I'm looking at a place in the country that is 1.5 miles off the highway with county maintained dirt roads to the property.

I'm sure there are guys that have to ride dirt or gravel roads and I'd like to know the straight poop on dealing with it. Not so much riding on them but damage to the underside of the bike.

Can anything be done to the bike to help?

Thanks

 

You can make a skid plate out of the likes of an old aluminum road sign and hose clamp it to the frame. But honestly, I haven't found that necessary. Especially on regular dirt roads.

Some adventurous riding on my Road King

 

There's really no point in adding a skid plate to the underside of the bike. Just take it slow and easy while you're on the gravel and/or dirt and definitely lay off of the front brake!

 

Great picture!

 

There's one I can't say I've ever done. I've off roaded my bikes more than a few times but that's just impressive.

What little abuse your bike may take will be inside the fenders. Yah the rest of the bike will get dusty. Take it slow and don't launch the gravel off your tires at warp speed and you should be fine.

 

That's what I've been thinking but I'm scared of rock chips or damage. I ride most days and 3 miles per ride seems risky.

I thought maybe some clear bra or protective coating.

 

Welp, you've got one on me.

I'd sure NEVER do that with a Harley!!

Dual Purpose; sure, MX bike; sure.Harley; No..............

I'll avoid gravel roads as well.

 

You may want to inspect the inside of the drive belt more frequently.

 

This my first post I have been looking on this forum for a while and on dirt roads I have to say if you can don't move there I have lived 3 miles back on dirt for 27 years if you ride your bike every day it won't last.but if you do end up living on dirts roads try not to get caught in rain mud will go every where in bike.and as said above clean your belt and pullies weekly with soap and water but no matter what belt and rear pulley will last around 20,000 mile or so had to replace mine 2 times in 41,000 dirt eats them up

 

I have more than my fair share of time on dirt/gravel roads, even on a Harley. I don't do it on purpose or on a regular basis so if OP has an alternative I would strongly consider it. That picture foxtrapper posted is reckless IMO to do on a Harley. I would NEVER consider doing a stunt like that on my nearly 30K bike and if I did I wouldn't be posting pictures of it on the interweb. But that's just me and my opinion.