So I didn't want to have to ride up to my cottage on my bike the first year just because of my inexperience but it looks like its going to happen (either I ride or I don't go at all). Just wanted some advice on driving on loose gravel cause this will be my first time. Don't really know if you need any more information than that other than the fact that the road is just like any other country road. No lines and twisty as ****.
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Gravel Advice
- Thread starter gordoff
- Start date
I had to deal with some mix gravel today, first time long strech . Keep your kool at all times, no sudden pull of the throttle or breaks be extremely gentle and keep a really straight path, don't be afraid to start slow n gently move up to speed as you feel comfortable n yes only use back break .. look forward never down and keep the handle bar relax but straight
Sent from phone
Sent from phone
If you can swing by Oshawa for my group ride it has a small section of gravel on it. The first time gravel riders always enjoy the fact that they never go down on it. We usually ride it at 20-30km/h with some cornering without issues. It can be done faster.
The key thing is throttle and brake control. On the ride I try not to use the brakes at all relying on engine braking as much as possible. Don't grab a hand, foot or wrist full of any of your controls. Roll on the throttle and apply brakes slowly and lightly so you don't lose traction. The groves in the road made by other vehicles (if visible) are one of the safest places, the gravel is harder packed and the sloping sides will help to keep the bike straight.
As an extreme example, I crested a hill and found a gravel road on the other side. I hit it at 70km/h on my 636. Rolled off the throttle and coasted her down through one of the scariest experiences of my life. The rear felt like it wanted to kick out several times, you don't want to overreact to it.
The key thing is throttle and brake control. On the ride I try not to use the brakes at all relying on engine braking as much as possible. Don't grab a hand, foot or wrist full of any of your controls. Roll on the throttle and apply brakes slowly and lightly so you don't lose traction. The groves in the road made by other vehicles (if visible) are one of the safest places, the gravel is harder packed and the sloping sides will help to keep the bike straight.
As an extreme example, I crested a hill and found a gravel road on the other side. I hit it at 70km/h on my 636. Rolled off the throttle and coasted her down through one of the scariest experiences of my life. The rear felt like it wanted to kick out several times, you don't want to overreact to it.
Be real smooth, no sudden movements, and try not to have a death grip on the bars. Keep the arms relaxed. The bike may wander a bit from side to side as the gravel shifts around under you. If its one of those dirt roads with the loose gravel be careful if it's wet, gets a bit greasy.
Since you mention cottage, it's probably one of those narrow dirt roads? You might be tempted to ride in the middle tire track. That's fine, but watch it going around the corners, cars tend to also stay in the center tracks.
Since you mention cottage, it's probably one of those narrow dirt roads? You might be tempted to ride in the middle tire track. That's fine, but watch it going around the corners, cars tend to also stay in the center tracks.
skip
Well-known member
Don't use the front brake. Try not to tense up. The bike will move around under you unlike asphalt, don't freak out. For a few years I lived on a rural property and had 1.5km gravel lane that lead to a gravel road for 5km. Did it every day on my R6. Not ideal but it can be done without much fuss.
Riding on gravel or dirt is not the end of the world.
Like most other aspects of riding the motorcycle it is important to be smooth. Smooth, what does that mean? Well first it is important to make slow and controlled changes to any of the controls, imputs to both the throttle and brakes go a long way toward this. I ride dirt as well as street and I still use all the control including both brakes.
A short story for perspective. I have two young children (now age six and eight so my evenings are limited to ride. Sometimes I will meet up with other riders for a morning ride and we will ride 40 to 70 miles before work in the morning, back roads and thru the country since my morning commute is only four miles. One morning I took my BMW K1200RS (Sport touring) The guy I meet was riding a KLR650 duel sport. I led the ride and as we hit some roads I had not been on before the road we were on turned to dirt and gravel. It stayed dirt for about 3 miles or more. I continued on and rode MY pace. I reached the stop sign at the end and looked back and then started to wait. It was sometime (Seemed like minutes) but was more like 30 seconds when the other rider pulled up on the KLR. He stated that my bike handeled really well on dirt (I rode it like I would any other bike). He should have drove right around me on that dual sport but he was stiff and tence and did not.
I use this story to illistrate that is is more about you as a rider than the bike or the tires. The bike will wander a little, rocks and stones will effect the bike, but in the end the bike is designed to correct as long as you let it. So try to relax, not keep a stiff grip on the bars. Keep your knees tight to the tank and your head and eyes up.
Riding off-road and in the dirt requires different techniques to do it well, but you can ride dirt roads with the same techniques you use on the street if you are careful and do things the way you learned. Everything you do on a bike is controled by your vision. Go out, and ride. Worry less and relax. I am not sure about you, but I ride to get away and relax.
Like most other aspects of riding the motorcycle it is important to be smooth. Smooth, what does that mean? Well first it is important to make slow and controlled changes to any of the controls, imputs to both the throttle and brakes go a long way toward this. I ride dirt as well as street and I still use all the control including both brakes.
A short story for perspective. I have two young children (now age six and eight so my evenings are limited to ride. Sometimes I will meet up with other riders for a morning ride and we will ride 40 to 70 miles before work in the morning, back roads and thru the country since my morning commute is only four miles. One morning I took my BMW K1200RS (Sport touring) The guy I meet was riding a KLR650 duel sport. I led the ride and as we hit some roads I had not been on before the road we were on turned to dirt and gravel. It stayed dirt for about 3 miles or more. I continued on and rode MY pace. I reached the stop sign at the end and looked back and then started to wait. It was sometime (Seemed like minutes) but was more like 30 seconds when the other rider pulled up on the KLR. He stated that my bike handeled really well on dirt (I rode it like I would any other bike). He should have drove right around me on that dual sport but he was stiff and tence and did not.
I use this story to illistrate that is is more about you as a rider than the bike or the tires. The bike will wander a little, rocks and stones will effect the bike, but in the end the bike is designed to correct as long as you let it. So try to relax, not keep a stiff grip on the bars. Keep your knees tight to the tank and your head and eyes up.
Riding off-road and in the dirt requires different techniques to do it well, but you can ride dirt roads with the same techniques you use on the street if you are careful and do things the way you learned. Everything you do on a bike is controled by your vision. Go out, and ride. Worry less and relax. I am not sure about you, but I ride to get away and relax.
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Scary
Well-known member
Tl;dr
i ride on gravel all the time, its unavoidable around here sometimes. I dont understand why people give gravel roads such a bad rap - unless you're at a lean going around a corner, gravel wont do anything to your bike. I am routinely riding 100+, using my front and rear brakes to slow (whichever i feel), and up/downshifting like normal. There is such a small contact patch on the tires that the bike is bound to wander a bit on gravel, you just gotta get used to it...
The only thing i detest about gravel/dirt roads is that they make my chain filthy. But on the other hand, they give my license plate a desireable camoflauge
i ride on gravel all the time, its unavoidable around here sometimes. I dont understand why people give gravel roads such a bad rap - unless you're at a lean going around a corner, gravel wont do anything to your bike. I am routinely riding 100+, using my front and rear brakes to slow (whichever i feel), and up/downshifting like normal. There is such a small contact patch on the tires that the bike is bound to wander a bit on gravel, you just gotta get used to it...
The only thing i detest about gravel/dirt roads is that they make my chain filthy. But on the other hand, they give my license plate a desireable camoflauge
+1. REAR BRAKE is key, especially when you are doing downhill on gravel, or downhill & turn on gravel at the same time
Rear brake helps stabilize the bike. Try to avoid the front brake if possible. If you are engine braking, make sure your clutch is nice and smooth. As others have mentioned, try to relax and don't do any sudden movements. Go at a pace you are comfortable with, even if it means 1st gear all the way. When it comes to gravel and dirt road, the output of your bike is as good as your input. Remember, you also need some speed so that the bike will stand up 
12 Tips & Hints For Riding On Gravel
1. Go Slow
Of all the hints presented here 'going slow' is the most important. The time you have to react to your bike and the road itself will increase the slower you go. This means that if your bike does slide out fro under you there will be time to react. At speed you won't have this luxury. Going slow will also bring your legs into play. If you are traveling slow enough you can use your feet to stop your bike from tipping over. If you are traveling at speed this won't be possible.
2. Stay Upright
Your primary focus should be to minimize any slippage your tires may have on the gravel surface. Keeping the bike upright maximizes the surface area of the tire that is in contact with the ground. Once again it also gives you as much time as possible to react if your bike does slide out from beneath you.
3. Corner Gently & Slowly
Basic physics allows us to lean the bike over quite far when we are turning, if we are traveling at sufficient speed. This simple action requires strong tire grip on the ground. On gravel there isn't sufficient grip so we can't lean the bike as much. Therefore our turns have to be gradual and slow.
4. Don't Accelerate Quickly
Once gain a lack of traction with a motorcycle on gravel means the wheels will spin erratically, gripping in patches on the road surface. This means flying gravel with bursts of speed that are hard to control. When accelerating do so slowly and make sure your bike has sufficient grip for you to control the bike. The slower the acceleration the more constant the grip.
5. Use Rear Break
Don't use the front brake when moving on gravel. I repeat, don't use it at all. The front wheel will find it hard to gain traction and when it does gravel will shift beneath it. This will cause your front tire to slide. When this happens you will lose control of your bike. Instead use your rear break and only do so lightly. Your slow speed with hopefully have reduced your need to use a break anyway.
6. Install Crash Knobs (especially with fairing)
Install crash knobs on your bike. These are protective stubby bars that take the brunt of any impact with the ground. Especially consider these precaution if your bike has fairing. I had crash knobs installed on my bike and they saved me hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars when I came off my bike.
7. Ride in the Car Tracks.
When cars travel on gravel roads their tires naturally shift the gravel out to each side or compact it beneath the car's weight. Over time this creates tire tracks that are harder and smoother than the surface around them. Aim to ride in these tire tracks. Less unstable gravel means more control for you.
8. Stick your Legs out.
Don't be afraid to stick your legs out when negotiation particularly difficult gravel sections of road. In fact stick them out if you are unsure at all. Of course make sure you are traveling slowly at the time. This means if your bike does tip over or slide you can use your legs to steady your position.
9. Grip Handlebars Lightly
Riding on gravel can be stressful especially if you aren't used to it. Our natural tendency can often be to grip the handle bars too tightly. Over time this can be fatiguing, both mentally and physically. Loosen your grip on the handle bars and you will extend your stamina on long gravel roads and maintain alertness for longer. This technique can also help you control your bike better as the next tip explains.
10. Let The Bike Guide You
Our first tendency when riding on gravel can often be to tense up and over-react to every movement the bike makes. In reality we need to let the bike shift beneath us as the tires find grip on the gravel. This means keeping a light grip on the handlebar and feeling what the bike is doing as it travels on the gravel surface. It sounds 'airy fairy' but we need to let the bike guide us through the contours of the road. Attempting to dictate every movement of the bike can exhaust you unnecessarily.
11. Maintain Speed
Keep a steady speed. Slowing down and speeding up on gravel roads can invite slippage. Maintain speed and you can concentrate on navigating.
12. Keep distance Between Vehicles
Obviously gravel is loose. Spinning tires can collect gravel and spit it in almost any direction. You can't help it if someone is stupid enough to get too close behind you on a gravel road but you can certainly avoid doing the same to someone in front of you. Get too close and you or your bike can get hit by flying debris. It goes without saying that a helmet is a must.
Conclusion
When riding on gravel it is better to be safe than sorry. Avoid gravel in the first place and if you absolutely have to ride on it follow the tips above. Don't feel silly if you feel the need to stick you legs out 'just in case' or if you feel you are riding too slow.
And more importantly, don't be a limpy
1. Go Slow
Of all the hints presented here 'going slow' is the most important. The time you have to react to your bike and the road itself will increase the slower you go. This means that if your bike does slide out fro under you there will be time to react. At speed you won't have this luxury. Going slow will also bring your legs into play. If you are traveling slow enough you can use your feet to stop your bike from tipping over. If you are traveling at speed this won't be possible.
2. Stay Upright
Your primary focus should be to minimize any slippage your tires may have on the gravel surface. Keeping the bike upright maximizes the surface area of the tire that is in contact with the ground. Once again it also gives you as much time as possible to react if your bike does slide out from beneath you.
3. Corner Gently & Slowly
Basic physics allows us to lean the bike over quite far when we are turning, if we are traveling at sufficient speed. This simple action requires strong tire grip on the ground. On gravel there isn't sufficient grip so we can't lean the bike as much. Therefore our turns have to be gradual and slow.
4. Don't Accelerate Quickly
Once gain a lack of traction with a motorcycle on gravel means the wheels will spin erratically, gripping in patches on the road surface. This means flying gravel with bursts of speed that are hard to control. When accelerating do so slowly and make sure your bike has sufficient grip for you to control the bike. The slower the acceleration the more constant the grip.
5. Use Rear Break
Don't use the front brake when moving on gravel. I repeat, don't use it at all. The front wheel will find it hard to gain traction and when it does gravel will shift beneath it. This will cause your front tire to slide. When this happens you will lose control of your bike. Instead use your rear break and only do so lightly. Your slow speed with hopefully have reduced your need to use a break anyway.
6. Install Crash Knobs (especially with fairing)
Install crash knobs on your bike. These are protective stubby bars that take the brunt of any impact with the ground. Especially consider these precaution if your bike has fairing. I had crash knobs installed on my bike and they saved me hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars when I came off my bike.
7. Ride in the Car Tracks.
When cars travel on gravel roads their tires naturally shift the gravel out to each side or compact it beneath the car's weight. Over time this creates tire tracks that are harder and smoother than the surface around them. Aim to ride in these tire tracks. Less unstable gravel means more control for you.
8. Stick your Legs out.
Don't be afraid to stick your legs out when negotiation particularly difficult gravel sections of road. In fact stick them out if you are unsure at all. Of course make sure you are traveling slowly at the time. This means if your bike does tip over or slide you can use your legs to steady your position.
9. Grip Handlebars Lightly
Riding on gravel can be stressful especially if you aren't used to it. Our natural tendency can often be to grip the handle bars too tightly. Over time this can be fatiguing, both mentally and physically. Loosen your grip on the handle bars and you will extend your stamina on long gravel roads and maintain alertness for longer. This technique can also help you control your bike better as the next tip explains.
10. Let The Bike Guide You
Our first tendency when riding on gravel can often be to tense up and over-react to every movement the bike makes. In reality we need to let the bike shift beneath us as the tires find grip on the gravel. This means keeping a light grip on the handlebar and feeling what the bike is doing as it travels on the gravel surface. It sounds 'airy fairy' but we need to let the bike guide us through the contours of the road. Attempting to dictate every movement of the bike can exhaust you unnecessarily.
11. Maintain Speed
Keep a steady speed. Slowing down and speeding up on gravel roads can invite slippage. Maintain speed and you can concentrate on navigating.
12. Keep distance Between Vehicles
Obviously gravel is loose. Spinning tires can collect gravel and spit it in almost any direction. You can't help it if someone is stupid enough to get too close behind you on a gravel road but you can certainly avoid doing the same to someone in front of you. Get too close and you or your bike can get hit by flying debris. It goes without saying that a helmet is a must.
Conclusion
When riding on gravel it is better to be safe than sorry. Avoid gravel in the first place and if you absolutely have to ride on it follow the tips above. Don't feel silly if you feel the need to stick you legs out 'just in case' or if you feel you are riding too slow.
- Don't do any quick braking or swerving.
- Get used to some wheel wobbling.
- Relax your grip on the handlebars.
- Slow and steady is the key.
- Try to maintain some speed - it is safer and more stable to be moving.
- Find the part of the road where the gravel is less dense.
- Keep your distance from other vehicles.
- If you have to brake, avoid the front brake, and do it gently.
- Remember, there is good road ahead!
And more importantly, don't be a limpy
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12 Tips & Hints For Riding On Gravel
1. Go Slow
Of all the hints presented here 'going slow' is the most important. The time you have to react to your bike and the road itself will increase the slower you go. This means that if your bike does slide out fro under you there will be time to react. At speed you won't have this luxury. Going slow will also bring your legs into play. If you are traveling slow enough you can use your feet to stop your bike from tipping over. If you are traveling at speed this won't be possible.
2. Stay Upright
Your primary focus should be to minimize any slippage your tires may have on the gravel surface. Keeping the bike upright maximizes the surface area of the tire that is in contact with the ground. Once again it also gives you as much time as possible to react if your bike does slide out from beneath you.
3. Corner Gently & Slowly
Basic physics allows us to lean the bike over quite far when we are turning, if we are traveling at sufficient speed. This simple action requires strong tire grip on the ground. On gravel there isn't sufficient grip so we can't lean the bike as much. Therefore our turns have to be gradual and slow.
4. Don't Accelerate Quickly
Once gain a lack of traction with a motorcycle on gravel means the wheels will spin erratically, gripping in patches on the road surface. This means flying gravel with bursts of speed that are hard to control. When accelerating do so slowly and make sure your bike has sufficient grip for you to control the bike. The slower the acceleration the more constant the grip.
5. Use Rear Break
Don't use the front brake when moving on gravel. I repeat, don't use it at all. The front wheel will find it hard to gain traction and when it does gravel will shift beneath it. This will cause your front tire to slide. When this happens you will lose control of your bike. Instead use your rear break and only do so lightly. Your slow speed with hopefully have reduced your need to use a break anyway.
6. Install Crash Knobs (especially with fairing)
Install crash knobs on your bike. These are protective stubby bars that take the brunt of any impact with the ground. Especially consider these precaution if your bike has fairing. I had crash knobs installed on my bike and they saved me hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars when I came off my bike.
7. Ride in the Car Tracks.
When cars travel on gravel roads their tires naturally shift the gravel out to each side or compact it beneath the car's weight. Over time this creates tire tracks that are harder and smoother than the surface around them. Aim to ride in these tire tracks. Less unstable gravel means more control for you.
8. Stick your Legs out.
Don't be afraid to stick your legs out when negotiation particularly difficult gravel sections of road. In fact stick them out if you are unsure at all. Of course make sure you are traveling slowly at the time. This means if your bike does tip over or slide you can use your legs to steady your position.
9. Grip Handlebars Lightly
Riding on gravel can be stressful especially if you aren't used to it. Our natural tendency can often be to grip the handle bars too tightly. Over time this can be fatiguing, both mentally and physically. Loosen your grip on the handle bars and you will extend your stamina on long gravel roads and maintain alertness for longer. This technique can also help you control your bike better as the next tip explains.
10. Let The Bike Guide You
Our first tendency when riding on gravel can often be to tense up and over-react to every movement the bike makes. In reality we need to let the bike shift beneath us as the tires find grip on the gravel. This means keeping a light grip on the handlebar and feeling what the bike is doing as it travels on the gravel surface. It sounds 'airy fairy' but we need to let the bike guide us through the contours of the road. Attempting to dictate every movement of the bike can exhaust you unnecessarily.
11. Maintain Speed
Keep a steady speed. Slowing down and speeding up on gravel roads can invite slippage. Maintain speed and you can concentrate on navigating.
12. Keep distance Between Vehicles
Obviously gravel is loose. Spinning tires can collect gravel and spit it in almost any direction. You can't help it if someone is stupid enough to get too close behind you on a gravel road but you can certainly avoid doing the same to someone in front of you. Get too close and you or your bike can get hit by flying debris. It goes without saying that a helmet is a must.
Conclusion
When riding on gravel it is better to be safe than sorry. Avoid gravel in the first place and if you absolutely have to ride on it follow the tips above. Don't feel silly if you feel the need to stick you legs out 'just in case' or if you feel you are riding too slow.
- Don't do any quick braking or swerving.
- Get used to some wheel wobbling.
- Relax your grip on the handlebars.
- Slow and steady is the key.
- Try to maintain some speed - it is safer and more stable to be moving.
- Find the part of the road where the gravel is less dense.
- Keep your distance from other vehicles.
- If you have to brake, avoid the front brake, and do it gently.
- Remember, there is good road ahead!
And more importantly, don't be a limpy
Did you google this also ?
Yep, why write when you can copywriteDid you google this also ?
Make it a sticky!!! lol :lmao:Yep, why write when you can copywrite
moarmoto
Well-known member
This saved me once from dropping.
Thanks for all the information! I made it there and back and did perfectly find due to all the advice. This past weekend was a first for a few different things for me other than riding on gravel. I also got the pleasure of riding in the rain yesterday. And got to experience a bird flying into me for the first time lol
Why? Advice above is perfect.
Griffin
Well-known member
There are gravel roads and there are gravel roads. If it is not deep, loose gravel I ride pretty much the same as on asphalt but a little more cautious, I suppose. Leave a bit more stopping distance.
In deep loose gravel you really need to stay lose and apply the suggestions posted above. BUT, I really don't agree with the comments about staying off the front brakes. I'm not about to give up 90% of my braking capability because the traction is a bit loose. Be easy on the brakes but to not use your fronts at all means you should only be going 10% of the speed that you would if you were willing to use your fronts. I ride at maybe 70% speed on gravel and I need my front brakes.
In deep loose gravel you really need to stay lose and apply the suggestions posted above. BUT, I really don't agree with the comments about staying off the front brakes. I'm not about to give up 90% of my braking capability because the traction is a bit loose. Be easy on the brakes but to not use your fronts at all means you should only be going 10% of the speed that you would if you were willing to use your fronts. I ride at maybe 70% speed on gravel and I need my front brakes.
+1
Front brakes are necessary and important on any surface. You just have to realize you have way more brakes than traction and use them accordingly. Ask those of us who ride dirt, we have front brakes on the dirt bikes as well and for a reason, they are needed!
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