Curious if anyone with Std Ryker has tried it on Gravel FS Roads?

[AVBIZ]

Curious if anyone with a standard Ryker (600 or 900cc) has taken them on forest service roads? I know the Rally version buys me an extra inch of ground clearance, but can I accomplish the same with up-rated shocks on a standard model? I have a Versys X-300 to ride when out there with others, but I have a hip implant and would like to increase the margins of safety when out by myself exploring. Only looking to putz around at low speed - nothing crazy. I’m a little disappointed I don’t see more if any Ryker Rally videos on Utube rallying. As a matter fact, not too many recent Ryker videos at all on Utube.

 

[nightfalcon]

Some videos here you may not have seen https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrWbBdPH2wQjR7flNibKdFL1gMCX3yecP

 

[AVBIZ]

Some videos here you may not have seen https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrWbBdPH2wQjR7flNibKdFL1gMCX3yecP

Thanks for directing me to your videos Nightfalcon - very cool and informative. Looks like you have a '22 '23 model? Have you hit any limits with the ground clearance or single rear wheel drive?

 

[greer]

Avbiz,

I followed the recommendations of the folks here and swapped to 400 mm front shocks on my '22 Sport. Went from 5 1/2" clearance at the nose to 6 15/16". I've been on miles and miles of gravel, one particular road disintegrated into a rough and rocky trail. I took my time and picked my way, didn't have any trouble at all. Impressed the heck out of me, actually.

Sarah

 

[AVBIZ]

Avbiz,

I followed the recommendations of the folks here and swapped to 400 mm front shocks on my '22 Sport. Went from 5 1/2" clearance at the nose to 6 15/16". I've been on miles and miles of gravel, one particular road disintegrated into a rough and rocky trail. I took my time and picked my way, didn't have any trouble at all. Impressed the heck out of me, actually.

Sarah

Great info Sarah- thanks!

 

[greer]

Sure! I had lots of questions too, you might take a look at my old thread:

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?152076-How-can-I-make-a-900-more-Rally-like

I rode my bike up through the Yukon and into Alaska last year, I couldn't begin to count the miles of gravel, some of it rough as a cob.

Sarah

 

[AVBIZ]

Sure! I had lots of questions too, you might take a look at my old thread:

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?152076-How-can-I-make-a-900-more-Rally-like

I rode my bike up through the Yukon and into Alaska last year, I couldn't begin to count the miles of gravel, some of it rough as a cob.

Sarah

I’ll check it out- thanks for posting!

 

[nightfalcon]

Thanks for directing me to your videos Nightfalcon - very cool and informative. Looks like you have a '22 '23 model? Have you hit any limits with the ground clearance or single rear wheel drive?

I've found myself on a couple of rough roads with some 6 - 12inch rain ruts. I managed to get through them ok just nursing it along. The ground clearance is fine for the gravel roads I ride, it isn't made for enduro tracks....and neither am I any longer.

Traction has only become a problem on steep terrain if I loose momentum (stop) otherwise it's been fine. Throttle control has got me out of any trouble so far .... getting out of my depth a wee bit is part of the fun though :doorag:

They are great fun and the extra stability of a third wheel makes the fun a lot safer.

 

[AVBIZ]

Sure! I had lots of questions too, you might take a look at my old thread:

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?152076-How-can-I-make-a-900-more-Rally-like

I rode my bike up through the Yukon and into Alaska last year, I couldn't begin to count the miles of gravel, some of it rough as a cob.

Sarah

This is a VERY informative thread- the Administrator should make this a sticky

 

[SportsterDoc]

The Perkinsville Road in central Arizona got rougher from this point. (zoom in on the sign)
PRIMITIVE ROAD
Caution
Use at your own risk
This surface is not regularly maintained
Forest Service Road 492 / 71 / West Drake Road

Standard Ryker, before increasing shock length.
No issues.

View attachment 210254

 

[AVBIZ]

The Perkinsville Road in central Arizona got rougher from this point. (zoom in on the sign)
PRIMITIVE ROAD
Caution
Use at your own risk
This surface is not regularly maintained
Forest Service Road 492 / 71 / West Drake Road

Standard Ryker, before increasing shock length.
No issues.



View attachment 210254

Thanks for the detail looks like some fun riding out there!

 

[SportsterDoc]

The only time I had a clearance issue in ~6,000 miles was on a 1105-mile 6-day trip.
I pulled off the highway for a photo op at the Vermilion Cliffs sign enroute to Grand Canyon North Rim (same trip as Perkinsville Road area)
Getting back on the highway were two levels of asphalt (one newer layer added over older layer), which formed steps.
To avoid a possible traction issue, I approached at an angle to climb one front tire at a time.
It resulted in a very minor scrape. No damage, but that was the final decision to go to 400 mm front shocks.
The handling was VERY, VERY, VERY much better!



https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums...-000-feet&p=1545853&highlight=400#post1545853