XS Southeast 2015 discussion

[IanDMacDonald]

Nice video of the Tail of The Dragon in deals Gap, NC:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMzodo-nsGc

No problem on my CBR or GSXR, but I think I'll hang back on the XS, lol. I plan-on riding home on my bike in the same condition it was coming down (no broken frames hopefully).

[madmax-im]

yeah that is a tad extereme but then again there are a few of us that prolly could do that with ease...with an XS11...not me though

[MPittma100]

Ironhorse

Up in the Smoky Mountains this weekend with some riding buddies. We've been to the Wheels Through Time museum in Maggie Valley as well as a stop by the Ironhorse in Stecoah. The Triumph guys are there now for the whole week. They say that they have about 125 bikes for their event. Every kind of Triumph you have ever seen or heard of is there.

We will be here in Bryson City through Sunday - Come join us and practice for XSSE in two weeks.

[jetmechmarty]

I think we're going to have a great turnout. I have promoted this rally at dotheton.com and XS650.com. The response remains to be seen. The president of the Yamaha 650 Society is coming. I'm hoping for good weather, too!

[madmax-im]

Ordered a new front tar...Perelli MT66 is coming to a swampthing near me...yes its the Tubeless one... whatever the weather is you know its constantly changing in the mtns...y'all must be prepared for anything at this time of year...aint no such thing as bad weather...only bad gear...

[kboehringer]

Ordered a new front tar...Perelli MT66 is coming to a swampthing near me...yes its the Tubeless one...

MadMax,
I found in the factory service manual that the rims CAN accept a Tube Type tire but "the proper tube must be used". I've read quite a lot here from several different posts pro/con on the issue of Tube vs. Tubeless. I'll stick with the tubeless.

I don't really have any experience on a machine this big in; size, weight, or displacement and the only thing I have to compare my new Pirelli's to is the garbage on my original rims and my replacement XJ rims. However, I believe Marty's advice to me was very very good. These do feel very nice! I believe these Pirelli's are a good value for the $$$.

I am (like others) getting pretty darn excited about XSSE. I haven't seen another XS (of ANY variety) in person for years! I'm also a little anal about worrying about stuff while I'm driving (Hot Rods or Bikes). Did I tighten this? What condition is that? What's that vibration?

I've made an excel list and tried to think of EVERYTHING ON THE BIKE I need to verify before I take off for a bunch of driving.....

PRE- XSSE XS11 Checks

• Item Status
• Engine Oil & Filter - New Oil Level Correct
• Mid Drive Oil - New Oil Level Correct
• Final Drive - New Oil Level Correct
• Air Filter - New, Clean
• Battery - New, water level good
• Brake Lamp -Checked, working correctly
• Brakes - New Pads, New Lines
• Carbs - Clean, no leaks
  
• Cluctch Cable -WAITING ON NEW
• Electrical connectors -Checked, all clean
• Exhaust - Secure, No leaks
• Forks- Cleaned New Oil 7#
• Fuel Lamp - Checked, working correctly
• Headlamp Aim -Checked, aimed correctly
• Horns- Checked, working correctly
• Lighting/Signals - Headlamp new, all others check good
• Master Reservoirs - Full no leaks
• Petcocks -Rebuilt, no leaks
• Spare Key -Hidden on bike
• Spark Plugs - New, spares in bags
• Swingarm - New seals, re-packed, torque checked
• Throttle Cable- New Installed, properly lubricated
• Timing - Checked, correct, vac. advance good.
• Tires - New, presure correct
• Tools - Complete OEM kit + fuses
• Torques - Axles & mounts re-checked good.
• Wheel Bearings - New, properly packed

....aint no such thing as bad weather...only bad gear...

My bike should be ready .... But I'll be the guy with the "Bad Gear" I really never had the cross-country driving stuff all these other guys have accumulated and learned over the years.... PLEASE NO RAIN!!!!:eek:

Looking forward to making some new friends and seeing some other XS's.

Respectfully,
KURT

[madmax-im]

you still have time to get some good gear...for rain get Frogg Toggs rainsuits they are not too expensive ...they pack light and work very well in the wet... and can be put on over whatever else you're wearing...best to have it and not need it...thatn to need it and not have it....like I said weather conditions can change in a moments notice...and riding in and around the mtns we have seen this quite a few times..even bring warm clothes you never know...JAT
oh and i havent used a freaking tube in a motorcycle tire...ever...

[Prisoner6]

...for rain get Frogg Toggs rainsuits they are not too expensive ...they pack light and work very well in the wet... and can be put on over whatever else you're wearing...best to have it and not need it...than to need it and not have it...like I said weather conditions can change in a moments notice...and riding in and around the mtns we have seen this quite a few times..even bring warm clothes you never know...

+1 ...

Rain gear and cold weather gear are absolutely essential ... especially when you know you'll be riding in weather conditions that can change almost instantly.

I learned that lesson the hard way many, many years ago on a road trip ...

[jwhughes3]

These Cabelas Roughneck Dry Plus pants are discontinued at Cabelas but still available here:

http://www.huntinggearoutlet.com/pro...lus-pants-tall

Best and cheapest motorcycle overpants I found. They are intended for the construction trades. Are super tough with extra knee layers for knee pads that I leave out. Legs zip up side high to easily put on and off over boots.

You won't find heavy duty rain pants like these for under $250.

John

[RichV]

Although I do own some rain paints I usually just keep going and get wet. I find that eventually the rain stops and the wind dries me out. Now if it's very cold I may put them on but I don't wear a rain jacket. I find I just get wet anyway so why bother.

I just don't want to be one of those guys under the bridge putting gear on while trucks fly by at 80 mph.

[jetmechmarty]

I have just returned from the TN/NC where I attended a rally. I am a bit cold soaked. The leather jacket with a fleece under it wasn't warm enough. I took my windscreen off, so that didn't help.

I'm expecting a number of XS650 folks at this rally. I hope we get quite a few of them!

[madmax-im]

There you have it folks...right from the rally master himself...wet n cold with bad gear...be prepared for anything...

[jetmechmarty]

I might add that it rained all over the place, but never directly on me. I did ride a good bit of wet pavement. Rode The Dragon in the dark and then in the wet. At least, there's little traffic in those conditions.

Yes, at the end of September, it might be warm and it might be cold, and it might be both. If it rains, the water coming down will be cold.

We've had only one washout since 2002. If that should happen we have an alternate plan. For those willing to ride 50 miles in the rain, we'll make a trip the Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley. The lodge has big screen TV, pool tables, and shuffleboard. Of coarse, the fellowship is always great!

[MPittma100]

Mountains

+1 on the TN/NC weekend. I was in Maggie Valley, the Dragon, The Cherohala Skyway, and the Ironhorse this weekend. There was 40-80% chance of rain the entire time. Somehow, we did NOT get wet. Kept a close eye on the radar and stayed dry. Lots of folks were out, but not too crowded.

Was a little cool on the Skyway at 5900 feet altitude. A light jacket was all that was needed. Had our rain suits JIC.

Had a vast array of bikes - Honda Goldwing, K1200GT BMW, Yamaha Venturer, and a Hardley.

No bike troubles, had a great time. Found plenty of E0 gas.

[jetmechmarty]

+1 on the TN/NC weekend. I was in Maggie Valley, the Dragon, The Cherohala Skyway, and the Ironhorse this weekend.

Mike,
I saw you at Deals Gap. That pretty red XS1100 is hard to miss. I was at the Kawasaki demo ride. I saw you leave the resort and go north on 129.