View Full Version : What's the best bike for gravel?
The Pastor
11th August 2014, 10:46
Alright you pansies, tell me what you think the best bike for gravel is and why.
HenryDorsetCase
11th August 2014, 10:56
Alright you pansies, tell me what you think the best bike for gravel is and why.
a full dress Harely Davidson Ultra Glide CVO with every chrome geegaw in the book. Because if you can ride that in gravel you can ride anything.
unstuck
11th August 2014, 11:01
The one you feel the most comfortable on and gives you the biggest grin/ hard-on.:2thumbsup
ellipsis
11th August 2014, 11:16
...this one maybe...other companies made some similar ...will get you there quick...
http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac85/motorcycle-mania/Honda750Flat-tracker-1.jpg (http://s888.photobucket.com/user/motorcycle-mania/media/Honda750Flat-tracker-1.jpg.html)
The Pastor
11th August 2014, 11:29
...this one maybe...other companies made some similar ...will get you there quick...
http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac85/motorcycle-mania/Honda750Flat-tracker-1.jpg (http://s888.photobucket.com/user/motorcycle-mania/media/Honda750Flat-tracker-1.jpg.html)
niiiiiiiiiiiiiice
The Pastor
11th August 2014, 11:30
I was meaning more like a klr200 cos it has good susspension for gravel etc etc
looking for useful advice as i think its time for a new bike.
unstuck
11th August 2014, 11:50
[QUOTE=The Pastor;1130758292
looking for useful advice [/QUOTE]
Wrong place.:weird:
Best bike I ever had on gravel was XR600, absolute magic on the gravel that thing.
caspernz
11th August 2014, 11:53
I was meaning more like a klr200 cos it has good susspension for gravel etc etc
looking for useful advice as i think its time for a new bike.
Useful advice on KB? :clap::killingme:lol:
The only advice I'd offer is to remove the image you reposted in a reply above, it cost me an infraction a year or so ago. :eek::mad:
pouakai
11th August 2014, 12:08
This one:
http://cdn.rideapart.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/terracorsa8.jpg
- cos it's awesome!
Tazz
11th August 2014, 12:13
Are you a fat cunt, skinny cint, mentally disabled, physically disabled, naturally uncoordinated walking hazard peanut allergic fire starting walking midget troll?
Go test ride some and decide for yourself. Everyone is different.
ellipsis
11th August 2014, 12:36
Are you a fat cunt, skinny cint, mentally disabled, physically disabled, naturally uncoordinated walking hazard peanut allergic fire starting walking midget troll?
Go test ride some and decide for yourself. Everyone is different.
...and that was bordering on a nice reply...
DR650gary
11th August 2014, 12:40
Are you a fat cunt, skinny cint, mentally disabled, physically disabled, naturally uncoordinated walking hazard peanut allergic fire starting walking midget troll?
Go test ride some and decide for yourself. Everyone is different.
Mondays :nono:
HenryDorsetCase
11th August 2014, 12:48
http://www.superbikeplanet.com/image/archive/vegas12/honda/
The Pastor
11th August 2014, 12:58
Are you a fat cunt, skinny cint, mentally disabled, physically disabled, naturally uncoordinated walking hazard peanut allergic fire starting walking midget troll?
.
yes .
The Pastor
11th August 2014, 12:59
Are you a fat cunt, skinny cint, mentally disabled, physically disabled, naturally uncoordinated walking hazard peanut allergic fire starting walking midget troll?
Go test ride some and decide for yourself. Everyone is different.
well whats best for you?
Oscar
11th August 2014, 13:35
The best bike for the gravel is the one yer on.
I've ridden everything on gravel from a Rocket III to a Vespa.
My favourite on gravel was my KTM 625SXC...fantastic..
Crisis management
11th August 2014, 15:24
Oscars right (unfortunately), most of it is actually about riding skill so if you're starting off get a KLR 650 or DR650, once you've learnt how to slide around on gravel just about anything works. Any street bike with an uprightish riding position is capable of travelling on gravel roads, what doesn't work so well is fat 17" front tyres, clip ons and lots of expensive fairings.
SPman
11th August 2014, 15:31
Best bike I had on gravel was a T250 Suzuki - but that may have been because I was young and brash and didn't know you were meant to fall off....
pritch
11th August 2014, 15:39
For me, a KTM Freeride 350. Hard to say why. Who buys bikes for sensible reasons anyway?
OP you didn't actually say whether this was all gravel, some gravel, not much gravel, or like the mums who pick up the kids from school in 4WD tanks, no gravel.
dino3310
11th August 2014, 17:10
Xr .
Ocean1
11th August 2014, 17:19
Pick of the current crop is a KTM 525 EXC.
Oscar's probably right, but, y'know, a 525 is what I've got to hand, and it don't owe me much.
Oscar
11th August 2014, 17:44
Pick of the current crop is a KTM 525 EXC.
Oscar's probably right, but, y'know, a 525 is what I've got to hand, and it don't owe me much.
I also have fond memories of a 950 Super Enduro...but on one of those yer only one bad decision away from inserting it into a tree.
R650R
11th August 2014, 17:48
Just to keep the KB tradition alive of being pedantic about language... There is NO good bike for riding on gravel, proper gravel that is.
However if your talking about adventure touring on unsealed roads or even just hacking about on forest roads or river banks its a real how long is a piece of string question.
There's so much variety depending on what you want to do and how fast you want to be going when gets too loose!
I've taken plenty of my road bikes down gravel roads and to be honest on the DR650 I'm not really going a hell of a lot faster.
It takes a lot of confidence and skill to start ridng a dirt bike anywhere near the point that one is better than another.
Night Falcon
11th August 2014, 17:52
Cant tell you what the best bike is for riding gravel but the KTM990 adventure crashes pretty well on it :argh:
Ocean1
11th August 2014, 18:43
I also have fond memories of a 950 Super Enduro...but on one of those yer only one bad decision away from inserting it into a tree.
Mate I make enough bad decisions to insert anything into a tree, only the velocity varies.
Oscar
11th August 2014, 18:45
Mate I make enough bad decisions to insert anything into a tree, only the velocity varies.
To be fair, the last bike I tried to insert into a Pinus radiata was an XR400.
I woke up 10 minutes later...
Ocean1
11th August 2014, 18:56
To be fair, the last bike I tried to insert into a Pinus radiata was an XR400.
I woke up 10 minutes later...
Ah, we're getting species - specific eh?
Leme see, my last pine tree was on an XL350, (410cc). And to be honest it would have been relatively painless except I managed to arrive at the tree before the bike did. Briefly.
Nowadays I try to stick to gorse.
Woodman
11th August 2014, 19:04
I always thought my KLR650 was a real good gravel bike. Bit odd up front, but got used to the front doing its own thing. Have recently purchased a BMW R100GSPD and the stability and relaxedness on gravel is bloody amazing, so no help to you at all really.
Tyres make a big difference too.
cs363
11th August 2014, 19:11
The best bike for the gravel is the one yer on.
I've ridden everything on gravel from a Rocket III to a Vespa.
My favourite on gravel was my KTM 625SXC...fantastic..
Too true Oscar! I remember one of the most fun bikes I did a bunch of gravel road riding on was a '95 Triumph Trident 750, it was a real hoot! (Also helped that I didn't own it....)
By the same token a certain magazine publisher that we both know swears by Kawasaki W650's fitted with knobblies.....
To the OP, I guess it depends a certain amount on how seriously off-road you want to get as well as how much tar seal riding you plan on doing to get there, along with other considerations like pillions, luggage, height/inside leg measurement, riding skill etc., etc.
NordieBoy
11th August 2014, 19:28
Anything with knobblies is going to work well. It's then down to price and weight.
Motu
11th August 2014, 19:49
I did a bunch of gravel road riding on was a '95 Triumph Trident 750, it was a real hoot! (Also helped that I didn't own it....)
By the same token a certain magazine publisher that we both know swears by Kawasaki W650's fitted with knobblies.....
Dirt bikes are certainly a good option for gravel, but they have a few disadvantages. They carry the weight too high, and not enough on the front wheel. A ''classic'' set up bike is good in gravel, low CG, more weight on the front wheel, and more trail helps in the thick stuff too, you don't need a 21'' front wheel, they tend to knife in a bit in the thick stuff. And you don't need knobs - the Dunlop K70's gave me more hook up than tyres supposedly better for the job. Big powerslides are fun, but getting hooked up and the power down is faster.....but then the sides of the road need your attention....
Kaituna
11th August 2014, 19:55
I manage to crash just as spectacularly on most of the bikes I have tried to ride on gravel. Keep running out of skill.
mossy1200
11th August 2014, 19:58
rg250f not so good.
Gearbox didn't like gravel
Ender EnZed
11th August 2014, 20:06
The best bike on gravel doesn't need to be light and it doesn't need to have knobblies. It may well be absolute shit on anything more adventurous than actual roads.
You want a reasonably upright seating position, reasonably wide bars, and a not wide front tyre. If you've got these three ingredients right then, as always, just add power until you run out of money. That bike is the best one for gravel.
buggerit
11th August 2014, 20:22
CR500 for grin factor:D
Motu
11th August 2014, 23:18
and a not wide front tyre.
It's not the width, it's the profile. A radiused street profile is not good, only 1/3 of the tyre can make contact with the hard pack, the other 2/3 is being held up by stones and rolls all over the place. A squarer section like a K70 or competition trials tyre just goes down to the hard pack and hooks up...they also have good sidewall flex.
The Pastor
12th August 2014, 09:00
It's not the width, it's the profile. A radiused street profile is not good, only 1/3 of the tyre can make contact with the hard pack, the other 2/3 is being held up by stones and rolls all over the place. A squarer section like a K70 or competition trials tyre just goes down to the hard pack and hooks up...they also have good sidewall flex.
thank you, i was hoping you'd show up.
The Pastor
12th August 2014, 09:00
got my eye on a cb175 so if i get that i'll make sure to test it out on the gravel.
the only bike i've been really at home with on the gravel has been my shitbox gl145.
my dr650 was a POS.
HenryDorsetCase
12th August 2014, 10:00
got my eye on a cb175 so if i get that i'll make sure to test it out on the gravel.
the only bike i've been really at home with on the gravel has been my shitbox gl145.
my dr650 was a POS.
Find me a Honda CL350 or 450 and I will love you long time.
SE950
12th August 2014, 20:12
A mountain bike if you want to go slow or a Ktm se950 this can pull 170 clicks through the rainbow, so much fun, best with worn out tyres.
Ender EnZed
12th August 2014, 20:41
It's not the width, it's the profile. A radiused street profile is not good, only 1/3 of the tyre can make contact with the hard pack, the other 2/3 is being held up by stones and rolls all over the place. A squarer section like a K70 or competition trials tyre just goes down to the hard pack and hooks up...they also have good sidewall flex.
Makes sense. Would it be correct to say a not-wide rim?
Presumably it's a bit difficult finding square section tyres for a typical 3.5" rim.
george formby
12th August 2014, 23:39
Teh thread has given me pause for thought. I ride a DT 230 2t with skinny shinko 705's on it. The tires grip better than they have any right to & the bike is hilarious. I also ride my TDM with T30's on it. Thuds along very respectably with no bad habits and very comfortable.
Which got me to thinking about old school trailies. Somewhere in the middle. I had a DT 400 which would look great in my shed now. Or an XT 500.
299913
Oh look, another idea!
299914
Yup, I can see an old trailie in my future.
NordieBoy
13th August 2014, 08:38
I ride a DT 230 2t with skinny shinko 705's on it. The tires grip better than they have any right to & the bike is hilarious.
120 rear?
I run the 120's on the 350 and 650.
bart
13th August 2014, 08:49
120 rear?
I run the 120's on the 350 and 650.
That wide...I run 110's on the DR650.
I like the DR for gravel. It's relatively heavy and stable and has enough torque to pull from real low in the revs. I'm not a fan of revvy, light bikes on gravel.
I often thought an old twin shocker like an XT500 would be a blast. A bit like the street tracker idea. It makes sense, low, long, and stable.
My 2c
The Pastor
13th August 2014, 09:57
some buggar bid on the cb i wanted to get, that bastard.
george formby
13th August 2014, 10:38
120 rear?
I run the 120's on the 350 and 650.
It's a 4.10 so I guess about 110. Has the edge over the 130 704 it replaced, admittedly fairly worn. S'cuse the pun. Really noticeable in deep gravel, it hooks up very quickly if I'm not to mad on the throttle.
Motu
13th August 2014, 21:10
This is the best bike I ever used on gravel - long and low, it was built to go sideways. Ceriani's and Girlings, the best suspension around at the time, still better than some stuff today. I've never ridden a bike since that gave me the confidence of the stupid. And that's the message given many times in this thread, the bike that feels right to you is the best one for you in gravel.
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af212/bmwr65/scan0021.jpg
The Pastor
14th August 2014, 12:53
This is the best bike I ever used on gravel - long and low, it was built to go sideways. Ceriani's and Girlings, the best suspension around at the time, still better than some stuff today. I've never ridden a bike since that gave me the confidence of the stupid. And that's the message given many times in this thread, the bike that feels right to you is the best one for you in gravel.
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af212/bmwr65/scan0021.jpg
What is it?
unstuck
14th August 2014, 14:06
Looks to me like a Rickman Metisse with a T100 engine.:whistle:
1974 vintage perhaps.:whistle:
neels
14th August 2014, 15:50
I often thought an old twin shocker like an XT500 would be a blast. A bit like the street tracker idea. It makes sense, low, long, and stable.
I saw 5 of them lined up in a garage a couple of weeks ago, seems a shame for them not to be ridden (by me) (on gravel)
I've found the older heavy trail bikes seem a lot more stable on loose stuff at speed.
Motu
14th August 2014, 17:39
What is it?
1964 Rickman Metisse,powered by a 1973 T100C (Daytona) engine, Metal Profiles front brake and Triumph conical rear (with split sprockets). At that point (1977) I was running a 2 ply competition trials rear tyre - enduro riders are only just realising how good they are.
Denniso
16th August 2014, 15:48
Sounds like my DR650 on fat slicks is no good on gravel , damm better slow down next ride . Best bike I've ridden in gravel is GSX11000f , worst was Kwaka Z1.
The Pastor
18th August 2014, 08:56
1964 Rickman Metisse,powered by a 1973 T100C (Daytona) engine, Metal Profiles front brake and Triumph conical rear (with split sprockets). At that point (1977) I was running a 2 ply competition trials rear tyre - enduro riders are only just realising how good they are.
What do you think of an XT500 for the gravel?
Would love to buy this but i only have 2k! Why do sellers never give me 4 months warning!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=765488160
Oscar
18th August 2014, 09:17
What do you think of an XT500 for the gravel?
Would love to buy this but i only have 2k! Why do sellers never give me 4 months warning!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=765488160
I have an Xt500 and it's great on gravel.
A TT500 would be slightly betterer...
The Pastor
18th August 2014, 14:15
Maybe I should of made the title of this thread, best bike to ride FAST on gravel, as thats what I wanna do.
Oscar
18th August 2014, 14:17
Maybe I should of made the title of this thread, best bike to ride FAST on gravel, as thats what I wanna do.
Assuming road legal and 4 Stroke - you'll need a KTM big single - SXC625 / 640E / 690.
I also assumed that you wanted better than an even chance of surviving.
If not - 950SE
The Pastor
18th August 2014, 16:14
Assuming road legal and 4 Stroke - you'll need a KTM big single - SXC625 / 640E / 690.
I also assumed that you wanted better than an even chance of surviving.
If not - 950SE
Cool bikes, never ridden a KTM, will have to try some out.
Motu
18th August 2014, 18:50
There comes a point where too much power becomes a liability, too much wheelspin and not going forward. Low powered bikes are shit load of fun in gravel because you can thrash them with little wheelspin - it's fun powersliding out of a corner, trying to find traction, but being hooked up all the time is really fast.
The reason the XR750 is still winning on dirttracks after 40 years is because it makes just the right amount of power (about 95hp), any more and they don't go faster, just wheelspin.
Ocean1
18th August 2014, 19:54
There comes a point where too much power...
Oy! that'll be enough of that seditious nonsense, away wi' ye!
NordieBoy
18th August 2014, 20:48
A few years ago, NordieBro wanted to put his TT350 engine in a modern 250 frame for x-country racing.
Only 22hp, but lotsa torks. Peak WR250f torque comes in on the 350 at 3,500rpm. You need a 290cc kitted WR250R to get the same torque levels.
Then came the Freeride 350 with it's de-tuned donk all set up for mellow torque...
Ride the torque.
Torquey motors are good gravel motors.
mossy1200
18th August 2014, 21:01
Yellow bikes
DEATH_INC.
18th August 2014, 22:42
Maybe I should of made the title of this thread, best bike to ride FAST on gravel, as thats what I wanna do.
I've done close to 250kph on a ZX12r on a gravel road....
Actually it wasn't bad, even through the corners, and made you giggle like a little girl every time you twisted the gas on the way out :laugh:
vegeman
19th August 2014, 08:48
To me, Gravel is about bike balance, mojo/balls/confidence...if you have those, then you can ride anything fast on gravel. If you lose your nerve during the important moments...then your rooted.
I'm in love with my 690 as its Dakar heritage, it was designed to go fast offroad. The first time, I rode it left the blackstuff and hit the dirt/gravel...I honeslty could not believe how easy and quick it was still going. It was going so well, I thought the speedo was wrong or something like that...so being the veg that I can be...I needed to push the limit to see what the bike can do, this is when I also realised that it's steering geometry was different to older bikes like XR,DR et all. Coming into one corner, carrying too much speed...I threw the bike into a slide, and as the rear wheel came around, I then naturally turned the bars for the necessary opposite lock for the slidy bit...but the handle bars don't turn as much as my old XR which I only just stopped riding (690 has a trellis frame) so I couldn't really get control...anyway, I couldn't contain it...and ending up highsiding it wlhich considering the potential for damage there...I was lucky-ish (stripped handle bar threads out of triple clamp...) and confused to why this happened. So naturally, during the afternoon, I still hadn't work out the difference in riding this bike, and again I had a wee drop on the gravel dirt.
So during the evening and drinking some bourbys and analysing the fuck out of my dumbness, I realised that the bike is quite different from the older machines. The centre of gravity is low (good), the trellis /steering lock is bad, horsepower is really good, stability is real good...so I need to ride different.
many years later, I'm more in tune with it. It will eat gravel roads smoothly and effortless. Cornering involves, balance but mostly steering with the throttle/power, and once you get the confidence for that...then its perfect. If I get tired or scare myself, and come off the throttle...I lose, if I use the power...it works good.
My summary...
fast bikes go faster, better. - horsepower solves problems
Heavy bikes become an issue if you run out of road, or have issues mid corner ie flame out, cock up the corner - lighter bikes are more forgiving
Bikes that have less shit to break off are better for you, your wallet etc
Extra goodies....I put a scott steering damper on for head shake management especially with crossing from one side of the road to the other which can give the bike a nervous shake as the gravel changes. (I recently overtook festy on his new 2013 WR450, down the ruakockaputana road/martinborough). With him being in front as we entered the gravel straight, I knew that we would be pushing it down there....and has we hit 145, I could tell...he was interested in showing off...and the last thing I need to hear was him wank on about how he took me out...blah blah, - I cracked the 690 open, and over took, and to cement the point, I felt the bike was stable enough to take one hand off and make the loser sign on the forehead...I trusted the stability, and the luck of the gods.
I think though, that I would go for a fast lighter bike if I really, really had to ie WR450, KTM450,500 etc. just for the corners...as I can brake later, and man handle it if I fuck it up, plus they have power to complete the package.
DR, KLR etc have good balance...shit power.
practise, practise
The Pastor
19th August 2014, 10:11
I've done close to 250kph on a ZX12r on a gravel road....
Actually it wasn't bad, even through the corners, and made you giggle like a little girl every time you twisted the gas on the way out :laugh:
ok Pinocchio.
Oscar
19th August 2014, 10:33
ok Pinocchio.
He talks a good game...
The Pastor
19th August 2014, 11:19
I've done close to 250kph on a ZX12r on a gravel road....
Actually it wasn't bad, even through the corners, and made you giggle like a little girl every time you twisted the gas on the way out :laugh:
Bet you could stop from 60km/hr in 2m with those USD's aye!!
george formby
19th August 2014, 11:39
Bet you could stop from 60km/hr in 2m with those USD's aye!!
And there in lies the rub, for me.... Stopping or more pertinently, avoiding the sideways ute which appears if by magic.
On the TDM you have to plan a long way ahead, on the DT you just kick it upright when it two wheel drifts in the deep stuff. I don't put the TDM into that situation.
Relatively low weight, low-ish seat height, longish wheel base, not to steep on the fork rake, predictable torques.. all make life easier & faster. Well, I assume they do. I'm relatively new to making dust clouds.
george formby
19th August 2014, 11:43
Oh look! This should satisfy your need for speed.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/E6vvntP56mw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The Pastor
19th August 2014, 12:24
Oh look! This should satisfy your need for speed.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/E6vvntP56mw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
nice clip, what a hard case haha. Love the sneakers.
Motu
19th August 2014, 18:53
And there in lies the rub, for me.... Stopping
Me too - on faster bikes I spend too much time slowing down, I'd rather be using that time with the throttle open. The advantage of the DT230 in gravel was lack of engine braking, this keeps the rear wheel under control, and takes the weight off the front in corners - on the DT230 I was making decisions mid corner, not before I got there. You don't need a steering damper to be stable going over the centre gravel, better tyre choices solve that for me.
NordieBoy
19th August 2014, 19:03
So during the evening and drinking some bourbys and analysing the fuck out of my dumbness, I realised that the bike is quite different from the older machines. The centre of gravity is low (good), the trellis /steering lock is bad, horsepower is really good, stability is real good...so I need to ride different.
My first thought on getting on a 690 for a hoon was similar. What had they done with the steering lock!
george formby
19th August 2014, 23:56
Me too - on faster bikes I spend too much time slowing down, I'd rather be using that time with the throttle open. The advantage of the DT230 in gravel was lack of engine braking, this keeps the rear wheel under control, and takes the weight off the front in corners - on the DT230 I was making decisions mid corner, not before I got there. You don't need a steering damper to be stable going over the centre gravel, better tyre choices solve that for me.
Good point. Never really considered it. The TDM will slide the rear instantly with a sloppy down change or even an abrupt closing of the throttle. DT might squirm on tight down hills when I change down if I'm pressing on. Never had an issue with the DT front into a corner regardless of surface, only coming out wide & going over the camber..:sweatdrop. Throttle fixes it.
Getting a CRM in a few months & can't wait to see how it handles the gravel with better suspension. Looking forward to being on a level playing field with the G/F on the DT, too. Fed up with being hunted.:lol:
Gremlin
20th August 2014, 02:15
Maybe I should of made the title of this thread, best bike to ride FAST on gravel, as thats what I wanna do.
Not sure if you're simply trolling, but I see it as the equivalent of riding fast on the road, just probably more ways to go wrong.
Unless you're of the class of Birch et al, it's probably only going to end badly, your ability to brake for some oncoming vehicle (which a lot of the time doesn't expect anyone else to be on the road) is compromised etc. However, as a general rule of thumb, if you want to go fast, you need gobs of HP and torque so go get yourself a KTM Adv 1190R. Consider that the likes of Dakar restricted bikes to what, 450cc? over time as anything bigger simply made it too dangerous (there was a stepped scale over time constantly lowering the limit).
You better have balls of steel and muscles to match as controlling it is demanding, and based on weight of bike and potential speed, getting it wrong is going to hurt a lot more.
One of the funniest moments I've had was doing some gravel training in a forest with other guys on my R1200GSA. While they were flicking up stones as we went up hills and corners I was apparently flicking up rocks as the weight of the GSA dug deeper and the power dislodged rocks the others couldn't. No-one wanted to be behind me as it simply wasn't safe. Going up the hill and around a corner I've got the rear stepped sideways, applying some opposite lock and balancing my weight on the pegs. Felt great, but after a few runs I was pretty knackered. Another guy had stopped as well (slightly built) and commented that if he was knackered on his 690 (I think) then he didn't how I was handling it on twice the bike!
However, besides the odd moments, I prefer to pootle and enjoy the view from the less beaten track, tackling more technical terrain rather than blasting along gravel roads. Had too many vehicles using the whole road to consider it...
unstuck
20th August 2014, 05:44
Maybe I should of made the title of this thread, best bike to ride FAST on gravel, as thats what I wanna do.
For 2 grand, I think you are only going to go as fast as the money in your purse.:shifty:
Mo NZ
20th August 2014, 06:08
I've done close to 250kph on a ZX12r on a gravel road....: :bye:
ok Pinocchio. :laugh:
I like to pootle mostly.
Night Falcon
20th August 2014, 09:08
Heavy bikes become an issue if you....flame out, cock up the corner - lighter bikes are more forgiving
I concur - FI unexpectedly shutting down, locking up the rear end on a down hill gravel corner on a 210kg KTM is no way to end a days riding.
Had too many vehicles using the whole road to consider it...
double concur - met a combine harvester on a gravel bend out in the boonies on my old DR once, took up the entire road....almost bailed but managed to avoid stacking it, but hay, it happens :corn:
The Pastor
20th August 2014, 09:11
Not sure if you're simply trolling, but I see it as the equivalent of riding fast on the road, just probably more ways to go wrong.
Unless you're of the class of Birch et al, it's probably only going to end badly, your ability to brake for some oncoming vehicle (which a lot of the time doesn't expect anyone else to be on the road) is compromised etc. However, as a general rule of thumb, if you want to go fast, you need gobs of HP and torque so go get yourself a KTM Adv 1190R. Consider that the likes of Dakar restricted bikes to what, 450cc? over time as anything bigger simply made it too dangerous (there was a stepped scale over time constantly lowering the limit).
You better have balls of steel and muscles to match as controlling it is demanding, and based on weight of bike and potential speed, getting it wrong is going to hurt a lot more.
One of the funniest moments I've had was doing some gravel training in a forest with other guys on my R1200GSA. While they were flicking up stones as we went up hills and corners I was apparently flicking up rocks as the weight of the GSA dug deeper and the power dislodged rocks the others couldn't. No-one wanted to be behind me as it simply wasn't safe. Going up the hill and around a corner I've got the rear stepped sideways, applying some opposite lock and balancing my weight on the pegs. Felt great, but after a few runs I was pretty knackered. Another guy had stopped as well (slightly built) and commented that if he was knackered on his 690 (I think) then he didn't how I was handling it on twice the bike!
However, besides the odd moments, I prefer to pootle and enjoy the view from the less beaten track, tackling more technical terrain rather than blasting along gravel roads. Had too many vehicles using the whole road to consider it...
What are you on about.
I went for a ride (a few years back now) with the adventure riding club (cool guys) just a gravel bash, not a propper off road thing, and DAMN they were fast. I was like whaaaaaaaaaat?? didnt know it was possible to do that on a bike.
Then again I was on a DR650. What a POS bike that was.
The Pastor
20th August 2014, 09:12
For 2 grand, I think you are only going to go as fast as the money in your purse.:shifty:
The best bike I've ridden on the gravel was a gl145. It cost me $500. Much Power.
From this discussion tho, it seems it was all about the tyre profiles.
The Pastor
20th August 2014, 09:17
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/archive/index.php/t-7771.html
lol found this from google.
Now we have a good bike recommendation. Motu - still agree with what you said in 2005?
ellipsis
20th August 2014, 09:37
...anyone who loves the dirt and gravel who rides the Peninsula tracks and dirt roads would have come across a mad mate of mine who rides an older R Beemer...he rides the dirt out here for breakfast, lunch, dinner or tea...he has a Honda XR 250 and a Postie bike, which he uses for the same stuff...him and his beemer are probably the fastest things on dirt I have come across...he rides alone and gets dinged up a bit, but his smile after a quick squirt in the dirt is unbreakable...
george formby
20th August 2014, 10:01
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/archive/index.php/t-7771.html
lol found this from google.
Now we have a good bike recommendation. Motu - still agree with what you said in 2005?
Motu's test ride impressions match my own. I frequently come close to wetting myself laughing on the wee Yam. You can zip along nice & quick & smooth on the torques or get all lurid & pull wheelies at high revs. If it was just me riding it I would spend money on the suspension but standard it's perfick for the G/F. On twisty sub 100kmh tar seal roads, proper twisties, it's a real mission keeping the little bugger in sight, too.
But.
Spare parts are like hens teeth. I have had to source all my bits from Japan.
The Pastor
20th August 2014, 10:12
Motu's test ride impressions match my own. I frequently come close to wetting myself laughing on the wee Yam. You can zip along nice & quick & smooth on the torques or get all lurid & pull wheelies at high revs. If it was just me riding it I would spend money on the suspension but standard it's perfick for the G/F. On twisty sub 100kmh tar seal roads, proper twisties, it's a real mission keeping the little bugger in sight, too.
But.
Spare parts are like hens teeth. I have had to source all my bits from Japan.
Ok good to know, although it seems most parts these days u gotta get from oveseas, dealers dont carry anything >_>. No DT's on TM atm. Lame.
ellipsis
20th August 2014, 11:15
...this man, Darren Heeman raced one of these on the dirt...at Addington Racecourse on the mile track... at Sunset speedway in Westport, once upon a time, he arrived there from Nelson via the dirt roads with a 21 inch Honda front rim with a dirt tyre on it, strapped to his back...ready to go FT racing...his mates who rode down with him arrived some time later...they were not keen to go as fast on the back dirt roads as he was...
http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac85/motorcycle-mania/6963081-md_zpse39a4f1e.jpg (http://s888.photobucket.com/user/motorcycle-mania/media/6963081-md_zpse39a4f1e.jpg.html)
...probably not recommended for most...
george formby
20th August 2014, 11:15
Ok good to know, although it seems most parts these days u gotta get from oveseas, dealers dont carry anything >_>. No DT's on TM atm. Lame.
Hens teeth. And long ones at that. Get a KTM..
JATZ
20th August 2014, 12:14
...this man, Darren Heeman raced one of these on the dirt...at Addington Racecourse on the mile track... at Sunset speedway in Westport, once upon a time, he arrived there from Nelson via the dirt roads with a 21 inch Honda front rim with a dirt tyre on it, strapped to his back...ready to go FT racing...his mates who rode down with him arrived some time later...they were not keen to go as fast on the back dirt roads as he was...
...probably not recommended for most...
And does he have big f/off knoblies ? He's been punting that thing round tracks for years too.
FWIW I could ride the little Dr 350 faster on gravel than the 800 :gob:
george formby
20th August 2014, 12:45
Nobody has mentioned XR 650's or even a Dommie. Never ridden the 650 but I know from experience that a Dommie is very capable in the right hands.
Gremlin
20th August 2014, 12:47
Then again I was on a DR650. What a POS bike that was.
It's actually a very good adv bike for those starting out. Not too heavy, not too powerful, but enough for the inevitable tarmac lengths (ie, the 250s get boring fast here). They're crazy simple to work on, which means reliable in the middle of nowhere, plus, if repairs need to be done, the first truck mechanic you find will be able to assist with some wire.
Take my BMW for an example at the opposite end. 3 on board computers, traction control, ABS, Electronic suspension and load reduction circuit to help it start. Anything major goes wrong, it's a paperweight needing transport to a BMW dealer for fixing... I can *uh, cautiously* report that nothing serious has gone wrong mid trip *touch wood*. However, the stories I've heard :laugh: plus one time, it simply didn't start for a day, and when the dealer looked, it started OK.
Tazz
20th August 2014, 13:17
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/guzzidoug/garage/SDC11741.jpg
Ok good to know, although it seems most parts these days u gotta get from oveseas, dealers dont carry anything >_>. No DT's on TM atm. Lame.
This thing will be up for sale soon.
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=871859
Not sure how it compares to a DT, especially wheelie wise, but it is a capable thing to bowl around on.
The Pastor
20th August 2014, 13:53
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/guzzidoug/garage/SDC11741.jpg
This thing will be up for sale soon.
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=871859
Not sure how it compares to a DT, especially wheelie wise, but it is a capable thing to bowl around on.
What is it?
george formby
20th August 2014, 14:19
What is it?
Get with it man! It's the new HD adventure touring prototype. Apparently the production model will have the V Rod engine & leather panniers.
BrendanZX9R
20th August 2014, 14:37
I found my 202 XR650R the easiest bike I had to ride fast on the gravel. Had plenty of power to allow you to steer with the rear end if you wanted to, but not so much power that all you did was wheel spin. It was enough of an animal to be fun, without striking the fear of god into you! And it was light enough to be forgiving mid turn if you over cooked it.
My old KLR was a bit of a donkey in comparison, but for some that's perfect and ideal, and for some it could work out to be faster as its a lot smoother. It punted along fine, just without the excitement. But it was a whole lot more comfortable.
I now ride a KTM 990 adventure and its the fastest bike I've ever ridden on gravel, but its not as easy to ride fast as the XR was. Its also less forgiving if you get it wrong, which can happen in a hurry! at about 100hp (I guess) its probably got all the power a mere mortal could ever use on gravel.
The Pastor
20th August 2014, 14:59
Get with it man! It's the new HD adventure touring prototype. Apparently the production model will have the V Rod engine & leather panniers.
actually cool.
Tazz
20th August 2014, 15:36
What is it?
That thing is....:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=681994
He did a RTW on an Indian and a panhead chopper among other things. Falls in line with the 'what you've got is the best bike for the job' mentioned earlier.
There is also this guy
http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy121/roadhd/15MuddingHarleyStyle.jpg
ellipsis
20th August 2014, 15:45
And does he have big f/off knoblies ? He's been punting that thing round tracks for years too.
FWIW I could ride the little Dr 350 faster on gravel than the 800 :gob:
...no knobbly tyres allowed...he liked cheap road cheng shins on the back when he raced anywhere...
NordieBoy
20th August 2014, 16:02
Then again I was on a DR650. What a POS bike that was.
Maybe it's the rider?
Woodman
20th August 2014, 16:24
Maybe it's the rider?
Pretty much the most useful post on this thread so far Nordie:2thumbsup
The Pastor
20th August 2014, 16:39
Maybe it's the rider?
probably.
but i was faster on the loose stuff on my gsx1200, gpz1000, cbr250, gl145, k11000, etc etc
Kaituna
20th August 2014, 18:41
Nobody has mentioned XR 650's or even a Dommie. Never ridden the 650 but I know from experience that a Dommie is very capable in the right hands.
I have ridden a few bikes and I really like riding the Dominator. Seems to get along okay? I am no hooligan though but still seems to be more predictable on gravel than my DR650 used to be.
dino3310
20th August 2014, 20:00
Xr .
Nobody has mentioned XR 650's or even a Dommie. Never ridden the 650 but I know from experience that a Dommie is very capable in the right hands.
2nd page bro, thought just 'XR' would cover the range:Punk:
dino3310
20th August 2014, 20:02
I have ridden a few bikes and I really like riding the Dominator. Seems to get along okay? I am no hooligan though but still seems to be more predictable on gravel than my DR650 used to be.
chuck that CV carb away mate drop in a flatside and she'll open up so you cant help but Hooligan:yes:
NordieBoy
20th August 2014, 20:31
probably.
but i was faster on the loose stuff on my gsx1200, gpz1000, cbr250, gl145, k11000, etc etc
Ahh, road bikes.
Say no more.
bart
20th August 2014, 20:40
probably.
but i was faster on the loose stuff on my gsx1200, gpz1000, cbr250, gl145, k11000, etc etc
Your DR must have been pretty shit then. That k11000 must have been a handfull...
JATZ
20th August 2014, 20:50
Your DR must have been pretty shit then. That k11000 must have been a handfull...
Funnily enough..... My K feels more planted on gravel than the 800, maybe it's the low c.o.g or having the right oil in the tyres :lol:
bart
20th August 2014, 21:19
Funnily enough..... My K feels more planted on gravel than the 800, maybe it's the low c.o.g or having the right oil in the tyres :lol:
K11000? Is that 11,000 cc or one of those...ummm...’interesting’ looking K1’s.
Mind you, BMW’s have a habit of just picking any old number for their vehicles, which don’t have anything to do with the cc rating.
george formby
20th August 2014, 23:51
2nd page bro, thought just 'XR' would cover the range:Punk:
My bad. Old timers disease.
And there are a lot of XR's.
Seeing as this thread is going down the rabbit hole, has a limited budget and the OP's perception of fast is debatable, what about an old school Africa Twin, Super Tenere or even... a Transalp?
dino3310
21st August 2014, 22:21
maybe thread should be titled "best bike for gravel with a $xxxx budget"
other wise my best gravel bike would be one off those 450 dakar bikes:banana:
NordieBoy
22nd August 2014, 08:04
The best bike for gravel as proven at the Erzberg Prologue, is a factory KTM 690 Dakar bike.
Transalper
22nd August 2014, 11:24
The best bike for gravel as proven at the Erzberg Prologue, is a factory KTM 690 Dakar bike.
mmmm... define gravel.
Crisis management
22nd August 2014, 11:25
The problem that most of us have is not "what's the best bike for gravel" but what's the best compromise? as it's never all gravel, or all mud, or all rocks / streams / clay whatever, it's always just about any surface each day. For instance, last saturday was the MMMM which I had to bail from to head home at midday. So I started off with incredibly dangerous wet grass, a bit of forestry roads, a stream, several bastards on fast bikes trying to kill me, gravel, gravel roads and sealed roads. All up I did just under 1000kms in 11 hours, I'm glad I was on the fat pig (BMW R100) or my arse would have been toast by mid afternoon, I wasn't the fastest bike out there but I am happy with my compromise.
Good luck with yours!
vegeman
22nd August 2014, 14:38
My first thought on getting on a 690 for a hoon was similar. What had they done with the steering lock!
when you are next looking at the 690, check how far the frame sticks out, which gives the forks less room to travel as they turn from side to side. most motors go under the frame part that is running straight from the steering head, but because the 690 frame goes around the motor it prevents the front forks turning as far. First time riding, I couldn't turn as tight, couldn't correct the slide, and would fall off during tight trails. Basically, I needed to adapt my riding/body position from riding the older style frames, meaning for tight corners...you have to tip the bike, before turning. Ride the throttle more, and for tight trails, use the rear brake to silde it around. BUT these bikes are for fast, Dakar style riding which is fast gravel/hardpack. Torque from these motors, is amazing. I have geared the bike up from at 15T front to a 16T just so the torque lasts longer...and I've run this taller gearing for years and done all the rides where you think lower gearing would be better ie awakino saddle...just ride faster,
NordieBoy
22nd August 2014, 14:39
mmmm... Define gravel.
ap20
:)
vegeman
22nd August 2014, 14:43
Pretty much the most useful post on this thread so far Nordie:2thumbsup
definitely the rider, good bikes make us pussies look like we are good. good bikes make the longer trips better and more fun during the boring bits...
Night Falcon
22nd August 2014, 14:55
the 690 is indeed a hoot in the gravel (of just about any size). If I were a better rider I could easily of dragged off Bart on his bicycle tired DR and GPSMan on that 530 or even his old KLR....DRGirl on the DR2hundy even :whistle:
vegeman
22nd August 2014, 14:58
and show us your stuff...
enough dicking around on bike choice...just get one, any year...and get on wif it!!!
Night Falcon
22nd August 2014, 15:14
and show us your stuff...
enough dicking around on bike choice...just get one, any year...and get on wif it!!!
2014's look good for doing gravel and they have more HP than the 09...hummm :cool:
Crim
22nd August 2014, 16:02
2014's look good for doing gravel and they have more HP than the 09...hummm :cool:
Cant get 2014s - they all gone - 2015 due in Feb (by all accounts)
PeteJ
27th August 2014, 22:41
Maybe I should of made the title of this thread, best bike to ride FAST on gravel, as thats what I wanna do.
The best - ie fastest point to point - machine I've ever ridden on gravel was the CB350/4 Barrie Alderdice set up for road trials in the 1970s. WFO the whole time, smooth, low CG, no pissing around going slow by going sideways, hooked up or wheelspun as you liked; just magic. Simple narrow road tyres gave heaps of grip and never chunked out.
Quicker than any of my own bikes on gravel point to point: including the KTMs, obviously the DR650 and the Vara, any of my Triumphs, my VFR with knobbies, the lot.
Dicie was 2nd in the Shell 800 on it one year. Hosed on the XT and TT500s (and another 212 competitors including me at 10th), only lost first place by not hanging around enough before entering one or two checkpoints.
DR Girl
4th September 2014, 19:04
the 690 is indeed a hoot in the gravel (of just about any size). If I were a better rider I could easily of dragged off Bart on his bicycle tired DR and GPSMan on that 530 or even his old KLR....DRGirl on the DR2hundy even :whistle:
You thrash me boy :weep: I just see a flash of orange ahead :first:
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