If you’ve ever felt the rush of wind against your face as you navigate the ever-shifting terrains of a gravel road on an adventure motorcycle, you know there’s nothing quite like it in the world of two-wheeled exploration. The thrill, the challenge, the sheer unpredictability of the surface beneath your tires — it demands not just courage but a synthesis of technique and wisdom. It’s about being one with the road and the machine, the Yamaha Tenere, that becomes an extension of your very will. Gravel riding can seem daunting at first, with its loose stones and lack of predictable traction, but with these time-tested off-road riding techniques, you’ll discover that mastering gravel is both doable and deeply rewarding.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand the dynamic terrain that gravel paths present. Unlike solid pavement or even the packed earth of common trails, gravel is a deceivingly tricky beast. The small stones can shift beneath your weight, behaving almost like marbles scattered across a dance floor. It requires a delicate balance of speed, stability, and smart decision-making. To ride effectively on gravel, you need to have a light but firm grip on the handlebars and keep your body loose. This allows the bike the necessary freedom to move and adjust under you while you maintain control.
Now let’s dive into the specifics. One key aspect is to manage your throttle with finesse. Abrupt inputs on the throttle or breaks can result in loss of traction, and on gravel, traction is your best friend — or worst enemy. Gradual throttle application ensures that your wheels maintain a consistent contact patch with the ground, reducing slippage. The same goes for brakes; always apply them gently and progressively. Your front brake is especially potent, and on an uneven surface like gravel, overzealous braking can lead to the front wheel washing out. So, moderation is key.
Positioning on the bike is another vital aspect. On gravel, standing on the pegs can be more effective than sitting. This stance lowers your center of gravity and gives your bike better stability. It also enables your legs to absorb much of the terrain’s irregularities, reducing fatigue and maintaining speed without compromising control. In this stance, keep your knees slightly bent and grip the tank with your legs, allowing your arms to steer without supporting your body weight.
But what about those turns that seem too tight to handle or those wide curves where the gravel seems deeper? When approaching a turn, the first thing to do is to slow down before you get to the curve. Enter the turn at a manageable speed, and as you begin to lean into it, make sure to keep a little power on the throttle. It sounds counterintuitive, but maintaining a slight throttle actually stabilizes the bike as it makes the turn. Lean with the bike, but don’t overdo it. Gravel doesn’t offer the same grip as tar, so less lean usually means more grip.
Adjusting your tire pressure can also make a huge difference on gravel. Generally, a lower tire pressure increases the tire’s footprint, which in turn can boost your traction. But remember, too low and you risk tire damage or a puncture, so finding the right balance for your weight and the conditions is crucial. For adventure bikes like the Yamaha Tenere, the tire pressures might vary depending on the load and riding conditions, but a pressure that’s about 10–15% lower than what you’d use on the pavement is a good rule of thumb in gravel conditions.
Another essential skill is learning to read the gravel road ahead. Gravel comes in all shapes and sizes; sometimes it’s packed tightly, and other times it’s loose and deep. Speed and control will depend on your ability to anticipate changes in the road’s condition. Focus on looking far ahead to plan your movements, rather than reacting to what’s right in front of you. This foresight is crucial for maintaining momentum and choosing the safest, most stable path.
It’s also important to understand that gravel can change within the span of a few miles or even yards. Rain can turn hard-packed gravel into a slippery mess, while dry conditions can make it loose and skittish. Adapt your riding style to these changes. In wet conditions, for example, even more caution is needed, especially when approaching turns. The looser the gravel, the more upright your bike should be when going through a turn to maximize tire grip.
Finally, remember that gravel riding, just like any other skill, improves with practice. Get out there, find your rhythm, and take every chance to ride different gravel roads in various conditions. There’s no better teacher than experience. Start with shorter rides on familiar terrain, then gradually expand your comfort zone. Adventure biking is as much about the journey as the destination, and with every mile you conquer on gravel, you add to your repertoire of skills and experiences. Keep a level head, always ride within your limits, and the gravel roads will open up to you in ways you never expected.
So, next time you’re gearing up for a gravel adventure on your Yamaha Tenere, remember these tips. Glide over the pebbles with the elegance of a river over rocks, knowing that you’re not just a rider passing through, but a master of the surface beneath you. Embrace the fluidity of technique and the dance of balance, throttle, and brake. Enhance your skills, respect the gravel, and you’ll not only traverse these roads, you’ll revel in them. Happy riding.
Sources
- https://www.bicycling.com/skills-tips/a33266829/expert-gravel-guide-4/
- https://www.st-owners.com/forums/threads/st-on-gravel.173664/page-2
- https://advmotoskills.com/5-tips-to-riding-big-adventure-bikes-off-road-riding-gravel-hard-pack/
- https://advtravelbug.com/triumph-adventure-riding-experience/
- https://www.bikeradar.com/features/routes-and-rides/what-is-gravel-riding
