# Do the police ever go after speeding sport-bike riders? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 11, 2004, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582 "2004-07-11T17:39:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SmackFu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@SmackFu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmackFu)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2004, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/1 "2004-07-11T17:39:58Z")
Around here, you see these guys going really fast, like 40 mph faster than traffic. Flagrantly disregarding the law, but would a police officer ever bother chasing them? It seems like the odds of success would be pretty slim. Is there any risk to speeding that fast on a sport bike, other than death? ---
**Author:** ![unclviny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e274bd/32.png) [@unclviny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/unclviny)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2004, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/2 "2004-07-11T17:47:14Z")
Remember “you can’t outrun a radio” Yes, they will chase you until you pull over or crash. Unclviny (don’t ask) ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2004, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/3 "2004-07-11T18:23:40Z")
Yes. $300. ---
**Author:** ![Tower\_Dweller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc79bd/32.png) [@Tower\_Dweller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tower_Dweller)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2004, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/4 "2004-07-11T18:32:17Z")
In college, I definately saw a couple of bikes being chased. May have been the same guy, for all I know. I was sitting on my porch and heard this bike fly by on the back road near us (he was hauling major ass). A few seconds later, two cop cars came sceaming by in the same direction, full lights and siren going. Saw a similar chase down campus streets - one car came from the other way and tried to block the road, but the bike took a quick turn and hauled out of there. In the second case, they were clearly communicating by radio. So yeah, they do chase 'em. I love the show COPS, and I’ve seen lots of chases on there - they tend to like to show the ones where the bike wipes out at some point. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Mithgard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Mithgard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mithgard)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2004, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/5 "2004-07-11T19:19:05Z")
Im sure they chase em…my thought would be that they wouldnt necessarily chase them with vehicles, seeing as a bike should technically outrun any cruiser, but my guess/hope would be to track them via helicopter and follow until they eventually run into the side of a truck or bus. ---
**Author:** ![633squadron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/6/ee59a6/32.png) [@633squadron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/633squadron)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2004, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/6 "2004-07-11T22:32:07Z")
> [@SmackFu](#): > > Around here, you see these guys going really fast, like 40 mph faster than traffic. Flagrantly disregarding the law, but would a police officer ever bother chasing them? It seems like the odds of success would be pretty slim. Is there any risk to speeding that fast on a sport bike, other than death? Are you saying you’ve seen a sportbike going 40 mph over the limit _past a police officer_, or just 40 mph over the limit? I think most policer officers will chase sport bikes, but they have to see the bike speeding first. Even if the officer can’t catch the bike, he/she has a good chance of picking up a license plate. On a freeway, a police cruiser has a decent chance of catching a sportbike unless the rider’s a real pro. In CA, at least, speeding tickets come from being in a speed trap. I know, I’ve been nailed plenty. ---
**Author:** ![occ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8c91f0/32.png) [@occ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/occ)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2004, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/7 "2004-07-11T22:39:41Z")
6 or 7 years ago, there was a somewhat infamous incident involving a bike in my town; basically, some kid stole a motorcycle, was chased by the cops, ended up in the woods, dead. There was something of a public relations problem after this. Anyway. SUPPOSEDLY, our local police have been instructed not to engage in pursuit with motorcycles. I do not know if this is true, total hearsay, or what. That said, I _very_ rarely see sportbikes pulled over. Thing is, though, you’re risking death or serious injury. And if they’ve got your plate, it doesn’t matter anyway – you’re caught. Can you outrun a cop? Sure. Does that mean you won’t injure yourself or be identified? Nah. ---
**Author:** ![AZRob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/azrob/32/3003_2.png) [@AZRob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AZRob)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2004, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/8 "2004-07-12T02:14:38Z")
Well, not trying to speak for all cops, but in my area, most agencies don’t chase for traffic violations. Motorcycles are hard to catch anyway, at least in an urban area. But, no traffic violation, even criminal speed, is worth the risk of death to passersby. Just my 2 cents, Rob ---
**Author:** ![SmackFu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@SmackFu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmackFu)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2004, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/9 "2004-07-12T02:19:24Z")
> [@633squadron](#): > > Are you saying you’ve seen a sportbike going 40 mph over the limit _past a police officer_, or just 40 mph over the limit? No, he and his friend were just weaving between lanes in an area that sometimes has police w/ speed radar, which brought the question to mind. ---
**Author:** ![taxedout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c5a1d2/32.png) [@taxedout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/taxedout)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2012, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/10 "2012-06-12T17:06:53Z")
I’ve been a cop for 22yrs, and I’ve developed a system that has proven very successful. For example, I clocked one guy on a Honda GSXR600, going 116/55 MPH construction zone on I-215 in Vegas. What I’ll do since I work graveyard shift, is follow the guy about 100yards back. The traffic is very light, and there is no danger to other motorist. I’ll follow the guy for as long as it takes until he exits off the freeway, and stops at a traffic light on a side street. At that point, I’ll pull around to his front and block him in. Generally the guy is shocked, and then I’ll pull the keys out of the ignition. These riders develop tunnel vision when going so fast. Also with a full helmet visor, their vision is further decreased. They have no idea that I’m behind them observing their idiotic actions. I know if I light them up on the freeway, there is no way I’ll ever catch them, so I prefer a stealth approach. Of course with the above example I’ve stated, I cited the guy for Reckless Driving/Construction Zone (Fine is doubled), No Proof of Insurance, and No Motorcycle Endorsement (He stated he can’t pass the written portion of the exam), and the motorcycle he was “borrowing” from his roommate was impounded. So yes, if properly done, police can catch “crotch rockets”. ---
**Author:** ![Bijou\_Drains](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bijou_drains/32/2814_2.png) [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2012, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/11 "2012-06-12T17:07:53Z")
The cops in NY caught 2 guys on sport bikes going over 150 mph in the last few weeks. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2012, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/12 "2012-06-12T18:19:52Z")
Just keep in mind, the thread was started 8 years ago. It may take a while to catch up to motorcycle threads, but cops eventually do so. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2012, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/13 "2012-06-12T18:23:35Z")
Even a sport bike can’t outrun an airplane. ---
**Author:** ![md2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2012, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/14 "2012-06-12T18:48:59Z")
[![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/RK5bMSyJCsg/maxresdefault.jpg "Maryland State Trooper draws gun on speeding motorcyclist") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK5bMSyJCsg) Of course, it’s probably a good idea if you identify yourself rather than just looking like Joe Schmoe with road rage pulling a gun… ---
**Author:** ![svd678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@svd678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/svd678)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2012, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/15 "2012-06-12T19:27:37Z")
Oh, you’re talking about motorcycles! I thought it was those 15-speed bicycles. I heard a story about a fellow who got a ticket exceeding the speed limit on a pedal-powered bike, on the open highway on the high plains. His biggest regret was that he had expended those miles of effort, and then got stopped. Don’t remember the speed. ---
**Author:** ![GreasyJack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/df705f/32.png) [@GreasyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreasyJack)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2012, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/16 "2012-06-12T19:46:18Z")
Of course, they also catch them with speed cameras to a much greater extent than they did back in 2004. ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2012, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/17 "2012-06-12T20:12:50Z")
I can certainly beat a Cessna 172, but a 182 is harder. Of course, most police departments I know use helicopters, not planes for patrol/assistance. State troopers will use planes to ID speeders to ground units all the time in GA and FLA:mad: Stupid luck story of the week: Once upon a time, I was getting new tires on my bike. Since they didn’t have one tire, the store gave me a loaner bike for the weekend. Hey, it’s Friday. You want to ride tomorrow, right? So without paperwork, insurance card, anyone’s number at the store, I hopped on and rode away. Early Saturday, I had to go downtown Atlanta to get something. While on I-85 with no traffic in sight, I decided to see what this GsxR could do. About 180 as I passed under [Spaghetti Junction](http://maps.google.com/maps?q=fastest+production+ducati&hl=en&ll=33.89222,-84.251747&spn=0.023298,0.045447&client=firefox-a&t=h&z=15) and noticed two of Dekalb County’s finest sitting in the grass having a chat. As an ex-cop I would never run from the po-po, but I \*\*did \*\*decide to alter my route downtown to exclude the highway, starting at the next exit.😃 I suspect they never even moved, knowing that there was no way in hell the could find me. Probably just radioed Atlanta PD to look out for a bullet headed their way. Sooo, as I was heading back north, I was certainly more restrained, but still apparently fast enough to catch the attention of a slick-top who fell in behind me. Dammit, where did he come from! I don’t like what happens to people/cops on the side of the road, so I hit the right lane and signaled to him to follow me to the nearby exit at 60-ish. I pulled in to a gas station, put the kick stand down, and put my hands on my head. I could see him grinning as he came up to me. “What are you doing? Did you rob a bank?” I said no, I’m an ex-cop and I know what cops like from speeding bikers! He just laughed and asked for ID. He mentioned the dealer tag on the back, and for the first time it hit me that I’m riding without a tag and no proof of insurance. Many scenarios began to whirl through my head regarding jail, their bike, my bike, points, more jail, etc… He just handed me my license and said you need to slow it down some & stay safe. Well, I stay safe anyway.😃 ---
**Author:** ![md2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2012, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/18 "2012-06-12T20:52:33Z")
There’s a _Herman_ cartoon shows a cop writing a ticket to a guy in a running outfit and race number on his back, standing next to a sign that says “Speed Limit 15mph”. The cop is saying “Oh, quit your complaining. You’ll be bragging about this for the next 40 years!” ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2012, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/19 "2012-06-12T21:58:41Z")
> [@taxedout](#): > > For example, I clocked one guy on a\*\* Honda GSXR600\*\*, going 116/55 MPH … No, you didn’t. It was a Suzuki. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Shosy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@Shosy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shosy)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2012, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582/20 "2012-06-12T22:09:23Z")
I’ve just simply noticed over 20 year, at least in NJ, NY and PA, that the level of enforcement on toll roads (for some reason not non-toll interstates, of course in NJ there is some jurisdictional reasons maybe) has gone DOWN DOWN DOWN. I mean essentially the right lane has become the lane to drive 80-95mph. If you’re in the right lane and going 65, the person behind you will treat you like you’re behind the 9/11 attacks. The level of enforcement I think is one of the main reasons you see this. In the past they used to put a car just after a hill on the shoulder to catch bikes [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-police-ever-go-after-speeding-sport-bike-riders/254582.md?page=2)