Car and Driver Magazine: Tested: How Fast Your Car Needs to Be to Outrun a Cop

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by Xist

Frank Lee, how do you feel about Harleys?

Someone claimed that if you are not in your car when the police find you they cannot do anything, but instead of attempting to test this claim, I just try to drive legally and safely.

Hardley Ablesons? Overpriced, over-hyped, cult of... something... crap? HD triggers an automatic puke reflex to me, even though a stock HD (unicorn) is probably OK. The HD clowns with their little matching outfits has something to do with it. And the epileptic wrist seizures they ALL suffer. And the Screamin' Chicken mods. There must be a pile of stock HD mufflers the size of Mt. Everest somewhere.

Re: Out of the car: Back in the day I did test that claim several times! Motorcycling home after bar close... saw a squad at a gas station I passed... didn't even look his way; I KNEW he was comin' for me! Whipped into a parking lot with many cars, hopped off the bike, pocketed the key. Cop rolls up, asks what I'm doing, I say admiring this here nice classic car. Cop notices no key in the ignition, asks if I need a ride home? Sure! It was out in the country and since he hadn't run the plate or asked for my I.D. I decided to stay somewhat anonymous and got dropped off at some unknown-to-me neighbor down the road from my place. The only consequence was it was a dayam long walk to town the next day to get the bike!

On a related note: Once at a college bar I over-indulged and went out to my car to get some fresh cold winter air and hopefully clear my head. I opened the door, barfed all over the parking lot, then passed out... next thing I knew there was loud knocking on the window. Cops! Two things went wrong for them: I blew clean on the Breathalyzer (it HAD to be broken!) and I'd left my jacket and car keys in the bar, which they failed to locate. No key in the ignition or even on my person = not controlling a vehicle. Sooooo they reluctantly let me go!

Now, these events took place in a different era, one where cops generally didn't shoot you on sight, among other things.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Plus they're quite versatile, and sometimes outperform Harley-Davidson big-twins quite easily.

But then, what doesn't? Even if you discount breakdowns :-)

[botsapper]

Study the Italian Job or practice with video games. Last night, swear I saw a Grand Theft Auto; Los Santos gameplay? Driver in possible stolen truck leads police on wild chase through Los Angeles | abc13.com

[Xist]

How would this conversation change if we considered motorcycle cops?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

In the US, nearly any police car is capable of keeping up with a dirt bike on the street.

Just nearly?

Originally Posted by jamesqf

But then, what doesn't?

This

Even if you discount breakdowns :-)

I'm not even counting breakdowns