FXDX The Tail of the Dragon
#1
FXDX The Tail of the Dragon
Rode my 99' FXDX from Connecticut down to Knoxville, TN. I took two days to get there, stayed in Knoxville for two days and then two days back staying in Hotels along the way. I would have loved to take the Blue Ridge Pkwy for the majority of the ride there/back but I had only so much vacation time so it was mainly boring I-81. This was my longest ride to date. I logged 2,052 miles for the entirety of the trip.
Before this ride I installed Shinko 777 front and rear. I never used Shinkos but I wanted the grippiest tire you can get. Glad I went with these they hooked up great! I bought a new Shoei RF-1400 (GAMECHANGER coming from a cheap noisy Biltwell Lanesplitter) and installed bluetooth speakers in the helmet. Being able to listen to podcasts/music on the boring highway was a lifesaver and the Shoei helmet is apples/oranges compared to the Biltwell I had for years.
I hit a good amount of rain in Virginia on the way down (again thankful for the new Shinkos). I stayed dry thanks to my rain gear but it was definitely mentally exhausting.
The weather in Tennessee was wonderful. I was there Sept 19-20 which was great for two reasons: 1. I missed Hurricane Helene 2. this was not a weekend so it wasn't full of craziness.
My DX unfortunately is the bastard 99' year with the non-adjustable suspension and crappy 80s-90s era single piston brakes. Yet, between the Shinkos, Progressive springs in the front, Sputhe stabilizers and a Screaming Eagle fork brace..... this Dyna handled like it was on rails. I really had a blast on this bike. Just when I was feeling like Valentino Rossi, a small group of sport bike riders came up hot on me. I eased over to the shoulder, gave them a thumbs up and was able to keep up with them for a few turns but they just kept gapping further and further. I managed to scrape the Thrashin P-54 pegs a few times. I am super happy with my decision to go with a Supertrapp Supermeg when it was decision time between that and a Thunderheader. The Supertrapp never scraped. I bet the Thunderheader would have! I definitely want to upgrade the entire brake system this winter though.
I went up/down the Tail 3 times. The 3rd time was "by-mistake" on day 2 when seeking other routes in the area. I just said "f-it" and rode it again!
I did the Cherohala Skyway and Foothills Parkway and some other small beautiful routes.
The bike didn't miss a beat. It really checked all the boxes for me as far as a decent highway tourer and aggressive backroad riding. It really has been my favorite all- around motorcycle I have ever owned.
I learned however that this would be the limit for me when it comes to highway travel. Beyond this I think I would want a bagger or a *gasp*... trailer/truck.
Again, I left a few days before Helene hit. I really feel for all those affected. I believe this entire area was hit?
Before this ride I installed Shinko 777 front and rear. I never used Shinkos but I wanted the grippiest tire you can get. Glad I went with these they hooked up great! I bought a new Shoei RF-1400 (GAMECHANGER coming from a cheap noisy Biltwell Lanesplitter) and installed bluetooth speakers in the helmet. Being able to listen to podcasts/music on the boring highway was a lifesaver and the Shoei helmet is apples/oranges compared to the Biltwell I had for years.
I hit a good amount of rain in Virginia on the way down (again thankful for the new Shinkos). I stayed dry thanks to my rain gear but it was definitely mentally exhausting.
The weather in Tennessee was wonderful. I was there Sept 19-20 which was great for two reasons: 1. I missed Hurricane Helene 2. this was not a weekend so it wasn't full of craziness.
My DX unfortunately is the bastard 99' year with the non-adjustable suspension and crappy 80s-90s era single piston brakes. Yet, between the Shinkos, Progressive springs in the front, Sputhe stabilizers and a Screaming Eagle fork brace..... this Dyna handled like it was on rails. I really had a blast on this bike. Just when I was feeling like Valentino Rossi, a small group of sport bike riders came up hot on me. I eased over to the shoulder, gave them a thumbs up and was able to keep up with them for a few turns but they just kept gapping further and further. I managed to scrape the Thrashin P-54 pegs a few times. I am super happy with my decision to go with a Supertrapp Supermeg when it was decision time between that and a Thunderheader. The Supertrapp never scraped. I bet the Thunderheader would have! I definitely want to upgrade the entire brake system this winter though.
I went up/down the Tail 3 times. The 3rd time was "by-mistake" on day 2 when seeking other routes in the area. I just said "f-it" and rode it again!
I did the Cherohala Skyway and Foothills Parkway and some other small beautiful routes.
The bike didn't miss a beat. It really checked all the boxes for me as far as a decent highway tourer and aggressive backroad riding. It really has been my favorite all- around motorcycle I have ever owned.
I learned however that this would be the limit for me when it comes to highway travel. Beyond this I think I would want a bagger or a *gasp*... trailer/truck.
Again, I left a few days before Helene hit. I really feel for all those affected. I believe this entire area was hit?
Last edited by garystaven88; 10-14-2024 at 05:40 PM.
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Very cool. That’s a long pull on 81, lots and lots of semis. Have a Shoei RF1100 for about 20 years, cleaned the liner a few times and it still smells a little, but it’s my go to.
Always get a kick out of my mates with the open lids running 80 with no windshield, like a parachuted bobber.
Always get a kick out of my mates with the open lids running 80 with no windshield, like a parachuted bobber.
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#10
Very cool. That’s a long pull on 81, lots and lots of semis. Have a Shoei RF1100 for about 20 years, cleaned the liner a few times and it still smells a little, but it’s my go to.
Always get a kick out of my mates with the open lids running 80 with no windshield, like a parachuted bobber.
Always get a kick out of my mates with the open lids running 80 with no windshield, like a parachuted bobber.
The following users liked this post:
BlueridgeXL (Today)