 Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 154
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 154 |
So after two years of ridin my Speedy, I finally laid her down. Having drove down a few gravel roads you'd think I would be a little less fearful of 'em but.... The two mistakes I made were; one being hesitant. When i started "drifting" down to the shoulder, instead of slowing I should have been more aggresive with the throttle. Two; this sound obvious but I should never have touched my front brake! Luckily speed was slow so it kinda just fell over. Not a scrape one on me and only bent shifter upwards a little ( actually easier to shft now), also scraped up leather saddle bag a little. 
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 221
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 221 |
Been there. Done that. I know how bad it sux.
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,643 |
Those gravel roads get you in the end, been there and made the same mistake, "Don't you hate that front brake afterwards" nothing really serious looks like you come off pretty lightly 
Ray(UK)
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,728 Likes: 5 |
Everyone should also be aware of gravel driveways that spill out onto the road. Especially tricky on a twisty road
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,362 |
The plan for gravel (for me at least) is something like the following... hit the gravel at the speed you want to maintain (around 30kph/15-20mph) in a gear that requires some throttle to keep it at that speed so you can slow down or speed up some without changing gears. Keep your actions smooth, don't make sudden direction of throttle changes. Look far enough ahead so you can avoid ruts and holes. And of course stay off the front brake, rear one only.
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 22 |
Welcome to gravity. Most of us have discovered it. Well, I have more than once. At least you are not hurt and the bike survived. A good, educational accident for sure.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 47
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 47 |
Keep a loose grip and let the bike have it's way.
Living on a dirt road in a state full of dirt roads gives me some practice.
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948 |
I think my mistake was hesitating. If I had gently gotten onto the throttle rather than trying to coast through wet gravel/mud I would have made it.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,018
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,018 |
Around here the state DOT in the summer likes to put a nice fresh coat of sand on the tar and rock roads. Most of the time they warn you with a sign. But sometimes I guess they just forget. It can be a fun experience to pop around a curve only to see a nice layer of sand awaiting you. The sand is supposed to seal the whole tar and rock mess. Anyway keeping your cool and being gentle on the gas has got be through so far. Plus I live down a long rock lane. So I get practice every time I leave my house. And forget you have a front brake for the most part.
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Here in Iowa, the fun is in the early spring. Tne DOT puts down a sand and salt combo for the snow and the sand likes to hang around the corners until nearly June. Glad you're okay, keep the other shiny side up!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 23
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 23 |
Amen. I have 3 tenths of a mile of gravel from and to my front door to the highway. Also some gravel at work. Just slow down, gear down, and use the back brake. Quote:
Around here the state DOT in the summer likes to put a nice fresh coat of sand on the tar and rock roads. Most of the time they warn you with a sign. But sometimes I guess they just forget. It can be a fun experience to pop around a curve only to see a nice layer of sand awaiting you. The sand is supposed to seal the whole tar and rock mess. Anyway keeping your cool and being gentle on the gas has got be through so far. Plus I live down a long rock lane. So I get practice every time I leave my house. And forget you have a front brake for the most part.
Danny
2005 America
2005 650 Burgman
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Here, gravel would be an upgrade. Our road is just plain local dirt, gets really dicey when it rains.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29 |
The using the back brake method is the go ... but I find the back brake a real on / off switch on my speedmaster. Either nothing or full lock up. There seems to be very little 'feel' or gradual control.
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,012 |
Quote:
There seems to be very little 'feel' or gradual control.
maybe the rear brake line needs bleeding.
allhailthefrenchpress
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Re: Darn gravel roads!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Quote:
The using the back brake method is the go ... but I find the back brake a real on / off switch on my speedmaster. Either nothing or full lock up. There seems to be very little 'feel' or gradual control.
When it's time to replace the pads, try an aftermarket type such as Brent http://www.newspeedmaster.com/ sells. You wouldn't believe the difference between lining formulae.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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