Ferociously fast and maneuverable in trained hands, sport bikes pose a particular challenge to police.

Is it even worth giving chase when they witness a rider speeding or driving recklessly?

Dallas police don't. Department policy doesn't permit officers to chase suspects unless they're wanted or have committed a violent felony, said Senior Cpl. Kevin Janse, a department spokesman.

What about someone doing wheelies at 70 mph on Interstate 635?

"It's hard to catch them in the act," said Lt. Scott Bratcher of the department's traffic division. "When we do, they can go past us and can be gone in a matter of seconds.

"Some of them stop, but I've seen it too many times when they just drive off."

The Texas Department of Public Safety lets individual troopers decide whether to give chase, based on the time of day and traffic and road conditions, Trooper Lonny Haschel said.

"If there's a violation, we try to get folks to stop," he said. "But with video and such in the cars, if we can get a license plate, we can just meet them at their house."

In Fort Worth, the Police Department's Dodge Chargers are capable of speeds in excess of 145 mph and can keep up with most sport bikes.

But officers call in the department helicopter, if available, to track bikes from above, Lt. David Ingram said.

It's enough of a deterrent that many cyclists say they avoid Fort Worth.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol seems most able to match speed with speed. It has a couple of Suzuki Hayabusas in its fleet, but those are for public relations, not chases, Lt. George Brown said.

The department relies on its Chargers, skilled driving and two-way radios instead.

"Sure, those bikes are fast," he said. "But when you add good driving skills, the Charger's 150 [mph] will catch 170 or 180 every time."

dmcgraw@dallasnews.com;

myoung@dallasnews.com