Riding the Dragon for a novice

[BlueknightGA6]

I came across this little intersting article aimed at people who have never ridden the Tail of the Dragon before. It's also good for novice riders too. Motorcycle Clubs and forums are always drawing in new and sometimes novice riders so I figured I'd post it here. The article specifically addresses the R1100RT on the Dragon.

Clicky Clicky

[Ironkevin]

This site has alot of good Dragon info too and local weather conditions.

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

[BlueknightGA6]

I wish I had seen the article about the R1100RT before I rode the Dragon the first time on the K1200LT. I had it in too high of a gear and it was WORK. On the return trip I did keep it in 2nd & 3rd gear and revved high. It was like riding a different motorcycle through and seemed much more nimble, even for a big girl!

[airheaddreamin]

Originally Posted by BlueknightGA6

I wish I had seen the article about the R1100RT before I rode the Dragon the first time on the K1200LT. I had it in 2 high of a gear and it was WORK. On the return trip I did keep it in 2nd & 3rd gear and revved high. It was like riding a different motorcycle through and seemed much more nimble, even for a big girl!

I did the dragon on the R75/6 and will contribute 4 things.

Those Harleys are SLOW. They have tons of stuff that scrape before you do so when you see an obvious Harley bike profile in front of you, be prepared for that person to slow considerably in the corner...or if he doesn't, to exit far wider than he should. This matters because you may find yourself closer to their backside than you'd like fairly quickly. This is a safety issue and above all you want to be safe.

Do watch out for LEO. They pretty much are there all the time and it's is only a question of where the trap is set...not if. Paying a fine when you you aren't pushing it because some sport bike...going way faster than you...put LEO in a really bad mood is no fun.

Do try to give yourself a little room when approaching one of the many photographers. They do a good job of getting action shots and you will want one of yourself...at speed.

Don't bother going on the weekend. During the week you have a fraction of the traffic and a way better chance of actually enjoying yourself.

[Don M]

I didn't see this in the links - most of the 180 hairpins can be totally blocked by any oncoming semi truck as you aproach a right hand curve. They slow to a crawl and the trailer will take the entire oncoming lane in your right hand curve - so beware and prepare!

[Shredder]

And, check your rear views for fast oncoming riders. I loathe the idiots that blow by me unannounced, no beep, and their loud machines sometime startles me, then they slam on their brakes and just barely make the turn . . . woo hoo . . . they win the prize for what . . . the ultimate jack ass or something . . . big freakin deal . . . thanks for giving all motorcyclists a bad image dude.