8 QUICK TIPS for Adventure Motorcycle Riders

This video is the next best thing to spending an afternoon with professional adventure motorcycle riding instructor and guide Dusty Wessels. Learn a couple of quick lessons and listen to sage advice and a few opinions that will improve your skill and safety on your next adventure motorcycle journey.
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FOLLOW ON / mototrek.videos
CONNECT WITH DUSTY AT West38moto.com
MUSIC BY MATT JORGENSEN mattJorgensen.com
PRODUCED BY TIM TYLER timtyler.com
Body Position Videos • How To Fit Your Bike -...
00:00 Dusty's Tips and Opinions
00:10 Parking Offroad
01:12 Motorcycle Tires
02:42 Body Position
03:26 Clutch Control
04:30 Overpacking
05:20 The Tool
05:56 Hydration
06:23 Riding a BDR
#bdr #clutch #motorcycle #camping #skills #tires

[@MOTOTREK]

Dusty's tires are the TRACTIONATOR ADVENTURE

[@BayAreaMotorcycleCommuting]

This is by far my favorite motorcycle channel. These are great tips from someone who clearly knows his stuff - much appreciated

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad you like them!

[@carvalhonj]

I love videos like this, it makes you feel like a normal person and that I can achieve it compared to others who see me as far from achieving my goal. Thank you guys for everything you have done.

[@jameslee5428]

I love the quote; Just Go Out and Ride IT… PS that’s exactly what I did today grabbed my KTM 890, packed the credit card, water bladder, and got my 200 mile ride in. Great video. Be safe out there, and keep them coming.

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Good tipps and tricks, positive attitude, fun to watch and easily remembered. Go for a ride and enjoy. We're not into a race, we don't compete. Günter/Nürnberg

[@superconfort]

In my opinion Dusty is like Matt from off-road recovery. They are that kind of people that you feel attached instantly. They are my friends that I'll never met. I don't know what they have but I want it for myself. LOVE

[@a55edwards]

I've taken one of Dusty's classes and he's exactly the same in person as he is on camera. I highly recommend taking one if you can

[@superconfort]

@@a55edwards This will be soo difficult sadly. I'm from the Spain that is in Europe. Anyway thanks for the advice! Enjoy your opportunities Mr Edwards.

[@surlyfan]

@@a55edwards100% agree, took his class last summer. Solid guy!

[@The8hundreds1]

What a great Video! Short and on point. Great Job🙌

[@orangelion03]

Pretty much everything I have learned over the past six years of the ADV way, summed up in one great video. Really enjoy your work rusty, thanks!!

[@davidvincent3010]

Great bunch of advice. I like your style

[@AaronRadelow-eo6lu]

Dusty bro! Awesome video! I need to get out to Anza-Borrego, and down to OHV area right off S22. Tons of terrain to practice and play on. Close to the road if something goes sideways. Shaded picnic tables and sink toilets. Close to Calcite Mine road and other fun trails. West 38 classes are awesome!!! Looking at a book: California Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails. 🤘

[@BigRockMoto]

Awesome information and well presented

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad you liked it, Ian!

[@susanneschnitker6712]

Thank you Dusty!! Interesting and great!

[@sasquatchmoto]

Great points Dusty! We are always learning something from you, even if it's just reminders for good habits!

[@Louie_Ponce_Motography]

My favorite adventure motorcycle channel! Super casual, no pressure and great advice! 🇺🇸🌭

[@Glasshousebc]

Dusty, awesome as always. Thanks and have a great riding season. Up here in Western 🇨🇦, I’ve just got the bikes insured for the coming season 🎉

[@ph0rd]

Dude. I have a girlfriend and I want to keep her. This is not helping.

[@keepswinging5225]

Sounds like she needs a bike, and some bullshit about going on adventures together build stronger relationships. 😉

[@ph0rd]

@@keepswinging5225 she laughed hysterically when I read her your comment. Then she said, "so am I getting a bike? I like him." 😎

[@keepswinging5225]

Sounds like a keeper! 😁😎

[@kmwalsh84]

Side note. I learned from personal experience that even on pavement you should watch the angle you park on. One time I wasn't paying attention and parked on a rather steep hill with a heavy grade for rain fall and not only could not get my bike off the stand while on it, I found myself parked in a spot that I couldn't clutch out in first and ride on the peg, cowboy style and I couldn't exactly roll backwards do the the embankment. Ended up having to clutch walk it back up the hill until I could swing a leg over.

[@Jotni]

Great tips Dusty!

[@michaelflores7657]

Awesome tips Dusty! I totally overpacked for the 5 day Baja trip…I’ll do better next time!

[@The333]

Always great stuff from Dusty!

[@kee7678]

Great info!

[@dougsrepair1060]

All good points and well presented.

[@MeerkatADV]

All valid and important points.

[@allenhuling598]

Well done, guys.....thank you!

[@rbrown1339]

😆Best one yet Dusty! Hope to see you sometime soon this year!

[@luisecisneros]

Thank you... Very inspirational 👍👍

[@stevesmith6821]

Awesome video Dusty!

[@carlofernatti9144]

So very nice advices. Thanks

[@MarkoMarcello]

Great one.

[@gila-clifffirewood5796]

Dusty is the man. Thanks bud!

[@kennethvernonprivate]

Yes, yes, yes and yes......All the best from Canada!

[@lostinlamancha]

I agree with all of these points that Dusty makes. I lived off my 23' KTM 890R for 3 1/2 months and 10,000 miles last summer from NM to Canada and every state to the Pacific Ocean.. I trimmed my weight down to the bare minimum and was able to enjoy so many BDR and off road sections of riding because I wasn't overloaded. Washing my second pair of base layers in a stream, river or lake along the way in a dry bag with some suds is all you need. And if you bring a water filter you can get drinking water from many epic waterfalls along the way! I second the opinion on Motoz tires. Haven't tried the new Tusk 2Track yet but I hear good things. With Motoz Adventure I easily get 6000 miles of mixed usage. Rallz I get over 4000 and better offload traction. I usually run 30-32 PSI but will air up for really long highway stretches as Dusty mentions. Having a plan, communicating that plan with expected check in times, and a satellite communicator on your body is essential for many places like the Chihuahuan Desert, Mojave, Sonoran Desert and many remote mountain ranges out west. Just being able to check in at the end of a long day to text family or friends that the day ended ok can be part of that plan, not just waiting to use the device for a medivac. In addition to Dusty's great videos I recommend Chris Birch's "Say No To Slow" series and Adam Riemanns' channel. They both speak the same gospel. saynotoslow.nz/?_gl=1*1dfvblg*_up*MQ..*_ga*MzQxODU2ODE5LjE3MTE3NjMzMzM.*_ga_BN5BH3XNK5*MTcxMjg1NTU4MC41LjEuMTcxMjg1NjUyNi42MC4wLjA. kzbin.info/door/Y3mZIqfQh71JZBiWTQ3I7A Practice advancing your skills, get comfortable with a little extra weight of tools, spares and basic camping gear and go get lost out in the wilds. We're incredibly fortunate to have such an epic amount of landscapes at our fingertips here in America... Keep up the great videos Dusty, I've always enjoyed them the last several years. Sorry I didn't meet you in person at the Mosko Moto Dusty Lizard in Park City last September. By the time I heard you were there, the weekend was coming to an end and I was headed for Moab...

[@BlackThor15]

What an awesome video Dusty, by far one of the best I've seen to simply tell people to get your bike, get out there!! Thanks for sharing, keep it up, you're doing great! 👍👍

[@DustyBiker]

All excellent tips. Using layers is also key.

[@RustyShakelford781]

Lot of great tips here, thanks 🤘🤘

[@MishMashMoto]

This man speaks the truth! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@NZCycletherapy]

True words spoken with great delivery, educational and entertaining 😊

[@marcvanderpoel4521]

Cheers Dusty, another cool video! 🤙

[@BlueAlgon]

nice video. thx.

[@toltod]

what about carrying some spare parts (clutch lever), disabling that kickstand sensor so you don't get stranded. carrying a few oiled up airfilter socks in a sandwich bag. Other little things like that which can keep your BDR adventure going.

[@anandmoon5701]

Cool tips for offloading ❤

[@karlwebb8914]

Thanks for another great easy to understand "confidence building" video 👍😊 cheers Karl a newbie off-road rider in Oz 😊

[@gerardomusano6919]

Dusty i am a scooter rider that on my holidays i go around europe .I think you are great and love how you teach us my best video is the one you show what you always have on your bike .

[@Shake_and_Bake_Moto]

Excellent stuff! Keep it coming! It was so cool to randomly run into you and Tom T. in Baja at the gas station before Guerrero Negro and then again In San Ignacio 😊 (we were on the KTM's). Cheers!!

[@niltontravaglini8578]

Top Dusty. Entusiasta do off. Boas dicas. Abraço

[@andrewtreloar7389]

I'm with you Dusty, I love my Tractionators!

[@Met201101M]

Brilliant! Thanks, Dusty and everyone involved!

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome!

[@human1513]

It is also possible to get on the bike from the left side and this can be safer and advantageous in some situations.

[@aronwong2471]

very good video!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thank you very much!

[@rafaswierczynski]

You don't know how much i jealous your terrains... nice vid, make it simple -> ride!

[@owenlushadv]

Everything stated in this video, doesn’t get stated enough!!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Advlfe]

Great tips and great video production. Dusty is the best ! Keep ‘em coming.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Dragooadventuretales]

Good stuff Dusty, as always. See you in September pal!

[@MOTOTREK]

Hey, Bill - I would love if you could guest host a MOTOTREK episode! - Tim

[@endlessmilesrider6756]

Nice! 🤙

[@chriscleland7008]

Loved it! Great video. ❤

[@MOTOTREK]

Thank you!!

[@98tungnguyen]

Love all the Dusty's videos, feel so close !

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks!

[@billroberts9182]

I like it.

[@F1since79]

Watching your videos is great but riding with you is better, Dusty! Thanks for a great Baja ride that got me back at it after my mishap last year.

[@hansverhoeven5156]

man, you are so right

[@oPAULo711]

My old bones are ready to relinquish the mighty DRZ and move to something more comfy. Dusty gives me confidence I won't miss the 2X4 seat at all and will still get offroad.

[@turdferguson2863]

Rode my KLR from Canada down to matagorda island TX and I definitely overpacked, mailing some stuff home for sure

[@AdventureTomek]

I have to finally get myself a water bladder backpack, definitely not drinking enough water on rides.

[@cloydchiro]

All good advice! Loved the outro music too!

[@MOTOTREK]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@baldandbiking]

You didn't talk much about the fear part and I was hoping you'd elaborate a bit more on that. I think fear is the biggest obstacle for anything we do out there. It took me until my second year with my ADV before I would even attempt slippery gravel roads.

[@MrRickrm]

Hi Dusty. By far, you're a favorite to watch. I now have a big adventure bike, a CFMoto Ibex 800T. Already dropped it in the decomposed granite in southern California. I could not pick it up, even tried making some trenches for the tires to go into. Still slid sideways. Got help, thankfully. At 71 and so many injuries over the years, dirt naps are what I'm now afraid of. I do have a dirt bike, but it's not something to ride like. I want to go long-distance exploring on a trip. Where it may be 50 or 100 miles of highway to get where Im going. Like, hmm.where does that road go type of thing. It would be nice if you could do a video on other techniques besides trying to pick up a heavy beast alone. Thanks for being a normal person.

[@Zw1d]

nice vid as for the inreach, handy for non emergency communication, but there are so many cases of a failed emergency response I'm starting to think it's useless in that regard. PLB might be the only reliable emergency device.

[@baikerpiknik]

Sangat membantu

[@pigeonpallz1733]

Nebraska bdr please. Also you've learnt me so much and I thank ya for that

[@segsfault]

One personal tip is to not hesitate. I'm new to adv riding and saw a unpaved road, I hesitated and didn't take that road even tho I could've learned on it, don't hesitate and DO IT!

[@MOTOTREK]

Right on!

[@dairyguyicecreamturbosss8893]

ITs all about the stickers !!!!! :)

[@kevins.9547]

Great video - quick question others have asked, which specific Motoz tire setup front & rear do you run or do you mix them - ie, the Tractionator Adventure or Tractionator GPS? Thx and keep up the great videos 👍

[@johndyer7587]

Hooo-eee! Downright heretical! You've tackled some of the most cherished orthodoxies in the Church of ADV. Full-time knobbies? Hydration pack? InReach/Spot on the body? SITTING DOWN? People are gonna freak out! ;-) Good on ya, mate! Keep up the great work.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, John!

[@kuhndj67]

All good recommendations... some additional ideas to consider: -In the Continental US - don't carry food at all - dramatically lowers bear risk (to near zero), weight, and hassle. Note that to not attract the bears you really can't carry ANY food (no snacks and so on) on your bike at ANY time. Bears can smell even packaged food and from a LOT farther away than you'd think... and they won't know the difference between a snack you carried during the afternoon and one that's still there... they'll rip your gear up in either case. -Do pay a LOT of attention to expected weather (before you leave) as well as react to weather while riding. Excessive cold (below about 55f) and excessive heat (over about 100f) require preparation/planning pre-ride and adaptability during the ride. On the last 2 long US tours (one in May/June, one in Aug/Sept) I had to adapt to temps ranging from below freezing to over 104f. -BDR's are fun... do em! If you've not done one before then give yourself extra time over what the community reports (just in case). -If you're like me and like to ride a bit hard on dirt... then get a feel for the ride and strike a balance between fun and risk. On my last TAT ride I was super excited so came out hot... and dumped twice in the first 2 days, once because of wildlife and the second on silt hidden ruts. After that I dialed back the ride (average speed dropped from near 50 to around 42... not huge but significant) and over the remainder of the ride only had one zero speed mishap (wrong turn on Engineer Pass, dropped it trying to back up). Still had a ton of fun but did so with reduced major mishap risk. What's cool is that you WILL get a feel for how much risk you're taking after a week or so. (this is for dirt... if I'm on tarmac I am much more conservative since accidents tend to be more dramatic) -Plan for service - I schedule knobby replacement at 2000-2500 miles, and oil services as needed (at the same time for my 701), generally knobbies have life left at 2k but if you're at service then do them early instead of pushing them. I also ran MotoZ's but switched to MT21/D606 because they're better on dirt... but the MotoZ's were a great balance of durability and performance.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks for the comprehensive comment!

[@morixa]

Can you do an episode on what is possible offroad with a pillion with you? Thanks

[@waldo_s]

I always carry more water than I think I need. You never know what might happen…

[@emfarfan]

Thanks man, great stuff packed into 10min! If you were in Cali recently, how would one find out?

[@Lukediver66]

I love all your suggestion...go ride!

[@filseyphill]

The former thruhiker in me is onboard with your message. Except Merino wool. I think Patagonia Capilene is the far better material. Way more durable, just as breathable and if you are washing one and wearing the other the synth vs wool argument goes out the window. Also... You need a separate set of sleep clothes you must always keep dry. If you wash clothes the night before and then ride all day in the rain, you still need dry clothes to sleep in!

[@sCiphre]

Synthetic ( capilene ) stinks to high heaven, so definitely not.

[@filseyphill]

@@sCiphre hard disagree with any effort to wash your clothes regularly.

[@sCiphre]

@@filseyphill i can't wear them more than a few minutes tbh

[@filseyphill]

@@sCiphre that sounds like a personal comfort issue. I wear them every day for the last decade. No odor issue with regular cleanliness and personal hygiene. Wore them on my AT thru hike too. Of course, then they get smelly, but so does merino wool when you live in the same shirt 7 days at a time.

[@jcknepp]

Good stuff! I believe I just met you in Moab at the area BFE hard enduro! Any footage from there?

[@user-uk5qz9ui6p]

Great tips! Not always obvious, see ya in the desert

[@hillkiran]

The. Africa Twin. has the worst kick stand. So much of my stopping involves looking for a good place so the bike won't tip over or that I won't be able to get the bike back up again! (I am short so its hard to get leverage to put the bike straight when it is leaned over a lot)

[@achappstube1]

Great tips Dusty! Which model Tractionators are you running on the big unit? Both the same for front and rear?

[@MOTOTREK]

TRACTIONATOR ADVENTURE

[@discoveror9576]

WELL put, Lad. Which flavor Tractionators do you run? Thanks - for the input.

[@MOTOTREK]

TRACTIONATOR ADVENTURE

[@thechance123]

I have a ktm 690 would that wear the tries a lot to run say 23 psi? About 20-40 miles

[@jimgerace1746]

Where do we get the n reach emergency device?

[@mrt4755]

i did the WA BDR and as far as difficulty it really was mostly boring a couple spots were maybe intermediate difficulty even baby head hill wasn't that bad if you just commit and im a noob on a KLR

[@MOTOTREK]

Great. Baby Head Hill has good seasons and bad seasons. Glad you made it!

[@adventuremulemoto]

High quality H2O! 😁

[@lukalu2221]

Do you pack a fire Extinguisher ?

[@Sup3rCRF]

From the motoz tires I've seen, the max pressures are actually lower than 42psi. I found, I like to use this formula. GAWR (front or rear) ÷ (Tire max load ÷ max pressure). Example : 2020 CRF1100 fronts stock dunlop GAWR(346LB)÷(ML 467LB ÷ 41PSI MAX) = 30.3PSI Motoz GAWR (346lb)÷(ML(467lb)÷33psi max) = 24.4PSI. *i use it as a base line pressure, but these specs pulled off tires I had on hand

[@Sup3rCRF]

The GAWR and recommended pressures are almost always found on the VIN sticker. Hondas, harleys, can-am, etc

[@pcat1378]

Please tell me what those wing mirrors are fitted to this GS?? They seem so much better that the OEM!!

[@MOTOTREK]

Touratech sells them.

[@chipper7711]

Tractionator GPS tires?

[@k0in0kl]

I dropped my bike 1st time because of wrong parking. Just a bit pointing downhill and I had to reverse to get out and failed.😂

[@LYLEWOLD]

What do you keep in your backpack during your daily rides? How much water, what else?

[@MOTOTREK]

The Mosko bladder holds 3L. Also keep a hat and walkie talkie in the backpack.

[@markwilliams1481]

Water! Drink enough water to pee multiple times a day. That's how know you have enough. Anyone can last a day or two being short on water. If you want to stay alert and responsive to changing conditions stay hydrated. That's coming from a former grunt in the Marines who was never a heat casualty but treated many.

[@the88tlc]

speaking the gospel....

[@chiptaxfree]

What tractionator tires specifically do you use?

[@MOTOTREK]

TRACTIONATOR ADVENTURE

[@gregc6661]

Can you share which hydration pack you are using?

[@MOTOTREK]

Mosko Wildcat, Greg.

[@QuinnEdwards1]

Which Tractionator model of tire? There are four models. The Adventure or gps?

[@MOTOTREK]

TRACTIONATOR ADVENTURE

[@garyxiong6771]

longtime no see

[@backcountry4life]

Which Tractionator? GPS, Rallz, Adventure, Desert H/T?

[@MOTOTREK]

TRACTIONATOR ADVENTURE