Ride and Turn in All Types of Sand / Lesson and Techniques for ADV - Dual Sport Motorcycles

[@MOTOTREK]

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[@PadreAlan67]

I once had to ride a fully loaded 1200GS a mile and a half down a beach to go scuba diving off the coast of South Africa... the sand was more terrifying than the dive.... wish I had seen this video back then. :-) Thank you.

[@standupmoto]

I have ridden motorcycles for 48 yrs the last 20 on adventure bikes (currently Yamaha Super Tenere 1200) I was going to do a video on my channel on this very topic but now won’t bother Dusty has done an excellent job with this video. If you follow this example you will certainly become a confident competent sand rider, the only thing I can add to this video is be very very careful of panniers. If you sit or drop a foot in the sand it doesn’t slide it digs in (usually) and of course those panniers will belt your calf muscle (ouch ) . By preference I run my soft bags if I know I’ll be doing sand work. Excellent video Dusty.

[@worldhello1234]

It is not an adventure bike. It is just heavy boned. :p

[@BuluBiker]

Thanks a lot this will help, I am always scared riding on sand

[@MOTOTREK]

Welcome to the club :)

[@rahulpradhan536]

Aree bulu Bhai namaskare

[@JasirSayed]

Bulu Bhai is still learning!! WOW!!

[@BuluBiker]

@@JasirSayed learning is a continuous process bro

[@BuluBiker]

@@rahulpradhan536 namaskar bhai

[@macmorgan6685]

I started riding enduros back in the early 70s, mostly in the Jersey Pine Barrons- lots of sand, tight single track trails and cranberry bogs! The Lafferty boys and the locals were the acknowledged “A” champions. We had a 2 Day National there in 1972 where all the Penton boys showed up. Nobody rode anything larger than a 360, in my case a Husky 360 8sp. I’m not sure I ever mastered sand but I did learn a lot.

[@arijitRC7]

7:35 to 8:09 I would have fell almost 3-4 times for sure. Your skills man are off the charts.. Need to practice a lot.

[@bryan50rogers]

I hit multiple patches of soft red sand on my K1600 GT after maps took me on the "shortcut" through the Utah badlands to Lake Powell...All of these tips kept me from dumping my 750+lb beast. 12-15mph was the sweet spot to keep it moving.

[@TwoWheeledBooBear]

I learned how to ride sand in a trial by fire. It's scary as hell at first but a study throttle, good body position (stand up, damn you!) and a loose grip on the bars allowing the bike to find it's way through the substrate will always get you home. At times it can even be downright fun (course after 5 miles of deep wash sand in the Mojave Preserve on a Himalayan, I was ready to call it quits - thanks Rob Dabney & co. for not letting me become vulture poop!) I've still got a long way to go with learning how to restart in deep 10-12" sand pits - once I'm stopped, getting started again is damn near impossible for me. Appreciate the advice and instruction, Dusty!

[@jaywhoisit4863]

I rode the Turkana desert a couple months ago. Lots of that 12 inch deep hell! I came away from the ride bruised, battered, and with a hugely diminished confidence level. I’m still having night terrors about that ride! 😬

[@RallyeX]

Great video. I think it’s also important to comment on bike electronics. Turn off traction control. When I was starting out this caught me out so many times.

[@scotty2307]

The first time I rode on gravel I hated it! I hated the way the bike wandered around, and I would tense up into a giant knot. I did, in fact, drop the bike. After my friend told his dad what happened, he told me that I needed to loosen up and relax. Let the back wheel do what it was going to do. Next time I was on that same road, I implemented his advice, and stayed loose. The results were dramatic, and immediate. There was zero drama. I actually learned to love that sensation! I have been away from riding for about 20 years now, but intend to get back in soon. I have still not ridden in sand. I see some motorcycle KZbinrs that ride big bikes, and have a terrible time in any loose terrain. Like me, they really need to watch the Mototrek videos here. I really look forward to getting out there and practicing some of these techniques. If I can't get past something, I may even take a class.

[@MOTOTREK]

Great story, Scott. Thanks!

[@rangeroadmoto]

I took my Dr650 to an area with sand whoops for dirt bikes and it was absolutely terrible. Going to go back and try some of these tips. Thanks MotoTrek

[@bryanreeme8584]

🤙awesome advice.. funny, I was taught differently but learned better by experience. Upshift to keep the torque down, shifting weight back to keep front from knifing in are 2 things people advised against.. your methods are correct for me!

[@rfk76]

Hey, are you guys OK? I miss this channel. It is top level content. Any updates from your side? I would love to see more from you. Cheers!

[@gabeh.4297]

looks like there's a new channel called brettkacs idk what happened to this one tho.

[@qrar3906]

Thank you for your guidance. I was injured and fell due to sand. On my first ride on my new KTM 890 R bike last night, I was surprised by a sandy road. I did not realize that raiding in the sand would be so different. I am used to racing bikes, and this is my first experience of ADV bikes.

[@CurtisBrandt]

Yeah one time I took my new 890R down a sandy wash that was sixth gear ripping on my 300XC. Pure terror on the ADV. I did end up discovering that I didn’t have enough sag, and maybe that contributed to burying the front, but holy crap, I am not sure there’s any time I’ll fee comfortable in the sand on a big bike.

[@davealston3881]

Best sand instruction I have seen.

[@Darkvisor]

Sand has always been my greatest fear / most difficulty surface. I need more practice and thanks for teaching me the how-to!

[@MOTOTREK]

Happy to help!

[@carvalhonj]

I need to say that you are an excellent instructor, everything is easier to understand when you explain. I'm watching the whole series. Please don't stop making videos, you are the best instructor. Thank you very much

[@rmack255]

Scary scary scary! That bit on the soft sand track...I could feel my pulse and adrenaline increasing from the memory of being in similar, less successful situations.

[@pinnacleroofing9841]

Dude, me and sand are not friends, I have never done well here. Watching you motor thru that super deep sand was truly inspiring, I actually didn't think it was possible.

[@MrRplo]

Best sand instruction I have ever watched, heard, or read. Excellent.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks!

[@sambananas4513]

Your deep sand steering on the pegs is an excellent idea and changed my world in sand, @ 63 I am very grateful. Cheers

[@gianlucamartini7424]

Amazing tips thank you

[@AndreiMZT]

You need more than 100M subscribers for your kindness and passion!!. Thank you for everything!

[@TankToChest]

The front floaty feeling in sand at like 70 is amazing.

[@bernardbuhrs8639]

I just experienced riding on sand a few weeks back ona beach in Costa Rica. Very exciting lots a fun and not to mention beautiful. I was very nervous and hesitant at first. The trickiest parts were getting from the gravel road on to and off the beach. Loose and deep sand. The humid areas were firm and fun at a higher speed. But the other areas was great to practice that consistancy on the gas and a few throttle jerks to get through the deeper stuff without too much since a few freinds ended up either diving into the sand and tipping over or mainly digging into the sand with the rear end and getting stuck. Great experience, looking forward to trying it again and applying the texhniques taught in the video. Greetings from CR🇨🇷

[@MOTOTREK]

Sounds like quite the adventure, Bernard!

[@simonturvey1493]

Some.beaitiful desert tracks with great instructions. A bit of throttle and Let it shake its head. ✊🙂

[@denchua]

Thank you for this more in-depth video on how to ride on sand. I watched other videos but they couldn't articulate exactly how to go about it.

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad it was helpful, Dennis.

[@dog4mike]

I used to ride dirt bikes as a kid, but never with any training, we just winged it on guts and ignorance. Fast forward 30 years, I am not an off-road guy at all, but my adventure-riding neighbour invited me on a ride last year. He swore it was just hard-pack fire trails. Ha! It was mud, sand, gravel, even a few river crossings. Long story short, I’m riding a Kawasaki Versys with road tyres, but he and the other guys coached me a bit on technique, and I still made it through, thanks to some of these tips. Now I find myself looking at BMWs and Africa Twins. Sand still scares me, but it’s still a bit of fun.

[@motoryzen]

If you're not needing a lot of HP. and want to keep at least 2 grand or more...MORE..back in your pocket in the end. The cb500x 2019 or newer with a Rally Raid kit is a better choice for adventure offroading overall as it's lighter weight than the AF and gets better gas mileage but still has plenty of power for good offroad riding. Don't forget your skid plate...radiator guard. Barkbusters handeguards, engine crash bar set. ;) Trex racing makes decent ones..but there are others that might be a better choice.

[@dog4mike]

@@motoryzen Funny you mention that bike, I’d never heard of it until two days ago, but have been checking it out the last couple days. No, I don’t need a lot of power, just something that’s reliable and handles well. The CB500 seems like a solid choice for all the reasons you say. I got the Versys because I live in the city and have to travel at least an hour before I can even think of seeing a gravel road. The Versys is ideal for 99% of the riding I do, but I’m keen to expand my horizons a bit. I don’t ever intend to be a hardcore dirt rider, but I’d like something that’ll inspire a bit more confidence when the pavement ends. The CB500 seems tempting. Many would say all I’d need on the Versys is some good off-road tyres, I’ve already got the crash bars and skid plate. Ah, too many bike options, not enough garage space!

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Thanks for telling us the secrets of deep sand riding. We don't have this terrainin Bavaria, but last year I rode deep sand in the forests south of Berlin on my Beta Alp 200. What an adventure. Very different, more like a dance, as you said. Forget about precision. Relax, momentum, slow speed, lots of throttle, correcting with foot pegs and VISION. I liked it. It doesn't feel like you're in control. Some like it, some hate it. Hope to find some deep sand again. Thumbs up from Nürnberg/Germany, Günter

[@TheGourisankar015]

These vods make it so easy to just learn........ Applying still is the tricky part

[@tooljst8]

Sand kicks my butt. These tips totally helped, however! 2007 Suzuki DL650 with Shinko 804/805 combo. Thanks, Dusty!

[@JohannesDalen]

Can anyone tell me why Mototrek hasn't uploaded a video in 9 months?

[@NatJacksonSpeed]

I want to know this too.

[@drbwhit]

I definitely wanna be like you when I grow up. I am a relatively new rider and just purchased a new 1250 GS adventure and I cannot wait to get good enough to try this

[@danielpepper1731]

This just 💯 made my decision im never riding in deep sand ever again. It's hard as unless you started young shouldn't even bother.. Just be injuries and wrecking your bike. I've ridden road bikes for ten years with some experience off road as teen with dirt bikes. Recently bought a DRZ and my mate took me out with no conversation on deep sand. And let's just say ive got no interest in ever doing it again! What a lot of these guys dont tell you is their injuries and damage to the bikes. Not worth it in my opinion

[@airGMotovlogs]

This helps a lot...thanks... another scary surface to ride (for me at least) is snow and black ice...add to that I don't ride any adv bike, but a humble 250cc sports bike.

[@airGMotovlogs]

@Johnny Blue Thanks ...I shall do that before next Winter...

[@scoutadv4568]

To the sand, I go! Thanks for the help!!!

[@oleksandrkozyr2434]

Cool video! Teaching riding sand it’s like teaching to ride bicycle:) you can’t learn it unless you do it. If you’re comfortable falling you’ll be comfortable riding it.

[@grantdavis953]

Wow, lovin your coaching here. I love sand in the 4by and buying my first Adv. bike this week (GSA). Never riden one so youtubing everything. Thx for the vid.

[@josemarcosmonteiro1752]

Great video. Please, enable the subtitles

[@MOTOTREK]

Done!

[@JimKonugres]

Just got back from a 400+ mile ride from Palm Deseert, CA to Parker AZ, there was a lot of deep sand washes on this ride. While I did drop the bike a few times, this video saved me and kept the bike up more times than I can count. Thanks for the tips.

[@machupikachu1085]

dayum. How long does that trip take?

[@Bean-ez2rv]

Such a nice tutorial for the beginner like me, thanks for this high quality content!

[@MOTOTREK]

You're very welcome!

[@marshallfischer3667]

That was some great instruction that I'll watch again and put into action soon enough.

[@mikelowry1053]

Thanks Dusty. Just watched this again after having a few offs in deep sand. Travelling to fast and leaning to far forward. Need to get back in it and fight thos gremlins

[@MrFatpenguin]

Methodical, concise and absolutely clear explanation, this is a great video!

[@Operaatoors]

Thanks for the video! Today just got my first drop on deep gravel road. I know now my two mistakes - going too fast (it was around 40 km/h, where speed limit officially is 80km/h) and I was sitting. Tomorrow will try a little bit slower, but standing up and try to direct bike with my feet! I want to get the mindset when gravel roads are not the scariest and tiring roads, but my favorite ones :)

[@HerMotorcycleAdventures]

I am soon to trade my road bike for an adventure bike and hit the outback of Australia. Thank you so much for this video, I am way less nervous about tackling sand. Your channel is such a treasure trove of awesome advice. 👍

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dc85337]

Your almost correct with steering with your feet. You say to push down on left to go left when it should be to go light on right to go left (which is really what you are doing) and makes more sense as you are really standing weighted on both feet - balanced as it were.

[@YansenHaryanto4547]

hey guys.. could you make a video about night time riding? what to expect and what needs to know? also a video like how to aim headlight properly, aux light,etc.. thanks

[@ivn6886]

Nice lesson Dusty! Thanks!

[@Eueumesmaeomundo]

Your tips are very good. I've already taken a tumble in the sand. Here in Brazil There are many different types of terrain on the same road (it is difficult to ride sometimes) but I am improving and looking to learn more. I currently have a Kawasaki Versys 300 and I'm really enjoying the bike and riding the OFF Road. Thanks for the tips I'll try to put into practice.

[@flapeddler]

Hi I’m Darryl. The problem I have with sand is everything you just discussed. Seriously, I live in San Antonio, Texas and this whole area is Limestone I don’t get to practice riding in sand on my Triumph Tiger 1200. I would have go 100 miles away to try to practice your technique. Speaking that, I’ve also been told of the dragging the rear brake and adding a little throttle. Seems to work but it’s got to be only a short distance thing. If I got confident in sand then loose gravel would fall in line as well. Great video and thank you.

[@OregunAdventure]

Always love watching your vids! Thanks:)

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad you like them!

[@CommieHunter7]

Higher speed and a lock to lock front end dig is exactly what did me in last weekend. Only casualty was the windshield and my pride.

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad you're okay, Adam!

[@CommieHunter7]

@@MOTOTREK yep! Just need more practice. Maybe turn up the steering damper if I'm gonna ride that fast.

[@josephbarnes7217]

This is the video I’ve been needing

[@عبدالحميدمحمدالرومي]

Thank you for the beautiful topics in motorcycle driving. I hope that the Arabic translation will be more and more fun, and thank you again.

[@Zappafeld]

I hate sand so much I dumped the chair I was on just watching this.

[@MOTOTREK]

LOL

[@George-sw4dw]

😂

[@masoodrowshan4910]

Thanks, 👏👏👏👏👏👏 you are the best 👏 👏 👏

[@Thundernoob98]

I was cocky because I was riding all the dirt trails by the Mexico border wall which is mostly hard packed so the border patrol trucks and quickly navigate it. When I decided to take an offshoot road that was completely sand I nearly got stuck because I am new to off road riding. I ended up having to get off the bike and pushing it most of that path. I have to try these tips next time I go out there

[@zulethe]

I really appreciate this video. I’m very uncomfortable riding in sand or loose gravel so I’ll put these tips to the test on my KLR 650

[@dmejiaa]

I'm a simple man, I hear the drums, watch the video and learn something new. Time to practice!

[@MOTOTREK]

Right on, David!

[@swamprunner7]

I still can't beliieve thats his name, it's awesome.

[@tpv59]

WHAT is his Name PLEASE ??? (I do not know)

[@jothain]

Man I should've watched this about a week ago. I wanted to test my XT600 in very deep sand. I used to ride a bit in sand about +20 years ago with 125 KMX. I had absolutely forgotten how to ride. First I sat down couple paths and almost turned back as I knew I had about 10km's of quite deep sand in front of me. I was really exhausted after like two km's. Luckily there were some cleaner patches here and there. Then at some point I tried standing up and it already began to feel better, but hard. Then I stopped at one point to take breath and thought riding bit and figured to loosen the grip in bars like less than half and then it began to feel bareable. I know wish I would've tried to control more feet as suggested here. It was quite gnarly trail as it was really deep, but trees very close and occasionally roots pushed to front wheel very quickly. Thanks for the tips. I definitely try to remember that steering with pegs next time 👍

[@Lurkur]

Brilliant video, thanks for sharing.

[@ObedYah561]

Thank you bud for this and other great videos… sand on my klr650 has really concerned me several times…

[@markbrown2885]

Great segment...saved my bacon about a dozen times on yesterdays ride, mucho thanks!!

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad it helped!

[@mawladdawilah]

A beautiful and useful clip ... But what about the air pressure in the two tires? Should it be reduced or not?

[@MOTOTREK]

Airing down a little helps. Did you watch to the end?

[@mawladdawilah]

@@MOTOTREK You are right ... you mentioned it at the end. thx

[@mtscott]

Just returned from an off-road bash...hit a heap of soft sand on a corner on a F800GSA. Rather than lose the front wheel and stack it I saw a safe runoff and went straight onto the track shoulder whilst slowing. Wouldn’t recommend that all the time but it worked this time! I hate sand on corners...😩

[@taz473]

Another superb video 🤙

[@pabloespinosa2025]

Really well done video! Thank you for sharing!

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sameenakausar1020]

Thanks a lot for posting such a wonderful video! Now l don't have to go searching asking riders how to ride on sand. Thanks once again !

[@sofloemir]

Easier said then done! I'm so afraid of sand LOL. I practice around my neighborhood and drop the bike several times. I will use these tips though!

[@MOTOTREK]

You are correct - it's tough to learn. But practice will make you better at it.

[@바보Queen]

i've always like sports bike but now i want an adventure bike.. it looks so much funner riding in nature

[@wmrider_adventures]

This would have been helpful earlier today 😂 but I survived.

[@AdventureGlide]

*_Thanks for the much-needed tips._*

[@mikemerrill175]

I encountered miles of this recently except that there were also deep Jeep ruts and a much narrower trail. Between being stuck & picking up the big girl from several drops, it was an exhausting afternoon

[@jf7393]

This is one topic in particular where you can watch as many video tutorials as you like, but first timers riding a big bike in the sand is a rough learning curve even if you're armed with a bunch of information. Surrender to the struggle or avoid sand entirely, there's no middle option.

[@mweskamppp]

I dont have much chance to drive offroad. Not existing near me really. I lately found some narrow way with a bit harder line in the middle. quite soft sand. Still afraid when the bike goes everywhere and i hit harder ground on the sides or run towards trees. holding the handle bar too tight. At least i did not fall... I kept a steady gas and played with the clutch a bit. Seemed to be a good idea.

[@dob2030]

You're amazing in the sand.

[@joellusa3346]

Very interesting and very well explainened. Thanks from France.

[@dob2030]

I learned a lot of good techniques. Good subscription. 기술 잘배우고 갑니다.

[@ChrisPChicken361]

That was an awesome video, thank you for your tips and tricks. Im gonna try it immediately. You've got an extra subscriber on your list. 👍👍👍👊👊

[@deanpapadopoulos3314]

I like jumping up and down on my pegs to lift the bike up out of the sand and engage increasing throttle to propel me forward and to avoid getting stuck.

[@1egal1Liph]

Moving your position back does not in effect add weight to the back of the bike if you are standing. If sitting yes I can see that. But all the bike knows is your contact positions so if standing that is at the pegs and the grips. That is where all the weight distribution is. I believe what happens when "leaning back" is there is a pull force on the bars (no longer neutral) which could be helping lighten so slightly the front end. Does that sound correct to you?

[@alexgavino1979]

I should see this video before go to Baja to Mikes Sky Ranch ...I'm the ex goldwinger ....cheers Dusty ...and thank you for let me use your air compressor in to the ranch ....

[@amanidenholm7940]

Nice video Dusty!

[@mash988]

Hi Dusty, Thanks for a great and informative series, much appreciated! Your name is pronounced Vessels...not Wessels...:)) at least here in Africa it is! Kidding aside...I own and ride an R1150GS and am getting better and better in sand, but still mistakes are made and sometimes I pay the price:) Generally, it's in a corner or some really thick stuff where some turning is required when I start to feel out of my depth and slow right down to negotiate it safely. It seems balance and peg-work is the key and it will take more practice. With my 1150, staying up on the pegs, keeping the speed up, and having enough left over to periodically still lift the front wheel with the throttle from time to time, works great and I'm used to that to get through most sand successfully now. However, I usually ride laden with adventure gear (we mainly sleep out under the stars and self-cater), perhaps 30-40kg, and I can't help but feel that this might be a distinct disadvantage when negotiating sand. I hardly ride anywhere, except on tar, unladen, and so I don't really know, or remember a difference thats massive enough for me to notice. In your opinion / experience, how much of a difference would it be riding laden with gear (panniers and a bag strapped behind rider) into sand vs. pretty much unladen? Is it huge, or is it minor? All the best! Steve (South Africa)

[@dougmonte4965]

Excellent instructions

[@Jeanetteslagt]

I dislike riding in sand, it is so hard to manage the rear of the bike and so unpredictable! These tips help. (I hope!) 😎 thanks!

[@BrandonColbyCook]

Very Helpful! Thanks!!! Great video.

[@adventuremulemoto]

Wait, weren’t you teaching me this today? 😀🤘😂 great video!

[@stefanhansen5882]

Super interesting! At 7:07 you say that you can go pretty much as fast as you want. Newbie question: How fast is that realistically in this kind of sand? Thanks!

[@motorbikingafrica]

Most likely the best video on this subject. Will need to practise though. Thanks

[@simonsimon1]

Clear and to detail explanation 👍👍

[@timphoto83ec]

Great vids. Please keep producing.

[@jordan_drones]

thank you sir

[@claudesmith8458]

It's a rough/tough job, but someone has to do it. Lucky dog! 👍

[@carlosmartinezgarcia7991]

Ok, thank you

[@0HARE]

Thanks for the great advise and instruction. Regular practice probably helps, as well. Happy Trails

[@rehanalivlogs2410]

Very good information about bike ride on Sand 😊

[@MpDay]

That speed you're hitting at 8:00 is just crazy if you ask me. I need more practice, for sure, haha.