How to Ride in Deep Sand on Heavy Adventure Bikes - Let the Bike Steer Itself

[@MOTOTREK]

Get your name in the end credits! JOIN now and become an Associate Producer. www.youtube.com/@MOTOTREK/membership

[@RideWithRen]

Mototrek plus Fortnine? It's KZbin motorcycling gold!!

[@David.W99]

Perfect combination. More!!!

[@DuzBee]

Yes, great to see a collaboration for the betterment of motorcycle rider knowledge and skill. Bravo

[@nishant1857]

Glad to see RyanF9 in your video.

[@destructoooo]

Good, were there any more videos of them both together?

[@HeartBrokenBiker]

Ahaaa... professor Ryan Surprise!

[@arqteryx2008]

Profressor Ryan is the name of the guy with half burned eyebrows?

[@luckyjordan8139]

I love it! My two favorite Moto vloggers in one video!

[@eggman84ish]

I agree!

[@cyanogen7582]

Legit the best duo, mototrek and fortnine are my gotos for adv and general motorcycling info.

[@pont0n]

IT made me LOL

[@4mthoppy]

Brian Wagnon ditto on that. Noob here. 100 miles on my new TW 200. I love Ryan and Fort Nine and getting to really appreciate Brent and MotoTrek. Dan, Dan the fireman is helping too. All great teachers to learn from mentally before I ride and when I ride and reenforce.

[@49Roadmaster]

Was barreling down a dirt road the other day and came up on 8"+ deep loose sand heavy rutted by heavy equipment doing 50++kmph. Sure glad I had watched this video a few times, and even happier I remembered everything you said. The road was like this for over 2km so I ran it out. I must admit I was very proud of myself and thankful for the channel.

[@fallinginthed33p]

Did you maintain 50 kph throughout? Did the front end squirm a lot at that speed?

[@hdtcustoms11188]

Two masters in one video . That was awesome breakfast of knowledge . Thnx love from India

[@AlfonsoSantiago]

Just bring +spurge (ig: @thefixxer) from +revzilla and it will be my most favourite video.

[@whatsnext6805]

Hdt customs good to see you here 😊

[@hamadsaudal-thani2498]

Truly the most wondedfull knowledge on riding motorcycles. What I learned is to take it easy and the bike will be in yiur control. You get tense, the bike will feel it and fight you back.

[@wfodavid]

I've been racing MX and off-road for over 40 years and decided I needed a 500LB 1290? It's definitely a new ball game with this beast, especially in tight single track and deep sand. Practice is my friend. These videos are great.

[@iPedroMota]

Cool to see this explained what I learned through trial and error in Mongolia. One can only wipe out so many times before going "screw it I'm hitting it fast on the next patch". Did it on the next section of super soft, 95kmh or so, held my breath, flew through it. Life was never the same after that, what a rush. Having that "fuck it" moment helps a lot I reckon to put aside that fear you mentioned.

[@ronanrogers4127]

...did you use the rear brake like Brett suggested would raise the front wheel...or did you just use lots of throttle?

[@africamike]

Hey Pedro, one thing to remember is that Brett and Ryan ride BMW's........you got to ask yourself,"but can they do it on an overloaded Transalp????"😀😀😀😀😀😀..........gotta love the fact that 3 (Brett, Ryan AND Pedro) of the best youtubers feature here.....awesome vid!

[@DawidWeiss]

I have to say: yours are among the best instruction videos on the internet. Not flashy, detailed and informative. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@mohba01]

good tips. i'd also like to add more sag to the rear shock if its an adjustable unit. decrease air pressure a bit too. Also, the BMW GS is a bad example for Ryans explanation, which btw, is absolutely spot on. The question to ask is, Why has BMW dumped his telelever for the HP2. My answer for is that the front wheel kinematics was "refusing bumps" for the telelever setup. Technicians will agree that a wheel is refusing bumps when the tire patch is accelerating on bumps, but on the contrary with a telescopic fork, the wheel has to decelerate on bumps and therefore is swallowings bumps. This is why Moto-cross bikes have got less vertical fork tubes. BMW's approach with the GS was: "With touring bikes, it's not so bad : just shaking your forearms a bit when accelerating on a bumpy road" .. this is why the HP2 does not have a telelever, nor did any of thier works bikes.

[@WestOfTwinPeaks]

Nice collaboration with F9! I always have a smile on my face through sand until I have sand in my teeth.

[@sevenshadesofsmooth]

I went offroad for the first time today on a 99 Honda Varadero XL1000V. I had watched a good number of your vids before today and they really helped me keep the big old bus upright. Its a totally different set of skills from road, so thank you for the informative videos, they made my trip with friends enjoyable rather than disastrous. Many thanks from Australia

[@DavidTopps]

Great to see Brett and Ryan collaborating on this one. Nice juxtaposition of presentation styles.

[@elyasfloyd]

David Topps for 😎

[@elyasfloyd]

David Topps sgsh😎5hcnvcjf😎

[@zugmeister314]

It was a cool video then he kicked it over to Ryan. I'm like "ok, time to click that thumbs up don't even care what Ryan says!

[@jameystuart8473]

I am an riding veteran of 30+ years, but an absolute novice in adventure riding. You make it look sooo easy, but I love the videos and am trying to learn. Thanks!

[@kendrickpavey6683]

The two best motorcycling guys on the internet. I think I had a bikegasm...great tips debunking the bullshit out there. An excellent technical description of why the bike self corrects. Thankyou!

[@deldridg]

Some great advice there and thank you. I'm considering a shift to ADV biking having ridden sports bikes for 25 years and your vids are both very informative and enjoyable. Love the positive vibe! Cheers from Australia - Dave

[@YoShImUrA53]

My two favorite motorcycle channels on KZbin joining forces? And on a particularly interesting topic I needed help with? This deserves a comment. Here, thank you guys!!

[@liqwiz]

I've had so many different kinds of advice over the years, and I had developed a fear. What you said about having the right attitude, and letting the bike go where it wants... I had a *lot* of fun in the sand and I never thought that was possible. Thank you for that.

[@planetaboy]

Thanks for this video! I watched it the other night while we’re on a road trip. I always like these videos even though I’m a Harley guy and I know jack about off road riding or ADV bikes in general. Today I found myself in a long construction zone following a pilot car. They had laid a bed of crushed rock and it was not packed down. My 850 lb Harley sank right in and the front end nearly washed out. I remembered the advise you gave to give it gas and feather the clutch to trim speed. It worked perfectly! I slipped and slid through a mile of that mess feathering the clutch like a mofo to keep the front tire from submerging and my speed in check. Your timely tip kept my new Harley upright while riding on a surface it had no business being anywhere near!!

[@MOTOTREK]

That's great to hear! Glad you found it useful!

[@BretTkacs]

B Robson it’s time to cross over ;-)

[@simonecasadio930]

What a surprise! The two greatests moto-story-tecnique-tellers together! Great video! As always.

[@viiinslancelot5847]

Mototrek and Fortnine are my favourite channels. Great guys and great techniques!

[@vinerwe]

Cheers to the 2 best dudes on motorcycles!

[@JayBe443]

My CRF300 is not adv at all, gearing, weight, power, weight distribution, whatever. You still hit the nail on the head when it comes to understanding certain principles. Well spoken, and confident ash without the frame guard on a bigger bike

[@jaypuck6912]

Awesome. Did a lot of deep sand last summer in Colorado. Found myself in a spot where the sand went on and on and on and... for hundreds of feet. I knew enough to know I didn't want to stop and I got through it, but it wasn't fun. I didn't hate it, but it definitely wasn't fun. I'll go back there when the snow is gone and practice, practice, practice.

[@barrymatherly]

You and Ryan F9 are in my top three or four all time favorites on You Tube. Hope we see more of you together.

[@BretTkacs]

Barry Matherly WhAT?! Top 3 or 4?!?! I should be first... Ryan can be 4th ;-)

[@gustoramus]

two of the best, Mototrek and FortNine, thanks for teaming up.

[@brianstandley4585]

Tires make a huge difference as well. You need a little bite to keep the bike moving. Streetish tires were a challenge for me and I was raised in the sand. A more open tread design added much more confidence. Thanks for your great tips and instruction

[@wandererscott]

My favorite skills guy and my favorite review guy in the same video! Thanks!

[@olafholm]

Love seeing our Spokane, Washington ORV park put to the test! A great place to practice just about every type of terrain...sand included!

[@FilmHerald]

HOLY SHIT IT'S F9

[@TCphotographer]

During the snow experienced taxi drivers I remembered had been keeping constant acceleration it is not fast but steady power to the engine. It seems the same on loose sand constant power of engine is the key word! This is tough one could by experiencing could learn constant power!!!

[@jsowers21]

So - Funny thing. I bought a 1250 GSA this spring. I have about 1300 miles on it right now. Last night I decided to turn down a gravel road. Turns out I had to ride a decent distance through some significant sand that I wasn't mentally prepared for or expecting. Thankfully I had watched this video and was able to remember enough to get through it. Thanks a ton for this content!

[@BretTkacs]

That is really cool!

[@mikemitchell3889]

Bret, I ride an Africa Twin, so I follow you (and the oh-so charming-and-technical Ryan/Fortnine) regularly. I saw a Sporty in your office during your phone cut, and it prompted me to comment. My other car is a "Road King," and while traveling today, coming through a small town, I found myself on a road that was undergoing re-surfacing, and they had scraped the old tarmac off, leaving Ines akin to rain grooves, parallel, but squiggling at Radom departure angles. The grooves were not linear. I found myself using your sand technique by letting the bike self correct, using a light-touch on the bars. What a leap of faith -- the bike, with my large arse on it exceeds 1000 lbs. The epiphany was like a light-bulb over my helmet, and turned "snake-creepy" into, "Wow, I just learned something!" It's fortuitous that your subject, today, was spot-on pertinent to todays experience. Nice to be affirmed by a rider as talented as you. Thank-You, Mike

[@richardnowels]

Good points. Reinforces what I was taught at Jimmy Lewis Offroad school.

[@Dr.Twisty]

Maybe the best motorcycle instructional video ever. Really great job guys! Thanks!

[@sudeepmaniyani2288]

Fortnine & Mototrek together.... awesome guys....keep the collaboration going👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@BM74atBM74]

Real nice learnings. As said, in deep sand the handlebar is moving left and right and could bring you to fall. If YOU move the handlebar left and right, you'll find it easier to keep control.

[@knshield9684]

You guys have unleashed the power of the engineer gone adventure rider mind! I really appreciate the explanation of this "phenomena". I have learned on my mountain bike, as I down hill a sketchy spot, to let the bike roll and let it dance in your hands "light hands, light feet". This gives me confidence to trust it. I guess i'm NOT just lucky! guess I should stop playing the lottery after a successful ride! Thanks again. Great tips!

[@francis105G]

I really appreciate this video. Deep Sand has always been my Nemesis...

[@noscil9403]

Getting an ADV soon and just learning about this channel. I really love the advice, and seeing Ryan here is just the cherry on top :) Big smile on my face.

[@peterbrophy9442]

Really cool to see you guys hook up. Met Ryan a few times in Montreal. Real stand up guy and fun to ride with.

[@nickcalnephone]

Ryan AND Brett. Now that's an adroit combination. More please.

[@FortNine]

Not as adroit as your use of "adroit." Respect. ~RF9

[@MTL_Rider]

I love the fact that I always come back to your videos to get a refresh lesson, as we forget the basics and keep doing the same mistakes when we ride. Also very happy you and Ryan teamed up on this video, you both are my favorite motorcycle KZbin Channels that I always look forward to watching and learning.

[@GRequinBlanc]

same here - just did that today in fact!

[@umphreydave24]

Great to see you and Ryan creating content together! Keep up the great work!

[@TheSandipDev]

I have doing much of these things instinctively but it was great to hear these things being pointed out. Very useful

[@ryanhumphrey2268]

Awesome to see Ryan on here, great team you two would make. Thanks

[@stevemccann3976]

Thanks so much for the info. Something this old guy will have to go out and get used to. Thanks also to Ryan for the input. I learned something today, again!

[@TheChancho21]

I'm a new rider. Some of the places I ride have sand/fresh plowed farmland. All of the things you said not to do, I do. Great information. I'm going to go out this weekend and try to apply the the riding techniques you just explained. Thank you for the information. 🙋

[@MOTOTREK]

Right on!

[@emilyk-m9z]

My two favorite dudes. Awesome.

[@zaetathe_]

The most important thing about sand is learning to read it; then you shift your weight and get ready to flow with the bike. I ride in sand basically constantly here in East Texas. Learn to read when a rut or groove is going to push your front is number one. Second is putting your weight back (almost over you passenger seat; yes, WAY back) in straight lines/gently curves and moving very far forward in corners/berms (think motocross cornering).

[@rhllnm]

I hate sand too. I'm in NM and have learned to expect sand where arroyos cross the road, with sand washing down onto the road. Sometimes big long sections. I'll cross 2 or 3 of them and come upon a big ugly one, and then it's like, screw it, the last thing I want to do is to turn around and have to go back through them all! My last batch was eroded tuff near Cuba, NM - essentially volcanic ash. It was like baby powder. My foot just vanished into it when I walked out to see how deep it was. Oh yeah, and it totally dried my chain out after about 100 yards of it.

[@ADVRaiderKTM]

Bret and Ryan are on track to take over the motorcycle internetz! awesome!

[@MHix63]

This is exactly what I was looking for. I recently was at an adventure rally (ADV Rally - Julian) and found myself in much more sand than expected. I'm totally new to sand and was not prepared. My KLR 650 didn't make it any easier, lol! Through the day I began to get more comfortable with the movement of the bike under me, but was still pretty tense. After watching this video (and others) I'm looking forward to getting back out there and honing my sand skills.

[@ScottHomeVideos]

See you at the rally next year! 👋

[@rustyshackleford6549]

Same thing happened to me today lol iv road my whole life and never had to deal with sand

[@ridewithgnr2116]

Thanks, Bret and Tim. Nice video for newbie dirt riders like me. Trail braking for nose-up-sand-riding was a new concept for me for sure.

[@norsefalconer]

Invaluable info here! Imo, snow makes a good practice substitute for sand, and is a reason to get that bike out during the "off season."

[@w.c.dogside1204]

Yes! Awesome collaboration!

[@patrickperron3388]

Seems like i am not the only one here loving these two guys on the Tube. Natural match! Please do some more stuff together: You’re like a motorcyling encyclopedia 🤓

[@DuzBee]

Great to see a collaboration for the betterment of motorcycle rider knowledge and skill. Bravo

[@BartoszBanachewicz]

OMG When ryan came in I was like "no freaking way that two best motorbike YT channels fused". Thank you both for hours of entertainment and enlightment!

[@darvelbidenisapuppet7275]

Thanks for the Videos. I remember the moment I relaxed my grip and said to myself if I wreck I wreck, Well I didn't wreck and found my confidence in the sand patches that appear on the trails I ride. Haven't tried feathering my rear break yet. I will think about that next time.

[@lowrider9367]

Well I gotta say that there is way more skill to riding these than meets the eye!!! I have been on the hunt for one of these bikes for a couple of months & purchased a 2013 1200 GSA. The wife & I was out last night & encountered some sand & did not have a good experience. I ended up twisting my ankle trying to save the bike when I should have just let it lay on it's side. Plus for me I need more hr's on the bike before off roading with a passenger on loose surfaces. Anyhow I am very experienced dirt biker road for 20+ years and still ride currently. I have learned very quickly that these bike require a bit of a different skill set & theory of riding to get them to do what you want. Humble Pie tastes like shit, but I am man enough to admit when I need more practice. I have been watching a lot of your vids & will continue to watch more of your library. I can only say thanks for the time & effort you put forth to make your videos in real life scenarios. Thanks!!! Putting more ice on the ankle and watching the next vid. Already can't wait to get back out & ride...

[@jfgu]

My favorite two motobloggers.

[@DavidHathaway]

Very informative and comforting. I loved seeing Ryan.

[@writehandman2833]

I rode an XR400 Honda for years and loved the sand. It just seemed easy. Now, on a heavy adventure bike, I have come to dread the sand as the front end seems to wallow and take of in unexpected directions. I'll give this stuff a try and hopefully I can come to enjoy the sand once again instead of dreading it. Thank you both.

[@evenlucky]

that surprise collaboration just made my day

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad to hear that, Steven!

[@motoprentice]

My two favorite MotoTubers in one video! One more example of how real greats usually have the humility to work well with others. Cheers!

[@MOTOTREK]

Cheers, Chris!

[@brianmiller270]

Love to see the collab with Ryan! More please.

[@FromJel_01]

Ooooooomg! Ryan! Awesome! Both Chanel are the best!

[@NickAchterhoek]

These slow-mo's are pieces of art!

[@saugaatjoshy8219]

Been riding a bike for over 20 years. Loose on the handle bars is in fact the way to go as said here. It gives that all important feed- back on which way your front tyre wants to go. Using the instantaneous feed back you can act and make necessary adjustments if & when required. Another thing I have found very effective is maintaining the same speed and the same gear throughout, be it going over sand or mud. However in regard to speed there is a small margin of play. If you want to go fast over these types of surfaces I have found this to be really effective.

[@blackbirdrider2]

I used to ride a 1100xx blackbird, but due to soreness in shoulders and back ( ok it’s an age thing )I purchased a Triumph Tiger 1200. Awsome bike and so comfortable. I am getting a lot out of these videos and so much to learn. I wish these guys were out here in Australia. Thanks 😁

[@HugoFerreira24photo]

Hey bret :) This video was right on time! My deepest fear off road is sand! Even yesterday, on a known trail, they filled a part with sand! The bike automaticly started squirming! I didn't enjou that patch at all! From you video, seems like I have to go back there and practice! Thank you for the videos.

[@nsrlegaltech]

Hugo Ferreira yep all mates on mid ADVs say just blast thru ... me on Tiger 955 .. glad i found this ..tired of picking up Tiger. Love Ryans guest spot!

[@philbullen6645]

Best explanation of how to ride on sand I've seen so far - Thank you!

[@SLFYSH]

Absolutely! At some point, if it is not just a patch of sand, and you’re having to continue through it, if not relying on technique rather than just adding throttle to no-end, you’re going run out of throttle and be going way faster than you want to crash. I just have not come to the point that I’m ever comfortable in on-going deep sand. It seems only a matter of time before I eat it! -Continuing forward in a continual series of near death saves. Can’t get lucky forever.

[@MOTOTREK]

Luck = Preparedness + Opportunity. So keep practicing!

[@YetiMessner]

Bret and Ryan, a match made in motorcycle heaven!

[@69adrummer]

What I learned from this video: Hold on loosely, don't let go. If you cling too tightly, you're gonna lose control. That kind of sounds like a song....eh, nevermind, it won't sell.

[@MOTOTREK]

Brilliant!

[@norsefalconer]

Too funny! You win the internet.

[@FortNine]

I'd buy that. I nominate Celine Dion for vocals. ~RF9

[@barrymatherly]

Yeah. Now that is in my head... forever. Seriously clever though!

[@sumporfuk]

Sand on my GSA is admittedly my weak link and your so right about going out and finding sand to practice in. The problem is in the Midwest there just ain’t much of it. Great advice, though, thanks 🙏

[@robertcoman4236]

Amazing video and a great surprise! Thanks, guys!

[@alex.shenanigans]

How many of you, looked to side, looked back, saw Ryan, and checked to see if the autoplay gone rogue?

[@ionbusman2086]

Awesome tips. Rode a 300 Honda in the sand for the first time. Frankly my first time off-road…. Did pretty well but was scary! Only dumped it once ;). Can’t wait to ride again! Will remember some of these tips!

[@tonymunn]

I have a '94 BMW R100GS PD. I can't wait to go play in the sand. Plenty here in Albuquerque. I will apply what you said. My last outing was exhausting. All :20 minutes of it.

[@XarisIoannidis]

I have tried to ride my AT on sand but it was very difficult... I will try this technic again.....great video!!!!

[@maxmmpower]

your lessons keep getting better and more fun. great fortnine guest spot, my other fav channel for adv. now go wheelie in tim horton!

[@TamourTahir]

Thanks alot for ths tips I yesterday went on a small trip to a very tough terrain. And I did all those things which I was not supposed to do. I will write a memo of the pointers and will keep on practicing untill i get the smile.

[@orangelion03]

Mototrek and FortNine, my two favorite moto channels combined! Great work gents!! Yeah, I be scared of sand. This helps, but I will be seeking direct pro instruction soon, and practicing.

[@robertbotta6536]

Great subject. Fantastic footage. Fun collaboration. Well done and thank you.

[@davereinhart9933]

Nice touch including Ryan!

[@fabianjosemenendez9570]

What a great guy you are.!!! Always delivering energy !!!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Fabian.

[@markwivell1817]

Mug of tea, toast and marmalade, whilst watching a great Mototrek video= Perfect breakfast for me. Thanks for the upload.

[@dhrubamitra4635]

Easter egg is Ryan.. Thanks a lot .. Both of my fab chanel in one click awesome..

[@pollepost]

fortNine for the win

[@richardd1350]

Big thumbs up for the Ryan cameo

[@glennbutts6351]

Did all this I'm silt and sand for about five miles and it worked amazingly.even if I was in first gear.

[@samuelmandarelli2645]

Great videos. I’ve been riding for 52 years and I find that most of the techniques discussed… are the way I already ride… but if I had to explain them or teach them… I couldn’t do it because I don’t really realize what or how I’m doing it… it’s just the way I’ve learned to ride over a life time of… learning to ride. Your delivery is exceptional. I’d love a chance to ride with you.

[@aiorixcr]

This is the BEST DUO EVER. Awesome video brother. 👏👏👏

[@leesuschrist]

I rode in the sand for the first time today and it was one of the most fun, but also scariest experiences I've had on my bike in a while. I will have to give some of your tips a try.

[@teneretraveller8980]

That was a good lesson and the first alternative I have seen to opening the taps.. Thank you

[@akaal13]

Ryan really surprised me there!! Good to see two of the best Motorcycling channels collab in a interesting way .KUDOS!!

[@BikerBytes]

Good explanation guys. Just learned these things after my latest motocamping trip with a lot of sandy dirt road. Gained a lot of experience from that trip. Good vid.

[@212driller]

Was riding my tw200 on sand for the first time and I think this is still relevant. Thanks guys!