No one should be comparing any of those jumps - it was a way to sell the TV event and they did.
Travis unlike Evel practiced - because TV would not have let him do this if he had not vetted each jump! That is the way it is with today's TV.
Evel was on a stock Triumph Bonneville 650cc for the fountain jump and there is no way that bike would have done that jump! The FTR (flat track Racer) has over 100hp and is lighter and more balanced and way better suspension.
Evel's ramps, Evel's motorcylces, Evel's time was ancient - But his showmanship will never be matched.
Evel is the KING of the DareDevils.
I don't post often but do keep up with the site. I wasn't aware that it had become a Knievel site, and reviewing past post and news still am not aware. Doug Danger, Bubba, Wells and many others make up the news. I'm now a Travis fan BUT his three jumps in succession were extremely well rehearsed. Bike and ramps literally made Evels look ancient. The Indian had been converted to a monoshock specifically for these jumps. I never saw any footage of Evel practicing for any jump. The Wembley stadium jump, indoors on a makeshift ski ramp to accelerate approach. Were it not for lack of speed coming off a flatboard ramp London would have been one of Evels best jumps. Watch the footage. Hit that takeoff ramp with a heavy, LOUD jolt and still flew level all the way across. just came up short. His spot at the top of this site is well deserved, IMO.
MD FAN I am 68 years old and retired and no I cannot and was never offered the money to attempt but one thing for sure there are a huge amount of talent out there that can with the right equipment. Some of them are listed on the Jumper page including Earnie Adams comes to mind. There is also some who have paid their price for attempting to do what they did and some are still doing it like Gene Sullivan who I would love to see also be a jumper of the month.
The site has a mission statement and I wish it would follow instead of turning this into a Knievel site.
Way to go Travis Pastrana!
Maybe now that someone other than the name of Knievel will get some publicity on this site.
Pastrana is one heck of a rider, not the showman that Evel was but most certainly a nice guy who has done more on a motorcycle and other stunts than anyone of memory.
Evel has been the Jumper of the Month several times a year and there are plenty of others that should have the publicity. Robby is another one.
So maybe now you guys can find the time to find out about others who have kept the art of ramp to ramp jumping alive that you can cheer for. Travis is probably not your favorite right now but the guy deserves our respect. He did what others said they were going to do.
BIG Ed Beckley
Holt TIGHT till your knuckles TURN WHITE!1806
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