|
|
Cruiser
Posts: 259
Land O Lakes, FL | I have to say the Vision is such a superb touring machine. Just got back from doing a 1500+ mile trip from Tampa to Atlanta, Tellico Plains, Asheville then Cashiers and Highlands then back to Atlanta. Fully loaded got 37mpg hauling arse!
I was initially a bit worried because I was riding with a bunch of sport touring guys, mostly Concours 14's and a FJR and FZ1. All experienced riders so I thought I would get smoked in the twisties. Turns out the Vision is a dream when it comes to haulin' ass in the corners. They guys couldn't believe it! One guy said it was like watching a motorcycle commerical as they were chasing me through the Dragon! They were pretty shocked at how well the Big Vic can motor through the corners (30 years of riding kinda helps too). Some of them initially groaned "oh great another cruiser is coming out with us" at the end of day 3 they were like "I can't believe how you ride that thing!" Needless to say I started in the back of the pack and worked my way up to 3rd bike (of the 8 of us) and stayed there for the most part. I can't compete of course in all out acceleration but in the corners it was on! They kept asking if I was draggin hard parts all over the place to which I responded, nope, only touched a floorboard once the whole trip. Smooth riding and clean lines will really let this thing boogy through the twisty stuff, even really technical stuff. We did this road outside of speedwell that was just awesome, more technical then the Dragon even, so much fun.
What was really neat was there was still snow on the sides of the road, never ridden when snow was still out. Temps were in the 40's and 50's and with the right gear on the Vision was a dream. The last comment before we all parted was "if you ride the ZX anything like you ride that Vision we'll never be able to keep up!" best compliment ever and some very shocked people at how well the Big Vic can move out!
I can't wait to go back! I do those trips about 4 times a year and it's just so awesome up there. |
|
| |
|
New user
Posts: 4
Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia. | Sweet mate. I've had my 2008 for 3 weeks, it had been in storage for 6 months & previously neglected & it's in for a service on Friday. I'm booked in for a 9 hour ride on the 21st March, return on 24th & hopefully a 5 day ride over Easter & "I" can't wait. I hope to have as much fun as you have. None of the other riders know I have the VV. It should be good. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 446
East TN | Good story!! Glad you had fun up here....Did you all make it over to Cherohala Skyway??
If your not dragging hard parts on the Dragon, you're not riding hard enough!!! (LOL) Ride it all the time and I think half of my floorboards are there, at least their not on the Tree of Shame!!
There are tons of roads up here and some equal the Dragon, just that the Dragon has NO other roads connecting to it, so the worry of cars or motorcycles entering in front of you is not a problem.
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 62
Des Moines | Yep, I was out there this past summer. Couldn't wipe the smile from my face for weeks after. This bike just eats corners and asks for more. Got some pretty good footage with the GoPro as well. |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 259
Land O Lakes, FL | We started up the Cherahola and got about 25 minutes in and started seeing a lot of snow and as we got higher it got really cold. There were patches of wet in the shade still and at those temps and elevation black ice was a big concern, there was even some snow on the lines in the road as well. At that point we all talked and had "that" conversation. You know "hey maybe we should turn around before we run into some black ice". We then decided to not be "those guys" pickin up someones bike out of a ditch and looking around going "you know we talked about turning around, we shoulda listened to ourselves" so we turned around lol... |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 266
Hartland, , WI | Great story...loved it, thanks! |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 446
East TN | We were up there Sunday riding and there is still snow on the shoulders but not on the road itself...Lowest it got was 57 while riding...Yeah, the Black ice up there can get you REAL QUICK...Good decision on you alls part for sure!!! |
|
| |
|
Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
| Gotta love it. I try to get up there 2 or 3 times every summer, and have been known to sneak an early winter trip up as well! The Vision loves those roads!!
 |
|
| |
Just got back from a great trip to the Smokies!