Topic: CB650C and the DRAGON

[wardenerd]

I worked on my 1977 550F by rebuilding the swingarm, new fork seals, wheel bearings chain and sprocket new shocks fork brace new brakes elactronis ignition  and it was not ready to go to the DRAGON so I took the 650C instead.  Rode 400 miles up theer and then 150 miles one way to a friends for sleep .  Next day to the DRAGON.  I am not a good rider but I would like to be.  The guys I went with were super and all were riding souped up Suzuki 650 single cylinder Savages.  They coached me and I improved 200% but I still suck compared to these guys.  I can ride curves alot better and I learned to stand on the brakes or open the throttle.  I learned lines and i learned to brake while in a curve and use the clutch for control.  I only almost crashed twice but in both places people have died and I just crapped my pants.
The guys I rode with from Pigeon Forge rode with me til we got to the scenic parkway.  They said we are going ahead fast and you ride as fast as you can and we will see you at the deals gap resort.  I rode the scenic Parkway and turned Left onto 129 as I was riding along scaring myself and riding as fast as I could when I realized I was on the DRAGON because I saw a photographer with a dragon slayer 129 sign.  When I got to the motel the guys said they did not want me to be intmidated so they let me find out for myself.  I was so tired after two more trips and riding to supper I was dreading the 400 mile ride home.  I rode home Tuesday and the 650C performed flawlessly and I did abuse it as much as I could.  The only problem was I lost the headlight reflector on the left side during one of my rides and had to use my trusty supply of duct tape.  But I have class it was black duct tape.  Everyone agreed the bike was not the best choice for twisties.  They were surprised at how well my one time basket case performed and I look forward to trying the 550F next year.

[Sniper X]

People trick out Suzuki Savages?  :oNEVER would have thought that!

On your riding, it gets better every time you push yourself without crashing or riding over your head. I will suggest saving up the coin and taking a track day. BEFORE I ever road raced, I took a class at Laguna Secca called the Keith Code Superbike School. At the time I had a Yamaha FZR750RR and thought I was all bad ass at riding it. I found out I was a WUSS and was scared crapless around the track for many laps. HOWEVER by the end of the day I was scorching people and even keeping up with the instructor. He even said I should take up road racing since I had so much talent. The point is, you gain about 300% better riding skills with some professional input and actually riding on a track instead of taking the risk of going too fast on the street.

I will also add that I took the school again, the more advanced one and I was so fast at the end of it the instructors were basically begging me to get into road racing. All this training actually made me a better and safer road rider and kept me out of trouble as well since I was so much more sane on the street. I will say there is NOTHING like going 175 on a track and braking as hard as you can for the up coming corner.....

[Tugboat]

I'm a noticably better rider after having done the Dragon & Cherohala Skyway this spring for the 2012 Rally. Best roads I've ever ridden, and I have a lot more confidence now. Just need to make sure that the confidence doesn't turn into cockiness

[wardenerd]

What surprised me the most was how exhausting it was mentally. I was passed the first day by a guy on a sportster after that the only vehicles that passed me were two shelbys AC COBRAS and the experienced crotch rockets.  I will go back better prepared. I hope the 550F goes as well as the 650 did.