Just got back from a trip to the Smokey Mountains to ride with some buddies for a week. The radiator fan died while I was there, so I rode the ZX naked on the Dragon's Tail, while waiting for a replacement to arrive the next day. Sweet ride. Over 3000 miles in a week.

-Matt

* Last updated by: MattTheHat on 7/4/2009 @ 8:59 PM *

I want to ride the dragon.....my parents just got back from there, on the Harleys

* Last updated by: Monster14 on 7/10/2009 @ 3:12 PM *

It's a trip, that's for sure! I came in WAY too hot on a couple of turns, but I was trying to leave my buddies on smaller bikes behind, which I eventually did. Once I calmed down a bit, I had no other surprises. Note the condition of the rear tire afterwards:

I run Buell pegs, which keep my feet about 3/4" further away from the bike than the stockers. My right and left boots both rubbed the asphalt a couple of times--a sensation I don't much like.

-Matt

yeah, the first time my feet touched the asphalt it was alittle unnerving, doesn't much bother me any more!

...doesn't much bother me any more!

Really??!! Not me, it gives me a bad case of the willies every time it happens. I'll be doing some more mountain riding in about 6 weeks. I'll be putting my Oberon pegs back on before I do.

-Matt

happens to me quite often. we have some GREAT twisty roads around here and I play on them ALOT. I'm running a set of the gp style pegs, they don't stick out any farther than stockers though.

Did it run a lot cooler w/o fairings?? Probably the same if ur fan wasn't workin.... I think she looks cool naked.... that may be my next venture for a second bike... pick up a used 14 strip her down and turn her into a naked streetfighter monster!!!!

Honestly, I don't she ran much cooler, but it's hard to know for sure. Maybe a bar on the meter less, if I was guessing. She do put off some extree heat without her fairings, though, and that even though I was riding her nekked in a climate at least 30 degrees hotter than what I was used to.

I kinda think she looks cool naked too. The only thing I don't like is the radiator puke tank. I'm guessing there's room to mount that up under the front fairing if a guy really thought he needed to. Just route the overflow tube so she doesn't barf on the front tire, and you'd probably be good.

Oh, and the rubber sound barrier mat that covers the motor flops in the breeze a bit. If that were to bother a guy, I guess he could always just pull it out.

-Matt

Do you ride with the balls of your feet on the pegs, with your toes tucked in tight to the bike? I used to drag my boots all the time, but got some advice on correting my foot placement and haven't had any problems since. I'm wearing size 13 Sidi Vertigo Corsa boots at the moment and still no problems.

Aussie,

Yup, I do ride on the balls of my feet. Guess I picked up that habit in my off-road days. Those Buell pegs just stick too far out. I like the little bit of drop, but it sure feels weird not being able to tuck the feet in properly.

-Matt

Went down there back in May, just had a blast. I'll be back. My girl wasn't nekkid though.

I wish I was as close as you! I'd probably be there every few weekends. Awesome riding round 'bout that area.

-Matt