Slideways on the XR1200 with Scotty P.

Scott Parker knows traction. You don't win nine AMA Grand National Championships on our nation's wickedly competitive dirt-tracks without having a good sense of what the tires do when they start slidin', but who knew he could wheelie, too!

Parker was part of the show at the U.S. launch of the Harley-Davidson XR1200, and the 47-year-old made it clear on a day-long street ride that he still likes to have a good time on two wheels—especially on a bike inspired by his championship-winning mount, the classic-yet-current XR-750.

These days, Parker is partner in a pub with long-time friend Dave Donahue—PD's in Flint, Michigan ("Karaoke Tuesdays")—and helps his wife Wanda at her hair salon. "I'm the handyman!" he says with a smile and a laugh. While he doesn't miss the grind of racing, he did speak pretty fondly of the last time he got to ride—just for fun—on a groomed dirt-track a few years ago. Hopefully, he dug our time on the street, too. Judging by the photo, sideways is still a way of life for the champ!