NC Moto Tour! - Day1 (79 Yamaha XS750) 

This brought back so many memories. Had to give it up for the same reason I had to give up work, health. Now I have two things I can relive my life from because of this channel. I can't thank you enough for the enjoyment you've brought. But this...words fail me. From the bottom of my heart thank you, Ivan.

Fond memories of taking my '86 Yamaha FJ1200 down to Boone, NC. and riding the Smoky Mountain Parkway and Tail of the Dragon. Simply amazing roads, views and people.

I had the '77 version of the bike with a black engine, bought it new, and sold it in '82 to get a Suzuki GS1100E, which I still have. A great bike; I put a little over 80k miles on it as I also used it for my commuting 75 miles to work. I never had any issues with it. After 3 years, I found one of the Windjammers that Yamaha also sold as a configuration for that bike. That was a great touring combination with added storage and protection. I look forward to seeing more days of riding!

My dad (and later me 😀) had this bike's baby brother, the XS400. Same paint scheme and wheels as yours. Just hearing the engine brings back a lot of memories! Thanks for sharing.

I got back a month ago from a 4000 mile trip on my (first) tripple. It included your neck of the woods but all the way up to Maine/Canada border...When the roads in NewEngland just could not put enough technical corners together without traffic...I zipped down to West Virginia to get four days of twisty road bliss...and bliss it was!

I'm having flashbacks of the gauge cluster while riding my 1978 Honda 750F. Hard to believe that was over forty years ago. Keep the videos coming. I'm loving it

What a great old xs, I love the bikes from the seventies and eighties, I started riding in the very early seventies, fifty bikes later and a million kilometres I still love riding my old bikes from the seventies and eighties that I restored, love this channel for it’s variety keep up the great work.

Looking at the cracks in the road reminded me of our roads in the UK, nice pass on the double yellow 👌. Keep up the great content 👍🏻

The Biltmore Mansion is a wonderful place to go when visiting Asheville, NC. Love the architecture of the shops surrounding that estate.

I gave up riding about 8 years ago. This was so GOOD to watch. Thanks Ivan! "Knees in the breeze."

I hope you made it up to Maggie Valley, and hit Wheels Through Time. Awesome bike museum. Those deer as you started gave me goosebumps. Almost exactly a year ago one of my best friends hit one in Ashland KY on his way back from Ohio, and he didn't survive the collision. He was on an ST1300. He had a KZ1100 that he loved to ride, and had taken it from here in North Alabama to Bryson City NC many times. I ride a 90 Sportster, so I'm not interested in riding that thing that far from here, at 73 years old. I do love the Dragon and Cherohala though. We all stay at my brother's camp on the Nantahala whitewater each year for our Fall vacation, which is very near the Nantahala Outdoor Center..

This is a great little series Ivan. Love your bike. Too bad the weather wasn't perfect but it added to the adventure. We left on the same day for The Lake Michigan Circle Tour with my brothers and also got rained on day 3😏. Can't wait for the next episode.

That 750 is still a pretty powerful bike, even by todays standards. Plenty of zip to pass out and steady as she goes. Good luck with the adventure and the weather. A lot of nostalgia in the comments.

I forgot all about the soaking wet sneakers, socks, and feet, I had this same bike in black and gold, it was one of my favorites for long trips.👍👍

There’s crazy Russian! Passing on double solid line on his donorcycle. My first scooter was a 53’ panhead, then a 66 Electra glide. Now I have a 96’ Vulcan 1500 and a Kawasaki 450ltd. Both just sit. Guess we’re old. Enjoy your youth while you can, it’s fleeting

Thanks for the video Ivan the beautiful country side fantastic roads and the sound of that triple just superb, it’s a shame about the rain to start but that motorcycling for you, ride safe young fella 🏍️🛵🏍️🛵🏍️🛵

It is great to see you actually enjoying yourself I always wonder if you work too much! Great footage of a vintage bike, I recently sold my 1976 Kawasaki KZ900LTD, to a vintage racer. I loved that bike. Now I have a 2004 Kawasaki VN2000 cruiser. Can't wait to see you knee dragging some twists.

I purchased this exact motorcycle 1979. Mine was black with gold pinstripe. This is one of the best motorcycles ever built, in my opinion. I have always regretted sending it. Great video!

Ivan, tx's for sharing...My first cycle was a 1983 Honda Nighthawk CB650SC. Still have it stored away. I need to clean out the tank, rebuild the carbs and flush the hydraulics. Spent recent years on HD's.

You took me back a few years. When that bike was new, my Honda 750 was 9 years old (bought new). I do like the exhaust note on that triple. I don't like riding wet roads but have taken a lot of high mileage vacations on bikes and the weather is in control. But I do like riding the back country two lane roads when it is cool and the bugs are a little less dense. Those are the days that one can just keep on riding.

XS750 was my first street bike. I miss that unique exhaust note! Those triples are fantastic engines. That one is in fantastic condition as well! Beautiful bike man, thanks for sharing!

I just got back from riding the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway on my GoldWing. Great place to ride! Glad you had a great time!

Good wet ride in the beginning. No more double yellow like passing! Even if in a car! What a beautiful country ride!

Enjoyed you video, I started my first road bike riding back in the early '60s on a 1946 Indian Chief fully dressed. The following year I also purchased a 1948 Indian Chief that was almost identical to the other one except the '46 had a left-hand shift, left-hand spark advance and right-hand throttle and the '48 was just the opposite. Loved them both but had to remember which one I was riding each time. Went into the Navy in 1966 and my father sold one of them for $100 and my brother tried to make a chopper out of the other by cutting the inner fenders out, bobbing the front fender, removed the original saddlebags, etc. Got out of the Navy and rebuilt the 1946 but when I got married my wife wouldn't ride with me as it scared her. Sold that and purchased a new 1973 Yamaha RD350 which I rode until 1981 when I purchased a new 1981 GS650GL. I used to ride over 100 miles most nights after work riding double. Loved riding but last year after turning 77 I decided to give up riding as my legs were brothering me so sold it along with the 1980 CM400A Honda (automatic). Miss riding but at least I was able to put lots of miles on them without any accidents. Also had other makes of bike over the years but these were my favorites. Enjoy your rides while you can as I always swore that I would never give them up but sometimes we just have to do what we have to do. Love reading your channel.

They are so classy the xs of that time . I had a xt 550 1982 . I loved the big quiet engine . The back roads look lovely Ivan

This was a pleasant suprise deviation from the usual troubleshooting videos. I'm in the centre prairie region of canada so believe me this section of your ride is already extreme twisties by comparison. Terrific bike. Another thing that really stood out was the great pavement. We don't have that either. I got my motorcycle license endorsement at 67 yrs old. 75 now and really enjoy doing 250 to 500 km rides 2 or 3 days a week simply to stop for a coffee and buy gas to get back home. Have put on lots of km but with old muscles and unskilled reflexes I still am in the learning phase. Scared to death of rain. Don't have the skills and muscle memory of a younger experienced biker and our roads can be really scarry. We don't get much nice rain like in your video but instead it often comes in downpours with extreme wind. The roads were never constructed for today's heavy truck traffic so there is often standing water in the sections of pavement the trucks compress. That with significant wind gusts is quite intimidating for a geezer with minimal experience. I think I could actually enjoy riding your good roads in the rain you experienced. The fresh smells must have been really nice. Bu the way, thanks for keeping the background sounds to 5,000 rpm Kawasaki music and the wind and not the mandatory awful irritating music (I use that word loosely) most other videos like this contain that make them unwatchable!

With all the headache vehicles you've dealt with lately, it's a well deserved vacation getaway for you and ASMR for us. Looking forward to some mountain twisties and scenery. Thanks for uploading.

That 750 appears to be running just as smooth as silk. No surprise, after all it is your bike. Besides the nasty weather I hope you dried out enough to enjoy the road trip.

I got caught up in heavy rain when going from new york to florida and let me tell you no rain gear so much more than my boots were soaked, but I wouldn't trade it for nothing. What a ride

Ivan. At one time I bought a "basket case" Honda 750. After several months, it was road worthy. I loved that bike. It was a MONSTER! :-) When I wound it up in 3rd gear, you had to literally "hang on." It really moved - and I LOVED it. It was all Black - all of my riding gear was Black. One of my friends said I looked like Darth Vader. I thought that was funny. :-) I put "4 into 2" header pipes on it and you had to wear ear plugs for long rides. :-) Rode it a couple of years and sold it - bad move. :-) Many thanks for posting your trip - loved it.

Love seeing some moto content in your mix Ivan. I've got a few modern bikes but lately I find myself spending most of my time aboard my father's old 1982 Nighthawk 750 that I rescued from a barn after 16 years of sitting. Love the old bikes. I spend most of my time riding through the Northern end of the Appalachian mountains. I managed to check out the NC twisties once (Deals Gap, Cherohala, etc) but it was in a rented Chrysler unfortunately. I was traveling for work while my bikes were 1500 miles away. I was sure to get my money's worth out of that Chrysler 200's tires though 😆

I like that camera angle that gives a view of the instruments like that

Brought back some memories. Had to give up my Harley Soft tail seven years ago due to carpel tunnel and arthritis in my wrists. I really miss it.

Удивительная страна! Теперь мне нужно купить мотоцикл! Спасибо, Иван, что привел нас!

I haven't watched the video yet. I remember in '97 Interstate 40 was closed from Knoxville to Asheville and we traveled U.S. 70. I can't wait until you meet up with Grisha! Great video!

I've put many, many miles on 2 wheels in the rain (and too many in the snow on one trip). I was ready to give up riding (my GL1800 was bothering my shoulders and hips) until riding my SIL's Victory Cross Road, so sold my Wing and now love riding my Vic. Did several 1,000 mile days but have slowed down to just casual riding now, so love seeing you out enjoying your time on yours!!

Grate that you occasionally put out motorcycle videos. Greetings from Norway👍

Awesome , doesn't matter what wheel you ride as long as you get out there and ride. I had to give up riding about 3 years ago because of leg issues. I know quite a few of those roads you traveled from field service work travel. The wife and I did 3650 miles in 2010 9 states 9 days included Sturgis SD.

You were lucky with the deer crossing the road, a few seconds later........... Makes me want a bike again, but the rain would put me off now! Snow never even used to bother me!

Nice bike. In awesome shape for a 79! Its been 45 years since I rode. Had a 73 Honda CB350 Twin. So much fun

I really envy you, Ivan! My riding days are over - some 7 years back I was going to buy a motorcycle, to revisit old times, but I had such an opposition from my family (like, it's the bike or us), that I gave up (had already bought a new helmet that is still in the box). Got to love the reduced traffic in back roads - that was my favorite part of riding, going for miles without seeing vehicles :-)

Nice, love old bikes and cars.😁

Years ago I owned a 1980 three cylinder Yamaha XS850 the XS750's big brother. I liked the shaft drive along with the amazing low end torque. It had that unique "half of an opposed 6 cylinder" sound reminiscent of the long gone Chevy Corvair. I had read where Yamaha had increased the displacement to 850cc so it could use many of the same parts and tooling as the XS11. The XS850 was basically an XS11 (1100cc) with 1 cylinder lobbed off.

I had a 1981 Suzuki 550 GS back in the early 1990's, fun bike. Bought it for $600 sitting in a barn with less than 2,000 miles. It was in mint shape except for the tires, brakes, an the Carbs. had to be rebuilt from sitting. You have about 15 HP. on me Sir Ivan, LOL.

It's a shame the roads were wet most of the way. Could have hit the highways and cut loose a little. It's been a good while since I've taken a decent road trip on a bike. But my current bike (1998 Kawasaki ZX9R) is not a great choice for long distances. Well, it gets better if you can keep it over 70 for a while. The wind can help take some of the weight off your wrists. Keep the shiny side up Ivan. I hope to see more of your trip.

Awesome! Can't wait for the twisties! I love backroad rides... It's so nice! That bike reminds me a lot of my 96 nighthawk 750, i like the "standard / neutral" riding position. You can pack a lot of stuff on the bike too, especially if you have a backrest to strap more stuff to.

Sweet...I just bought a VTX1300 for my planned cruise to the NW...Hope to vlog most of it...a good rain suit will be a must have.😉

I've got a 79 XS 1100 Special that I haven't ridden in ten years. I bought it from a co-worker who bought it new in 79. It came with a fairing with lowers and fiberglass bags. I rode it for a couple of years before I decided to take the fairing and the bags off and try it. It was too squirrely. It needed the fairing to keep the front tire planted and was too easy to wheelie without it.

Love your bike... from THE best period for bikes in my humble opinion... Love the low "purr" from the triple... :)

My first new bike was a 1977 XS750 in Silver with a blue stripe if I remember correctly and my first Japanese bike which I was looking forward to being able to ride without getting oil on my clothes after a chain driven 850 Norton Camando. However, after riding my new Yam home from the dealer and parking up on my drive. I went out later to admire it and was disappointed to find a puddle of oil forming under. It needed a new oil seal around the gear change rod which wasn't expensive but required the engine taking out to fix it. Two years later I replaced it with the 850 version which was the same colour scheme as yours Ivan. I have had a BMW and Honda since but have now gone full circle and am back on a Yamaha triple, the Tracer 900. I like the bike but wish it had shaft drive and an old fashioned level dual seat. I noted your comment Ivan about the pillion seat as with two knee replacements last year and my advanced age, 77, I don't find getting my leg over so easy. I am hoping to ride down to Spain in 2 or 3 months, a distance of 1350 miles in 3 days without going on auto routes so you should do your trip no problem Ivan. If you are going to do touring you really need a fairing on your bike to shelter behind when it rains. Keep up the good work with the videos. I only found your site last year but enjoy watching you displaying your skills.

ahhhh the open roads so jealous ...but man what a trip

gives me flashbacks of my xs650 standard.

I love this. Great bike. I used to ride a 2009 Stratoliner. Rode all over SC and NC. Went to AL coast a d back all on back roads. Some I miss. I can't be an adult on a scoot, so I had to gave it up. I was watching a video like this, but it was a guy on a Goldwing riding like a bat out of hell. My GF was watching (we met after I quit riding), and I was like, yeah, that's how I rode. Granted a Strat is nothing compared to a sport bike. She was horrified 🤣. I rode in all conditions all year since it was all I had lol.

The Tail of The Dragon should be on every driver enthusiast bucket list. I've done it twice in different cars. Besure you go with someone who enjoys constant curves.

First thing u learn when you start to ride leathers & boots are very important keep your mouth closed if your helmet doesn’t have a face shield the 80s & 90s we’re some great ridding years enjoy Ivan great scenery. Live to ride ride live

Reminds me of an old song called Born to be wild by Ivan Steppenwolf 👍😁😁😁😁😁

Awesome trip... I sure do wish I still had my 1980 Yamaha 850 Midnight Special... She was a great bike... Hope you had a lot of fun, Ivan... When are you going power paragliding again?... LOL

That was delicious! (590 miles + 14 hours + 45 mpg + 2 soaked boots = 651.)

Your bike is smooth as butter....gorgeous country too. Glad you had a safe trip out and back. I bet it was a lot of fun.

I miss riding so much. I'm glad that you still can. God bless. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Great Stuff!!! Almost bought 1 back in 78 but ended up getting a better deal on a leftover 77GS750 .Put 60k on it over the 15yrs I had it . Best way to see America is on 2 wheels !

Great ride, wonderful video! Always liked the original XS750 but had an XS650C instead. Today I have late 70's Bmw RT and Bmw RS, a Suzuki Vstrom 650 and Honda ST1100.

As a Yamaha mechanic in the 80s and 90s, I had a chance to work and ride some 750s and 850 triples. I always enjoyed their unique sound!

The scenery looks lovely

I often miss mine , even after 35 plus years. . This has a sofa for a seat, the vibration absorbing handlebars, and footpegs, , ,As or faster then the other current 750. . . . . appart from the 2nd gear, it is great. . The sound of a torky tripple , almost limitless bank angle. . nothing compares to it. .

Always wanted to ride the Smokies, hasn't happened, getting up in age so I don't think it's going to happen. Thanks for sharing your ride.

Great Video. Nice change from diagnostics. Shows how preparation helps. Mike

When I lived in Charlotte, I bought the first year of the Honda Interceptor VF750. I'd come home from work and ride up to the Blue Ridge looking for new roads/places. Few years later, I bought a new in the crate 1982 Kawasaki KZ1000J. Somehow it got stored at the dealership and never sold. I've owned ten bikes and that was hands down the most comfortable bike of them all. Good times.

Nice tour of some backroads on your trip. My sister lives in NC Havelock across the river from USMC Air Station Cherry Point.

I hope your Pico Scope and Thinktool stayed dry. I know you don't leave home without them. 😁 I'm 71 and still get out occasionally on my Kawi Versys 650. It's kind of a Swiss Army Knife type of bike similar to yours. Not a superbike for sure but capable and fun. Safe riding Ivan.

Fun to see your stop in Keyser, WV. It's not far from Cumberland ,MD , where I went to flightschool some 30 years ago..

I bought a new 1977 SX750 not the best bike i ever owned they did improve the breed with time did get a 79 XS1100 that was a far better bike and enjoyed it more. Stay safe out there Ivan !

I can imagine being on that drive on a 69 Triumph Bonneville. Not as smooth a ride but just worried about the Lucas electrical system... LOL. Oops, don't pass on solid yellow line on your side of the road (W Va.).. Beautiful county, spent some time in Asheville.

Have fun bud you earned it

Nice trip Ivan . I’m now going to watch this years Isle of Man TT most dangerous motorcycle racing in the world over 200 MPH ON village & country roads on the Isle of Man .

I used to do the dragons tail years ago. Loved it

Thanks for sharing Ivan.

I had a Yamaha 650 classic. Explored the heck out of my area and sold it. You better hope state troopers don't watch this video LOL

Fantastic driving Ivan😊

I'm happy you had a good trip without any accidents. As a die hard Honda gal I would have to argue that my CB 750 is better but well , ya know how it is !

That’s quite a haul for one day! Great scenery though.

The Yammie XS 750 was a very good bike back in the day. A few years later I bought my first new bike: a 1982 Suzuki GS 1100 E. $3500. It ran like a champion and essentially was the same bike: long, flat, comfy seat, upright bars and seating position, good brakes, and a hellaciously strong engine that pulled wheelies just by twisting the throttle in first gear - no lifting of the bars while fanning the clutch. The only thing it needed was an oil cooler and some braided steel brake lines. I put some nicely adjustable Koni coilovers on for a finishing touch and I was all set. You could ride that thing around the earth without worry. Didn't need a toolbag - just the cheap toolset that came with it. Screw the new bikes - they're just like the new cars: too much crap to go wrong. The only thing I want from a new bike, however, is ABS. It's impossible to consistemtly be prepared for the crap that can happen, and there's no reason you shouldn't just jam the brakes on without worry these days.

Enjoyed the ride along

Wow, really nice roads. I hope you had a great time. I went from OKC to Galveston TX. on my 2020 KTM superadventure s. I did that trip in 1 day and I was so sore, I don't have the best seat in the world. And then I had to make it back. I was thinking God this hurts so bad lol.

Cool trip!! I never had a motorcycle or been on one. Never got the bug I guess, but it looks fun👍

I've ridden in a lot of rain and not regretted it. Looking forward to the rest of the trip!

I had one, and I did modify it. I put on a crash bar with foot pegs and driving lights . Sissy bar and ape hanger. Best riding bike I ever had rode from Michigan to Arizona and back with no trouble. When I got rid of it, I had over 100,000 miles on it

Looks like a honda 90 in the back? Nice. I remember going to the Honda lot to sit on them wanting to buy one!

2 mustard line pass lol i ride 22 gold wing ride with sport riding group 400 miles a day in pa for your twisty roads nice job .always pass south main auto and your way good to see you enjoy riding , we go to all the smokies every year to ride

Ivan, if you watched and remembered Forrest Gump you’d know Lt Dan’s most important rule was KEEP YOUR FEET DRY! 😉🤣 Nice to see you had a great time, I haven’t had my bike out yet this year. I’m street riding since 1977, that makes me old 🥲

Wat een geweldigen rit. 👌👍En mooi om te zien 👏het was leuk om te zien prima 🎥 BEDANKT 🙏

Glad u can take sometime off work. Enjoy

I probably worry to much, comes with age I guess. Just concerned about Your safety. Maybe You could consider selling that that old jewel, to Me, just so I don’t have to worry . 😄😄 Looks like fun Ivan, thanks for the ride.👍👍🇺🇸

Wow, I'm jealous Ivan, lol. That was nice and beautiful ride!! Great video Ivan

I owned the yammy 750 for a few years myself, yes a nice bike.

looks like a great time

The roads in WV are better than I remember. But it really did vary by county. Thanks for sharing Ivan.

Very cool Ivan I really miss my 1981 Honda cb 900f super sport 😢

Naughty, you passed a vehicle crossing over a double yellow line. Beware the internet police dont send you a ticket!

Awesome ride alone👍🏼