Riding on gravel

[Slowboathome]

Appreciate this might be better in the 'ask a stupid question' thread.

Been looking to go camping on my MT07. Seems a lot of campsites have rough gravel entrances and approaches.

Any tips on riding over rough surfaces like this?

[Jazoli]

Relax, arms loose, no harsh inputs and you'll be fine, it's not as if you are racing on it.

[anonymous-user]

I’ve ridden my CBR 600 off a sopping wet recently cultivated field before. Once upon a time most roads had loose top dressing and bikers coped with that largely without incident.

[Slowboathome]

Thanks for the reassurance. Sounds like I should just go for it.

[CAPP0]

Jazoli is correct.

I've just returned from 2 weeks riding a RE Scram in the Himalayas, and believe me, tarmac is a novelty there! Even on very road-biased tyres, it was absolutely fine. Zero drops. Just be aware that if the bike moves around a bit underneath you, don't be terrified and grab a handful of anything, just let it roll through - or gas it a bit more.

[Slowboathome]

CAPP0 said:

Jazoli is correct.

Just be aware that if the bike moves around a bit underneath you, don't be terrified and grab a handful of anything, just let it roll through - or gas it a bit more.

That's really helpful, cheers. I've been mincing around like I'm riding on ice.

[anonymous-user]

It helps if you’ve any experience of riding off road especially a crosser, you don’t really have to worry about the rear wheel sliding as long as the front wheel has enough grip.

[poo at Paul's]

Keep weight on the back end.

[tafkattn]

poo at Paul's said:

Keep weight on the back end.

I thought it was load up the front to make sure it has grip. Let the back end do what it wants.

[MrGman]

We’re riding over gravel, not looking to gain maximum traction in a mx race!!

Just ride slowly and gently and you’ll be fine, don’t brake with any steering input.

[black-k1]

MrGman said:

We’re riding over gravel, not looking to gain maximum traction in a mx race!!

Just ride slowly and gently and you’ll be fine, don’t brake with any steering input.

Better still, don't touch the front brake and use rear brake.

[AJHDingo]

Sorry if this sounds obvious but you mention entrances, if you are turning in to them don't sweep in with any kind of lean as it is very likely to deck it, your ABS (if fitted) will likely trigger on braking and you won't stop when you think you expect to and just be aware that there when putting the bike on the stand on gravel it could be deep and the side stand sink and possibly topple the bike - how do I know this.....

[Freakuk]

I've got a gravel driveway and my garage is at the back of the house and out of the way. So I am well versed in tackling this everytime I go out/come home on the bike.

Relax your arms, I tend to have my feet off the pegs and skimming the ground, I have to negotiate a few turns so try and do this in a sweeping fashion, no sharp turns as you'll just understeer as the front wheel tries to dig in, barely any throttle and use the clutch to control the rear wheel, if needed I'll use the rear brake rather than load the front also.

If it's straight though you could probably stand on the pegs and just tease the throttle/use the clutch, just keep away from the front brake.

[6pi]

You'll be fine.

[DarthtaterM16]

Ask Cal Crutchlow...

[CallorFold]

It's all been said, but generally, take it slow and use the rear brake if you need to come to a stop.

Worst thing usually about those gravelly camp site entrances is the pot holes. Try and stick to a flat/smooth-ish line so you're not being wobbled all over the place.

[Alex@POD]

6pi said:

You'll be fine.

This is correct. It's a gravel entrance to a campsite, not 2 feet deep of small pebbles. Chances are you'll be going that slowly anyway that you won't even notice the change of surface if you don't think about it.

[GTR-Downunder...]

Don't overthink it...just assume you have less front end grip than on tar, so don't lean, grab the brake or make silly steering inputs.

Just a little gentle throttle to keep the back tyre loaded up... :-)

[tafkattn]

Is that you? Cracking photo!!!!

[GTR-Downunder...]

tafkattn said:

Is that you? Cracking photo!!!!

No - this is me though...