How to Prepare For and Deal With Sand 💩 or Gravel In The Corner

It's one of our biggest fears as riders. Sand or gravel in the middle of a corner. But there are several strategies that we can employ to put us into a better position to deal with these unexpected variances in traction.
What we found interesting while researching this video is how often falling on something slippery is actually not the fault of the slippery thing. More often riders make a series of mistakes, such as poor lane placement, early apexes, too fast for conditions, then panic when they finally do see the slippery thing. We'll cover all of that and more.
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#sand #cornering #slippery

[@v.e.7236]

2:20 This is what put me in a wheelchair. 'Just let the bike do its thing' is not what you want to do or you face going over the edge of a precipice or into a tree, etc., etc. Get away from your bike ASAP once you lose traction or that bike will come back and eat you up. Ask me how I know 27 years later as a T-6 paraplegic. I wasn't going fast (30-35 MPH) when my accident occurred, but I was on a mountain road and didn't have much lead-up to the debris in the road that threw me into a slide I thought I could ride out, until my foot got snagged by the seat and the subsequent high-side roll turned my bike into a meat grinder - me being the meat being ground. No road rash, just a broken back. My one word of advice: Ride as if your life depended on it. Enjoy the ride, but remember you're only human and humans can die or get seriously injured quite easily.

[@Gypsy1194]

OMG! I'm so sorry to hear that. Very sobering. Thank you for sharing a very important message.🙏🏼

[@gabrielj.wheaton8081]

thanks for the warning, might save a life

[@hollandhollywood329]

Great advise. Thanks for sharing. I will heed every word. And we really should ride like our lives depend on it, because it really does.

[@emiliobaligod3247]

Thank you for sharing. I am on a hunt for my first big bike. I may never buy one anymore.

[@ninjaman007]

Oh...., im so sorry to hear what you been through...and thanks a tonne for your Billion $ advice. Your piece of advice sounded like a life saver to me than all those tactics the vlogger shared. Keep smiling.🤜🤛

[@pjmtts]

I go out periodically in my neighborhood and clean up slippery things with my leaf blower. Only takes a moment and benefits me and others. I wish others would do the same

[@CanyonChasers]

Ha! I do this too! Great minds, Ehy?

[@ianjames4849]

Legendary

[@moorshound3243]

around here you would need a ten man team with shovels!!

[@duroxkilo]

i've noticed that after the sweeping machines clean the roads, there is substantially more gravel in the roads' corners. but some corners are super clean. SO it's you people! big thanks!! it's one of the things that still make me nervous after years and miles of riding.

[@NinjaThug]

@@duroxkilo That's because those cleaners have metal pins/spikes which are meant to swipe away the lose gravel and stuff. And these little rotary guys scrape off the tarmac/road, causing damage.

[@joef240]

Finally, a video that shows actual situations instead of just talking while riding. Good job!

[@tintogranreserva]

I know who you’re talking about 😂 Just unsub that channel (after considering seriously…)

[@user-qm9oo2fd2o]

You nailed it at around the 8min mark. Slow down until you can see through the corner. I no longer ride with those that hang it out in blind corners, it’s just plain dumb...unless you have a death wish. Save it for the track!!

[@keaponlaffin6737]

exactly. i noticed with some drivers they actually speeded up through a blind corner because they could "see" the unfamiliar curve on their navigation system. big mistake and simply an accident waiting to happen imho. sure you know what curve to expect, but still: it's a public road where anything can happen. a car, dead animal, live animal, gravel, a stick, some tourist or person thinking its a smart idea to hike there... endless list of life's reality.

[@DrDaddy-yg2ki]

Theres always something around that bend or over that hill. Leave 10 to 20% of your ability in reserve "incaseshit".

[@alimertc]

@@DrDaddy-yg2ki So, for a solid advice don't lean over 40% degrees. Most bikes go up to 60%. Maybe 70 degree if you are a motogp racer but then you are at the hard limit. 40-45 degree is nice for street riding.

[@ramsanodiya5454]

@@alimertc only Marc Marquez goes upto 70 deg mark.

[@karlbishop7481]

I no longer ride with a group of friends. They are notorious for blasting around blind corners or turns. They also follow each other too closely. I always tried to be the last one in line but didn't always happen. I ride by myself and enjoy the ride.

[@jimilee9491]

40 years of riding and had my first face plant. Luckily only bend crash bar. No injuries but seriously bruised ego and 150% more respect for gravel turns!

[@anidiotinaracingcar4874]

One other thing: *expect* the gravel to be there, you'll analyse the situation much faster and react more quickly and better if you're *not surprised*

[@Jonathan-L]

Good advice!

[@The63chicky]

Expect the unexpected ;)

[@angelusnovus2203]

I live in Mexico City. I expect gravel, holes, shit, people, cars to be there. Every. Single. Time. :) And they are.

[@slayerplaysgenshin9842]

Get this comment to the top.

[@slayerplaysgenshin9842]

@@angelusnovus2203 *Cries in Indian*

[@inspectordabbit2048]

Load the tire before you work the tire. Excellent advice.

[@Roy_Godiksen]

On the first day of riding after i got my licence, i rode my CBR600F around a twisty road. I saw a sharp completely blind corner so i slowed down a little more then i actually needed to to take the corner. The car in front of me didn't, but i didn't trust his speed to be the right speed. Halfway through the 110 degree corner, there was a traffic jam. Complete standstill. Because i had slowed down enough before the corner, i easily stopped. But had i been one of those new riders who loved to go too fast into a corner, i would have slammed into the car in front of me. And, i have it on video, as i was using my GoPro as a recorder in case of an accident (recommended for All motorcyclists). That's probably the most scary corner story i have. Not really scary, but i'm a careful rider, so i rarely have scares.

[@octaneartllc]

Safe is way cooler than dead brother... Safe is better than injured too... Nothing wrong with using your head to keep safe... Because nothing says bad day like cleaning up someones cranial avulsion...

[@craigpennington1251]

Do all that go fast knee grinding on the track, not on a public highway. Folks out here drive down the middle of 2 lane black tops.

[@bignoseharry6561]

@Diz Zkl then stay home

[@bignoseharry6561]

@Diz Zkl Short term memory loss for assholes.

[@bignoseharry6561]

Find me and make your aquaintance...

[@jfgp01]

Here is a corner scare. Sunny sunday, alone in a really narrow back road, took a sharp right hander, not too fast, right on the apex there is a huge horse at a perfect 90° on the middle of my lane eating grass from the curb... Manage to start braking calmly, had time to see the details on the horses fur, and think about were I was going to hit him (right on the middle!). Somehow my W800 managed to stop, literally touching his "male-parts" with my headlight. The horse starts kicking and bucking, blowing my headlight and front right turn signal clean off, and turning the right mirror 180°. Somehow I didn't even drop the bike, no major harm done, huge scare for the big dude and myself!

[@martin72345]

I'm loving "the slippery thing" adds just the right amount of comedy to an otherwise un-humorous topic. Brilliant engaging video with nice use of footage to illustrate

[@martinchandler9469]

"Never put your wheels somewhere your brain hasn't been first" (Quote from Russ from Roadcraft Nottingham)

[@CanyonChasers]

That is brilliant!

[@gabrielj.wheaton8081]

can you elaborate? does it mean know the road before going fast on it?

[@T_M0]

@@gabrielj.wheaton8081 In British advanced motoring (and I assume elsewhere), emphasis is given to the principle of never going so fast that you can't stop in the distance you can see to be clear on your own side of the road. On a straight, open road then, you can go pretty fast, but if you're approaching a tight bend where your view is closing in, you need to ensure that your speed is low enough that if you come across sand, gravel, a deer, a pedestrian, or anything else, you can do something other than just praying for the best as you sail through it. Granted, a deer or pedestrian is easier to spot than sand or gravel, so maintaining strong focus and being prepared to wind the speed down further where visibility is poor are both good ideas. This is where looking and planning well ahead make the difference, and I believe what Russ means by never putting your wheels somewhere that your brain hasn't been first. By taking a systematic approach which includes these principles (read into Roadcraft for more info), you're able to negotiate a road which is new to you as smoothly, quickly and safely as one you're familiar with. It's all about planning ahead of your bike. 👍

[@tomjiunta1580]

Great saying

[@jrvapor]

Those are the words of a rider who has a considerable amount of insight, that's a gem!!!

[@MrAjjordan]

Practice not panicking and always think of how you would gently start breaking if something would ever happen. Do it at work, at home, at stop light anywhere. You think of it enough it becomes instinct.

[@ramonpena3011]

I'm 44 years old and I'm riding since I was a kid all year round. You are right every single time. Thank you. I am big fan. Keep up the good work.

[@TennRides]

Here in TN I have entered blind corners only to have black bears, deer, stalled vehicles, rocks, sand, mud, farm tractors, dogs, people, and a number of other unexpected things, waiting for me to hit them. I even had a massive bull that got out of a rancher's pasture, standing in a blind curve. It is important for new riders to know how to deal with those unexpected thing. Nice video.

[@jonmajarucon51]

This man is excellent! Other instructional videos on You Tube need to see this. Everything this gentleman says and does is BACKED UP with fact, principles and videos. Thanks for this invaluable advice. Always look forward to and study your videos!!!!! Jon

[@DanDanTheFireman]

I always watch his videos. Always learning!

[@RoyDurett]

found a dead racoon in a 40mph corner at night I just let off the gas and let the engine slow me down so I could tighten my turn. tightened my sphincter as well.

[@octaneartllc]

Rectum! Damn near killed em!!🤣🤣🤣

[@slayerplaysgenshin9842]

RIP RACCOON.

[@joejackmanpace]

I had a Fox round a corner , completely destroyed my radiator and mudguard and leg and cut the Fox nearly in half

[@CanyonChasers]

Awww man. I love foxes. They are the unofficial CanyonChasers mascot. But glad you weren't hurt.

[@slayerplaysgenshin9842]

@@joejackmanpace What does the fox say?

[@noisycricket]

I know I’m late to the party (both to riding and finding this channel) but I’m so glad I stumbled on (or that YT recommended) your content. I took my MSF course (and passed) last month, and I thought the cornering exercises were inherently treacherous. Watching your videos, I now know why. Thanks again.

[@hollandhollywood329]

You have the best riding channel. The craziest thing I encountered whilst cornering was a dog that wouldn't move, but stayed in front of the bike. I held the handles firmly, applied front brake and straightened up. I still ran over the dog but didn't fall, amazingly the dog was not injured either. Once I slid through some loose gravel and although both wheels were sliding sideways, I maintained control by putting one foot down firmly and sliding on the bottom of my boot, 3 points of contact kept me upright and out of a crash.

[@c2225]

"the dog was not injured" Let's stop lying here 😅

[@michaelcoleman4169]

I watch and enjoy many CanyonChasers videos, this is my favorite so far. Very enlightening to me in terms of a 'wait for the weight' epiphany. I've heard this term used before but this video presented the concept and it's application through trail braking home in a very understandable way. Thank you for taking the time to make and post this, and all your videos.

[@888jackflash]

4 years ago... (2024 now)... THIS is a GREAT LESSON. I am an MSF Instructor wannabee and this is one of the best riding vids I have ever seen. Period.

[@gman9514]

Good advice for sure! I had my first crash after 45 years of riding due to a diesel spill on the exit to a blind hairpin corner that led to an uphill where we believe a truck possibly blew a hydraulic hose. The spill was about 3 feet wide and went about 150 feet up the hill. I was into a full lean and throttling out when it abruptly appeared causing the bike to slide out. I had zero warning and absolutely no time to react as it was hidden. In this case there was nothing that could have saved the fall. Luckily my wife and I were not seriously injured and we are about to head back out for some Fall season riding (keeping in mind that the leaves can be a slippery as the diesel! Ride safe and always look ahead. G

[@tomhow537]

Your better than me, I probably crashed/slipped 100 times my first two years after moving to twins. Had an ole 650 yammy I treated like an enduro. Going thru fields for pond fishing, dirt roads, very little pavement the first 6 months. After learning on dirt/gravel I guess it made things easy. I've never laid over on pavement and the only time I've been on my side 30 years later was when my leg fell asleep once and I didn't put my foot down hahahaha good times good times

[@ericscaillet2232]

man hole covers ,railways line , white/orange lines are but few more to keep away from in the wet.[ railways lines ride over at right angles]

[@duncanjowett5575]

I encountered 'the slippery thing' a month ago. My attention was slippery - it slipped away on a road I (thought) I know pretty well. Found myself coming up way too fast on a bend. Remembered progressive braking 😁 That wasn't enough - at the entry & still too fast 😪 Remembered your trail braking video and eased off a lot but not all as I tipped in. It bought me the space I needed. Went into that bend terrified. Came out in one piece and smiling at a valuable lesson/skill learned. From me and my family -THANK YOU 👍👍👍🍺

[@TalasDS]

On my first week of riding, I went to a mountain pass. Descending the thing, found a stretch with 12 hairpins. Really tight hairpins, and a really narrow road. One of those hairpins was completely full of loose sand and potholes. I knew that if I hit the brakes, I was going down and didn't want to risk it. so I slightly tapped the brake and straightened the motorcycle a little. Next. I see I won't be able to make that corner, so I see two options. Falling off the cliff (there was no guardrail) or bumping into a quite big rock just on the edge of the road. So I tried to turn and hit the rock with the front tire in a way that would make it bump and help me return to the road. But if it failed. I knew I had to jump of the bike before the cliff. Lucky for me. I was able to bump the wheel into the rock in a way that actually returned me into the road. Not a single scratch. But I was shaking for a while after that.

[@jeffreyengle2762]

If you can’t see through the corner, treat it as though something is there that puts you in danger and ride expecting it. Sure, you may not have that intense ride you love, but you stand a much better chance of making it home safely.

[@DistinctOgre]

One of my least favorite things to deal with, unexpectedly, in a corner, is horse exhaust. In other words, as you may have mentioned, 💩. It's super slippy, and if you hit it... It's a bad day, even if u don't crash. I live in Tennessee, so the struggle is real.

[@asacarrick1385]

I like the way this fellow gets to the point quickly and stays on the point. The whole time he talks we learn.

[@llerradish]

I have always just straightened my line just long enough to get over the slippery section, and don't over react to a little slide or temporary loss of traction.

[@mickeypopa]

Doesn't work if the slippery part is 30 feet long in a very sharp turn. Standing the bike up and braking as best as you can is your only hope in that case.

[@thecolonel4551]

Not panicking in the case of a minor slide or loss of traction is the sign of a nature rider, and a safe one. keep your head and keep thinking.

[@mvdk26]

same

[@mixispid]

@@thecolonel4551 For minor hazards, the bike will take care of itself provided you just give steady input. Longer slippery sections... that's on the rider to identify and navigate. A rider that can't navigate those longer hazards is not effectively "riding in front of the bike".

[@V742]

You're taking every chance to talk about trail braking, aren't you? Not that I'm complaining; it's helped me out recently by reducing my panic with quite a number of corners.

[@CanyonChasers]

Haha yeah. You'll be happy to hear that the next riding techniques video planned will actually build upon Trail Braking and Posture!

[@Lex4122]

@@CanyonChasers looking forward to it!

[@brentfrank7012]

Roast Goose because it’s extremely helpful in so many ways and so few riders practice it or ever use it.

[@Adrenalean767]

@@brentfrank7012 cause we don't need it

[@PetroDobrynin]

Well it's good they do, because trail braking or just braking in corner is criminally unknown and unused life saving technique.

[@vtwinner]

Craziest thing i have encountered in a turn was a deer jumping a guardrail directly into me... How did I handle it?..... I hit the road doing 80ish KPH , killed the deer, and smashed my right ankle, knee, headlights, signal lights, fairings, brake levers, ruined my gloves, jacket, pants, boots and helmet.... Then I picked up the bike and rode the remaining 2 hours to get home....

[@alimertc]

At least you survived :) Did you get weird looks going back home?

[@vtwinner]

@@alimertc Too dark for that... I don't even remember meeting a car in the way home... i stopped about half way to put some warmer gear on it was getting cold...but it was mostly 4 lane coming home.

[@torqueaddict5831]

That's a real biker. Well done.

[@AntonySimkin]

glad u didn't get a permanent damage. Good roads no deers bro. Good luck

[@AntonySimkin]

I had a deer-story too... I ran into a dead deer crashed by a truck, all his organs and pieces were all over the road after a blind spot, so I ran into it. I was going slow because of the blind corner and had time to get in the inner side of the turn and just put the bike stright and vertical, once i passed the slippery thing I was almost crossing the double yellow road split line, there I started accelerating gently leaning the bike and getting into the inner side of the turn again. If I was going faster, I would crash right there and people would think that it's me bleeding with my organs out lol poor deer tho...

[@thomaslenzmeier183]

Your videos are superb! I always come away with great ideas to practice!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Great tutorial. Thankfully I've never tucked the front on a motorcycle but I've done it on a bicycle and it sucked, mostly because I wasn't wearing gloves. After scrubbing off a good chunk of my hand I rode home all bloody. I've worn gloves on two wheels ever since - EVERY TIME! Ride ATGATT folks.

[@Apostasy_Plague]

I absolutely love this channel. you guys are saving lives with these well presented lessons.

[@perperub]

Your videos are my "go to" ones as a fairly new rider (6500k since last year). Thank you for educating us! Keep it up please!

[@renostubbs8504]

I have not experienced an obstacle during a curve, but I sure hope that it never happens. Thanks for this thoughtful video...food for thought

[@tommynikon2283]

Decades ago, almost lost it in WA. state coming off I-90 into a rest stop. SAND on the exit/hairpin....80mph to 25mph, saw the hazard at the last minute and.....LUCKY. Maintained control, stood it up. Since then, I've ridden another 35+ years, accident free. But....my first rule for braking is....ANTICIPATION. I anticipate possible scenarios, road hazards....so that my REACTION gets a head start on my APPLICATION of braking. And I don't even have ABS. (current ride is a '87 BMW K75C)

[@mweeks2000]

Tommy Nikon That’s awesome. Your experience is great. You have to anticipate everything all the time.

[@votpavel]

abs is just starting to be common thing,it would suck for people who will always use assisted braking/wheelie control or slip and then they decide to get a moto without any of those things lol

[@mixispid]

@@votpavel It would suck for people who rely on ABS when they encounter a slippery surface. ABS is an emergency support system, not a general riding aid. It's certainly no replacement for good input/control.

[@awatukee7]

Thank you. Your safety riding guideline is much much better than bike school safety class. We all needs to practice "What-If" scenario like you suggested to us to practice in slow motion. Thank you very much for your valuable info.👍💯🏍

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The brake lever is a dimmer slider, not a on/off switch.

[@CanyonChasers]

Exactly!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

It's my guess the majority of bad wrecks and fatalities among motorcycles is due to bad brake use.

[@kristofkeresztes2808]

Yeah. Many people seem to have digital brakes, and even digital throttle. All or nothing

[@artmchugh5644]

Friction zone ! Very important for breaking and clutch !!!!!😎😎😎😎😎😎🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@Megamare1]

Wait for the weight

[@Spuggy0453]

Really appreciate your videos, thanks. Solid logic and good explanations in plain English. A few years ago I hit black ice on my morning commute doing about 70mph, causing the front wheel to slide about two feet. Luckily I didn't have the time to do anything other than think "Goodness me, what a surprise" (or words to that effect). Same lack of reaction saved me when I hit a tar seal snake in the rain just recently. When all else fails, sometimes the bike rides better without human input...

[@NoctuaStrigiformes]

Sound advice! I truly appreciate your videos.

[@gibs1irene97]

It is not only the gravel and sand that we need to watch out for everytime we hit a corner. It is a must to slowdown a bit and expect something is waiting for us on the corner whether it is a sand or gravel or someone stupid overtaking. Ride safe always. Be defensive rider.

[@ferozmuhammed4685]

I normally use only my index finger to slow down my bike which is the most practical way of not locking up my front wheel and also perform trail braking.

[@vintagerealityvr]

I do the same...It's fun when you get natural at it right? Pretty much constantly cover the front brake with my index when ride at this point

[@grantperkins368]

Me too, and I only have a drum brake ... No problem.

[@1057norma]

First- I grew up in Utah and I’m familiar with those beautiful mountains and roads. I’m in Georgia now, yes it’s different but really beautiful. So- there are a lot of twisties out here. Your videos have got me trail breaking and feeling so much more confident and safe through some pretty tight and continuous turns. I got the slow look press and roll lessons but trail breaking is so much safer. Thanks for all your videos- who knows- I may run into you when I’m back home in Utah- Trappers loop, Guardsmen Pass, Weber canyon, Big and Little Cottonwood canyons, The Unitas , Parleys! So much good riding out there. Stay safe and keep putting out these excellent videos.

[@lylemacdonald6672]

Worst thing ever encountered in a moderately tight corner.... this story is a bit long but worth reading. Newly paved country highway (i.e. very black but very smooth asphalt so I was clipping along with joy but really a bit too fast) at midnight, leaned well over, and at last possible second saw freshly road killed SKUNK directly on chosen line. Too late for any mitigating action on my part so just held the line and rode over that skunk. It was a 'squishy thud-thud" moment with no bike wobble or any loss of control whatsoever. What made it BAD was skunk was actually a bit ripe and lower rear end of bike was now covered in his musk! I had to pick up the pace to keep ahead of the stench; it was being baked by the hot pipes! Twenty minutes later I reached my hotel and as soon as I stopped bike it was horrendous! You could not be withn 30 feet of bike without gagging. Late night party guests returning to hotel were being choked out by fumes. Good grief. Great video, keep them coming.

[@MICKYSPIELBERG]

Lmao🤣🤣🤣

[@CanyonChasers]

That is a horrible, hilarious story! Thanks for sharing.

[@blubswillrule]

Hmmm.. that might be a good way to deter bike thieves 🤔

[@votpavel]

i had a great one as well,back when i didnt have a place to store the bike so it sat outside for a year or so(with multiple covers but weather didnt care about that) so one time somehow it was uncovered and one of hour cats managed to spray somewhere behind the front wheel or somwhere on the exhaust pipe do when i started the bike and ran it for 2-3 minutes,it started to release this white smoke and disgusting stench of fried cat spray(if you ever smell it,its horrible) so that was my nasty story,glad it was my learner motorcycle

[@daliaordaz]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣Good times!!!

[@jppitch6734]

Watching this as I nurse contussions and a broken rib from a low side after a cornering surprise. Good stuff!

[@LightGesture]

I bet I'll watch this again and learn more the next time. Only been on a bike for 2 seasons.... I got a group of us together working on biweekly practicing.

[@mark54ism]

fantastic advice in regards especially to "wait for the weight"...and of course the trail breaking...delivered in an easy, calm and educated way...the Rex and I will practice what your preaching...sensible and enlightening...thanks much and stay safe...

[@nogaffin]

Riding in Mexico taught me a lot about sand, gravel, pot holes, uneven pavement, debris and riding on all sand roads. I still love Mexico though, and can't wait to ride back

[@172T8]

Hahaha same here in the philippines.

[@adrianalexandrov7730]

Same here in Thailand and Vietnam))

[@DanDanTheFireman]

Love the hand demo. I use the foot as a demo when out on the range when I am teaching new riders. I like this one too! Great video, sharing!

[@hollandhollywood329]

I was surprised by a dog that zigzagged in the middle of the road and ran under the bike (actually happened twice) Both times i did not fall because i straightened up the bike and ran over it without hitting the brake suddenly. The 1st time was scarier than the 2nd, because by the 2nd time i already knew what would have a chance of working. Thanks for all this info. great vid as usual.

[@CajunGreenMan]

Very good. Loved the sound effect for 'see into the future'! Keep up the great work!

[@KevinStefferDk]

Great video. Tip: If I want to go hard in the twisties, I ride the path I wanna go slowly first to check the condition of the road I’m going. Normally I just slow down and expect anything in blind corners.

[@tracer1127]

Great advice as always and very well explained . Your vids are probably the best explained and demonstrated out there. Can’t see why anybody thumbs down this sort of stuff, obviously the sort of rider that thinks they know everything but really know nothing.

[@7316bobe]

This is great advice. I went from a sport bike a few years ago and started riding cruisers. I have been over "gravel on road" on both, and to me the cruiser handles the gravel much better than the sport bike. The cruiser is better for riding on purely gravel roads as well. I travel much slower on the cruiser and that may be the reason but I do not know. I tour a lot now at 66 years of age. The sport bikes that I rode were agile and fast but no fun to tour on. The cruiser is like a big lazy boat but I love it. It is heavy and very stable on the road.

[@ctrlaltdelete200390]

The centre of mass is a lot lower on the cruiser as well as riding slower in corners.

[@12Tutankhamon12]

I've heard of trail breaking here first and it clicked instantly what to do and since I'm relatively new rider but experienced driver these kind of tips and tricks lock in fast and tight. Keep up the good work.

[@CanyonChasers]

Right. I mean, you do it in a car. My mom, the most conservative driver in the world trail brakes to the apex in her little Nissan.

[@bikersquest]

I find one or two finger braking allowed me to pre-load the front tyre in emergency situations really well before progressively adding force compared to 4 finger braking too which makes it much easier to apply too much in a hurry. Bearing in mind I'm talking about commuter bike brakes here nothing super fancy

[@Harley2010SG]

Great information. I started out on a minibike eons ago, but only started trail braking a couple years ago after seeing a number of videos on youtube. Corners feel a lot more smooth and in control.

[@consubandon]

You asked: Overall, the worst slippery stuff, because they stick in random places that aren't arranged into more-sensible patches the way sand and gravel accumulate, is WET LEAVES. (I take that back: The VERY worst thing is actual oil, petroleum or vegetable, or ATF, spilled in a road. You can barely ride upright through the stuff at a crawl, and you can't plant the now-oiled soles of your feet when you *do* stop. You can't throttle-up. You can't brake. Your tires take the experience further down the road apiece, not wanting to admit to having left the oil patch. Hilarity results. But there's nothing can be done about it, so never mind.) Another surprising slippery thing: Snow that has been shoveled OUT INTO THE DAMNED STREET when the streets are otherwise clear, sunny, and dried. There's no telling where the hell some moron has broken the law and snowed you his own little surprise-patch. The SUV ahead of you doesn't even care, so he doesn't so much as slow down, but he blocks your view, so... SURPRISE! (Yes, in New York City, shoveling your snow out into the street is a violation of the law, and as a year-round biker, I appreciate that law a lot.) But the STRANGEST SLIPPERY THING is the little piece of plastic trash: a lid from a take-out tub... a flattened beer can... the squashed top from a diner ketchup squeeze bottle... a clear piece of Plexiglas (wtF???)... that happens to be j-u-s-t under your tire as you go for your brake. You expect a touch of the brake to apply a little drag, but, instead, the tire immediately stops rolling, because it suddenly has some out-of-the-blue slider plate occupying its contact patch. It stops rolling, but it doesn't stop MOVING! Forward! Left! Right! Wherever...! You're doing nothing-miles-an-hour when--Whoospie!--your ass meets the road and you can't even figure out WHY. You're left sprawled half under your ride, spewing existential questions with no immediate answer, as people gawp in amazement. (Stranger still: My rear tire was the one that locked onto that sheet of Plexiglas, so the bike did a slow, 180-degree pirouette as I stopped at the light, and I ended up facing the guy behind me. I couldn't duplicate that experience if you paid me to.) Yeah, this is a list that's heavily biased toward experience in a place like NYC, where our slippypoop is different from your canyon-variety slippypoop, but you asked and that where I ride, so there's my answer.

[@johnmcewan6003]

I'm also from a built up city, London and a new rider. This comment and the video has has helped be become more aware. Thanks.

[@meditativeturtle]

I can't believe you only have 180.000 subscribers. You deserve many more! Thanks for your videos. Saludos desde España!

[@conscious4895]

Such great advice. Thanks for touching on the use of the rear brake, and it's consequences, as well!!

[@graycloud057]

Look ahead, think ahead. When going fast put your thinking way out in front of you. Excellent video.

[@ahaa88]

I once found a small patch of gravel while leaning in a corner. I didnt brake as I didnt have much time. I just rolled off and tried to pick up the bike as much as i can. Both of the tyres slid but somehow i didnt crash. That was a lucky day.

[@michaelggriffiths]

I don't know about the 'slow,look,press,roll' method, but in the UK we are (at advanced level) trained to do our braking _before_ the bend. I need to be able to stop safely on my side of the road in the distance I can see to be clear. Then i don't 'accelerate' in to the bend (that's a misconception that public road trail brakers have), I simply use positive throttle to _maintain_ my speed. Otherwise, friction would slow me down. Using this method I've already done my braking *in anticipation of* the hazard.

[@Gibonz]

Great video man, thanks for uploading. Would you mind doing a video on actually how to tackle a corner, talking about braking, throttle and lean angle? Do's and dont's. Some video footage in realtime of what your doing throughout the entry and exit would be super useful! Fearful of having either a low or highside when I get my new bike! Thanks

[@spikarooni6391]

The situational footage is such a great add to these videos

[@alainduquet270]

Great video’s folks, keep up the good work and greetings from Belgium.

[@TokyoTom64]

Greetings from Dublin, Ireland. Superb video. There’s so much noise on KZbin around Trail Braking - and this video, along with your other one on the same subject, are solid gold

[@jimsnow8004]

Good piece, thank you. I never go hard into a corner I can't see through or hard over a hill I can't see over. A deer and a farm tractor taught me those. The tractor was a John Deere BTW...

[@grantperkins368]

Those deers can teach you a thing or 2 eh!

[@dbm1productions]

This happened to me last weekend - riding a street bike (sport touring) with a bunch of guys on ADVs. In a corner on a mountain pass and gravel right in the apex. I was going slow enough that I was able to thread through it and found a narrow path without any gravel. It was very close to the yellow line and an oncoming truck but I managed to get through without incident. Great channel with excellent advice!

[@C_71]

I was out on my ZX12R Tuesday, I came in super hot in a corner at night. I saw the slippery stuff as I got to it...totally my fault as I turned late while gearing down. I passed the slippery stuff looking enough for my back tire to catch traction. I was getting close to the curb when the silence came. I remember what happened and the tire track confirmed it, but the high side was inevitable. I survived, I'm scarred, but nothing that's not happened before. After this incident I'll wear more than a helmet and gloves, I still wanna ride even tho I'm sore and won't again until I'm covered. I'm in my 40s and I don't care about getting scraped, but instead I'll deter it from happening again; my throttle hand is heavy!🏍❤✌🏽

[@asadsankar589]

Same here bro... I've got a problematic heavy hand on me right Lolz😅

[@betterrpg189]

Beginner rider. I feel lucky that I've come across your channel. Thanks for the great advise! I'm a touring rider, not a sportster, but the principals are the same. Thanks again!

[@wandering_armadillo]

This channel, in a word ..... brilliant. In two words : saves lives thank you!

[@taylorlittle5771]

Just broke my collar bone on a twistie with gravel on there, never ever going to stop riding and this only made me want to learn more and become a better rider! On here youtube ing my situation tryna prepare for when i go back to tackle those twisties next time,, great video i think i get it i got scared did exactly what you said and just grabbed my breaks, the road usually isnt like that i commute it daily & a construction crew left the dominant lane position for the curve absolutely full of loose gravel &&& i just couldn’t snap myself up right, i feel so much more equipped for a situation like that after this video even if its ages old.

[@RustyShackleford27]

Gotta ask. When turning on a gravel road what would you recommend one does if you feel the rear wheel loose traction? Maintain throttle?

[@thomasowens6041]

I prepare for sand or rocks in a corner by not riding any faster than I need to. If I wanted to go faster , I would go to the track.

[@iphone202020220]

I agree 100%, It's about riding safe on the road, not like a street Rossi. Ride safe.

[@orionbeltVking]

Yeah..in the track with 2 stroke...before the coner..drop gear and the sound exzos coming so good...that a felling..😂

[@guywright197]

"Not going fast" is not preparation for going into a corner that may have sand/gravel. Even at slow speeds you will dump your bike if you jump on your front brake too fast/too hard.

[@newvocabulary]

@@guywright197 can confirm.

[@dougfilmu]

Two up, on my 1976 Suzuki GT750 watercooled, I once rounded a nice fast left hand bend on a familiar road out in the country where traffic is rare, only to find at the exit to the bend, an old farm truck had reversed up to the bank on the inside of the corner to unload a tractor. He was blocking 3/4 of the road and a car was coming through the remaining gap. I was travelling at an enjoyable speed. I do practice the roll on brake method and was able to do that while straightening up the bike as much as possible before taking the scenic route through handlebar high roadside grass. More luck than skill, we missed the fence and there was no deep ditch. The remainder of that trip was at a very conservative speed.

[@ModifiedNmax]

Gravel, but like you said I just let the bike do its thing and hope for the best and hopefully I did not crash.

[@PwndersWoW]

Same helped me a lot. Usually just do that and trust the bike, might sometimes brake a little before the unexpected hole or sand etc comes. Just to slow down a little before coming near. When near I just do what you said and it works usually so yeah

[@paknakal3835]

Great info. I've just subscribed, but I've enjoyed watching your videos for a couple months now. You offer helpful content in a clear way that is easy to understand and apply. I would say the weirdest thing I've encountered in a corner is a 5-6 foot long monitor lizard crossing from one side of the road to the other. Of course when I was entering the corner was right when it was in my lane. Thankfully the other lane was empty and I was going slow enough that I had time to brake a bit and swerve around it.

[@tihamerforika8982]

Stray dogs, man they are an unpleasant surprise in the middle of a corner trying to bite your wheels 🤣

[@scottthornton9237]

1 calf with mom and DAD! On a right hand bend, 2 lane country road. They were on the opposite side of the road facing towards me. That BIG BULL had that look like "Do you dare". Thank God he didn't charge! I INSTANTLY figured out how to "Trail Brake" without panicking! Every one survived & I discovered DO NOT TRUST Cattle fence or Guards! Bovine are not stupid animals! Great explanation in the video. I saved this one!

[@augurcybernaut4785]

Saving Lives

[@davot.9717]

I watched a couple of your videos now and I really like the straight talk direct approach and clear explanations and how to improve my riding skills. You have been a help and a blessing thank you be blessed

[@carlosfigueroa8299]

A deer followed by a doe. The dear passed in front of me. The doe froze and I managed to pass. In front of it. I was trail braking so I had control of the bike... and the gods were kind to me that day.

[@AhmedMohamed-or3bt]

Sorry 😪 today i got injured because of the curved bent and i lost control and applied the rear brakes but my bike skidded and i ended up under a toyota Sienta car with thrashes and bleedings and pains. I thank God this time no bone broken. "RIDE IT LIKE UR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT"~THANKS BRO

[@herbfudd3006]

Before I ride I always check tire air pressures, I have seen so many yahoo’s with 35+psi so after they heat up they gain more pressure and your on bowling ball tired which contributes to premature slides...

[@bradgray5629]

Sounds very good. Simple and straightforward

[@howieschaneman4549]

I rode as a teen, had a twenty some odd year period not riding, then took it up again at age fifty two so was out of practice. Took a curve faster then should have, realized it halfway thru but didn’t want to brake heavy mid-curve So relied on advice from msf class and pushed down on that inside handgrip (hard..And with a prayer) and hoped his words were gospel that traction would hold. It did. I grew older and wiser. Advice ...take the motorcycle safety foundation course. It might just save your ass. Bike insurance might even pay for it. ..

[@KOSTISLAMBROPOULOS]

The same thing happened to me 2 years ago. Had the same reaction. God and grip was there. Instant lesson learned. Ride safe...

[@R_SINGH_BISHT.]

Finally i found this video's ...with dynamics explained ....keep going ....❤️

[@bastrix69]

Trail braking saved my ass so many times 😎

[@brianperry]

Always enjoy your videos on the use of brakes/braking...Each time l go for a ride l practice the trail brake method..l no longer care if the guy behind thinks I'm a 'wuzz' because he sees my brake light switch on, even well into the bend. Using the brakes for control...not just stopping is an important lesson to master. It's taken a deal of practice to get rid of the decelerate, brake, lean to roll off, trail bake as you lean into the curve/bend. Great tutorial as always ...

[@CanyonChasers]

I love it! So glad i've been able to help!

[@deplorabledave1048]

All my wrecks are from coming in TOO HOT to a corner. I don't need sand to crash. LOL. On the other hand, I have never wrecked in the rain. I am ever so careful with the brakes.

[@Lex-hm9xg]

I almost went down yesterday due to a shit load of sand in the corner…been looking for a video like this; thank you!

[@gjvstrom]

Stay to the outside of the turn until you can see the exit. Out in out is for racing.

[@timothym5678]

Where did you hear this? Totally the opposite of the MSF basic rider course. The best way is out in out, but depends on a few factors. It decreases the angle of the turn and allows for more reaction time.... But that is according to my course and how I ride.

[@mikefreedom8881]

I hardly ever comment on videos but this video was awesome! I lived that you should real life examples as you were explaining. Extremely well done job and a potential life saver for not only myself but my precious bike! Thank you! You got a new sub.

[@dnlgrhm]

Terrific! Your videos are always great and this is one of the best. The time and effort you put into these is greatly appreciated.

[@VagabondOriginal]

These videos where you make the case for trail braking and explain the concepts are so much more valuable to me than any of the other motorcycle tip videos on other channels. Also, those crash example clips were so helpful, man. Really helped me to visualize what you were describing. Outstanding work, as always. 👊

[@CanyonChasers]

👊 Thank you!

[@VagabondOriginal]

@@CanyonChasers yeah, man. It's been so humbling to see things a new way on this, and it's mainly because of one of your videos last year. I'd always written off trail braking as just "race day stuff for ideal track conditions and not practical." No one ever explained it the way you did. Or maybe I was just ready to listen. But I finally have way more understanding of every close call in a corner since I started riding like 24 years ago. Been practicing your techniques since last summer, and it's made a world of difference. Thanks, brother.

[@CanyonChasers]

Man, thats awesome to hear. Trail braking saved motorcycling for me. It's so much more fun now that I'm never misjudging corners anymore.

[@the_pirate_king]

I always carry my index and middle on my front brake just in case I need it

[@groundhornbill]

I'm getting my first motorcycle delivered tomorrow. 750cc. Must say that I'm as apprehensive as hell to ride the bike. So going for proper lessons before I try. But this series has added some serious value for me in preparation. Thanks a lot.

[@votpavel]

its preety cool,have fun

[@donaldmistry]

Been into few crashies... Now a day I never lean and always slowdown before turning...

[@C_71]

I'VE ridden 30 years, Tuesday was my first accident in 21 years. I caught the slippery stuff in a corner and downshifted...as soon as I caught traction, I found the high side!

[@fredminpin]

Haven't experienced this quite yet, but something that always comes to mind (and enhances the reality of it for me) is taking the bike out of the back yard on a cold day, there was a damp 2x4 in the path that literally slid the front wheel from under 90 degrees and good traction in a split second, and so where this hasn't happened, I try to be vigilant and also want to watch and learn basic knowledge and dynamics of such an event from videos like this one. Kudos for the explanation and use of the visuals! Thanks. Oh yeah, ...And then there was that time going to turn the corner on a bicycle, hit a patch of sand, and down she went before I knew what happened.

[@maxadrove3748]

Honestly just don't go fast in corners which you don't know the condition of

[@grantperkins368]

Absolutely. Ride it slowly, THEN ride it fast :-)

[@maxadrove3748]

@@grantperkins368 for sure 😂

[@newvocabulary]

Shit, gavel will tip you even if you're going just 10mph.

[@maxadrove3748]

@@newvocabulary yep

[@Epiphalactic]

Great advice. Not just covering the breaks but preloading them a touch.