8 tips for first time and new adventure riders

Iceland training link: icelandtraining.corsizio.com/
This video covers many of questions new ADV riders ask before going offroad... do I need knobby tires? What air pressure do I need? Is it ok to sit? Can I use the front brake and many more.
www.Patreon.com/Join/BretTkacs
www.BretTkacs.com
Boots: Sidi Crossfire 3
Jacket/Pants: Rev'it! Defender 3
Helmet: Shoei Duotech
Glasses: Arclite
Tires: Dunlop Trailmax Mission
Drone: Skydio 2
Camera: Sony ZV-1

[@ElDuderino999]

That “Bubba Bret” character made my day! 😂

[@revilok8698]

A bit over used but still funny, the 1st time. Only needed it for the first example or two, but then it got old after that. Great content to the video however. Very informative.

[@Brumsey99989]

Bret continues to perform the most epic helmet to hat transition technique on KZbin. Thanks for another great video!

[@neiltolhurst7329]

Yup, he's very good at that and did it again at 12:29.

[@SsiolisP]

I agree, Bret knows things. Like listening to a granny detail her homemade apple pie recipe, instead of a commercial shouting about how good a microwave dinner is.

[@BretTkacs]

🤣

[@Gismo3333]

That is only his normal signature move. You should see when he turns of the bike in speed… set down the side stand, take right leg over on the left side… stops the bike, on the side stand and run of the bike. And take of his helmet running of the bike. By the time you have gotten of your bike… He have his camp set up… and had dinner already… That is impressive… You have not see anything yet… Serious take, you should see the other videos, if you have not. There is so much to learn in every video he makes. It is so clear, and he has picked apart all the dumb things every other person have said to you, that don't work. This is just the start. But a good one…

[@BretTkacs]

☺️

[@ElDuderino999]

Considering the dropping fear of new riders: With the first new and shiny bike it’s the same as with the first new and shiny smartphone, the first new and shiny car, the first new and shiny ‘everything’ -> when used properly, it won’t stay new and shiny for long. Get over it and start practicing the tipping over and the dropping early on in a safe spot (dunes, sand or gravel pits, soft grasslands, etc. ). You build muscle memory of getting your foot out of the way and simply ‘letting go’ when passing a point of no return. It’s about getting YOU out undamaged, not the bike! But through practice also the bike will get harmed way less than in a panic reaction.

[@BretTkacs]

True

[@RollinwithRoland]

Couldn't agree more. One of the most important skills I feel is learning when to bail and how to disperse energy/tuck and roll or slide depending on the surface traction.

[@ElDuderino999]

@@RollinwithRoland I think that getting to know how to roll off on different surfaces (= knowing it WILL hurt, but not nearly as much as getting your shins pinned under a 500 pound lever) is the first step to letting go in the first place. What I often see is a combination of trying to avoid scratching/damaging the shiny bike AND trying to avoid ‘kissing dirt’ yourself fearing the pain. Once at least the physical hurting has been dealt with in training it’s much easier to deal with the ‘emotional trauma’ of damaging the bike (and realizing it’s just lifeless matter, not worth holding on to with health or dear life.)

[@enduromotorradtouren]

I really like how you bust certain myths while at the same time giving straightforward advice. A big thumbs up, Günter/Nürnberg

[@ElDuderino999]

12:27 that was the ninja-est of NINJA cap swaps, Bret!

[@Gismo3333]

That is only his normal signature move. You should see when he turns of the bike in speed… set down the side stand, take right leg over on the left side… stops the bike, on the side stand and run of the bike. And take of his helmet running of the bike. By the time you have gotten of your bike… He have his camp set up… and had dinner already… That is impressive… You have not see anything yet… Serious take, you should see the other videos, if you have not. There is so much to learn in every video he makes. It is so clear, and he has picked apart all the dumb things every other person have said to you, that don't work. This is just the start. But a good one…

[@ElDuderino999]

@@Gismo3333 I know all his swaps, but this one is some serious street magic level of illusion

[@bigmikes901adventures]

Thanks Bret! As a new adventure rider and being 61 I really appreciated this video tutorial it will help me a lot when venturing off road…..great content👍🏼

[@KamikazeJoeNYC]

See you March 16th Bret!

[@matsnaslund2940]

Entertainment de Luxe. Well done Bret!

[@AdventureGlide]

I always love the tire pressure videos. It never gets old. Thanks for sharing the Tips, Bret. You are always on Point.

[@doc650adventures]

AGC! Cheers Brother!!

[@AdventureGlide]

@@doc650adventures Hey Doc

[@YSPDJapan]

I set it at 30/30 and go ride. The knobs do what they do and if I crash it it's on me, I could have ridden slower 😂 No excuses

[@GS_Johnny_ADV]

Such great advice for us street crossovers. Coming from hundreds of thousands of street miles over the years and new to adventure (us newbs thinking our dirt bike experience as a kid still works), I took my GS off road the first day on the way home and fell over in the FL sand after about ten feet. After watching your videos I can make it almost fifteen feet before I fall off, but I’m smiling!

[@bobjohnson1633]

I'm a new rider and I took my scrambler 1200 off-road in the Florida sand and I had no issues. Keep up that momentum. Lol

[@49Roadmaster]

That video had a lot of great useful information in it. I will have to think about what I just watched and rewatch the video again later to make sure I have all of your points correct. Thanks again!

[@TaterGrabbinBass]

The helmet peak isn’t just for sun, it’s useful for riding behind someone and blocking roost or lowering your head getting through some single track that has some hanging small branches. The one thing I’ve found is that a modular helmet is such a treat because you can cool down fast easy, stop and drink or just cool down while getting gas without taking the helmet on and off but still getting a lot of airflow. Modular helmets are the way to go and they don’t look like the big clumsy helmets of old, some you can’t even tell that they’re modular and they look great.

[@fayettmaynard9017]

Whoo Hooo Bubba Brent! I knew your Carolina (Alabama?) roots would show thru eventually! Good stuff...I have been running Anakee 90/10's for 22k ...lost of dirt...nor problem. Lots of riders thought I was crazy. If I had a nickel every time I heard "good luck" or you rode that road?!? ha.

[@seanvarvel]

The “Air Down” dilemma continues 😂😂😂

[@BretTkacs]

😂🤣😃

[@carlosroldan8864]

This videos have helped me a lot as a new rider. But what amazes me the most is your ability to switch from helmet to hat. Seems almost like a magic trick

[@SimonBrisbane]

Another quality video. Clear and easily understood. Thanks Bret!

[@lewybody]

Thanks for your years of great content, Bubb Bret. Always helpful, and always good to be reminded, even if you're not new to this rodeo.

[@baldandbiking]

Wish he would come to Canada!

[@BretTkacs]

I am 774km from the CA border... 😁 My WA location is very near BC and Virginia is within striking distance on the east coast

[@baldandbiking]

@@BretTkacs Some of us got caught with one joint 35 years ago :(

[@twistieonbass]

Thanks for the great advice. I learn so much from your videos.

[@richholub3198]

I've been watching and learning for quite a while, first saw you on mototrek. With no bs experienced instructors like you, and getting out putting it into practice I get so much more out of each ride. Enjoying where I am, enjoying the challenge of always improving. Thanks. Step up guys and gals, keep Brett working for us.

[@markhollidge8514]

As a novice off-road rider, I have been appreciating this channel for some months now, but this video is absolutely outstanding. Clear, informative and entertaining. Thanks Bret!

[@BretTkacs]

Welcome aboard!

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

Great video Bret, five thumbs up👍👍👍👍👍

[@sherrycook7043]

Your vids just keep getting better and better, this is the best yet for new off-pavement riders and even those of us that received their off-pavement directions from Bubba. Your teaching style works great for me and I'm going to now look for my happy place. Thank you!

[@davidjmichaud4422]

Always informative, and fun . Thanks.

[@NoahWyka]

Awesome video! When I first started riding off road, I watched a lot of your videos here and over at Mototrek, and it's made a huge difference in my progression and safety off road! Thanks for the straightforward content, it's keeping riders safe!

[@GeorgiParvanov81]

Great video as usual! Really like your videos and style! Keep up the great work! Greetings from Bulgaria! 👍😊

[@vijayam1]

This man truly champions for the biker kind. Thanks for all that you do Bret!

[@filshop]

Thk U! You teach me a lot! Impossible to miss a video. Cheers from Portugal.

[@timhamilton5699]

Love your work Bret! You and Fortnine are the fastest clicks on KZbin when new viseos post. Thank you,

[@RollinwithRoland]

I know those feels. Bret, Fortnine, Kyle and Shadetree Surgeon... hah!

[@michaelbenson2024]

Brett Your video for newbies was most informative.The info on boots was very helpful.

[@allenhuling598]

Great video Brett, thanks! Appreciated the comments regarding gear, and tho I now have good boots, I had to learn that one the hard way.....I think your comments on that aspect were spot on! Cheers!

[@0616ko]

Thank you for the useful tips and great video presentation.

[@endangeredmarmot4518]

This is a super valuable video - everyone who wants to ride dirt should be watching this. So many lessons here I wish I had when started, probably would have saved me a TON of effort

[@virendradr]

thank sir.i love your teaching and style straight from the heart all the best for your joyful adventures

[@NorthWestMotos]

10/10 on a good pair of boots. Had the bike pinned between my foot and a tree stump and I'd like to think my foot isn't broken because I was wearing motocross boots. Thanks for the great video!

[@joeybobbie1]

Thanks Bret for all the work you do Teaching all the Rights and Wrongs of Adventure Riding. I have learned Tons from you. Looking forward to the next one.👍👍❤️

[@JulioVillavicencio-ru2sn]

Thank you. Great tips, specially the picking it up from the ground.

[@andreb6130]

Thank you for the video content. As a beginner I find it very helpfull to understand my bikes response.

[@JGKohlenberg]

Nice video Bubba ;) I loved the “happy place” tip ! Makes this mindset memorable ✌️

[@frankvanhoof4509]

Bret - I love your videos. Such clear, straight forward, no BS advice. This is one of the better ones - so much crap out there about 'what you need'. Excellent stuff!

[@bullsfan3705]

Excellent, thanks for all the great advice!

[@c10204]

Great video. Helped put some of the stuff I've heard into perspective.

[@GeezerWheels]

Thanks LOADS, Bret!!! I always respect your expertise and opinions. I road just a few times growing up then got way into bikes about age 65 (now 74). I've ridden off pavement and off road (rough Jeep trails, etc.) and have now done about 1/2 of the TransAmerica Trail. I have only "aired down once, - my very first trip on mountain passes near Silverton, CO. All I accomplished was scrubbing my sidewalls. Aired UP the next morning. Never "aired down" since. I ride a Husaberg FE390, a Kawasaki Versys X300 and a newer Vstrom 650XT and have never run anything but suggested pressure. My weekly rides are about 33% off pavement (I live on gravel county roads) and the rest pavement - I live 5 miles from the nearest pavement. I DO like appropriate tires: hybrid trials on the Berg for really rough stuff, Mitas E07+ on the X300 and still factory BattleAx A40s on the Strom. Thanks loads for sharing this info. There is so much misinformation and misunderstanding out there about tires pressures! And thanks for ALL your vids - I'm sort of addicted. GeezerWheels, in SW Colorado

[@user-xj9xu1uh5n]

Thanks for the video, fun and educational at the same time! Excellent!

[@MotoNiz]

Excellent tips, I've been new to adventure riding this last year, and have watched this over a number of times to improve my skill. Agree that money on boots well spent. Laid my Bike down hard on my ankle last week and definitely saved me a trip to my friendly orthopod! Thanks Bret, you're videos are awesome!

[@darrenstibbard6773]

I’ve been a follower for a long time and I’ve been using your techniques to ride my bmw 800gsa with street tires off road for years. I just recently switched to Dunlop Trailmax missions and my confidence and ability has skyrocketed. However, I don’t think I would be where I am without learning on street tires first. Appreciate your advice and it really does work. Doesn’t matter what you have, it’s all technique. I’m amazed at what I’ve actually done with street tires. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@MototechWanderer]

Another masterpiece... Great great information. Totally loved it! ❤️

[@Avensur]

As always Bret, excellent and a must video, and that be me, new adventure rider. Got a lot of value info and tips. Wonderful teacher. Thanks 👍

[@CharlesLindsay1]

“Bubba Bret” deserves his own uniform

[@kawabungah20]

Excellent. This video really helped me. I learned a lot. Thank you!

[@VeloceOrangeDesign]

Great video and instruction, this was massively helpful. I am transitioning from street bikes to ADV, and have no experience riding a motorcycle off road, only experience racing mountain bikes and cyclocross competitively. All the concepts you reviewed made so much sense and my ears perked up because I heard so many similar concepts discussed to what I hear from coaches and expert/pro riders in enduro and trial MTB races. Thanks, looking forward to watching more of these.

[@mirekkudzia7052]

Invaluable video. I am new to motorbike riding and I have found your video very informative, confidence boosting and encouraging. Many thanks.

[@BretTkacs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mauriciobolboa6829]

just on time for the boots advice 💪

[@MikeHcan2]

Thanks for debunking all Bubba's "advice", I never did trust that guy. Excellent advice as always, Bret - simple, no nonsense, and to the point. My riding has definitely improved due to your videos.

[@BretTkacs]

Glad to help

[@doc650adventures]

So many great lessons in this video. Great job as always Bret!

[@OneOldManRiding]

You are just far enough North that Bubba Brett was not offensive Doc! 😜 - Frank

[@doc650adventures]

@@OneOldManRiding Frank, I am still South of the Mason Dixon line though! I kind of like Bubba Brett! He is a representation of the types of dudes I am fortunate enough to encounter all the time. Self-appointed experts who know everything about things they do not actually do. It sometimes seems like I live in the land of unsolicited advice! I would say that I am guilty of buying more stuff for my bikes though! LOL! Cheers Brother!

[@pacopetepnw3434]

DOC!

[@pacopetepnw3434]

@@OneOldManRiding FRANK!

[@doc650adventures]

@@pacopetepnw3434 Pete! Ride On Brother!! Cheers!

[@pacomonje]

best advice I heard in many time... just look for the happy place. motorcylcling is just a parabole for life.

[@davereinhart9933]

Thank you for the best adventure training on the internet. I hope to join you someday for live training.

[@mullins6429]

Great video. Thanks Bret. I laughed quite a bit at the myth busting. I was told some of those exact same things when I first started riding many years ago.

[@BretTkacs]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bigdog44b4u]

Great video. Glad this one crossed my cue.

[@ChrisBorghi22]

Thank you sir for sharing this video with us. I love the simplicity of your advices. As a new rider with low budget your words are very encouraging. With what most guys tell us out there about gear, helmets, techniques, etc probably we’d never leave our garages. Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷

[@BretTkacs]

I am glad it helped... Often people forget most of our "need" items are really luxuries

[@zajac8008]

Good episode, it's nice that you raised the issue of looking not only as far as possible, everywhere on the channels it is said look as far as possible, which in heavy and technical terrain does not make sense. The same with the brakes, I fly the old XTZ Super Tenere all year round in Poland, . Winter on snow and ice without ABS and I always use the front brake. If you can't dose the brakes, you need to train in it.Greetings from Poland

[@cesarroman9976]

You are the best I learn so much from all of your instructions and your videos especially about the footwear. Thank you so much keep up the good work I hope to take your classes one day.

[@BretTkacs]

Happy to help!

[@kuaktak]

Great video. Good information in there. Keep up the good work.

[@ricardoanez6436]

Great Video👍👍and as you mentioned about gear, the footwear, the most important tank to that I walked away from an accident foot and ankle safe 🙏🙏🙏

[@brantfurr986]

Pretty much every know-it-all I've ever run into at an adv/dual-sport event, was just regurgitating things that he heard Brett and Ryan, from Fortnine, say... If Brett Tkacs started wearing a beanie with a propeller on top of it in his videos, telling us that the key to riding gravel was to keep one eye shut, I promise that at the next adv rally I attend, there would be a 50-something, with a propeller on his head, sipping an IPA, standing next to a GS that hasn't seen a trail all week, telling me the reason I fell off my bike was that both of my eyes were open... I think Brett needs to make a video about how to effectively coach new members of the ADV/DS community... After the 40th bit of unsolicited, and often unrelated advice, new riders tend to get overwhelmed, frustrated, and put off from riding with others... So a message to the Bubba Bretts of the community, if someone wants you to quote a youtube video to them, they'll ask.

[@BretTkacs]

It really is hard for new riders. It's even the wild west in the training world now with "schools" popping up with self declared experts that thought themselves all they need to know.

[@gabbymadsen7260]

Next thing you're going to do is show up at an IMS and give a talk about how we can eat well while motorcamping because motorcycles can carry food from the local store.

[@roysteves]

Thanks! After binging your videos for a few months, I picked up a KLR650S (which is a big heavy bike compared to the dirt bikes I grew up on), and I've had a great time practicing what you've demonstrated, here and back on MotoTrek. Really appreciate your teaching content!

[@BretTkacs]

That's awesome, thanks for the support Bret-

[@stephenrevering1662]

This was super helpful. Thank you!

[@hrazek]

Amazing videos. A real treasure trove of information and riding techniques by a professional and highly proficient rider and instructor. Everything is presented in a clear and easy to understand way… now to take it out on the track.

[@cca749]

Nice video! Always helps!!!

[@georgeferguson9779]

Thanks for videos! I’ve been riding my bike, a KTM 690 Enduro R (dual sport), for about six months. Based on my experience, what you just said is right on. Not that I have the experience to validate that. It’s just that, given my experience, it’s been that way for me. I need to start using my riding boots though. I keep procrastinating, even though I have some.

[@greogesnote8507]

Thank you. Excellent advice.

[@emirhano2tr]

Thanks for this useful video. You guys are awesome

[@BretTkacs]

It's just me 😃

[@emirhano2tr]

@@BretTkacs yeah right. Sorry

[@BretTkacs]

@@emirhano2tr 😃

[@igi20031]

Fantastic! As Always!

[@nose2wind872]

Lots of good points as usual. What struck home with me is your comments on gear. I was mainly a pavement-only adventure rider and decided to transition to off-pavement. I was immediately told I needed adventure gear for riding off-road especially a helmet with a Peak. What a bunch of hogwash! People get so hung up on looking the part, Klim this and that, standing when not needed, it is comical. Don't get me started on the tires you must have or die! I have transitioned to 2 sets of gear. One for offroad and a set for on-road. Not because one makes me look cool or more hardcore. Because the off-pavement set gets so dirty and beat up and I'm too lazy to wash it. As you pointed out...the main difference is the boots. Ride Safe!

[@pezi873]

One of the most valuable videos on KZbin, Bret! And funny 😂 Thanks a lot. Even I‘ve been riding for more than 20 yrs, I learned a lot from that vid. I’m going to buy new boots now instead of jacket and pants 😉 Greetings from Austria Peter

[@BretTkacs]

Great to hear!

[@alainmaurice1271]

Thanks a lot for the advice. I'm going to change my boots for a better pair of boots for the coming season

[@rednelli]

Yes, lower the pressure and peel off the TL tyre. I'm learning, I can do more. And I agree with your opinion. Some of it, of course, I have tested, verified in practice.

[@leo_and_his_bikes]

Even on the pavement, you have to apply the front brake progressively. Slamming the brakes, either on or off-road, is something you have to avoid. A lot of fear comes from that assumption. People crash because of the bad braking technique, not because of using the front break itself. That applies to street riding also of course.

[@fallinginthed33p]

Slamming the front brakes can overwhelm the suspension and cause loss of traction.

[@defaultuser3410]

Great advice, thanks!

[@TimRHillard]

Good to see you👍👍. And back on a proper biker, a GS😋😋

[@keesverhagen9227]

Owned a lot of bikes. Like 1190r and so on. Now own an Norden Exped 901. The frontbrake grips massive. All at once or nothing. Very rotten on slippery surface. Seen a lot of video's about riding. Yours are of outstanding quality Sir. Thx.

[@mikemaners4411]

Love the sarcasm, you are always providing great info, i wish I could take a class with your school in Montreal, Merci from her Brett!

[@tarouyamada2686]

To be frank, a XR125 and that Beamer GS? Basically the same thing, it has 2 wheels, kinda blocky, you twist the grip and the bike goes vroom. So, just air down! - Bubba, probably, maybe. Speaking of accidentally coming across challenges... happened to me once, coming across snow on 100% street tires. Didn't know snow collected on that section of the road, slow riding on the trail left by cars was... something. 😂

[@BretTkacs]

Hell yeah they is basically the sames bikes... Just twist the throttle and go!!! - Bubba Bret-

[@papyprod7]

Thanks for these advices Btw like your gloves

[@mikecarroll2025]

Thank you sir! Very good information.

[@deltabravo1257]

When you started talking about boots, I picked up my new boots sitting in my living room, comparing them to yours.... then I looked at the video description... BINGO! Crossfire 3! That's what I have. I have the same theory on boots, get a motorcross style boot. I have an ancient pair of Sidi Flex Force boots that date back to about 2001 or 2002. They have served me well, but they are getting tattered and it's finally time to replace them.

[@StanForAdventure]

You put out some of the best information for us here in the adventure space, thank you......S.F.A.

[@belrix21]

1000% agree about proper footwear, back in 2021 I did not have the correct boots and the first day broke both bones in my ankle! It was the beginning of Day 1 of a 4 day trip. :( Get the right boots!

[@Bouldertag]

Wish this Vid was made 25 years ago, had to learn this all the hard way! What he is saying is all true!

[@oldbootsontour]

Thank you for all your tips. 🙏👍🏻🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️🏍️🏍️

[@user-rw7xd7qy3j]

The first 15 seconds was the best part of the video. 🤣🤣

[@rubbadubdub6543]

You make it look so effortless Bret, it takes me a good 30 seconds to a minute to take my helmet off and then decide whether I need to put a hat on, and then put a hat on, if a hat is indeed required.

[@BretTkacs]

🤣

[@Jeremiah_Johnson139]

Legit advice all the way through this video! Target-fixation can get you dead on-road. Off-road, that can seriously help you.

[@AbhiChede09]

Thanks for busting that "stand up on off road" myth. I am new to riding but could not wrap my head around experts saying, " stand up to lower your CoG.." how can you shift your CoG downwards by shifting mass upwards? I can understand that standing up gives you more flexibility, but how will it also provide more stability? they are opposite things.

[@BretTkacs]

I heard the same thing when I was new and was even taught to teach that when I first certified as an off-road instructor.

[@Visionery1]

Excellent tips! 12:32, I was waiting for you to also toss the helmet. 😁

[@karlwebb8914]

Great practical advice Brett 👍 thanks very much 😊hope you make it down to Australia 🇦🇺 one day to run a course 👍 best wishes Karl in Tasmania 😊

[@Lloydd345]

Truly been watching people on how to but the one thing I seen was the fact that I had to stand up all the time off road. I mean I see the the point in it ( dips in the road ) but just cruising on fire roads for a Sunday ride. Thank you for your advice in this matter . Also the boots is 100% true. I haven’t fallen yet at speed but when I loose my balance and just fall over haha 😂 but it’s hard to shift and or feel the shift lever at all …

[@BretTkacs]

Check out my video on sitting (I have one on standing too)

[@due51outdoors]

Looking forward to training in May at Penmerryl.

[@BretTkacs]

See you there