Just stand up

A lesson of how and why riders stand when riding off-road or on unpaved roads.
There are a lot of myths about when or why you should stand when riding off pavement. This video lesson addresses the why, when and how to stand when riding off road on any motorcycle but especially a heavy adventure bike
For in-person training classes go to www.BretTkacs.com

[@teneridertravels]

"Sit when you can, stand when you must." Heard this some time ago and it has helped me for sure, especially on long trips. Thanks Bret!

[@MrRodwatson]

Yep…especially helpful on that second or third day….when the quads are done and standing becomes painful🙄.

[@danmanthe9335]

I get through tough rocky sections by laying down

We must have had the same teachers. I always opt for this way with the scream as much as possible variant.

[@gkeller9958]

I agree, it’s always better to slide across the rocks than tumble

[@bretthawton]

Love the "you always look better standing for video" tip😆

[@RallyeX]

As someone who recently had a significant accident while on an easy Sunday morning ride, I’d say this. Stand when necessary, and while standing don’t switch off and look at the scenery. I was just poking along enjoying the morning standing on the pegs on my 1200GS. I hit a pothole, lost my balance, grabbed a handful of throttle as I fell backwards, found myself needing to jump a 3x3’ gully to avoid being thrown over the bars and into a fence, only to be hit by the bike underneath me, brake a vertebrae, and get thrown 15m across the road. The safest position is seated until you need to stand and control the bike.

[@GiancarloBenzina]

Don‘t dream, ride the bike. Get a passenger seat in a bus or train for day-dreaming.

[@camiloverland]

Your problem was not being standing or seated, the root cause was you weren't paying attention to the road and going fast. If you want to look at the landscape, then you slow down so you can watch the scenary and also pay attention to the road. Hard way to learn but I wish you a quick recovery.

[@RallyeX]

@ no. I wasn’t going fast at all until I lost my balance and twisted the throttle. I didn’t say standing was bad. I stand most of the time in my big bike. I’m just saying, stay switched on mentally and in a position that can soak up bumps. I see plenty of videos of people cruising along on the pegs with their legs locked out (as I probably was). It doesn’t take much for that to go pear shaped.

[@ericaworthington2675]

...and don't whiskey throttle.

[@scottzeezee4343]

Sorry but your story presents enough of a mess that I would not take advice from you.

[@scottzeezee4343]

I agree with the concepts presented but I think one explanation could be better. If you’re standing in a turn, and leaning to the outside, if the bike slips it will come to you and is more easily handled. If you’re standing and leaning to the inside, and the bike slips, it moves away from you and you cannot recover unless the bike regains traction.

[@rdintennessee702]

Standing all the time off road is waaaay fatiguing and unnecessary. I stay seated until things get "technical" and I need to actively manage the bike and my balance points. Helps that I competitively rode cross country and extreme off road on mountain bikes for over 20 years. Greatly refined my two wheeled handling skills and line selection, along with confidence. Great videos Brett, keep up the good work! 2021 Tiger 900 Rally Pro.

[@silverdale3207]

Agree, I see a lot of guys standing when they don't need to because they've seen it on a video somewhere that you should stand, I call myself an active sitter as it looks like I'm completely seated but I'm taking a lot of the weight in my legs sometimes and completely standing other times depending on terrain but mostly sitting, I was mostly faster than the guys who stood all the time, plus it's not as far to the ground when you do come off ( ask my collarbone how I know, came off while standing).

[@paarthd2]

Strangely I find standing less fatiguing than sitting. I'm able to better isolate myself from the physicality of rough terrain riding/proactively prepare for any changes in terrain etc. When I'm seated I'm more likely to get all the forces come through the bike into my lower back and hips even if I can somehow isolate my arms and shoulders.

[@NickPalmer-ADV]

Third reason to stand is definitely the most important

[@laingdonschmitt2237]

Even for folks who already stand when things get difficult, a great summation of key posture points!

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

All good stuff. I remember my first group ride after a few decades not riding, all these big money, big bike riders were standing while we were on smooth sweeping hard packed dirt roads. I thought am I missing some new wisdom, I being older and with health problems, was just conserving energy. When we got to some rough tight tracks I spent that energy blowing past as I was just having fun. Must admit, I have had to work at getting technique & muscle memory back, but I scratched my head for a while. This is my fourth year back riding, went from 250 to a sorted 300cc & now an older low k KLX400r & a new RE Himmy450 for the long trips, don't need much bigger for now, it rides well with good suspension (for me that's important) & carries a full load with great Km/Lt, mpg (not the KLX400r, but it hoots). Cheers from Downunder 🖖

[@greenrush4313]

Ive been a trainer for about 25 years. I must say there is some training that u need to go thru Bret. No Joke

[@therealturbofanisme]

Biggest reason to stand in rough situations is to preserve your own balance/separate your movement from the bike's. If you're sitting down and the bike hits a rock or rut and scoots sideways, that movement will also throw YOU sideways and knock you off course/off balance. If you stand the bike can move around under you without throwing you off. You talk about this a bit at the end but i feel it deserves more emphasis.

[@paulkenyon8950]

Thanks Bret. Great tutorial. Spot on. This is essential...it's also where the fun is, the ability to float with the motorcycle and the opportunities offered by the track being ridden. It's dynamics in place of statics. It's how surfers surf waves and skiers ski deep powder down a mountainside.

[@DansADV]

I was going to make this video. No need now :) Well said... Beginners stand when it's easy, sit when it's hard... experienced riders do the opposite.

[@BretTkacs]

Every so often I have to revisit topics I've covered before or they get lost and buried on KZbin

[@olliechristopher467]

I sometimes stand when it's easy just to stretch during long rides. Something very rarely mentioned in these videos is motorcycle mass. Even at pro level you cannot get away with a 600lb bike that you can on a 275lb one.

[@dvargdamnit]

@@BretTkacs Consistent and right as always. Ive gone from complete novice to predicting what you're about to say in a few years. Great Teacher!

[@JacobOBanion]

Thank you for the great information Brett. I look forward to seeing you at the Washington class this summer.

[@kobi-kobsen]

For me, it's mainly the queasy feeling when all the wheels underneath you lose grip. When I'm sitting down, I get a tingling sensation in my stomach, but when I'm standing up, I only notice it from a spectator's perspective. I stay much cooler this way and ride more safely and relaxed.

[@MrRodwatson]

Agreed…"let the bike move beneath you", is a lot easier when I'm standing, and positively scary when I'm seated!

[@bosoceansport2068]

Fantastic video. As always. The manufacturers know how to set up their bike for riders. So get in shape and just ride it. You get fit to ride bikes, especially off road. You don’t ride bikes to get fit. In my humble opinion.

[@darmah1959]

IMHO one of the biggest advantages of standing is it moves the center of effort to your legs/feet and hence much lower. Your legs are much stronger than your arms and you can use this to change the balance and direction a lot easier.

[@Skiamakhos]

This is a good skill to have even if you don't go off-road. Where I'm from the roads are very potholey, but also I find if I ride 100 miles or so seated by knees will seize, I won't be able to put my foot down when I want to stop, so if I can stand up occasionally & flex my legs, I'm avoiding that happening.

[@donarmstrong4166]

Thanks for everything you and your team do for the motorcycling community!

[@BretTkacs]

Glad to support riders!

[@TN.70]

Thank you very much for your videos. I don't know English, I'm posting subtitles in Polish. Thanks to your videos it's easier for me to master my Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2023.

[@andrewdunlop9930]

Good comment about risers. I'm 6'2" and even at my height, I prefer a more forward 'attack' type position going over rough terrain. My knees are too old to stand for the whole ride. But to each their own.

[@BretTkacs]

Statistically ADV riders are of the older variety 👴

[@TourmeisterTWT]

I don't know if you've ever seen KZbin channels that have a second channel where they show longer form content, usually related to stuff shown on the primary channel. You should have a second channel that is just footage of you doing your rides. I get a lot out of listening to you explain stuff, but there is just something about watching a good rider navigate through terrain that also helps me. I think it is a visualization thing. When I am riding, I will often visualize what I have seen good riders do in whatever situation I am currently experiencing. Even though I never road raced, watching stuff like MotoGP helped me become a much smoother and more relaxed street rider. Watching other skilled dirt riders has done the same. Also, I could just sit and watch 30-40 minutes of you riding interesting terrain just because it is relaxing 😛

[@BretTkacs]

I will see if I can do something like that. It's a different type of filming and editing but I could give it a shot. If people watch and like it great ... If not no harm would be done

[@rider65]

Yup, standing slightly or upright creates body-bike separation. Critical for control when the going gets rough...👍

[@thetessellater9163]

Arms and legs like omni directional shock absorbers so the body is the sprung weight. Nice.

[@SomewhereInside]

Standing up on bitumen back roads on a Transalp is in my opinion fun and safe , as long as you are capable and aware. Why ? It’s fun It gives more vision on corners and crests . It offers exercise of sorts . It makes you way more visible to other motorists . As long as your height leg and arm reach is optimal for correct front and rear brake lever use….it is like flying .

[@johngvca]

As usual, great message and clear presentation. Looks like you filmed in the area around the Boise Valley area. Thanks for being an advocate for us guys on 600 lb "Dirt Bikes" and lovin it!

[@PeterBaumgart1a]

Standing is also about leverage, or torque exerted, especially sideways. The moving (rider) mass is larger if you move your whole body, as opposed to just torso when sitting, also with more range (as Bret demonstrated), but your lever now starts at the pegs. And as we know, torque is force times lever length, with the force being the gravity force (component) that your repositioned body creates.

[@onemilemore541]

Another great video! Perfect one to send to my buddies that get scared standing up. Thanks Bret!

[@BretTkacs]

Please do!

[@zimman20]

Thanks, Bret - that was helpful to this newbie!

[@AR9ify]

Beautiful bike

[@Peter-DOC-Docter]

Great advice man, thanks.

[@baxabuxa17]

Bret, you are super ❤❤. Thanks 👍👍

[@neilsmith3258]

Awesome info as always thanks Bret

[@BretTkacs]

It's what I do. 😁👍

[@artwebb6939]

Sometimes I stand on the bike because it's a dual sport and the seat hurts my butt after a while 😂

[@jamescarroll5441]

Great, informative video.

[@rienkhoek4169]

Om the risers part; you can get them with an offset and not just move them up, but also forward.

[@scottwiggins2364]

I don't understand this one size fits all mentally. To many utube riders make blanket statements. We all should get the general knowledge of how to ride... after that it's more of a adjustment stage for your own comfort, safety and fun. I advise watching riders and ask questions but very rarely would I take any advice that I didn't first ask for. The person is most likely trying to help but they are usually making large assumptions from very little input or knowledge of the person. People don't get we are very different in the way we ride for many reasons... racing isn't what all ride for. Just as some people only use there car to get to the store not to race from traffic light to traffic light. Don't over think it! It will come naturally if you let it. If you force it you will stiffen up which is generally the worse thing to do. Relax when you ride. Throttle control is key as well as brake control. After that just test yourself. Don't listen to" you doing it wrong" that's a stupid blanket statement period! 😮

[@BretTkacs]

Did you watch the video? Your comment leads me to think that maybe you didn't.

[@tomshunpiker4554]

I treat it like my bicycle. When Im in sketchy stuff Im up. It gives me less imput from the bike and therefore less chance of freaking out and going down. Additionally, on long rides, every time i hit a small town with low speed limits Im standing because my old construction worker body needs it!

[@RealHooksy]

Excellent advice as always 👍

[@mikekearsley2407]

Also it is easier to fart when standing. Thanks from Seattle

[@BretTkacs]

I missed that very important point... Thanks for catching that

[@C_R_O_M________]

Legs should be looser and not always in grip with the motorcycle. Even in your footage on the Desert X, you seem to let the bike move underneath you, independently of your legs, as you should. There are situations in which gripping the bike is the right thing to do and others when letting it move underneath you (without gripping) similarly so. Moreover, positioning of the body while standing is essential and depended on what you are trying to accomplish. Accelerating hard needs you to be leaning forward, decelerating or going down a steep downhill, get your body further to the back to counterbalance the tipping over forces. Neutral positions (straight up) I personally use to stretch from a long day's ride. Everything has a purpose aside from bad technique which makes everything more difficult, tiring and dangerous. Nice clip.

[@crunchtools]

Love the Hippo Hands!!! I think I KNOW when you became a convert!!! 😅😊

[@brunoalves1440]

Great tips. Great video

[@michagolonko9633]

I love this guy!

[@rafo.martinelli]

When standup you let the bike move freely underneath you while controlling it, as opposed to be bouncing cause being sit. Other reasons come second or below

[@markjacobs3956]

Thank you, Yoda.

[@BretTkacs]

Welcome you are...

[@maakamakana7007]

55yrs of riding and I always sit down..why, because if the bike slips you can quickly get your feet down, but if your standing up, you cant do that..I tend to want to keep the weight low to the ground..standing up is all arms, wrists, legs and ankles, sitting down you can control the bike with your butt and thighs..just my opinion

[@silveriojohan]

Thanks Bret, my technics sucks, I have to get better

[@matiassanmartin2830]

Hola bret, saludos desde chile. Estoy recien empezando en el mundo de las motos y tu contenido es realmente extraordinario. Espero poder viajar a usa y realizar un entrenamiento. Saludos.

[@morley3810]

Thanks Bret, I always enjoy trying to learn from your experience and excellent explanations. I have a question though. I come from a motocross/single track/XC race background . One of the key points of instruction from basically ANY high level MX coach is to hinge at the hips, keep your knees behind your toes, and squeeze the bike with your legs. Like SQUEEZE. Why the difference here? Is it the relative weight of a big ADV bike (which I now have and have been spending a bit of time off-road on), or the slower speed of ADV riding on technical terrain vs a lighter MX or hard XC style (Like YZ250X for example) bike? Or??? What am I missing? Why the radical difference in this one area of technique? Thanks!

[@scottbayles3407]

I’ve Bennion enjoying Bret’s content for years even though I never leave the pavement on my BMW K75S. A lot of what he shares here helped me a few months ago back when I was out on a group ride. We we out in some rural twisties and I fell a little behind. Trying to catch up I took a hard left a bit too hot and high-sided off into the weeds. Rather than staying in the saddle and hitting the brakes, I quickly stood up, stayed on the throttle and rode it back into the road. Learning to ride is a smorgasbord of inputs regardless of how or where you ride.

[@Roberta_Esposito]

tbh I parked my butt whenever I can unless I absolutely have to for particular reasons in certain sections. Yes, of course I’ll stand up. Thanks, Brett.

[@GiancarloBenzina]

If ya dunno wadda do, don‘t do it, sit or walk. Simple. Get a mountain bike and learn to ride it, to balance it, to do the work, no, not a fully, a simple rigid one where everything hits you directly so you get a feel for what you‘re doing. Once you understand that, you can pick your motorcycle again and skill yourself up trying those things and correcting them to the purpose and momentum of your motorcycle that will be different in different occasions.

[@nicflatterie7772]

Thanks for that. Especially the center of mass fallacy. Nice to hear it explained right.

[@HowardHunt-s7z]

Center of gravity vs. Point of influence.

[@michagolonko9633]

Very well said.

[@mntbighker]

My problem is that on the mountain bike my instincts are EXACTLY what you describe. But on the motorcycle it feels entirely foreign to stand. I feel exposed and of balance. I can't work out the psychology involved in this conflicted situation. I actually wish the throttle was a lever like on an ATV, and the levers were both brakes like on the mnt bike.

[@therealturbofanisme]

Just need more seat time, you'll get used to it.

[@sspmoto]

What Brett says is gospel. 100% correct and well explained. So many riders seem to misunderstand riding in the standing position (hence popularity of bar risers). Standing bolt upright when there's no need like they're riding one of those "Segway" scooters..

[@durl1963]

Are those Battlax AX41’s?!. You must like them? How about the road riding

[@Mr_4GS]

Can you make a video about the bmw ASA system?

[@PurpleFenderMan]

I suppose it comes with experience, being able to 'get ahead' of what the bike will do in a given situation? I find myself getting tense on loose gravel especially when a turn is coming because I'm always expecting the front end to wash out, and I end up puttering around the corner pretty much bolt upright. Guess I'm still scared of the thing...

[@Michael_Shay]

I've been riding for just over 2 years, I've had to train the sit down out of fear thing out. I got better about it but wasnt perfect. About 7 months ago, i was sitting very lazily with awful foot position on a very easy section of trail, i wasnt paying attention and my front wheel caught a rut and i fell over at like 10mph. Super embarrassing drop, normally wouldnt have been anymore damage beyond my ego. However the bike landed on my foot and i ended up tearing a ligament in it and needing surgery. 4ish months later, I get back on the bike, and i noticed something interesting. When I get scared I instinctively stand up, its not even a question. It's almost like a positive trauma, I'm standing up to get more of my body out of harms way. So, if you're struggling with sitting down when you're scared, just dump your bike while sitting and tear a ligament in your foot and you'll be able to skip the process of training away that instinct haha

[@GrumpyGoat]

Great video. Makes sense. Thanks.

[@BretTkacs]

It's what I do! 😁

[@full5rounds449]

If what you are saying is true, a T7 having a fuel tank "up top" wouldn't make it more tippy that an 890 with low tanks.

[@UHDStudio]

Best On YT for tutorials. Period. L.B.

[@BretTkacs]

Thank you so much. I try to share what matters. Given this is what I do for a living but I still give away all my knowledge for free in these lessons to help make our hobby more fun for all.

[@dandersonjr]

I stand when on pavement but it's only to give my butt a break. Husky 701's aren't known for overly comfortable seats for long periods of time.

[@perrysteed4069]

Thanks for the refresher, Bret. Was looking for your wheel video from a couple years ago as I'm trying to decide what size front and rear to have built. What do you run on this bike?

[@BretTkacs]

21x2.15 (still fits the tire pressure sensor). The rear is a 17x4 however you can probably fit a 150/70-17 sized tire on your factory 17x4.25 rim. The 4.25 is proper for a 150-170 tire. The 4" is just weighs less and I now I can run a 140 if I want to.

[@perrysteed4069]

@BretTkacs thank you. I'm assuming Woody's are still the way to go

[@SmokinZen]

My problem was I kept squeezing my knees which was not a good thing

[@nderezic]

I through the opposite was true: people stand up naturally whenever they feel unsafe. Well that's maybe because I know many bicycle riders and just a few motorcycle riders 🤷

[@dmitriygrishin2865]

Hi Coach, again center of mass not changes - bike's or rider's when u taking about rider's position

[@srmtravelstories]

On my KTM 390 Adv 2021 model, I need to bend forward to much to hold handlbar. My height is 5.10. This adds stress to my knees and back. So in off-road I hardly stand. Just go through it slowly. 😂

[@therealturbofanisme]

This is one motorcycle where a full size human does need bar risers. It's physically smaller, so add some risers. Don't go too crazy, maybe compare to a full size bike and try to replicate those ergos.

[@SimonBrisbane]

I usually use my legs.

[@pappaclutch3266]

Can you do a video how to check sag when your solo. On your BMW with the bags.

[@therealturbofanisme]

Get a sag setting tool. Otherwise you need help.

[@lovelessissimo]

When I'm standing during a rocky section, i become flung weight.

[@jameswaterhouse-brown6646]

Did he just refer to where he is looking as “where my ocular cavity is positioned “?.

[@cannistershot2277]

2:20 - what an amazing skyline/backdrop! Brett, what windscreen is on your bike in this video?

[@BretTkacs]

Oem BMW screen with blackout paint on the backside

[@flyterlucki]

I try standing because this way my suspension is more plush.... Or at least this is how I feel it

[@smarter_solutions]

Does it makes sense to stand on a sports tourer? (S1000XR)

[@rienkhoek4169]

It is not the bike, but the terrain you are riding.

[@smarter_solutions]

@@rienkhoek4169thanks

[@nicocabello13]

Goat!

[@greenrush4313]

Hi Bret im a HOMOSAPIEN

[@GrumpyGoat]

BUT ... standing looks cool and makes us look like we know what we're doing ... 😁🙄

[@rometpott1267]

Great, thanks ;) Which handlebar muffles do you have there ?

[@BretTkacs]

Hippo hands

[@motolover5697]

Is this an 850 front wheel? Thanks

[@BretTkacs]

Excel rim from woodys wheels

[@motolover5697]

@@BretTkacs Thanks. Is it tubeless? Is the bike's geometry a problem with this install?

[@aussieadvrider]

Pendulum Effect, too much weight behind the axle...please don't take this comment the wrong way. It's just what i see. Would save a lot of crashes, if more riders knew about it.

[@MrDavidfuchser]

Ok, so I stood up to watch the video. I'm good, right?

[@williamwilson2748]

I ride bikes to meet girls Mostly nurses

[@MrRplo]

Excellent. Just have to disagree with looking better standing up -- too many meerkats in ADV suits cruising through town.

[@chaseweeks2708]

I'm standing up most of the time I'm doing less than 60, paved or unpaved. Helps see further over the cars ahead of me, better air flow in the heat of Hawai'i, I feel like I can balance a lot better at snail's pace and I can even track-stand a bit. But, most of all, it's more fun. Also results in some funny interactions with other random riders on sport/naked bikes occasionally.

[@DonHavjuan]

Hahahaha

[@baxabuxa17]

Very beautiful mountains and nature. Where was this filmed?...

[@BretTkacs]

This was shot in Idaho with a few b-roll clips from Moab

[@baxabuxa17]

@BretTkacs Arches national park ... Super, thanks Bret.

[@gasdive]

I can't sit for long anymore...

[@CHUNKYNUGGET666]

X mountain biker so I do what the track asks of me😉

[@heremansmarc]

Dommage que je n'ai pas un meilleur niveau car le voyage au Maroc m'aurait vraiment plu. Mon anglais, ça va, en tout cas pour comprendre les vidéos.

[@iRA_mkb]

Like if you came for the hat transition.

[@BretTkacs]

🤣... Viewers either hate me or love me for the hat 🤠 So many get angry in their analysis of my mental state and an assumption that I am bald and self conscious... I laugh out loud every time I read someone going on a tirade about how I should "just accept being bald" 🤣🤣🤣👴

[@iRA_mkb]

@@BretTkacs Bald here since I was 25, 40 now, we are the evolution my friend. We will all be without hair in a couple hundred years. I just admire the transition, it’s lvl 99 😌 Love your content.

[@justusgronts3882]

Found no faults in what you said , , , problem arises ; most riders (that need this) after about ten words are only hearing BLAH BLAH BLAH blah! , , , , readers digest version, , The moment you stick your foot out to dab against the front wheel pushing, you have moved your moment of inertia from about the seat weight contact point to the inside direction of the turn (effectively turning into the skid) Standing puts your body weight "moment of inertia" up high. Allowing you to USE it to leverage (inside knee, outside foot ,and hands) against the weight of the bike thats to far over to stop the front from pushing. All leveraging points depend on the only two in contact with the ground. Any time you take a foot off of the pegs to touch the ground you DECRESE the amount of traction of the wheels. Not hating on your gig tis much needed, what is also needed are less dumbass riders going faster than they can handle. IMHO from a rider since 1962, who has never crashed on public roads but broken more than a few bones while racing/riding in those years since. 10👍/10👍

[@mosa4688]

You are gonna get kicked out of the BMW club with this message.

[@jw9919]

If you started with dirt bikes then you don't need to watch this lol

[@taswr]

Fkn hell, ride a bike however you want too….

[@stevemartinez4180]

;-)

[@MeerkatADV]

I've never heard someone say standing is safer. Standing is to allow for better balance and easier movement/adjustment.

[@raymondavalon]

The most overrated and condescending pseudo "off road expert" ever Narrates his videos like he's talking to idiots If you want real tips, stick to Chris Birch

[@DonHavjuan]

As usual you don't understand center of gravity. When you can let the bike moves under you, the mass you contribute to the center of gravity reduces. Thus, the center is lowered.

[@BretTkacs]

That is incorrect.... That argument take me back to my point regarding sprung weight

[@sdhammer166]

I'd never thought of it as "sprung weight, " that idea might be easier for many to grasp. I've always though of it as decoupling my mass from the bike. With the majority of our weight on the pegs and thus close to the bikes CG, the bike can move under us without our mass affecting the bike's natural moments of inertia. And 💡! My mind grasps where your sprung weight idea comes from! Good content as always!

[@andrewberg5266]

Nope incorrect. Standing moves weight from the seat to the pegs. The only time weight is sprung or unsprung is where it attaches to the bike. If it is attached above the vertical center of the shocks it is sprung weight. Period. Full stop. If you are sitting on seat or standing on pegs it is ALWAYS sprung weight.