R3 and gravel highways?

[BuffaloR3]

So I'm in the planning and decision phase of my next adventure this summer. One of the routes I was considering is a ride through New England and Eastern Canada. It seems like some beautiful country and one heck of an adventure but I'm quite concerned about a 750lb bike with a 240 rear tire riding for 600 miles of gravel highway across Labrador and down through Quebec. Do the wider tires make life easier or more of a nightmare? My other concern is that with the wide tire I'm thinking it will be more prone to punctures (more surface area covering more potentially tire killing rocks). Any experience or insights?

 

[TRath]

My Garmin tried to take me over a logging pass on the way to the Triumph rally in Nelson last summer. I probably could have made it, but have no shame anout turning back. That rear tire is pricy and I didn't feel like going through another one. Not to mention that about 30 minutes added about 10 lbs to the bike in all the dust she ate. Took hours to get it all cleaned up.

 

[tdragger]

The Metzler is a nail magnet.

 

[saboteur]

Sounds like you might be wanting another bike to the stable.... and 800XC!

 

[T Evans]

To answer your question, The 240 motorcycle tire like most are not made for gravel roads. That being said we have all seen them on gravel. I myself have seen the worst side of how a motorcycle tire reacts with gravel and it wasn't good. My advice is to go darkside and forget about it, problem solved.

T

 

[albertaduke]

So I'm in the planning and decision phase of my next adventure this summer. One of the routes I was considering is a ride through New England and Eastern Canada. It seems like some beautiful country and one heck of an adventure but I'm quite concerned about a 750lb bike with a 240 rear tire riding for 600 miles of gravel highway across Labrador and down through Quebec. Do the wider tires make life easier or more of a nightmare? My other concern is that with the wide tire I'm thinking it will be more prone to punctures (more surface area covering more potentially tire killing rocks). Any experience or insights?

600 miles of gravel road !!
why don't you visit the maritimes ( nova scotia, prince edward island, gaspesie ) where all the road are paved and sceneries are top notch !!

 

[BuffaloR3]

Sounds like you might be wanting another bike to the stable.... and 800XC!

As a matter of fact I have been taking a hard look at one of these, there's a lot of off road trails around here that would be perfect for that bike. Don't think I'd want to take a 5,000 mile road trip on one though.

600 miles of gravel road !!
why don't you visit the maritimes ( nova scotia, prince edward island, gaspesie ) where all the road are paved and sceneries are top notch !!

I'd be going through all that on my way up, was going to take Labrador and Quebec for the return leg. It seems silly to return along the same route I would take going up, and why waste the opportunity to see the deep wilderness of Labrador when I'll be right there (one of my destinations is the Viking settlement in the very NE corner of NL, just a quick ferry ride to Labrador). If I don't take the TLH (Trans-Labrador Highway) I'll always regret not having tried it, but the little voice in my head tells me that it could be a very miserable experience and I'll come to regret it. I'm thinking the best solution is to head up there with a plan B route and give it a whirl, if the road is what I fear then turn back and take the alternate route home.

 

[saboteur]

600 miles of gravel road kind of requires nothing less than an adventure bike. That's what they make them for. I dream of the Patagonia trip from here in New England. It won't be on a Rocket, lol.

Adventure Motorcycle Reviews | Motorcycle News

 

[albertaduke]

As a matter of fact I have been taking a hard look at one of these, there's a lot of off road trails around here that would be perfect for that bike. Don't think I'd want to take a 5,000 mile road trip on one though.



I'd be going through all that on my way up, was going to take Labrador and Quebec for the return leg. It seems silly to return along the same route I would take going up, and why waste the opportunity to see the deep wilderness of Labrador when I'll be right there (one of my destinations is the Viking settlement in the very NE corner of NL, just a quick ferry ride to Labrador). If I don't take the TLH (Trans-Labrador Highway) I'll always regret not having tried it, but the little voice in my head tells me that it could be a very miserable experience and I'll come to regret it. I'm thinking the best solution is to head up there with a plan B route and give it a whirl, if the road is what I fear then turn back and take the alternate route home.

when do you plan on doing this trip?? I also want to visit he maritimes this summer w e could meet up somewhere if we are in the same region at the same time.for your info here are some bike tours guides

.Motorcycle Tour Guide Nova Scotia - Motorcycle touring Canada - Motorcycle travel Nova Scotia - Motorbike tours Nova Scotia - Motorbike travel Canada - Biker art - Motorcycle art - Biker paintings - Motorcycle paintings - Discount Travel Card - 10% Discount - Biker DVD

 

[saboteur]

Patrick, I'm doing the trip as well, but have no dates firmed up yet. It all depends on when my friends will be in residence outside of Antigonish. They travel a bit too, but I'm planning on a week on their farm plus adventures on the Rocket.