What’s it COST to race a 1,500hp TOP FUEL MOTORCYCLE?

We get up close and personal with the world record holding Top Fuel Motorcycle team of Larry “Spiderman” McBride to find out what it really costs to drag race a nitro motorcycle. We interview every member of the team to better learn what the have to do behind the scenes in Top Fuel Motorcycle pit area to make this drag bike go, hear from Larry McBride as to how much the motorcycle is worth and what the individual parts cost, and see some great Top Fuel drag bike runs, a world record, an explosion and a couple fails. Sit back and enjoy are tour of team Larry “Spiderman” McBride.
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[@dirtydingo49]

Definitely has to be one the best behind the scenes interviews of a race crew that has been done in my opinion. Congratulations

[@ronaldmeyer5904]

When Larry talks about helping other racers, he does that to an extent that is phenomenal. I have been the recipient of much help from him. He has answered every question I have ever had and he has always taken time to talk even though he is busy. A person can't ask for a better friend.

[@cycledrag]

Amen Ron. You know this well. We need to get you over to the East Coast one of these days! Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@J-dizzle2021]

He's a great guy I met last year. His brother Steve is a great guy also. He is a phenomenal racer and is just a super awesome guy. Keep rolling and be safe my friend! It couldn't happen to a nicer guy! Cheers Brother! 👍

[@joebob7344]

Really good program,one of the best I’ve seen . Your enthusiasm is unsurpassed. Thanks. You go all out for your channel. Congrats on being the best.

[@martinj9251]

This is by far the best production I have seen on top fuel racing and running costs ever! 🇬🇧

[@kennethhacker1341]

Thank you cycledrag for taking us behind the scenes!!

[@RevitupPhil]

Pearls of wisdom with Larry at the end...kudos for getting this interview.

[@shanevermij4780]

Really nice to see who does what ,and how it all works excellent

[@cycledrag]

Have you ever seen him race live? Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@jameswulzen590]

Larry is the guy you go to for the right stuff. For me in 1958 it was Vic Hubbard's in Hayward and we went every Thursday night , Millers custom and speed in Oakland, brothers that were very helpful in my young life toward racing and home building. I built fuel engines in a two car garage on the floor getting parts from Millers and Hubbard's, I was a teen ager looking for info and worked at the time for General Motors in Oakland on 73 Ave. I had 3 Stromberg 48's on an Edelbrock 3 carb manifold matched to the ports on a 3/8x3/8 296 CI flathead as my first race engine. What I learned back in those days went with me in my life to date. I learned to weld in High school, gas and arc, wire feed came much later. I was in a club called " Shamrocks" in Alameda Calif. where i was born in 1939 and raised in the Hot Rod revolution with the safety safari back in the 50's setting up strips across the nation with the NHRA and Wally. Vacaville, Half Moon bay, Lodi, and Sacramento were my strips close to me and I loved it. You could buy a 34 ford coupe running for $10.00, build a race engine for $150.00 and pedal to the metal !!!!

[@kevinsullivan8133]

What a superb piece of Motorsport journalism - high praise to you all , I started to watch this and was totally mesmerized and hooked both by the depth of information that was discussed and the detail shown in the footage - a refreshing change from the 45 minute programs on TV that doesn't do justice to the hard work , dedication and cost involved in (any) Motorsport - and as Larry McBride said , it's all relative to your means and support - thanks guys , superb, just superb

[@Weird600]

I ran a top fuel Bike back in the early 80's. I believe I was the 9th guy to do 200mph on a bike at OCIR. I was also very low buck racer and when Nitro went from under $10 per gallon to over $40 that was the end for me.

[@BlakeMcBride]

This is my favorite video you’ve ever done Jack.

[@scottpacker9906]

Thank you!! Fascinating video. Larry is truly the epitome of class. It's incredible how he anticipates what the bike is going to do and corrects before it happens. I hope to be able to see this beast in person before I die. Jaw dropping cool.

[@gunny2shoes102]

very nice thank you, good edit, good sound, very relevant, old Russ Collins guy here, your helping to get some youngsters in.

[@laskinov]

Respect Larry, such a humble guy, with a great team around him, and thank you Jack for another great vid. Watching from Brizzy Australia. 👍🏻

[@cycledrag]

He's great. Have you ever seen him race live? Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@laskinov]

@@cycledragNo I haven't seen him race but I would love to see Larry in Australia....just to do a demo run, or at worse...race Matho? The guy is so far ahead... I'm speechless. Cheers.

[@TheMitch883]

I have one word, “INSPIRATIONAL” - Larry you have a new fan and of course thanks to CycleDrag

[@sailor81]

Thanks for this one mate. Nice to get some insight on what goes on in a Top Fuel team and meet the people responsible for these passes!

[@cycledrag]

He's great. Have you ever seen him race live? Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@rdaw33]

Great video!!!!!.......Thanks for including lots of passes!!!!!......NEVER gets old!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cycledrag]

Have you ever seen him race live? Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@rdaw33]

@@cycledrag No, but I hope to someday..........

[@dalepitts6642]

Larry your awesome a great role model and rider What a team Spending lots of cash helps but your crew innovation and professionalism are what makes you #1 in my book

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Larry McBride and his entire crew are one class act, bar none. They make it happen, and others in racing support them because of their support.

[@FirstnameLastName-sx8ls]

Wow!!! That sounds like an awesome job. I wish I could be in the race shops.

[@Godscountry2732]

Thank you for giving us an in-depth look at Larry's team and the cost of running a top fuel motorcycle. It was interesting to hear Larry talk about the companies that supply his team with parts. Larry's bike is like a rolling billboard for companies who want to get exposure. What better way to advertise your company than on a 268 mph missile?

[@brianhelland7442]

wow there's a whole lot of work for the team members to keep this motorcycle going safely down the track and see if the guy's life amazing what all goes into this and all the time all the expense wow I never knew that this is very interesting video these are dedicated men to this guy and go the fastest he can go and set world records Awesome totally awesome

[@morphman21]

I know guys don't love each other. But everytime chucky said dad. It made my heart feel happy. I love father and son working together especially if there on the same team 💖😊

[@jeffreyjohnson2712]

Thanks Jack and Larry for a truly interesting video. I also loved the engine breakdown video last summer. My top item on my bucket list is a weekend at the racetrack watching the Spider-Man run 5.40's @ 270mph. I wonder if there is a new 4 valve head in Larry's future? Just saying ........

[@cycledrag]

Can't wait to see you! Please give this a share!

[@mikewinkelman7015]

much respect to Larry and his crew

[@jameswulzen590]

that's what you would call a polished team. I used to show up with my fuel bike and one helper, we were very young men trying to figure out how to use Nitro after running an Alky bike. Romeo Palamedies use to mix my fuel ands end me off, He was also in Oakland Calif. He ran a dragster called The Iron Boot, sat on top of the diff, not slingshot style that came later.

[@robcue4543]

Larry Spiderman McBride Rocks!

[@jameswulzen590]

I have a feeling that Larry's brother is by himself in life and the bike is his world, he does a find job. I hope I'm wrong because everybody needs some one to Love besides the hard stuff in your hands and your mind, being 84 I really know what I'm talking about.

[@jameswulzen590]

I'm 84 now and just finished a ground up build of a 1962 Honda GP road racer here in Hawaii.

[@brianreynoldson1965]

Nitromethane is a cruel mistress, in the fuel ranks two or four wheeled ranks. There's no room in the crew for egos, since your riders life depends on you doing your job right. Everytime. Kudos to the McBride crew.

[@cycledrag]

Amen to that. Thank you very much for watching. Which job on this team could you see yourself doing? Also, please also give this video a share! Thanks a lot!

[@brianreynoldson1965]

Used to drag race, a doorslammer. Been following the sport, two and four wheel, since 1966 and packed it in 1995. Retired now, too old and out-of-shape to risk a massive coronary. But, I still love the sport. LOL!

[@FunkyRaceMonkeyZ]

Sweet Video CycleDrag. You make the best Motorcycle Racing videos

[@cycledrag]

I really appreciate you saying that. Thank you very much for watching. Which job on this team could you see yourself doing? Also, please also give this video a share! Thanks a lot!

[@FunkyRaceMonkeyZ]

@@cycledrag Lol... Yours!.. but don't laugh. I think you are awesome and also I'd try Spiderman's job. Sharing now and leaving a like so youtube will show more fans

[@cycledrag]

@@FunkyRaceMonkeyZ hey, cmon, I could use help!

[@FunkyRaceMonkeyZ]

@@cycledrag I would love that but I'm still learning from you and I have to say you're an awesome teacher. Nobody does it better

[@fugemlpriks1876]

Thanks to Larry and Jack for the insight. Stay safe.👌👍🇦🇺

[@cycledrag]

Thank you very much for watching. What job on this team would you be most suited for? Please also give this video a share! Thanks a lot!

[@nickfury431]

I remember one time Elmer Trett came to Muncie, Indiana and I was talking to him and I was up close at the starting line and he went to start the bike and hydraulic the motor. I don’t know what caused it, but he looked over to me and said that that was an over $2000 Mistake. This was many years ago.

[@shortymack340]

Great video jack lots of good Info

[@cycledrag]

Have you ever seen him race live? Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@MashiroMartinez]

Livin like Larry! 🤙

[@Studio51media]

What is the engine that is being used? I KNOW it’s extremely modified, but where is that engine originally from? Looks like an old engine to me but I also imagine it’s actually just a billet block based on some engine that was once cast for some old Kawasaki / Suzuki?? Also what is the [actual] displacement? The clutch sounds like it works almost exactly like the top fuel rail cars? [with that big RPM drop in the middle of the run]

[@edkelly5759]

Thank you, Jack. Well done.

[@cycledrag]

Thank you for watching! Have you ever seen him race live? Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@williamjhunter5714]

Does the team improve times by making, machining everything out of light alloys like titanium, the way a fighter jet part is made?

[@rooster6057]

Great video, Jack!!

[@cycledrag]

Thank you for watching! Have you ever seen him race live? Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@rickyrobertson8064]

The flame front is where the rubber STARTS to hitting the road. INDEXING the plugs allows the flame front to progress in the proper direction, EXTREMELY detrimental if not correct.

[@Bobby-fj8mk]

Thanks Jack. That was one of best looks at motorcycle drag racing I've ever seen. Did you ask him about the welds on that frame? Are they routinely X-Rayed for cracks? A deeper discussion of the motor would have been good - the ccs - it's a 1400cc Kawasaki isn't it? What about the con-rods and pistons and crankshaft? Are they all custom built? What compression does he run - it's low for nitro isn't it? What's the methanol to nitro ratio - is it 15% nitro ? What's the supercharger pressure in atmospheres? How fast does it spin? What's the maximum speed those tryes are rated for?

[@cycledrag]

I know they constantly inspect it. I'll ask him about x rays. Have you ever seen him race live? Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@Bobby-fj8mk]

@@cycledrag - thanks Jack - no - I'm in Melbourne Australia so I haven't seen Larry live. I hope he makes it down under one day. Please ask him about all those other technical questions too.

[@lennie8098]

The Engine is based on the Suzuki

[@Bobby-fj8mk]

@@lennie8098 - it used to be but now I'm fairly sure it's a Kawasaki motor.

[@lennie8098]

@@Bobby-fj8mk I stand corrected, You are right it's a Kawasaki

[@yustinuswijaya2172]

How about shifting in this bike? Matic or quick shifter?

[@jimzimprich6969]

Sweet From N. Idaho Keep them coming please ?

[@cycledrag]

Thank you for watching! Have you ever seen him race live? Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@jimzimprich6969]

@@cycledrag no Sir Would love to. Your passion for bikes shows. Thank you.

[@francosheene4631]

thats a great vid there sure is a lot of effort and money involved in top fuel i always wondered what the costs were

[@cycledrag]

Have you ever seen him race live? Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@francosheene4631]

@@cycledrag no fella not yet i'm in the UK

[@francosheene4631]

@@cycledrag i would love to see him run i did see fast phil at santa pod run a 5 was awsome jack, keep the the good vids coming fella,thanks

[@vinceburris2538]

Larry "Spiderman McBride" what a wonderful human being.

[@cycledrag]

Thank you very much for watching. Which job on this team could you see yourself doing? Also, please also give this video a share! Thanks a lot!

[@vinceburris2538]

I like John Dixon's job.

[@geoffreykempsonyowie3278]

Never new 1320 was 1/4mile Best Video Ever 🌠⚡😉😎

[@charliewhite1946]

great info would like for you to do same for top fuel

[@brianbob7514]

I love these guys

[@cycledrag]

Thank you very much for watching. Which job on this team could you see yourself doing? Also, please also give this video a share! Thanks a lot!

[@paulmacpherson472]

Love to work for larry

[@LivelysReport]

Its expensive, no doubt, but that is why they get Sponsors, who bring up the cash to run the team.. and the sponsors get to have their business name plastered on the bike, or car or whatever is being sponsored.. and often they will put their logos on the helmets as well.. and also apparel..

[@semperfidelis8386]

1:52 didn't hear that thing shift gears...?

[@Hitech82]

In 1997-1999 it cost $5,000 a weekend to run top fuel Harley. That was if nothing went wrong. Plugs, fuel, oil, and 10oz Budwiser...

[@cycledrag]

Have you ever seen him race live? Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@Hitech82]

Yes Larry was at the track Bike week 1992 . We were racing a progas shovelhead on a Truide/Osborne frame with a 8" slick. 9.33 at 124mph. Larry pull out his brand-new Spiderman Bike. It was amazing. He made a half pull and ran a low 7sec pass. None of us Harley Racers had seen anything that fast. The next year Jim McClure pulled out the Judge with those 4 valve heads. I want to say he was running 7.10. Those were the days of Jim McClure, Bill Furr, Mancusoe , Bob Spina, Larry Drums, and Ray Price. We had the time of our lives racing those days with the AHDRA...Cant leave without mentioning Tony Mattiolli He was great racer who like many raced all the classes. He was alway there to help new racers get down the track, the best they could. With what they had.

[@vincegedeon6583]

It takes a set of Steel Balls to get on that friggin DEATH 💀 MACHINE 😱But then again it is Spiderman😂🕷️🕸️

[@lw216316]

I don't care to know what it cost... I want someone to describe what it is like to ride that monster.

[@billallen4793]

Sweet ! Oh, and, first!...lol...from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 🤠

[@cycledrag]

Thank you very much for watching. Which job on this team could you see yourself doing? Also, please also give this video a share! Thanks a lot!

[@jeffmeriedth7542]

Make that another from Wyoming! Lol

[@billallen4793]

@@cycledrag pilot/rider is the job for me!...from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 🤠

[@billallen4793]

@@jeffmeriedth7542 again, swet!..lol

[@circusboy90210]

WHY are the seats so empty? is this a test race?

[@urankjj]

If Larry would let me make a pass on his fueler it wouldn't cost me anything 😉

[@roberttalarsky4238]

They are the BEST,

[@cycledrag]

Thank you very much for watching. Which job on this team could you see yourself doing? Also, please also give this video a share! Thanks a lot!

[@roberttalarsky4238]

@@cycledrag I'm not that talanted

[@JRNracing21]

What a great guy

[@cycledrag]

Have you ever seen him race live? Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@JRNracing21]

Never had the pleasure of seeing these bikes live but hopefully one day. Love cycle drag channel keep up the good work 👍

[@yamaman600]

No sound for me. Idk was just listening to music

[@cycledrag]

Please give it another try Dan. It looks like everyone else is getting audio.

[@yamaman600]

@@cycledrag idk what happened but got it, thanks for all you do man, love watching your stuff , keep up the great work

[@jasonhiggins6431]

Wish we could buy Diesel for £4,60 a gallon , it’s over 10 US dollars a gallon in uk 🇬🇧 Larry 😂😂

[@asp1072]

Nitrometh fuel ?

[@nickhale117]

Yes

[@cycledrag]

Yes, mixed with alcohol. Thank you very much for watching. Which job on this team could you see yourself doing? Also, please also give this video a share! Thanks a lot!

[@cycledrag]

@@nickhale117 Thank you very much for watching. Which job on this team could you see yourself doing? Also, please also give this video a share! Thanks a lot!

[@brianbob7514]

53:30 beautiful

[@cycledrag]

Thank you very much for watching. Which job on this team could you see yourself doing? Also, please also give this video a share! Thanks a lot!

[@alikhan-ry1of]

OMG

[@lbelle2w87]

❤️

[@cycledrag]

Thank you for watching! Have you ever seen him race live? Thanks for watching, please give this video a share.

[@lbelle2w87]

@@cycledrag I haven’t but it looks awesome

[@johnbewick6357]

So it takes nearly one hour not to tell us what it costs. That was one hour of my life wasted. I know it is expensive, but what you dont tell us is how much the sponsors actually put into the program. Larry and his brother obviously rely upon the sponsorship money to survive, and to pay the team, but it does not mean that someone cannot do it without sponsors. A good friend of mine did very well in European Top Fuel without sponsors, just relying on good friends and hard work. Yes, it cost him a lot of money, but how much do some people spend on exotic holidays ?

[@cycledrag]

John did you watch on mute? We clearly break down the cost per pass in the first three minutes. You then get the value of the motorcycle and everything associated it with it in the balance. The financial details of private deals are between the racer and the sponsor. Please watch this again with the sound on.

[@scottspencer8358]

He told you how much it costs..$250,000/300,000 for the bike and & 5000.00 every time the bike goes down the track. Whether it's a test run or a all out race...pay attention to what they say. And get out your calculator!