Why I Write A Blog And Have A YouTube Channel

 When I started riding motorcycles in 2004 I tried to read a lot of motorcycle magazines and books.  I learned a lot.  One thing I learned was some authors, especially authors of reviews, tried to be way more clever than they needed to i.e. "the engine started up with sound of a million angry hornets..."

So I started this blog September 2009 with a goal of posting straightforward, clear and useful information.  On the first post I stated "part of this blog is to give straightforward reviews of items that I have personally used, places I have eaten, roads I have traveled, and/or bikes I have ridden. At times I will use the reviews of close friends that I ride with and respect." 

 

Lower Falls in Yellowstone NP

 

I have strayed off motorcycle related topics a few time i.e. my WWII veteran dad, Honor Flight..., otherwise the gear, roads, restaurants and other items have been related to my motorcycle addiction.  I have also had some "guest posts" including one by Warren Massey author of I Just Want 2 Ride blog.

 

Dad at WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.

 

With the same goal and desire to provide useful, honest information and reviews I launched a YouTube channel "Ordinary Biker Oz". 

 

Ride on a great road in Oklahoma

The videos are much more varied and sometimes provide just a clip of a great road to ride, a neat place to visit, a motorcycle review or some other little nugget.  

 

 Indian Challenger Pursuit Review

I also post some "motovlog" videos, which are spoken blogs while riding the motorcycle.  Topics will vary.

My first vlog is about upcoming trip in June, 2017

My son riding US 129 aka The Tail of the Dragon on his own bike for the first time

 

I would like to invite you to visit the YouTube channel and give me some feedback.  I have a lot to learn about vlogging and all comments are welcome.  If you like what you see please subscribe.   

                                                              Be safe and enjoy the road. 

 

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# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

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Honda VFR 1200 Review

Sport Touring Bike #2

The Honda VFR 1200 is my second sport touring motorcycle and here is a 11,000+ miles review of the 2012 VFR 1200.  Updated at 60,000+ miles

March 23, 2014 

 Shopping for a new Bike

I wasn't looking at the VFR originally, but a friend and R1 rider at the time suggested I consider it.  After some research on my own I decided I should at least sit on a VFR. 

I had a Yamaha FJR 1300 for almost 4 years (60,000+ miles) and was considering another one along with the Aprilla Copone and VFR.  After sitting on all three, looking at options, features, maintenance, insurance and overall "gut" reaction I decided the VFR was top of the three and I should test ride it. 

June 2014 ride to Nocona, Texas

My First Honda

After the test ride the negotiations began.  The discounted price was a big "plus" along with the fact my insurance company priced it as a two year old bike. Saddlebags would have to be ordered, but I could roll the cost into the final amount.
 
On May 31, 2014 I bought my first Honda motorcycle.  A new 2012 VFR 1200 with less than 5 miles on it, even after Mac and I took test rides on it.  For reasons unknown to me the VFR 1200 does not sell that well here in the USA, so this brand new two year old bike was mine at a great price.

The fit and finish is top of the line.  The sleek lines and curves gives the impression the bike is "fast" and the looks are not deceiving.  The 1237cc V4 produces smooth consistent power.  The stock seat is plenty comfortable for me and I have never felt like changing it.

Making it My Bike

I was not as confident as I wanted to be with the stock tires, but once I mounted the Michelin Pilot Road 2, confidence in the curves increased greatly.  I have since used the PR3 and PR4, both great tires.

I ordered the saddlebags for the bike, they do not come stock. I replaced the stock windsheild with the  Zero Gravity windshield.  The tinted windshield looks good and greatly reduced buffeting. I swapped the big bulky stock exhaust with the Two Brothers slip-on exhaust, which greatly improved the looks and the sounnd of the bike as well as dropping 12 lbs! 

I added T-Rex Racing sliders and Grip Buddies. I wanted to sit up more so I changed the clip on handlebars to Helibars.  I loved the comfort and the improved feel I had of the bike/road connection.
The Grip Buddies were added because I like the comfort of the bigger grip and the vibration reducing neoprene.

I added the Givi 46 litter top case since I am able to do a good amount of multi-day trips.  The Givi is durable, convenient and well made.  It is also a substantially less expensive than the OEM top case. 

Zero Gravity tinted windshield is about 2 inches taller than stock and works great.

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 That's a Wrap!

After about 2 years I decided to have a good friend put a wrap on the bike.  I knew what I wanted so I discussed it with Mike.  I left the VFR with him while I was riding in the Alps in Italy and Switzerland.  When I returned I was blown away by the work Mike had done!

In Wyoming on my way to Alaska.

In Wyoming on our way to Alaska

 June 2014 on US129 a.k.a The Tail of the Dragon - photo by Killboy.com

Putting on the Miles

I have commuted, ridden back roads with twisties, ridden in Dallas traffic, taken weekend trips and extended trips.  The VFR has taken me on the windy roads in the Smokey Mountains, including the Tail of the Dragon, and over many mountain passes of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and New Mexico.  I have ridden a few miles in a day up to 650 miles in a day.  I have travel without saddlebags, with saddlebags and even fully loaded for camping.  I have put the bike to the test and I have found myself always smiling.

In Alaska on our way to Valdez
  
New Features for Me

This is the first bike I have owned with traction control and/or a slipper clutch.  I like the both features; however, the first time the traction control engaged was a little surprising and at the same time comforting.  I was glad to feel it work so much quicker than I could react.  The slipper clutch works great and makes downshifting smooth.  The single-side swingarm not only looks sharp it makes changing the tire very convenient.  I love that feature!

Enjoy the view from the Pikes Peak Veterans Memorial outside of Cripple Creek, CO

The seating position is slightly more aggressive than the FJR which took a little getting use to.  I like the lighter weight (589 lbs - wet - although I know that is heavy compared to some bikes) when it comes to backing up or moving around in the garage.  The detachable saddlebags are a great feature requiring just unlock the bag and lift the handle - very convenient.

Very easy to remove saddlebags
Final Impressions

The VFR's handling is solid and breeds confidence in the twisties.  There is plenty of ground clearance for leaning hard.  The levers are adjustable and operate smoothly.  Breaking is the best I have had (6 bikes so far).

I love the bike.  I can not stop smiling when riding (except when a distracted cager makes a bad move).  It is more "sport" than "tourer".  MPG for me has been consistently 39.5 with a mixture of city and hwy. 

If I were to retire and tour for weeks at a time year round I have to admit I would go back with the FJR due to comfort, storage, fuel economy (40mpg vs 44mpg) and sitting position.  But, for now I am loving every mile on the VFR!

Video Review

Video review after 35,000 miles 

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

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Stoney Hallow - great lodging for a group of bikers

Making lodging arrangements for a group can be challenging.   Balancing expense, convenience, needs, wants, and preferences is tricky and can lead to difficulties if not handled well.  While planning the summer 2011 trip to North Carolina/Tennessee finding a place for a big group was very important.  There were 12 adults and 3 kids.

We stopped at an overlook on the Cherohala Skyway - day 2 on our way to Robbinsville

After a lot of looking I settled on renting a couple of houses for seven days in Robbinsville, NC.  Robbinsville is in a great area for awesome rides including the Tail of the Dragon, Wayah Road, Cherohala Skyway, and the Moonshiner 28 just to name a few.

Using the Vacation Rental By Owner (VBRO) website I found two great houses.  I had booked houses before through the website and I highly recommend the site.  Both houses were clean, roomy, and comfortable.  Stoney Hallow was exceptionally nice for many reasons.

Looking at the house from the parking area.

The porch wraps around the house and has rocking chairs to enjoy while watching the sunset.

The ride to get to the house is a great country ride.  Passing houses, farms, and old barns the road twists and curves as it gently ascends toward the hallow.

One of the barns on Ollies Creek Road on the way to Stoney Hallow

The road literally ends at the driveway to Stoney Hallow.  The driveway climbs slightly and ends at a paved parking area and a slab of concrete that could serve as a small basketball court.  The wrap around porch gives an immediate "down home" and welcoming feeling.  The kitchen, dining room, and living room are configured in an "open" arrangement providing for a very comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

The fireplace accents the roomy living area

The kitchen and breakfast bar are open to the living area

The house has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and futons in the upstairs den.  There is a great supply of extra blankets, sheets, and towels.  The house sits on several acres and has a fire ring and picnic table out back away from the house.  We enjoyed sitting around the fire in the evenings.

Comfortable upstairs den

The donkey are more like pets than livestock

View from the backporch

Stoney Hallow is part of a working farm.  Two donkeys were in the pen behind the house.  They were friendly and enjoyed the attention.  Less than a quarter mile before getting to the house there is a "pick and pay" orchard/garden with blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and more.  The three boys got a lesson in old fashion honesty by picking, weighting, and paying while the owners were not there.  We enjoyed fresh berries as part of our meals.

Up pick it orchard near the house

I really can not say enough about the Stoney Hallow.  We all loved it and will stay there again in the future.  The place met and exceeded all of our expectations as well as being located near some great roads!  If you are needing lodging for a group in the Robbinsville area I highly recommend you consider Stoney Hallow.  You will love it.

Cherohala Skyway - riding above the clouds

Tellico Plains is known to bikers because it is the western gateway to the Cherohala Skyway, "A drive above the clouds."  The national scenic byway was opened and dedicated in 1996 and is well deserving of it's designation and the small Charles Hall Museum in Tellico Plains is also a well deserved destination.

The skyway is a favorite of motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists alike.  In Tennessee the skyway is TN 165 and North Carolina labels it NC 143.  At the eastern end of the skyway is Robbinsville it connects to US 129 a.k.a. The Tail of the Dragon.  The skyway passes through the Cherokee National Forest and at times through clouds, much like the day we headed home during our July 2011 trip.

View from an overlook on the skyway

The 43 mile two-lane byway is well maintained with numerous scenic pullouts/overlooks as well as access to the Indian Boundary Lake Recreation Area.  Elevation ranges from 930 ft above sea level to at the Tellico Plains River in Tennessee to 5390 ft at Haw Knob on the NC/TN state line.

Indian Boundary Lake - just off the Cherohala Skyway

View of the Smoky Mountains from the Cherohala Skyway

Sweeping curves, tight switchbacks, great elevation change, and renowned scenic views make the Cherohala Skyway a bikers road.  The long sweeping curves allows continuous acceleration with a hard lean into the curve providing for a big grin as you exit the curve and prepare for the next one.

Sweeping curves = big grins

Shortly after leaving Tellico Plains there is a good series of tight curves and elevation change.  In the middle portion of the Skyway there are more of the sweeping curves and longer straightaways.  As the skyway nears Santeetiah Lake there are more of the tighter curves and the road descends form the higher elevations.

The one of the many curves on the skyway 

The skyway twists and turns around the southern end of the Santeetiah Lake providing great views and more opportunities to drag floorboards (if you are on a cruiser - the FJR loved the road and ate up the curves).  The skyway intersects the famous US 129 just 5 miles west of Robbinsville, NC and 16 miles east of Deals Gap store and the Tail of the Dragon.

We had a great time riding the Cherohala Skyway on the way to Robbinsville.  We enjoyed it so much we rode it again as we headed home from our trip.  This road will not disappoint a biker regardless of the speed one wants to ride.  One can ride it nice and slow to enjoy all the views or at a crisp pace smiling on every turn.  This is a great American scenic byway with great destinations at both ends.

"Look, it's Chimney Rock at Bat Cave!, Batman"

Yes, I know that if you google Chimney Rock you will find there are many Chimney Rocks in the world, but only one is near Bat Cave! 

South east of Asheville, NC on beautiful US 74 you will find the little town of Bat Cave, the gateway to Chimney Rock Park.  Bat Cave is named after Bat Cave Mountain which has a cave with a lot of bats, imagine that.  Bat Cave has several shops and restaurants.  

My son and spent the night in Asheville, NC and headed towards Bat Cave and Chimney Rock after breakfast.  US 74 is a nice road.  There was not a lot of traffic once we were 3 miles out of Asheville.  The 10 mile stretch from Fairview to Bat Cave is really good.  Several tight curves a six hairpin curves about 4 miles out of Fairview.  We had ridden the Tail of the Dragon twice the day before and I thought this 10 miles was almost as fun and a lot less traveled, which made it less stressful and very enjoyable.

Look closely you can see some of the curves leading to Bat Cave

Less than a mile later there is another set of curves with elevation drop that does not have as tight of curves but some nice ones.  On the side of the road the pretty, but troublesome Kudzu grows unchecked up the trees and mountain side.

Main street US 74 in Bat Cave

Once we arrived in Bat Cave we decided to visit some shops and look for place to eat an early lunch before visiting Chimney Rock.  The small shops had a lot of character and were fun to look around.  There were numerous other bikers in town.  Seemed to be a popular destination.

Chimney Rock as seen from Bat Cave

On the recommendation of on the store owners we ate lunch at the Riverwatch Deli and Grill.  As the name suggest you can sit and watch the Rocky River from the back porch/deck.  We ordered and ate our deli sandwiches while watching the river and looking up to Chimney Rock.  Lunch was good, but I don't remember anything standing out enough to post about; however, I would eat there again.

We rode up to the park entrance, paid our entry fee, and headed up the mountain.  The ride up was nice and shaded with numerous pull offs with picnic tables.  We reached the parking lot and decided to hike to Hickory Nut Falls, a 485 foot waterfalls.  We descended a series of step to get to the actual trail.  

Some of the steps leading from parking lot to Hickory Nut Trail

The trail is .75 miles one way.  The trail is easy and shaded.  There were several places to stop and relax, view the surrounding mountains or Bat Cave below.   Toward the end of the trail we crossed a wooden bridge and walked to the base of the falls.  It was very pretty.  I am glad we took the time to hike the trail.

Hickory Nut Falls

After returning to the main parking lot we took the elevator up to the gift shop and bridge to the peak of Chimney rock.  Chimney Rock rises 315 from the base at the parking lot and has an elevation of 2,280 feet.  Once at the gift shop and snack bar we crossed the bridge and walked out on the top of Chimney Rock.  We could see all of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure, Bat Cave, and the surroundings.  

Lake Lure as seen from Chimney Rock

We also hiked up to the Opera Box (great place to relax) and up to view Devils Head, a rock that looks like the profile of what we think would be the devil.  It is an interesting formation.  

Devils Head

We really enjoyed the views.  The Chimney Rock Park website states that one can see 75 miles from the peak of Chimney Rock. I don't know about the distance, but it was a great day, awesome sites, and well worth the visit. 

Chimney Rock as seen from the Opera Box

Notice the steps leading from the gift shop area to the peak!

If I am in the area I will visit Chimney Rock again.  Drop by you will have fun and the ride to get there is great.