8 Proven Sand Riding Tips for ADV Motorcycle Riders

Making a video about sand riding tips for ADV motorcycle riders has been on my to-do list for too long. So today, we dive into my favorite activity on my ADV motorcycle ... sand riding!
As an ADV motorcycle coach, I often have clients ask me to teach them how to ride sand. Sand riding can be both thrilling and challenging, and it's essential to have the right skills to tackle this terrain with confidence.
00:00 Overview of tips
01:19 Tip 1 Momentum
02:22 Tip 2 Reading Sand
03:40 Tip 3 Vision
04:28 Tip 4 Body Position
05:23 Tip 5 2nd Gear
06:07 Tip 6 Stopping
06:46 Tip 7 Tire Pressure
08:05 Tip 8 Walk the Bike
08:26 Conclusion & Bloopers
Here are my 8 essential tips for ADV motorcycle riders to master sand riding:
1. Use Momentum Wisely
When riding your ADV motorcycle in sand, it's important to know how to use momentum wisely. We need to power through sections of soft or challenging sand and then get back to a comfortable speed. If you ride too fast, it can be overwhelming for your brain to process everything that is going on. At some point, you will run out of speed or skillZ.
2. Read the Sand
Reading the sand is an essential skill for sand riding and becomes easier with experience. Learn to look for motorcycle routes that avoid soft or deep sand, and use your peripheral vision to anticipate changes in texture. Understanding the terrain can help you identify when and how to increase your momentum and what body positioning is needed.
3. Use Good Vision
Good vision is crucial when riding an ADV motorcycle in sand. Use a visor or goggles to avoid to protect your eyes. Look ahead to find the best route possible and maintain a safe distance from other riders to avoid dust clouds.
4. Use Correct Body Position
Correct body positioning is essential for maintaining balance and control when riding in sand. Active balance, weighting the correct foot peg instantly when the bike wobbles can keep you upright and online. This is where having the lower legs in contact with the bike is essential.
5. Choose the Right Gear
Choosing the right gear can make a big difference when riding in sand. Second gear is my most common gear for restarting the bike. A higher gear can be used on straightaways or hardpack sand to maintain momentum.
6. Adjust Tire Pressure
Adjusting the motorcycle tire pressure is crucial when riding in sand. Lowering the tire pressure provides a larger contact patch and increases traction. However, be cautious not to lower the pressure too much, as it may cause the tire to come off the rim.
7. Know Where to Stop
Stopping in sand can be tricky. Look for a flat, hard surface to stop the bike and avoid stopping on a slope or soft sand with the front tire higher than the rear tire.
8. Know When to Walk
Sometimes walking the bike can be more efficient than trying to ride the bike in deep or soft sand. Taking your body weight off the bike can help prevent it from getting stuck and making more work for yourself. Knowing when to walk the bike is essential for sand riding. Walk the bike in as straight a line as possible and keep your legs from getting caught up in the bike or slipping on the soft sand as the rear tire spins.
In conclusion, mastering sand riding is essential for ADV motorcycle riders who wish to explore remote areas. By using these 8 essential tips, riders can conquer sand riding with confidence and enjoy the thrill of the ride.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so start slowly and gradually build your skills. With patience and perseverance, you can become an expert in sand riding and enjoy the freedom and adventure of off-road riding.
If you would like more information on riding sand, be sure to read our blog post “Sand Riding and Throttle Use on a Big ADV Motorcycle”
advmotoskills.com/sand-riding...
We use and recommend:
Lone Rider Gear - bit.ly/34xJGRW
SBVTools - bit.ly/3M2sUhu
Motoz Tires motoz.com.au/
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[@TimothyGreen-ko2vm]

Really detailed video, the best sand riding video I have seen. Some of this I understood but it provided a lot more, particularly the different riding of the dune faces. Slowing down clutch is something I will try from now on.

[@advmotoskillz]

Thank you for letting me know you liked the video! Sand riding is a passion of mine, and I wanted to share some of the techniques I have found helpful in learning how to get out there and actually enjoy riding it.

[@SFUndertaker]

Mad skills. Thank you for sharing.

[@advmotoskillz]

🤝 Thanks! It was fun to put it together and hope it helps motivate riders to get out htere.

[@ForTheLoveOfWheels]

Amazing and very helpful video! Having been there in those dunes riding with you during our training, its so cool to see this and have all your teachings repeated!

[@advmotoskillz]

Thanks! It was very fun to ride with you and can't wait to see videos of what other fun things happen on your travels.

[@ivanalvarez4327]

Thank you!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@advmotoskillz]

🤝 Thanks for watching.

[@Fatcatmotoworks]

Saving this.. i live in Kuwait and the desert is all around my house.. so as a begginer its kinda scary to ride solo.. 🤲🏻👍🏻👍🏻 thanks

[@advmotoskillz]

Lucky to have all that sand to ride!

[@The333]

Great post. Amazing skills on that big GS. Bravo.

[@advmotoskillz]

🤝 Thak you!

[@ADVdiary]

So much to learn from your videos, respect! Cheers from Middle_east_adv

[@advmotoskillz]

Many thanks! Appreciate you taking the time to comment and let us know 🙌

[@JulietHotelFoxtrot]

I always wondered where you ride so much flowing sand. Never would have guess Dubai. Sand is one of those things that, as a total beginner, will terrify and panic the rider. But you're right, once you get a feel for it, and just let go of being in total control, it becomes really zen.

[@advmotoskillz]

It is a great feeling getting in that flow out there! Such a fun surface to ride on because that sand is always shifting around underneath your tires. Keeps you on your toes 👍🏻😎

[@bobjohnson1633]

Just got my first bike, a scrambler 1200xc. Looks like I need some bars, them I'm.good to start trying the loose stuff.

[@advmotoskillz]

Going straight to the fun stuff! I like it. Be sure to check out our video " How to Stand while Riding Off-Road Motorcycle" kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXbTYoinhNGaqdU

[@gorongo4202]

One tip I learned was to stay off the clutch and instead modulate the throttle as you move through deep sand. This allows for conserved momentum and control when the grip increases or decreases. Seems to work great for me. Silt is still the worst.

[@advmotoskillz]

Silt is definitely the most difficult to ride. 😅 Just to clarify… in the video, we also recommend throttling for forward momentum and gently rolling off to allow the sand to act as a brake as needed. The use of the clutch comes into play when you need to QUICKLY slow the bike, like when rapidly riding up a dune and about to transition the cresting point, or just before going over a drop. The abrupt cut in power allows the sand to quickly act as a brake and with correct body positioning it minimizes overloading the bike’s suspension as compared to applying the brakes or rapidly rolling off the throttle. Thanks for the comment!!

[@thamhayat9733]

Awesome video !!!! Thanks 👍👍👍👍

[@advmotoskillz]

Glad to hear you liked it! Thanks for letting us know.

[@davidrahbany]

Stellar tips. Impressive riding!

[@advmotoskillz]

🤝 Thank you! Hope it inspirse to to practice and enjoy riding even more.

[@bradb2514]

Excellent! 👍👍👍

[@advmotoskillz]

🤝 Thanks for letting us know you liked it!

[@akepettersson4847]

Like it ! 🤝

[@advmotoskillz]

🤝 Thank you! Hope you get some fun summer rides in.

[@greatfallskam]

I'm in. Love video. Keep them coming.

[@advmotoskillz]

Thanks! We have a U-turn video coming out this weekend 👍🏻

[@grootkaroo9721]

Nice ,thanks

[@advmotoskillz]

Thanks for letting us know you liked it!

[@orpaztron]

I'm with a 790 ADV wearing Pirelli STR and it seems to me that it would be very difficult to ride this tire in soft sand with a big adventure. I hope that one day Abraham's records will expand and I will be able to ride to you straight from home along the coast line :) Keep up the good work.

[@advmotoskillz]

Thank you!

[@northeastadventuremotorcycleri]

Great video, thanks for your tips!

[@advmotoskillz]

👏🏻👏🏻 Glad you liked the video! Sand is a passion of mine so always excited to see others who are interested in it.

[@twobikesandadrone]

Fantastic video!! Can't wait to share this on my YT and Instagram channels! Thanks!!!

[@advmotoskillz]

thanks for the feedback and always appreciate the share 🤝

[@skippynj1979]

This is great stuff.. I'm in jersey and have the pinelands... been practicing in there and those are some great tips I hope to employ.

[@advmotoskillz]

That is great you have an area to practice. I think that is the biggest challenge for most riders. The way to get better at sand is to have the ability to ride a lot of it. Keep us posted on your progres!

[@skippynj1979]

@advmotoskillz I will.. I'm having so much on my r1250gsa I'm picking up an aprillia tuareg... I'm hooked. After years of road riding and track, being out in the middle no where is just so much fun..

[@advmotoskillz]

@@skippynj1979 I can completely relate! I started riding later in life and for the first 10 years road Harleys… so the ideas of riding in gravel, never mind standing up was a real revelation in what you can do on a bike.

[@2wheelswings]

excelent mate!

[@advmotoskillz]

🤝 Thanks! Hope you have some fun sand adventures ahead.

[@Iaapwm]

Absolutely awesome compact straight to the key points. All covered in 9 minutes. You reminded me of what I did at 20. I knew where I wanted to go, although the bike did not always face that way and the SEAT always look brand new. As we get older with toooo much Road riding, we tend to forget those key points you highlighted, plus we were tooo reckless to understand anything at 20 anyway🤣. Much appreciated from Lismore NSW Australia

[@advmotoskillz]

Thanks for taking the time to let us know you liked the video! Sand riding (especially in the dunes) is a passion of mine that I like to share. I hope to do some follow up videos on each of the tips we mentioned. 👍🏻

[@Iaapwm]

@@advmotoskillz Thanks for your comment. In my youth we all learnt how to fall. We just accepted that it was part of riding, therefore we could push and test our skills. Wet or Dry, we knew what to do. The best suspension system we had,,,, were our legs and arms. Modern bikes have too much technology that makes us complacent. I really like the yellow lines to indicate where to look and the movement/positioning of the body whilst riding. That part of your video brought back memories. You are doing a great job,,,,,, lots of visual samples,,,, Thanks.

[@advmotoskillz]

@@Iaapwm Thanks Walter! Certainly, computer aids cut both ways. They do make riders safer on the one hand but on the other... compliancy on relying on them can stunt your development, especially with all the throttle control modes. 😅 We are thrilled to finally have some support from Down Under! You guys have a great riding and adventure history there. Hope you get some rides in this winter😉

[@wallieshere]

defnitely have to be on top of your game. I went 100m in sand and was so tired expending all my energy. can't get over the fear of the front sliding

[@advmotoskillz]

Sand is something that is best learned/practiced in small steps. Like you said, it can be energy draining. Even on a successful ride through some dunes, say a 40-45 minute clean run (no stuck or tip over scenarios) the lungs and heart have had a good workout😅 it takes a good level of physical fitness

[@wallieshere]

@@advmotoskillz thanks for the advice. Much appreciated, time to go out practise.. practise!

[@advmotoskillz]

@@wallieshere 🤜🤛

[@ryanmalone2681]

That’s pretty impressive riding.

[@advmotoskillz]

🤝 Thank you! Having so much sand available to ride here in Dubai, I figured I should get good at it😅. Now, its my favorite surface to ride on.

[@ryanmalone2681]

@@advmotoskillz I’m just about to do the Georgia loop portion of the Southeast Adventure tire Trail, here in the US of A, and apparently there is a ton of sand. It’s 1,600 miles through Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. I’m also doing it on a GS (Adventure). Never ridden sand so it’s gonna be hard and I appreciated the video. Even downloaded it to refer back to it in the middle of nowhere struggling with the sand!

[@advmotoskillz]

That sounds like a great trip! The best way to get better at riding sand... is to ride more sand, so it will be a great experience for sure. I always tell my clients that when it comes to sand... there are always going to be tip-overs and instances of getting stuck, it is just a part of riding sand.@@ryanmalone2681

[@Humbalaba]

Thanks a lot for an amazing video! Just a question regarding to throttle control to maintain momentum, some guys continuously increase-reduce the throttle (like doing a lot of rapid blips) while I also saw the others generally maintain high throttle and regulate the power delivery via clutch. Which one do you prefer? Riding a Tiger 900 Rally, when needing to keep moving forward, I personally find doing lots of throttle blips continuously works better for me...When constantly keeping the throttle wide open, the bike tended to loose its momentum very fast... Thanks again!

[@advmotoskillz]

Thanks for letting us know you liked the video! I prefer to “blip” as you describe. 👍🏻 Rolling on the throttle to lift and push the bike through sections of sand and rolling off the throttle to allow the sand to act as a brake. Feathering the clutch in and out while the engine is at high revs will wear things out quickly.

[@lefterisbampaidis5446]

Questions: *2nd gear even on a low power bike? (250-650cc) *My bike's recommended tire pressures are 29psi front and rear. How much lower would you recommend? (tube)

[@advmotoskillz]

Typically on smaller bikes starting in first gear is ok👍. Depends on how the gearing is set up. On my Kove 450 Rally, I find myself in first gear frequently on re-starts or technical slow stuff. The 450 KTM bikes I've ridden... second gear starts. For sure, all the "adventure" bikes I've riden in sand- 2nd gear re-starts. Try your bike in second gear, if it boggs down, go with 1st. I don't like to ride on a soft tire. I find when the sidewall is squirming around it masks what I want to actually be feeling from the traction side of things. Try going to 20psi and see how that feels.

[@lefterisbampaidis5446]

@@advmotoskillz Thank you.

[@advmotoskillz]

👍🏻 Let me know how you do out there in the sand.

[@NomadOnGS]

Thanks a lot Michael really appreciated it.. I watched all your videos which helped me a lot raising my skills.. Quick question.. with luggage the bike get heavy of course.. I found it a little hard last time when I was on a trip to ride sand.. same tips for body position and momentum applied too ?

[@advmotoskillz]

Yes, same tips. Have to be very careful with "foot dabbing" (putting a foot down) with saddlebags though. They can run up the back of your leg quickly and possibly injure it.

[@NomadOnGS]

@@advmotoskillz Thanks for the reply.. I always use soft bags panniers for this reason as you mentioned. Keep the awesome tips we are learning from you 🙏

[@advmotoskillz]

@@NomadOnGS I find riding a loaded bike reaction times are always a bit slower. So, this makes line selection even more important.

[@prasadak23]

Hey bro. What tool you use to inflate tyre? How it get connected to bike if you dont have usb socket in bike.

[@advmotoskillz]

I like to use a rechargeable battery inflator for quick changes. Nice not to have to hassle with electric cords or removing plastic panels to get to the battery for a quick couple of psi…

[@prasadak23]

any recommended brand bro for rechargable batttery inflator

[@VJD-15]

What tires do you use in such deep sand?

[@advmotoskillz]

I like to have a bit of a knobby tire. I've enjoyed using Shinko 805, Motoz Tractionator. and Pirelli Scorpion tires. If the sand isn't extremely dry even a more road bias tire like the Mitas EO6 is good.

[@advmotoskillz]

My favorite tire to use is the Motoz 🤙

[@VJD-15]

Interesting comment. One bike shop I use in NY refuses to sell non-premium tires and does not recommend the MotoZ for various reasons. So I’ll probably order the Anakee Wild or the AX41, not sure yet. Of course, riding in the NE states is very different from riding in sand all day long.

[@advmotoskillz]

@@VJD-15 I have a friend who loves the Anakee Wild👍🏻 Over Covid, Motoz had some production issues but that’s been all sorted and I can tell you that the tires are great

[@cjjorge6636]

this man is right on point i live /ride in yuma az / winter haven ca and have been for a long time lots of sand

[@advmotoskillz]

Thanks 🤝 Always great to hear from a fellow lover of sand riding!