First time dirt essentials, Adventure riding off-road

[@davberrio]

"Remember you were the one who chose to go riding because you thought it would be fun. Smile while you ride." That's an epic quote.

[@oobergooberx]

"keep your body plumb to the earth"--THAT's what i needed to hear. Thanks!

[@ryanmalone2681]

As a new ADV rider I broke my ankle and 3 ribs in 2 different crashes. Also had some crashes in water and mud in the middle of nowhere where it took me hours to get out and I wasn't even sure I'd be able to. I spent a couple days with Bret and Paul and learned so much. I rode away with so many more tools in my toolbox to deal with so many of the challenges you'll face 'off-road'. It made riding more enjoyable and safer. Can't recommend it enough. It wasn't that fun, and I was exhausted by the end of day 1, but it was highly educational.

[@wandererscott]

Great video! I would like to add something for those taking new off-road riders out for the first time. Please take them someplace that you consider super easy! Our perceptions change over time. Those small rocks and sticks, that you don't even notice anymore, look like insurmountable "trials" level obstacles to beginners! It has been my experience that seasoned riders take people to places that, to them, are super easy but to new riders are almost overwhelming. Just experiencing the bike moving around underneath you is enough to start with! Also, I couldn't agree more with lots of breaks. For new riders everything is done consciously. There is no muscle memory yet! This, along with the nervousness, is exhausting. Thanks for another great video!

[@kenjisan7970]

Great comment. And remember that the gravel road that was smooth and easy a couple of weeks ago might be a completely different animal after some bad weather.

[@m.robinson2558]

."Smile while you ride" What exquisite advice for all on and off road enthusiasts !

[@chrissein632]

exquisite advice to any rider. Exquisite advice for any situation in life

[@kneadedmassage9751]

It's more that good advice- smiling actually nudges blood chemistry- AND if you can't smile, you may "biting off more than you can chew" AKA being overly terrified.

[@mattwolski5379]

On my first "off-road" ride, I had a total epic. On the final climb, I dumped the bike for the nth time and broke the clutch lever. Without parts to repair it and no cell, I hiked eight miles to the nearest road, hitched to the nearest town, and took a really expensive Lyft back to my house. A buddy shuttled me back out the next week with a replacement part to make a field repair and ride home. This was almost 10 years, many BDRs, and over a 100,000k of adventure riding miles ago. I rode the same trail about a week ago and god damn! it was still heads up. How I made it as far as I did, chalk it up to being younger, nuttier, and heavy on the throttle.

[@gasdive]

I love that you've defined this absurd "off road" as on road. One of my pet hates is this calling unsealed roads "off road". Had a long discussion on a V-Strom forum when I said the Strom is great, but it needs some sort of road under it. He's a really rude guy hammering on me that he'd ridden his thousands of miles off road, including the whole length of South America completely off road. I was amazed at the logistics of arranging off road access that far and asked him about it (through all the name calling). He had a blog, which I read, and it turned out he hadn't ridden one inch off road. In fact, he'd taken a numbered main highway the whole way. Sharing the road with semi trailer trucks. Hardly jumping logs or picking along dry creek beds and animal trails.

[@BretTkacs]

Even remote two track is normally an unmaintained road. Unfortunately if I only say unpaved roads in my title or discription those that need it most won't find the video

[@MaintDocs]

100% agree. I'll take my street bikes on _open_ forest and forest service roads, including small smooth landing jumps. I consider that _very light_ offroad. Even single track is way too vague a term. There is easy single track that I could _probably_ take a street bike on. And there is single track that should come with "you've been riding a trials bike for years, right?" Enduro at least usually comes with some descriptors: hill climb, log crossing, stream crossings, etc.

[@ohTHATaaronbrown]

Love the clear, no-nonsense way you approach instructions like these.

[@TimRHillard]

There is a road like you are describing that runs from Sedona, AZ east/west to IH 17. I can't remember what it is called, but it is very popular. Let me tell you, it is one if the most beautiful, awe inspiring rides on the planet. It's reds and yellows, it can be snow, wet or dry, it is amazing. You ride that in a decent adv bike and you'll be hooked for life! There are some pretty serious drop-offs, so, ya know.

[@alessandrotorrescampos522]

The tip I liked the most was regarding to the attitude aspect: keep a smile on your face - indeed - totally agree. As a 53 returning to motorcycle/bigtrail world, that’s everything for me. Thank you!! 😀 Alessandro 🇧🇷

[@SsiolisP]

Probably one of your best tutorials. You nailed it, like I mean, perfect! Loads of practical information.

[@manoloorz]

every time i spend a few weeks/months without taking the bike off road i love to go back to a few of your videos to refresh my knowledge and build up my confidence, also sometimes i might or might not have one playing in the background while im researching/ planning a new route.

[@bruceparr1678]

I did not realize that riding gravel needed such deep thought. When I started riding, many roads were gravel. Most people got the hang of it pretty quick.

[@lessmore444]

Attitude definitely matters. In my experience, a nervous & anxious rider translates into a nervous & anxious behaving moto. Tough to explain, but the bike seems to behave in concert with my mental & physical state. When I’m confident & relaxed, the bike also just rides better. Other riders have agreed. Those who’ve learned to ride dirt first easily transition the roads, while the reverse is rarely true.

[@BretTkacs]

Agreed

[@Michael_Shay]

I appreciate you covering the boots. For what it's worth, I started on a dual sport with adv boots, and the only 2 injuries I've had that kept me off the bike for a while were foot injuries from low speed crashes while wearing said boots. Haven't had any issues since I got tech 7 enduros, I'm a bit more experienced now though. Advice to anyone looking to get boots: If you don't care about the color, alpinestars tends to put their past seasons colors on sale, and sometimes if you get lucky, you can use that sale in combination with another coupon and get a good deal. I got my tech 7 enduros for $250 new(normally $440).

[@londonglide]

Had a sit on The Moto Morini at the ADV festival this year. Was rather taken by the styling, and look forward to seeing what Bret does to it...

[@nwiegman]

I love your very informative dissection of all the nuances of this crazy endeavor. A friend gave me the advise-" embrace the shimmy." That helped me realize it is part of the dance and another as well as yourself-"you go where your eyes go- look down fall down." It is only natural to look when you do not feel secure but don't scan ahead and confidence builds as you saw the loose gravel, sand, water whatever and when you go thru it you actually feel good having already anticipated it- your eyes are looking for the next adventure to be had and overcome. With confidence you are more likely to stay on the throttle- the thing that is keep you up- the gyroscopic phenomena- you get a little scarred you naturally slow or worse brake and it gets worse. The dance you do with the throttle is its own song, learning when to dump speed and when to turn up the volume. You are a conductor and there are many things threads to pull together to make a harmonious and beautiful arrangement. Grace in anything is a beautiful thing and you my friend, play a bike gracefully.

[@jeroenru]

Smile is usually solid advice. Even with ‘difficult’ telephone calls it makes it a huge difference ;-)

[@MasterRospi]

I wish I had seen this video before going on my first ride. I went through all that is mentioned!

[@rednelli]

Heartfelt Thanks. I have implemented many of your tips into my driving. I have the slogan ATTITUDE MATTERS stuck on many places. This is the most important tip.

[@jberejik]

Been on the road my riding life. Going to start simple dirt roads to get to the best fishing spots. THANK YOU SO MUCH for these videos!!!

[@catmate8358]

One point I'd like to add is that on dirt roads you are likely to come across corrugations, and those are awful at 40kph. You have the impression that both you and the bike are going to break in pieces. You have to ride fast over corrugations, about 90kph, so that the wheels fly over the bottoms and touch only the tops of the waves. This is actually easy on the straight line but becomes tricky if there are curves which force you to slow down. Just my 2 cents. Thanks for the great advice Bret, keep 'em a comin' 🙂

[@Christopher-ly8ge]

The best video I've seen from you in quite a while. It reminds me a lot of your earlier videos: down-to-earth, 'normal guy' passing on valuable info to us noobs. Thanks for taking the time to make this - and for sharing!

[@BretTkacs]

Wow, thanks! I try to produce content for riders of all levels.

[@stevenm936]

Agreed! I like this style of content, the way Bret used to present, straight to the point !

[@starlordnetzero9633]

I took a well known intro to adventure course last summer in Colorado there were 20 students in the class and 3 instructors with little pre training we were on a rocky inclined dirt trail in and out of the camp. I did great until the end of the day heading up that last part - I was tired just wanted to get to camp and lost focus - broken right thumb and severe MCL sprain later I’m still recovering from. Another student tore acl on that rocky boulder road. I only finished the first day of the two day class sadly. From now on I’ll only take one on one training or very small class training with you or Dusty. Attitude matters all day that first day on dual and single track I didn’t fall ….it was the last run of the day that did me in

[@jonbusby3881]

You have made so many great videos, I’ve learned so much. You can tell you really care about your audience. Thank You

[@BretTkacs]

My pleasure! I'm certainly am not doing videos for the money 🤣

[@MaintDocs]

Great video for new people. *A few quick tips I give new people:* Think of each of these as a game challenge. If you have an opportunity to try one of these techniques, go for it and try to win it. 1. *Foot pegs = control.* If both your feet are off, the bike is a wild animal going where it wants with no concern for you. It's ok to put your foot down, preferably only 1 at a time. Even pro's waddle through mud pits. But give yourself a challenge to build your confidence by keeping your feet on the pegs more than you think you should. 2. *Spring your legs:* when you are afraid, that's when you mind tells you to sit down, but it's actually where the control that standing will help the most. But you don't actually have to stand. Anytime you want more control, put more weight into your footpegs and take weight off the seat. Play with shifting weight between feet and see how that helps you control the bike. Those 1st two tips will help you quickly gain more control over the bike, so focus on those. When you are kinda getting it, here's 2 more things to help: 3. *Don't let your feet stick out.* Turn them inward. It will help you grip the bike (control), and it will prevent nasty ankle/knee/hip injuries. 4. (combine this with the other tips) *Use the ball of your foot.* Just like a football player or martial artist, you have more power and control when you use the ball of your foot instead of the heel or middle. You can do this for more control. But you can also do this because it makes the ride softer. *Is your foot or back getting sore?* Do you want to reduce shock on them so you are more comfortable? Your tailbone and spine don't flex to absorb bumps very well, but your ankle is perfect to soak that up. And don't hesitate to ask us questions. Bonus tip for the next time they go out: 5. Ice cream cone grip. (that was a game changer for me)

[@richholub3198]

Thanks Brett. You've been one of my go to instructors.

[@budgetbonkers-w0ord447]

Thanks to Bret I got good touring boots. Made alll the difference in protection and confidence. Sidi Adventure 2, love them, using a thinner wool sock because they run a bit narrow in front.

[@joesmith250]

Awesome video!!! Straight to the point, clear and concise! Great job!

[@FlatIronProject]

Super helpful. Even though I didn't find this video until long after my first off-road ride :-)

[@Jeremy-n7w]

my 2023 G310GS has a recommended PSI of 24/27. I've never gone that low. At the PSI the bike doesn't steer or handle well at all. I ran 29.5/32 with OEM tires 2 weeks ago I switched to the shinko 804/805 tires and started at 34/36 it handled well on pavement then offroad was terrifying so, I dropped it immediately 200yrds off the pavement to ?/? made it to work and now I'm dialed in at 29.5/30PSI. For the first time of owning the bike I feel like I did on my other Beemer, 1986 flying brick. Now I can really push her down in the corners, corner at speed and have fun with confidence. Now dry clay, dirt, gravel feel 10X better than before. Wet clay is still a huge challenge for me and once in a while I still end up at 9MPH with a foot used as an outrigger like a putz. I'm trying hard to learn to ride better in wet clay and snow. It's just hard for me stil

[@Knobblytyressoggysocks]

This was reassuring. I have recently started riding on greenlanes after selling my sport bike and uploading a few short rides to KZbin. The first long ride was knerve wracking and was not a beginner ride atall and i have never been so exhausted afterwards in all my life. Been out of a few more rides since, had a few offs and now feeling more relaxed and enjoying it. Speed does help with sand and gravel. If i feel myself get tense, i shout outloud at myself that i can do it, seems to work 😅 looking back on videos helps aswell as the self doubt sinks in a few days later even when i had a great time.

[@LesPeregrinationsDeMisterS]

Sincerely impressed by both your empathy and your tutorials. Do you consider setting up a subsidiary of your riding school in Europe ? The would be awesome !

[@jessgoodwin9823]

This is one of the best comprehensive 'get started' off-pavement videos I've seen. Thank you Bret. Although I could have used this about a year ago when I got started off pavement 😁, I'll definitely be recommending this to anyone who is getting started!

[@BretTkacs]

Thanks... Bret-

[@fr4gus]

Training is the best investment we can do for our riding, before any upgrade to the bike. I hope this idea spreads and create opportunity for us to learn. In Costa Rica we are lucky that a couple of instructors created an Off-road Academy, not the usual 1-day course, but a 7 days course in a safe environment where we practice, practice, practice. I hope we can get you Bret someday in Costa Rica and you can enjoy the great landscapes of my country and see how good pilots we are :)

[@bigcatpete3227]

Thanks! Always great information.

[@ianseddon9347]

Hi Brett, Just found your channel, I’m an Englishman who is near 70yo - been riding for more than 50 years and just started seriously riding off road 🤦🏼‍♂️. I love your channel and I’m working through the catalog ( note US spelling out of courtesy! 😂) I wish i’d known a lot of this stuff a long time ago. Keep safe and thank you

[@wgeoffre]

Excellent. Sending this to my nephew.

[@Andrew-vz3qk]

Im glad you made to point about the boots at the end. I still have a mate who just wears regular walking boots on single tracks

[@wendyzeller3908]

Always very helpful content, well explained and demonstrated. Thanks so much!

[@carlbayard8729]

I've been following you for many years. GS to KTM to Yamaha and now Morini. Très cool

[@tomkagi3903]

Can't over-state the importance of smiling when first getting used to off-road riding alone in isolated rural regions (here in Thailand): it really helped me! Still does.... Thanks, Bret!

[@BlueAlgon]

Thanks for the video. Also glad you mention smiling...not many people seem to mention this.

[@brycehiigel235]

Thank you for the tips. I got my first motorcycle ever this year it is the 24 KLR 650. Right now when I ride the dirt county roads I feel like I am on riding on ice. I have only ridden road bikes (pedal). Every so often I have had to cross a patch of ice on 23mm tires so I naturally stay straight up and coast across. I feel this right now on the dirt roads. I don’t want to make any sudden movements thinking that the bike will come out from underneath me. I am really trying to stay relaxed but collected and telling myself the bike knows what it is doing.

[@edreyes1391]

Great videos I am at 53 learning adv riding on a Trail 125.

[@solarone69]

Better late than never, friend! I started out on its counterpart (Trail 90) 60 years ago and it’s the right tool for that job. I’m still riding all surfaces at 72, so you’ve got many years of of good riding ahead of you!

[@juanjosetodoli3182]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. great video !!!

[@gilinsomnia4988]

Very clear and useful

[@Ghostrider-71]

Great info and synopsis for a new rider. Thank you for posting.

[@donniegreenpastorofgraceby5475]

Always very insightful and clear on the message. I learned a lot through you. Thank you for taking the time and giving us your knowledge.

[@roysteves]

Thanks!

[@Warerdog24]

Great video really helped my wife out with the idea of riding some gravel roads Thank You

[@BretTkacs]

I have a video playlist for newer off pavement riders. I hope it helps. I included link several throughout this video

[@sergeisedlo749]

very informative video. Thanks Bret

[@AndrewChristopherEnriquez]

this is the video i needed when i first went offroad! it was terrifying. i kept looking for videos about getting over the fear. this would have been the perfect video to watch. that speed goal rec was perfect!

[@touriston2wheels]

Thanks for the classes. I've been watching for several yrs. I practice and try to improve every ride. FROM VSTROM TO KTM 1090..luv the ktm.. Thanks for the free knowledge

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Lots of good advice from an expert. I wish I had your help before learning by experience (and mistakes). Thanks for your channel, Günter/Nürnberg

[@BretTkacs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@denisthek]

Thanks Bret, I have been riding on and off road for over 50 years, I agree 100% with all you say just finished the TAT from N.Carolina to Port Orford,OR back down the coast to LA. I had never ridden on so many gravel road at 50 MPH they were really fun, I still suck in the sand but really got into the gravel roads. Thanks again for your videos I can always learn, hope to sign up with Patron soon. I did the TAT on a 1995 XR650L I was happy with my choice glad I was not on my GS1200 in Colorado Rockies. Denis Kerechuk.

[@rotorhead5000]

An easy preparation for transitioning to off road stuff; practice your body positioning on the street. Elbows out, knees forward, balls of your feet on the pegs, proud chest. It's kind of awkward getting used to, but it sets you up really well for when the bike gets the gravel wallows, or a sudden loss of traction, deeper-than-you-thought pothole, ect, and when it becomes instinct to sit thay way on the bike, a lot of those big problems become a lot smaller.

[@Niki_Parvanov]

great points

[@Al_Rowell]

So much great info! Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@yorkchris10]

Apparently Cole Trickle learned a lot about racing by watching TV. I think you can learn about reading terrain by watching videos, but it's good to follow someone on a silmilar bike and get to know how the bike behaves with an experienced rider.

[@Loiczzr]

I love those forma boots. I have the first gen for about 7 years work great. 1 thing I would add to your video, is to tell ppl to make sure they don't put anything sharp/hard in their jacket or pants. Several years ago I was riding in snow/ice in the mountain, doing maybe 10 mph and my front wheel washed out and I landed in the snow on my side. No big deal but I had something hard in my chest pocket (adv jacket) and it pushed against my ribs. Took me over 10 minutes to catch my breath and another 40 to actually be able to lift my bike up.. Keys could also be a major problem going thru your chest or leg.

[@podunkman2709]

They are too massive in the nose so hard to operate gear lever.

[@Loiczzr]

@podunkman2709 when I has my drz400s I had an extended shift lever (1") On my versys 650 no issues, but I always adjust my levers when I get a new bike.

[@49Roadmaster]

all great advice. thanks

[@ashwin0985]

Thanks

[@davidmohr4004]

Helpful as always...thanks Bret!

[@BeardedLer1WD]

Been on a Versys 650 for the last 4 riding seasons, picking up a beautiful 2007 KTM 640 Adventure and plan to get out in the woods. Many gravel roads in my near future. Perfect timing!

[@lovelessissimo]

A 640?

[@BeardedLer1WD]

@@lovelessissimo Yup, the 640 ADV was the predecessor to the 690 platform. They ran from 99-2007. Look them up, they are a bike full of character and definitely have a cult following. Every 690 with a fairing is trying to be the 640.

[@lovelessissimo]

@@BeardedLer1WD looks like I have some digging to do.

[@hrazek]

Brilliant video! Full of excellent tips.

[@sweehinlim]

As always, very informative. Great work.

[@bernardhossmoto]

I have these Forma boots. KTM 790 Adv R. with foot peg on my shin - no problem!

[@skiphalbakken6499]

Another great video Bret. Cheers from Texas.

[@lizdg3892]

Thanks for all your tips and insights. Very helpful to those of us just getting started.

[@cyclopathic998]

Thx for the video. Wish I saw it a couple decades ago.😂 Send it to a few friends who are new to it hopefully it will help them to avoid mistakes I made

[@ehiggins7476]

Gold!

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I was worried for a bit on new bike on rutted dirt road. Trying to ride up out of a rut. That was one of my worries. I did get a lot of practice taking off in loose gravel at stop signs.

[@mikedahms3600]

One of your greatest videos, thank you. Mike

[@skippynj1979]

These videos are essential.. thank you..

[@hellderson]

Awesome

[@codrutalexandrescu]

Hi Bret! I love your videos and this one is extremely useful. I ride an s1000rr in an European country where I find very often that the highway or a national road suddenly has a few km of unpaved surface or worst (gravel or 10cm of small round rocks used before laying the concrete or asphalt) and I experienced exactly what you described. This video is perfect for someone in my situation.

[@MrUX-cb4wn]

Thank you, Bret! Very useful video.

[@davidjohnston1374]

Top video Brett, thankyou, because I live in a regional area of Eastern Australia, there's little in the way of any Motorcycle education here unless you live in a major Capitol City so the next best thing is to watch videos from yourself and some other creditable trainers and go practice, practice & practice. So, I for one on a Suzuki V-Strom 650, thankyou very much for your videos.

[@gregcooke1461]

Like your videos mate, keep up the good content👍🇦🇺

[@NoRoads2AllRoads]

that xcape is beautiful... damn!

[@kusadlamini5896]

Great content

[@Vahu19]

Great video....i'm at the very beginnigs of my off road exp. I must say the one thing that stands out for me is running the higher gear, i understood that the jerky inputs are more forgiving. Also the my smile while i ride is music, it relaxes me and gives me more field of view area (i tend to look furthter down the road). please make this a series and take us to the next level :) cheers

[@NomadOnGS]

Thanks a lot Bret for another great video. I would like to request from you to have a separate video showing a perfect setup for after market suspension. I have a TracTive suspension on my GS and I saw you have the same on your GS.

[@BretTkacs]

My plan is to do a suspension tuning series. OEM or aftermarket is irrelevant

[@rustyspiker3569]

Thanks Bret. Always learn something new.

[@1962clarky]

Good sound advise, love your channel Brett..

[@anneligustafsson16]

Soo good tips❤

[@reinhardlagrange4058]

Great video, very thorough and informative. I always look forward to seeing your posts.

[@chiodosauro8189]

Watched the video, got inspired to take my Tuareg off road for the first time. Unfortunately there are no wide and straight gravel roads where I live, so I had to take it up a twisty road on the mountainside. I followed Bret's advice as best as I could and I was having lots of fun. At the last sharp turn I panicked and grabbed the breaks, and went tits up 😢 knee protectors and nice boots saved me though, I only have to deal with a bruise (both on me and the bike)

[@BretTkacs]

Never rider faster than you can see AND stop. Glad you are ok. Remember anytime things feel like they are happening fast... Slow down or get your vision farther out.

[@MaintDocs]

All of us have a panic on gravel moment at some point.

[@Blinducho]

Nice video! My driveway is freaking scary 😂😂😂. I need to improve my off road skills.

[@gabemass8779]

I just got back from a trip through the mountains of WV on my Tiger 850 sport. I have some experience “off-road”. Your videos saved me on the off-road mountain decent. I certainly wasn’t particularly comfortable. But I was successful getting down. I wish we had some instruction available here in Indiana.

[@mohammede.4500]

I had one of those. Terrible for off-road in that the ABS cannot be turned off. Going down a steep gravel or slipperly dirt road and hitting brakes while barely slowing down is very dangerous. I manually disconnected the ABS sensor on the rear brake, and that made it much better, but the error code from the missing sensor would somehow cause the engine to cut off sometimes when I pulled in the clutch- which is also a bit of a hazard. I traded the 850 in for a Rally Pro (1200, but 900 would have been great as well).

[@JagLite]

Excellent instructions as always, thanks Bret.

[@dtrex392]

I was recently googling “adventure bike speed on gravel” recently because I picked up a slightly used V85TT. An ADV bike has been on my wish list for a long time, so that I can continue on if I get to the dreaded ‘pavement ends’ sign on my street bike. Long story short, I felt that my 30-35mph was too slow on gravel. The google search lead to a lot of “it depends.” I think a Dusty Wessels video mentioned being in 2nd or 3rd gear, “maybe even 4th,” which lead me to believe that I was in the right ballpark. And here I thought getting passed by a Buick in the woods was embarrassing…… So, good video, much needed, wish you had made it about 6 weeks ago! 😁

[@MaintDocs]

It's far less embarrassing than passing a Buick and then eating it, and them driving by you gathering up the peices.

[@The333]

Fantastic post, Bret.

[@csiautodetail]

another excellent video

[@doatdove6061]

Great advice ,, very helpful even though I've been doing this gravel thing for a while after coming from the street ,, uncle B .. good looking Chinese hardware you've got .. D

[@andrecoquim]

Awesome work Bret👍

[@TravelnTechDM]

tkacs i just here for the bike asmr soothing talks..i dunno if im gonna go off road or not

[@hizirkurtel3197]

thanks 👍

[@alanwalls3117]

Excellent info!