[lesblank]

@AlanRides mentioned on the History Marker thread about about gravel roads that are muddy and not touring bike friendly. We all get into situations at times and find us on a dirt road. I actually live on a dirt road that's 1/2 mile long. It gets washed out pretty good every time it rains. When I first bought this property I owned an Electra Glide.

Long story, but totaled Electra right after I bought property, two weeks later bought my Vulcan 900 and a few months after that got my trike. So not that I like dirt roads on a street bike, it can be done if careful. Here's a video of my dirt road. A friend is on my Vulcan with camera, @AlanRides is in front of him, with me on trike in front.

Point of post is to warn those not used to being on a dirt ride with a street bike. Keep speeds above 10 mph if you can so the gyroscope wheel effect will help you maintain balance. It's actually harder to go slower. Be very, very careful with front brake, it will wash out, slide to side and you can easily go down. Don't stab rear brake, you will lock it up and easily lose control. I'm sure I've left out a few tips so please add you thoughts of safety on a dirt road.

Did resenty redo the road to concrete carport pad part of the drive way which is much better. Here's video of first ride and back in.

 

[ndncowboy]

I can't go anywhere in my county with hitting a gravel road. I know one of these days a rock is going to break the belt and I'll come to a stop. But until then I'll keep exploring these back roads of Texas.

 

[Tinsnips]

Gravel roads are often some of the most scenic. Being a sport bike guy they are also the most terrifying.

One tip I would suggest is lighten up your grip on the bars a bit. Let the bike wiggle and wander around under you like on a dirt bike. It will sort itself out. Often trying to rigidly control it will cause a wheel to loose traction.

Same goes for grooved pavement on the highway where they are getting ready to lay new asphalt. Lighten up the controls and let the bike do it’s thing.

 

[ndncowboy]

Yep, learned that years ago. Also keep your speed up helps. Well…until you need to brake quickly. But going to a trike has changed everything. Wish I had done it years sooner rather than fight the change.

 

[lesblank]

Agree on changing to trike. I made the change about 6 months ago for two up riding. Still keeping the Vulcan 900 for now. Everyone said going from two to three would be an adjustment. If feels natural to me. Many days I'll jump from bike, to trike and then back to bike. Never had an issue.

 

[ndncowboy]

I would never have guessed it it but I'm taking turns faster on my trike than I ever did on any bike. Well...once I got over the fear of being thrown off that is. The tighter turns showing the most difference like switch backs.