http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080905...o_080905020054

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (AFP) - A motorcyclist was killed after losing control of his bike at 385 kilometers (239 miles) per hour and crashing on Utah's famous Bonneville Salt Flats, authorities and reports said Thursday.
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The American Motorcyclist Association said in a statement on its website that 49-year-old Cliff Gullett of Montana was killed in an accident during a time trial at the location, around 185 kilometers (115 miles) west of Salt Lake City.

The AMA said Gullett was competing in the 500cc class during a time trial speed racing event when his bike crashed. Reports said Gullett was aiming to set a record for the fastest two-stroke, two-cylinder motorcycle.

The Salt Lake Tribune cited police investigators as saying Gullett was travelling at 239 miles per hour before the crash.

The Bonneville Salt Flats have been used as a speed testing ground since 1896 and became famous in 1935 when British motorsport legend Malcolm Campbell broke the world land speed record at the site.

May He R.I.P

What a way to go.  We like to think that people would want to die doing what they love, but I'm sure he'd prefer to live and do it some more.  Here's to you, Cliff!   

RIP

He died going 239mph.  way to go. heres one to you.    rip

damn i didnt' know 500 cc bikes could even approach that speed at all... that is absolutely insane that a bike with such a small displcement could go that fast.

 

RIP

God speed Cliff.  

RIP - but at least he was doing what he was passionate about.

On a tech note - I did a little looking and there were some discussions of a 140 bhp 500cc stroke. 

sorry you had to go man.....but atleast you did it in style  [moto]


Rest in Peace

that must have been messy.   

RIP, you ballsy motherf!cker. 

-I have to ask this dude what  239mph tankslapper is like when I see him up in the Big House...      (if that's even what happened...)

Cliff - RIP, dude.  I hope it was quick and euphoric.   

I had lunch with Rocky Robinson a couple of years ago at the Indianapolis Dealer Expo.  He had some fabulous stories about traveling at speed across the Salt Flats.  Here's some good shots of his bike:

http://www.khulsey.com/motorcycles/zs_suzuki-ack-attack.html

These folks that run bikes + cars on the Salt Flats are a special breed.  Rocky was a very mellow guy, but I think that's the personality you need to be successful as a driver on the Salt.  Someone who's smart + calculated and not gonna be high-strung or hasty at the controls when things go awry:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkZjrmX3fzQ

That vid is the best possible outcome for a high speed tipover in a streamliner bike.
The rapid chute deployment likely saved his bacon.

Usually they start tumbling and cartwheeling and then it ends badly. 

Quote from: bluemoco v2.0 on September 05, 2008, 10:31:01 AM
These folks that run bikes + cars on the Salt Flats are a special breed. 

Like our very own Speeddog.   

RIP Cliff.