppers in a funeral flypast for a fellow pilot, and thought nothing of it. It wasn't until a few years later that I really sat down and thought about the stats which said that eventually 1 of every 7 chopper pilots in our country would meet their maker. So I gave it up.

And I'm no namby-pamby cottonwool guy. But I value life more than the alternatives.

To get back on topic, a good rider would out-corner any car. I have done so without even thinking about it. All my recreation rides were just a continuous series of passing manouevres - no matter how fast the car was in my path.

Ah, the good old days! But I don't want them back... the SL beats them all for fun!

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening blue-black on black leather, xenons.
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey on grey leather, best in country!
~1991 Miata MX5, sparkling BRG on tan leather, wife's (but my polishing)
~1992 Honda US s/wagon, black/grey
ex 350SL, 230E, 280E (and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice)

[Eli (NJ)]

It's funny this topic should come up here of all places, I would expect it in a Honda or Acura venue. But, here's my take anyway.

A few years ago, I owned an RX7 Turbo that was quite fast. One late night, on an empty highway, a crotch rocket pulls up next to me and starts with the provoking acts we all know. Not shying away from races much then, I downshifted a few gears and began to give this guy some flack. We were neck and neck for a while to about 125, then a long left hand bend forced him to back off just a bit, while I reluctantly kept my foot planted (knowing my car and its limits pretty well helped). Needless to say, I had taken him, just as my exit came up. He then goes by me with a beep and a big thumbs up, very nice.

Now, keep in mind that my car was fast and handled great (fat sticky tires, bigger exhaust, higher turbo boost) and I had all the balls needed to push it near its limits. But to say an SL will out run a crotch rocket, on any road, is crazy. The car is way too heavy and wobbly (not to mention handicapped by an auto tranny) to out handle a fast bike. Driver skill, and guts, being equal, the bike should win every time. I've owned about 13 sports cars and can vouch for this.

Well, that's my experience anyway. Eli.

P.S. Please don't reply with the illegal speeds comments, I'm well aware of the consequences and don't take them lightly. Thanks.

[Pete Geither]

I too, rode bikes for over 30 plus years, but my main love was riding in the dirt. I never got into a confrontation with a car on a winding road and had no desire to do so. One of the main reasons I quit the bikes was, old age, of course, and the paranoia of hitting a deer at speed on the bike. I hit a deer with my 97 E420 last year, and did not have a chance. If I had been on the bike, I probably wouldn't be writing this right now. Deer hits have become a BIG part of our business.