There have been a few new riders that wondered when to shift gears and how the Hornet responded. I told a number of people that you can get to sixth gear and the bike is almost an automatic.

Anyway, the Dragon is about 50 miles from the house, so today I rode to Deals Gap with the intent to 'Putz the Dragon'. I rode the entire 11.2 miles, switchbacks and all and reamained in sixth gear. So that is a testimony for the performance of the Hornet. I have to gear down to first gear on my Honda cruiser in a couple of curves if I don't hit them just right.

Back to Putz'n. I made the return trip and again remained in sixth gear. In a few deep curves, I was at 2000RPM and slowly regained speed but never did lug the bike. Two things I wished to avoid, 1) Don't lug 2) don't go in to a curve fast and have to brake excessively.

Lastly. In years past, I only went one way on the Dragon (included it in a loop). Last fall, I made my first round trip ride to Deals Gap and back. So today after the Putz trip, I UnPutz and made another round trip to Deals Gap and back in normal speed, using 4th gear mostly, with moderate braking. :)

One more point. The reputation of the Dragon is intimidating to some riders, but I made it on a stock bike with stock gearing in sixth gear. Only problem I had was going slow enough to not overtake Harleys and cars. The three parties I encountered moved over. :o

Sounds like fun! I hope to ride the dragon one day. :D

Sounds like fun!

The Dragon, yes. Doing the Dragon in 6th, not so much!! :wink:

Well, at very least, we all ride a very versatile bike that does exactly what YOU want it to. As long as you are having a good time, that is all that really matters.

The Dragon remains on my 'wish list'.

So i feel like a mooron because i was visiting my uncle in Tullahoma TN the booted over to Durham NC to visit my dad last summer.... i really should have detoured... i had no clue that this Deals Gap even existed!!!!!!!! Although i was driving in a cage, it probably would have been fun considering i was driving a 911 GT2. BTW All TN backroads rock!!! :wink:

Although i was driving in a cage, it probably would have been fun considering i was driving a 911 GT2.

Where wouldn't be fun to drive a 911 GT2???!!!!! :shock:

By the Canada Boys, there was one small group of sport bikers from Canada at the Tail of the Dragon Motel Thursday. They trailered the bikes down. 3 or 4 in tha group. I didn't meet them all, talked with one gentleman. He was riding a Suzuki that was his track bike and was a bit tail weary from three day ordeal.

I saw a group from Michigan, one group from Ohio and another smaller group from Michigan. Talkin sport bikes mind you.

Plenty of cruisers and a mix of single riders and small groups of all sorts. Not a Hornet in the mix, cepting mine.

Tom, you are none too subtle... I’m afraid by the time I get there I’ll be so wound up I’ll drive straight off the first turn! :lol:

Damn Tom, you are making me hungry for Dragon's Tail Soup! Is it too early to start talking about a 2008 road trip??

Man, 2008 is a long time to wait... :banghead

Sounds like the Canadian boys were smart to trailer. I'd be concerned that there would be an 'incident' among a group member with no alternative way to get home. A trailer would certainly be in order...

I had my lil' hornet down at the dragon this past weekend. My first trip down there, since it's over 600 miles from home.

I kept it in 2nd gear the whole time, winding it out on the straights :-D

Why don't you people like to shift? :wtf :thinking :idonno :crazy ( I'm a :nerd...:mrgreen: )

Man I just got to see this tail thing...one does it all in 6th, the other all in 2nd... What kind of beast can it be?

This guy makes it look easy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo

When I was at the Gap Thursday, I was visiting with a family that came in from Texas. The young wife was riding a scooter (500cc big brother to a Vespa or something) They had rode in via the Cherholia Skyway and was worring about how much worse the Dragon was.

I told them that in a way the Dragon is pussycat compared to some of the sections that they were just on. Not excatly true, but close. There is not a single straight away in the 11 miles unless you what to div it up in 25 yard increments. The passengers in cars and on cycles often do not wish to double back and run the course again. Which way to we go to get back to the motel? I don't know, but we're not going the way we just came.

I haven't been down there since we moved from TN in '98. But that is definitely a fun road! I've only ever done it in a car... :cry:

Anyway, don't know enough to say much about shifting, but I do know this. The bike is a truly versatile ride. I've tried a bunch of different approaches to some local favorite roads and had fun with 'em all.

FWIW, my advice to anyone is just get out and ride the darn thing! :D

lol I cant imagine ridin the dragon in 6th I did 2 nd almost the whole way, got into 3rd after 10 or 12 practice runs to learn the road a little. THE BEST ROAD I HAVE EVERE RIDDEN but go on a weekday to avoid the MASS IDIOTS on t he weekends!!

This guy makes it look easy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo

holy crap! are those lean angles for real or is that a trick of the camera? and on a goldwing? damn, i gotta get back to ridin' skool. i'm too embarrassed to ride home.

...holy crap! are those lean angles for real or is that a trick of the camera? and on a goldwing? ...
Some of the turns have a bit of bank to them so maybe some visual trickery going on but for the most part YES it is that fast and tight.

Oh and...
...after 10 or 12 practice runs to learn the road a little
:shock: twice and I felt like I had done 100 push ups! :bow
The next time I get up there I’ll force Tom to take me back but seriously Crucial D...there are some "more fun" roads not far from there...at least for me...I enjoy going a bit faster with nice sweepers...oh what am I saying...it's all GOOOOOOOD :mrgreen:

The next time I get up there I’ll force Tom to take me back

Force :?:

:bash Don't make me do it.