Spring cleaning

Shaners · April 18, 2002

My bike looked terrible so I spent some time getting it ready for the spring/summer. I didn't have a chance to ride much last year so I don't even remember if I washed the bike. It doesn't look too bad for being 9 years old and almost 40K on it. I hope to get 3-5K on it this year...

And for anyone who lives in Western NC or Eastern Tenn. you'll appreciate the second photo (below the 129 it says "body surfers") ...

Kania2k1 · April 19, 2002

I thought I recognized that sticker! Been camping up there in Nanahala, Had to stop twice getting there because I got so dizzy on all the switchbacks on 129. I'd love to take it on a bike sometime.

Shaners · April 19, 2002

I thought I recognized that sticker! Been camping up there in Nanahala, Had to stop twice getting there because I got so dizzy on all the switchbacks on 129. I'd love to take it on a bike sometime.

That road is incredible... amost scary!!! something like 312 curves in 11 miles!!! About the time you are working up a big balls sweat you look down and see you've only gone 5 miles!!! LOL!!!

That is the most intense piece of asphalt in the eastern US!!!

Chief Smallfire · April 19, 2002

You could wear out your car battery beeping at your own tail lights.

carguru · April 19, 2002

Hey, I recognize those signs. A group of us rode that road last fall. I had the 'vette, the others were on bikes. One of the bikers almost wiped out on one of those curves. One heck of a ride!!!!!!

sincityZ71 · April 19, 2002

Nice looking bike. I may have to drive out to that part of the country one day and give that road a try. I love curvy roads, their so much fun.

siume99 · April 19, 2002

Oh oh...please tell me where the curves are. I'm going to TN/KY next weekend. Is that near the Cumberland Gap?

siume99 · April 19, 2002

BTW. That is a cool front fork on your bike!

rikhek · April 19, 2002

That's not a fork it's the driveshaft for the front wheel drive.

Rick

siume99 · April 19, 2002

That's not a fork it's the driveshaft for the front wheel drive.

Rick

A 2wd bike? interestingly cool

Shaners · April 19, 2002

BTW. That is a cool front fork on your bike!

This bike doesn't have a front fork. It has a "swing-arm" on the front end. There is virtually no dive when braking and it's incredibly stable in the corners. Yamaha was way ahead of it's time when they introduced this bike in 1993. All the technology like the swing-arm front end, ABS, Fuel Injection, Catalytic Converter etc., scared alot of people from buying it. Therefore Yamaha only sold 500 copies of this bike in the US and I'm one of the proud owners who wasn't afraid of it! It has been trouble-free for the most part...

The road you want is Rt 129. It crosses the Tenn NC border about 40 miles South of Knoxville. The twisteist part is in Tenn South to Deals Gap NC. It's 318 turns in 11 miles!!!

Check out this link Deals Gap

Import Hater · April 20, 2002

Ha ha! I don't have to do any spring cleaning on my bike. Hopefully it will be already clean when it comes out of the crate. I'll be picking it up by next Saurday! Yay! I've been bikeless for a little while now. I've been starting to go through withdrawals.

Rob

DigUout · April 20, 2002

Shane, thanks so much for the link! I forwarded it to my Dad, who as an NC resident and rider, was very familiar with Deals Gap. He once showed me a video he and some buddies made on 129 with a camera strapped to their handlebars - CRAZY!!

He's now living out near Portland, Oregon and I know will love to see that site. The Pacific Coast Highway ain't got nothin' on Deals Gap! Thanks again -

Shaners · April 20, 2002

Hey DigUout, if your dad did alot of riding in the NC area, then he should be familiar with this place too. It's tucked into the mountains in Northern GA. It's a 2-day ride for me to get there, and worth every mile!!! There's some great roads in NC and Northern GA!!!

Here's the link... Two Wheels Only

Josh · April 21, 2002

Who hasn't heard of deals gap? When I get a bike (if my parents will ever let me, lol) i am going straight there on a vacation. that place is awesome.

btw, that bike isnt 2wd, although they are working on one right now. sportbikes.net has some info on it. very interesting read.