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Author Topic: Riding over gravel roads  (Read 4174 times)

motocopter

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Riding over gravel roads
« on: March 12, 2013, 07:22:48 PM »
Who has miles on the C14 over gravel roads? I'm sure it feels like a 700+ pound bike at all times, and the ground clearance isn't really much - among other issues. It just seems abusive.  :nuts:

Anyway, I suspecting that in the near future, I could end up getting a dual-sport. Once that happens, I really wonder how much my Connie would be ridden.

Previously, I was forced to detour to Red Lodge, MT while two-up on the Goldwing. The road was about 12+ miles of gravel. Was able to run about 20-25 mph, but when the gravel got to about an inch in depth, it was tedious rolling.

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Bridger+Roberts+Rd&daddr=US-212+W&hl=en&sll=45.388324,-109.020767&sspn=0.271013,0.676346&geocode=FSclswId-dOB-Q%3BFayftAIdB8R--Q&oq=brid&mra=ls&t=m&z=12

 :feedback:

Thanks in advance.
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Offline connie1

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2013, 07:40:49 PM »
Have to ride a mile of gravel everytime I ride outa here.  It sucks.  Yeah about 25 to 30 mph and no drastic movements.
 I have a lot of uses for a AT bike but I can't see them being as fun on the highways as a Connie.
 My next bike will be a AT as I could ride it everywhere while checking pastures and crops (I have pastures scattered around, the furthest 100 miles away).
Even if/when I get an AT I won't get rid of my Connie... i just love it.
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Offline ZG

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2013, 08:20:17 PM »
gravel and street bikes is no good IMO...
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Offline stevewfl

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2013, 08:43:25 PM »
I do it all the time. The worst gravel i was in was going up a STEEP long driveway in the mountains of TN.  Straight up, deep gravel.  Traction control I bow to you, it was easier to get the bike up that hill than to walk it without a bike. Wish I had a pic.

My favorite gravel was offroading at Moab, Utah. Infinite gravel roads, traction control uphill, antilock brakes downhill, and KiPass to help me endure.


Also sand can be challenging, as is the case when offroading in the desert


As you may suspect, this road ran out into nothingness quick, but the gold (mine) is at the end.




But if yer cautious and the non-adventurous type, stay on the streets! Such as:

Key West


Vegas




Or even Tampa!  :D










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Offline stevewfl

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2013, 08:48:53 PM »
OP, I forgot to mention my bike has 70,000 miles of going any and every where I want to go, and has NO RADIATOR guard or such.

Never an issue with radiator or anything. KiPass has had my back ;)
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Son of Pappy

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2013, 10:42:45 PM »
Do it all the time.  Ride relaxed and let things move.  Having dirtbike experience helps.
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Offline stevewfl

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2013, 06:19:15 AM »
Quote from: Son of Pappy on March 12, 2013, 10:42:45 PM
Do it all the time.  Ride relaxed and let things move.  Having dirtbike experience helps.

+1 
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motocopter

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2013, 06:42:39 AM »
Quote from: connie1 on March 12, 2013, 07:40:49 PM
Even if/when I get an AT I won't get rid of my Connie... i just love it.

That would be the plan at the begining for me as well. Since getting the 2K8Z1K my WR-400F hasn't been ridden much, and since getting the C14 my 2K8Z1K hasn't been ridden much.  I'm contemplating to move those two and replace with a dual sport.

Quote from: stevewfl on March 12, 2013, 08:43:25 PM
I do it all the time. The worst gravel i was in was going up a STEEP long driveway in the mountains of TN.  Straight up, deep gravel.  Traction control I bow to you, it was easier to get the bike up that hill than to walk it without a bike. Wish I had a pic.

My favorite gravel was offroading at Moab, Utah. Infinite gravel roads, traction control uphill, antilock brakes downhill, and KiPass to help me endure.

I'm just about locked-n-cocked for AZ, UT, and CO this May/June and routes so far are all paved. I do believe I'll have to return to CO/UT and to access more spectactacular places, roads that do have gravel sections would have to be traveled.

Thanks for all the replies.

Really need to get moved out there!    ;)
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Offline stevewfl

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2013, 06:45:33 AM »
Nice!  Please take some pics.  I love riding out west too.
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Offline DeansZG

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #9 on: March 13, 2013, 08:47:46 PM »

  The "other" caution about gravel roads is WHAT type of mat'l that particular road commission considers gravel....
Had an episode last August in the Ohio Amish countryside( ie: no reception bars on the cellphone). They use busted up shale on their gravel roads & the result is millions of arrowheads as sharp as broadheads just waiting to puncture your tire! 
 DAMHIKIJK OK.... :banghead:
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Offline Tim

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #10 on: March 14, 2013, 11:41:36 AM »
It depends on the gravel road. I've been on some gravel where the C14 was a bear to ride. I've been on others smooth as silk. I'm sure the difference is how well the road is maintained by a grader. Ruts no matter how small seem to effect the bike in a bad way.
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Offline ugocon

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #11 on: March 14, 2013, 12:37:46 PM »
I avoid risking a lowside riding on gravel.  I  look for another road to reach my destination or just give up!
I'm too scared by the bike weight and, why not, also by the dust going into the most hidden spots...
Not for me, but I know of riders who rode the C14 on almost every type of surface  :o
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Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #12 on: March 14, 2013, 02:07:25 PM »
I'm with you and avoid gravel like the plague.
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #13 on: March 14, 2013, 05:08:16 PM »
Quote from: motocopter on March 12, 2013, 07:22:48 PM
Who has miles on the C14 over gravel roads? I'm sure it feels like a 700+ pound bike at all times, and the ground clearance isn't really much - among other issues. It just seems abusive.  :nuts:

Anyway, I suspecting that in the near future, I could end up getting a dual-sport. Once that happens, I really wonder how much my Connie would be ridden.

Previously, I was forced to detour to Red Lodge, MT while two-up on the Goldwing. The road was about 12+ miles of gravel. Was able to run about 20-25 mph, but when the gravel got to about an inch in depth, it was tedious rolling.

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Bridger+Roberts+Rd&daddr=US-212+W&hl=en&sll=45.388324,-109.020767&sspn=0.271013,0.676346&geocode=FSclswId-dOB-Q%3BFayftAIdB8R--Q&oq=brid&mra=ls&t=m&z=12

 :feedback:

Thanks in advance.

I was there this summer and I went the other direction and came into town from the north.  Stupid GPS wanted to put me on that gravel.

I love having a dual sport and am seriously thinking that a shaft drive, cruise control, adventure bike is in my future.
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Offline Pokey

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #14 on: March 14, 2013, 05:09:29 PM »
I think it does pretty darn well for the behemoth it is.
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Offline stevewfl

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #15 on: March 14, 2013, 05:32:25 PM »
Quote from: Pokey on March 14, 2013, 05:09:29 PM
I think it does pretty darn well for the behemoth it is.


^^^^^    +1
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Offline Cuda

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Re: Riding over gravel roads
« Reply #16 on: March 14, 2013, 08:00:28 PM »
Quote from: Pokey on March 14, 2013, 05:09:29 PM
I think it does pretty darn well for the behemoth it is.



That's a harsh way to talk about your girl.

I have a big circle out back where I keep my girl in the rear garage , has not rained much so the sand was getting a little deep and lots of dust,  so I spread out a few dump truck loads of wood chips , has helped , got to break down and buy a load or two of asphalt.
No tight turns on sand ;)
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