Touring and Steel Grate Bridges

[Jason416]

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Hey all,

Just wondering what everyone's experience has been on steel grate bridges if you've come across any so far? A route I'm looking at for a US trip has a ton of these either as lift bridges or fixed bridges with tolls. I've been across the Burlington lift bridge about twice each way when I first started riding to avoid the QEW on an M1 and I have to say, it's still really the only experience over two seasons that's made me hold in my pee a bit harder than normal.

I've approached them with a consistent speed so that power stays on across the whole way while waiting for it to all be over at the other end. I did sneak a peak down at the water once or twice. The bike wiggles all over like it's on oil or ice but I try not to fight it, as wierd as the whole experience feels. There wasn't any traffic the few times that I've been on one of these things so no need to stop or make any unnecessary moves. Is there anything else that you've done that I may have missed? I've heard it's scarier with dual sports since the tire nubs actually go into the grate holes.

Anyways, when I come across more of these bridges while on longer trips, I wanted to make sure that I've been crossing properly to get over any unnecessary fear.

Thanks!

*Pic - Taking a break after the first time over the Burlington lift bridge

 

[Rotten_Ronnie]

I tend to maintain a constant throttle, although if my front end wanders, I add throttle to transfer weight to the rear and straighten it up.

It can be sketchy on a dual sport, but it's much lighter and easier to handle. Now throw in a wicked cross wind or some rain...

 

[gsxr guy]

It helps to clamp your knees to the tank. Bike will move around but once you get used to it you really don't notice anymore. Wait till you have to cross a texas gate, they can be a little hairy.

 

[Touchit]

Thanks for the post! Haven't come across a bridge like that as of yet, but I did go over a few roads that were grinded down and about to be paved. Just hug the tank with your knees and use a little extra throttle to get past the BS! Then proceed to enjoy the twistys!

 

[Two50noob]

Thanks for the post! Haven't come across a bridge like that as of yet, but I did go over a few roads that were grinded down and about to be paved. Just hug the tank with your knees and use a little extra throttle to get past the BS! Then proceed to enjoy the twistys!

This griping the tank and relaxing your grip on the handle bars will help your bike to auto correct on these surfaces.
keep your throttle and break and another inputs smooth.

There is a bridge like op spoke about on Manitoulin

 

[Flywheel]

The swing bridge at Little Current isn't quite the challenge it used to be. Smooth wooden deck with metal studs and a sneaky little dip at the southern end. Whoever runs the thing paved it over with asphalt a year or two ago.

 

[Jason416]

Thanks for the advice! Very helpful stuff. It's good to know that the bike is doing its thing correcting itself while wiggling around. Sounds like it also applies to grooved/ ground asphalt.

 

[Pete5000]

The Ogdensburg-Prescott bridge is fun

 

[rye]

Thanks for the advice! Very helpful stuff. It's good to know that the bike is doing its thing correcting itself while wiggling around. Sounds like it also applies to grooved/ ground asphalt.

If you ever ride into Port Dover it's a steel grate bridge.... same as the lift going to and from Burlington. Like they already said, just stay loose on the handlebars and let the bike do the work! I've still got my M1 too and there's nothing to them as long as you remember to stay loose on the bars! Elbows always bent, arms never straight!

 

[tat2]

I second Rotten Ronnie. I knobby DS tire on grates are not fun, esp when fully loaded.

I've never ridden across it but the Mackinac brige in MI has the 2 center lanes on the suspension as grated and it's a long *** bridge.

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