ZX14 at Deal's Gap : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

mad · 10-15-2009, 04:25 AM

Just got back from a 1700 mile trip. Had some fun in northern Georgia. Here's a pic that Killboy got of me while I was running the Dragon. One of quite a few actually as 4 separate photo operations were out that morning. Will the 14 do okay in the twisties? Hell yeah.

jollyroger · 10-15-2009, 04:47 AM

Bout time someone got a decent pic of a lean!Time to change yer avatar there Mad-I believe yer 14's leanin more than your DUC there!Great Pics on Killboy BTW.Yep-she'll lean alright-about how fast were ya goin in those pics?

OldPete2112 · 10-15-2009, 05:35 AM

WICKED SHOT!

That looks great, one day I hope to get some shots like that of me. No chicken strips on this bike either.

OP

mad · 10-15-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jollyroger

Bout time someone got a decent pic of a lean!Time to change yer avatar there Mad-I believe yer 14's leanin more than your DUC there!Great Pics on Killboy BTW.Yep-she'll lean alright-about how fast were ya goin in those pics?

Not too fast quite honestly. The absolute fastest on that road I've seen by me is a quick zip to about 85 or so on a short shoot like can be seen behind me in the pic. I probably wasn't doing more than 50 in that shot. Er, I mean, I was doing the speed limit. Exactly 30mph. No more...and I never speed.

BULLDOG · 10-15-2009, 10:08 AM

Great looking shot, that road looks wicked.

Capt65 · 10-15-2009, 10:19 AM

GREAT ONE!!

juicey69 · 10-15-2009, 10:42 AM

Great pic

zaneyzrex · 10-15-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BULLDOG

Great looking shot, that road looks wicked.

yep it is a great road for all the ricky racers .......

not sure why people think the busas/zx14's cant lean...

jollyroger · 10-15-2009, 02:49 PM

Mebbee they're SCEEERED!

Hammerhead · 10-15-2009, 03:38 PM

Here's a ZX-14 on The Dragon....sucking my exhaust!!

mad · 10-15-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammerhead

Here's a ZX-14 on The Dragon....sucking my exhaust!!

Hey Hammerhead!!! Your avitar pic appears to be taken on the same turn as my photo! Cool!

Nice!

What's hangin' on his 14...is that a center stand under his left foot? That'll kill the corner for sure...until you grind it off.

2WheelWillie · 10-15-2009, 04:40 PM

Awesome pic.

Mike P · 10-15-2009, 05:56 PM

The only time I like Deals Gap is M-F when traffic is much lower. M-F is a great time to get pics when you can run better than the posted 35mph. You won't see me on the Dragon on the weekends.....ever.

Excellent pic!

dogszzr · 10-15-2009, 09:03 PM

great shot, nice to see a 14 get it's lean on.

GRN_MONSTER · 10-15-2009, 09:20 PM

Nice shot!!

*One day (far far away!) I would like to make it to Deals Gap, is it really worth the long trip!?

Mike P · 10-16-2009, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRN_MONSTER

is it really worth the long trip!?

No, unless you like seeing up to 13 state cops in 11 miles{i have} and being pressured to maintain 35mph because they will pull you over for 1mph over.

The surrounding roads in the area are worth it but the hype behind the Dragon is BS. To bad though because it is a kick ass road.

mad · 10-16-2009, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRN_MONSTER

Nice shot!!

*One day (far far away!) I would like to make it to Deals Gap, is it really worth the long trip!?

I agree with Mike P...but...I'll also say that the atmosphere at the Tail of the Dragon "resort" on the south end is fantastic. Always huge groups of bikes of all sorts to check out while the hotel/restaurant/souvenir shop/gas station bristle with activity. They also have a couple of great spots for photos to include the "tree of shame". REALLY cool atmosphere to get you pumped up about riding the area. The best time to ride Deal's Gap/the Dragon/US 129 is as stated...during the week. I was there this time on a Friday. I've also stayed at the motel there before and that affords the late afternoon/early evening and also the very early morning first runs of the day when it's generally not patrolled and the traffic is very light to non-existent. You've just got to pick your time. The many other roads in the area also offer never ending twisties from hair pin turns to fast sweepers all with wonderful scenery...if you slow down long enough to visit one of the many scenic overlooks.

05Carbon636 · 10-16-2009, 06:06 AM

@ hammerhead
looks to me in thiis pic he was picking the line to sweep the inside and overtake the blue whale!!

jk nice shot both of you.

JohnD · 10-23-2009, 09:08 PM

Nice photo and good looking ZX-14. I did Deals Gap on my '08 Concours 14 (a.k.a. GTR 1400) last March on a Thursday. Very little traffic and never saw a cop. Ran it three times.

To answer another post, the Gap is not a fast ride as the curves are continuous and there is very little straight. After my first trip through I decided that I was bettter off taking the whole ride in 2nd gear. I was never so slow that I needed 1st and never so fast that I had to shift to 3rd. There are many other roads in that area that are less twisted and considerably faster where you can use more of your gearbox. Many other great rides in that area, and better off the Gap if you are there on a weekend when it can be too crowded, and dangerous I.M.O. I rode up from Tampa, Florida and spent the night in Chattanooga, Tennessee, maybe 1,300 miles (2,100 km.) round trip. Good time.

Poky · 10-24-2009, 04:32 AM

Thanks Mad for the great thread and pics. About the Deal's Gap and if it's worth the trip ? I know some guys who made the trip from Montreal.

Yunno, Canada.