How far have you ridden a VXII off pavement?

[Barry]

Let's just say that Google Satellite and the map I was using were misleading. Two days earlier, I took a ride down a 25 mile dead end road next to a river and it was a wonderful single lane paved experience (except for the small rock slide and some loose rock on some corners). I enjoyed this ride so much I studied the same map and discovered I could take a loop trip which incorporated 40 miles of twisties next to another river. Google earth gave the impression this was a single lane paved road for two thirds of the route. It did show some areas that appeared to be gravel, but they seemed fairly short. My mistake was not viewing the entire road. Turns out the first 10 miles were loose gravel. I stopped to stare at the map. I was in the middle of nowhere with no one to consult with. There was no cell phone coverage. I kept going. The loose gravel became loose river rock slightly smaller than baseballs. Occasionally I would find myself on washboard dirt with no gravel or rocks. There were several areas that felt like I might wreck if I tried to stop. I did manage to stop about every 20 minutes to give my hands and arms some rest. About 30 miles into this insanity I found a nice place to stop and admire the view. Up ahead I saw 3 mountain bikers that ignored me and quickly disappeared. That's when I decided I must have lost my mind. I saw some amazing country and managed to not dump the bike. My hands and arms are worthless today. When I return next time, it will be on 4 wheels. So that's my story. I'm sure some of you have a story to tell !

[scottolds]

My off-pavement ride on the Voyager was also unintentional.

Traveling from Las Vegas to Reno my Google maps and GPS were in disagreement.

I was in a hurry to get to Reno because I had to get to a store before it closed (another long story).

One device suggested getting off the 4 lane highway onto this 2 lane country road which it said would cut almost 30 minutes from my estimated arrival time.

I was feeling lucky and took the 2 lane road. About 4 miles in there was a construction ahead sign. The construction had the entire rough paved road removed and some packed gravel in its place. I figured I would press ahead as how long could this really go on. About 20 miles later I got back on pavement.

The road was decent most of the way except for a couple softer spots that gave me a jiggle as I went through.

Other than the dust cloud and the few un-nerving moments it was a very scenic route and I was impressed how well the Voyager did. Not as smooth as my KLR, but my progressive suspension got a workout on that stretch.

The good news was I actually did get to Reno sooner by following this route.

One tip I can give using Google maps. If there is no street view for a road that means it is either not paved or on private property. So I now always check street view on any route that looks like it could be unpaved.

[Barry]

Google pays more attention to higher populated areas. There's no street view of my neighborhood and the 25 mile paved road that I referred to leads to a state park. That road appears to have been paved for over 20 years. This was the first time I was off pavement and not due to road construction. At least this last experience I wasn't eating dust from anyone. Just one truck passed me on the entire route.

[cushman eagle]

I do not try to ride off pavement,however if I ride to work,I ride about 600 feet of a well packed gravel drive way,which is almost like pavement.I do find the bike very dusty at the end of the day however.I did take a ride a couple years ago on a paved road which got into a gravel portion for a couple miles,I did not like the gravel section,and try to stay on pavement.

[Mr Jensee]

If you are counting gravel roads I road about 4 miles on one once following a group of other riders I was convinced were lost. It was sweaty and touch and go for a while but didn't spill. I have ridden other bikes not much lighter on gravel but like wet pavement, not my favorite surface.

[vxiirider]

About 60 feet up onto a land slide on Highway 20 in Washington State during a blinding rain storm on July 29,2009. We both survived basically uninjured but our 1998 Voyager XII was killed in action.

[Me Again]

I know someone who rode up to northern Alaska on his XII pulling a trailer.
Those are not roads.
He said if he ever goes back he will take more tools and less cloths (you can always find a laundrymat ).

[Barry]

Thought I'd attach a couple of pictures where the road was good enough to allow me to stop.

[cranky]

... brass ones, I say....... great on Ya!!!!!