Dirt Road
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 90
From: Vermont
Fall just one time and you'll quit flying down dirt/gravel roads. Sure hardpack dirt you can go pretty fast down. Dirt roads that have sections where the potholes have been filled with buckets of sand are another story. Hit one of those sand pockets at 40 mph and see how fast the front tire kicks to the side and you go slamming down to the ground "Been there done that". Gravel is the same, sometimes you are flying along riding on gravel that is a few inches deep and everything is ok, then you hit a section where the gravel is a few feet deep AND LOOSE. It all happens REAL FAST, first you feel the rear end dip a little and you get a slight wobble. Next thing you know you're on your hands and knees looking at your bike that's 10 feet behind you laying on it's side and you're saying to yourself "WTF just Happened"!!!!!
Granted, if it's your own driveway you know how it's packed. But on unfamiliar dirt or gravel roads I'll do about 20mph, loosely hold the bars and let the bike rock around underneath me. Having the "death grip" on the bars and your knees clamping the gastank doesn't really help anything. If I'm going slow enough and hit a really loose patch where the bike dives to one side and goes from 20mph to about 5 mph in about 2 seconds I can put my foot down and save it.
I'm sure other parts of the country are different but I know how they repair potholes around here. And if you want a real treat, try turning around in the shoulder of the road in Gettysburg PA where they use softball sized gravel rocks!! WooHoo is that interesting.
Granted, if it's your own driveway you know how it's packed. But on unfamiliar dirt or gravel roads I'll do about 20mph, loosely hold the bars and let the bike rock around underneath me. Having the "death grip" on the bars and your knees clamping the gastank doesn't really help anything. If I'm going slow enough and hit a really loose patch where the bike dives to one side and goes from 20mph to about 5 mph in about 2 seconds I can put my foot down and save it.
I'm sure other parts of the country are different but I know how they repair potholes around here. And if you want a real treat, try turning around in the shoulder of the road in Gettysburg PA where they use softball sized gravel rocks!! WooHoo is that interesting.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,716
Likes: 103
From:
Most mountains are not paved to the top, Bonneville is made out of salt. My bike goes were I wanna be. Worse thing that could happen is catch a rock in the belt. Have 100s of miles on gravel and dirt, no problems.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
I'm with Fatty, I run about 40 with better control but just watch the front brake. My buddy's are all concerned about rock chips and such and I have never had one from a dirt road. One trip they were going like 5 mph and two of them dumped there bikes, too funny.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 6
From: Poolville, T X
I live 1/2 mile off pavement. Let the bike track naturally, don't fight it. No sudden moves, brake throttle, or bars. If on gravel, don't wipe dirt off the bike without water or cleaning fluid, it will scratch the clear coat. And lastly, remember that Hogs wallow in mud.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
Likes: 1
From: texas
Lot's of people on this forum have a fear of the front brake.
Don't know why, but they do.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 750
Likes: 3
From: 3rd Rock
I also live out where the black-top ends.
All said here so far carries merrit (for the most part).
Smooth hard-ball, a little faster
rutted, wet, loose gravel or soft dirt, a little slower.
+1 on the more frequent oil and filters being changed and the splash guards (mud flaps). Especially on the front!
Take it easy at first....You'll get use to it. Just beware of changes in the road conditions.
Best wishes....Tim(HT)
All said here so far carries merrit (for the most part).
Smooth hard-ball, a little faster
rutted, wet, loose gravel or soft dirt, a little slower.
+1 on the more frequent oil and filters being changed and the splash guards (mud flaps). Especially on the front!
Take it easy at first....You'll get use to it. Just beware of changes in the road conditions.
Best wishes....Tim(HT)
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 189
From: east texas
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