Moab Rock Steps with a Loaded BMW R1200GS - Learn the Techniques - Dual Sport Techniques

[@MOTOTREK]

Filming location: goo.gl/maps/4rdUopYY6oDBFyy8A

[@RhodesTTU]

Thank you for sharing the location

[@slava4792]

Why do we need a winch on a motorcycle? if you can,show me.

[@tahoehiker]

I dropped my bike twice watching this video. You make it look so easy Bret.

[@nygelblondin7890]

Been watching your videos and practicing some of the skills you teach today. I followed a bunch of kids on dirt bikes into a muddy tail with my v-Strom 650 with shinkos 805s. Almost went down a few times but tried to keep everything you've talked about in other videos in mind and managed to make it out of the other side. Even got the approval of one of the kids for keeping up.

[@MOTOTREK]

Right on, Nygel!

[@BretTkacs]

Nicely done

[@ADVRaiderKTM]

First RyanF9 then Mototrek!? Oh what a great weekend!

[@rodintoulouse3054]

Wow! What a demonstration of sublime techniques

[@anto687]

Bret! Thank you for your videos, your easygoing nature and clear explanations really helped me out this weekend when I was attending Triumphs off-road training centre. Without having previously ridden off-road, here I was keeping myself weightless on the bike, scanning ahead and trusting the bike to do its thing. I was most pleased when I got off balance in a rut and dabbed my foot to get back in line, something I definitely learned from you! Love your videos and can’t wait to put more techniques into practice!!

[@ADVRaiderKTM]

Getting on the bike from the right side?! WHOA! mind blown!

[@MOTOTREK]

Yeah, we need to make a video about that!

[@BretTkacs]

If that blows your mind you need to come join me for some training! www.tourusa.us/tours/training-tours

[@TheLateBoyScout]

Nice!

[@yanou8241]

Thanks for this lesson! amazing game area & one of the best instructors to share his experience. Thumbs up for the fiming & video editing too! Great work!

[@frandi63]

Brillant! You guys are making the most professional motorbike vids on YT. Hang in!

[@neilhutton1528]

Pure class! Loving your work. Great tutorial.

[@davereinhart9933]

You continue to publish the best adventure motorcycle content on necessary skills! Thank you!

[@The4Chin]

Thank you for showing some hometown footage. Watched with the wife and kids. Makes me want to plan a trip.

[@thetessellater9163]

As a Brit, I am so envious of the tracks and trails you have in the US. Here, there are no such things as open, public trails - just private land you need permission to ride on ! It is to do with land area, of course, and topography - no deserts ! "One day, Thomas, one day."

[@jaywhoisit4863]

You sure handle that big beast well!!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Jay!

[@BretTkacs]

thanks

[@dandersonjr]

I never really planned on riding at Moab since I'm from the Northeast but my daughter did just move to Utah so now it's a possibility and this video could just be very helpful in the future so keep 'em coming.

[@MOTOTREK]

Make time to ride this road when you visit her.

[@stephengrimes257]

Do it for those of us in the UK that have dreamed of Moab but can't afford to get there!

[@aimenalwan]

The intro alone is something.. thanks for sharing, really enjoyed it.

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad you like it! That road was a blast to ride.

[@osimnod]

@@MOTOTREK On the intro I was thinking, "What, did Utah not provide an escalator? Cheap skates!" Thanks for the entertaining and informative video on a challenging aspect for most of us mere mortals.

[@MrMotorSWATCop]

I was out there a month ago on my Super Tenere. Your videos are great.

[@byrdt6528]

Great videography, and fun skills training. Thanks man!!

[@_Zaid]

Perfect timing as I'll be in Moab next month! Not gonna hit anything too hard as I'm on an F750GS with street rims, but good to hear the downhill strategies!

[@MOTOTREK]

Our producer/cameraman Tim rode to the pass on his Versys 650, cast alloy rims and Shinko 705's.

[@jamesriley4857]

Sitting here waiting for broken leg to heal learning what I did wrong! Part two set up for a tight uphill turn on loose ground especially when trying to add a little more speed kills me every time. Live your vids thanks

[@MOTOTREK]

Get well soon, James.

[@WayneKoufsWorldTour]

Your tips are much appreciated.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, Wayne.

[@TheJimreed]

Another great instructional video

[@BillCairns]

Another good educational video, well explained and produced 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@clivekirkman1]

make it look soooo easy gonna practice this in Almeria Spain when i get there this year, thanks for the inspirational videos

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

I'm here for the beautiful montages at the beginning lol

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks!

[@MotoCancun]

Please talk about cornering on roads, body position for adventure bikes on paviment, dust and rain

[@thetessellater9163]

You need to subscribe to get more of his other videos, many topics covered.

[@derweibhai]

Moab is awesome, but I did it on a dual sport Honda XR650r.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

derweibhai: I did it on foot 10 years ago. It is just beautiful. It’s the vastness that is mind blowing, I live in uk and when I stood at a viewpoint i could visualise a piece of English countryside filling the whole vista with 20 million people. I opened my eyes and saw nothing - just emptiness. It’s a wonderful place.

[@brianparkinson1324]

Hey Bret - shout out on your awesome channel! I'm heading out in 2 hours for a 3 week camping trek up the north shore of the St. Lawrence in Canada. Love the channel - great videos and the instruction is first class. Safe ridin' - cheers!

[@MOTOTREK]

Good luck on your trip, Brian!

[@nenadjosic8055]

Thanks, great leson with lots off jmportant details👌😎 Regards from Serbia🤓

[@acopernic]

The Outro is really well made.

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad you like it, Andre! Thanks!

[@namanamin1655]

As always... great video bret...

[@newfoundlanderonthego]

Great informative,unbiased information.thanks

[@maxmmpower]

bret, all your vids are amazingly helpful. ever consider one on how not to lose the front wheel - in technical terrain, soft stuff, basically any sort of wash-out situation. tips on saving the bike, or not losing in 1st place...thx!

[@reesfullmer1194]

Don't forget the jeeper trick of using larger rocks to build a ramp up the larger steps so you don't have to come in to a shelf at 90 degrees.

[@BretTkacs]

Agreed... I talk about that in the crossing obstacles video

[@thecaptain6994]

Great reminder about the ramp!Thanks

[@jacqalas]

Thank you. Will practice this.

[@brianlarsen6242]

I want to see your big 1200 do some steps I would never contemplate. I’ve mountain biked moab a lot and the dirt bikes do amazing things. Haven’t had my Africa twin there yet.

[@BretTkacs]

Lockhart Basin has plenty of those but getting the others in to shoot is a little harder. One of my all time favorite rides.

[@jjustj]

thought for sure you were headed to top of the world when I saw the title! I was wrong again! lol Ride on!

[@ClinttheGreat]

That was my thought as well.

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

Great insights on this - much thanks for all you do!

[@robkcra]

Thanks much Bret for your ongoing extremely helpful videos. The subject of this presentation is of particular interest to me and I followed along quite well......until your very last comment re the use of ABS downhill. I thought I heard you allude to a bike equipped with “dedicated off road ABS” as being some kind of exception to the rule, but I am unsure that I understood. So three questions: • Did I get it right? • Does my 2015 Super Tenere ES qualify as being one of those “dedicated off road ABS” types? • Should both front and back ABS systems be turned off, or??? And actually, a fourth question: • What is the approx. weight of your GS? Thank you for any time you can give to this.

[@BretTkacs]

The Super10 has a pretty darn good ABS system. If ridden properly I doubt your ABS will be anything other than a benefit other than truly extreme riding. My GS is somewhere around 600lbs + luggage. It is similar to your bike. I didn't weigh it before the shoot but I was fully loaded minus my tent and sleeping bag/mat

[@robkcra]

Thanks Bret!

[@benstabile8493]

These videos are great, keep it up!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Ben.

[@markust8904]

That sly smile at the end of the video had me almost believing you were going to turn around and head down LOL! Love the mount up on the bike too must practice.!

[@markust8904]

So practiced the mount up on the bike at the end of the video, one good shift of weight and i was on the ground. Damn! haven't dropped the bike in years but was surprised i could get it back upright when i lifted it. So i learned two things today. One not to do it that way with the shifting weight thing and two don't drop yer bike!

[@franknunez7204]

Thank you for superb content

[@forcela000]

Great video as always, Cheers from Italy 🇮🇹

[@davidbesant]

Ahhhh Malborough country. I taste it now.

[@Loiczzr]

Utah is so beautiful (in summer time...😊😊)

[@UncleWally3]

Amazing explanation; detailed without too much information. Had my high school physics teacher only been able to use his arms to get the idea across like that maybe I wouldn’t have ended up in the woods smokin’ dope and trying to find the “X” axis. Maybe.

[@MOTOTREK]

Insightful, Walter :)

[@ronanrogers4127]

Bret, with the first ascent, would it not be an option to try more of a trials style of approach? Instead of going relatively quickly, could you go slower, lift the front wheel over the first step, and once the back wheel has cleared the step gently accelerate forward? BTW, at the beginning of the video I closed my eyes and thought I was at a screening of a Steve McQueen or Clint Eastwood movie from the late 60s...different soundtrack.

[@Titantramp4u]

My XR650R is heavy enough, so I'm still having some issues with the extra 200 lbs on my F800 GSA...cool video thanks!

[@pcranebmw]

my favorite place.

[@MOTOTREK]

One of ours now too.

[@kubilaykara3167]

I really loved the trick at the end of the video. If It was me, I would be still struggling to lift the bike

[@thetessellater9163]

It helps being reasonably 'well-built', unlike some of us more lithe chaps !

[@PilotEd]

love your vids, just currious: do you ride tubeless? and what pressure? cheers

[@giuseppegallocorvus]

Amazing location and great filming! And great tips too ;)

[@ridewithgnr2116]

Did you say awesome? Yeah!!!! So jealous. I hope you film going down black bear pass in Colorado next. Your soooo close!

[@diesel9583]

Hi Brett . sorry to ask a question that appears silly to you, but I really do need some hot wether boots to ride my gsa, so, am wondering what boots you used in the Moab and India rides ? I always respect your observations and comments . thank you

[@BretTkacs]

I wore Sidi Trial Zero 1's. Not the coolest boot but no waterproof liner, shorter upper and easy to pull off to cool down. Not perfect but everything is a compromise. I wish I could find a good leather only ADV boot... No luck yet

[@danman12002]

Great video, very informative.

[@LiveFreeAndRoam]

Wow, that is a beautiful location and awesome photography! This is a big reason I love adventure biking. The tips are, as usual, right on point. I am curious, how do you grip the tank (or not) in these situations? Thanks mate!

[@BretTkacs]

I index near the tank but don't really "grip". Down hill I am more locked in so I don't have to hold on to the bars, I only use the controls

[@Auskiter]

Another cracking vid...thanks mate

[@Velolion]

Brett, you mentioned that you’re using mostly front brake when you’re descending steps, and only using the rear to stabilize the bike. How are you applying front brake independently from the rear, when the front brake lever on the GS activates the integrated brake system? I’ve got both an oil head and a water boxer and,unlike the rear brake, which can be applied independently by the foot lever, I’m not aware of a way to decouple the front brake frame the rear when using the hand lever. I’d love to know if I’m missing a setting somewhere or if there’s a mod out there to allow independent front brake application. Love your videos, and thanks for any help!

[@SuperBardley]

Velolion The interlock is operational when the ABS is active, when it’s disabled, then the brakes operate independently. Each wheel can be skidded on its own or together (not recommended LOL).

[@BretTkacs]

If there was a mod to fully uncouple the rear from the front I wouldn't be on the list. Although I have been unable to find a reliable source for the exact ratio of rear to front for the '08 GS I do know it is minimal but beneficial. If the rear was always with the front it would be a lot less fun.

[@ADVWanderer]

I was at a RawHyde BMW training camp last weekend, and they stated that if you apply the rear brake before the front brake, the brakes will de-couple. If you apply the front brake before the rear, the rear stays coupled to the front. So if you apply rear first, front second, the brakes will act independently. If you apply front first, rear second, the bike will still apply proportional rear braking after you release the rear. I hope that makes sense. The above was stated in response to a question someone asked in the class, so I am not 100% confident in its accuracy, nor have I tested it in the field. It could also be different depending on year/model of bike.

[@BretTkacs]

@@ADVWanderer I have heard that too but have not confirmed it. I think it's time to reach out to BMW

[@mikemills5144]

Do you always mount the bike from the right side?

[@BretTkacs]

Not always...

[@gonzaloayanz2843]

What motorcycle pants do you usually wear? Can you do one video talking about your equipement?

[@SimstarzGaming]

men you are awesome!!!!! i started to watch ur video because it was recommend after one from fortnine(also really nice) i am from quebec and iuf u ever come ride here pls let us know i want to meet. continue to produce other great video pls

[@teneretraveller8980]

I am assuming stock tyre pressure? Very interesting to see how much suspension travel a GS really has. And why it's needed. Great video and production values. And you need to market the hats.. Happy travels.

[@BretTkacs]

yes I maintain street pressures 99% of the time

[@TaskSwitcherify]

🏍️ I'm surprised the front wheel rebounded (kicked up) immediately on that ledge instead of fully soaking up the impact. If this were a mountain bike, it'd be really uncomfortable. Is it possible to dial in the suspension to avoid this??

[@BretTkacs]

The issue is a 9" ledge and 8.5" of suspension. Even fully extended its going to rebound some. Dropping air pressure to add flex puts the rims and sidewall at greater risk. Also I am adding power just before to lighten the front end. A big wheelie is bad... A small one just over the bumps us smooth

[@TaskSwitcherify]

@@BretTkacs Hi Bret, thanks for replying! I thought a slower rebound setting would work best, the way I have it on a mountain bicycle. For example, it takes a fraction of a second to compress after a "hit" , and then half a second or more to expand back out. So it's not about the height or the stroke length, but rather the speed with which it rebounds to avoid that kick back. But this might be a different animal with motorcycles.

[@manitravelvlogstamil5454]

super

[@congccao5419]

Make a 1200/1250gs review please!

[@raynaeyaert]

Hey Brett, can you share the trail names you are on? I’m riding there next week and would love to hit them up. Thanks again for your work!

[@BretTkacs]

Hurrah pass and Lockhart Basin, I strongly suggest south to north starting north of newspaper rock

[@raynaeyaert]

Thank you Brett! I really appreciate all your work, passion for what you do, an also respond to your viewers! Hope to meet you on the trail one day. Keep them coming!😉

[@michaelhayward7572]

As in the sport/hobby of trials - walk the section. I've said it before the slow speed sport of trials teaches you pretty much everything you need to know to ride a big bike off road. And a lot of the disciplines are completely opposite of what we do on tarmac. You need both.

[@thecaptain6994]

Other than getting another bike, do you have any suggestions for those of us riding ABS bikes that can’t turn them off, when going down a hill or otherwise needing to slow down on slippery surfaces?

[@david8185]

wow man I gotta hand it to you thats a fukn 5 star show and rider what a rider. U just upped the ante brother and bloody well done, exceptional rider. U've set the benchmark of excellence there.

[@davidbacksen5591]

Who did your BMW custom painting, and design ? I had a nightmare last night it was MUD lots of MUD so much mud I cried !

[@BretTkacs]

effettiadventure.com/shop/prodotti/

[@davidbacksen5591]

@@BretTkacs Thank you !

[@mikeowens1944]

What year is your bike?

[@BretTkacs]

2008...

[@old-wookie]

Great video Bret, I'am learning alot watching you work, But getting away from the riding skill, I would like to ask a mechanical Question, I have a 2019 BMW R1250GS, Now it's sad to say but I have DROPPED It more then ONCE, Now after I have picked the bike up, which could take 5 to 8 minutes depending were I'am at (up hill or down hill etc) when I get the bike started there is CLOUD's OF smoke flying out of the exhaust for a good few minutes, This is my first BMW, IS THIS NORMAL? Maybe some of your viewers might like to comment as well!

[@davereinhart9933]

Will you be at the Touratech Rally next month in WA?

[@BretTkacs]

www.touratechrally.com/gallery PSSOR ADV Rider Training

[@Pcarrolo]

I’ve done this on SXS and I couldn’t imagine doing it on my F850GSA

[@kurtbezoenik7372]

Tank bag ?

[@BretTkacs]

Good catch. 3500 mile trip. It has a spare sheild and sheild cleaning stuff. It is small enough to not impede movment Offroad.

[@trout_man]

Great videos. Very pro. Learn something new every time. Sometimes it's that you're doing something right! Haha

[@cheddarpig]

What's your opinion on the Aerostich gear?

[@MOTOTREK]

Love it!

[@BretTkacs]

This is my third Roadcrafter... Nuff said :-)

[@pixxel8637]

So I have a noob question: How offroad-capable is my Honda NC700X? It's not exactly advertised as one... It has 155/150cm suspension travel, 220kg.

[@MOTOTREK]

Pretty similar to the Versys 650 I use offroad with Bret all the time. We made a video about it. - Tim / Producer

[@iritantNL]

Nice video but I'm glad we don't have much of that kind of terain in the Netherlands unless you want to ride up the stairs in an apartment building 😉

[@MOTOTREK]

Sounds like you need to get out of town on an adventure, Arlo!

[@TaskSwitcherify]

Sweet! Great idea to share the map, too. But should we be concerned that repeated motorcycle use will deteriorate the trail and impact the terrain in general, all jokes about BMW tanks aside? 🤔

[@BretTkacs]

It's a major trail used by side by sides and 4x4's so no secret hidden trail here :-)

[@bryanperido3734]

Thanks for all your videos, Bret. I have a question for you: how often / how hard can an adventure bike be dropped without causing damage?

[@BretTkacs]

Bryan, I am assuming this is a real question. Your question is far to general to give a real answer. Which ADV bike, what type of protection if any? Loaded vs not loaded, what terrain? Level ground vs assending vs decending? Landing flat or on something? Get the idea? In general most ADV bikes can handle tremendous abuse but other times they fall just wrong and suffer critical damage. There is a reason I teach riders how not to fall at my courses and tours

[@bryanperido3734]

@@BretTkacs Hey Bret. Thanks for the reply! That helps a lot, actually. I get the idea. Thank you!

[@clyntonmoorcroft6413]

You said thag modern bikes that have dedicated off road Abs don't have the problem of the Abs cycling on a downhill. I drive a 2016 BMW R1200 GSA. I have the Enduro Mode and Enduro pro mode. I asked someone about the Enduro pro mode and he said "are you a pro?" My answer was obviously not, so I stick to the Normal Enduro mode. Would this mode have the dedicated off road Abs where I don't have to worry about it cycling, as you mentioned?

[@BretTkacs]

If you want to lock and slide the rear wheel go "enduro Pro" if you want the rear abs to work in the dirt stick with "enduro" www.bmw-motorrad.co.za/en/engineering/detail/safety/riding-modes.html#/section-even-more-technology-in-detail

[@clyntonmoorcroft6413]

@@BretTkacs thanks man. I have only been riding off road for about a year now, so not to comfortable sliding the back just yet. So for now will stick with Enduro mode. When I have more confidence I'll start learning to throw out the rear

[@HellenicBM]

What suspension settings do you recommend for fully loaded bike and off-road? l hane an Tiger Xca and factory recommendation for loaded bike feels so stiff even on pavement, can too hard suspension settings hurt the bike in any way during off-road? Thank you in advance

[@czondag]

Hi, i have a question, i have an africa twin crf 1000L, is it better for the side stand to get on the bike ( with side stand out) on the right or the left side.?

[@giuliobuccini208]

From the rear... :D ok, a joke. Better from the left side, so you are in total control (i.e. both hands on the handlebar) when you lift the bike vertical on unlevelled terrains. I mounted larger footpegs on my 1200cc, so I usually get on my bike by stepping on the left footpeg and loading it with all of my weight to stabilize the bike. Then I rotate my right leg over the seat. Finally, when I'm in control, I lift the bike vertical. I can do that just because of the massive sidestand of the Guzzi Stelvio.

[@BretTkacs]

Without getting complex. I like mounting from the right side when I can so I can unload the sidestand while mounting and use my weight to stand the bike up instead of strength

[@czondag]

@@BretTkacs thanks, i will try this the next time...

[@Boutch555]

Great video! Gear question: What's the suit you're wearing in this video? Used to seeing you in your Rev'it Sand 3.

[@BretTkacs]

This trip I pulled out my Areostich Roadcrafter... my Rev'it! hasn't been retired, just taking a nap

[@OneManTrail]

3:52 Me either. But I have a great personality.

[@fanATIc666x]

Tires?

[@Mototistampls]

Brett, what tire pressure will you recommend for that terrain? Btw, this video is amazing!

[@YA-ee9zf]

On youtube type sport bikes going off road and enjoy.

[@excaliburgt4537]

Hey bret! I love your channel, been binge watching for a week and I'm now a big fan. Our bikes here in asia are the same the 125's to 150's in India. Your channel has inspired me into adventure touring. Although imma need secondary opinions if i could use my daily 153cc yamaha sz-16 to do it 😂😅

[@BretTkacs]

Nothing wrong with a 150 :-)

[@excaliburgt4537]

@@BretTkacs thanks man you gave my bike the mototrek seal of approval 😄 you should make a video on motorcycle mods/add-ons to go touring man. You like windscreens, crashguards, luggage, all the way to tents, cookware, etc it would be a great help for us beginners! 😁

[@christopherwalters8373]

Any bike will take you on an adventure, and the 20k for the gs could take you many miles ! Enjoy !

[@j.c.v7628]

I was wondering how many miles have you put on your bike??

[@BretTkacs]

This bike only has 65,000 mi (105,000 km)

[@j.c.v7628]

@@BretTkacs so how many miles would you say is a lot??

[@BretTkacs]

@@j.c.v7628 mileage often has more to due with use and care. I had no concerns with my F8GS at 100,000 miles. I know riders in the 200,000+ range. Those are all certainly high mileage bikes. One of my instructors is at 350,000 on a Kawasaki Concours

[@Mylifelovingit]

Did not like that "thunk" when you hit the first step. I use more of a trails type approach and use the torque of the engine to get me over a bit slower. Both methods work. I believe it is more to do with what you are comfortable with

[@BretTkacs]

I didn't like that "thunk" either. I crossed that step much slower than the video shows. I couldn't get enough stroke even at a near stop approach to not bottom out my loaded GS oinker . 600+ lbs and 8.5" of travel

[@zaetathe_]

Maybe its my prespective as a 690 rider, but you're probably way better off wheelie-ing up the first one at least slightly.

[@BretTkacs]

My R1200GS (fully loaded) doesn't wheelie in the dirt...

[@SuperBardley]

Dale Jahnke Yea as a GS rider, my 1st inclination would be to lighten that front wheel, but then again, maximal road contact for it is better.

[@martinpaces7670]

Seems like you will soon shed your rear fender, the way it waggles around. Happened to me on a rocky hill: [coming down the hill] - Hey, what's that piece of rubbish? Didn't notice it on the way up. [coming closer] - Looks like a piece from a BMW [passing by] - Hey, maybe I lost it?!?

[@BretTkacs]

Yes lost the upper bolt on the way in. lost the first one on the WABDR. This one was given to me so I through it on until it also breaks free :-)

[@silviazencich6862]

:D love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@YA-ee9zf]

adventure bikes the perfect mid life crises adventurer bike

[@BretTkacs]

Yes...

[@thetessellater9163]

Why wait till mid-life !!! You can have such adventures because of younger 'crises' !

[@curtkautsch]

please get an orange bike. ... you'll really enjoy off road :)

[@BretTkacs]

Any KTM, the AT or even BMW's 850 would be WAY more fun. My problem is I keep spending all my money traveling the world instead of getting a modern or more capable bike. I do miss having a machine better suited for tough terrain. Of the many bikes of my past a KTM 990 and F800GS were two of them.

[@ridewithgnr2116]

Your out of the woods,now, ain’t ya!?

[@MOTOTREK]

Yes!

[@Lazarus-aap]

2:24 That's what she said...