I am moving and will be living off a dirt road. Its two miles to nearest pavement. Anyone ride the zx14 on dirt roads? what is it like? Am i asking to crash even trying? I would love to sell it and get a multistrada but that isnt happening anytime soon...

Just watch for fresh soft deep gravel patches and avoid front brake whenever possible. The hard packed dirt roads are just dusty

I rode my friends gravel driveway. 50 feet. Had spins a few times. Think you are gonna be riding like gramma for 2 miles. don't let your guard down.

also, rocks in fenders and possibly between brake pads /rotors? radiator?

I do it everytime I leave the house on the 14. Rocks and rotors etc not a concern. Keeping the bike clean is. LOL You'd be amazed where the dust manages to get. Don't grab a handful of brakes or throttle, and all will be good. If muddy I'd discourage riding that day. Damn bike is heavy when slidin around.

I have to admit my throttle hand "slips" now and then. Fun getttin it sideways, as long as it's planned.

I have about 150yrds of dirt, gravel road b4 I get to pavement. And when its hot and dry my main concern is the dust, like mentioned above. Cant begin to tell you how many time I've had to rinse off my wheels b4 hitting bike nite at the local car wash which is ok because there is always a little stream of water that comes out of that hose without costing me $1.50 lol and like mentioned above i won't ake her out for a day or 2 after a good rain because it takes that long for the mud to dry up now that sux

* Last updated by: scottjkyl on 3/4/2012 @ 2:05 PM *

I've gone down 1/2 mile of dirt a couple of times, take it easy and you'll do fine. I would recommend a fender extender, or even a radiator gaurd for rocks.

Like others said. Not too much prob. Keep er upright and be mellow, careful moving across tire ruts and to softer shoulders. Keep an eye out for sharp rocks, metal etc but dont risk wiping it to avoid. Check tires every time back on pavement. Change tires at least st wear strips. Just putt along ignore the temptation to see how far you can rooster tail er- she's kinds heavy and long for that. Dirt roads should not be too much a prob. There's a pretty funny YouTube of a guy on a cbr riding on some pretty good dirt roads. Kinda stupid but shows what can be done on a street bike.

Had to ride about 45 on a mountain pass re-paving last summer. Wasnt dirt but fresh gravel. That was totally sketchy. Had to stay on almost middle of road cause shoulders were way soft and tire ruts pulled bike in a scary way. Was a long ride on very loose gravel and steeper sections had to be very careful with throttle as rear wheel spun so easily. Was second gear whole way. Tried to get into third cause so boring and I was tired but just got wheelspin. Was close to end of a 10 hr day on multi day ride. Very glad I had no passenger and made me seriously think about an adv. But that doesn't happen often, really like my 14 and can't afford two bikes. I don't see couple miles dirt roads big if you're smart and safe about it.

This does not look promising. The thought of the bike always being dirty is going to bother me. I ride it mostly back and forth to work so I am glad i have riding clothes because my works close (dress close) would get dirty. It rains here in Michigan all the time so I have to imageine the roads will always be damp besides in the sumer months. I guess i will have to put the zx-14 on the same wash schedule as my dirtbike.

A dirt road trashes your chain and brake rotors.

We live on a large hill and our driveway is around 300' from house to the road. When we first got the bike we had nothing but a dirt driveway so it was a definite challenge and being that I'm 5'7" doesn't help either. Since then we got the bike lowered, crush / run put in and packed into the worst part of the driveway and I still practice getting in and out lol..

The driveway is on a sloping grade that banks in the middle also.. and exits onto the road into the apex of the worst curve for miles. Great fun.

You have to be really careful on the sides on dirt / gravel - stick to the middle and like others said above, avoid your front brake.

Good advice above. Not much you can do about dirt except to minimize the effects. Slow down and pay attention of course for the safety side of it. Slower you go the less chance for dust and kicking pebbles into your radiator screen. On coming or passing cagers can make things worse.
I feel for ya. I'm picky about the bike too so a dirt road would be tough to live with.

I rode about 100 yards threw sugar sand and do not recommend it front end was all over the place and grip for the rear was near imposable not fun!!!!

Here's my ride from the hardtop to my house...
You'll be fine, just "dirt bike it". Keep it in a high gear, lug it. No front brake.
Lube your chain every ride, keep an eye on your wheel bearings. 14K miles on mine and no problems yet.
The dust and dirt did bother me for awhile, but I got used to it.
I don't do "bike nights"...can't see the dust on my wheels as long as I keep moving!

* Last updated by: CycleJunkie on 3/7/2012 @ 12:18 AM *

I was just skimming over the posts since mine. If you can ride the bike, not just sit and steer, you will be fine. If you do not have good basic skills, could get bad. The comment stay off the front brake, WTF. If you do not know how to "use" it, then by all means. I think it gets more interesting when I use the rear personally.

Not trying to knock anyone, so please do not flame me. I would not suggest blasting down a dirt/gravel road at 60. I am usually below 20 on mine. Follow your gut, ride within your ability and yall should be fine.

Thanks for the video. that makes me feel much better about it. i noticed the amount of dirt on back rims so no shot of keeping it clean..