Cruiser Motorcycle Riding on Gravel Roads

Sometimes, the road ahead is smooth and even pavement for hundreds of miles. And at other times, particularly in rural areas, the road isn’t exactly as smooth as you might like. Gravel or dirt roads and other difficult, unpaved roads can present a challenge to you on your cruiser motorcycle.

Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County in Westminster is your southern California cruiser motorcycle dealer, serving greater Los Angeles. Here are some ways you can ride your cruiser motorcycle more easily on gravel roads and other challenging pathways.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Cruiser motorcycles actually offer a few advantages on unpaved roads, including their low center of gravity, their large flywheels, the wide handlebars and the lower seat height that allows you to place your feet on the ground to steady yourself.

However, there are also some drawbacks to riding a cruiser on a gravel or dirt road, including how heavy the bike is, which can mire it down, and how easy it is to lose your balance. Cruisers are also harder to pick up if you fall over on them.

Go Slowly, But Avoid Stopping

It’s always best to slow down your speed when you’re traveling over challenging roads made of gravel or dirt due to reduced traction. You’ll need to gradually increase your bike’s speed as you enter the gravel roadway and keep pressure off the front of the bike by applying a little throttle at a time. Try to avoid braking on these roads if you can, but rely on your rear brake more if you absolutely need to bring your bike to a full stop.

Remain Vigilant

Watch the road ahead with even more care than usual when riding on gravel roads. You never know what types of obstacles might spring up without warning, since these roads are usually not well-maintained. Avoid looking down at the road beneath you and keep your eyes focused ahead so that you can look for big rocks, potholes and ruts that could trip you up.

Make Smooth Transitions

Whenever you need to turn, change gears, accelerate or brake your motorcycle on gravel or dirt, do it as smoothly as possible. Sharp, sudden movements are very likely to cause your motorcycle to lose traction and slide out on these difficult surfaces. The more even your movements are, the less likely you are to wipe out on a gravel road.

Ready to purchase a new bike? Stop by our dealership in Westminster, CA, to check out our fine selection of new and used motorcycles for sale, including cruisers. Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County serves all of our southern California customers in the LA and Orange County area.