Isle of Man - No speed limits I gather

[Xantiaman]

For the first time I have a car (CLK 320) which seems worth 'opening up' a little. I can imagine what a lot of you are thinking but I just need to get it out of my system and I'll be over it.

I was considering going over to Germany, but have been told there are no speed limits on the Isle of Man. Allowing for the fact that whilst silly I'm not suicidal, has anyone experience of the (presumably) short roads there?. In brief is it worth it?

 

[Guy]

Isle of Man

There are speed limits on the IoM. In fact I think there's an overall limit of 50mph, so you'd be disappointed and/or booked.

 

[dave elcome]

Isle of Man

Back in the late seventies in my biking heyday, i visited the IOM for the TT, as a result of that visit i can confirm that they inforce the speed limits,........i'll leave you to work out how i know that!!

 

[dave elcome]

Isle of Man

Further to the above, there used to be a member that posted on here who lived on the island, he would be able to answer your question definatively, unfortunately i can't remember his name.......Dooh!!

 

[Swazi280]

Isle of Man

I think you'll have trouble finding true limitless driving, as even the German cops may book you for 'reckless' driving if they thing you're being silly.  Additionally, if the unthinkable happens and a Beetle pulls out in front of you at 220kph, they will nail your arse for exceeding the 'recommended' speed of around 120 without due care.

However, in terms of evading license points, you can't go far wrong in Swaziland.  First of all, they never trap going down the Malagwane, the long drag downhill from Mbabane to Manzini.  However, with no hard shoulder, hairpin corners (that tighten up halfway through to reveal two logging trucks overtaking each other at 5mph) and the somewhat dubious title of 'most dangerous road in the world' (check your Guinnes Book of Records) it's hardly a good place for an expensive car.

Alternatively, you could open up on the new Ngwenya highway, running from the border almost to Mbabane (about 40kms) with no chance of speed trapping because it hasn't been finished yet and, being essentially one long contraflow, there isn't a hard shoulder.  It's got several chicanes and unsigned diversions around future junctions that are only half-built, so it will test your skills to the limit, while actually being quite fresh, smooth tar.

Your other option, of course, is just to get busted.  Given that the standard fine is E60 (or E20 on the spot.. hem hem) and there are E16 in one pound, it won't break the bank (or get you British points).  Of course, shipping the car down here might, but you could always leave it with me, saving the price of a return trip..

 

[Swazi280]

Isle of Man

It occurs to me that if you're that keen, and can find others who feel similarly, you could do what the Autobahnsturmers (the V6 Vauxhall club) have been doing for years and.. book a track day.

I'm told you can cut a reasonable deal if there is a large enough group, and, with everyone going in the same direction, you can really boot it without fear of somebody's granny falling asleep in front of you.

Get a quote, find out the price per head and ask around!

I'd be there if I could, but..

 

[Xantiaman]

Isle of Man

Swaziland!! If those roads haven't got any Little Chef's then I aint going.

 

[Swazi280]

Isle of Man

Yes, well, you would have to do without the pygmy poisoner.  But it's a small price to pay!

 

[MarkSL]

Isle of Man

200+ club are having a top speed day !

"elvington airfield, nr york
sun 27th october, 10 am start. unlimited runs all day head to head 1/4 mile drag and top speed (1.25 miles). proper timing gear and staging lights in use.
99% of you will max your car out at that distance! its flat and straight, with loads of braking area

open to all, turbo or non.

we have skylines, cossys, supras etc taking part, incl some from the recent ten of the best (ie 196mph cars!) www.trackdayplus.com for those details)

this one is gonna happen regardless of the weather. catering on site plus a demo run by the 300mph jet car
entry cost to take part is £30 per car for the full day

all pay on gate on day.

10am onwards, map is still up on
http://www.trackdayplus.com"

Mark

 

[DaveK]

Isle of Man

Swazi - the AutobahnStormers are all about straight 6 Vauxhalls and Opels (e.g. Monza, Royale, Senator, Carlton, and Lotus Carlton) but since nobody makes straight sixes anymore, we're having to expand to V sixes (but only the Omega as natural successor to the Senator and Carlton. No Vectras or Sintras).

It's a huge advantage to do a track session as a club (I take my Lotus Carlton out on the club track session that you mention). Club members are unlikely to behave badly towards eachother when out on the track and the accident risk is vastly reduced. If you go out on a general track session (i.e. with non club members), you can find your self driving amongst some real idiots with huge egos. On the plus side, you can find yourself in the company of some very good drivers and can learn a lot from them by trying to follow their line around the track.

Give it a go but don't expect huge top speeds. 120 - 130 around Silverstone for example. However, top speed isn't everything :0)

Dave K

 

[Swazi280]

Isle of Man

Dave, I stand both corrected and insanely jealous.

 

[ashtheman]

I lived in the IoM for four years,

The islands roads have varying speed limits.

When entering what we call a national speed limit zone (round white sigh with black band) there is no speed limit in place. These are dotted about the island and truth be told the roads are too curvy to really get up to high speeds as the roads are very much county roads. It is also common for divers to be prosecuted for dangerous diving with the resulting points on your licence.

The roads are an excellent challenge for a diver in a true sports car (i.e. not MB) or motorbike as they are kept in pristine condition for the road racing the island is justly famous for. The mountain roads are excellent fun in the right car (my e class 320 is not suited to them, but say the likes of a WESTFIELD is made for them).

Hope this helps.

 

[davidsl500]

there's always http://www.nurburgring.org.uk

 

[pascal]

I had a loan of a CLK320 for a few weeks a few years ago. Went up and down a quite local motorway, and then let it rip. I'm not exactly sure what it topped out at, but it was around 150mph on the speedo.

After that couldn't be bothered going anywhere near that speed. It takes a lot of concentration, and is quiet dangerous if there is any other traffic on the road.

The new speed limit here is now 120KPH (75mph) and suits me fine. Nice comportable driving.

Never tried out my last car or my latest, as I know how fast it will go; in any case the speedo will always read on the high side.

Pascal

 

[GrahamC230K]

there's always http://www.nurburgring.org.uk

Has my full recommendation and of course you can max your car out on the way their safely (if you choose your moment carefully) and within the law.

Don't tail gate, strict lane disipline and good use of mirrors and you will enjoy the Autobahn.

The Nurburgring is for only who dare..........

 

[LNM]

I'm pretty certain a mate of mine had his 911 turbo on the trackday thing; similar setup, pay £80 or thereabouts and give it some welly !!. He got over 160 out of it and his brother could could see the fuel actually level dropping in the process. Awesome stuff.

 

[sooper coop]

The isle of Man has no speed limit on the mountains, but you can be done for reckless driving etc.