I enjoyed the video and may have to try that route one day, but deep water crossing are no fun. My 790R stays in Rally mode and ABS on Off-Road. I change Slip and Throttle settings as required. Mine as been on the Dragon’s Tail and Pig Trail, but I definitely enjoyed dirt more than pavement.
Great video, I like how you included the history of the mountains, not many people know that these mountains and a few rivers close by are some of the oldest in the world.
Thank you. I think it’s important to tell the story of the places we ride. It adds to the adventure. The intro was initially longer including details like the native Cherokee name for the Smokey Mountains which is “Shaconage” translation “place of the blue smoke” and how the ancient forest was almost destroyed by logging until it became a nationally protected forest. My research has given me a much deeper appreciation for the Smokey Mountains that I now look at with different eyes when I ride through it.
Thank you, I must have mixed those up. I've been through the Tallulah River crossing numerous times and always thought it was Charlie's Creek but wondered why it was not a river. Now it makes sense, thanks.
Both bikes did really well. No drops or stalls and we were weighted down with camping gear, water, food, and gas. My KTM 790 tires worked great (new Motoz Tractionator RallZ front and Mitas E10 rear). Rich’s tires were stock 70/30 road/dirt but conditions were dry and he seemed to have enough traction when needed. Different story if we experienced rain I’m sure. Thanks!
Tire selection is key to riding off road. On my KLR 650s I run the Kenda 71P I believe it is called. Inexpensive and more aggressive than most. I never loose grip off road but they sure are noisy on road. Once you get accustom to the side wall flex on road you find that they can be leaned all the way to the side knobs. My KLX get full knobbies because it is mainly used on single track.
So true! Tires make a bigger difference than the bike when riding off road. Good point, forgot to mention that. In the dryer conditions we road the trails gave us some mercy since my brother-in-law had 70/30 street/dirt tires.
Yes, you can find GPX downloadable files on Facebook on the Smokey Mountain 500 group. They update the file based on the latest route conditions. Cheers
Greetings, As always another brilliant detailed video production 🇺🇲🍾🎉🇺🇲 Would you provide me with the link to purchase the maps. Thank you so much for assisting me and keep producing more videos about motorcycle adventures
Thank you for the comment! The best way to get the most up-to-date maps and gpx files for the SM500 is on Facebook. Search for the Smokey Mountain 500 and subscribe to this private group of over 19k subscribers. They post the latest Google maps and downloadable gpx files and have recent stories of the conditions and individuals looking to ride with others. Cheers
I haven’t adjusted my suspension and it’s a bit on the stiff side. Also, the camera is mounted on the handlebars with a long bracket mount that vibrates when riding rocky sections. My GoPro helmet mount vids (towards 2nd half of video) are much smoother.
Your bike sounds amazing, great footage Sir!
Thank you! I have to say, I love the sound of it with the slip on exhaust and de-cat. Cheers
I enjoyed the video and may have to try that route one day, but deep water crossing are no fun. My 790R stays in Rally mode and ABS on Off-Road. I change Slip and Throttle settings as required. Mine as been on the Dragon’s Tail and Pig Trail, but I definitely enjoyed dirt more than pavement.
Great video, I like how you included the history of the mountains, not many people know that these mountains and a few rivers close by are some of the oldest in the world.
Thank you. I think it’s important to tell the story of the places we ride. It adds to the adventure. The intro was initially longer including details like the native Cherokee name for the Smokey Mountains which is “Shaconage” translation “place of the blue smoke” and how the ancient forest was almost destroyed by logging until it became a nationally protected forest. My research has given me a much deeper appreciation for the Smokey Mountains that I now look at with different eyes when I ride through it.
Great video! Thanks for sharing and giving insight.
Glad it was helpful, thanks.
The water crossing at 6:45 is Charlie's Creek. The water crossing at 7:40 is the Tallulah River.
Thank you, I must have mixed those up. I've been through the Tallulah River crossing numerous times and always thought it was Charlie's Creek but wondered why it was not a river. Now it makes sense, thanks.
Great video!
How did the bikes do?
The 360 camera was really nice as well.😊
Both bikes did really well. No drops or stalls and we were weighted down with camping gear, water, food, and gas. My KTM 790 tires worked great (new Motoz Tractionator RallZ front and Mitas E10 rear). Rich’s tires were stock 70/30 road/dirt but conditions were dry and he seemed to have enough traction when needed. Different story if we experienced rain I’m sure. Thanks!
Tire selection is key to riding off road. On my KLR 650s I run the Kenda 71P I believe it is called. Inexpensive and more aggressive than most. I never loose grip off road but they sure are noisy on road. Once you get accustom to the side wall flex on road you find that they can be leaned all the way to the side knobs. My KLX get full knobbies because it is mainly used on single track.
So true! Tires make a bigger difference than the bike when riding off road. Good point, forgot to mention that. In the dryer conditions we road the trails gave us some mercy since my brother-in-law had 70/30 street/dirt tires.
@@theEHWAZ I noticed those 70/30s right off the bat. Replace them as soon as possible and add some crash guards and bark busters.
Great video - thank you! Is the map of the Smokey mountain 500 downloadable? If so, where can I find it? Thank you in advance.
Yes, you can find GPX downloadable files on Facebook on the Smokey Mountain 500 group. They update the file based on the latest route conditions. Cheers
Greetings,
As always another brilliant detailed video production 🇺🇲🍾🎉🇺🇲
Would you provide me with the link to purchase the maps. Thank you so much for assisting me and keep producing more videos about motorcycle adventures
Thank you for the comment! The best way to get the most up-to-date maps and gpx files for the SM500 is on Facebook. Search for the Smokey Mountain 500 and subscribe to this private group of over 19k subscribers. They post the latest Google maps and downloadable gpx files and have recent stories of the conditions and individuals looking to ride with others. Cheers
Great video, just wondering is it me or does your bike vibrate quite a bit?
I haven’t adjusted my suspension and it’s a bit on the stiff side. Also, the camera is mounted on the handlebars with a long bracket mount that vibrates when riding rocky sections. My GoPro helmet mount vids (towards 2nd half of video) are much smoother.