| Topic Review (Newest First) |
| 08-28-2014 08:32 PM | |
| Spencer1 |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knifemaker
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A lot depends on the bike, and yes, tread pattern on the tires can make a big difference to... Cruisers generally don't like gravel roads...it's not the fat rear tire, it's that skinny front one that seems to "swim".
Stay loose, keep your weight (as much as you can) on the pegs. Use your rear brake going downhill on gravel... A few years riding off road/dirt bikes does seem to help....but best advise has been given- Trust the bike. Don't make sudden moves and keep your speed down...(but not too slow, as this can make you "sink" more in loose gravel) I have a rather steep driveway that's 1 inch white rock. Pucker moment going up or down when I had my FJR...I can pretty much fly up the thing now on my Bonniville.... |
| 08-28-2014 01:27 PM | |
| LibertyPilot |
Quote:
Originally Posted by ArkTinkerer
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I've run into asphalt that has been stripped by machine as prep for a new layer. Sometimes, they aren't even kind enough to put up a warning sign. Very disconcerting to ride on! Front wheel wants to track in the grooves. Whole bike seems to shimmy like it doesn't have great traction. Probably doesn't due to it bouncing up and down on the rough surface. I wind up cutting my speed from 55+ down to 30 and even then its just less than white knuckles and no fun.
Anyone got any suggestions for dealing with roads like this? Am I just a pansy worrying about nothing? Don't remember dealing with this when I was younger but we didn't have roads like this either. Dirt roads weren't a problem with a smaller bike. Quote:
Originally Posted by Vulcan2000
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Nothing wrong with slowing down to a point where you are more comfortable as long as you move over to the right side if possible. I work on a road crew doing that kind of work and other things but it does make me nervous when I ride on that surface. I also dislike "grated" bridges.
Try to loosen up on your grips a bit and that helps you get a better feel. Try to relax and look for any waver in the grooves ahead. Be sure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure so they flex just right without riding too high on the grooves. Good luck. 
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| 08-27-2014 05:15 PM | |
| VN750Rider/Jerry | I only see gravel as bad if it is deep, or if it is scattered on pavement. I ride a dual sport bike with street oriented tires 70 mph on dirt roads with no problem. A large heavy bike will need to be ridden slower, but gravel is not directional like those grooves. My Vulcan is dirty. I do clean it up once in a while, but it is impossible to keep it clean and ride it at the same time, especially in AZ, where even paved roads are covered with a layer of dirt. |
| 08-27-2014 01:02 PM | |
| shark88 |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spencer1
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Ok, Now does anybody have any tips on riding on a well maintained gravel road??? The roadbed it tightly packed with some medium sized gravel evenly spread across it and very level with no slope.
I'm asking because I'm considering buying a house 4/10's of a mile down the road. |
| 08-27-2014 11:42 AM | |
| iowa.rider | Gravel does suck. I live on a gravel road, and have 2 miles of it going one way and 5 the other. Just slow down, loosen your grip on the bars, and let the bike do its thing. Also, wear long sleeves whenever possible. The front tire likes to throw up tiny rock chips that aren't big enough to cause damage to paint or skin, but they sure sting a bit. Take corners and curves VERY SLOWLY. Stay on top of the bike's COG rather than leaning into curves. Not fun, but you get used to it. |
| 08-27-2014 10:18 AM | |
| Knifemaker |
A lot depends on the bike, and yes, tread pattern on the tires can make a big difference to... Cruisers generally don't like gravel roads...it's not the fat rear tire, it's that skinny front one that seems to "swim". Stay loose, keep your weight (as much as you can) on the pegs. Use your rear brake going downhill on gravel... A few years riding off road/dirt bikes does seem to help....but best advise has been given- Trust the bike. Don't make sudden moves and keep your speed down...(but not too slow, as this can make you "sink" more in loose gravel) I have a rather steep driveway that's 1 inch white rock. Pucker moment going up or down when I had my FJR...I can pretty much fly up the thing now on my Bonniville.... |
| 08-27-2014 06:59 AM | |
| Goofyfoot2001 | Gravel sucks. Sand too. Was at the beach last weekend and forgot how every corner and the medians are like skating rinks. |
| 08-27-2014 01:08 AM | |
| Spencer1 |
Ok, Now does anybody have any tips on riding on a well maintained gravel road??? The roadbed it tightly packed with some medium sized gravel evenly spread across it and very level with no slope. I'm asking because I'm considering buying a house 4/10's of a mile down the road. |
| 08-26-2014 11:01 PM | |
| OleDirtyDoc | Ya want scarey try the groves wuth bad front bearibgs.YEAH HA. |
| 08-26-2014 10:50 PM | |
| VN750Rider/Jerry | And then don't forget the manhole covers that are several inches deep after they put down the new asphalt. My city has been sued (and lost) more than once due to these causing motorcycle accidents. Fortunately no fatalities that I know of. |
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