Whether it's a big wheelie celebration after a race win or a huge stoppie at a traffic light, sportbike stunts are all around us. A handful of riders have even managed to make stunt riding a profitable career, while others are content with "weekend warrior" status at their favorite parking lot.
Professional racers cut loose once in a while too. Although they get paid to ride bikes around a track on two wheels, occasionally they let their instincts take over and reveal their inner hoodlums. But are their skills adequate or should they stick to their day jobs?
We've compiled the hottest stunt shots from both disciplines and devised a rating system to determine who indeed gets to stand atop the world's podium as "Best Stunter."
The judging criteria is based on a ten point scale with three categories:Difficulty, Execution and Style (gear). Let the show begin...
Scott Caraboolad
Pro Stunter, Suzuki GSX-R1000
It might look like a standard stunt these days, but with a stretched swingarm, 240 tire and stock gearing a custom bike is extremely hard to get on the back wheel. The bowling shoes hurt the overall score.Scorecard:
Difficulty: 7
Execution: 10
Style: 6
Total: 23
John Hopkins
MotoGP, Kawasaki ZX-RR
Poor John has struggled over the years since entering the Grand Prix ranks. While he hasn't had a lot of chances to celebrate, he makes them count. An impeccable standup wheelie on a million dollar racebike is undeniably pretty cool.Scorecard:
Difficulty: 3
Execution: 10
Style: 10
Total: 23
Jonny Rea
British Superbike, Honda CBR1000RR
At Cadwell Park, Johnny styles up a one-hander while flying over the infamous Mountain jump. Only the proper fast guys can get both wheels off the ground; only the insane do it leaned over while waving to the crowd.Scorecard:
Difficulty: 9
Execution: 8
Style: 8
Total: 25
Lin Eshalom
Stunter, Honda CBR600F4i
Jumping from a combo into a "highchair" wheelie is something only the most technical (and flexible) riders can pull off. The dirty socks and sneakers hurt in the Style department however.Scorecard:
Difficulity: 9
Execution: 9
Style: 4
Total: 22
Steve Jones
Stunter, Honda CBR600F4i
If only Steve had left his winter skiing jacket in the closet and grabbed something more appropriate he might have taken the overall win with his "no front end" wheelie. Imagine the consequences of dropping the front by accident. Add in the wet pavement and Steve shows why he's a top rider.
Scorecard:
Difficulty: 10
Execution: 10
Style: 7
Total: 27