Riding on gravel - sportbike

[carver]

attention gravel noobs.

i have pretty good experience riding on gravel on big trail bikes, and recently i rode on the gravel on my sport bike (CBR 600)
i have shed advice on this matter before, and may i remind you all that the techniques used on a big dual sport bike are the same as the ones used on a sport bike.

1) look ahead, well ahead

2) keep your feet on the pegs

3) use throttle over deep stuff, to pull you clear.

4) hang off the bike to keep it upright, the bike should be 90 deg with the road.

5) stay away from deep stuff if you can.

6) use the front brake gently..is all good.

i never went under 70 k's on my BT 014 equipped CBR..
sport bikes are all good on gravel, dont be scared by it

later n00bs

[merv]

As an experienced gravel rider the issue to me when I venture on to gravel with the VFR is how squirrely it is on the road tyres - the rounded profile is great for side grip when leaning on seal but man does it make them feel loose on gravel - so like you say you have to keep it as upright as you can and keep up the momentum so inertia keeps you running as straight as you can. Compared to my dirtbikes the experience with the road bike on gravel sucks, but all biking is fun huh all the same.

[mbazza]

attention gravel noobs.

i have pretty good experience riding on gravel on big trail bikes, and recently i rode on the gravel on my sport bike (CBR 600)

I used to run my CBX750 on gravel in the past! Scared my sphincter shut for many k's. Down here we have Clutha 'round' river gravel like small ball bearings spread on the roads! Slight power, keep it up right, have some way of keeping the sweat out of your eyes and do it often. This seems to help the body to learn what to do. Cheers.

[MVnut]

Riding on gravel doesn't worry me but when people organise rides knowing there is a gravel section they should let others know in case they want to ride a different bike/avoid that section etc. I stay away from gravel where possible on the 'Italians', carbon guards are expensive and don't mix well with stones

[imdying]

Riding on gravel doesn't worry me but when people organise rides knowing there is a gravel section they should let others know in case they want to ride a different bike/avoid that section etc. I stay away from gravel where possible on the 'Italians', carbon guards are expensive and don't mix well with stones

Sounds like a painful experience you've had there? Would you feel better if you shared it with the group

[MVnut]

Used to live on a gravel road for 13 years so I've done plenty of time on them ( even flat out in top on an H2) but when you get a stone under an MVs carbon hugger they make a really loud noise as they EXPLODE. bummer.. byebye 300euros

[Mr. Peanut]

Gravel's fun, really teaches you to make the best of camber, I'm always faster and more confident when I hit the seal again.

[moT]

attention gravel noobs.

i have pretty good experience riding on gravel on big trail bikes, and recently i rode on the gravel on my sport bike (CBR 600)
i have shed advice on this matter before, and may i remind you all that the techniques used on a big dual sport bike are the same as the ones used on a sport bike.

1) look ahead, well ahead

2) keep your feet on the pegs

3) use throttle over deep stuff, to pull you clear.

4) hang off the bike to keep it upright, the bike should be 90 deg with the road.

5) stay away from deep stuff if you can.

6) use the front brake gently..is all good.

i never went under 70 k's on my BT 014 equipped CBR..
sport bikes are all good on gravel, dont be scared by it

later n00bs

NAH learn to drift it its great fun bikes tend to correct themselves with a bit of encouragement just hit the gas or a bit of clutch to get the rear free!

[Deano]

10 characters

[slopster]

I have had a large stone flick into my front mudguard and make a hole the size of my fist and a big crack so sportbikes arn't exactly designed for it.

[Rosie]

if you ride a sports bike on gravel it will explode and you will die.

Does that mean my KR isn't a real sports bike

[DEATH_INC.]

sportbikes don't like gravel???? I've been well over 200kph two up on a ZX12 on gravel...
I dissagree with hanging off and keeping the bike upright too, you have way less control that way, lean the bike over and sit upright on it like a MXer, lean on the front and look ahead ; keep yer head up. Use the loose stuff on the edges of the wheel tracks to hold your tyres in line when ya corner, and keep smooth, especially on the brakes. Don't blame me if ya crash!

[tri boy]

If your not worried about paint chips/scrathes etc, have a go(only as scary as you want to make it).
Going fast is the easy part, slowing/braking for corners, and allowing for the inevitable "out of my way, I've f**ked up" episodes is learnt from kms under your wheels.
Theres great scenery out there if you wish to venture off the tar.
The bash plate is quite new, but you get an idea of stone chip.

[delusionz]

There's a gravel road out west I ride through, I keep the bike upright, 2nd gear, gradual acceleration and aim for tyre tracks.

[The Big J]

Keep your arms relaxed, don`t lock up.

If you loose traction and freak out, lean forward so your arms aren`t tense. This usually smoothes out any wobbles and stops you overreacting when the rear comes around.