RX3 Goes to Western NC

[jbfla]

I had intended to ride the RX3 to North Carolina, but I am having to reestablish my trust in the bike after the engine repair.

So the bike rode on the trailer.

I've been riding daily for about a week and I believe the RX3 is in its element here on the mountain roads.

The secondary roads are full of twists and turns, and I find that I rarely need to go faster that 55 mph.

The overlook at Hiwassee Dam, NW of Murphy, NC



At least once a season I ride the Cherohala Skyway:



And Hwy 129, Deal's Gap:





jb

[BlackBike]

I here what you are saying about the trust issue. I am reassuring myself with every upgraded part I install. thx for beautiful pictures.

[Ron B]

how did the rx3 handle the dragon? Ive ridden it on harley and a vstar but havent gone up and tried the zong yet. Enough power on the uphill ride?

[CSaddict]

Glad you are riding the bike to regain trust. I'm forcing myself to ride mine trying to do the same thing. Hopefully I can learn to like it again.

[Sport Rider]

I had my hawk over there the first of May. I found the hills up the mountains to be too much for the 250. lugged up them about 45. However, I did find some great forest service roads that were a blast on the Hawk. it was right at home on them. they are all around the Cherohala. Next time you go, check them out!

[jbfla]

Originally Posted by Ron B

how did the rx3 handle the dragon? Ive ridden it on harley and a vstar but havent gone up and tried the zong yet. Enough power on the uphill ride?

Ron, the RX3 has plenty of power for the steepest inclines.

On the Dragon the speed limit is 30 mph. I believe I rode the whole way in 3rd gear. No reason to go any faster...

Four state police were having lunch at the restaurant:



On the way across, I passed a Ducati Scrambler that had run off the side of the road into a ditch. To add to his embarrassment, he was being given a ticket by a TN state trooper.

Originally Posted by CSaddict

Glad you are riding the bike to regain trust. I'm forcing myself to ride mine trying to do the same thing. Hopefully I can learn to like it again.

CS, it's a love/hate relationship. The bike fits me like no other. It handles great, with light steering, and has plenty of power for my purposes, and has great support from CSC.

At 4,500 miles I'm still not 100% convinced of it's reliability.

My RX3 hasn't had the transmission problems like yours. My trans has always shifted smoothly, and I can usually find first gear on the first try.

I was planning to ride the RX3 cross country, but I surely don't want to be trying to adjust the valves in a motel parking lot. I will likely take a different bike.

Whoever designed the engine/frame mounting configuration should be sentenced to a lifetime of adjusting the exhaust valves.

Originally Posted by Sport Rider

I had my hawk over there the first of May. I found the hills up the mountains to be too much for the 250. lugged up them about 45. However, I did find some great forest service roads that were a blast on the Hawk. it was right at home on them. they are all around the Cherohala. Next time you go, check them out!

Sport Rider, I'm familiar with the Forest Service roads in the area.

I have a cabin north of Murphy, NC, and have been riding those trails during the summers for 20+ years.....but I ride them on my TW200 and DR650, or other more appropriate bike, not the RX3.

The RX3 has more hp that the Hawk. It easily climbs, and can even accelerate on the longest uphill inclines.

jb

[madsocial]

jbfla ,

great pics! looks like you had a blast!

[jbfla]

Rafters along the Ocoee River:




New Indian casino and hotel in Murphy, NC




Fontana Lake:




Heading up into the mountains:




The best part.....mint chocolate chip ice cream at Fontana Village Ice Cream Shop:




jb

[jbfla]

A few more photos from today:

The Murphy-Andrews Airport, where I took my practical flight exam many years ago.




In front of Cherokee County Cycles in Andrews, NC:




The Ocoee river before they release the water from the dam:



This is the Hiwassee River from the bridge in Reliance, TN.

On the weekends it is full of people on tubes, rafts, and kayaks:



jb

[Jay In Milpitas]

Nice shots, thanks for sharing.

[detours]

Very nice!

[Weldangrind]

I especially liked the Hiwassee River shot.

[detours]

I really enjoyed your pics. I'm originally from East Tennessee and those pics really take me back to my childhood in the Appalachians. Post more if you have them!

[jbfla]

Originally Posted by detours

I really enjoyed your pics. I'm originally from East Tennessee and those pics really take me back to my childhood in the Appalachians. Post more if you have them!

I took another ride through Deal's Gap today.

Passed a motorcycle and rider who had gone into the ditch. Didn't look good.

Someone was attending him. Took over 20 minutes for TN Sheriff and paramedics to get there.

Here's the overlook at the TN end of Deal's Gap:



And a picture of the Little TN River near Vonore, TN:



jb

[BlackBike]

Jbfla, always enjoy the vaca pics. Thanks !