Nicki66
Well-Known Member
I had trailered my Max up to Asheville NC for a planned 7 days of riding in on the mountain roads.
Being from FL I was in awe when I was on my first twisty road. I quickly became comfortable with being on these type of roads and my Max felt like it was at home. The torque of the engine seemed to be a real plus for the acceleration and for engine breaking. I was in my glory!!
By day two I had rode over 400 miles of these glorious back roads and was ready to go "tame the Tail of the Dragon" (Deals Gap). Once again my Max was perfect. The Dragon was behind me and now tamed.
Day three, rain again. I was riding with a man that was staying at my motel also. We planned a route of a 150 mile loop that included riding through the Great Smokey Mountain National Forest. Very nice scenery, almost boring though. The road was too straight compared to what we were use to riding on. We were off of the mountain and riding on Little river road. Much more like what we were looking for. About 5 mile from leaving the park, with my new friend leading about 100 yards ahead of me, we were carving up the road at about 50 MPH. Much to my surprise, here comes a bear up out of the ditch in between us. The bear was now in my path. He realized that I was there and we played the zig-zag game for a second and then I hit him broadside. I am guessing that I was able to slow to 45 MPH at impact. Next thing I realize I am down on the road. I was able to stand up. Very disorientated and amazed, I looked down at my legs, looked at my arms, and everything appeared to be intact. Bear was gone! Bike is facing wrong way in the on coming lane. A couple of cars stopped and asked if I was okay. Nobody helped lift max with me. Not that I needed it, but I was on the right side of the bike, on a hill and couldn't get the kick stand down. I did manage it though. Rain suit is tore up on knees and elbows, glove torn, boots scuffed, but helmet was not scratched. Left knee and right wrist was feeling sore but not broken. After the Ranger made his report, he called for a tow, An hour later truck was there. At this point I am still VERY amazed that I hit a bear and went down at 45 MPH and I was feeling fine. Max was looking bad. Front wheel almost at the radiator. and bear puke or shit down the entire right side of the bike.
Now my only choice back was to ride bitch on my new friends bike. With my tail bag now made into a backpack, we set off on our 70 mile mountain road journey, which includes the "Dragon" in the rain, with darkness closing in. We made it back to the hotel safely. Now it was Miller Time!! The next day I woke up sore, but doing great. I once again was riding bitch for a 150 mile ride back to where my truck and trailer were. Thanks to Dave for he kindness and help.
So I was able to tame the "Dragon" but when it come to the National Parks, Yogi kicked my ass and gave my bike a bo-bo.
Im back in FL now and awaiting for State Farm to come and look at my bike. Last night I was on the Mondak Motorsports web pricing parts. $4500. I am hoping that State Farm doesn't want to total it. Bike is not very bad. Case guards really saved the bike. I also think that the bear was a cushion between the bike and the road.
Being from FL I was in awe when I was on my first twisty road. I quickly became comfortable with being on these type of roads and my Max felt like it was at home. The torque of the engine seemed to be a real plus for the acceleration and for engine breaking. I was in my glory!!
By day two I had rode over 400 miles of these glorious back roads and was ready to go "tame the Tail of the Dragon" (Deals Gap). Once again my Max was perfect. The Dragon was behind me and now tamed.
Day three, rain again. I was riding with a man that was staying at my motel also. We planned a route of a 150 mile loop that included riding through the Great Smokey Mountain National Forest. Very nice scenery, almost boring though. The road was too straight compared to what we were use to riding on. We were off of the mountain and riding on Little river road. Much more like what we were looking for. About 5 mile from leaving the park, with my new friend leading about 100 yards ahead of me, we were carving up the road at about 50 MPH. Much to my surprise, here comes a bear up out of the ditch in between us. The bear was now in my path. He realized that I was there and we played the zig-zag game for a second and then I hit him broadside. I am guessing that I was able to slow to 45 MPH at impact. Next thing I realize I am down on the road. I was able to stand up. Very disorientated and amazed, I looked down at my legs, looked at my arms, and everything appeared to be intact. Bear was gone! Bike is facing wrong way in the on coming lane. A couple of cars stopped and asked if I was okay. Nobody helped lift max with me. Not that I needed it, but I was on the right side of the bike, on a hill and couldn't get the kick stand down. I did manage it though. Rain suit is tore up on knees and elbows, glove torn, boots scuffed, but helmet was not scratched. Left knee and right wrist was feeling sore but not broken. After the Ranger made his report, he called for a tow, An hour later truck was there. At this point I am still VERY amazed that I hit a bear and went down at 45 MPH and I was feeling fine. Max was looking bad. Front wheel almost at the radiator. and bear puke or shit down the entire right side of the bike.
Now my only choice back was to ride bitch on my new friends bike. With my tail bag now made into a backpack, we set off on our 70 mile mountain road journey, which includes the "Dragon" in the rain, with darkness closing in. We made it back to the hotel safely. Now it was Miller Time!! The next day I woke up sore, but doing great. I once again was riding bitch for a 150 mile ride back to where my truck and trailer were. Thanks to Dave for he kindness and help.
So I was able to tame the "Dragon" but when it come to the National Parks, Yogi kicked my ass and gave my bike a bo-bo.
Im back in FL now and awaiting for State Farm to come and look at my bike. Last night I was on the Mondak Motorsports web pricing parts. $4500. I am hoping that State Farm doesn't want to total it. Bike is not very bad. Case guards really saved the bike. I also think that the bear was a cushion between the bike and the road.
unk:
