Here's Why GRANDPA'S Goldwing Is The BEST Ride On The TAIL OF THE DRAGON

[@UncleWally3]

Over the last fifteen years I’ve ridden The Dragon literally hundreds of times, fast, slow, smooth and wobbly from the first day of the season to the last. I feel like I recognize every shot, every twisty and even a few people. And I’m an ol’fart from Canada! That said, it’s the surrounding roads (and the people) that makes the pilgrimage worthwhile. Thanks for the memories!

[@HouseboatWayne]

I'm an Older Guy at 60 on a DCT 2021 Goldwing, who spends 3 weeks every year up in those mountain twisties. I'm up there enough in the Smoky's I'm treated like a long lost relative with some locals. LOVE IT UP THERE!

[@dalejessop5466]

I unknowingly drove the Tail of the Dragon on a business trip a couple weeks ago. I was driving a rental 4Runner and remember thinking, when it says a 45mph curve, I should be going 45mph. Some spots with not a lot of room for error.

[@brucefisher4025]

That's the dam they filmed Harrison Ford jumping off in 'The Fugitive ' ...

[@dwightkinney7840]

That was Cheoah Dam at Tapaco pictured not Fontana Dam.

[@ohthelawd]

@@dwightkinney7840 Right, but Cheoah dam is what was used in The Fugitive.

[@colinashby3775]

Reminds me of riding around ixopo in South Africa. 60 miles of roads like this on a cx500 turbo. It was 60 miles , 90kms of boost and brake. On the edge of a mountain. Brake to 60kms in a corner, and accelerate to 120/140/160 then brake again. I was so tired afterwards. But what a ride. I think I will get a GoldWing now.

[@dave11686]

Smart man for knowing when to stop!

[@AR.K.051]

That's the most beautiful ride possible... lovely mountain side.... and yes you are a good rider...

[@ThatFoodLife]

When I was younger than you are now this was my running grounds. So glad o relive it through someone my spryer.

[@keithchrysler3732]

Best audio I've heard on one of these videos! Tennessee is a great place to ride! Trying to get a Honda bought. Our Tucson dealer salesman told my wife "don't touch that!" So we walked out. Sad - cash deal too! Thanks for the great video!

[@tyrehester5550]

I’ve driven the TOD! [ in a minivan with my wife and kids]

[@scottcol23]

I just took that exact same route last week. Was on a honda CTX 1300. It did a great job on the dragon.

[@realamberghini]

Safe travels on your way home!

[@WatchJRGo]

I'll be back in flash 😍

[@TermBallistics]

This is the most heartwarming KZbin comment I've ever seen

[@ShinyRedGrapple]

4:02 100% he peed in the stream

[@jdear97]

Had one more comment for you, watching you ride the tail; I am curious if you have ever tried countersteering? It looks like you were turning in on the corners and fighting to keep the bike down in the turns. I took rider safety course when my son started to ride about three years ago and they taught countersteering; after riding motorcycle and bicycles for over 40 years, countersteering was the most incredible technique that I have never heard of, the control it brings is amazing. Try it for lane changing on the interstate and it will blow your mind. Push the right side handle bar FORWARD and the bike will scoot right, push the left side handle bar FORWARD and the bike will scoot left. It adds amazing control on long sweeping corners. Once you try it, make a video to show the world.

[@jdear97]

The only real reason to ride the dragon is for all of the photo opportunities. I'm glad to see that you took full advantage of the opportunity. The whole area is full of beautiful roads for riding, I visited the area during the eclipse in 2017. On a different note, I think you will find that the Goldwing will go farther and have the same performance on Regular Gas. I have tried different fuel blends on various vehicles for thousands of miles. If the engine can take advantage of the higher octane, you will notice an improvement in fuel economy. Otherwise I stay with the lowest recommended Octane. On small turbo charged engines, the improvement is noticeable. If the bike isn't sitting around, alcohol is actually a good octane boost and likely makes the regular fuel a bit higher in octane rating then the pump label shows. My biggest one day ride has been 750 miles, I think that is as far as I need to go in a day. The Sargent Saddle on my Suzuki was awesome. Keep it shiny side up.

[@hobbytrucker]

8:12. That’s actually an epic photo ! Well done 👍🏼

[@aidanpysher2764]

I just moved to Maryville about 2 months ago. I've gone through a few thousand miles of twisties at this point, and it was an absolute wild time taking my wethead R1200GS through it for the first time. I found myself riding it WAYYYY faster than I thought I would be originally, as it felt natural to me from previous experiences. I've only done the tail about 10 times so far, and the the only two parts I'm not a big fan of at all are the people that blow right over the centerline, and the Harley guys have no business on the tail. Funny enough, I accidentally put diesel in my Vulcan about 5 years ago from the exact same problem of handle colors. I was able to dump the tank and refill it without catastrophic damage.

[@DaddytechEnt]

*That is what i used to love about living in East TN the most is seeing the mountains all around me all the time. i used to live right by the Knoxville Airport in Louisville TN (pronounced louie ville) between Knoxville and Alcoa, and 129 is the highway that is labeled "Alcoa HWY"it runs right up through the smokys past my old house and straight through to Knoxville. and if i would have known you were in Nashville i could have easily helped you add to your 1500 miles just driving around this area and even took you by a couple other KZbinr's places as well here. if you would have been here the week before this you would have been out of luck completely though because i was out in Idaho, Washington State and Oregon for my work. but i totally could have shown you around here easily. Yeah Most of t he hotels are cheap in paducha because there's nothing out there. that's BFE central*

[@dlunn196]

That bike is just epic good, listening to those gear changes - Wow - would almost convert me to bike riding

[@Wabbit1961]

I'm 58 now. My daily is a 2011 Ninja 1000. I've had this bike twice. First when brand new, and recently did an even trade for my MT-07 for a 2011 Ninja 1000 with only 15k on it. (same as when I sold mine but my old one was way tricked out). I'm never going to reach the age where I'd buy a Goldwing. Just way too heavy and IMO I'd buy a car instead...lol. But I do have my eye on a few used Blackbirds! Loved my 2006 Interceptor. But anyhow, it's nice to see someone with sanity riding the tail. I agree with another commenter though - you should always mingle and share with the locals. That is the true experience. And show us!

[@TRec3791]

The closest thing I ever came to something like this was driving my old convertible (2002 Chrysler Sebring) with the auto stick feature in Hawks Nest, WV. It's amazing, I miss my old baby...

[@MikeDancy]

There is a road like that up near Creemore Ontario Canada that is beautiful with the fall colours.

[@leoveroude4492]

Rode it last month, excellent stretch of fun!👍

[@Korium84]

Gotta love the "When in Rome" tongue in cheek. Glad you had a safe ride man.

[@sleepyhollow783]

That is one nice road to both drive through & stop & admire the landscape. Beautiful territory! Didn't think I would enjoy the video as much as I did. Thanks for sharing.

[@jimmopar4447]

You was at mile marker 322 in Crossville I know exactly where you was because I go to that gas station every day

[@markjaycox8811]

I had the Gold Wing on the back cover of the DECEMBER 1973 CYCLE MAGAZINE, a prototype sent across the Country from dealer to dealer until put up for auction in New York Mills, near Utica New York April 1974 and my $3500 bid was the highest. I picked it up from a Whitesboro Honda and told to bring it back after 500 miles for oil change, and 8 days later I brought it in for an oil change traveling over 5500 miles without even realizing it. The bike cruising in 1974 on the NYS Thruway at 3 am had no competition for the road, so 165 mph was the slowest I would go and I would always play with the top speed when I could, because I wanted to see 200mph, and if I had a fairing on that bike when the handlebars wanted to shake me off the bike at 188 mph, I could've reached 200 or pretty damn near! My estranged son Adam, his mom, Jenniferand I rode to an EAGLES concert in Buffalo summer of 1974 on the only Honda GoldWing anywhere, and it RAINED! It was our first big date, and we end up in a laundramat in the middle of nowhere undressing in the bathroom one at a time using my coat for when our shirts were drying, and there was only one old lady in the place, and she appeared not to notice us much, and the ride home in the RAIN 290 miles took less time than you'd think possible as even through truck traffic i barely stayed below 90mph for more than a few moments, as the rocket sled underneath me made me Superman. I know if I could outfit that bike with a fairing and a 500 mile gas tank I could go from NYC to L.A. and back in less than 48 hours. total mileage est. 6,000- begin with 500 miles of gas= 6 stops for gas each way 20 minutes each, so a total of 12 stops of 20 minutes =4 hours - average speed 150mph for ten hours =1,500 miles x 4 =6,000 miles- there and back, 4x10 hours=40+4hours gassing time= 4 hours in reserve to meet under 48 hours. When you travel thousands of miles above 150 mph on public roads, 90 mph puts you to sleep while you are riding!

[@crs290]

If you were on 76N, you weren't far from Blue Ridge, GA. Not the parkway, though. Travel up through Blairsville and you get into some beautiful scenery.

[@seanhershey3390]

I did the Blue Ridge / Tail a few years back on my BMW K75s.... good stuff...& a visit to Maggies valley museum..

[@jimtomstimpson1477]

Blueridge pkwy is amazing. One of our favorite rides. Foothills parkway is very nice but next time you must do the Cherohala Skyway , you were close to it,. Not the intense hairpins of the Dragon , more sweeping turns and panoramic views and elevation change ( I ride a Roadmaster). I just found you through Gears and Gadgets and subscribed.

[@leonbeck6254]

Smart man. Get rest you don’t need to push for no reason. Great ride thanks for the pics😎🏍🇺🇸

[@trevorgifford8917]

You never really know where your abilities are at until you exceed them !! True story

[@heritagegaitfarms2515]

Nice video. Can not wait to take our 99 50th Anniversary up there in a few months.

[@fannatick2]

When you are on a bike you need to trust your gut, those that don't aren't here to tell you different. Looked like a cool trip, ride safe!

[@JohnMartin-dn9ez]

1500 for iron butt? Who do turn in my slips to ? Last Summer 2019 between July 16th and July 28th put on 23,000. It was a blast. Toes in the Pacific across from Vancouver in the morning, bedding down in Yellowstone in the evening. Highest mile day was 1879 running I90 Seattle to central WI. Storm hit the homestead and had to get home. Good video. Thank you bringing up great memories during this nationwide lockdown. Where did you get the camo graphics. Very unique!!

[@thatcadillacguy1961]

Glad you appreciate the beautiful state of NC.

[@jerardomoreno643]

Colorado is also beautiful as well

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I'm 36 and for first time in my life I want a Goldwing. I sat on a new 2020 a few days ago and instantly fell in love. I went to look at new Indians and left smitten over the GW. I'm in a real delima lol.

[@michaelfrascati7610]

JohnnyRebKy: Go Goldwing, you won’t be sorry! So much stuff, such nice people! Check out WingStuff.com or Chris Caliente on KZbin. Memphis Mike is cool too. Wing-ding.org

[@JohnnyRebKy]

@@michaelfrascati7610 I probably will. Id like to have a Goldwing AND a HD Heritage Softail 👍. I'll ride whichever suits my mood at the time . I don't think i can live without a big twin cruiser in my life so the solution is both. I can buy a older softail for 6000 or so to fulfill my v twin moods and then have a GW too

[@oldhamegg]

Wait till the morning. Don't die. Solid advice.

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

Sport mode? Does the GoldWing have an automatic transmission??

[@spencertb6034]

Just Plain Common Sense yeah

[@WatchJRGo]

Yeah, dual clutch, sport mode makes the shifts instantaneous 💪

[@alonzolopez9649]

Ever since I toured GTA San Andreas with the wayfarer I always wanted an early 90s goldwing.

[@WatchJRGo]

Honestly I thing you'd love any generation but the 6th is by far the best 💪

[@seng628]

Do Audi R8 why no enjoin?? I sub channel 😡

[@jennydiazvigneault5548]

I have a 1500 Goldwing. Its a great bike. Very reliable and much better wind protection and storage than the new model. They all have pros and cons but they last forever and rarely let you down.

[@USbilbo1966]

I live in Crossville. Thanks for stopping.

[@scottbrummett4915]

Troy Bilbrey I lived in Crossville years ago Neighbors were Bilbrey in Tansi

[@USbilbo1966]

@@scottbrummett4915 I live in Tansi. Not sure if it was close to you. There are several of us in the woods here.

[@brummettt1]

Very cool Small world, watching KZbin about the Dragon and see a name you recognize from back home. Traci was my neighbor, went to school with her.

[@TABrown-xh7xc]

You need to come back and enjoy the blue ridge parkway , and the rest of North Carolina it is one of the greatest states to visit with very diverse country and people from the mountains to the coast!

[@incompletehunter]

I was just in Gatlinburg this week, I hate I didn’t check KZbin, we could have met up while you were near!

[@drewping2002]

Next time you're headed through So. Ill, you should check out Garden of the Gods, and Cave in Rock and other cool stuff in Shawnee National Forest. Lots of curvy fun in the Illinois Hill country. (Not many people know there even IS an Illinois Hill country! 🤣)

[@davidkroth]

On today's episode of WatchJRGo, I cook oatmeal. Literally anything to keep from working on the R8.

[@PaulBarwick]

Nice video JR. That is an awesome bike taken on an awesome ride. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@miguel123wence]

you should try Highway 94 you can take it from El Cajon California to Mexico for what I saw on the video Highway 94 it might be little bit more challenging

[@hwyfools]

JR get some highway pegs on your wing. Nice to stretch out the legs a bit. Set them high enough and no they wont drag.

[@rickrigsby7620]

Back when 600s had hp in the 70s I went up there and ride back and forth and back and forth hardly seeing another vehicle. Good days

[@jons4686]

Here in western Washington we call those "mountains" foothills :)

[@hamstersniffer]

Well aren't you special.........just kidding. The Smoky Mtns are very old and gentle. No volcanoes. Lived here all my life.

[@curtthacker43]

May be a grandpa bike but it has you riding and seeing the country side and that's what it's all about even with camo lol sorry couldn't help myself 👍😂

[@bigrod0069]

that tail looks fun, I need to try it, I live in Central Wisconsin, not that far

[@xPreatorianx1]

Don't hug the yellow. Quickest way to get a ticket on the Tail. Cops will pull you over for getting near it because of all the crashes. IIRC it's the first rule of the tail from their site.

[@kylemurphy8178]

Yeah it’s pretty dangerous. Some bike on the tail almost crashed into my car in June cause they were doing this and went over the line.

[@xPreatorianx1]

@@kylemurphy8178 Exactly, that's why cops are pretty dickish. Any other road? They won't pull you over. But on the Tail? Again, quickest way to get a ticket and for good reason. The cops there are dicks not to be dicks, but keep tourists safe.

[@joshuaneal4125]

I live in NC and I ride a v star 950T. Rode the dragon last month and wasn't overly impressed with the hype of 129. 80 out of Marion or 226A to spruce pine are better roads and less crowded

[@coreygrace4856]

Just drove to the gap and back from paducah last week in my nb miata.

[@mrcappetto]

It sounds and looks like that late model Goldwing gets with the program. I will have to put this road on my "To-do list." I'm on the West Coast, Washington State. Ride safe. 😁

[@charlescastle5566]

Welcome back to our part of the country J R. I don't live very far at all from where you are.

[@thepsychonaut3007]

My Grandpa used to drink lots of brake fluid, but we weren't worried 'cause we knew he could stop at any time...

[@lumiere1138]

This trip looks like a blast.

[@ReginaTrans_]

omg John, *_"next time a diving channel",_* you know? you can make ur channel anything else u wish, if u make a cooking video we still watch u, if u make a camping we will watch, you don't have to do bike stuff all the time

[@brokensmilephoto]

The dragon is one of those roads, I think every enthusiast needs to take a day and drive it. But at the same time, I wish less bikes were on the road. Many of the people I've encountered on this road on bikes had no business being on such a tight and twisty road. And what's worse was they wouldn't let you around or use the pull offs only making the situation worse. Living only a few hours from TOD I try to make it down once a year. Haven't had the chance to yet, but there's still at least a 1 month left of driving. If you would have pulled off on I-75 at London Ky, you could have hit up the "Ky Rattlesnake" which is a baby Tail of the Dragon. It's not much, but it is a pretty drive, and a lot more of a bike friendly road that's mostly 55mph and softer turns.

[@VelvetRedRoses]

Funny how some mountains roads are; you might see yourself coming and going at the same time they are so curvy.

[@jamescaldwell2095]

Hey, not to far from me in TN. And I'll be out near Wichita in a couple weeks to see friends. Wouldn't mind test driving a few cars. Gotta keep the cobwebs out of 'em

[@autospecial1]

You were there on 10/14. I was in the Red Challenger going the other direction.

[@WatchJRGo]

Awesome, I think you're in the video, I remember you passing 🏎

[@autospecial1]

@@WatchJRGo I am, I saw myself in your video!

[@bradboustead1682]

6:41??

[@kylemurphy8178]

Is that lake santeetlah at 3:09?

[@killertoy49]

I used to live in crossville know exactly where you stopped that's nuts

[@VidTubeWatch]

I would imagine that all the other bikes you passed going the opposite way either didn't see you or they were like that's the new "Hype Wing". LOL Get it? Camo!

[@RichieRouge206]

We had holidays in the Blue Ridge when we lived in South Carolina. Great video

[@jeffsheets9389]

Love the moto logs 👍

[@ABArsenal]

Damn I'm about an hour west of ToD should have said something could have stopped in and got some pics of you.

[@VolsFan1nGA]

Dude if you liked that you should ride the Cherahala Skyway! Way better!!! And right next to the Tail of the Dragon.

[@saleendriver]

I'll be on The Dragon on Nov. 9th with the Saleen Club Of America. Can't wait!!!!!!!

[@IceCreamSandvich]

Those were some awesome shots of you on the Tail of the Dragon

[@stephtraveler7378]

Ironbutt on a Goldwing requires twice the mileage. 3x if you have the DCT version... JK. enjoyed the video.

[@4.6will]

Dang it I just left tail of the dragon!!!! It was an awesome drive

[@harryhumphrey2895]

Jr the tail is only 1 of 3 dragons here in E Tennessee

[@Senegal01]

Those water pipes are called Penstock.

[@crabhab]

I’ve stayed at that hotel. Great place when riding brought Paducah

[@edlockrow6581]

I almost didn't see you with your camo wrap.

[@marcusfullerton9420]

My dad did this on a streetglide. Still have the chip :)

[@unstablebobgable]

Whenever I ride the Goldwing on the Tail of the Dragon I pack up the Hash Pipe with Rocky and get all schmoked up

[@kimhorton6109]

I live 8 mi from TellicoPlains and the Dragon is an easy reach. I have a 2015 GW 45 anniversary edition. Wonderful bike. I’ll give the new GW one more year before I change. Let them work the kinks out.

[@jkholley1118]

Love the Dragon, Rally mode engaged!

[@craftbeerlover9994]

Welcome to our BEAUTIFUL Carolina's!!! Thanks for the Video's. Be safe!!

[@billnalder1017]

Should name that thing the "Gold Cloud"!

[@baldmann81850]

Yes, I noticed the”Older” reference. Any way to see a split screen so we can see dash display? I was convinced you were going to confess #2 diesel was put in the bike. How is a $30 room possible?

[@TRec3791]

Beautiful scenery, looks a lot like WV.

[@brucefisher4025]

Check the speed limit signs...THAT'S why those Miatas are going so slow.. the cops LOVE to write tickets at times..

[@Robertperrin91]

Did I hear $ 30 Dollar hotel? I would love a video on those deals.

[@WatchJRGo]

Haha, I better keep that secret stashed away. I think it was $45 after taxes and fees 😮

[@Robertperrin91]

@@WatchJRGo GD JR, We're in hotels a lot, That's a heck of a deal.

[@benedictntekor8415]

Who makes your intro and outro music? It’s sick

[@WatchJRGo]

It's from Epidemic Sound 🎶 www.epidemicsound.com/referral/3qzxry/

[@benedictntekor8415]

Yo thanks

[@ajw828]

That looked like so much fun. Nice driving bro 👊🏻

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

I love bikes man, but I’m too scared of some idiot running me down to learn to ride. Great video as always.

[@ronjeremyjnr]

Hi Randy, I was the same too but after a while you will build your confidence and learn how to predict drivers actions to the best of your abilities, but I will warn you once you start riding and find that perfect bike you will be on it whenever you can!

[@sccarguy8242]

I agree have almost been hit in a car too many times, I can’t imagine on a bike.

[@CurtisL8.3066]

Fuck it, just get a larger life insurance policy and go for it. The kids and the fam will get a nice little windfall and you get to die doing something you love. Most folks don’t get to plan it out better than that.

[@1300BlueStar]

Life is too short not to do what you want because you are afraid of others, I've seen the results of many accidents both car and motorcycle and honestly when your time is up it's up whether your on two wheels or four. Just take the course and practice what your being taught til you have it set in muscle memory. BTW yes I ride and yes I've been run down but once I heal back up I'll be back on two wheels with a smile on my face.

[@JoeyandTosh]

I got hit by a minivan a couple months ago. Not too much damage on the body. Gonna fill the garage with more bikes. When my settlement comes :-)

[@RiverBendOutdoors-co9zb]

Man I love the camo!

[@chrisdavis7883]

did you buy a dragon sticker?

[@WatchJRGo]

Nah, I never do... thought about it this time because I could put it on the wrap and trash the wrap 🍻

[@stevencabiati1467]

What are you running from, JR?

[@Gusriley1]

$30 motel stay? At a Fairfield Inn? Wow! That is good!

[@Cartier_specialist]

$30 for a better than average hotel room --- did you ride so hard you traveled back in time?? My favorite thing about Goldwings are how quiet they are -- plus they're sneaky fast.

[@stacym1631]

Why do people with motorcycles park on sidewalks and not in an actual parking spot?

[@WatchJRGo]

It's under the canopy in case it rains overnight, I asked them if I could 💯

[@stacym1631]

@@WatchJRGo Oh, I never thought about that. Thank you for answering my question.

[@That_brokeG35]

I live 4 hours from tail of the dragon im wanting to take the G up there once its manual swapped

[@elkayjay]

Really enjoying the bike trip videos! You should plan some more when you have time 😃

[@swampcarz7850]

you should of brought amber with you on the trip. I think she would have enjoyed a bikers vacation.

[@stevewhittier3170]

She still has a job. Where do you think he gets his gas money from?😁JK

[@tabajaralabs]

What a beaufiful view, JR!

[@MrWoodyBalto]

That wrap is like the Pontiac Aztec of wraps. I used to hate Atzec's but now i'm over it. I just accept it as something out of my control. 🤮🤣

[@WatchJRGo]

Just wait till I buy a Pontiac Aztec (hard to find one you can make money on though) 😄

[@MrWoodyBalto]

@@WatchJRGo Are you gonna wrap that Aztec to match the Goldwing? 😂

[@glennchurch6892]

Damn that’s ugly!