Riding a 900 lb. Harley in gravel or dirt is stupid...
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- čas přidán 8. 10. 2020
- In this video, I'm going to tell you exactly why you should never take a heavyweight touring motorcycle into gravel or dirt. But, if you must, here's some good tips. FYI...the video camera picks up the LED lights on the dash and makes them appear to be blinking, they are not.
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Living in Oklahoma many of our roads are red dirt, and many driveways are gravel. We just deal with it.
Well, you probably don't ride HD Ultras
@@seanoneill6420 Been riding for 24 years and my current ride is a 2017 Road King; so stop talking out of your ass. All my bikes have been Harleys.
@Semper Fi where`s your dog in this fight? I ride a Springer Softail and am a former Marine. You gonna trash me too? Semper Fi
Yeah I can ride a HD Road King on gravel also! But the gravel is not deep only about 1 to 2 inches at the most. Try doing a turn when the gravel road is 6”!!!!’ Then reply back after doing it on a 900lb. HD or any other heavy bike. Film it and put on CZcams okay? I really want to see how you do it.
I ride 1/2 mile on dirt and 100 yards of gravel twice a day almost everyday and have never wrecked, and yes I ride one of those big American V twins. It gets a little wiggly at times but, I just keep a loose grip and don't fight it.
Jerry, you really surprised me with this one... Most of us grew up on dirt bikes, then made the switch to street. I don't think twice about riding an un-improved road. (I ride a Ultra). Sure, the speed matters greatly! Don't ever touch the front brakes! (heck, don't go fast enough to need the brakes) Lean back a bit and keep that throttle steady as possible. The most important thing is relax! If you get nervous and tighten up... you will fall. No different than "Don't look at what you don't want to hit- you will hit it!" Keep clam, stay fluid! Smooth is everything!
And keep your foot on the pegs/boards
I've got gravel scattered over broken pavement on my street. Stay loose and let the bike move around. I always thought gravel roads were good training. Sport bikes and cruisers, solo and 2 up.
Smooth is everything everything is smooth 😉
Surprised me too, I live down a gravel road. I have to get through about 3 miles of gravel any direction I go to get to pavement. BUT, I don't want a dual sport or dirt bike just for those 3 miles of gravel. So I deal with it and ride through it. Although, if I had my choice I would pave the road but I grew up out here and a little bit of gravel is not enough to make me move!
I never said riding a heavy weight bike on gravel wasn't possible. In fact, I gave some good tips on how to do it. As I pointed out, attempting to ride a heavy weight motorcycle in sugar sand is just plain stupid. Don't even try it because it can't be done. My point was and is, avoid going off pavement on a heavy weight cruiser if you don't have to because they weren't designed for that purpose. If your cruising along a paved road that suddenly turns to a dirt road and you don't know how far you'd have to travel on that dirt road or what condition that road is in, why chance it? Turn around. I call that common sense. If exploring unknown unpaved roads is your thing, buy a bike made for that purpose. That's surprising?
I ride gravel all the time on my Street Glide my drive is 1/4 mile gravel. Many of us don’t live in town and don’t have the option of not riding the unpaved roads. Sure we don’t set out to ride gravel roads but it’s not the end of the world.
we have to remember this is coming from a city boy
Im roughly a qtr mile down a gravel road too. Even have three curves and a hill up out from the house. Only problem I have is keeping the bike clean.
Me too ... I live in the mountains of NorCal and you have to ride gravel driveways ... My driveway is gravel ... But you have to ride slow and careful ...
The first time I ever rode a motorcycle was on gravel. My dad's friend asked if I wanted to ride his little BSA, and, without showing me how, he just handed it over. I had a blast.
Michigan too. Obviously Florida is the only gravelfree state. I like the voice of the guy, but he has no clue about motorcycle riding after leaving a parking lot
Living and driving in the Rockies is always a surprise, gravel is normal
I live in the country and ride my 900 lb bike down 3/4 mile of gravel at 30mph with no issues. I feel it makes me a better rider on the road!
Yes it has already made you a better rider on the road you just may not realize it.
If you think that all gravel, dirt, and sand are equally problematic, then I don’t even know what to say. There is absolutely nothing wrong with riding a big Harley on a good gravel road.
Repaired highways the same
A good gravel road you can ride a harley as fast as you want
There is a lot wrong with it… just because you have done it doesn’t change reality. Heavy bikes are built specifically for pavement.
@@guins99 a good compacted gravel road can be just as good as riding on pavement where I live but it depends on the gravel type. Gravel varies so much from place to place.
Guess if you missed the “DEEP” gravel he said.
Good info Jerry
I’m using this video to convince my wife we need to spend money on paving the drive way.
Thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
I grew up riding on gravel. I suppose it’s a skill, never really thought about it. I have done 35+ miles on a single gravel road. I live in East Tennessee.
I head down gravel roads without a second thought. I wouldn’t do the sand though:)
Have done the something here.
There are some great motorcycles made for that very purpose. Call me crazy, but personally, I'd use a dual sport or an adventure tourer if off roading was my goal. I've had a couple of them and I can attest that off roading on a dual sport is a lot more fun than on my E/Glide.
I also grew up riding on gravel in OH,PENN,WV. 80+ mph.I was 17 and very lucky LOL.
Half a mile of sugar sand in southeast georgia to get to pavement on an ultra. Gotta do what you gotta do to ride.
Thank you that's where I'm from and you probably remember when all the roads around here where gravels of all types but didn't stop no one around here from riding there big unbalanced motorcycle...lol
Really i have rode my road glide on gravel, sand and even snow here in Minnesota never once had a issue its just called learning your limits
Don’t watch Million Dollar Bogan 😉
Don't Die, the Show must Go On!!
All the more reason to watch Million Dollar Bogan...there's not a road he wouldn't try. The show must go on...true story😎
That was hilarious when he got his bike stuck
Living the dream
@Krieger I suspect HD Head Office would be concerned that the comments shared by Daniel and Colin will be perceived as comments backed by HD. Those that can think for themselves know that the banter between Daniel and Colin is just about their thoughts and not backed by the HD brand. The world being what it is company's are scared of their own shadow and don't want to risk upsetting those that see what isn't there.
I recently had to park my 800 pound Indian in a loose gravel lot. Problem was the available spot sloped a little downward. I didn’t think it through and pulled in nose first. Now I had to walk it backward uphill to get it out. Lesson learned. Point it so you’re backing it downhill and the engine can pull it uphill.
Better to ride a Cossack, perhaps?
Started on dirt bikes 50 years later the street glide handles the 8 miles of gravel to get to the farm just fine. Until it rains the 2 miles of clay is a no go!! Ride well folks.
Fun fact the belt drive was use during the War to ride in sand and gravel.
i rode the Dalton Highway on an Ultra to the Arctic Circle with my wife on the back. no problem! in May.
Advice for the guy with the boulder strewn, hairpin turns, cliff edge, gravel driveway. Pave it.
Like most street riders I rode dirt n trail since 10 years old. Finally got my Sportster a few years ago and never even thought about gravel/dirt back roads Cuz they’re all around me. Only dirt I’m careful of is on paved corners that’s hard to see. Not to worry about a little slip n slide guys, it just keeps riding interesting😁👍
Good stuff, Jerry, but it really made me laugh because I did it all in my "indestructable" days. Memories of being all alone at 3:00am trying to get my bike (Norton) or a skinny front-tired Cruiser out of this stuff and even wet red clay ditch.
I earned "Stoopid" in those days but nobody saw it so I repeated too often.
Last year at 74yrs old I finally bought a dirt bike but now only ride it on the street. Those knobbies are squirrely at 70mph.
Always gettin' things backwards but I'm working on it.
Lotsa fun but lotsa scars. Love your vids.
You still have plenty of time to get it right! I thought I was the oldest rider in my club, at 76, until I moved to a new city and they have a member who rides regularily at 83! "Keep on keeping on!"
I had an interesting experience on a scenic backroad in upper Maine, near the Canadian border. There were no power lines, no lights, and nothing but nature for miles and miles. When I found a rest stop, I found the parking lot was loose gravel,. Your exercises kept me upright, Motor Man!
You are absolutely right Jerry. I learned about the sugar sand the hard way and dropped my street glide. I've learned a lot since then watching your videos. Between you and Dan Dan the fireman I'm a better rider today. I've also just purchased your ride like a pro video very insightful. And signed up for your October 25th class so I'll see you there where I know I'll finally gain the confidence on my slow tight quarters maneuvers. Thanks bro.
Learned to ride on a '62 FLH -- about 700lbs --- on the dirt trails around the farm, small jumps and all -- My Dad used to race Harley's back in the 1930's, and he insisted that's how I should learn -- You could do off-road on the FLH, but sure wasn't good for it, and there was a whole-lotta clanking goin on! Not knowing any better helped a lot ... lol
Sounds to me like you had a great teacher, bless your father.
Thanks Motorman. Great tips as always. You really do have to know what your bike is capable of doing and what you are capable of doing with the bike.
I travel dirt roads in Vermont and New Hampshire. The roads are not sand like what you are showing. You have to be careful when riding on dirt roads but you can refine your riding skills. You learn clutch throttle and brake control over the normal asphalt conditions. Note our dirt roads are packed by traffic so its more like asphalt.
Living on a gravel road for 25 years in MO I know that the road conditions change drastically with the weather, the traffic, and how long it has been since they worked it with the Road Grader. Not all “gravel roads” are the same. One guys idea of gravel is actually dirt. I’m just glad I moved off that crappy road that always seemed to be “dust or mud”. Thanks for the input Jerry, and yes i generally turn around if the road ahead turns to gravel. (here’s my man card for you trail riders)
I'll take it. They will not issue one to an idiot dirt rider like me. I love to ride sand no big deal use common sense. Relax don't fight the bike.
Sorry but this time Jerry doesn't no what he's talking about. Now it was alittle difficult when I road my hardtail springer chopper on them but if you wanted to ride you had better learn to do it because that was the only way to get to a paved road but if you wasn't born or around back in those days you want understand.
I live in VA and my road is gravel and about a 1/4 to the street. Rule number one slow down to a safe speed and use both breaks at the same time and when turning 1st or 2nd gear using your friction zone, the looser the gravel the harder it gets and if you can avoid it do it don't ride on loose gravel if at all possible. I have to because of where I live and I have years of experience and I have a hard time and cant wait until i get off the dirt road covered in gravel. On the street the guy in front of me was riding on a sharp bend and a rock the size of my fist kicked his rear tire out and he went down, the only reason I said that is if you have to ride on gravel keep your bike up right and do not lean when you turn, use a handlebar steer slower than 15 miles an hour ,keeping your bike upright. I have become an expert on riding on gravel because i practice every time i get on my bike. Ride slow use both breaks and your friction zone and please be safe use your head !
This is a great message and all new riders should pay particular attention:
In 1965 I bought my first bike - A Harley Hydra Glide with suicide shift! I was stationed at Camp Borden with the Canadian Army. Near us was Wasaga Beach on Georgian Bay. Being new to riding I went to the beach with no idea what I was about to get myself into. In those days vehicles could ride down the beach for several miles with very little restriction.
I did well while I stayed on the packed part of the beach, when I wanted to get back onto the highway I pulled off the packed area and immediately my rear wheel sunk up to the axle. I was not very big at about 160 lbs, in fact to start the bike (no electrics in those days) I would have to jump high in the air and come down on the "kick start" with full force! I couldn't get the bike out of the hole I had created, in fact, trying to ride it out only make things worse. The bike was in so far that it stood upright on it's own! A couple passerby's were kind enough to help me get it up and back on the road.
Far too often riders buy a new bike because of the "romantic" idea they have picked up from watching other riders and they simply get the wrong bike for the type of riding they will be doing. More research before spending! This will save them money, frustration and make their biking experience live up to their expectations.
Thanks Jerry for your great content and helpful information!
"I was stationed at Camp Borden" In Canada, a soldier is "posted," btw, not "stationed." :-)
@@lazerd Good point. So long ago I forgot.
@@99bogatyrs99 I was posted to CFB Borden, as well. For 3 years. Out of CAF for a few years now. How was your time in?
I learned the hard way about the sand. Went to a friend's house i hadn't been to before just to get half way up his half mile drive and it changed to sand. I tried because I've ridden lighter bikes through sand. My street glide said nope! Made it about ten feet and I was figuring out a way around it!
Jerry, you kinda threw me for a loop on this one. I live in rural Appalachia and ride on gravel daily. My driveway has 4- 6 inches of #57 gravel and I have zero issues running my Streetglide on it. I don't think twice on turning onto a gravel road, it all comes down to adaptation to your environment.
Could he be talking about loose gravel and not road packed gravel.
Yea most flat landers freak on hilly gravel roads, wv here
The point of the video is heavyweight street bikes are designed for paved roads. If you have to ride on gravel, dirt, etc I explained how to do it. If off road riding is your goal, get a bike made for that purpose. There are dozens of them. Why would that throw you for a loop? It's common sense. Unless, you didn't actually watch the video.😁
@@motorman857 I watched the entire video. My point is, you tell us to stay off gravel. That's not possible for everyone. And I have 3 motocross bikes btw...
@@garyboardwine3349 Exactly! Southern Ohio here.
I live in Florida off a sugar sand road that is a half a mile long with 3 ninety degree turns. If you panic you will fall. I negotiate my 2003 Electra Classic and my 2016 Heritage without a fall. I pray a lot!!
I live down 2 miles of bad road in Mexico . It's a mix of loose gravel and sometimes deep sand on packed dirt . I ride my big bikes on it by going slow with my feet down like outriggers just floating above the surface . It works well enough that I haven't dropped it yet .
Jerry,
Thanks again for an instructional and entertaining lesson. Over the past16 or 18 years, I've learned more motorcycling skills from you than from everyone else put together.
Maybe I'm an exception, but I have no trouble whatsoever with my VTX 1800 in deep gravel. My driveway is about a mile long, mostly loose gravel, and with three wooden bridges. I use the same (stay loose) technique as when riding across a bridge grating. Sugar sand is a bit different, however. I avoid it whenever I can, but my "darkside" rear helps tremendously when I shift my weight as far back as possible. I don't in any way advocate or recommend darkside, but it works for me. I DO practice panic stops in wet grass at low speeds, because I never know when I'll hit an oily patch of pavement at a traffic light, and I want to have the skills to survive it. It being a cruiser, there's no danger of pitch-polling, but a locked front wheel is a real eye-opener. (I wish I had anti-lock brakes - maybe some day.)
Hello Motorman! I really enjoy your vlog. I too have to ride in gravel about a quarter mile from the paved road on my gravel Driveway. I have a Vstar 1100 Silverado and a HD Fatboy Lo. My gravel has lots of lime in it and packs down like concrete which is probably about the best kind to deal with if you must do so. I stay in the friction zone w/ throttle and also lightly drag the rear brake. I have been living here for 32 yrs and my bikes are 18 and 8 yrs respectively and I have never dropped either as I have learned well from your videos and verbal instructions, Thank you Sir for your service and professionalism, respectfully.
I live on a rural dirt road. After a rain it gets sandy. We (wife and I) just take our time and remain prepared to drop it. It's not the end of the world. So far we've only slammed our feet down a few times
A different situation for me. I am a construction manager and need to go to the cell towers. Here in CT, today uphill, dry leaves and some gravels and dirt of course going to the woods and a little rough. My 2020 slim did a great job. Im proud of it.
I take my bike down gravel/dirt roads occasionally and never really thought about it. Now I'm going to think about it and will probably dump. Thanks a lot!
Well he has ruined you now your thinking about it if a motorcycle racer or car racer starts thinking about wrecking there over with that's it they will never have the chance to win again. What little you road on a gravel or dirt road made you a better rider and did you ever think about when those old bikes that where ruff to ride all they had was gravel and dirt roads people have become sissies air-conditioning cars and big trucks I remember when truck drivers had to drive from one end of the US to the other end of the US with out air-conditioning the human race has been so spoiled the couldn't make it today without there air-conditioning that is sad.
It seems that almost all tent-camping campgrounds have dirt and gravel roads with rocks and small boulders scattered about. But we gotta do what we gotta do. Over the years, we've experienced a couple of dropped motors, but those were the exception. My technique is to not go too slowly. 10 - 12 mph seems to work best.
.
Yup. That's exactly what I said in the video.
I live in Sand country in NM and ride a 250 Dual , also ride a Gold Wing , the riding i do with my son in the country gives me alot of confidence on the wing , many places just getting in and out of gas stations and different places are loose and its important to be prepared to different conditions as we travel. Thanks Jerry for your knowledge that you share.
That guy has a driveway from hell, all it's missing is the swamp filled with alligators and pit of venomous snakes lol
Steady speed about 15-20 smooth on the throttle. Don't fight the bike sliding around a bit and just ride it out. I laugh that there are NO gravel roads near you. The only roads that are paved around me are the state routes lol. And they ALL have gravel in the center of the lanes on the curves. Stay in Florida. The roads in Ohio are terrible.
Southern Ohio here, if I couldn't ride on gravel I wouldn't be able to ride at all lol. When Jerry said "no gravel around here" I about lost it lol
Learned how to ride in sugar sand. While it is difficult it is not impossible. Used to love watching the dudes at Daytona trying to ride on the beach saying it's not possible, then watch me do on mine. I did race semi pro MX, desert racing and some road racing so I do have somewhat an advantage. While my FXR isn't 900 pounds it is no lightweight either, I ride gravel, dirt and sand often in both Arizona and Michigan.
Ya know?
It seems like I have done all the things you’ve talked about.
Lol
I know I’ve commented on a few with, “I’ve done that”, but it’s all true.
I worked in construction over here for a year doing housing developments and building the pads for homes to be built on.
On my Road Glide Ultra.
I use to go bouncing across the fields and job sites, through mud and ruts.
The guys used to just shake their head at me.
But soft sand?
No
I’m not riding in soft sand.
I have to draw the line somewhere.
Again, love the video.
And I like hearing your stories.
On the cross country trips me and my buddies do we often get stuck riding gravel or pulling into gravel parking lots. It’s not fun but sometimes you have no choice.
I used to own a 1986 Tourglide. It was 1,000 lbs, but a great bike on gravel. I could go fast but stopping was another thing. If you must ride loose on gravel, don't manhandle the bike.
Just showed up to a wedding at a 1600 acre ranch at midnight, that was an interesting ride on that three miles of fresh gravel road through the ranch. Definitely makes you go back to the old MX days. Pucker factor!!!!
The videos are worth it. I'm in Canada and bought them. I watch Jerry's videos often. Well worth it.
One year at Bike Week I learned how that light coating of sand on A1A can be real slick. When the wind blows and puts a fine coat on the street it reminds me of the black ice up north
Did a dirt and gravel road on an old surface mine while looking for a returning rider MSF course in Knott County KY. Bike was a Heritage, and I had been off a bike for 10 years. Thunder storm hit. Road flooded, and I had to ride through water that came up over the floor boards. That was an adventure! Bike squirmed a lot on the dirt and gravel. Keep moving!
Former KY boy here. I prepared some deer stand steps and the alike, and decided the edge of a cornfield was solid enough for me to glide along for 1/4 mile. on my 850 Zusuki. It rained in the early morning so I went in about 10 AM. I never went down but I rear tire slid so much you would have thought a bush hog had came my way. I drove it back out after getting my stands up, only because I would have been so embarassed to leave it in the fields -- never did that again! Wet clay is a beast of its own!
I like to do a vid with you on “how to ride on Michigan” roads. With all the pot-holes and permanent Road Constructions, it’s a damn skill to survive!! Ijs.
I grew up riding a 250cc Ossa Pioneer
with knobby tires.
Years later I pulled into a campground called Buffalo Chip in Sturgis. I was riding an Electra Glide Standard at night. I dropped the bike. I saw other guys do it in broad daylight. It sucks. Stuff brakes.
Ah yes it’s a challenge for sure I live in Michigan and there’s so much damn construction right now and I have to ride my bike through dirt roads sometimes and it’s terrifying but kinda fun
I have a 1.5 mile gravel road to get home to my daughter. Run yamaha Dragstar or v star as you call them. No problem. You drive slowly and carefully.
Since many Rocky Mountain states have to do road work during the summer (busy riding season), it is a given that, at some point, many riders heading to Sturgis or Yellowstone will encounter unpaved sections of road, and a detour may involve several hundred miles of extra riding.
My driveway is gravel. The best thing that happened up here is that we paved our road! It can be done, but stay off the front brake! Loved your comment about the sandy road!!!
I lived in rural western North Carolina for nine years and the roads in my community were not paved. It was about a quarter mile from the county road which started out relatively flat and gradually sloped upward, and because I had neighbors who could never agree on much of anything including taking care of the roads they weren’t kept up unless I did it or paid someone to do it. I had my Heritage and a Street Glide and got them up and down the hill regularly over those dodgy gravel roads. It wasn’t fun but I never dropped either bike. Like I once heard said, “Necessity is a mother!” If I’d seen this video then I would have questioned my decision to attempt it but now that I’m back in Florida and have 4 bikes including the Heritage and a Limited I think I’ll take your advice. Thanks Jerry!
Funny, I have found that the Harley Ultra is the best bike I have had on gravel. My Goldwing was ok but a little twitchy, my Nomad was pretty good, but the Harley seems right at home. Over 49 years of riding two up with my wife, we enjoy the solitude of riding gravel roads especially on the Harley. Sure you have to sit up and pay attention a little more but its all in a days ride for us. Yes I grew up on dirt bikes, trials bikes, motocross and ice raced a bit - seemed normal at the time, still does.
my husband used to do challenges in sugar sand on his HD. He never had a problem and I ride my HD on gravel roads all the time. You are really missing so much if you don't learn how to ride on a dirt or gravel road.
I live on gravel roads, gravel driveway. When I first started I was very nervous but I’ve always road dirt bikes. I just ride it like a dirt bike now road glide dirt bike. Caught myself drifting it the other day. Lol. Takes practice but very doable. If your not from a dirt bike world it could certainly be a issue.
I would love to see this
For real. I drift my street glide all the time. 6 miles of dirt road to get to my house so I got very used to it very fast, just like every other bike I owned. I will say I’d rather take a heavy bagger on a dirt road than a sport bike. They’re a lot of fun once that back end breaks loose
Sugar Sand I got in touch with as I made it through the australian outback on a dirtbike trying to make the Great Central Road. After about 1hr I turned back and made it via paved Eyre and Stuart Highway. It was a 2,500km diversion but I only thought about comming down hard in the sand just in the middle of nowhere in the outback, the Royal Flying Doctor Service will need at least 24 hours (or 48 hours) to pic you up in best case.
Tons of gravel roads in my world of riding. Steep down hill gravel can get tricky. No big thing. Mud & sand.....now that's a different story.
I ride in the North East... Especially in Vermont.. many roads just become gravel roads.. I hate riding on it, but you get used to it. When I first started riding, I would just turn around and go back.. but I got used to it.
Motorman, I hear ya for avoiding gravel and sand. However, I gotta say, you're going to miss some beautiful scenery if you don't break your own rules once in a while. I was just on Colorado's western slope visiting the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River and had to go on about 5 miles of gravel road to get to the North Rim. The road was well cared for and pretty solid but still gravel. I considered turning around but heard so much about the views and decided to do it.
I'd do it again and second your advice: easy and smooth.
This is why I have an adventure bike--have to. Looking forward to seeing the Harley ADV bike this spring
I’ve travelled a lot on my Electraglide and have found myself occasionally in these types of situations. Excellent advice just turn around.
*Don’t do stupid things don’t win stupid prizes!
Love your videos,straight to the point no messing😊 learnt loads watching then putting into practice! Thank you
You are so welcome!
I have been to the Smokey Mntns several times and encountered gravel lots and roads. It was kind of unnerving to begin with but you get used to it.
My house is 2 miles of gravel off the nearest pavement. That’s 4 miles of gravel every ride. I let the bike float under me and hold a steady 40 mph. No problem. I grew up riding dirt bikes in sand so maybe I’m just hard wired for this.
Same
Good advice Motorman. I was up in Nova Scotia and my god took us to a dirt road. I had no idea how many miles it was...banged a uturn (had to duck walk it!) and got the heck out of there.
yeah i live in north florida and live on gravel dirt roads.
Same for me other than I’m across the GA line just off 75. I’ve got exactly one mile of sandy dirt road from my driveway to the closest paved road and I manage just fine on my ‘18 Chieftain.
I ride a Street Glide, it's 2 miles of gravel to the nearest paved road. Wouldn't trade my home or bike for anything! I have extensive experience on dirt and that helps for sure. My only complaint is that I can't keep the bike as clean as I would like.
I'm not a big fan of gravel, but over the last 5 yrs or so, they've been repairing all the country roads with "chip seal." That's a thin coating of hot tar with an inch of pea gravel thrown on top. My HD actually wiggles around less on it than my Triumph and I run on/off road tires on it. Usually takes a month or two for the cars to beat a decent path, but there's still piles of the crap in the center of the road.
Same crap on the country roads here in Michigan. Had to deal with it today but took another route on the way back. 🛵💨
Hey Motorman! I just talked to your charming wife and purchased your two DVD’s. I am 74 years old, and just purchased a Yamaha 250. I am having a lot of fun, and follow your videos religiously. There is no way I could handle a heavy bike, but this one is perfect for learning. If you’re in reasonable condition, I see no reason age should hold you back. You just need to know your limitations! Best wishes.
Thank you, best wishes to you and yours as well.
If you gotta watch videos to ride a 250cc bike, riding might not be for you. Just sayin'.
Thanks Todd. It’s always nice to hear from someone that knows everything.
By the way Todd, I doubt you make 74, but if you do you might not be so mouthy.
I'm not being mouthy. Funny, how some people, interpret the truth as being offensive. Kudo's to ya', for living your life, not sitting on your hands. I just don't want you to hurt yourself, or worse somebody else. If I die today & you live to be 100, I'll still have more miles rolling backwards at stop signs, than you'll have in the wind. I buy motorcycles, many "mature" adults have bought the H-D Tri-Glide models. Thinking they're going ride them and they don't. Even with 3 wheels under them, once they get out riding in the real world, reality sets in fast. Next thing, used bike 4 sale, with under 1000 miles. Be careful, Bud.
Who would be dumb enough to take a 900 pound Harley through loose sand like that? Gravel - ok, some roads are crap and you gotta do what you gotta do, but SAND?
Sand is for beach and swimming
Yes indeed it is worth the money. Thank you for doing what you do Jerry.
I wasn't on as big of a bike, but it was fully loaded with a tank bag, rear bag, saddlebags, and sleeping bag on the rear seat. My first experience was going through the Indian reservation near Canyon De Chelley in Arizona. Started down a paved road that became a dirt road that was full of potholes, wash boarding, and now mud due to the rains that just went through there. I wanted to turn to go see some of the areas where you could look down into the canyon, but felt like I'd go down if I tried to turn. Eventually made it to asphalt again.
Then a day later I was in Sunset Crater, AZ and was told the dirt road going through the park was good, except the last bit had a bit of gravel. Turned out that gravel was 2-3" deep, and lasted about 2 miles. I did good but about 100 feet at the end I almost went down.
"You'll break your belt..." Glad I don't ride motos that use belts. Today I learned if I want to escape a motor cop just ride into gravel.
Jerry Man, you're all wet on this one. I'll have to believe you regarding dry "sugar sand" but since I've ridden hundreds and hundreds of miles on gravel roads, at speed, with regular street tires, on a Vulcan 1600 Classic (725 pounds, plus me on it equals 900 lbs) I simply know better. Many of the roads in the inland Northwest are gravel, and to limit yourself to pavement is to lose much of the capability your motorcycle came with. My daily commute in fact involves doing a 180 degree u-turn on gravel virtually every single day throughout spring, summer and fall. I've gone with my friend, me on my Vulcan and he on his Harley, on long rides through the countryside at 50 MPH for miles and miles and miles on gravel roads.
You say "never lean your bike on gravel" but that's only partially valid. The trick is to lean the bike just enough to maneuver it but lean your body in the opposite direction, so your aggregate center of gravity isn't "leaning" although the bike is. Also, the bike will be "squirrelly" on gravel, and so you must become accustomed to it and let the bike float around a bit underneath you without getting the jitters.
I'm sure I could learn a lot from you regarding low speed maneuvers on pavement, but I could teach you riding on gravel. It's no problem whatsoever if you have the right understanding of how it works, and if you don't try to pretend you're on pavement. And let's not forget that when Harley Davidson made their first large frame bikes most roads in the US, outside the big cities and except for a few main roads, were not paved., so practically every Harley owner back in the 40s or so would have been riding gravel, and dirt, at some point, and not just for short driveways and such.
My only problem with gravel is that my bike gets filthy dirty, and like a clean bike. So what that means is that I often have a dirty bike. I'd rather that than limit myself to 50% of the backroads. So call me "stupid" but you'd be better served coming out to Idaho and going on some rides with me on gravel. It can be terrifying at first, but once you get the feel for it there's nothing to it.
Good tips Motorman...there's only one thing that's worse than riding on a loose gravel or a loose pea rock road or parking lot, and that is trying to turn around or back up while sliding around in that stuff...Hanging a u-turn feels like your going down, and trying to reverse, pushing with your legs and feet can also get precarious, at least for me...I ride an Electra Glide Standard.
Enjoy your video s. I was in Florida once traveling on a washed out road,all sand was left. I had 24 long necks in each bag, plus the sun disappeared and I have sun glasses on. It was an experience.I never went down. Luck!!
I had to help a friend out who slid and dropped his 900 lb Ultra Classic on a gravel road, it went from packed gravel to new loose gravel laid down. He drove down a country road that was paved then turned to gravel. We had to call in another friend and then a local farmer stopped and helped as well. Took four of us to get it up because we couldn't get traction in our feet when we went to lift because the gravel was so loose. Took us four to turn it around without dropping it so he could ride out. From the time he called me and having to drive two hours (with many turnaround trying to find the road) to where he was then our friend to drive out to finally getting him off the road was about 7 hours. I did gravel and dirt roads before but after that I will turn around if I am on a big touring bike.
I live about .5 mile down a dirt road with a mix of hard clay, gravel, and then sand at the end. The sand is where I have to get down to walking pace in the friction zone with my feet out to the side. Fortunately it’s only about 100 feet but I learned my lesson the first time it threw me off the bike and haven’t dropped it since. But it still sucks!
my Mom lived in an old farmhouse in Virginia and to get to it you could drive down a long driveway that was gravel but the fastest way was to ride along an old abandoned RR track service road and then cross over the tracks just at the house. I had a Yamaha 175CT and it was a dream on trails but I also rode a Honda 350 that was a street bike with upswept exhaust pipes that the previous owner installed. After riding the Yamaha I knew where the soft sandy spots were located and the potholes too so when I rode the Honda I knew I had to hit the sand with plenty of speed and then to slow down for the potholes. The Honda was a blast and even with street tires took the gravel in stride. The Honda was a bike built for the road and I wish I had never sold. Actually sold it back to the guy I bought it from so he could ride it to work. It was hard to let it go.
Those are great riding tips. Anybody who would ride a nicely painted full-size Harley on a gravel road that will destroy the paint job does not deserve to own a Harley. Thanks Motorman!
Hi Jerry, I live up in the central Rockies, and I ride a Heritage Softail. True, loose gravel is real dangerous, especially on curves, but so is ice in shady spots on otherwise sunny days. I like your tips a lot, and just ordered the course DVD, but I ain't gonna start riding a dirt bike just cuz I live in the boonies!
sometimes you dont go looking for the gravel, the gravel finds you.
Oh, what a sky? It's so beautiful. I wish to watch it forever
After riding for over 50 years and at the age now of 70, my wife and I ride a Tri Glide No worried now mate. I am 6'2" but my old legs can't hold up the two wheel with wife and luggage. Good video.
I'll agree about the sand, but a gravel road isn't a big deal.
Exactly : czcams.com/video/3eKWCb0lRFU/video.html
Wow...stay safe your gonna need some it dude!
It depends on the gravel. Not talking a packed gravel road.
Daughter and left the Blueridge Parkway to see Natural Bridge, VA. I was 18 miles from the BRP. Near Natural Bridge in a small park area a sign pointed a road "4 miles to Blueridge Parkway". It was blacktop and a bit narrow. Our 2002 GoldWing was heavily loaded! Seen, there was a small creek to ford, then soon after the road was fresh and thick limestone gravel! It looked like we were the first to travel it. On I went in 3rd and 2nd gear, VERY steep up hill and very tight steep uphill turns We made it, but what an adventure! Temp gague had been pegged about half of the way, kudos to Evans Coolant.
I had to go down a gravel road today for about 4 mi 5 mi. But I'm also used to riding gravel road on The lighter bikes. It was very interesting getting a 900-lb motorcycle on a gravel comparison to the little 650 used to run on the same road.
Completely different ride, balance, constantly watching your track and adjusting the bike to the road to make sure you don't lay down.
You know Mr. Palladino my father and I where riding threw Montana headed to sturgis at about 55 coming up to the crest in the rode and it ended. The road crew had removed about a hundred yards of asphalt and filled it in with gravel. Equipment parked by an old barn. no signage, lights nothing. All I could do is let of the throttle. One would think you’d plow threw like a boat. Not so. The front tire pushes sideways like it’s sliding out from under you. I made small quivering counter steering movements but my dad and I still don’t know how I got threw that. We stopped at a bar up the road. Not to take the edge off. Just So I could clean the sh*t out of my boots. Dad was on a triglide.
If you ride a 900 lb motorcycle wearing Harbor Freight "Hardy" work gloves, turn in your membership card, ha! J/K, I have a pair too!
Thank you for sharing your insights.
Jerry I live in the country, my driveway is around 1/4 mile long white gravel, I do use the friction zone every time, thank you for them tips
I take My Road King Custom diwn Gravel roads a couple miles long visiting family and friends. I go through sand and dirt and grass going on a getaway to the lake. Haven't lost it yet
I do not know... i would avoid sand for sure. Gravel? I did ride my Road King on gravel road...fully loaded two up. Did i liked it? No. Did i made it? Yes. Bike was sliding left and right but it was manageable. Was i worried? Yes. Mainly for tire puncture. I had no chose but ride it. The house what we rented was on the end of a 2.5 mile gravel road in the mountains in Georgia. No map or rout description mentioned gravel road. In the next week i had to do it twice every day. Nothing bad happened. Actually, i was proud myself. I was able to do it with only 3 years of riding experience.
Know your limits, know your bike. But... Jerry, point taken.
Thank you for confirming what I have been telling people! I have a Road King and I avoid dirt and gravel. Many have told me the ‘get over it’, but why should I?
Because it will make you a better rider out there where the paved roads are so much more dangerous.
Great subject Motorman! Highly enjoyable. How about a video answering odd questions or subjects almost never talked about in motorcycling? Would like to see that.
I live on 6 miles of dirt road. Every bike I own has been on gravel and I run my street glide anywhere from 15-45 mph depending how bad the washboards are. They do just fine if you can keep calm and pay attention to road conditions. Of course they’re not meant to go heavy off road but many of us don’t have a choice and we don’t want a duel sport. Every bike is capable of dirt roads and gravel driveways. Heavy baggers are a lot of fun to drift in the dirt once you know your bike.
Words of wisdom Jerry back in the 70s was riding my KZ 1000 black top stoped suddenly and went to big gravel for about 50 yards I was going about 50mph you couldn't have stuck a greased needle you know what I mean got through it and my bike only weighed 525lbs Oh and I like your clear windscreen I am thinking about getting a Harley street glide special in about 4 months so I've been looking at your videos well done thanks.
Travel them every day on my Road glide , the road you show at 5:50 is way better than the road I have to travel. My reason is my house is there.
when we were kids. we would ride our dirtbikes in the gravel next to the train tracks. It was tough going until I learned to ride down the center of the ties...then you go full out and skip over the tops....I never tried this on my 1500 street bike
Your absolutely right about the gravel road. I did this once where i was out in the country and had no choice but to continue when i came to this newly poured gravel road. No turning around this stuff was thick. I drove around ten miles and never lost control but had to go about 10 mph couldn’t go any slower. Bu the time i got to the customers home my ultra was snow white and so was i. Lucky when i left the showed me another way to go. Than God.
Caught some last summer. They were paving the highway. Riding with a pack. Got hairy, a truck tried to pass us in a construction zone. Wide cornering, no lean.. yup. Take care & best wishes. Cheers ✌