Riding on gravel and dirt roads.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 232
Likes: 1
From: Southern Ohio
Riding on gravel and dirt roads.
Do you do it or do you turn around? I just bought a Harley and hate the thought of missing out on all those gravel roads I used to ride down but also hate the thought of cleaning and polishing all the chrome....
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
I don't seek out gravel roads to ride on with my bike. That is what I have a jeep for. If I need to go down a gravel or dirt road--then I go. No big deal if you remember that these roads have their challenges.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
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From:
I am also one of those that does not seek them except in my Jeep. If on a long ride(trip) and the pavement runs out, I normally continue on the dirt or gravel if it appears passable. If riding around within a couple hundred miles of home, I avoid them if known and have turned around rather than taking them. Same with fresh road surfaces such as tar or tar and loose gravel.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
A lot of guys ride their Harley's up through Canada and Alaska, with many miles being on dirt/gravel/slop. Some of them even mount 'dual sport' type tires...
But, and that is a big BUT, your bike will get dirty and don't be surprised if you get some gravel chips, especially on the frame.
If you are like many that like to keep their Harley's 'spit shined', and don't even like to ride in the rain because it messes up the chrome and paint, save your Harley for nice paved roads and get something like the below for playing around in the mud, dirt, and gravel.
But, and that is a big BUT, your bike will get dirty and don't be surprised if you get some gravel chips, especially on the frame.
If you are like many that like to keep their Harley's 'spit shined', and don't even like to ride in the rain because it messes up the chrome and paint, save your Harley for nice paved roads and get something like the below for playing around in the mud, dirt, and gravel.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Portland Oregon
try to avoid them but if I must...I must
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 61
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From: NE Missouri
I don't head out in the rain, but I will ride in it if I get caught, then I'll wash and polish as needed. I will not ride on gravel at all. I will turn around and save the crome and paint from dings. Same goes for fresh oil and gravel due to road construction I'll turn around everytime.