Gravel on roadway

vincent · 05-11-2011, 08:01 AM

Riding two up yesterday on some nice back roads that we ride often. Headed into a curve @ about 40 mph when all of a sudden I see a patch of loose gravel on the road. I backed off the throttle (a little) and reduced my lean angle (a little). Managed to not cross the double yellow line but came close. Is there a best way to handle this situation? It happened so fast that I just acted instinctively I guess.

Loafer · 05-11-2011, 08:25 AM

Well, if you didn't have time to do anything... sounds like you did OK. If you had time before entering the curve. While the bike is straight up apply the brakes, then enter the curve at a reduced speed, and getting around the gravel will be easier.

Bull Durham · 05-11-2011, 09:54 AM

You forgot to mention the "Pucker Factor" you felt!

When that happens to me (the gravel) and if I have the time, I cut the curve/lean harder towards the ditch, so that by the time I hit the gravel I can stand the bike up as much as I can while going straight, so I'm not leaning much when I hit the gravel. This will also get me through the curve without going into the other lane or riding the yellow.

**MAS Tequila** · 05-11-2011, 01:46 PM

We have a few curves here that always have some gravel in them.

Some still wonder why I slow coming up to them. Then they find out.

MT

05-11-2011, 08:01 AM	#1
vincent Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 105	Gravel on roadway Riding two up yesterday on some nice back roads that we ride often. Headed into a curve @ about 40 mph when all of a sudden I see a patch of loose gravel on the road. I backed off the throttle (a little) and reduced my lean angle (a little). Managed to not cross the double yellow line but came close. Is there a best way to handle this situation? It happened so fast that I just acted instinctively I guess. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

05-11-2011, 08:25 AM	#2
Loafer Sr. Contributor Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 18,287	Gravel on roadway Well, if you didn't have time to do anything... sounds like you did OK. If you had time before entering the curve. While the bike is straight up apply the brakes, then enter the curve at a reduced speed, and getting around the gravel will be easier. __________________ Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email]
	0

05-11-2011, 09:54 AM	#3
Bull Durham Advanced Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA area Posts: 785	Gravel on roadway You forgot to mention the "Pucker Factor" you felt! When that happens to me (the gravel) and if I have the time, I cut the curve/lean harder towards the ditch, so that by the time I hit the gravel I can stand the bike up as much as I can while going straight, so I'm not leaning much when I hit the gravel. This will also get me through the curve without going into the other lane or riding the yellow. __________________ 2005 Kawasaki Nomad VBA #1608 KZR #25622
	0

05-11-2011, 01:46 PM	#4
MAS Tequila Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Psychiatric Ward FL Posts: 3,429	Gravel on roadway We have a few curves here that always have some gravel in them. Some still wonder why I slow coming up to them. Then they find out. MT __________________ MT 2016 FLHP Psychiatric Ward FL VBA 936
	0

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Gravel on the road	Stump	Motorcycle Safety/Riding Techniques	6	06-21-2011 07:52 AM
Rock n' Gravel	doctorgski	Motorcycle Safety/Riding Techniques	25	02-22-2009 10:39 PM
Slow going on leaning roadway	Cajunrider	Vulcan Nomad/Vaquero/Voyager	13	07-10-2008 11:18 PM