I'm sure your transmission will get a workout at those elevations. ;)

Yesterday I rode my RX3 over the Teton Pass, a twisting steep road which connects Jackson, Wyoming to Victor, Idaho. The pass tops out at 8,431 feet, but it taxes the transmission because of the constant turns, which prevent you from either building up, or maintaining much speed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teton_Pass

Near the top I was running about 8,000 rpms in third gear, even with the 13T C/S sprocket. However, I didn't hold up traffic, and I was able to maintain the speed limit without shifting below third gear. I'm sure I could't have traveled that pass without obstructing traffic, if I still had the 14T C/S sprocket installed. ;)

I posted a new thread on the lubrication system for the NC250 (ZS177MM) engine, and the proper way to check the oil level. If you are interested, you can read the thread at the following link. ;)

http://www.chinariders.net/showthrea...d=1#post188892

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/...LubeSystem.jpg

Thanks Spud, that's the info I was looking for :)

You're welcome, Huck. :)

Here's a tribute to the Cyclone RX3 riders from China, Columbia, and California as they travel 5,000 miles across the United States. The team is currently riding through the Beehive State, Utah. :tup:

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5BL4RNFr58

Are they passing through the great State of Idaho? If so, do you plan to connect with them?

Yes, they are going to travel across South Idaho. :) If possible, I might ride a bit with them. ;)

I am excited to report that I finally have over 100 miles on my bike - I realize many of you ride more than that in a day, but as a beginning motorcyclist who is still trying to build basic skills and control, I've limited myself to a nearby parkinglot and residential streets where I dont have to deal with traffic coming in and out of shopping plazas and the like....

While I still have lots of slow speed manoever practice needed (those nice tight figure 8's still elude me), I'm definitely feeling more confident on the bike. Still have plenty to learn - finding the right speed brackets for each gear is still slightly eluding me...as a rule of thumb, I group each 10mph into a gear, but not sure if that's right or not...

To celebrate, I finally took the bike on a nearby stretch of road that allowed me to get it up into 6th gear and 60+mph :) it was exhilerating - except for the times when birds flew nearby at helmet level....that just had me hoping they would peel off and not turn in my path.

Good for you, Sprite. :tup: You are wise to build your riding skills, and stay within your abilities. ;)

About a year ago a small bird, probably a sparrow, hit me head on, right above my left hip, while I was riding my motorcycle. He broke his neck, and died in my lap. He didn't hurt me at all, and I really didn't realize what had happened, until I noticed a fluffy object in my lap. :wtf: That freaked me out for a second, as I brushed him off my body. ;)

It is very rare to hit a bird on a motorcycle, let alone kill one. Back in the early 1980s another small bird brushed me with his wings as he crossed the road in front of me. I don't think he was hurt. :)

One evening about three years ago, I also had an owl brush my arm with his wingtips. He wasn't hurt, and I was surprised he got that close to me, but I wasn't alarmed. ;)

Parking lot practice (low speed maneuvers and emergency stops) are so important. It really pays to keep those skills sharp.

Today I was leading on my new RX3, with my brother-in-law, my wife and his girlfriend following, on our way to Estes Park. I slowed down and signaled a left turn to go visit a historic church on the way. But my bil was looking at the church and didn't notice me stopping.

He swerved at the last second and was able to stop just past me. My wife dodged both of us but locked the rear brake and started fishtailing. She regained control but went onto the dirt shoulder and was almost completely stopped when the front tire slipped and she laid it down.

We honestly should have done more practice on her new TU250x, But thanks to all her practice on her old bike, she didn't panic and recovered from the fishtail. She wasn't injured and only suffered a few scratches and a bent shift lever.

I glad your wife wasn't injured. Has she taken the MSF Rider Safety Course?

Detours, are you posting ride reports anywhere? How's you wife like the TU250x. I think they would be a fun ,cool little bike to travel on, rj

I really ought to post more ride reports, but I don't always take pictures during my rides. My wife loves her TU250x. It's a really fun bike that's easy to ride.

Spud, yes she took the MSF course last November. We're both new riders. I took mine last year in May. We talked about some things to work on, like staggering the line , keeping a safe distance and watching the riders in front of you. But her steady practice on her old bike gave her skills and confidence. This could have been much worse.

I think your wife did a good job. :) I am glad to hear you both took the MSF Rider Safety Course. It is some of the best money you will ever spend. :tup:

I'm pleased to hear that you're out enjoying your bike. Your methodology is ideal; practice manoeuvers in a parking lot, so your skills are set when you need them.

I encourage you to not look at the speed as you change gears, for two reasons. The first is that you'll end up spending too much time looking at the speedometer, instead of keeping your head up. The second is that you should allow yourself to feel what the engine needs; the bike will become an extension of you, and you'll instinctively know which gear to choose and when. The basics are don't lug the engine, and don't wind it out too much. Anything in the middle is fair game.

You're doing great! Have fun. :tup: