How to Ride Street Bikes in Gravel

Every street motorcycle rider at one time in life is faced with riding in gravel. Even though this is not the most exciting thing to do, it’s often inevitable, and you’ll have to work your way through it. The most common scenarios you’ll likely encounter loose tracks with rocks, dirt, or sand are unpaved roadside pullouts and road constructions. Also, you can find gravel in most lodge driveways, and turning back may not be an option. Therefore, at Outdoor Motor Sports & Trailer Sales, we’ve created the guideline below for riding street bikes in gravel. To learn more, visit our location in Amsterdam, New York, serving Schenectady and Albany, New York.

Minimize the Motorcycle’s Lean and Abstain From Sudden Input

Whether you’re riding on dirt, gravel, or grass, reduce leaning your bike and making any sudden inputs, including acceleration, braking, or swerving. Traction is necessary to maneuver through any road surface effectively; if lost, it’s nearly impossible to control your motorcycle.

When the bike is is in motion and you encounter a patch of gravel or loose surface, simply maintain your momentum and bring the bike to a slow speed without forcefully applying the brakes. Doing so allows the bike to slide slowly through the gravel, unlike when you brake too fast, which would cause the bike to skid, you lose control and possibly plummet instantly.

If the road ahead presents miles of gravel, find another route or adhere to the below techniques to safely maneuver to the end.

Physically

Maintain your arms and shoulder in a relaxed mode and avoid fighting the bike movements. Gradually roll on the throttle for acceleration and maintain a constant speed; if possible, avoid stopping. As earlier highlighted, keep the motorcycle upright by minimizing leaning, which means you’ll most likely take wider turns.

Remember to keep enough distance between you and other motorists to allow you to safely and gradually bring the bike to a stop. Stay focused and look ahead for any big rocks or potholes and keep scanning near and far to check the road surface and ensure you are heading in the right direction.

Another essential tip for riding in gravel is to keep your body calm and is achievable by breathing slowly with controlled breaths to ensure you don’t tense up. You can use the pilate breathing technique, which involves breathing in via the nose and out through the mouth. This pattern is ideal for controlling your body to remain calm and thus help you remember what to do and respond effectively to maneuver through the gravel.

Mentally

Compose yourself and gain your confidence to push you through. Listen to your inner voice and if you feel you can go for it, then ride on; if you feel you can’t push through, turn right back and live to try another day.

We hope the above highlights will come in handy when you’re next encountered with a gravel riding situation. To learn more, contact Outdoor Motor Sports & Trailer Sales today! Also, to view some of our street bikes, visit our location in Amsterdam, New York, serving Schenectady and Albany, New York.