Slow speed turns, suspension bridges, and balance, a how to video lesson

[@BretTkacs]

If you want text notification for new videos, text "Tkacs" to 888-306-7782 (now say that 5 times fast... "text Tkacs to"

[@nathanboeger978]

And then a local old lady comes by on her scooter, filled with vegetables, in flip flops, and does this all perfectly making you feel like a silly billy for thinking this was challenging. Happens to me all the time in Thailand.

[@BretTkacs]

YES!!! 🤣😂

[@knickerbockers2010]

scooter is easy, you can drive it naked but those machines with 200kg+ its different story. once i drove in lisbons bridge 25 april (similar to san francisco bridge) and I was on honda pcx 125 scooter and i had my mother behind me and a complete shelf on a scooter on my legs and it was windy and i was grabbing with one hand the sheld and driving on bride and highway with another hand and I made it home 30 kilometers.

[@ichbins2545]

very true

[@DorkintheRoad]

Well that's just about the most spectacular backdrop for an instructional video of all time.

[@BretTkacs]

I was happy as to how it turned out.

[@obligatoryprofile]

These are great tips! I don't think I'll find myself crossing a Nepalese mountain bridge any time soon, but it looks a lot like lane filtering on narrow roads: a slim margin of error and disaster on either side. I often end up second-guessing gaps and walking the bike between wing mirrors that I'd breeze past if they were two trees on a trail, or two cones in a parking lot. Anxiety can really degrade our bike handling skills, and it's important to be able to spot when it's happening.

[@blaw918]

I think I mostly impressed by how you did the bonus tips with such a straight face. Respect!

[@journeyofacatamarannoshoes691]

I had to think of it twice before I got it 😃😃

[@Dr.Twisty]

What a fantastic video!!! The way you combined such a visually stunning, terror inducing bridge with a lesson on slow speed maneuvers in tight spaces was truly masterful. I’ve watched all your videos. This may be your most creative. Great, great job!!

[@leekazan556]

WOW!! The visual as you ride across and looking down gives me the chills!!

[@BretTkacs]

It is a chilling experience the first dozen times or so

[@murraehaynes3182]

Gotta love it…makes riding the NMBDR look like a pavement tour😳

[@SubuShrestha]

Rode across a similar suspension bridge near Kagbeni earlier this year on a KTM 390 Adventure. Once you have a bit of momentum its relatively simple. Just don't look down! Thanks for coming to 🇳🇵 Nepal Bret. Namaste and Dhanyabaad.

[@jbean530]

I’m pretty nerve wracked about the thought of the San Francisco bridge. Either one. This here makes that look simple. Good job.

[@Porsche996driver]

Rarely do I look at something and say “I’m definitely not doing that!”

[@martinseel2837]

one of the best videos you ever made so far.

[@calmistheway]

First no one, then a single person, then a person with a suitcase on his back. I was thinking next a man with a mule??? How many more obsticles can we get up there? :) And of course there was soiling.

[@tpilot_error404]

Bret you're a pro and yet I sense you had some hesitation before mastering this climate. Thank you for sharing this.

[@BretTkacs]

I was just trying not to shit myself while looking cool and collected. All the riders were looking to me for leadership. The first bridge I couldn't have told you if it was 10' or 10'000' off the ground until I exited and came back to look. Fear is ok, fear is a good thing as it keeps us from doing really stupid stuff but, fear that controls us or causes us to freeze is a problem.

[@tpilot_error404]

@@BretTkacs my fear are judgemental humans with power. Leadership puts pressure on one . The way you care for your apprentices is admirable . Yet we all have bad days and no one is perfect. Motorcycling involves risks and fear is mostly a bad advisor. Practicing and allowing more experienced riders/individuals advising us is key. Troubles are ok if no one gets hurt and we learn from them .Such is life , tomorrow is another day. Good luck , be safe on all your travels.

[@paul.vanhout57]

Relieved to hear the bridge decking was “polished steel”🙂

[@avdmer]

Dude. The bridge would make my soil myself even walking, I would not make it on a motorcycle. Vision up or not, prepare for maximum soilage. Great video though! Learned a lot as always.

[@1001CP]

As always, you show the BASICS we practice so that they come naturally when we are in tight spaces and under stress. I was under stress just watching you guys! Its why I do, and stress to others, to take a minute and grab some parking lot or some dirt/mud/hill and do a bit of practice.I know as I get older my body gets tighter so practicing the way I AM is so important. You make everything look easy my friend and I always look forward to your advice and demonstrations. We never stop learning or practicing. Thank you for breaking down a scary ride into moments we do regular-just not a mile up in the air!! Take care and be safe in your travels!

[@donaldakelly9732]

Thank you, Bret. I get so much inspiration from your videos.

[@vickiwebber8783]

Great instructional video. What a cool crossing, for people with limited skillsets the rental himalayans made it look like a walk in the park

[@TimRHillard]

I love the smell of Nepal(m) in the morning! What a wonderful adventure, thanks Bret.

[@jmrod0023]

Bald tires, Tired rental bikes, Respect! Thanks for your advise

[@jimboinvt]

Great Video Bret! “Waterproof on the inside, as well…” 😂

[@philgoogle1535]

Absolute gold Bret. So much to learn here!

[@AUTOT3KHCL]

Good point about practice not being the same as in the real. I've had times where I screwed up in the real world on a maneuver I could do with ease in an open field

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

nice movie enjoyed watching, in Asia we commonly attempt to do things like this, can it be done? should it be done? sometimes extreme conditions and pressures of life mean it has to be done. enjoy watching your channel. stay safe

[@MarshallCant]

Glad you're back. We missed you 😁. Great video.

[@inkydoug]

Wow! A truly breathtaking setting for this masterfully explained lesson.

[@Comrade134]

Stunning scenery! Very useful real life challenges in various traction environments. I'm glad you're not just limited to the Americas. Good stuff 👍🏽

[@marcoluoma3770]

Thanks for another great instructional video. It’s sometimes maddening how skills you can do in the front yard disappear when dangerous obstacles appear.

[@BretTkacs]

So true

[@skookum6289]

Great video and point you made: practicing in a field with cones is one thing. Trying to do the same thing in a tight location with adrenaline coursing through your body is another! Though practicing with cones helps lay down muscle memory that might help in this situation? BTW almost to 100k subscribers the channel has grown alot! Safe travels and happy holidays!

[@weifeng5958]

Yep 👍🏾 you nailed it. I have rode across similar bridges and it was disconcerting to say the least for a first timer. As you eluded to, I also found and thought that you’d better have already mastered your riding techniques as well as your bike in order to get through unscathed. Bingo, you nailed it again with the vision thing. You have to take human bites on how much vision you choose consume in order to keep your balance and momentum. Beautiful 🤩 video Bret 👍🏾

[@kc5qnb1]

Great video, Bret! The trip looked like an extraordinary adventure.

[@biswalimbu2445]

Thanks for visiting Nepal🇳🇵 sir🙏🏻

[@DuncanJimmy]

I'm not afraid of heights and am no stranger to adrenalin-filled adventures, but that bridge-crossing would still give me the heebie-jeebies, if only because of how narrow it is and having to pass people in the process. Man, imagine that on a windy and/ or rainy day. Holy Cow.

[@charliem5332]

Brilliant. I still have to keep reminding myself to look up and forward. The want to look down can be tremendous.

[@R_SINGH_BISHT.]

Upload more videos regarding offroad techniques Your contribution is greatly appreciated Watching from india 🇮🇳

[@mikemoran3348]

Terrific video with great explanation of real life scenarios. Did a trip in the Himalayas 2 years ago fortunately didn’t have bridges quite as terrifying as this. Really enjoy your videos , I believe you did a course down here in nz a while ago ,would love to do one of your training session. Keep a the good work

[@BretTkacs]

Someday NZ will open up again. I was invited to do remote speaking engagements for the ACC this year but I was already booked for training in the USA. Maybe next year I could go in person.

[@jdhsingi]

Beautiful scenery.....great instruction. Thank you for sharing.

[@Joe-fi4hv]

These are the novelties that make the journey worth doing. So much fun!!!

[@AnujPoudel017]

Having a smaller size/weight and CC (300 or less) helps. At least while learning to ride as a beginner in places like Nepal. You are comfortable leaning such bikes more than larger ones, and less clutch finnesse is required. That said, people do take larger bikes with no fuss in those places once they are well into their riding career. A lot of us learn to ride on a smaller CC (200 or less even) bike.

[@cisium1184]

Smaller size and weight would help on the turn, but would you not pay the price in stability going across the bridge? I would rather have the planted crawl of the Himalayan crossing something like that.

[@AnujPoudel017]

@@cisium1184 Stability has never really been a problem I've faced crossing these, nor I've heard people talk about. Most motorcycles in the rural Nepal are 250-300 pound motorcycles. And those are the motors that cross these bridges more often.

[@AnujPoudel017]

@@cisium1184 And if you are more comfortable with a heavier bike like the Himalayan, by all means you should ride it, is definitely possible. I commented because I saw a few comments regarding the skill of Nepalese locals riding those bridges and paths without any fuss, so I just mentioned one factor that helps us.

[@Redmenace96]

Wh. wha.. what? This dude is selling tours?? Bret is the King, and I would be very interested in that! Dude is right. We can do a shit ton of practice in a parking lot with cones... but when confronted with the real-deal, the mind seizes.

[@BretTkacs]

Not tours... Expeditions 😁👍

[@subodhprasain]

Welcome to the country, my man!

[@MotoPumps]

LOL! Waterproof both ways! Awesome. Love your videos, Bret!

[@fr4gus]

My hands just got wet just looking the video, but definitively something I would like to try. Thanks for the advice!!

[@mbracing748]

Nice training Video. I've been riding in Napel with Hearts and Tears, an awesome place, with loads of bridges!

[@richardconnoly]

Oh, how I miss driving around Nepal. Of course, the locals drive their little motorbikes across the bridge with mom riding side-saddle in her Sunday best Saree. The locals sure know how to ride off road.

[@AnujPoudel017]

We do, but having low cc low torque bike does help. Much lesser clutch finnesse is required to manuevre a low cc bike in such bridges. We might able to do it now with larger CC bikes too, but a low CC bike while learning to ride helps to build that skill and muscle memory. Always welcome back if you ever decide to. 🙂

[@murraycharters6102]

Rick Connolly, couple of years ago we were in Hanoi Vietnam. Hotel we stayed was directly across the road from a school Every day there would be a line up of Mums bring whole family’s to school on a motorbike Some other motorbikes in town were loaded with so much stuff I don’t know how you could possibly ride them I thought before I went there that I was a reasonably competent rider After seeing all that I decided I was a shit rider compared to them

[@calprimo11]

Brett, your channel keeps getting better and better! Thanks again.

[@BretTkacs]

The more comfortable I get the more real I am 😉

[@AmgK.]

These videos are so so helpful and beneficial! thank you!👍

[@kevinfergerson7169]

My hands are swearing just from watching this. Great video, Bret!

[@fallinginthed33p]

Stupendous views there. How about moving off in tight spaces when parked on an incline? I've made the mistake of parking with the front wheel pointed downhill and it's a huge pain to turn the bike around to face uphill.

[@MZRIDERSchannel]

Great video. my littleone watching it and practicing on his 50cc and telling me to make recork him and upload the videos 🙂

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Impressive bridge, impressive riding tipps. Great video. You are such a good teacher. Thanks from Nürnberg/Germany, Günter

[@BretTkacs]

I try to make learning fun too

[@enduromotorradtouren]

@@BretTkacs You do!

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I have a lot of 2 track wooden bridges I cross in the U.P. of Michigan. The Mackinac bridge has grates. The grates can make tires wobble.

[@MudOregonVet]

I love the info you share here and on mototrek, I'm in the PNW area, just got a new dual sport and can't wait for the snow to melt so I can go up Mount hood

[@DieTabbi]

Damn that bridge would be my nemesis. I have fear of heights and never could walk over that bridge. My motorcycle journey end in front of it.

[@BretTkacs]

That's why I have an expedition in the south as well... I also am fearful of heights but I am amazed what we are capable of when there isn't any other choice

[@adrianrosario4196]

Great video, great scenery! That looks like a trip of a lifetime. Thanks for sharing those tips.

[@mrhlynnu1464]

Great video Bret! I am not sure if I will ever have the opportunity to ride across a bridge like this, but when I come across one I will be good to go!

[@knickerbockers2010]

sometimes its better to avoid extreme challenges if you are not totaly confident. overestimation is a threat, I stick to good roads, this bridge is only for walkers, and not even for johny walkers :D

[@scotthallenberg3575]

Just bought an RE Himalayan 411, first bike in 30 years, and loving your channel to relearn everything the right way. I know the Himalayan is entry level and pedestrian, but do you have any specific advice for this bike having toured in tight spots like Nepal?

[@nicolaumb7494]

Hey Bret, god tips every time, thanks! To go down, there's always the option of jumping from the main road directly to the bridge ;)

[@TimRHillard]

Merry Xmas Bret and all you adventurers out there! Keep the rubber side down, have a great new year too!

[@Jack-vq7bz]

I am signed up. Can’t wait to experience Nepal in 2022 and learn from you.

[@BretTkacs]

Welcome to the team!

[@robkyle]

I think I soiled myself just watching this video. Does your gear recommendations include Depends?

[@BretTkacs]

Not a bad recommendation

[@tommynikon2283]

Bret- gr8 stuff per usual. Have a question: any strategies for metal bridge decking, over water? I live in Seattle and we have draw bridges w/ the surface....and your tires just wobble like hell. And when it's raining, it's even worse.

[@BretTkacs]

Here is a video on grated bridges kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3-3pYaLm8ehh5Y

[@TimRHillard]

7:00 doesn't like heights. There is a bridge from San Diego to Coronado, it is very high, curves and is steep. I used to cross this bridge daily, its frequently wet in morning. There is always traffic. I've about had to change drawers a few times 😁.

[@ecalzo]

As usual .. nailed it .. it seems to be simple stuff but in real life it is just another story ... Well done Bret .. Stay Safe and keep Smiling when you ride... all the best from Italy

[@sudhirmonique]

Lovely video, I will hopefully do Nepal Tibet soon.. What adventure touring boots are you using for your Himalayan?

[@dp6520]

I see Vishu is showing you the fun spots..... enjoy

[@ralfabel8657]

Really nice. I get sweaty hands while watching.

[@RangerPhantomSAS]

Awesome. Looks hard enough, then you add the people on the bridge too.

[@49Roadmaster]

Look at the motorcycle at the 0:30 mark then try and use your tires choice as an excuse. LOL This was a fantastic learning video.

[@martinzorro640]

Buen video 👍🏻 Gracias por tus consejos Saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷

[@Scout7336]

Thank you for the tips. That would be a challenge.

[@BretTkacs]

Only a challenge of the mind

[@dandersonjr]

Yes the ingress and egress takes some skills and crossing a narrow very high slippery bridge takes some concentration but just for kicks lets have some people walking across it at the same time. I'd have to have double layer water proof pants and maybe a stiff drink at the other side. Not that I condone that sort of thing.

[@Redmenace96]

Was thinking about the drink, too. Peak experience. Would be so jazzed upon reaching the other side- would want to call it a day and sit on the porch and talk about it for 2 hours! With a stiff drink, of course.

[@COOLCABMAN]

Amazing video.. Thank you mr Bret

[@ioandragulescu6063]

been riding for 3 years only. The difference for me is, in a car, you make a small mistake on a thing you've been doing for 1000 times, you might get your passengers a bit uncomfortable, if they even notice. On a bike, a small slip of a well practiced and known maneuver, can lead to a stall, loss of balance or a crash/fall. That thought always makes me nervous, which in turn may accelerate my mistake. I guess a healthy measure of "just let go" (a la Fight Club) doesn't hurt?

[@Atika514]

Great advices as always

[@enriquegrandi]

Just wow!!! Awesome location!!!

[@onerider808]

Dream trip. Guess I’ll have to ‘settle’ for the Rockies.

[@BartMassee]

Will email you a list of another 6 mistakes, out of personal experience that you may have missed. 😂 As usual, love your movies and your tips have already mentally pulled me through during this first year of wabdr training. I literally hear your voice in my head as I prepare for difficult challenges. Thank you for making us all safer better riders!!

[@petertuin1092]

i know 2 things for sure: this is a great video and i will never try to do this myself! :-)

[@Vicegoodn]

In other words, be prepared for every terrain, these examples for this sort of environment is for traveling in this area regularly... As these aren't common around the world

[@JEmmertz]

Loved this, and especially the ending. Almost expecting a "Sponsored by Depend" ;)

[@BretTkacs]

🤣

[@Dundertaker1]

Great intel as always!

[@scottmckenna9164]

Yeah, excellent tutorial!

[@TsvetanVR]

Bret: *Talking about the psychological problems people face when crossing a bridge like this.* Me: Easy. Just start playing the DOOM soundtrack when approaching the bridge. :D Now I want to go to Nepal and cross bridges all day. The only simliar bridges around here are almost ancient and abandoned a long time ago so they're more likely to just collapse under me and my bike's weight. I'm crazy but I'm not mad enough to try. :) Thank you for another great video! I hope | have enough spare money to spend on such a group ride in 2023.

[@Bishnudiaries]

Love from nepal 🇳🇵

[@giuliobuccini208]

Nine out of ten made this crossing with zero problems. (Some second-hand motorcycle parts stay for sale at incredible price... 😅😅😅)

[@erics7531]

Do those bridges have a posted or widely recognized weight limit?

[@BretTkacs]

They do have a weight limit and only take one to two motorcycles at a time, however the locals don't count. They are very well built.

[@johnparish5498]

Love the content ... as always its top notch... not loving the bridge lol well done all who cross it, on foot, by bike, hell by any means! Far braver than i for sure

[@StephanLAS]

Could you tell me the make and model of your pants and jacket? They both look very stylish and not overly bulky. Thanks for the video as well

[@tomzingery143]

Im impressed to say the least!

[@hwypilot1]

Imagine driving that steel bridge in the rain...talk about a gut check

[@rwalls88]

What kind of motorcycle pants are those? Looks like they are decently flexible/comfortable and I assume have good protection too.

[@amitkrupal1234]

Nice video, useful tips as always. At 0:56 was rider front of you riding Avenger from your group if yes can you ride that cruiser & state your views on it. Please.

[@darrylmoffett8323]

I’m not a fan of heights either. That WOULD be a challenge. Ride safe and have fun. 🇺🇸

[@albertoj.mollinedo4116]

That’s a crazy bridge Bret wish I could have been there with you but Covid messed up my plans. Ahh well maybe South Africa will be the one (assuming it’s not full yet) I can’t get Indiana Johnnes, or the Phantom movie when I see that bridge.

[@BretTkacs]

The May Africa Moto Safari still has a couple of spots left as of now. The June is full and both Nepal 2022 tours are already over half full

[@nicolasmonastirsky]

Thanks for this awesome video. Watching you crossing this bridge gave me goosebumps, you should add a 360 camera to give us more immersion, check the instas and the Ricoh Theta V, those are small and really capable. I enjoy every video you make. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@BretTkacs]

I do have a 360 of a few Bridges... I will see what it takes to upload them. I did share those on FB

[@nicolasmonastirsky]

@@BretTkacs Thanks!!!

[@mariaeisenberg5115]

Hello Bret, What a great trip, I’m interested, do they have a small bike for 5’1”? Maria from Washington

[@BretTkacs]

Maria, I am working with Kandi Spangler (GS Trophy contender) to offer a women's/couples tour. Seat height is something that I am aware of. For most I can teach techniques to work around height issues but I will be tracking other solutions. Also we are a group so dropping a bike is no big issue. (crashing as not ok) www.BretTkacs.com/Nepal2022

[@JohnDoe-ks4id]

I live in Bangkok and would love to join you on an adventure. I’ve been riding 30 years but still have a lot to learn. How is Covid for traveling in and out. Great video. I split lanes through Bangkok on my XSR 155 every day. I previously had a FJR and several other bikes.

[@ronvaughan8041]

The execution of the line about the laminated riding gear is tied for first place with your casual comment about "I've owned KTMs that I had to get to the shop" from a few videos back.

[@BretTkacs]

I don't get it? I was just speaking the truth. 🤔

[@ronvaughan8041]

@@BretTkacs Truth tends to be funnier than fiction!

[@BretTkacs]

@@ronvaughan8041 I agree...

[@camino786]

Smaller bikes are a plus for these kind of challenging rides.