Dirt Road
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Now that I'm riding the Harley the rear brake still seems useless.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
I also ride a 1/2 mile of sand gravel to the highway. Never had a problem. I ride very slow going in and out just because I am generally warming up the bike on the way out. I stay in first gear and just above an idle. I clean my bike about 2 to 3 times a year as it is otherwise a waste of time. I have a friend that never cleans his. He also rides gravel/dirt to the highway. I was on a ride in the back roads one time, and ended up riding 8 miles of gravel to get where I was going. Really not that bad as long as there is not big deep gravel. Softail Customs handle off road pretty well. I have also ridden dirt roads out through pastures a few times.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
Hello, new to this site. Here is my issue. Have wanted a harley for my entire life, just purchased one. My problem is I live 1/2 mile off of any pavement. Keeping bike at brothers, thinking about bringing it out to my house, how much will this damage the bike? Plan on going as slow as I can any advice?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,053
Likes: 12,327
From: Arkansas
Good point. I run a chain so not an issue for me but something to watch with a belt.
I followed your trip and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to chronicle it for everyone.
I followed your trip and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to chronicle it for everyone.
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Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
Likes: 51,434
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Your get used to dirt is all you can do and check the rear belt real regular theey tend to pick up grit 7 small rocks like a magnet . Plenty of solid advice given in here already I'll not repeat .
Mines spent a fair part of her life off blacktop so I feel you , It's part of the bike experience so you deal with it .
Another members bike after fighting 150 mile of wet dirt road & rain on a road trip and the guys in his 70's .
Mines spent a fair part of her life off blacktop so I feel you , It's part of the bike experience so you deal with it .
Another members bike after fighting 150 mile of wet dirt road & rain on a road trip and the guys in his 70's .
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Leesville, SC
I know guys that would have a heart attack if there bike ever looked like that. Kinda looks like fun to me. Wouldn't want to do every day, but could see me doing that with my oldest daughter on the back grinning ear to ear. I know, they are not dirt bikes, but they are not porcelain either. I know a guy that lives on a dirt road and will only ride just after they scrap the road. A few of us has commented to each other that he is scared of it. Just too cautious. That can be as dangerous as not cautious enough. I think every one should learn on an old dirt bike in an open field.