V-Rod on gravel road - bad idea? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

mvp · 10-09-2003, 01:34 AM

Thinking about riding my V-Rod to a friend's cabin in the country - however, the last three miles is gravel (supposedly pretty compacted).
My V-Rod is a '02 with hardly a scratch so far. A couple other guys are taking their bikes - Yamaha Roadstar and Honda something-or-other.
Is the gravel road a bad idea from the standpoint of beating up the bike?
(I Figure this is either a "damn-right it's stupid" - or a "you worry too much" question? So what do you experienced V-Rodders say?
Thanks in advance for your insight!

MonsterMaxx · 10-09-2003, 02:37 AM

I ended up on one not too long ago, took a wrong turn via Bimbolina's navigation...~3mi to a dead end and back.

Didn't hurt the bike, but it sure did make a mess of it.

Just be careful on the dirt if your not used to it.

Polizzio · 10-09-2003, 03:22 AM

I've done the same and on shells, they are worse. Just take it easy on the gravel to minimize impacts. My radiator black plastic shield is kind of dinged and you'll get some gravel in radiator inlets to clean out later, its not the end of the world.

jlbait · 10-09-2003, 06:59 AM

I think it mainly depends on how good looking is she!

SVROD · 10-09-2003, 08:29 AM

Just go for it. I go on gravel off and on and I have seen much more delicate bikes than the V-ROD travel on such at much higher pace than I normally go.

SuperKaz · 10-09-2003, 09:43 AM

Just try to be AHEAD of the other guys!

I'd be more freaked having to ride in the rain"I hate water spots!"Have fun and becareful.
Kaz..........

mdrsteve · 10-09-2003, 11:49 AM

I've done a little gravel, and while it's not my favorite thing; I take it slow and it seems to do fine. Just stay clear of the gravel that will be thrown by the tires of other bikes and cars ahead of you.

sfarson · 10-10-2003, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mvp
Is the gravel road a bad idea from the standpoint of beating up the bike?

I have to negotiate about one mile of rough dirt and gravel to get to the nearest road... or two miles for every ride (like my math ability?).

You will be fine. Bike will be fine too.

Whitelighter · 10-10-2003, 12:11 PM

Keep in mind fat tires = good stability on gravel. You said it was compacted too - I wouldn't worry at all. But my Rod is a daily rider. I don't baby her at all other than a weekly rub down. You don't want to be one of 'those' museum bikers do ya??

Daveyrocket · 10-10-2003, 11:25 PM

Rode mine in similar environment, Mountains in NC and gravel up steep hill to cabin. Worst part was the down hill on the gravel. V-Rod did well, but did feel like marbles, so just keep your cool and remember this ain't no trials bike, The V-Rod will make it fine !

V-Fred · 10-11-2003, 12:09 AM

Too bad we can't stand on the pegs. It makes the gravel and rough roads so much easier to negotiate.

I love my V-Rod. However, having rode the Washington Cascade Mountian logging roads, and Eastern Washington drylands in my youth I miss not having a bike that has the ground clearance, suspension, and tires to handle such roads.

The so called "Adventure Bikes" like the BMW R1150GS, Suzuki Storm, or an Aprila Caponard Rally Raid would make a nice second bike.

Its nice to leave the paved roads behind sometimes, but n the V-Rod if I see gravel, I go real slow, or avoid totally if possible.

omigod · 10-13-2003, 07:21 AM

My camp is down a 1 mile gravel hill. The front fender is very close to the tire on a V-Rod. A rock about the size of a large marble was kicked up and wedged between the tire and fender, chunking the bottom lip of the fender before it kicked out. There is a lot of abrasion showing on the black plastic pan on the front of the radiator as well. I bought mine to ride though. That's the price you pay. Mine is an '03 with 7500 miles.