Dirt Roads

[Dirtroad]

I live on a dirt road. In fact I have about seven miles to navigate before I can get to paved roads. I think the rain mapping setting with traction. I am just worried how the bike would hold up in what I would call good dirt road conditions. I would greatly appreciate any help from any one.
Thank you!

[Dirtroad]

Come on someone help!!! Aprilia has not even replied to the same question that I emailed them.

[pete roper]

Big fat tyres aren't the best on dirt but I've done a fair few Km on mine on unsealed roads and as long as they are well graded the biggest limiting factor, as in all things, is the cheap suspension.

Pete

[Dirtroad]

Pete,
Can I "beef up" the suspension? More aggressive tires maybe?
Thank you,
Mark

[mikelevitt]

I'm not an expert, but it would seem to be that some kind of adventure touring bike would be better. There's a lot of exposed stuff on the mana (chain, forks) that I think might be pretty easy to screw up with a bunch of mud from your roads. I've done plenty of driving on Michigan dirt roads (in a car!) and the mud really sticks to everything and is impossible to get off! My gut feeling is that the Mana was NOT at all intended for off road usage. And when the roads get all washboarded you are going to beat the hell out of the bike and your body...

I think it would handle just about how you would expect any street bike to handle on dirt. The stock tires are just about slicks and not at all suited to off road.

[Dragster pilota]

dirtroad in da house:
I live on a dirt road. In fact I have about seven miles to navigate before I can get to paved roads.

I have some real cool dirtroads around Mosta Hill that's why I built a lowered and geard for over 140kph YZ125 to terrorize them with and I also did some slippin & sliding with the Mana and all I can say is rain auto mode was made for the dirt, sure it's a bit big and heavy to really kick ass on dirt roads but it works. Everything will take a beating over dirt roads but if you keep it cleaned, the chain oiled and go over nuts & bolts every now and then it will easily hold up to some dirt road abuse....

DP says: Next dirt terror could be a Monster 900 with some heavy duty knobbies on, sounds real cool...

[Dirtroad]

DP, thank you for your help. I won't be tearing up the dirt roads but I would to go more than two miles and hour. I think your info and help has made my mind up. I think the Mana is for me!
Thank you!
Mark

[Dissident]

It'll have way more to do with your riding skills than the bike. I've seen K1200 BMWs in the dirt do just fine

[SilverFoxUno]

I agree with Dis - the only issue I can imagine is all the mud/dirt thrown up by the tires. Something like a fender extender on both the front and back should keep the grime off your machine. Other than that, I've been on some paved roads that were worse than some dirt roads. Just keep the tires down and the shiney side up...

[Dirtroad]

Do they make extenders for the Mana yet?

[Dirtroad]

All of you have been a great help to me.
Thank you very much!!