Thursday those in attendance at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis have witnessed how a new page in the history of motorcycling was written, as Doug Danger jumped over 22 cars.
Doug Danger has been preparing this daredevil jump for quite some time now, but the fact that he managed to safely land well beyond the 22nd car is not the most amazing feat.
What is truly spectacular is that Doug Danger used the same 1972 Harley-Davidson XR-750 model bike Evel Knievel used back in the day. No modifications were made to this bike in terms of mechanics, engine power and so, and this puts Doug Danger in line with Knievel. Should he have picked a modern machine, the terms would have simply not been the same, so his success would've weighed less.
Evel's bike weight 350 lbs, whereas Doug's regular machine weighs only 200
Doug Danger's Harley only received a minor modification, relocating the footpegs to accommodate his height. Compared to the motorcycle he uses for his other jump stunts, the 1972 XR-750 looks like a fat cow.
The old H-D tips the scales at 350 lb (158.5 kg) and is a much heavier thing to fly than Doug's regular bike that weighs only 200 pounds (90.6 kg).
In terms of suspensions, and therefore, safe landing capabilities, the difference is even bigger: the old Harley has a mere 3 inches (7.6 cm) of travel, whereas the modern machine Doug usually rides comes with 12" (30.4 cm) of suspension travel.
A ramp was installed over the last three cars just like when Evel Knievel made the attempt
Just like back in the day when Evel Knievel attempted to clear 22 cars, Doug Danger's rig included a ramp that covered the last three cars. Knievel failed the jump as he only got past 21 vehicles and bump-landed.
Doug Danger's jump was way longer, and he landed way beyond the 22nd car, safely on the descending slope. Before Doug successfully cleared the jump he said: "I'm not so much after the record. I'm just trying to finish the jump for my friend. This jump is not my death wish, we're going to pull this one off, and it's going to be one of the greatest jumps in history. I really believe the spirit of Evel Knievel is flying with me, I really believe that he's here and I think he's pretty proud."
Well, Evel indeed has all the reasons to be proud, as his heritage carries on. Wonder who will step up after Doug Danger...
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