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Buell Motorcycle Forum » Big, Bad & Dirty (Buell XB12X Ulysses Adventure Board) » BB&D Archives » Archive through March 22nd, 2007 » Any Tips for Riding in Sand? « Previous Next »

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Hughlysses
Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 08:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've finally managed to ride my Uly on about 30 miles of dirt roads in the area in the last couple of weeks. One of the roads I was on parallels the Edisto River (here in coastal SC) and I found myself in pretty deep, loose river sand in a couple of locations. On my second trip, a dual-wheeled truck had recently been through and for some reason, this made the sand MUCH harder to negotiate. At one point, while riding at about 5 MPH the front wheel was even oscillating back and forth, almost like a tank slapper. After nearly dropping the bike, I stopped, gathered my wits and picked up the speed a little and things seemed to go better.

I'm just wondering if anyone can offer any tips or advice for riding in sand. Most of the roads I rode were fairly well graded with much firmer soil, but I never know when I'll run into a long patch of sand I have to negotiate.

Thanks in advance.
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Nutsosane
Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 08:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Keep your weight on the pegs and loosen your grip on the bars. If possible lowering the rear to 20 psi would do wonders for sand only rides. Allow the bike to float on through, it will. NUTS
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Hootis29
Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 08:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Stay loose, especially in the arms...

...and when it doubt GAS IT!!!... seriously.
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 08:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Don't!

It get's in you're butt crack and chaffes something awful!
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Birdmanrh
Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 11:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sand = Throttle.

It's the only way to go.
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Paochow
Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 09:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Also, No front brake in the soft stuff. Use your body/throttle to steer the bike rather than the bars. Accelerate sooner, brake later.
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Jackbequick
Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 09:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Get your butt back to take weight off the front wheel, maintain your grip but don't try to lock the bars with your forearms and biceps. Use the throttle to find a level of "mini tank slapper" that you're comfortable with.

Abrupt on and off throttle transitions can accelerate your anxieties.

There are (or were?) places out in California where that kind of riding could go on non-stop for miles at a time.

Jack
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Rubberdown
Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 09:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Come ride with me Hugh. After the Sandblast event I think I learned a few things.
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Etennuly
Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 06:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Stand up, keep your weight back, power on. Keep the front as light as possible, like trying to ride a perpetual wheelie attempt.
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Ft_bstrd
Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 09:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Come ride with me Hugh. After the Sandblast event I think I learned a few things.

Yup! ;)



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Danger_dave
Posted on Saturday, March 03, 2007 - 05:26 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My publisher always says.
'MOMENTUM IS YOUR FRIEND.'
dd
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Danger_dave
Posted on Saturday, March 03, 2007 - 05:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I also have to add - I don't like riding in or on loose sand on a Uly.

Cross it if I have to. Avoid it if I can.

Gimme a light 250 with good knobbies for recreation - on a big dual sport I reckon it's miserable.

you can get pretty much the same effect by letting almost all the air out of your tyres and riding up the street.

ooh - sorry not much help - momentum is your friend!

dd
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