@@flatgrindridesgood to see you back, missed your vids.,picture quality and roads are great The surface of the moon would be smother then our pot holed roads in UK at moment, ride safe. 👍
@@wannafly34agreed. I’ve been on the Dragon on three different bikes. HD Sportster, Aprilia 750 Shiver, KTM Super Duke. Probably all at the same speed as the Vespa. 😅
Got my start on a Vespa 62 years ago and advanced to Harley 12 years later, still riding at age 84. Have been on the Dragon many times, enjoyed your time there on the Vespa, thanks for the memories…
@@flatgrindrides gone from steetgluide to heritage and saved 100 pounds. Pretty easy to ride, very comfortable,handles like a dream, good for now but thanks for the suggestion. Stay safe and ride.
The most interesting thing about that road is the skill of its publicist. Tennessee, like most mountain states is full of roads like that. The only thing especially dangerous about that road is the people on it. I can ride just as twisty roads in another part of the state an almost have the roads to myself.
Exactly. What I fear about the Dragon is other vehicles crossing the center line. If I go with others, it is only on weekdays. But, in fact, there are other roads, longer, less celebrated, that's where I go on a regular basis.
Agreed, visited from Oregon. Pretty average for the coast range here, including the slow moving pickup trucks. Fun to see all the nice cars at Deals Gap though, our rental was not up to par.
I’m always looking for roads in TN/NC. Especially in the Cherokee area. Please share the ones that you like. I agree there are lots of long, curvy roads. And I prefer them to the Dragon. But I’ve never seen one like the Dragon except maybe the ride from Asheville to Hit Springs. Been in that once. Second time will be the judge.
@@youtubeaccount5153 I'm over in Georgia, west of Chattanooga. If you want something over here, the old 3 state 3 mountain challenge bicycle race map is a good start. It leaves Chattanooga to the northeast, up over suck creek mountain. Then it crosses the Tn River at Haletown. Lads mountain road to Nickajack cave. Then up sand mountain in to Alabama. Cutting in to Georgia before dropping back down in the valley. Up lookout mountain next. Scenic Highway back in to Tennessee. Down lookout right back in to down town Chattanooga. The whole thing is about 100 miles. Its not the same as the dragon, but skilled bicyclists missed corners, crashed an died on it. I have a video on my channel ridding the sand mountain part which is probably the straightest part actually, but still a good ride. There is also us 41 over Monteagle. That is the road in the song at the start of the movie Smokey and the Bandit. It also has several other songs about it. I have not been on that part of it myself but multiple people have told me its good.
I did the dragon in September when it was vacant. I was in my 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV2000. No one was on the road but me. Riding the Dragon on a Vespa appeals to me. Another iconic Italian Motorsport builder that makes the trip enjoyable and leaves the drama to others. I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work. Cheers Ed
After watching the disrespect from the other drivers and riders on this video, I will forgo this ride on my bucket list. There are plenty of other beautiful winding roads that are far more safe that the Tail of the Dragon.
This route is best between Monday and Thursday. Friday through Sunday is a total clown show. There is another notable route nearby that isn't well publicized. It's a "skyway" of sorts. Way better throughout the entire week and way less traffic.
Another brilliant Vid. Hope life slows down a touch for you so you can post some more high quality rides. Just bought a Yamaha 300Xmax but now I'm tossing up if I should trade it in & get an orange Vespa! I like your sensible riding style & general common sense road craft! Keep well & stay upright From the land of Oz (Australia)!
I am a scooter rider in the UK and really enjoyed your video and commentary. A great road to ride on. In the UK there are so many bends which are great fun to ride on.
Hey Flatgrind! Great to see you back on the Vespa. Been missing your scooter content. You inspired me to pick up my 2023 GTS 300 and I’ve been loving every second of it. Just did my 1000km service and used your video as a reference. Keep scooting my friend!
Nice video. Tail of the Dragon is on my bucket list. Awesome that you rode the dragon on a Vespa 👍. I own a Vespa and never thought about taking the Vespa to the dragon. You just gave me an idea 💡.
The Dragon is overrated. Trust me. I own a Miata and live within a 1.5-hour drive of it. It's a clown show. If you still want to drive it, go midweek, or even better, midweek late at night (2AM or so). Just watch for deer when out late. It has a lot of curves. Whoooo. Hell, the Blue Ridge Parkway really late (3AM+) is a MUCH better drive/ride. You have some "chill time" between challenges, and multiple pull offs if you need to "water the grass".
My wife and I stayed in Chattanooga, TN. for star days in 2008, and we decided to go visit friends near the east coast, two up on a 2007 Yamaha Venture pulling a large Matrix Rover trailer, at dusk. cruising through the tail, and didn't no we were on the tail, until, we passed Deals Gap. (It was interesting) I still have the nail makes of my wife, digging into my rib cage. As I tore the highway pegs off of the bike, laying into the turns.
The name congers up dreams of conquest for the hand of the fair maiden. Rode US 129 several times. Not a lot different than many Western mountainous roads except for the uninterrupted quantity of twists and turns. Recommended, if you like rescuing fair maidens or a brisk concentration consuming ride. Easy to get mesmerized into the competition.
Enjoyed the video! Please put up more of these beautiful scenic rides. My wife and I travelled some lovely roads in Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico last year in a rental car. Not all of it suitable for scooters, but lovely breathtaking scenery and often so vast and open. My own scooter is only a 49cc but so much fun!
Glad you were able to enjoy! Come summer weekends are miserable after 11am each day. I have strict heading home by 10am policy. Thank you for pointing out the no "connections" on the Dragon. The Back, Claw, and Head of the Dragon branches all have connections so the Tail is unique to those. Glad you were able to meet the Breakfast Crew...geeat bunch of guys.
I did this on my Sym HD 200 about 10 years back and it was a blast though I had to take it slow on the tighter turns than the people behind me liked due to the center/kick stand dragging. I do intend to go revisit it with the same scooter but will most likely modify a different kickstand so I can lean more into the turns. Scooters are very good for many beginners to do this with due to not having to shift gears but make sure if you guys do this that you know how far you can lean your bike both directions so you don't get a nasty surprise in the sharper turns as it may slide out from you.
I have to confess I love scooters. I visit the Dragon every year and would hop on one in a minute. You may enjoy the Cherohala Skyway, on a scooter would be quite nice.
Wow! What a great video to wake up to and enjoy my coffee watching you hit the Dragon on your Vespa! Thank you, as I doubt I will ever experience it in person. Some of the UA-cam crashes on it are epic! You and the Vespa handled it beautifully! Watching your speedo in the video showed me you got after it, especially chasing that Porsche! Skills! Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it. It is actually pretty easy on a Vespa. Light and nimble, not as much mass to manage as a big bike. Have to watch the lean angle so you don't drag the stand too much. I have a little bit of hotrod/hooligan in me, but not nearly as much as most of those guys!
Back in the 80s, I rode my first long trip and noticed US129 zig-zagging through the mountains, so I had to ride there. Keep in mind, it hadn't been called Tail of the Dragon yet. My 78' Goldwing was laden down with clothes and camping gear, making it a little top heavy. I started blasting down these "devilish" curves, nearly over-cooking a corner. A small car came into view and he promptly pulled over to let me pass. That took me by surprise, but pleasantly. Last year I finally rode North on the Tail while riding my 2016 Suzuki, Burgman. It seemed a little more tame going up, than going down. Burgmans are pretty sporty in the turns, so I still had a great ride. Frankly, there are some state roads in northern Tennessee that are more crazy. There's a few hairpin turns that drop out from underneath you when going down hill, and then you question your choices when riding up. Definitely not recommended for trucks.
Good ride! Love the Vespa and the color. My buddy and I rode our adventure bikes from NH to the Tail back in 2017. We did Skyline Drive and part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and had great weather going down and coming back. It was awesome. Lots of video. We did it in late September, early August. It was a great ride.
Love your riding, as usual. Cool place, going to South Carolina, Georgia and Florida in august/september (from Sweden). There is about 2 feet of snow where I keep my bikes, snowed this night as well, so I´ll have to wait a few more weeks. Thank you for great content!
A fine surprise seeing you riding on the Tail of the Dragon. It's not on my bucket list either but who knows, maybe I'll find myself there unexpectedly some day... Beautiful weather to ride.
If you want to mount your phone, I use quadlock universal mounts on both of my scooters. It just mounts with VHB tape. The setup's not cheap initially but very worth it if you have some crazy setup, especially with scooters that have no where to mount stuff. On this one, it might actually look good right above the speedo before the headlight is almost a TFT display.
Great content and commentary man! One caveat to the crash dialogue is those 1 in 100k chance of an animal just jumping in front whether youre going slow or fast, but otherwise i completely agree people are largely responsible for " i had to lay her down".
I sold my 1973 Detomsa Pantera to a party in Florida and drove from Central Washington state and went through the Tail of Dragoon with. 2 Harleys going going the opposite direction laid them down as they and one hit a tree and didn't survive. I am EMT so stopped. Those Harleys handle like rock. I did fine with Pantera, did push it, new it was 10k I paid 100k and sold higher as it was original and not doctored up or raced. Flew how and relocating to the Philippines.
Now that’s a car you don’t see very often! Sorry to hear about the crash. Hate to see that. When a meat sack at speed hits a stationary object, it can be ugly.
Great video, thanks. Looks like when I take my Vespa out…I’m the only Vespa I ever see. Good riding on your part, you rode smart yet made good time through all that. I don’t think I’d be all that interested as it still looks like there are a lot of risk takers on that road. Was fun to watch though! A Vespa keeping up with the sport bikes/cars!❤
I live 45 min.from the "Dragon" and run it often on my Vespa gts 300. I also ride with a group of Harley riders and I keep up easily and corner just as well although my fuel range is shorter. The Vespa I have has an RDL seat with backrest and the ride is extremely comfortable. What a great scooter and thank you for a superb video. I always follow your well-made videos.
Good video FG. You have a good narrative voice. The first time I visited, I came from the north on a Silver Wing scooter. Stopped at the damn for a photo. Still one of my sweet memories. Looks like you were just cruising while those cagers were doing all they could to get away from the scooter chasing 'em. 🤣 I kept thinking you were gonna capture one of those VIRAL accidents on the Dragon. And you're right about them hanging out. The regulars have a thread on AdvRider (in the basement). Kewl, you purchased one of the photos!!!! Looking good.
Thanks! I’m really glad that I didn’t capture one of those viral accidents. Overall, people were behaving better than I expected, which was nice. It really is a fun road to ride, in a beautiful place. It didn’t make the video, but the Tapoco Tavern on the river to the south is a great place to stop for lunch. I’ll be leaving with good memories too!
I'm both a Harley and Vespa owner. Never thought about riding the Vespa on the Tail, but on the Harley you upshift and downshift a zillion times. With the Vespa no shifting. A breeze. I have a 2012 GTV300 with 15K miles. Still like new. Thanks for the video.
Enjoyed the video. It does look like a pretty road, but I've ridden similar ones here, in AZ. I enjoyed listening to that Porsche you were following. I'm sure there are lots of great bikes and cars to see there.
There certainly are. I was having problems with my GoPro recognizing my helmet mic on a couple of the runs, so the audio recorded was from the in-camera mic and has lots of wind noise. During one of those runs I was behind a Porsche with super loud exhaust. I could feel it vibrate inside my helmet, LOL! The car was almost the same color orange as my bike. 👍 Here is a short clip, but the recording just doesn't do it justice. ua-cam.com/video/KNdhu1zju5I/v-deo.html
Looks like a very fun, beautiful scenic ride. Although no cross sections you still have to be very careful of those trying to pass. That low amount of visibility would put me on edge at every blind corner. Also, thanks for making this and your other videos. Your channel was one of the first I discovered when I started my Vespa journey so I wanted to thank you for that and inspiring me to get an orange gts and start my own channel. Hopefully you can do videos more often but I completely understand life getting in the way. Cheers!
I enjoyed the video. It looks like a fun road. I bought a new 2023 Vespa GTS Super last year. They are extremely fun to ride, and handle very well. Such a different ride than my motorcycles. I enjoyed your previous camping video. Have fun and be safe. ATGATT
I've been riding motorcycle for 2 seasons now and have been in 3 "crashes", all single vehicle crashes and all because I underestimate weight of my ADV bike. One time I parked it on soft soil, so side stand sunk in, second time I parked it on firm dirt road but washed the bike, water made soil soft and again side stand sunk in and third time I wanted to park it on wooden pallets in my greenhouse and it fell because of my clumsiness. Bike got some minor scratches but it was an inch away from destroying one of greenhouse walls. Motorcycles are a marvel of engineering and because of that sometimes you simply forget how much 230kg/507lbs (in case of my bike) actually is. If it falls, there is no point trying to catch it, just step aside, observe and assess the expenses.
😂 they are surprisingly heavy and easy to drop when you aren’t riding them! Some of the best crashes happen in the garage and when guys try to load them on trucks and trailers!!!
Great video m8. You showed just how capable scooters can be, while still being safe. Heard that stand grind on a few of those corners, a sound I heard plenty on my Burgman! 🙂 Have just bought a new Yamaha Max 300 and it is so much fun on the twisties. We have plenty of those round here in South Wales although you have to stay alert for tractors, trucks, random sheep and mud! Stay safe and keep the rubber side down. All the best from the UK
Thank you. You are right about the stand. The way it’s designed it can touch the road surface with less lean than one might expect. The good news is that on the touches I had it didn’t seem to unweight the tires at all. On some bikes, dragging a peg or a stand is a good way to have a quick low side crash because it takes just enough weight off the tire to cause it to lose traction. On this road, there was quite a bit of camber to some of the turns so it was a little bit difficult to judge how much clearance you actually had. Don’t have to worry about sheep at all though! 😂😂😂 👍
Erstaunlich, wie du mit der Vespa gut im Verkehr mit schwimmst! Und wie gut doch trotz der kleinen 12“ Reifen die Unebenheiten der Straße genommen werden. Ich würde diese Strecke wohl auch am liebsten mit meiner Vespa fahren, obwohl ich auch ein Motorrad und einen Sportwagen habe… Weiterhin viel Spaß und eine gute Fahrt. Viele Grüße aus Bayern
I did the TOD many years ago in my Beetle convertible with a bunch of other Beetle owners. It was a blast. I just got my first Vespa last Oct and I would LOVE to do the TOD on my Vespa.
Thanks for the vid. You must of trailered your bike or maybe you rode on your scoot the whole trip. I love watching your adventures. I live on west coast and want to ride hwy 1 through southern Cali
I was thinking about you the other day,it’s been a while!! Glad to hear you’re ok 👍🏼😃 Nice video,I’ve heard about the Tail a couple of years ago when another youtuber posted a video about it. Looks that little Vespa managed to do very well on those twists 🎉
Might have to give this a go on my Honda ADV160 instead of dragging my R8 all the way out there lol. I like how the cars in front of you provide the soundtrack to your ride :)
I heard of the Tail of Dragon it is getting very popular specially for Motorcycles But I would try my Vespa GTS 300 too bad I live too far from it so enjoy it and be careful , thanks for the video 😁
Tolles Video👍ich fahre in den deutschen Alpen mit meiner 300 Vespa und kann auch mit den grossen Motorrädern mithalten ( bei den Kurvenfahrten)deine Fahrweise ist perfekt,Save und macht sicher Fun
Nice to see it from that perspective. I will never get there to ride it, and really no desire to with so many crazies risking everyone's lives. Way too many other great places to ride all over the world with less risk of someone trying to prove how fast they can run through it.
This was a good watch. Wish you could've talked more about the road and your experience up there. I moved out to the area about 2 years ago and live about 20 mins from the base of the Dragon. I'm up there usually every weekend and sometimes go through on weekdays. This place has been heaven for me. Nothing like this out in NJ. And it feels like a car/motorcycle culture mecca. I've made more friends here now than I have in my entire life. The road can definitely be dangerous but its usually because of idiots. The wreckless people in cars/bikes are real and they usually learn the hard way. Then you have the commuters or stubborn people who refuse to use the pull-offs, often times with 20 cars/bikes behind them. Tourists in SUVs who cross the yellow at every turn. People driving their trucks and trailers up through there. Everyone just needs to relax, respect each other and the road. A lot of it just has to do with people in the US just not knowing how to drive and out very lackluster license/driving education system. Any moron can get a license. Hope you had fun though and someday you'll come back. Also lots of other roads right nearby that you would've liked and aren't as busy.
I had a very good time. One of the reasons there’s not as much narration is that I had a camera malfunction on a couple of the runs that I recorded, and it did not capture my audio. I didn’t know that until later that night when I downloaded the footage. It was a quick trip for me so I didn’t get a chance to explore the area or other roads. I hope to be back sometime. The morning crew that I met at the Dragon seemed very nice, so I can understand why you’ve made so many friends there!
I did it on a yamaha vino I was delivering to my sister just to do it on two wheels. it still has the dragon slayer license plate surond. I'm from southern California and it didn't feel like it should be a very dangerous road, its not dirty or as twisty as like Latigo. stuff doesn't get baked on. its very consistent with no tar snakes. felt more like canan or stunt if it wasn't as steep. or like alitle tighter angeles forest/crest. i think its just because the people that live there cant ride year round and no lane splitting so not many people are commuting. all those crashes just seem like inexperience just not enough time on the bike like us west coast riders. or maybe three just a bunch of harleys that reely cant do a twisty road at all. maybe I should road trip over on one of my proper bikes and have some fun in the area. I know there are more roads then just 129.
It looks like the scooter is the best way to experience the Dragon--no shifting needed! 😆So many good roads in that area. I found people to be very courteous for the most part, and I tried to be courteous to others in kind. Lots of bikers doing group rides and I'd always let them in or go by, and they'd always give me a courtesy nod or wave in return. And definitely would let the faster vehicles go by, I don't need someone riding my behind stressing me out.
Oh, about at the half way mark on the dragon, there’s a Forest Service fire road called Parsons Branch! If you ride it, it will take you to Cades Cove in the Great Smokies National Park!! It a good idea to have a bike like a BMW650GS!👍💥
I did it last summer just after a rain storm (video on my channel). There was no cars or bikes on it while I rode it. Just a beautiful area of the US and an excellent road to ride when you're not pushing it to the limit.
Probably 40 some years ago I was touring the southern states and was close to E on my fuel guage., when I saw a tiny 2 pump fueling station with a very small building to pay and grab a candy bar. I've been back twice since, now a very grown up TOD. The marketing was superb, but there are equally fine curvy roads to ride. Just remember- you must get home on the same bike you started on.!! Riding smart., turning 71 in July. 👍👍5🏍🙋♂️
Same in California, we have so many twisty roads that you can get tired of riding on them. I’ve done plenty of knee dragging. I’m surprised you don’t have a windscreen on the Vespa. Nice ride. That guy passing on a blind curve is a numb nut. ✌️
Myself and some friends were just at the Back of the Dragon in Virginia, in mid-June. We opted not to do the Tail ride as it was a bit farther for some of us (me, coming from New Jersey), and the potential of high traffic congestion (being the middle of June) on the road. How was the ride safety while on the Tail? Great twisty footage on your South to North run. When I was on the Back of the Dragon, some riders noted that I sometimes took turns without my brake lights on, (my engine compression was lowering my speed as I picked my lines), while they talked about trail-braking. Without a clutch the skill doesn’t seem to translate to bikes with CVT drives. Did you have a way for taking the turns? Wow, no small share of morons and idiots on the road when they overtook those in front of them. Great pics at the end. Thanks for posting.
Thanks! My Super Tenere has pretty heavy engine breaking when you come off the throttle, so sometimes I will grab a little brake just so my brake lights are on for the driver behind me. With the Vespa on the Tail I wasn’t doing anything special, just trying to be smooth and occasionally trail braking or using some front brake to keep weight on the front end. The Vespa is so light I find that it is much more forgiving in terms of technique. Hope you had a good trip!
@@flatgrindrides thanks. I’m just starting to edit my footage. Sounds like we do the same thing. My bike is a maxi-scooter so I generally use both brakes to reduce speed, but I know what you mean by signaling the rider/driver behind you that you’re slowing down.
Thanks for sharing. I think you are doing it right on a Vespa. Following 700+hp cars around and keeping up with them because this whole idea is stupid. lol. I'm all for fun backroad driving but this just strikes me as funny for some reason. Looks really fun on a GTS.
Nice vid! Now that you have had the scooter for a while, how does the control of the scooter compare to that of a motorcycle on a road like this. Do you feel your legs want to anchor on something or the lack of engine control when going through the curves? Is going downhill scary? I’d think you would burn your brakes since you can’t use the engine. I’m not an experienced rider - but I know how to drive light motorcycles and scooters in Asia. I just wonder what it’s like not being able to use your legs for control or suspension, and not able use the engine for braking on roads like these.
I think in a lot of ways the scooter is easier. The way you use your body is a little bit different, but the scooter is very light and the weight of the engine is fairly low and to the rear. This makes it feel like you are transitioning less weight when you go from a lean on one side to a lean on the other side. I’m probably not explaining it very well, but the handling is good, and confidence inspiring. It’s just different.
That was enjoyable, to view from the perspective of a sensible Vespa rider. It's amusing to be on the Vespa while a white Nissan Z, up ahead, is all sound-and-fury, but able to go no faster than everyone else - which is typically the case. Sport bike riders crossing the double-yellow on blind curves is, well, less than amusing.
From that area and, yes, it is true that Tail of the Dragon is publicized, but I think the main attraction is that , as you mentioned, it is known for having no driveways or side roads on its 11 miles. PS : I dislike the cars being on the road at the same time, because tourists just get in the way, and also, this is a standard road from Tn-NC... Tennessee might should designate bike-only days.
Howdy ,,,,, its Jeff with the black GTS from Fort Collins.....I haven't seen you for a bit and this explains why. Looks like pretty country. I had to laugh at about 8:30 into the video where your following a line of race cars and the last white one is going through the gears ,,,being paced by a scooter....nice of you to pace him from a distance and not push him. The ride looks like an outlet for way too much testosterone stuck in traffic. Smart to leave the race and be able to enjoy the road. Are you coming back to FC? Jeff
Hi Jeff, I still live in FoCo, this is just a short trip. Unrelated to this trip, I may be leaving FoCo. Not sure yet. There were definitely guys going faster than I wanted to go on that road but the Vespa could easily pace the typical run. Easy to pick a line and keep it smooth. 👍😉
Over here in the UK I had heard of the TOTD and I have watched a few videos featuring since. Isn't there a tree where they hang bike parts that have been damaged at the Cafe you went to. I don't think you put yourself to shame on your Vespa in the speed you were doing but I do think those that passed you took some unnecessary risks. Great to see all the sensible people out there enjoying using their vehicles.
Ah yes, “The Tree of Shame”. I didn’t mention it but you can see it as I ride by at 5:56. Thankfully, I didn’t hang any Vespa parts! Thanks for watching and take care over there in the UK. 👍
It used to be mostly all motorcycle and few cars and in the last 10 years you keep seeing more and more cars and less and less bikes. they are also getting ready to do the repaving so thats going to put a damper on stuff too this season
Nothing like clutching and racing the engine of your fancy sportscar and looking in your rearview mirror at a Vespa that you just can't shake.
Right?! 😂
That’s hateful😂😂😂😂😂
Exactly what I was thinking 🤣🤣
That Vespa will beat my Bugeye Sprite all day .. but I'll still have the BEST time and MAJOR fun ..and won't have to wear a helmet
Exactly why I love scoots man. They're just a super chill ride.
This is quite possibly the best way to actually enjoy the Dragon.
😂👍
When I rode my FJR on the dragon I didn't go much faster :) But I gotta imagine the Dragon on a Vespa would be a blast!
I swore I'd never go back but now I have a TW 200 with fresh 428's and it is tempting. So tempting...
@@flatgrindridesgood to see you back, missed your vids.,picture quality and roads are great
The surface of the moon would be smother then our pot holed roads in UK at moment, ride safe. 👍
@@wannafly34agreed. I’ve been on the Dragon on three different bikes. HD Sportster, Aprilia 750 Shiver, KTM Super Duke. Probably all at the same speed as the Vespa. 😅
Your riding mindset is spot on, you nailed it with the comment "I’m going to remove myself from this situation" 👍🏻👍🏻
The best part is you’re able to keep up with multiple hundred thousand dollar cars. The looks you get are hilarious.
Some priceless reactions 😉
Got my start on a Vespa 62 years ago and advanced to Harley 12 years later, still riding at age 84. Have been on the Dragon many times, enjoyed your time there on the Vespa, thanks for the memories…
When that Harley starts feeling heavy, you can always go back to the Vespa again. 😉
@@flatgrindrides gone from steetgluide to heritage and saved 100 pounds. Pretty easy to ride, very comfortable,handles like a dream, good for now but thanks for the suggestion. Stay safe and ride.
The most interesting thing about that road is the skill of its publicist. Tennessee, like most mountain states is full of roads like that. The only thing especially dangerous about that road is the people on it. I can ride just as twisty roads in another part of the state an almost have the roads to myself.
Exactly. What I fear about the Dragon is other vehicles crossing the center line. If I go with others, it is only on weekdays. But, in fact, there are other roads, longer, less celebrated, that's where I go on a regular basis.
Agreed, visited from Oregon. Pretty average for the coast range here, including the slow moving pickup trucks. Fun to see all the nice cars at Deals Gap though, our rental was not up to par.
I’m always looking for roads in TN/NC. Especially in the Cherokee area.
Please share the ones that you like.
I agree there are lots of long, curvy roads. And I prefer them to the Dragon. But I’ve never seen one like the Dragon except maybe the ride from Asheville to Hit Springs. Been in that once. Second time will be the judge.
@@youtubeaccount5153 I'm over in Georgia, west of Chattanooga. If you want something over here, the old 3 state 3 mountain challenge bicycle race map is a good start. It leaves Chattanooga to the northeast, up over suck creek mountain. Then it crosses the Tn River at Haletown. Lads mountain road to Nickajack cave. Then up sand mountain in to Alabama. Cutting in to Georgia before dropping back down in the valley. Up lookout mountain next. Scenic Highway back in to Tennessee. Down lookout right back in to down town Chattanooga. The whole thing is about 100 miles. Its not the same as the dragon, but skilled bicyclists missed corners, crashed an died on it. I have a video on my channel ridding the sand mountain part which is probably the straightest part actually, but still a good ride.
There is also us 41 over Monteagle. That is the road in the song at the start of the movie Smokey and the Bandit. It also has several other songs about it. I have not been on that part of it myself but multiple people have told me its good.
Yep, located in a rural part outside of Knox, and I rarely see another bike. Twisties everywhere.
Nice video, thanks for sharing.
Too many people in a hurry to go nowhere, while risking everyone elses life in the process.
You made that look really flowy when no one was in your way. Outstanding.
I did the dragon in September when it was vacant. I was in my 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV2000. No one was on the road but me. Riding the Dragon on a Vespa appeals to me. Another iconic Italian Motorsport builder that makes the trip enjoyable and leaves the drama to others. I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work. Cheers Ed
Thanks Ed!!
I love scooters. Super fun on roads like that.
After watching the disrespect from the other drivers and riders on this video, I will forgo this ride on my bucket list. There are plenty of other beautiful winding roads that are far more safe that the Tail of the Dragon.
This route is best between Monday and Thursday. Friday through Sunday is a total clown show. There is another notable route nearby that isn't well publicized. It's a "skyway" of sorts. Way better throughout the entire week and way less traffic.
@@XxGyromancerXx Cherohalla Skyway. Kind of a mini-Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a nice drive.
Dragging a knee on a Vespa takes serious talent! Enjoyed the ride, thanks for sharing this!
The centerstand dragging is the limiting factor.
Another brilliant Vid. Hope life slows down a touch for you so you can post some more high quality rides. Just bought a Yamaha 300Xmax but now I'm tossing up if I should trade it in & get an orange Vespa! I like your sensible riding style & general common sense road craft! Keep well & stay upright From the land of Oz (Australia)!
Thanks mate! Those xmax are nice. Enjoy.
I have done it several times on my Vespa GTS 300 as well as many other motorcycles I have owned. The Vespa is my favorite of all of them.
Nice! They are fun to ride.
I am a scooter rider in the UK and really enjoyed your video and commentary. A great road to ride on. In the UK there are so many bends which are great fun to ride on.
Thank you!
Hey Flatgrind! Great to see you back on the Vespa. Been missing your scooter content.
You inspired me to pick up my 2023 GTS 300 and I’ve been loving every second of it. Just did my 1000km service and used your video as a reference. Keep scooting my friend!
Thanks! Glad to hear it! Wishing you lots of fun and many safe miles. 👍
As someone who has ran the Tail on two, liter bikes and a 750, this video is great. 🤓👍
Thanks! 👍
Nice video. Tail of the Dragon is on my bucket list. Awesome that you rode the dragon on a Vespa 👍. I own a Vespa and never thought about taking the Vespa to the dragon. You just gave me an idea 💡.
The Dragon is overrated. Trust me. I own a Miata and live within a 1.5-hour drive of it. It's a clown show. If you still want to drive it, go midweek, or even better, midweek late at night (2AM or so). Just watch for deer when out late. It has a lot of curves. Whoooo. Hell, the Blue Ridge Parkway really late (3AM+) is a MUCH better drive/ride. You have some "chill time" between challenges, and multiple pull offs if you need to "water the grass".
That was great! You really know how to ride that Vespa!
Mad respect for riding the dragon on a vespa. Thats awesome. Ive done it on several different bikes but the scooter is next level
My wife and I stayed in Chattanooga, TN. for star days in 2008, and we decided to go visit friends near the east coast, two up on a 2007 Yamaha Venture pulling a large Matrix Rover trailer, at dusk. cruising through the tail, and didn't no we were on the tail, until, we passed Deals Gap. (It was interesting) I still have the nail makes of my wife, digging into my rib cage. As I tore the highway pegs off of the bike, laying into the turns.
😂👍
Nice ride keeping up with those sport cars.
The name congers up dreams of conquest for the hand of the fair maiden. Rode US 129 several times. Not a lot different than many Western mountainous roads except for the uninterrupted quantity of twists and turns. Recommended, if you like rescuing fair maidens or a brisk concentration consuming ride. Easy to get mesmerized into the competition.
Enjoyed the video! Please put up more of these beautiful scenic rides. My wife and I travelled some lovely roads in Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico last year in a rental car. Not all of it suitable for scooters, but lovely breathtaking scenery and often so vast and open. My own scooter is only a 49cc but so much fun!
Glad you were able to enjoy! Come summer weekends are miserable after 11am each day. I have strict heading home by 10am policy. Thank you for pointing out the no "connections" on the Dragon. The Back, Claw, and Head of the Dragon branches all have connections so the Tail is unique to those. Glad you were able to meet the Breakfast Crew...geeat bunch of guys.
Seems like a really good crew. Nice meeting you guys. you certainly have a good spot to meet on the weekends! 👍
I did this on my Sym HD 200 about 10 years back and it was a blast though I had to take it slow on the tighter turns than the people behind me liked due to the center/kick stand dragging. I do intend to go revisit it with the same scooter but will most likely modify a different kickstand so I can lean more into the turns. Scooters are very good for many beginners to do this with due to not having to shift gears but make sure if you guys do this that you know how far you can lean your bike both directions so you don't get a nasty surprise in the sharper turns as it may slide out from you.
Good advice. 👍
I have to confess I love scooters. I visit the Dragon every year and would hop on one in a minute. You may enjoy the Cherohala Skyway, on a scooter would be quite nice.
Saving that for my next trip! Didn't have time on this visit.
Dare say that this is the most sensible approach of all.
👍
first time seeing your page but i love Vespa and your video was great to watch
Thanks!
Enjoy your videos. Good to know you can ride the twisties on a twist and go scooter! Keep em coming...
I ride the dragon at least once a year... and the scooter looks like so much fun ... maybe this is the year
Go for it! It’s a fun, easy ride on a scoot.
flatgrind rides, Subscribed because your videos are so much fun!
Thanks!
Wow! What a great video to wake up to and enjoy my coffee watching you hit the Dragon on your Vespa! Thank you, as I doubt I will ever experience it in person. Some of the UA-cam crashes on it are epic! You and the Vespa handled it beautifully! Watching your speedo in the video showed me you got after it, especially chasing that Porsche! Skills! Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it. It is actually pretty easy on a Vespa. Light and nimble, not as much mass to manage as a big bike. Have to watch the lean angle so you don't drag the stand too much. I have a little bit of hotrod/hooligan in me, but not nearly as much as most of those guys!
Back in the 80s, I rode my first long trip and noticed US129 zig-zagging through the mountains, so I had to ride there. Keep in mind, it hadn't been called Tail of the Dragon yet. My 78' Goldwing was laden down with clothes and camping gear, making it a little top heavy. I started blasting down these "devilish" curves, nearly over-cooking a corner. A small car came into view and he promptly pulled over to let me pass. That took me by surprise, but pleasantly. Last year I finally rode North on the Tail while riding my 2016 Suzuki, Burgman. It seemed a little more tame going up, than going down. Burgmans are pretty sporty in the turns, so I still had a great ride. Frankly, there are some state roads in northern Tennessee that are more crazy. There's a few hairpin turns that drop out from underneath you when going down hill, and then you question your choices when riding up. Definitely not recommended for trucks.
Burgman and Goldwing. That’s a good combo. 👍
@@flatgrindrides I thought so, and I still have the Goldwing. Although, after 262,00 miles I had to retire it.
Good ride! Love the Vespa and the color. My buddy and I rode our adventure bikes from NH to the Tail back in 2017. We did Skyline Drive and part of the Blue Ridge Parkway and had great weather going down and coming back. It was awesome. Lots of video. We did it in late September, early August. It was a great ride.
Sounds like an awesome trip!
Cool video. Glad you posted.
Love your riding, as usual. Cool place, going to South Carolina, Georgia and Florida in august/september (from Sweden). There is about 2 feet of snow where I keep my bikes, snowed this night as well, so I´ll have to wait a few more weeks. Thank you for great content!
Thank you. Hope you have a great trip!
Try to make it to Northern Georgia on your as the roads there are far more enjoyable than the Tail of the Dragon.
Been there done that. I like the bikes and parts hanging in the trees at Deals Gap.
A fine surprise seeing you riding on the Tail of the Dragon. It's not on my bucket list either but who knows, maybe I'll find myself there unexpectedly some day...
Beautiful weather to ride.
The weather was perfect and the very early morning run was great because there was practically no one there. 😉
If you want to mount your phone, I use quadlock universal mounts on both of my scooters. It just mounts with VHB tape. The setup's not cheap initially but very worth it if you have some crazy setup, especially with scooters that have no where to mount stuff.
On this one, it might actually look good right above the speedo before the headlight is almost a TFT display.
Great content and commentary man! One caveat to the crash dialogue is those 1 in 100k chance of an animal just jumping in front whether youre going slow or fast, but otherwise i completely agree people are largely responsible for " i had to lay her down".
I sold my 1973 Detomsa Pantera to a party in Florida and drove from Central Washington state and went through the Tail of Dragoon with. 2 Harleys going going the opposite direction laid them down as they and one hit a tree and didn't survive. I am EMT so stopped. Those Harleys handle like rock. I did fine with Pantera, did push it, new it was 10k I paid 100k and sold higher as it was original and not doctored up or raced. Flew how and relocating to the Philippines.
Now that’s a car you don’t see very often! Sorry to hear about the crash. Hate to see that. When a meat sack at speed hits a stationary object, it can be ugly.
Great video, thanks. Looks like when I take my Vespa out…I’m the only Vespa I ever see. Good riding on your part, you rode smart yet made good time through all that. I don’t think I’d be all that interested as it still looks like there are a lot of risk takers on that road. Was fun to watch though! A Vespa keeping up with the sport bikes/cars!❤
I live 45 min.from the "Dragon" and run it often on my Vespa gts 300. I also ride with a group of Harley riders and I keep up easily and corner just as well although my fuel range is shorter. The Vespa I have has an RDL seat with backrest and the ride is extremely comfortable. What a great scooter and thank you for a superb video. I always follow your well-made videos.
Nice! I didn't see any other Vespas, but there were quite a few Groms representing the "small bike" crew.
Good video FG. You have a good narrative voice. The first time I visited, I came from the north on a Silver Wing scooter. Stopped at the damn for a photo. Still one of my sweet memories.
Looks like you were just cruising while those cagers were doing all they could to get away from the scooter chasing 'em. 🤣 I kept thinking you were gonna capture one of those VIRAL accidents on the Dragon.
And you're right about them hanging out. The regulars have a thread on AdvRider (in the basement). Kewl, you purchased one of the photos!!!! Looking good.
Thanks! I’m really glad that I didn’t capture one of those viral accidents. Overall, people were behaving better than I expected, which was nice. It really is a fun road to ride, in a beautiful place. It didn’t make the video, but the Tapoco Tavern on the river to the south is a great place to stop for lunch. I’ll be leaving with good memories too!
I'm both a Harley and Vespa owner. Never thought about riding the Vespa on the Tail, but on the Harley you upshift and downshift a zillion times. With the Vespa no shifting. A breeze. I have a 2012 GTV300 with 15K miles. Still like new. Thanks for the video.
Yeah, the Vespa makes it easy. Just pick a line and roll!
Great vidéo! Thank you so much!
I hope things will get better for you!
Thank you. Things aren’t bad, just busy and a little complicated. Less time for nice Vespa rides and videos at the moment.
I love your video's! Can you post your "morning"-run? Please more off this !!!
Sure! I'll do a quick render and post the full morning run. Glad you enjoy it.
Enjoyed the video. It does look like a pretty road, but I've ridden similar ones here, in AZ. I enjoyed listening to that Porsche you were following. I'm sure there are lots of great bikes and cars to see there.
There certainly are. I was having problems with my GoPro recognizing my helmet mic on a couple of the runs, so the audio recorded was from the in-camera mic and has lots of wind noise. During one of those runs I was behind a Porsche with super loud exhaust. I could feel it vibrate inside my helmet, LOL! The car was almost the same color orange as my bike. 👍
Here is a short clip, but the recording just doesn't do it justice.
ua-cam.com/video/KNdhu1zju5I/v-deo.html
good to see you again. hope you make more. Guess I'm showing my age but those guys crossing a double line and passing on blind curves are nuts.
Thank you. My thoughts exactly.
they weren't nuts they were actually idiots
Risk your own life all you want but when you cross the double line you are risking others lives…DON’T
Looks like a very fun, beautiful scenic ride. Although no cross sections you still have to be very careful of those trying to pass. That low amount of visibility would put me on edge at every blind corner.
Also, thanks for making this and your other videos. Your channel was one of the first I discovered when I started my Vespa journey so I wanted to thank you for that and inspiring me to get an orange gts and start my own channel. Hopefully you can do videos more often but I completely understand life getting in the way. Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words. Appreciate it. Enjoy that sweet outrage ride!
I have done that ride on my Piaggio BV250 many thimes and passed harleys going up it.
I enjoyed the video. It looks like a fun road. I bought a new 2023 Vespa GTS Super last year. They are extremely fun to ride, and handle very well. Such a different ride than my motorcycles. I enjoyed your previous camping video. Have fun and be safe. ATGATT
Vespa GTS Super. My times have changed since I was a kid. I bet it's fun as all heck.
Nice smooth riding, Too bad about the double liners, two words.....track day.
Loved the video! Thanks!
I've been riding motorcycle for 2 seasons now and have been in 3 "crashes", all single vehicle crashes and all because I underestimate weight of my ADV bike. One time I parked it on soft soil, so side stand sunk in, second time I parked it on firm dirt road but washed the bike, water made soil soft and again side stand sunk in and third time I wanted to park it on wooden pallets in my greenhouse and it fell because of my clumsiness. Bike got some minor scratches but it was an inch away from destroying one of greenhouse walls. Motorcycles are a marvel of engineering and because of that sometimes you simply forget how much 230kg/507lbs (in case of my bike) actually is. If it falls, there is no point trying to catch it, just step aside, observe and assess the expenses.
😂 they are surprisingly heavy and easy to drop when you aren’t riding them! Some of the best crashes happen in the garage and when guys try to load them on trucks and trailers!!!
Nice video. Love scooters. Shows you can experience the TOTD without risking your neck.
Great video m8. You showed just how capable scooters can be, while still being safe. Heard that stand grind on a few of those corners, a sound I heard plenty on my Burgman! 🙂 Have just bought a new Yamaha Max 300 and it is so much fun on the twisties. We have plenty of those round here in South Wales although you have to stay alert for tractors, trucks, random sheep and mud! Stay safe and keep the rubber side down. All the best from the UK
Thank you. You are right about the stand. The way it’s designed it can touch the road surface with less lean than one might expect. The good news is that on the touches I had it didn’t seem to unweight the tires at all. On some bikes, dragging a peg or a stand is a good way to have a quick low side crash because it takes just enough weight off the tire to cause it to lose traction. On this road, there was quite a bit of camber to some of the turns so it was a little bit difficult to judge how much clearance you actually had. Don’t have to worry about sheep at all though! 😂😂😂 👍
Erstaunlich, wie du mit der Vespa gut im Verkehr mit schwimmst! Und wie gut doch trotz der kleinen 12“ Reifen die Unebenheiten der Straße genommen werden. Ich würde diese Strecke wohl auch am liebsten mit meiner Vespa fahren, obwohl ich auch ein Motorrad und einen Sportwagen habe… Weiterhin viel Spaß und eine gute Fahrt. Viele Grüße aus Bayern
Thank you. I’ve got a big bike but no sports car. The Vespa is just so easy and fun!
I did the TOD many years ago in my Beetle convertible with a bunch of other Beetle owners. It was a blast. I just got my first Vespa last Oct and I would LOVE to do the TOD on my Vespa.
A beetle run would be pretty awesome!
Love this. You’re the OG man 🤙
Thanks for the vid. You must of trailered your bike or maybe you rode on your scoot the whole trip. I love watching your adventures. I live on west coast and want to ride hwy 1 through southern Cali
I transported it on a hitch mounted carrier. Highway 1 would be a great ride.
I was thinking about you the other day,it’s been a while!! Glad to hear you’re ok 👍🏼😃
Nice video,I’ve heard about the Tail a couple of years ago when another youtuber posted a video about it. Looks that little Vespa managed to do very well on those twists 🎉
Thanks Frankie. It held its own for sure, and with less effort. Riding the Vespa is easier and (probably?) more fun!
Might have to give this a go on my Honda ADV160 instead of dragging my R8 all the way out there lol. I like how the cars in front of you provide the soundtrack to your ride :)
I heard of the Tail of Dragon it is getting very popular specially for Motorcycles But I would try my Vespa GTS 300 too bad I live too far from it so enjoy it and be careful , thanks for the video 😁
Great riding. I had a suzuki Bergman 400. Very fun. But that can't be a 125?
GTS 300
Tolles Video👍ich fahre in den deutschen Alpen mit meiner 300 Vespa und kann auch mit den grossen Motorrädern mithalten ( bei den Kurvenfahrten)deine Fahrweise ist perfekt,Save und macht sicher Fun
Thank you. It is fun!
My old man lives up that way. Planning to ride my GTS up from Mobile AL next month.
That should be a good ride!
Nice to see it from that perspective. I will never get there to ride it, and really no desire to with so many crazies risking everyone's lives. Way too many other great places to ride all over the world with less risk of someone trying to prove how fast they can run through it.
..never ridden a Vespa,but have to admit that it looks like fun
This was a good watch. Wish you could've talked more about the road and your experience up there. I moved out to the area about 2 years ago and live about 20 mins from the base of the Dragon. I'm up there usually every weekend and sometimes go through on weekdays. This place has been heaven for me. Nothing like this out in NJ. And it feels like a car/motorcycle culture mecca. I've made more friends here now than I have in my entire life.
The road can definitely be dangerous but its usually because of idiots. The wreckless people in cars/bikes are real and they usually learn the hard way. Then you have the commuters or stubborn people who refuse to use the pull-offs, often times with 20 cars/bikes behind them. Tourists in SUVs who cross the yellow at every turn. People driving their trucks and trailers up through there. Everyone just needs to relax, respect each other and the road. A lot of it just has to do with people in the US just not knowing how to drive and out very lackluster license/driving education system. Any moron can get a license.
Hope you had fun though and someday you'll come back. Also lots of other roads right nearby that you would've liked and aren't as busy.
I had a very good time. One of the reasons there’s not as much narration is that I had a camera malfunction on a couple of the runs that I recorded, and it did not capture my audio. I didn’t know that until later that night when I downloaded the footage. It was a quick trip for me so I didn’t get a chance to explore the area or other roads. I hope to be back sometime. The morning crew that I met at the Dragon seemed very nice, so I can understand why you’ve made so many friends there!
I passed you coming out of the store, the Vespa really stands out in that crowd.
Yeah, there weren't many around for sure. What were you riding?
I have a little Vespa 50 (deristricted) and it is so much fun to ride.
I did it on a yamaha vino I was delivering to my sister just to do it on two wheels. it still has the dragon slayer license plate surond. I'm from southern California and it didn't feel like it should be a very dangerous road, its not dirty or as twisty as like Latigo. stuff doesn't get baked on. its very consistent with no tar snakes. felt more like canan or stunt if it wasn't as steep. or like alitle tighter angeles forest/crest.
i think its just because the people that live there cant ride year round and no lane splitting so not many people are commuting. all those crashes just seem like inexperience just not enough time on the bike like us west coast riders. or maybe three just a bunch of harleys that reely cant do a twisty road at all. maybe I should road trip over on one of my proper bikes and have some fun in the area. I know there are more roads then just 129.
Yeah, I haven’t explored the area, but there have to be a bunch of really great roads and pretty rides.
It looks like the scooter is the best way to experience the Dragon--no shifting needed! 😆So many good roads in that area. I found people to be very courteous for the most part, and I tried to be courteous to others in kind. Lots of bikers doing group rides and I'd always let them in or go by, and they'd always give me a courtesy nod or wave in return. And definitely would let the faster vehicles go by, I don't need someone riding my behind stressing me out.
Oh, about at the half way mark on the dragon, there’s a Forest Service fire road called Parsons Branch! If you ride it, it will take you to Cades Cove in the Great Smokies National Park!! It a good idea to have a bike like a BMW650GS!👍💥
Next time, I’m there I’ll have to give that a shot. Sounds like the kind of ride. I enjoy on my Super Tenere.
I did it last summer just after a rain storm (video on my channel). There was no cars or bikes on it while I rode it. Just a beautiful area of the US and an excellent road to ride when you're not pushing it to the limit.
I really appreciate this video. How many cc’s is your vespa? I will look at more of your videos. Thank you.
Thank you. It’s a 300cc
It looks like you did it with flying colors, in an elegant and civilized way, not trying to show off, like some Nissan dudes did... Congrats!
Can you talk about your recording and audio setup? Looking to start moto vlogging. Love the color of your scoot!
Thank you!
ua-cam.com/video/p3JW9ecJ13c/v-deo.html
Probably 40 some years ago I was touring the southern states and was close to E on my fuel guage., when I saw a tiny 2 pump fueling station with a very small building to pay and grab a candy bar. I've been back twice since, now a very grown up TOD. The marketing was superb, but there are equally fine curvy roads to ride. Just remember- you must get home on the same bike you started on.!! Riding smart., turning 71 in July. 👍👍5🏍🙋♂️
Words of wisdom. Wishing you many more safe miles!
Same in California, we have so many twisty roads that you can get tired of riding on them. I’ve done plenty of knee dragging. I’m surprised you don’t have a windscreen on the Vespa. Nice ride. That guy passing on a blind curve is a numb nut. ✌️
Enjoyed my 200cc Super Sport Vespa driving around London and Southern France back in 1972. Paid 75 lbs. for it used. It was basically our car.
Great memories I suspect.
Myself and some friends were just at the Back of the Dragon in Virginia, in mid-June. We opted not to do the Tail ride as it was a bit farther for some of us (me, coming from New Jersey), and the potential of high traffic congestion (being the middle of June) on the road. How was the ride safety while on the Tail?
Great twisty footage on your South to North run. When I was on the Back of the Dragon, some riders noted that I sometimes took turns without my brake lights on, (my engine compression was lowering my speed as I picked my lines), while they talked about trail-braking. Without a clutch the skill doesn’t seem to translate to bikes with CVT drives. Did you have a way for taking the turns?
Wow, no small share of morons and idiots on the road when they overtook those in front of them. Great pics at the end. Thanks for posting.
Thanks! My Super Tenere has pretty heavy engine breaking when you come off the throttle, so sometimes I will grab a little brake just so my brake lights are on for the driver behind me. With the Vespa on the Tail I wasn’t doing anything special, just trying to be smooth and occasionally trail braking or using some front brake to keep weight on the front end. The Vespa is so light I find that it is much more forgiving in terms of technique. Hope you had a good trip!
@@flatgrindrides thanks. I’m just starting to edit my footage. Sounds like we do the same thing. My bike is a maxi-scooter so I generally use both brakes to reduce speed, but I know what you mean by signaling the rider/driver behind you that you’re slowing down.
Thanks for sharing. I think you are doing it right on a Vespa. Following 700+hp cars around and keeping up with them because this whole idea is stupid. lol. I'm all for fun backroad driving but this just strikes me as funny for some reason. Looks really fun on a GTS.
Nice vid! Now that you have had the scooter for a while, how does the control of the scooter compare to that of a motorcycle on a road like this. Do you feel your legs want to anchor on something or the lack of engine control when going through the curves? Is going downhill scary? I’d think you would burn your brakes since you can’t use the engine. I’m not an experienced rider - but I know how to drive light motorcycles and scooters in Asia. I just wonder what it’s like not being able to use your legs for control or suspension, and not able use the engine for braking on roads like these.
I think in a lot of ways the scooter is easier. The way you use your body is a little bit different, but the scooter is very light and the weight of the engine is fairly low and to the rear. This makes it feel like you are transitioning less weight when you go from a lean on one side to a lean on the other side. I’m probably not explaining it very well, but the handling is good, and confidence inspiring. It’s just different.
That was enjoyable, to view from the perspective of a sensible Vespa rider. It's amusing to be on the Vespa while a white Nissan Z, up ahead, is all sound-and-fury, but able to go no faster than everyone else - which is typically the case. Sport bike riders crossing the double-yellow on blind curves is, well, less than amusing.
Great video ! thanks for sharing.
W
That "Z" in front of you makes the Vespa sound badass! Lol.
😂
Similar to the Jura in Switzerland and France. A very beautiful route. But the heavy traffic certainly makes it less enjoyable.
Very well done
From that area and, yes, it is true that Tail of the Dragon is publicized, but I think the main attraction is that , as you mentioned, it is known for having no driveways or side roads on its 11 miles.
PS : I dislike the cars being on the road at the same time, because tourists just get in the way, and also, this is a standard road from Tn-NC... Tennessee might should designate bike-only days.
Yeah, a designated "track day" would be fun and would probably bring in a TON of riders.
I took a Prius through there and got 2 folks to move aside and was challenged by no one. Also turned the cashiers head when I filled up 😂. Good times
Thanks very much for the video. (Vespa Club Kempen Belgium)
Thanks for watching Club Kempen! 👍
Howdy ,,,,, its Jeff with the black GTS from Fort Collins.....I haven't seen you for a bit and this explains why. Looks like pretty country.
I had to laugh at about 8:30 into the video where your following a line of race cars and the last white one is going through the gears ,,,being paced by a scooter....nice of you to pace him from a distance and not push him. The ride looks like an outlet for way too much testosterone stuck in traffic. Smart to leave the race and be able to enjoy the road.
Are you coming back to FC?
Jeff
Hi Jeff, I still live in FoCo, this is just a short trip. Unrelated to this trip, I may be leaving FoCo. Not sure yet.
There were definitely guys going faster than I wanted to go on that road but the Vespa could easily pace the typical run. Easy to pick a line and keep it smooth. 👍😉
Over here in the UK I had heard of the TOTD and I have watched a few videos featuring since. Isn't there a tree where they hang bike parts that have been damaged at the Cafe you went to. I don't think you put yourself to shame on your Vespa in the speed you were doing but I do think those that passed you took some unnecessary risks. Great to see all the sensible people out there enjoying using their vehicles.
Ah yes, “The Tree of Shame”. I didn’t mention it but you can see it as I ride by at 5:56. Thankfully, I didn’t hang any Vespa parts! Thanks for watching and take care over there in the UK. 👍
the scooter did well. perfect vehicle for the course.
Not as much torque or horsepower, but so much fun to ride and plenty fast.
He's back!!
It used to be mostly all motorcycle and few cars and in the last 10 years you keep seeing more and more cars and less and less bikes. they are also getting ready to do the repaving so thats going to put a damper on stuff too this season
Great video!