Prepping for the TAT

[BillR]

Gene,
Great write up and pics. It's really nice to see the set-up you carry.
And really thanks for those BRP pics. That's a "I wanna do this" ride for me in the next year or two.
Bill R

[deputygene]

Your welcome, I enjoyed posting them.
I am ashamed to admit that I hadn't been to the Blue Ridge Parkway before this trip. There is a lot to do, a lot of attractions. I can see us doing a week or more on it. One other thing I noticed from the GPS, there are a lot of dirt and gravel roads running parallel to the BRP. I think I could spend weeks exploring the BRP and all of the side roads. It is a fun, scenic ride. One tip though, don't speed. post limit is 50 (at least the section we travelled) and I saw more than one park ranger in unmarked pickups running radar.
Thanks everyone for the kind words, I enjoyed posting our pictures.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by deputygene

...I think I could spend weeks exploring the BRP and all of the side roads. It is a fun, scenic ride. One tip though, don't speed. post limit is 50 (at least the section we travelled) and I saw more than one park ranger in unmarked pickups running radar.
Thanks everyone for the kind words, I enjoyed posting our pictures.

I've driven Skyline Drive from Front Royal, to Charlottesville, Virgina several times; it's a beautiful drive. I'm very glad to hear the park rangers are enforcing the speed limit, Gene. I rode my Zong to Grand Teton, and Yellowstone National Parks in late September this year. Almost everyone speeds through both national parks, since nobody enforces the speed limits. :roll:

http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...wtopic&t=11047

Spud

[katoranger]

People are missing the point of the ride. Suppose to be able to see the sights.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by katoranger

People are missing the point of the ride. Suppose to be able to see the sights.

Amen! It seems many people are in a great hurry, and want to speed everywhere they go. :roll: Riding the secondary roads on my 196cc, Zongshen motorcycle has taught me to slow down, and enjoy the journey.

Spud

[deputygene]

Yep Spud, that is one reason I like adventure touring, slow down and enjoy the ride. The Blue Ridge Parkway is perfect for that. After looking at the pics I posted, I think a week long ride on the BRP might be our first long spring ride next year.

Spud, I also wanted to thank you for all of the wonderful links you put in your post. I like the tail light you have on your BRP
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...ail-Light.aspx.
and had decided to get one. Another member (I won't mention the name unless he chimes up)contacted me about a trade for the Honda tool bag and I now have one of these headed my way.

[Weldangrind]

Looking forward to my new Honda toolbag. Enjoy your new light.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by deputygene

...Spud, I also wanted to thank you for all of the wonderful links you put in your post. I like the tail light you have on your BRP
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...ail-Light.aspx.
and had decided to get one. Another member (I won't mention the name unless he chimes up)contacted me about a trade for the Honda tool bag and I now have one of these headed my way.

You're welcome, Gene. I hope you enjoy the tail light. When your Kenda, K270 tires wear out, you might consider experimenting with the Shinko 244, rear tires.

http://www.shinkotireusa.com/product/product.php?id=24

I ran a size 3.00-18, Shinko 244, front tire on my Zong before I converted to a 21-inch front wheel. The Shinko 244, front tire performed well for me, except in mud. The Shinko 244 is inexpensive, and I have read a lot of good reports from large-bore, thumper owners who love the Shinko 244, rear tire.

Spud

[deputygene]

Spud, you got any idea what kind of mileage people are getting out of these? The Kenda rear tires are pretty heavy, are the Shinko's? Prices look pretty similar.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by deputygene

Spud, you got any idea what kind of mileage people are getting out of these? The Kenda rear tires are pretty heavy, are the Shinko's? Prices look pretty similar.

That's a good question, Gene. Depending on the rider, the mileage figures vary widely; some of those guys roast their tires! :roll: I imagine you will get as many miles from the Shinko 244 as you get from the Kenda K270, and some riders report the Shinko 244 handles better on the pavement. Also, although the K270 is not an expensive tire, the Shinko 244 is usually priced even lower. For example, you can currently buy a size 4.60-18, Shinko 244 tire at Bike Bandit for $38.26.

http://www.bikebandit.com/shinko-244-motorcycle-tire

I don't know the respective tire weights, but I assume they are similar.

Spud