Acting like an idiot, I decided to see how fast I could wheelie. The usual competitions

Amongst ourselves always involved distance. At the time I was on my Husky 250 2-stroke and in my early 20’s.(Bullet proof)This all happened in 1989, the husky 250 had a very aggressive power band and was not the easiest of bikes to keep up over a long distance, however it was perfect for “Fender Benders” anyway!

We found a long stretch of highway with a steep uphill. (No cops) I thought an uphill would be easier and help with regards to getting the front wheel down should I overdo things a bit.(Still rear drum brake) With a friend of mine behind me in his car and a whole bunch of my mates on bikes I had my first run.

1st Attempt Not very far or fast!

2nd Attempt A bit better but only 80km’s an hour.

3rd Attempt, I decided to do it downhill, this way I would surly get more speed.

I decided to get my speed up and then lift the front wheel. (No rules had been stipulated)

Perfect I thought, this should be fast enough. The wind was pulling on my helmet peak and I figured I must be doing at least 120kph.

With a hand full of throttle I popped the clutch followed by an almighty heave, I lifted the bike up perfectly, by this time I was really moving and the bike responded beautifully to all my movements. It was now time to show off I thought! I lifted my right foot off the peg and bluffed a short kick at one of my mates who was riding about 2, 5 meters on my side. You guessed it!

That’s when it happened!!!!!!

Bike started to wobble and veer off to the left, with my right foot now extended as far as I could to try and pull the bike back into line (All in vain) I decided to take desperate measures, I pulled my leg back in and lunged for the back brake…… “LOCK UP”

With a huge jolt the bike’s front wheel smashed down onto the tar! Oh No! Tank slap!!!!

A split second later I was on the tar heading straight for the Armco Barriers   BANG!

Bike damages; Broken Clutch lever and small dent in Exhaust.

Body damages; Left foot/ankle scraped to the bone! (No boots on)

Left Butt cheek had a big flat spot! (Road rash)

Skin of all finger tips gone! (No gloves)

I was later told that I had picked the bike up at 140kph but unfortunately he forgot to look at the top speed!!!!!! So if I wanted to know, I should do it again!!!! (Bloody idiots)

I have had a few other more serious ones, But! This is the one that still sends shivers through my body and is the main reason I do not pick my front wheel up anymore! EVER!  Eish!