Honda Ruckus vs. The Dragon : How far can you push the “Slow Bike, Fast” concept?

Joe Gustafson riding a Honda Ruckus

Is five hp enough to have on one of the most legendary roads in America?

“The Dragon” is where the idea of your riding skills and reality collide. Riders trek to challenge The Dragon’s 318 curves that slither along 11 miles through eastern Tennessee and into North Carolina, and leave with tales of apex dominance and feats of derring-do. And to finish the ride in one piece, too.

I too went there to join the challengers. But I would not have 200 hp, ABS, or a bank of IMUs. I would not even have quarter of that amount of power.

I would have five hp and two drum brakes. I would have a modified Honda Ruckus. The reason is twofold: firstly, to explore Grom/Ruckus culture at one of its best gatherings, and secondly, to see if there is a limit to the “slow bike, fast” concept. The overall question was: Can you have big fun on a small motorcycle, on one of the most legendary sporting roads in America?

Read full post here:
https://www.cycleworld.com/2016-smokey-mountain-crawl-motorcycle-event-honda-ruckus-vs-the-dragon