Alright, folks, let’s dive into this little project I tackled: figuring out the true top speed of a 2004 Kawasaki 636. Now, I’m no professional racer, just a guy who loves his bike and a bit of a speed demon, I will say that.
First things first, I prepped my 636. I mean, you can’t just jump on and expect record-breaking numbers. I checked the tire pressure, made sure the chain was lubed and properly tensioned, and gave the whole bike a good once-over to make sure nothing was loose or about to fall off. Safety first, even when you’re chasing speed!
The Testing Ground
- I found a long, straight, and deserted stretch of road. I won’t tell the specific location. You know, gotta keep it on the down-low.
- I waited for a day with minimal wind. Wind resistance can really mess with your top speed, you know?
Then came the fun part. I suited up in my full leathers, helmet, gloves – the whole nine yards. I’m not taking any chances at those speeds.
I did a few warm-up runs, gradually increasing my speed to get a feel for the bike and the road. No point in going full throttle right off the bat.
Finally, I went for it. I tucked in as much as possible, pinned the throttle, and watched the speedometer climb. The wind was screaming past me, the engine was roaring, and the bike felt… well, it felt incredibly fast! I kept it pinned until I just couldn’t go any faster.
I backed off the throttle slowly and coasted to a stop, my heart pounding.
So, what was the magic number? Now I should mentioned, the official number is somewhere around 160 mph, or what other people got online. But I managed to hit a solid 157 mph on my * could be a tiny bit inaccurate.
Of course, a few things to keep in mind here:
- Speedometers can sometimes be a bit off.
- My weight, the road conditions, and even the air temperature can all affect the top speed.
But hey, it was a blast! I got a good adrenaline rush, and I learned a bit more about what my 636 can do. Would I do it again? Maybe! But for now, I’m happy knowing I pushed it to its limit, at least for me.
