Katoom

Yeah, this wasn't a professional journalist, this was my buddy that has ridden sport bikes on roads like the Tail of the Dragon for over 20 years. Not talking the bike down at all, he loves the R12R and doesn't want a different bike. I am guessing it is just the difference you will have between pure street tires on a performance bike and 50/50 tires on a very big dirt bike.

I am thinking about leaving work here in a few to go for a ride. It is over 65 out... Make up the hours on a rainy day.

My buddy in AL loved his R12R. So long as the surface was smooth around the corners he was loving it. Get some chop mid corner, or a little bit of gravel, he said it was like riding on ice. My 701E handled it great, but come the straight shots, he was gone.

Pulling in the clutch is only when you are upright and see the ice coming. If you are already on the ice, your are either riding harder than you should, or not looking far enough ahead.

So, looks like the 28th won't work, but 50s on Sunday.... That looks far more promising.

Yeah, when I lived on the coast I took several rides where I saw a "wet" area ahead that prompted me to pull my clutch and keep the bike as straight upright as possible.

Yeah, with the ice and snow we have today, looks like Sunday may be a better day for a ride. Should have time for traffic to push most of the nasty off the road from today and tomorrow. Thank you for the heads up on the possible nasty spots @Shoop. @2talltim, I ride a 1290SAR with heavily worn 50/50 tires currently, there will be no "spirited riding" until I get a set of new tires on the bike. This is planned as an exploring trip, not a go fast trip. Thank you for the warning though.

Sorry, was thinking more along the lines of areas that are frequented by ice/standing water, etc. It is supposed to rain up through tomorrow with a chance of snow following. With a high of 32 on Friday, I am guessing it will most likely be pretty cold and likely to have ice in areas where trees cover the road all day. (experience from my time in Oregon) Is this typically an issue along the above roads, or is the road generally open to the sun?

Looking at taking a ride from Columbus area through Perry State Park to the Triple Nickel South to Little Hocking, then back via any route we decide. Having never done the route, looking for info on how wise this route would be. Likelihood of ice, etc. Supposed to be a high of 32 that day, but I am riding heated gear, and haven't had a long ride in WAY too long. This ride to work just isn't scratching the itch.

Definitely looks like something I would be interested in. You planning on riding the the V-Strom?

Yes, you can buy the floor mount for this. It is about $120 from the manufacturer, but you will need something to bolt it to. This is the revised floor mount option. https://www.nomartirechanger.com/No_Mar_Tire_Changer_Floor_Stand_p/tc-stand.htm You can still call to verify, but bolt holes look correct. I use the hitch mount version currently, though looking at the floor mount myself. The only time I have ever come close to hitting the truck, was when I was connecting the tire changer to the truck. Almost slid it into the hitch to far.

Just made it back. Little late for a ride. Did ya'll go?

Ouch, guess that rules out the dirt trails, what about any gravel roads in the area? Could take the big bike on those.

New to the area, just looking for some light off road. I am riding a 701 Enduro with wore out 50/50 tires, so nothing super treacherous. If the Perry is too nasty for light trails, I will be happy for an alternate location, and I have better tires, but I am planning on riding to Perry. Of course this is all weather dependent.

Weather and health pending, sounds like a good time to meet everyone.