Going to Deals Gap and surrounding area

[meetch]

So myself and a group of local riders are planning a trip to Deals Gap and surrounding area this coming June. One of the guys I met in the group found out I was riding a Buell and had mentioned that I should make sure to bring a tool kit with me..(jokingly) But in all seriousness is there something I should look at or check prior to my trip..(other than the obvious oil levels,air pressure,etc.. I haven't ridden the Xb enough to understand any certain quirks or bolts that may come loose or anything like that...

Anyone have any experience with these kind of trips with there buell?

Thanks!

 

[steve may]

Some people can't handle an American V-twin running them down in the twisties without breaking 7000 rpm.I think you'll be fine. But it never hurts to have a few tools.Your buddy should bring tools too.I do some serious carving in southern Alabama,I've never had a problem anywhere.

 

[GatorBuell]

Be careful, I hear they are really cracking down on the Gap lately. Your gear would be the best thing to invest in. Paints, good Jacket, gloves and nice boots will save your butt. Speaking from experience make sure you do your maintenance a week or so early so you give your self time in case something strips or you find something that needs to be replaced.

 

[meetch]

thanks for the advice guys.. yeah I have already started with all the regular maintenance and checking stuff out.. I'm pretty excited as this is the first time visiting this area.

 

[09XB12Ss]

Bring a spare crankshaft position sensor. Very easy to replace and doesn't take up much space. If that sensor goes, you won't be going anywhere.

 

[dave_xb12r]

I think the only tool you'll need is in your supplied tool kit: the T27 torx wrench. I have had a few body bolts loosen on me.

I agree with Gator, good gear is first on the list, but from what you mentioned before, you pretty much have that covered.

 

[horseplay]

Your in for a real treat! That area is beauiful. Smooth twisty mountain roads everywhere...not just the dragon. I suggest getting everyone to go in on a cabin rental. A few friends and I did this 4 or 5 years ago and actually saved money vs a hotel. Not to mention it was MUCH MUCH nicer. Make a ride to Clingmans Dome if you have time...I thought it was worth the drive anyway.
Have fun...wear your gear..dont drink and ride....and WATCH THE POLICE.
Im planning on a trip down there in June with a few friends myself but nothing set in stone yet.
Where are you riding from?

 

[meetch]

Thanks Dave..


Horseplay,
Yeah the guys I'm going with have visited this area a few times before and from what they have told me (as you had mentioned) there are many other roads other than the dragon.. But i will mention Clingmans Dome to see if they recognize that. And yeah I think the group had already decided on staying at a hotel, but that's fine by me. We are planning the trip leaving Windsor,Ontario on June 12 and coming back June 20 and those dates are set in stone for us.

 

[horseplay]

Wow...are you trailering down? Im in Illinois but about the same distance. I always wanted to trailer to southern Kentucky (London)..park and ride the rest of the way in. Its flat straight and boring up until Mid-Kentucky anyway.
If I end up going it will be right around that same time.

 

[meetch]

Well the XB and I are as ready as we'll ever be, were all packed up and heading to the Gap. I will be sure to snap some photos to post up once I return!

 

[lintoncr]

Recently made a trip to the Gap on Memorial Day weekend and had a blast! Saw only a few cops, mainly on US 129 leading up to the Gap on the TN side. However, my buddy on his new '09 R1 could not keep up with me at all, I was killin him on my '09 XB12! No more chicken strips on the tires, and I love the look on the Harley guys' faces when they hear the V-twin comin' and then see the Buell, haha.

 

[meetch]

Well I made it back in one piece and so did the XB... the roads are like no other... smooth, clean and twisty! we did 1600kms in 4 days of riding and the XB held up great with zero issues. The only cops seen were at the Gap, which didn't really bother anyone since construction slowed everything down anyhow.

But all in all a great trip no crashes and no chicken strips... I'm pretty sure this will be a yearly trip from now on.

 

[Dragonslayer]

In April of next year there will be a Buell event at Deals Gap. It's not officially sponsored by Buell, it's just a bunch of Buellers coming together at one time to ride the area. I haven't advertised it yet but will soon. We stay at the Iron Horse Campground. You're welcome to come if you like. In April the crowds are much lighter.

 

[tuneport67ss]

please update when you have the information. i am in north west ga and would love to ride the gap. i never have on my old bikes. if you know of anyone else between now and then riding around north ga shoot me an email at [email protected]

 

[meetch]

A photo from Deals Gap....

I am already excited for next year.