GS roadtrip planning?

[The1970's]

Like the title suggests I'm thinking about planning a trip on my 78' 750. I've done some shorter 3 day trips but I would really like to ride up to see deals gap for the first time from Florida. For those that have done it before, what did you do to prepare? Obviously some sort of storage is necessary, any suggestions? I'll definitly do a pre trip look over of all the mechanicals and new tires, maybe lower highway gearing. Anything else to think about?

Probably the biggest question I have is my 750 has a drag style 4 into 1 that hangs pretty low and scrapes during spirited riding. Is it even worth the ride to the dragon with this exhaust or should I consider replacing it to have more fun?

As always thanks for all the comments

[nvr2old]

There's lots of good soft luggage available, saddle bags and a magnetic tank bag are what I use. Easy on, easy off and carries everything for a week or two out on the road. The drag pipe will be a serious buzz kill to ride the dragon..maybe even dangerous.

[Steve]

The drag pipe is somehow appropriately named.

Most of the "fun" you have on the Dragon will depend on how legal you are. The speed limit it 30 mph. How much do you drag at 30?

Yeah, it's a fun road, but it's mostly hype. There are MANY other roads around there that are just as much fun, if not more, and they have a LOT less traffic, which makes them even MORE fun.

.

[LAB3]

The drag pipe is somehow appropriately named.

Most of the "fun" you have on the Dragon will depend on how legal you are. The speed limit it 30 mph. How much do you drag at 30?

Yeah, it's a fun road, but it's mostly hype. There are MANY other roads around there that are just as much fun, if not more, and they have a LOT less traffic, which makes them even MORE fun.

.

Agreed, the dragon is fun but popular and the local cops know this! It reminds me of The Pig Trail on Arkansas Hwy 23. Great riding for sure but there's another highway twenty miles to the east paralelling it with zero traffic and three times the hills and curves. Get to the area and hit a local bike shop or just ask a local rider, the best kept secrets are secret for a reason.

[dorkburger]

Ive used soft saddlebags for ages, along with a bag strapped to the passenger seat. Easy on, easy off.
Lose the drag pipe if you can.

[The1970's]

Most of the "fun" you have on the Dragon will depend on how legal you are. The speed limit it 30 mph. How much do you drag at 30?

Yeah, it's a fun road, but it's mostly hype. There are MANY other roads around there that are just as much fun, if not more, and they have a LOT less traffic, which makes them even MORE fun.

.

The general plan for now is going to be a ride up, do the dragon and spend 2 days riding all the nearby roads that I have heard great things about, then a ride back.

I guess I should probably look into replacing the exhaust. If nothing else for a little more safety. I like the sound of my current unknown brand, not sure what else to go with. Maybe a Delkevic?

[ratatouille]

Spirited Riding in Fla is no match for any of the roads out by the Gap. If you are dragging pipe in Fla, I'd seriously think about addressing that. No joke. Just a friendly tip. :-)

[gbw]

Soft luggage will be fine as suggested. Do you have any wind protection? How many days do you plan for the ride up and back? It's about 630 miles (maybe 12 hours +/-) if you take the Interstate. If you choose back roads it'll be a good bit longer. There's not much interesting riding between Tampa and WAY north of Atlanta regardless of Interstate or back roads. In either case, some kind of wind protection might be nice to reduce fatigue, especially if you run into any serious weather. That's just the first thing that comes to mind...besides the exhaust.

On my 750, a cramp buster on the throttle made longer rides more pleasant. Allowed me to just rest my hand on the throttle to keep it open instead of having to grip it all the time. Gave my hand a nice break every now and then.

And for maximum enjoyment, avoid the Deal's Gap around holidays and long weekends. It draws a crowd that can squelch some of the fun, including local and state law enforcement. Ideally you would set up your days riding the area in the middle of the week to avoid the circus.