Winter Riding Tips for Adventure Motorcyclists

[@MOTOTREK]

Bret is teaching adventure motorcycle classes this July and August in WA and OR. Register now @ bit.ly/2ER4cO4

[@ToofastOn3]

How about Ontario, Canada?

[@CEEPMDEE]

Please tell us about those handy handlebar mittens that fit over barkbusters. I would like to buy a pair.

[@westonsantiago9828]

I guess Im randomly asking but does someone know a tool to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb lost the login password. I would love any help you can offer me.

[@louisalfonso9493]

@Weston Santiago instablaster ;)

[@westonsantiago9828]

@Louis Alfonso thanks for your reply. I found the site on google and im in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@dendec7631]

I liked the part where you turn the bike around in the track at the end. Showing a little extra is a neat treat.

[@pauldavison2116]

Was JUST going to comment on that too. What a great idea!

[@saverlater123]

I’d get so paranoid about the kickstand crippling under additional rotational moment produced from moving the bike like that

[@karlschuneman7960]

This is because the rubber has to last longer and grip at a larger temperature range. All-season tires are designed for climates that rarely have temperatures below freezing. In fact, below 42 degrees fahrenheit (6 degrees celsius) the rubber in all-season tires starts to harden.

[@olegs1594]

Actually the best video on winter riding I've seen so far. Thanks a lot man, I have been looking for that for a year at the very least. I live in Saint-Petersburg, Russia and I'm starting to feel tired of not riding my bike for half a year. I am eternally grateful for the information and the inspiration. I knew it was possible no matter what bar surfers are saying! I am riding ice and snow next winter, that's for sure.

[@DragonHansen]

How did the winter driving go?

[@Will-jb7dd]

@@DragonHansen lol he dead

[@dgr6714]

oleg, hey man are u alive?

[@olegs1594]

@@DragonHansen was fun but cold AF xD this winter was nuts and too much snow

[@olegs1594]

@@Will-jb7dd hehe nah man still breathing xD

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Due to the radius face of a motorcycle tire, you do increase some contact patch by airing down. Yet the biggest benefit is increased flex, generating more heat, and thereby more flexibility to surface conditions just as you've said. There are winter specific tires for motorcycles but the are pretty rare and in short size availability. Aside from snow and ice, I bet the Michelin Road 5 tires with the sipes would be about as good as one can get if a person was staying on pavement. Automobile winter tires are soft, flexible, and have hundreds of sipes/biting edges. Something similar for motorcycle would be neat.

[@brianmiller270]

Great video! I am a year-round rider, commute to work every day, and this past year I moved to an area that has snow. The experience has made me a better rider, but this video gave me some great tips. Thank you!

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome!

[@dandersonjr]

When I had my motorcycle dealership I had a customer come in and buy two new tubes in the winter one morning. He came back shortly after lunch and bought two more tubes. When I asked what happened to the tubes he bought that morning he just smiled and said he used too long of sheet metal screws in his worn out knobbies. Live and learn I guess. Thanks for the video.

[@MOTOTREK]

Good story!

[@andrewwatson9586]

Love your channel. I think I've watched them all. I'm no better at adventure rider but I'm now an awesome Jazz Drummer ;) Keep up the great work and thanks for the content

[@mmazz30]

I’m finding it hard to find snow here in Melbourne,Australia with +35deg c days but I still love your videos Bret....good to have you back regularly👍

[@Francois_Dupont]

i saw a supposedly australian that had alot of snow in it. i dont know if true.

[@jeeves6490]

@@Francois_Dupont We have snow Francois, it's a big country, where I live is subtropical, Melbourne is at the bottom end of the country, he wouldn't have had to go far to run into some snow this winter.

[@joeybobbie1]

Thank You for these Videos. I have Rode Bikes my whole Life, and still learn Tons from your Videos. I’m not afraid of admitting if I’ve been doing something the wrong way. The hardest part is Breaking old habits. I have to really Practice what you Teach to get it to where it’s a normal part of my Riding. I really Appreciate what you are doing. You are making every Rider that applies your Techniques, a Safer Better Rider. 👍❤️🇺🇦

[@c.jordanadventures1240]

Bret your content is always spot on! Thanks so much for doing what you do to help us all! I actually miss the PNW. I spent a few weeks in Republic, WA when I was in the Army. I absolutely love the area. Unfortunately I didn’t have my GSA at the time but I’d definitely be up for making a cross country trek from good ole South Carolina back to the Oregon and Washington area! Love it! Thanks again for the tips!

[@BretTkacs]

Love to see you over here... Are you planning to ride the mid Atlantic BDR?

[@c.jordanadventures1240]

Bret Tkacs If I can work out out I’d love to ride that! Are you planning on riding it?

[@CommieHunter7]

That dab from the pegs and back to the pegs, that's the ticket. It's a skill.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thx, Adam.

[@jamesrich9705]

THE BEST ADVICE I'VE HEARD ON THE NET !.......THANKS FOR TAKING US TO SCHOOL

[@joeroesch1]

You are the first person to ever comment about gravel roads in the winter!! I thought I was a weirdo and the only one that loves riding them in the winter!!

[@thetidysnorkeler4580]

Thanks for making this - planning to ride in the South Island of NZ for the first time and it will be in mid winter

[@joey_b20v]

Great video! I recently bought an 07 Triumph Tiger 1050 with knobby tires and plan to ride it as much as possible this winter in Northern Maine. Thanks for the tips and tricks!

[@byrdt6528]

Such a great subject to cover. I absolutely love your videos!!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Tim.

[@gwot]

I know all about airing down when off-roading in a car for traction, and I know it creates more heat. I'm always doing a few braking and accelerating on a straight to induce some flex in hopes of getting/keeping my tires warm, but it has never occurred to me to air down on my bike! it's so obvious! I'm gonna start experimenting, thanks!

[@michaelbrogan6412]

You are by far the best on youtube and i am still some time off buying my first adventure bike

[@BigChillingGoingDown]

This guy is my favorite motorcycle presenter on all of KZbin

[@justride9893]

I ride year round in Michigan and enjoy the change from trying to stay cool in the summer with protective gear on. Last February on a beautiful sunny day I was riding a fun, curvy, tree lined gravel road when, on sunlit patch of it, I found myself sliding in the gravel before I knew there was any issue to avoid. Literally I didn't know I was down until I heard the sound of my bike sliding away it happened so quickly. There was no wobble or slide sensation; I was up and then I was down. What had been good grip frozen gravel had turned to wet slightly muddy covered ice where the sun had been shining on the road, in a section where the forest was thin, for a half hour or so.Because the ice was frozen mud and just the surface had melted there was know way to see the hazard from the bike; it looked the same as all I had ben riding. From the advantage of my face on the ground next to it I was able to see my misunderstanding. Nothing was hurt, I was traveling only about thirty mph and the bike is an adventure so no damage there. I did however look more closely at the road directly in front of my tire more frequently as I finished my ride, looking for a wet sheen verses an ice reflection. In winter riding there are even more considerations than one first anticipates . Your video is great! I would like one to cover such obstacles as I encountered added to your collection.Thanks for your series.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're right on. Glad you're OK!

[@wesloughrie1]

Awesome info, thank you for this video. Feeling a lot more confident in case I hit some snow this winter on the bike

[@stephenhyde9547]

Hi just had to say how much confidence you have given me , I have recently got back into bikes after a 15 year break I have a 2006 Bmw f650 Gs . Your videos are set at a perfect pace to follow , and your tips of how to set up your bike Are spot on , when I set up my pay pal I will send of for some sticker so I can spread the message . Keep up the good work . Thanks Steve Manchester uk

[@David-Daithi]

Love you channel. So glad I found it. Truly one of the best MC KZbinrs!

[@chrisoffersen]

That opening tracking shot is pretty great

[@williamwallace5201]

excellent video and tips, thank you. I even learned something as an Ontarian!

[@malvinacarabas5768]

Another bonus of riding in a winter - you can easily get disability . Great video as always !

[@CKwoi]

You mention that the pressure printed on the sidewall of the tire is for max load and not necessarily the ideal pressure for max traction. I've met a ton of people who believe that's the max pressure the tire supports, so I contacted one of the tire manufacturers last year and asked what that marking actually means. This is their answer (literal quote): "Thanks for your email. The marking on the tyre is the Minimum (not maximum) inflation to achieve the load rating (it is a DOT requirement - not our recommendation). Always run the pressures in the owner's manual. Many riders when off-road will reduce pressures, but it varies according to person preference and weight/load/speed/terrain (etc etc). 28/30 is popular. 24/24 would be OK for very soft off-road conditions but risks punctures. Some riders go much lower in sand only. I hope this helps."

[@mikefyten7761]

Airing down (or back up) absolutely changes (bigger or smaller) the contact patch that touches the ground. You spoke about PSI...yes, that is the outcome of airing down..you have lowered the PSI inside the tire. While I do agree that airing up and down on any ride can become cumbersome it does have advantages that outweigh any PITA factor. I would be very interested to hear from you as to why you said in this video that airing down does not increase contact patch. There are many videos available that give visual proof as to the increased contact patch that results from lower PSI. Thank you. Your videos are helpful and i have learned much.

[@Thirsty_Fox]

Of course it does increase the contact size, but keeping the tread malleable instead of hard is the main benefit, which both requires and is a consequence of heat, rather than simply increased contact patch size. Also, in some low-traction situations like snow and ice, larger contact patch can be worse since you have less weight focused down that can 'cut through' and have other beneficial properties. Here in Canada, winter tires on vehicles are almost always narrower and thicker sidewalled than the OEM size for these reasons.

[@TonyGoesRiding]

Very informative, well produced and entertaining! Keep them coming!

[@no_special_person]

Mat Jorgensen killed it with the music

[@ridewithgnr2116]

I usually watch you videos from Texas going Jeez I wish I was in Washington State playing around. Ha! I was probably playing around in the snow in Sequim as someone was making this video! I just posted a little of my “Snow Bird” while up there. I had a blast but riding a big ADV bike in that stuff wore me out QUICK!!! Good stuff, Bret.

[@ericthedesigner]

I ride metal studded tires in the snow on my bike. I have better traction than trucks and cars in the snow. I find it very impressive when people ride in the snow without studds

[@skleshin]

Pretty useful! Thanks a lot!) Hope there will be more winter riders in Russia

[@tumbleweed-life]

Ok your in the rut on the right side filled with slush and now you need to turn left with that big block of ice in the middle, glad I live in Alabama! From the looks of it that skid plate would make a nice sled. lol

[@ridewyoming]

I've been following your videos regularly and I feel like I've learned a lot from them. A friend of mine took one of your courses last summer and said a lot of good things about it so I'm looking forward to take one of your courses too next year. I'm also saving money for that Nepal trek of yours. I live in Montana and my bikes are already buries in snow, yesterday (still October) we had January temperatures of -18.

[@willmcgregor7184]

Thanks Most videos re Cold weather riding focus on clothing layers etc. I was looking for tips on traction & another great video.

[@indegrow1]

Awesome video as usual. Thanks!

[@bholway223]

Thank you so much for all your videos! I can’t get enough! I’ve tried all your tips, and feel way more confident on my bigger bike.

[@davereinhart9933]

I like that you ride an older bike. Most of us cannot afford to ride the newest and greatest.

[@WheelsAndWags]

Great video, thank you for making this

[@namanamin1655]

Thanx a lot bret for making this video, next time whenever i’ll go in snow will keep in mind.

[@gritcity4489]

Great content as usual, thanks Bret!

[@colinthornton1378]

You make the very difficult look very easy.

[@arthurb8631]

Are you kidding me!!!!! That’s nuts

[@PA-Tammy]

Been riding 48 yr's now and hands down my best winter/snow bike was a DL650.

[@nathanboeger9329]

This makes me miss snow now... BTW: I think the word your looking for is "friction". Lowering the pressure, increasing the flex, increases the friction and thus more heat is generated.

[@ridewithgnr2116]

PS. I was using TKC80s while playing in the soft snow in Washington. They worked great!

[@hondacbr600]

If there is ice you will fall what ever you do you have no chance. Except if bike has 80kg max and you move at snail speed you can potencionaly catch the bike with your legs. But if you have spikes on the tires than you can ride on ice wich are illegal in the most of the countries as far as i am consirned. And even then there is still much more wear on tires if you ride on lets say depply frozen grass and mud etc

[@Lark993]

Commuting through slush and snow I find that keeping off the pegs is key, instead hovering my feet in preparation for putting a foot down when I start to inevitably slip out. If I stand up it takes too much weight off the back tire and it spins out as well. Shorter the seat height the better when it comes to snow, between the lower center of gravity and ease of standing up off the bike to 'ski' it back upright. I've also dropped tire pressure by 40% but I'm not sure that's turned out to be such a good idea.

[@randeb1974]

Interesting. This getting up on the pegs for every tenuous situation is a challenge for me. Ice, snow and ruts are the perfect unpredictable circumstance and being up on the pegs seems to mean that I will land harder and further from the bike.

[@khakimzhanmiras]

Can you do one on crossing water. In the beginning of a hero's journey he must cross a body of water.

[@TurkiyeCumhurbaskani]

You have to watch for black ice, it can sneak up on you and rob you off your balance. On the other hand white snow looks cute and more predictable. So be careful out there.

[@Shipfixer]

Instant LIKE! Kind thanks. I live in Alaska where the winter temps get to -15 and sometimes lower. Ice and snow is constantly on the roads, I was wondering about studs? I have a 2018 KLR. It would be awesome to be able to ride more than just in the short summer months. Greetings from Seward, Alaska.

[@joaodanunciacaonunes7539]

another great video, and great tips. keep them coming.

[@randygeyer4730]

Excellent! Thank you.

[@al-canadv9241]

Yeah! Now that's riding! Finally someone who doesn't see anything white as a sign to park the bike for 6 months! Seriously though, great video Bret, there are some really great tips in there. Thanks!

[@nickaddario1847]

I always learn valuable pearls from you, Thank you so much!

[@robertcoman4236]

What Rev'it gear is this? Thanks!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Your videos are what mine want to be when they grow up 😍👌👌

[@samsare6034]

Watchi g this after we just got 20cm of fresh snow out of nowhere and I am kinda stuck in a mountain hut - so thanks!

[@MOTOTREK]

Be careful, Samuel.

[@samsare6034]

@@MOTOTREK Thanks! I got down safely, also thanks to your video! Best, Sam

[@lowrider9367]

That kickstand is much stronger than I thought.

[@tumbleweed-life]

you can tell that was not the first time he did that!

[@AarPlays]

9:45 THIS is why we have winter tires. Softer rubber for more contact patch and heat transfer (Surface area doesn't contribute to static friction. Fr=uN where friction is equal to "stickyness" times weight). Rubber gets harder the colder it gets, winter tires are designed to be softer so when you go out in cold weather the cold air stiffens it to a (relatively) normal stiffness. Invest in proper winter tires, and learn how to swap your tires out on your own. Edit: Should have watched the whole video. LOL.

[@base.and.basics6006]

Wow you did it! Thanks man, very usefull lesson!

[@TheMailrouter]

Wish I had your skills. Great video

[@lorre007]

wow! thanks for the video!

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome! Thanks for the idea.

[@michaeld6475]

Awesome tips, as always!

[@PaulRichter75]

Hey Bret. I live in the capital of Canada. I ride a KTM1190A . I would like to come see you for sending training. Ive been riding for 35 years. But your videos have taught me so many things. How do I connect with you? I grew up in South Africa. So I would like to be coached on extreme weather condition riding. Not ashamed to admit that I don't know everything.

[@mikedew380]

Great footage, thanks.

[@thebackpackerbryan]

Love the videos. If you ever want a riding buddy. I live in Seattle. Not a ton of experience on my new bike. (800gs) so I'm always looking to go out. :)

[@BretTkacs]

Come play with me at my school or if you are going to the Touratech rally look me up there

[@mtnmotoadv]

I rode my DR350S into some snow the other day, probably 3-5 inches of fresh powder and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it'd be. In fact I was slipping around more in the muddy stuff that lead to the snow than I was in the snow itself.

[@I_THE_ME]

Well, that is powder and not layered snow with packed ice below it.

[@meetbaris]

Great tips! thank you.

[@DisableMe123]

Awsome! And then casually turn a gs around..... Good stuff

[@Putteblaze]

What’s your preference on Weight, Seat height, position and wheel size? As i guess they could make a change..?

[@stefanmajonez6571]

What about winter commuting? I'm starting to seriously think about ditching my car and going bike-only, because the car costs twice as much in insurance, and just stands and rusts for months unused. But, in my area I usually have ~2-3 months of freezing nights, and roughly 1 month of freezing days. What to do then? Is this an unrealistic and unsafe dream of mine?

[@Vestbyman]

Another tip is to get winterair in the tires!! I think ;)

[@Me-fl9bq]

Hi Bret. Thanks so much for all the great info. Can you tell me what brand of windshield extension you’re using on your 1200 gas? Thanks

[@teneretraveller8980]

That makes a lot of sense. How do you feel about using heavy duty zip ties to make a temporary knobbly tyre when normally running a 50/50 tyre?

[@BretTkacs]

I've never tried it but would give it a try in a pinch for deep snow if the tire wasn't getting traction

[@teneretraveller8980]

@@BretTkacs Yes. I know I shouldn't get caught out but dirty brown stuff happens. I'll be keeping a few extra heavy duty ties in my emergency kit..

[@keithleblanc2505]

This is an activity iam planning for next year. I have been riding for 10 years but i live in canada so i get sad not being able to ride for 6 months.... What bike in your opinion stands the best chance in -30. And over a foot of snow.... Iam thinking of starting with a small ktm to practice between towns

[@ownyourworld]

Thanks again great vid 👍🏻

[@Christian-ve1wi]

Hi Bret. Great video have shared this amongst the populous of the UK, where our winters are mostly wet and cold. My question is Winter tyres are they worth the additional investment especially for someone who wouldn't necessarily use knobbies on their bike. My understanding is that they are comprised of less plastic than conventional tyres increasing flexibility but reducing lifespan. Thanks for your great channel and the effort all you guys put into to making superb content.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks for sharing, Christian! Like Bret says in the video, knobbies will wear out quicker, but they are very helpful in mud and snow when you need to "paddle".

[@OffRoadRiderMan]

I have on multiple occasions tried to get some satisfaction from riding in the snow, but did not manage to get any. Just like a night riding in the rain, it is more of a suffering than a pleasure. I dont mean I cannot do it, but I cannot be arsed unless its an absolute need.

[@copdwarriormcdonald7968]

Great info thanks!

[@YB_He]

Hi, you brought a very interesting question in your video today which is air pressure. Do you suggest that K60s and Anakee Wilds on my 800gsa should go with the tire pressure indicates on my tires instead of the owner’s manual? Maybe a video about all mysteries and common misconceptions on tire pressure? Thank you!

[@DerpEye]

Riding in these conditions on asphalt, is basically a gamble. You don't know what you'll find behind the next turn. And if it's ice (and it more than likely is) there is NOTHING you can do except going down. My bike is too expensive and my health is even more, to take this gamble. Btw, the dirt, salt, and dust mixed with humidity, are reason enough to slide even when there's no ice. Happened once, years ago, on a nice 10° C dicember day, at 40km/h at like 20° leaning angle.

[@CasalGSA]

Another nice video! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks!

[@DiscoverLifeMedia]

Had to say something. Good work!

[@giuliobuccini208]

I want a little puppet of Brett, so I can fix it on my bike and remember all of his tips&tricks.

[@ridewithgnr2116]

Got any secrets to keeping the front end up when jumping obstacles or are ADV bikes just too heavy in the front to do mild jumps. I have a Suzuki V-Strom.

[@MOTOTREK]

Checkout our "Obstacles" video!

[@ridewithgnr2116]

MOTOTREK will do! Thanks.

[@4imazupi]

Hi Bret, thanks for the great videos. What 50/50 tires are you running here?

[@BretTkacs]

Mita E-07

[@4imazupi]

Thanks Bret. I currently have TKC 70s on my 12GS. Last weekend I did a 2 day off road course on a 12GS with TKC80s. I loved the TKC 80s, but all the reports I’ve seen the TKC80s ware out to quick (2.5 to 3 K miles), at least to quick for my budget. I’m looking for something which performs as good as the TKC 80s on wet and dry dirt and pavement but last longer. Is the E-07 your GoTo 50/50 tire and in your opinion do they work as well as the TKC80s? Thanks

[@Francois_Dupont]

Bret, is this your same suit from the years? it must be of good quality! is it still waterproof?

[@Miguel-re2hv]

Just one question: how do you actually make the shooting? Somebody else with yoy?....excellent vid!

[@TheGSARider]

Bret, can you throw light when riding 2up on heavy motorcycle (Tiger 800) in these conditions. Thanks

[@desitrackriders3381]

You asked on another video what we want you to do. Couldnt really think of much you havnt covered but here's one... testing different bikes as I would like you to review the ktm1190 surely you must know someone who would lend you the bike..

[@s.sradon9782]

how hard actually is it to ride a motorcycle in snow and ice? with a mountain bike it used to be a death sentence but it became really fun to drift around corners

[@legenddon7837]

*Please Reply* Can you make a video on how to ride a scooter on mud, gravel on dambur road, or on off road, snow and in slippery rainy seasons with a pillion rider and on a sitting position, not standing?!

[@khakimzhanmiras]

just what I asked for!

[@MrMegaPerez]

Great tips :) I wish I knew them last week when I went to the Czech Republik (from Germany). I had a lot of snow and ice in the mountains there :/

[@haraldsimon2807]

Fichtelberg? ;-)

[@MrMegaPerez]

Harald Simon ne Karlsbad (Karlovy Vary), Slavkovsky Les und Umgebung:) Video kommt bald :)

[@idohad]

Yeah no kidding, 5 days prior to this video post, I ran into similar situation near Snoqualmie WA. goo.gl/5KpVSa

[@OmmerSyssel]

An unprepared German ??? A careless Ossi ...?

[@eduardosampoia5480]

Best to stay home when you have conditions like that.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're right, Eduardo. But if you're partway through a journey and encounter snow, it's helpful to know how to get through it.

[@anviltheblacksmith2504]

Some say, that when he was born... he already came equiped with the hat... And the helmet had to be custom made so it´s hat can be weared underneath

[@markust8904]

worn underneath

[@micromelis]

Are you going to do more poser skills videos? Those are just fun!