They're motorcycles that can reach speeds near 200 mph, and in some areas officials say they're becoming an increasing problem on the road.

Known by the slang term crotch rocket, the sport bikes can go so fast Aiken County Sheriff Michael Hunt admits that his road patrol deputies can't catch them.

"Perhaps, it has something to do with summertime, but lately I've been starting to get more and more complaints about them," he said.

Sheriff Hunt says his deputies will continue to adhere to his department's strict chase policy -- maintaining a cautious approach toward pursuits -- based on high liability and safety concerns, he said.

He added that his deputies often rely on their department's radio-dispatch system to call ahead about speeding sport bikes so other patrol cars can make a traffic stop.

Maj. Richard Weaver, of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office, said his road patrol deputies use a similar tactic.

"We use our radios to try and get ahead of them. We do catch them on occasion, but they can accelerate so quickly," he said.

At Augusta Harley-Davidson, sales manager Tommy Yarborough said the Harley sport bike version, the Buell 1125R, can travel between 165 and 175 mph. Many of his clients are younger men in their 20s and 30s, he said.

Sport bikes are also produced by Suzuki and Kawasaki.

Sport bikes can cost between $1,200 and $5,000, Mr. Yarborough said.

"It's a cheap way for young people to get into motorcycles," he said. Harleys can cost as much as $40,000.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, sports bikes are involved in an increasing number of motorcycle fatalities.

The association's Jonathan Adkins cited a recent national survey that showed motorcycle fatalities increased from 1997 to 2006 by 2,710 cases, going from 2,100 in 1997 to 4,810 in 2006.

With gasoline costs still near the $4 a gallon mark, Mr. Adkins said that many new riders -- especially young ones -- are being drawn to motorcycles because of their gas mileage -- in the range of 40 to 45 miles per gallon.

Weak helmet policies also have helped contribute to a spike in fatal motorcycle accidents, he said. Only 20 states require motorcyclists to wear helmets, he said. Georgia motorcyclists are required to wear helmets, but in South Carolina only those younger than 21 must wear them.

Lt. Donnie Smith, of the Georgia State Patrol, said crotch rocket riders posed serious problems in the Atlanta area late last year, but enforcement was increased and riders were cited for reckless driving and improper racing.

"There were actual (rider) gangs running up and down Interstate 285, racing each other. Fortunately, that's not a major problem in the Augusta area," he said.

Richmond County's Maj. Weaver said some riders have been reported on River Watch Parkway. In Burke County, groups of riders have been known to frequent Georgia Highway 80, Sheriff Greg Coursey said.

"There's really not much you can do. We'll assist on a chase to a certain point, but here (in Burke County) we don't chase," adding, "They'll either stop, wreck, hurt themselves or someone else -- or a patrol car will wreck."

Reach Timothy Cox at (706) 823-3217 or tim.cox@augustachronicle.com.