Riding rock hills - KTM 790 adventure r

Learn step by step instructions on how to ride a large adventure motorcycle up a hill or trail that is covered by rock steps or roots. This video includes, techniques, strategies and demonstrations with Bret Tkacs on a KTM 790 Adventure
To support more videos like this please join me on Patreon www.patreon.com/brettkacs

[@BretTkacs]

If you want text notification for new videos, text "Tkacs" to 888-306-7782 (now say that 5 times fast... "text Tkacs to"

[@guambra2001]

That trail looks like its meant for featherweight dirt bikes and yet you make it seem easy with the 790...great content Bret.

[@BretTkacs]

Thanks... I LOVE THAT TRAIL

[@tahoehiker]

I crashed twice just watching this.

[@ericgustafsson9008]

You shouldn't look at Bret while your riding.

[@davit3996]

I got butterflies riding it in my mind.

[@jalex19100]

At least twice.

[@southerndualsport3827]

Haha!

[@drrider1658]

Excellent. That trail's difficulty is out of my comfort zone and I'd either crash or stop and get stuck (and then crash) a bunch of times. You make it look easy.

[@raddestraven]

He doesn't make it look easy when he is crawling up on his hands and knees, that's a skill someone needs to teach him not to do, drama.

[@gerardovm207]

OMG, Bret, I almost got a heart attack just by watching you ride in that track! you are an amazing rider!

[@wandersofp]

Brett, I bet if you start including "790" etc in description or title, some of these videos will blow up

[@jorgea.ossaduque6105]

Thanks Bret for share your experiences, I am Glad to have you back on those wonderful videos!

[@andrewpeak5658]

Really appreciate you making this content for us Bret. Thanks a boatload.

[@Almecho]

I am glad to have you back Bret, keep going!

[@TheMharman150]

Another awesome training video Bret! You could be charging for these. Always have loved your approach to motorcycle instruction since I took one of your courses many years ago. Keep up the great work, looking forward to more.

[@Jmaninaz1]

That view at the very end from the top looking into the valleys below was amazing. Unbelievably beautiful scenery up there. You made it look so easy running a 790 on what appeared to me to be a single track designed from much lighter bikes--absolutely awesome. I don't even own a bike but when I do, I am going to bring it up there and take one of your courses. Thank you--great content!

[@thunderbolt854]

That is one hell of a deadly trail .. wow.. your videos are technical and to the point. Love it. I dont even ride trails but i come to understand the technique ..

[@VipinMishraProject]

Oh man! That was super fun. Like a few others here, I think I got my adrenaline boost just watching you go! Great video Bret. Thanks for it

[@Xxkilluminati91xX]

Bret Tkacs riding gnarly trails in my home town.. I know exactly where that trail head was as soon as I saw it. I've never ridden though. I thought it might be a little outside of my skill level. This video confirms that its probably a lot outside my skill level! Awesome video, Bret!

[@Dr.Twisty]

Hi Bret. Another topic I would love to see covered in depth is your use of the rear brake in turning (you did that a lot in this video), and breaking traction of the rear wheel in loose surface in turns (drifting). I'm so glad you are still putting out videos!!!! I was really bummed when I realized you were no longer doing mototrek anymore. You are such a talent! Please worry less about production value and just get the great content out there. We're starving for it. You have transformed my off-asphalt capability. Thank you!!!

[@PatRick-bg4dm]

timing, eye guidance and clutch control. I regularly despair at one of the points. as always good content. Thank you!

[@scottchisholm5603]

The trail looks stunning! Great video, as always.

[@StimpysGarage]

8:00 Those last 10 seconds I was screaming at my screen ... "Woah .. that's a bit scary. Woah! WOAAHH!! WHAT!? STOP STOP STOP STOP !!! ARE YOU CRAZY!!? WHY?! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?! AAAHHH!!"

[@BretTkacs]

😂🤣.... Good 😁

[@harf4ng]

You mean the part where he is about to fall to his death from the Mountain ? Indeed, scary... Vertigo... :)

[@benny532017]

I was screaming all that right at the beginning when I saw Bret without a hat on!

[@BretTkacs]

@@benny532017 🤣

[@galynnedavis2996]

Agreed...it was those last 10secs where I had to go change my drawers! If it wasn't Bret.....oy!

[@jluispereira]

Love your videos. I've been sharing them in some motorcycle facebook portuguese groups. Great lessons. Thanks.

[@DerrickNedzelMtnBike]

Bret, I live in the Denver area and have mountained biked many of those trails including Captain Jack. That surface you were riding on is called decomposing granite - it's a soft granite that turns into pea to marble sized pebbles where you loose all traction - at least on a mountain bike. We did an 80 mile loop around Pike's Peak called Ring the Peak that goes over many of these trails. Some are mountain bike only and others are open to dirt bikes and mountain bikes. It's a super fun area, but like you said, the surfaces vary from hard, super grippy rock to several inches deep gravel of those marbles. Great videos, thank you!

[@stormfalcon72]

Bret makes that look so easy, man!

[@rideoregonfirst]

Well, that was fun! Thanks for taking us on an exciting ride!

[@SauvikRoy]

You're absolutely fearless and passionate! I wonder what comes before! ☺️

[@syntaxmsi]

That hill is a clutch killer for sure!

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

Awesome tutorial on typical Colorado terrain, thank you V!

[@riveraluciano]

That trail looks insanely fun! Knowing me i'd be talking with the bushes constantly though.

[@Aaron_Higgins]

Bret forgot to wear his hat at the start of the video 🤭

[@nathanboeger9329]

I know, I almost did not recognize him. My wife said he looks better without it, then again, she married my ugly ass so what does she know...

[@FluffPuffkotj]

Not sure if I have ever seen his hair before.

[@byrdmananddylan9429]

What do you guys think about my KZbin channel 👍

[@akira6803]

I think it is new cap.

[@patrolus1]

WOW, I am new to offroad riding....but that looks like a MTB trail to me. Amazing skills, and I wish we had trails like that here ......even just for our MTB.... -Awesome video again, thank you.

[@SheenHunter-SeattleFreeze]

These trails look so fun!

[@yagian]

If ever there was a channel that needs a blooper reel, it's this one :D

[@BretTkacs]

My plan in to include more including honest bloopers... Nothing exciting happened on this trail except when the offroad ABS let me free role off the edge coming off a jump down hill... No camera was rolling on that so I didn't share the lesson. The lesson is that as good as offroad ABS is it still is not for extreme riding.

[@curtisdammann5043]

Wow! This is INSANE! So technical... I really hope one day I can be this good...

[@BretTkacs]

I love thia trail system!!

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

Shredded it. Can't wait to see the Lockhart Basin footage.

[@TheRiderGuider]

That looked like the top! I’d be like oh jeez I have to try and get back down in one piece now! Really gnarly section that last bit 😬👍🏼

[@cheboludoche]

Nice clutch and throttle control!

[@suewilliams8721]

Hey Brett. Thanks for another great video. Loved lots of the camera shots and angles, lots of hard work from you guys to go into making that! Sue x

[@BretTkacs]

I am solo on this channel. I soot, ride and edit all the videos

[@suewilliams8721]

Bret Tkacs great job!

[@rodrigofabregas7756]

Wow....great video & awesome track ...👌👌👍👍

[@zylko78]

Bret, you are the Man!

[@csgodenver]

Man, I know that bike is lighter then your GS , but really nice job getting up that group of obstacles/hill. Impressive riding

[@solivesoride29]

Thanks for the lesson! We've learned a lot from your videos.

[@ChrisAkAxTr3Me]

I was wondering where you disappeared after I didn't find any more videos on the OutbackMotortek channel. Nice to see you on your own channel with some videos. Looking forward for more videos since I will fetch my T700 next week as an off-road beginner.

[@BadDadio]

I liked his rock crawling demonstration.

[@thomassowinski6765]

Great content as always! Love the onboard/helmet camera angle so I can watch what lines you're riding and how they compare to what I think is a good line. Really helps as a newish rider. (I'm sure you'll get the audio stuff sorted out)

[@OscarHawk1975]

Thank you Brett! it looks sooo easy, but step & rocky uphills are scary to Me, no doubt I need to practice more following your advice :)

[@MrEtnorb]

Excellent analysis of his intentions

[@chrislee2916]

Holy crap, Bret! I struggle on that trail on my mountain bike....down hill! Very impressive. Made this 1200GS owner consider a 2nd ADV bike for the stable. Well done as always!

[@Paolodasinkin]

Awesome place to ride... Better rider.

[@beritfreeman2703]

I just found your videos today, I'm not a adventure rider, but almost every technical advice you give, can be translated to the road. Can you make a video for returning riders? Like most mistakes, what to focus on. Thanks, keep up the excellent work!

[@BretTkacs]

Stay tuned I do have some road videos planned for the future

[@AZ_Baggin]

wow - I wish I could ride like. thanks for the great tips!

[@jeroend3777]

Thx for uploading again!!

[@josech]

What a fine technique. Including wearing the beret :)

[@prfm_setya95]

Insane skill !

[@tabletbq5459]

Amazing, thanks for sharing!

[@BornAGoon]

That is a very nice trail Would love to take my Tiger there Good video

[@DavidMorrisMedia]

Fantastic content, thought you had ditched the cap in the beginning, my channels rides are so tame next to your amazing content

[@BretTkacs]

Busting the rumors as to how bald I am 😉

[@harf4ng]

I never did off-road riding yet on my 790, still have to change tires, but the more I watch those videos the more I want to do that... Starting with easy tracks of course... :) have yet to find good tracks where I live and a friend to go with...

[@timebadlyspent]

i was waiting for the MTB rider coming the other way..... Great video

[@BretTkacs]

There were several Mt bikers. When they came I stopped and laid my bike into the hill to let them pass.

[@SachinSelvaraj]

Such an engaging video. Like many have mentioned in the comments it gave me chills watching you ride along the steep cliffs. I would like a video on how you go around the bends when you have a steep cliff on one side. Do you let the back wheel slip? Curious 🤔

[@rustymustard7798]

4:43 Lol, i do the opposite and just send it, i trust that i'll figure it out by instinct. Planning out lines like this is good when learning, though once you've got a certain level of skill and confidence you need to stop thinking about your technique and let it happen instead of making it happen. Whenever you find a hard section like this, clear it once and then just keep doing it and loosening up a bit each time. Ride it a bunch of times and just get comfortable and confident. Lower your fear level by focusing on how easy or good it feels rather than the challenge. Reward yourself mentally with each success by enjoying the feeling of learning and exercising skill instead of worrying about what could have gone wrong. One of the best ways i can sum it up is something i've always thought since i was a kid sending it on BMX, skate, snow, water, or whatever. Whenever the thought of "What if i don't make it?" arises when confronted with a challenge, you should always follow it with the thought of "But what if i DO make it?". Think of it as a mental version of object fixation, you're going to hit whatever you're looking at, so just as with physically picking a line and looking at it, you want to mentally pick the 'best' line in terms of fear and risk management. How bad do you want it? How good would it feel to clean that section like butter? Is it worth risking dropping your bike and testing your protective gear? Those are personal decisions, but they ARE decisions meaning that you can decide to pick a clean line through them, and once you do, you focus on that line and not get distracted by doubt. That's the point of commitment, when you can quiet your doubts by focusing on your path and trusting your skills. Even so, sometimes you'll fail, and dealing with it as a learning experience rather than a warning and letting go of the idea that these 'fails' are something negative. Also realize that coming off your bike and dropping it isn't a big deal, you can fix your bike and since you're all geared up and doing a fast running speed at most through this kind of stuff, bailing and just running out or sliding down the hill isn't a big deal, we're not at Moto GP speeds at Mann. LEARN TO BAIL! I think some overly cautious riders have this mental image that any 'crash' or unplanned dismount is catastrophic, when in reality on stuff like this it's 9 times out of 10 an inconvenience or embarrassment. The other time a rock gets by your barkbuster and snaps a damn lever. Street riders coming to dirt are often too unwilling to go down or bail just due to the fact that on the street, going down or 'crashing' is a way bigger deal with more consequences than scuffing up the ass of your pants a bit and denting a crashbar or skidplate. Get comfortable with the idea of failure being a lesson and a motivation to ride better. The most difficult obstacle on any ride is your own fear, the bike and body are capable of miracles you wouldn't believe if you can have the strength to let go of doubt, and the faith and trust in yourself and your skills. Constantly practice your basic skills and ride within that constantly expanding skillset and you'll have more fun than worry bashing you and the bike up and down stuff like this.

[@danielabramzon7806]

Great video as always. I basically learned to ride ADV watching your channel. For a future vid could you do a lesson on how to ride steep switchbacks. I have hill climbs down and tight, flat switchbacks are no problem. But on a recent trip i got my butt kicked by an endless parade if super tight, very steep switch backs. The right hand ones in particular were brutal and i was frequently stuck between riding wide or stalling the bike. No one has done a video on this as far as I could find. So, this would be much appreciated! Keep up the great work.

[@BretTkacs]

I will put it on the list

[@mikemerrill175]

Mad skills right there

[@laurieberg2880]

thanks Brett. I'm kinda with the others complaining about the geetar racket vs moto engine / Brett's words :)

[@lukaszbartkowicz]

Great video, as always! But please... turn the music down when you are speaking :)

[@alexeycherepanov9150]

oh, you got new bike! congratulations!

[@BretTkacs]

Yes I did!!!!!!

[@salehmohammad1394]

Please do some tutorial video on downhill n technical downhill riding techniques.. I have been searching those for a long.. thanks

[@BretTkacs]

I have a "down" lesson from Moab waiting for me to edit and I plan on a down hill braking video

[@salehmohammad1394]

@@BretTkacs ohh.. i m waiting for that.. 😊

[@TheSalinek]

Awesome vid! Thx, I'll try that on my KTM 790 Adventure S :)

[@chrishart8548]

Should have got the R thought the s would have cast wheels and a 19" front 17" rear

[@rodrigofabregas7756]

@@chrishart8548 That's on the 1290's, on the 790 are the same wheels, just different height and suspension...I think

[@ankuraggarwal7812]

Awesome Bret. But the background music is overloud and irritating

[@raymondlangille2886]

Agreed

[@BretTkacs]

Working on it... I'm learning to be a solo act. All my own video capture and editing. I promise I will get better as I go. 👍

[@hyozd]

@@BretTkacs I think motorcycle videos are generally better without music. Especially in these kind of videos I really want to hear the throttle action.

[@dandersonjr]

At first I didn't like the drums and now I miss them.

[@MotoAdventurer]

Bret Tkacs keep it up sir! 💪

[@jeffreylharley]

@Bret Tkacs, yeah, those last 10 seconds were awesome. Purchased my first ADV bike this year, Love my 790, done a lot of dirt rides etc. haven’t got the courage up to do the single track yet. Appreciate the ride tips! Curious about your tail box, what brand and from where?

[@DG-uu9bz]

Is there anyone anywhere that wants or needs music dropped into a motorcycle video?

[@BretTkacs]

Noted

[@bronxbrosmotorcycles]

Excellent!

[@Ghostrider-71]

Great video. That trail looks a bit narrow for an ADV motorcycle, I will probably just use my specialized stump jumper comp instead of the KLR 650. Thank you for posting.

[@MrQuachBinh]

Great track for 790advR

[@COOLCABMAN]

Mr bret u make it look like breeze.. 😍 😀

[@xvillin]

Wait! Who is this dude without a hat that looks like Brett Tkacs on Brett Tkacs channel?… Oh there he is.

[@BretTkacs]

A rare sighting indeed...

[@2wheelsandatent]

How was Lockhart? I just did it twice once solo and once with a group on my 701 :) about a month ago

[@monikaeclipse04]

You are amazing!

[@BretTkacs]

Thank you 😊

[@MotorDanko]

And how can i do if my bike is heavy and lacking on torque and power? (limited bike for example)

[@SWFlowseeker]

Great stuff. Ty. What tire pressure do you recommend for that type of trail on Tubeless wheels 21/17 150 pound rider. Thx for your great vids 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Briggsys_Stuff]

Nice job, especially on those tyres, I would prefer something more aggressive !

[@Dr.Twisty]

Hey Bret. Could you please do a video on strategies on how to negotiate mud? It would be very helpful.

[@BretTkacs]

This fall when the rain returns

[@Dr.Twisty]

@@BretTkacs Thank you! I look forward to it.

[@chrisholmes2520]

Awesome

[@RahulCowasji]

Thanks Bret. Lost yr hat? How about some technical on the 390Adv

[@SmokinZen]

Wow wish I could ride like that

[@pietropugni5118]

Awesome! In Rally mode, what was your throttle response on that climb? I find that the engine stalls too easily on steep climbs, even with TC set to 1. Maybe I'm not good, but the clutch doesn't give a great sensibility. What do you think?

[@lewybody]

Great job as always! Really appreciate the insights. (I do miss your drum soundtrack aspect, though, it is part of your unique brand).

[@BretTkacs]

It was nice to have that sound track but not worth the cost (I was looking around $3000 per year making Mototrek videos)

[@lewybody]

@@BretTkacs I get it -- you gotta keep an eye on ROI. This one looks fabulous, still, and the key is not the soundtrack, but the content, in fact, that's all that matters, and you ALWAYS deliver. I count your clips as the very best online contribution to my improvement as a rider. So, thank you! And perhaps instead of having the drum soundtracks, you'll have soundtkacs (sorry, couldn't help myself). You do a good thing. I look forward to all your upcoming clips. Rocks on.

[@MrCraigbrighouse]

Looks younger without his hat. Sorry I missed him in NZ when he was down. Hope he comes again.

[@katramana6469]

Always a treat to watch your tutorials Brett. Any chance you can show us how you mounted those aux lights? That seems like a good spot to have them away from damage when offroad.

[@BretTkacs]

I have a video coming out on setting up lights for trail riding

[@katramana6469]

Bret Tkacs looking forward!

[@seisamigos397]

I’m turning around!! 😉

[@BretTkacs]

Lol

[@yorkchris10]

This could also be hot to climb with a Scrambler give similar suspension characteristics at top-out.

[@orpaztron]

thanks

[@CorruptoGrande]

Yay!

[@kevincraig8257]

On a scale from 1 To 10 would you rate that trail 10 being the highest technical thanks

[@pitmerianrodiana8221]

Hello Brat .... Just pound this Chanel this morning Thats why I never see U in chanel before

[@BretTkacs]

I hope you subscribed 😁👍

[@pitmerianrodiana8221]

Of course .....

[@dandersonjr]

Nice. A trail an ATV or side by side can't go on. Not that I have anything against them.

[@0xsergy]

that's what a trail is :D

[@exparrot9074]

That trail on a mountain bike? Sure, I'm down! On a 500 lb adventure bike? I'm winded just thinking about how many times I'd be picking up the bike pushing it, hobbling it around for a 180 degree turn. Too chicken here!

[@sharkeymusic9165]

Excellent Video Bret! Thank you for all the helpful content! Can you tell me what rear top box that is that you are using? I really like the size of it. Thanks!

[@BretTkacs]

It's a Pelican box bolted to a BDCW luggage rack

[@sharkeymusic9165]

@@BretTkacs Thanks Bret! I just ordered BDCW Foot Pegs for my bike. They make really good products! Great idea on the Pelican Box! Perfect size and can't beat the price!

[@Obywatel_RP8P]

Bret sorry for being snippy, but which shoes you were using during this episode? :) I wish you add gear list in the description per episode ;) I love my defender pro gtx set seems like you are enjoying it as well.

[@rohrjewelry]

Curious as to what kind of boots you're wearing seem to be pretty versatile

[@southerndualsport3827]

Anybody know where this is? Looks like an AMAZING ride!!

[@thetessellater9163]

I would guess that for that punishing type of trail, the 790 beats the GS hands down for agility? I may be wrong?

[@Windblown]

Great video and an awesome trail. Any chance you would pass along the trail name or location? I'd love to take a first hand look at it the next time I'm out that way. Regardless, thanks for the show. :)

[@BretTkacs]

Captain Jacks trail near Colorado Springs