Gravel Do's and Don'ts

sundancekid

sundancekid

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G'Day!

I'm hoping for some feedback from experienced riders on dealing with gravel on paved asphalt. It seems like gravel is a common and dreaded hazard for anyone riding on the street but there's got to be some way(s) of handling it which are better than others.

For newer riders who have yet to experience hitting gravel it can be described in a couple of ways with respect to how it feels to ride on: black ice, marbles or where it (the motorcycle) just wants to slide out from under you.

Is it that even if you slow down the gravel between your wheels and the road surface still carry you forward with the momentum that you have built up?

OR

The gravel prevents the tire from making full contact with the road and the lack of grip is what does you in? (like hydro-plaining with rocks).

Your feedback and tips are appreciated.
 
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Balls of your feet on the pegs, get your butt outta the seat and back, grip the bike with the calves of your legs and steer with the throttle.

Basic dirtbike stuff.
 
Realistically, if on a street bike and without dirt skills, avoid the gravel.

If you can't avoid the gravel, then work on the other avoidances while in the gravel instead - avoid heavy braking in the gravel, avoid heavy throttle, avoid heavy lean, avoid heavy steering input. Neutral throttle and straight-up no-lean will help avoid washing out on the stuff. Before you reach the gravel, consider if you need to (and can) slow up a bit, straighten your line somewhat if you can, and get your bike upright until you are clear of the gravel.
 
Slow and steady wins the race on gravel with a street bike.
 
Yup and if it's clear stay straight as you slow down instead of trying to make the turn - the less side forces the better and smooth easy braking - you want your tires to roll not slide. Feathering the rear brake gives you best control - front brake risks a slide out.

The best way to learn is to do, there are some nice short safe stretches up the Escarpment near Belfountain.....take some of those scary looking dirt roads - go easy - learn your bike. You'll be surprised how comfortable you get. May do you in good stead when the gravel appears.

The little stretch up Winston Churchill out of Terra Cotta as you go up the escarpment is a good place - a bit of everything and not very long.

Then do it down.
Then do it wet.
 
You're asking what you do if you run over a bit of gravel unexpectedly on a paved road..........

- If you're straight up and not stopping and there's just a bit of it just ignore it. If there's a lot then just roll of the throttle and slow down. If you're coming to a stop then you might be SOL because loose gravel will significantly add to stopping distances. Don't lock up your front brake.
- If you've committed to a turn and you run across a bit of gravel you might slide a bit. Don't panic and grab the brakes or chop the throttle off as this almost guarantees you're going to dump it. It's too late anyway, you either ride it out or you don't.
- As above, find a gravel road and do a bit of practice on your own terms.
- Again, as above dirt bike experience helps a bit and I've had a range of them (too many years ago) Fortunately, the ST is a fairly big and stable bike, it handles gravel roads very well.
 
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Other good advice already given. Add to that to keep looking AHEAD where you are going, NOT down at the gravel or over at the ditch you "might" end up in.
 
Don't have a deathgrip on the bars. Do keep your grip loose. Let the front wheel track its way through.
 
bitzz said:
Balls of your feet on the pegs, get your butt outta the seat and back, grip the bike with the calves of your legs and steer with the throttle.

Basic dirtbike stuff.
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+1 And that this is also great if there's a pothole you cannot avoid, small animal, etc.

+++++++++++

Stay off the front brake if on a gravel or dirt road. Period. It can be used—gently—for the last couple of feet of stopping, though.
 
Just a note:

Gravel over pavement is more dangerous.... Gravel road is not too bad.

For gravel on pavement what Turbo said is IMO good advice.
 
The deeper the gravel the slower you go. If you crash you were going too quick.
 
stormcat said:
+1 And that this is also great if there's a pothole you cannot avoid, small animal, etc.

+++++++++++

Stay off the front brake if on a gravel or dirt road. Period. It can be used—gently—for the last couple of feet of stopping, though.
Click to expand...

I thought the idea was to AIM for the small animal? Or have I been doing it all wrong?!
 
bitzz said:
Balls of your feet on the pegs, get your butt outta the seat and back, grip the bike with the calves of your legs and steer with the throttle.

Basic dirtbike stuff.
Click to expand...

Great advice if you can stand on your bike's foot pegs. Otherwise, turbodish and particularly Lickety-Split have got it.
 
The deeper the gravel the slower you go.
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a small caveat on that - if you slow too quickly in gravel it can get you in more trouble than a bit of acceleration to straighten the bike.
Front wheel wants to dig in slowing.
It's a judgement call what works when....best to try it under controlled conditions and find out what your bike handles like in the real world on soft stuff.

( Burgman sucks in sand - fine in a rocky stream bed ....don't ask ) :confused1:
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