Shifting while standing + braking, clutch and throttle

[@projectbiker]

My bike fell on my leg while on my most recent adventure to the Europe's only desert in Spain and the first I knew about it being on me was looking at it. My uncomfortable, squeaky off-road boots held up amazingly and the reason I had them was because I watched your video on boots. Without them, my trip would have been over. Thank you Brett.

[@susanneschnitker6712]

Thank you Bret!!! I'm watching & listening to all your Videos. Started biking 1982 with a little Yamaha RD250 and enjoyed more or less my journeys to Norway or Italy. The RD was not the best touring motorbike. Some years later I've safed all my money to a BMW RS 650. Just less month later an idiot took my way of route. Have had fortune just smaller hurts, broken nose etc. Just less month later I have had the next accident with a rental bike, a Yamaha TR1. Too heavy for me because I'm a very small woman. The TR1 was completely destroyed and I quitted up my motorbiking. A cat don't stop catching mice so I restarted again 3 years ago . Need much courage to my choice. BMW G650GS single engine. Not comparable to the good old days. I'm a horse rider for 30 years and this was very helpful to find my balance again at the nice GS. Needed time to get the accidents and dangers out of my mind. Your words 'Attitude matters' are so useful also all your advises and gorgeous comments. Meanwhile I'm 57 years young and inspite of less skills in english I can understand you well. Wish you and your family a happy new year, many nice experience. Susan, Lippstadt

[@BretTkacs]

I am 52 years young 😁👍

[@JohnLaCroixRenaissanceMan]

I guess something I would like to see is throttle techniques, especially when you are working the throttle while simultaneously covering the right break.

[@KiwiGravelRoadieRick]

I'm totally with you on the boots. I broke my lower leg in three places in a simple fall. Even before i had fully recovered to be able to ride i bought some Alpinstars tech 7 enduro boots. Man these were stiff compared to my old boots. They've softened a little bit now but still provide great protection from a side bending event.

[@BretTkacs]

That's a hell of a way to learn that lesson

[@bobholley6202]

I pinched my Achilles last year on a “simple fall” myself. It stayed swollen and hurt like hell for two months. Had to trade my ”adventure slippers” for a walking boot. I wear Astars Tech 10’s now. Love the inner ankle support. Took a few rides to break them in but they are much more comfortable than people will lead you to believe.

[@oxman1834]

I agree 100% as a old motocross A rider your boots are as important as your helmet dont cheap out get the best available. I ride a super tenere and wear Alpinestars tech 7 every time I ride!!I couldn’t imagine putting my foot down in work boots or tennis shoes!!!!

[@enduromotorradtouren]

As usual really good tipps and tricks to make us better riders. Thanks for all your efforts. Sorry for your courses, I'm located in Europa. Günter/Nürnberg

[@Adv_Lee]

Great videos Bret!! Echoing the boot comments i purchased a pair of Forma predators because of your boot video. so Thank you

[@rbrown1339]

Amen to your comments regarding having proper off-road boots. I'm now into my 12th week after ankle surgery because I crashed on a mountain top without wearing stiff boots. Guess what I own now??? Yep, Sidi Crossfire 3!

[@BretTkacs]

Sorry about the crash 🫤

[@rbrown1339]

Some lessons must be learned the hard way I guess 😞

[@allenhuling598]

Same!!🤕@@rbrown1339

[@dudewatson920]

All your videos are very good and informative! Just recently transitioned from a big Indian Roadmaster to a 2023 Tiger 900 RP and I have had to re-learn everything I ever knew about riding in the dirt!! Last time I was on dirt was like 1979...........and I was a lot younger and flexible LOL.

[@aronwong2471]

excellent skills.

[@mitchwiebell2785]

Always great education! Thank you Brett!

[@BretTkacs]

My pleasure!

[@tombee7208]

A big thank you. I have learned a lot from your lessons👍🏻

[@carls.2071]

Your information is always helpful.

[@rc51bigdaddy]

Nice video. I just went out and raised my shift lever a small amount. Couldn't agree more about the boots too. Another thing about boots is the thickness of the toe box. I tried some boots with a very thick toe box and ended up going back to my tried and trusted Sidi Crossfire boots with a less thick toe box as they were easier to use for shifting despite being stiffer.

[@BretTkacs]

I keep returning to the Crossfire too

[@49Roadmaster]

As always, great content and invaluable information.

[@MrFreddiezanzibar]

Good simple video. Agree with boots comment. Rev’it Expedition GTX boots are fabulous, just ridden off-road enduro Morocco and month road riding in the European Alps. A fabulous boot but expensive. My second choice is Alpinestars Tech 7 enduro waterproof.

[@MotoVenturer]

Always great advice - thanks, Bret

[@ronricardo7421]

Thanks again for the tips bret really very helpful

[@rent-hd]

As always great advise. Now to get out and out it to good use.

[@laurieberg2880]

I’ve been watching Dakar bike highlights to see what tires they use. I’m having trouble reading all the specs as they ride by at 80mph in the sand. If I just had the right tires… :)

[@BretTkacs]

🤣

[@davidbones8947]

Bret great vids i really enjoy them im 70 and ride a 1200GS i love it and i ride two track and FS roads how about some vids covering senior riders ie. Ways to deal with adventure bikes off road maybe strengthing ideas or ? Thanks Bret

[@BretTkacs]

I do want to make a video on this topic. Specifically exercises that target specific weaknesses needed for ADV riding. I know where riders struggle. I am currently working with a local CrossFit gym to make this video using their gym and the owner

[@shanepraay8037]

Always great content!

[@ecalzo]

Those tips seems obvious.. but in fact they're not .. Thank you as always Bret ..

[@BretTkacs]

After 28 years of teaching I have no problem teaching what is obvious to some and mysterious to others.

[@sillygitau]

Thanks!

[@JagLite]

Great info!

[@bobholley6202]

Great vid! Love that new 900. I feel a new bike coming in 2024.

[@BretTkacs]

The 2024 900 is a lot more fun than the 2023 was 😮

[@kee7678]

Dangit...I just got my 2023 RP 10 mths ago..... @@BretTkacs

[@BretTkacs]

@@kee7678 I get it... I bought a DesertX and the end of the season, if I hadn't I might have ended up with a '24 Tiger.

[@kee7678]

LOL. I looked hard at that. Great bike! Didnt like there not being a service manual and how hard it was to do things like a simple air filter replacement etc. But dang that performance is amazing. Bret said the 2024 "is way more fun than the 2023". plus all the things I dont like about the 2023...better more HP engine, better gase mileage (I'm getting 38??and everybody else getting 49 and 50....). 60MPG. with the 2024 and the far better TFT user interface, a USB, better seat.... ugh. I love to trade mine in but I added upper and lower crash bars, bash plate, top case and adapter shelf, and many other smaller things and I'd prob lose my butt on a trade in.....I'm new to ADV too! @@BretTkacs

[@kee7678]

LOL. Oh. this WAS Bret...lo; I just quoted Bret to Bret! lol

[@brianream6460]

I would appreciate if you might address 2 questions: 1) If I set the rear brake that high, doesn't it lead to accidental engagement when standing going uphill and rotating the body forward? I presume shifting the foot back is required. 2) More importantly, I really struggle with managing the throttle in addition to the front brake especially uphill - obviously uphill the brakes probably become a bit less of a focus, but trying to keep a consistent grip, and yes leaning forward, but any blip of the throttle means I do need to hang on especially on a powerful bike and especially uphill with inconsistent traction. There's got to be a video's worth just on throttle control.

[@MotoOffroadAdventures]

Another great video as a newer adventure rider less than a year in and doing a lot of off-road, I appreciate all the training. I'm in South Carolina, but it looks like you're somewhat close to me, possibly in Georgia. I'll see if I can get a hold of one of your courses.

[@BretTkacs]

GA and VA. I am less than a day in either direction for you.

[@MotoOffroadAdventures]

@@BretTkacs Sounds good. I will check your website. I would really enjoy that.

[@stefanklaver87]

Thanks for the free content Brett, would love to do one or multiple courses with you. Any plans for the Netherlands?

[@BretTkacs]

I would love to do something in Europe but it has come together yet. I was working to be at the ABR festival in the UK but they said they didn't have enough budget to get me over for 2024. Bummer 🙁

[@RugerM77]

Great video. Going to research the Virginia training.

[@BretTkacs]

The Virginia location has become my #1 location. It's a great place to train, hang out and ride. Lodging available on site, full breakfast included and more.

[@andrewpeter6128]

Good information; thank you Somewhat unrelated…when did gravel roads get designated as “off road” riding? The vast majority of earths roads are gravel, and most local riders tackle them with jeans and tennis shoes.

[@BretTkacs]

I agree, I prefer to refer to unpaved roads however "off-road" has become to common term for this. The other is "single track" which to most ADV riders includes ATV and SxS trails.

[@showmytime9177]

Hey Bret, can you teach the clutch grip to KTM as well, they make levers longer than the grip!

[@p.a.93]

Bret, what would you recommend for ItchyBoots recently traveling on super slippery rutted muddy roads?

[@vijayam1]

Brilliant

[@BretTkacs]

Thanks

[@MN8015HQ]

Unfortunately, I already have about a grand into two pairs of SIDI boots, (not Crossfires like yours, though). I'll have to get by with what I have.

[@armdm]

Thank you Brett, sorry, I'm going to ask a question that may not have anything to do with the topic, what kind of tires do you have on that bike? are they good both on asphalt and offroad? today I have tkc80, is it similar?

[@Anony-Mouse28]

Nice video

[@BretTkacs]

Thanks

[@tedthurgate]

You cover the left controls thoughly, but I didn't quite follow on the right. If you aren't gripping the grip and are letting your hand float as you stand and sit, how are you controlling the throttle?

[@chrispy1965]

Just floating is most of the time enough to control the trottle is my experiance.

[@BretTkacs]

If the video below doesn't answer your question I have another one that might... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i37LnGaajt-JbZIsi=TwTLCkXS_DL43MVa

[@MemphisKenC]

This is all great, but what do you do with your hands when you shift or brake with your feet? We're taught to have a light grip on the bars to feel what the front wheel is doing and to steer with your feet. Then you need to shift or brake, and now 100% of your weight is on one foot, and you have to grip hard to hold yourself stable with your hands. Is there a more subtle technique to this besides brute force?

[@BretTkacs]

Brute force is almost never the answer... Balance and neutralize thrust vectors is the answer. It's what I teach in my classes. I will do a video on it sometime in the near future. I have a bunch if B-roll already for it

[@andreasgandre6329]

Happy new Jear bret, which Jacket are you wearing in this video ? :-)

[@BretTkacs]

Rev'It! Echelon GTX www.revitsport.com/us_en/motorcycle-jacket-echelon-gtx-grey-black

[@FawnChicken]

My issue is when I move my left foot to shift my weight transfers right and starts a turn. How do I take my weight off the left without veering right?

[@BretTkacs]

I suspect you are putting to much pressure on the handlebar when you move. You aren't truely balanced. Go riding and get back to me...

[@TRK.pROject]

What handguards do you use?

[@kevinkimball715]

My boot has a large toe box and I can’t adjust the shifter enough to allow for the boot to fit under shift peg. I find I have to raise the shifter by pressing against the side of the boot. (Yes, I know my boot is not truly off-road, but it is stiff enough that I can’t flex my ankle up or down.) Also, if I have the brake peg up high, I find that I am constantly pressing down on the brake. I see what you are saying; I guess I’m not positioned right to move my foot that way.

[@BretTkacs]

Shift your right foot bake so your toe just misses the brake pedal. When you need to brake then slide forward.

[@MrEtnorb]

With a quick shifter, you just use the clutch lever as a rest for your fingers.

[@BretTkacs]

Unless you are in technical situations where you need to buffer power. I do like my shift assist though 😁

[@TRK.pROject]

What handguards do you recommend for a heavy motorcycle? For a Benelli TRK 702x?

[@showmytime9177]

I have Barkbusters (the KTM branded version) and they are solid, almost ripped a car mirror off some chicken who didn't watch the road in heavy city traffic, no scratch on the handguards.

[@jomipiro]

Hi Bret! Greetings from Portugal. I've watched many of your videos in the past few months and have a dilemma... I'm relatively new to riding and have a middle-weight ADV bike that I use for beautiful countryside rides. Occasionally, I venture onto gravel roads and try to implement your lessons modestly. However, most of your suggestions involve changing the bike settings or equipment, and my riding is primarily on tarmac, around 90%. My question is: How effective is a road setup for off-road adventures? What are the limits with standard adventure boots and seated-adjusted controls? Should I stay away from dirty roads at all? I'm eager to explore the desert and gorgeous dirt roads I often find but am hesitant to switch to a full off-road setup. I believe many ADV bike owners have a similar preference for limited off-road riding. Those who primarily ride off-road seem to have proper off-road bikes, appearing almost alien to me (even though they are very sympathetic when we cross paths) :D.

[@BretTkacs]

A full adjustment of your bike should take no more than 10min however once I set up my bike I seldom change anything. Also gravel and unpaved roads are roads... This is different than offroad or 4x4 type roads. Most of my gravel roads riding is just sitting on the seat and enjoying scenery. When does pick up, gravel gets deep or the terrain gets difficult then all the other lessons go into play As for boots... They only matter if you fall or spend a lot of time standing. If I knew I was going to fall on pavement I would want my best boots. If I know I couldn't fall I would wear something else 🤔

[@rhough1]

Just wondering which Rev’It jacket and pants you’re wearing in this episode?

[@BretTkacs]

Rev'It! Echelon GTX www.revitsport.com/us_en/motorcycle-jacket-echelon-gtx-grey-black

[@showmytime9177]

​@@BretTkacsdo they keep going after a fall, or does the goretex puncture after a bug splash?

[@sparksofjoymc]

Great video! Do you have any tips or advice when you have really small hands? My hands are (like most females I know) smaller than men's and it's not possible for me to handle clutch and brake lever with just two fingers. My levers are set up to be as close to the handlebar as possible to let me reach and control the levers.

[@BretTkacs]

The rule is when you place your hand on the handbars and extend your fingers they should rest on the lever (for ADV bike it's a split between standing and sitting). However this doesn't work for you. Besides switching levers if possible and adjusting freeplay so the lever is closer, rotate the lever HIGHER than the rule suggests. This will move the lever closer and request less strength to squeeze it. Also 2 fingers maybe too few for you. You may need 3 or (unfortunately) 4 fingers to havr enough strength with the long reach. If you have a cable fitting a Magura hydraulic clutch (if available) may help or even switching bikes altogether. Let me know if this helps. Leave a new reply or you can email me through the website www.BretTkacs.com

[@sparksofjoymc]

@@BretTkacs Good tips and advice, thanks! I will see if I can apply them on my brand new Tiger.

[@jaimemetcher388]

@sparksofjoymc I have small hands. Adjustable levers help, but there comes a point on the brake side if I adjust the brake lever any closer to the bar, I lose maximum braking power (i.e. I can squeeze the lever all the way to touching the bar before I've run out of brake). Instead, I try to have two finger tips just resting on top of the lever, not curled around it at all. That's still enough to brake lightly, and for heavier braking I rock my hand forward to grab the lever, then pull it back. Even though I do have to move my hand, it does make a difference having the fingers already in position, definitely better than having all four on the grip. On the clutch side there's no substitute for a light clutch. My VStrom has a heavy clutch pull (even though it's hydraulic), and I've just accepted that I have to use all four fingers. I don't really ride it offroad, and that's one of the reasons. Any situation where I need fine control of traction is just a miserable experience on that bike. My CRF300 has an almost comically light clutch pull, one or two fingers is easy, and even on that bike my hands are fatigued after a day of working the clutch on the trails. There are solutions for making a heavy clutch lighter, but they are expensive (change to a slip/assist clutch if you don't have one, or go for a high gain hydraulic), or actually increase reach (compound levers), or both. So I'd say for any bike you want to ride off road, a super light clutch pull has to be one of the must-have purchasing criteria.

[@sparksofjoymc]

@@jaimemetcher388 Thanks! :)

[@dariocp87]

How the hell those boots are right for off-road and sole is completely flat! In terms of protection totally agree! But the sole is not! Why the hell brands are not stepping out to solve this problem???

[@moorepower13]

Step one. Add risers right?!?

[@BretTkacs]

Definitely not on this bike for me. Most ADV bikes produced today do not need risers for my build. I am 6' with a 32" inseam

[@moorepower13]

@@BretTkacs I've been following you for awhile and know it's a pet peeve of yours. Love the content!

[@carloalbertoranzani8041]

@@BretTkacs​​⁠ I’m exactly 6’ with 32” inseam so I usually “measure” you on the bikes I never rode when you ride them, to see how I would fit there lol 6’ tall people, assemble!

[@skippynj1979]

I got the bmw (tcx) adventure boots.. I literally lost both my big toe nails from trying to use them. I'm in the sidi adventure boots.. I won't look back..

[@TeoZarkopafilis]

Why do you not use upper crash bars?

[@BretTkacs]

If you don't drop the bike you don't need them 😂... (This is the new 2024 Tiger 900 Rally Pro at the press launch in Spain. It belongs to Triumph so I rode it the way they set it up)

[@flyingjeff1984]

Bret, I'm a fanboy. OK? With that said, you do not appear to understand CG. Yes, standing will absolutely lower the CG of the bike. To deny that would be like denying the difference in CG that occurs with a full tank of fuel on a GSA. On all things offroad, I defer to you---but there is such a thing as "top heavy". It's undeniable. To illustrate, today I have some semblance of balance. When I weighed north of 300 lbs., if I started to fall, you better move because I couldn't stop it.

[@keithmosseyklr650]

👍👏👏👏👍

[@greenrush4313]

first off you need to get a k-5 splitter reductiner for the brake system PERIOD geez newbies

[@tonyhaddon2582]

This standing up business for the most part is for adrenaline junkies for whom adventure riding equals speed !

[@BretTkacs]

There are times when standing is the best choice (mud, snow, water crossings, thick gravel, sand, etc) however it isn't often needed for basic dirt roads unless speed is involved.

[@Ryansmith-fz4nq]

Omg all the levers and buttons do the same shit standing or sitting just get on with it .

[@BretTkacs]

Crazy ehe?

[@C_R_O_M________]

Sorry but the foot position you are showing here is mostly wrong! The foot should rest on the balls of the feet not the arc. Your foot shouldn't be rocking much back and forth on the pegs and your toes should always be pointing straight, never outwards. Remaining on the balls of your feet means that your calves should be in a stretched position with the heel lower than the pegs. That's the right foot position if you want to do it right, have the best control, avoid fatigue and mishaps like having your foot knocked off the peg at speed.

[@BretTkacs]

Where do you come up with your belief on this? What's your source? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX7Xk5JrpciUmJo

[@Mimolimotimo]

Doesn’t work for me. Taking the foot off the pegs is too much work. Sliding the foot, however, does the job well for me. This does cause the foot to point outwards but momentarily. More focus is on clutch control and being in the right gear. On the brakes, it’s definitely on the curve of the foot as I like to keep my foot on the brakes.

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@Mimolimotimo It's all about accepting learned experiences at the highest level of competitive/technical riding. I consider myself smart but not as smart as to reinvent everything around me. Of course some bodies will need to find their own solutions and make adjustments, just like Django Reinhardt had to play jazz guitar with 2 fingers on his left side, but most of us we'll play with 5 fingers and a certain placement on the neck of the guitar for better results. Same with riding a motorcycle. The advice here is not optimal and whoever races a motorcycle has to have a good technical base to even begin to hope for good things happening. My advice is proven and tested by thousands of competitors that all say and do the same thing. There's a reason for that.

[@mustardfj40]

And nothing about throttle control? Avoiding whiskey throttle? … You’re missing a very important subject for beginner … Hope your class is better than this

[@showmytime9177]

You should always avoid whiskey before using the throttle 😂