Against a stock Harley you might stand a chance of winning. But you may be right about running away if he brings a jap bike. I had a 1972 Kawasaki 500 two stroke three cyclinder that would easy run 12's in the guarter and a 1973Kawasaki Z-1 903 cc that would walk the 500 as if it was stuck in 3rd gear. High 9's were not unusual. Sold the Z-1 to buy a '75 Gold Wing and have always regretted it. Gold Wing is a terrific bike, but the Z-1 was a swelt powerhouse. Still have the Gold Wing and it is still a terrific bike, just not a Z.