For years I lived a couple miles up a forest service road (dirt and rock) in north Idaho. My America was fine when it came to navigating the pot holes and small washouts.
The digital article is available online for free @ rider magazine. The guy's riding a nicely equipped America, with bags and back box that holds his gear. Good set up. Alas I don't fish, but it was a good read. And it looked like he was parked on a paved road -- good choice!
A 550 pound motorcycle is no dirt bike (no offense GS owners) unless you are young and strong and a competent dirt rider. The forest road I lived on (like most out here) was built to give loggers and others access to the mountains. Every few years the forest service would grade it or fix the washouts. So it was usually easy to ride.
