Over rated? The Dragon’s 11 miles is the most technical stretch of Highway in the US for sure and I’ve yet to hear of another one like it in the world. Crowded? Yes? Lots of idiots? Yes. Lots of squids? Yes. Dangerous? Yes. Challenging? Yes. Technical? Yes. Over rated? Hardly! Too short... for sure!
Fun... yes! Technical... yes, but not unchallenged in the US. Lots of idiots? Yes. Lots of squids? Yes. Too short... Yes! May I suggest a tour of the European Alps? Incredible series of switchbacks and drop-dead views all day long!
I’ve ridden the Alps; 13 days Austria, Italy/Dolomites, and Germany. No roads/rides even close to being as technical and demanding as the Dragon. Only thing you see riding the Dragon is the road in front of you.
I’m sure it’s fun. My point is, if you’re not being pushed for a time trial and take the run at whatever speed one needs to stay in their lane, how does it become challenging or demanding? Fun, I get. I’ve ridden the hairpins up to Furkah pass in Switzerland. Not the same, I understand, but this game isn’t hard to make a two wheeled vehicle with 160 hp go through it.
If the speed limit is too low or the traffic to much I pass. Same reason everytime I've ridden the roads around Sturgis I do it the week after the rally. There is no traffic, no dweeb coming at me across the center line because they can't ride for **** and there are no cops anywhere to be seen.
There are a few "roads you have to ride" in the country. I evaluate them for my long trips based on those things above.
I've seen a lot of pics of wrecked bikes on the dragon. Most of them from riders that can't stay in their lane on a curve. Scary stuff if you are going the other way.
I’m sure it’s fun. My point is, if you’re not being pushed for a time trial and take the run at whatever speed one needs to stay in their lane, how does it become challenging or demanding? Fun, I get. I’ve ridden the hairpins up to Furkah pass in Switzerland. Not the same, I understand, but this game isn’t hard to make a two wheeled vehicle with 160 hp go through it.
I know you'll find this hard to believe, but some things you have to experience to "get it"... And I'll say again, there's nothing in the Alps like the Dragon.
There were several decreasing radius off camber turns that caught my attention. For a big heavy bike the the K1600 at speed U best bring ur A game.
To be perfectly honest there are several roads in North GA or Western NC that are just as fun without the hype.
Funny how folks who have never been somewhere have something to say about it. I've only ridden the dragon 2x, once with my street glide and once with my K16 and was challenging myself both times. I could do it again but won't go out of my way to do it.
It's a must ride
I think we’re talking past each other. I’m not trying to suggest familiarity, with the dragon. If one rides slowly enough, we can turn our bikes continuously inside 15-20ft circles. Turns become challenging, because the rider makes them challenging, by pushing speed to their personal limit. That’s the fun part, for most riders. On ones first pass on a road like the dragon, it would be wise to keep that speed below challenging is my point. Just like a downhill skier taking a familiarization run. Once more familiar with the blind turns and radiuses, then lean into it. I started this train of thought, because I’m not sure I’d get back for round 2.
I think we’re talking past each other. I’m not trying to suggest familiarity, with the dragon. If one rides slowly enough, we can turn our bikes continuously inside 15-20ft circles. Turns become challenging, because the rider makes them challenging, by pushing speed to their personal limit. That’s the fun part, for most riders. On ones first pass on a road like the dragon, it would be wise to keep that speed below challenging is my point. Just like a downhill skier taking a familiarization run. Once more familiar with the blind turns and radiuses, then lean into it. I started this train of thought, because I’m not sure I’d get back for round 2.
Over rated? The Dragon’s 11 miles is the most technical stretch of Highway in the US for sure and I’ve yet to hear of another one like it in the world. Crowded? Yes? Lots of idiots? Yes. Lots of squids? Yes. Dangerous? Yes. Challenging? Yes. Technical? Yes. Over rated? Hardly!
I thought the nearby Rattler was more challenging. Both nice roads but didn’t like the teenagers in their old modified Miatas coming at me around the curves on the Dragon.
I thought the nearby Rattler was more challenging. Both nice roads but didn’t like the teenagers in their old modified Miatas coming at me around the curves on the Dragon.
May I suggest you consider going to 2022 BMW's Tame the Tail of the Dragon (2022 BMW’s Tame the Tail of the Dragon (TTD) )?? Our various group rides will cover most of the desirable routes/roads throughout the area. All you have to do is fallow. Then, let the K1600 Forum group know which road/ route in this area you found most challenging?
I'm guessing SGL is getting at the point I was trying to make above. A road is challenging only if the rider pushes the road to that point. Would the dragon be challenging if you did it at 10mph the entire way? Sounds like this poster is saying they could lean into the Rattler a bit more, since the Dragon had a bunch of yoyos that cause one to have to take it too easy to avoid others, more than manage the road.
I have no doubt, if one leans into the Dragon, it's very challenging. It's a question of whether one does or not.
I'm guessing SGL is getting at the point I was trying to make above. A road is challenging only if the rider pushes the road to that point. Would the dragon be challenging if you did it at 10mph the entire way? Sounds like this poster is saying they could lean into the Rattler a bit more, since the Dragon had a bunch of yoyos that cause one to have to take it too easy to avoid others, more than manage the road.
I have no doubt, if one leans into the Dragon, it's very challenging. It's a question of whether one does or not.
Even at 10 MPH, there are a select few corners and dips that make the Dragon challenging. It is a very technical road regardless of speed. I’ve ridden the Rattler a ton of times, the road surface is rough, the corners aren’t technical and yes it’s a fun road but no where close to the Dragon.
Adding to the mix of idiots (yo-yos) and stupid slow Harley riders makes summertime riding up there painful.
That’s why local riders (me) prefer the dead of winter when no one else is around.
I'm guessing SGL is getting at the point I was trying to make above. A road is challenging only if the rider pushes the road to that point. Would the dragon be challenging if you did it at 10mph the entire way? Sounds like this poster is saying they could lean into the Rattler a bit more, since the Dragon had a bunch of yoyos that cause one to have to take it too easy to avoid others, more than manage the road.
I have no doubt, if one leans into the Dragon, it's very challenging. It's a question of whether one does or not.
That is why at the TTD we have FOUR Riding Groups: Spirited (Buzurka's and Spirited), Regular, Couples (Spirited and Reg Couples) and Scenic. Your riding style and pace determines which group you should ride. RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE!! Do not try to keep up with others...RACING IS FOR THE TRACK!!!
I took shots for not having been there and I'm sure I will get there one day. Sounds like we're down to a few corners at 10mph. How about 5 mph. It's rhetorical, I don't really need an answer. Just trying to make a point that it's the rider that creates the challenge, by combination of the speed they choose and their ability.
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