Traction - The Secret To Riding The Gnarly Stuff

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Traction! We all need it but it can be pretty elusive, especially when the terrain gets gnarly. Weighting your suspension is a great way to get traction. Think of the weight driving your nobbies into the ground. A situation where this would make sense would be when you’re about to ride up or over an obstacle that is super slippery. You’re going to want to weight your suspension and give it a burst of throttle before the obstacle where you can still find traction. Another situation would be where you’re at a stand still and when you try to get going, your rear wheel just wants to spin. Sometimes, weighting your suspension by pressing down on the foot peg, as you let out the clutch and give it some throttle will be enough to get you going again.
Another important part of maintaining your traction is keeping your feet on the pegs. As soon as your feet are out and touching the ground, you’re un-weighting your suspension. My rule of thumb if I need to dab a foot is to always at least keep my weight on one peg. You’ll see in my videos that I always make a good effort to do this, even if things are getting buck wild and I’m all over the place on the bike.
Your clutch is probably the most important tool you have for finding traction and reducing wheel spin. It’s going to take lots and lots of time on the bike to learn and understand this but it’s worth focusing on and putting time into. I’m not going to go into great detail in this video because this could be an entire video on it’s own. I will say though, that you need to realize that your clutch lever should rarely be all the way in or all the way out. You’ll need to learn where your engagement point is and practice feathering your clutch on that point. It’s when you let your clutch all the way out in a slippery situation that you will break traction and spin when you’re on the gas. You can see that when I’m not on the gas, my bike rolls forwards on the loose rocks without breaking traction. When I’m actually giving it throttle and I let my clutch out all the way, I break traction almost instantly and lose control. The trick is to learn to stay on that engagement point to control that wheels spin.

[@andycapp8843]

You addressed this age old problem so well, especially feathering the clutch. I recently had to climb a very steep, very wet and boggy bank, that very one else stopped half way up having bogged down. Increased the revs, 3rd gear and feathered all the way to the top. Then went back down and rode two other bikes, pushed the remainder. You have a unique talent of being able to put the point across in a manner that is easily understood, well done and keep up the good work. Weighting the pegs is a skill that takes time too, very few have the patience or the understanding but your explanation left little doubt as to the benefits. Keep smiling, keep riding.

[@Yardstick401]

Maintaining traction and reducing wheel spin also helps keep the trails in better shape for longer. It's frustrating to watch riders without these skills digging holes in the challenging trails.

[@RiderZoneCC]

I've spent my entire life trying not to "ride" the clutch to increase its life. this is very interesting!

[@florian558866]

Just check how a bikes clutch works. Its construction is way different compared to a car. Its oil lubricated to get proper cooling when slipping the clutch. I've got 500h offroad and never ever repaced a clutch. Even not after 300h on the same bike with lots of clutch slipping. But dont do that on a car! It will destroy your clutch. Since its not the same kinda clutch.

[@davelariviere682]

Ooouw! Slip it and Rip-it!!

[@garypaisley]

Likewise, but I ride a vintage four-stroke trials machine. The clutch is used as a torque converter, two-strokes generally have less torque on the low end, one way to more torque is to rev the XXX out of the motor, and slip the XXXX out of the clutch. It's a good idea to change the transmission oil more frequently as the clutch plates shear the oil molecules

[@Community-Action]

If you spent your whole life learning how to replace clutch plates you could of been riding the way you want for an occasional $60

[@slmmdgg]

really??? are you a truck driver???

[@herrerocr]

60 guys dislike that this amazing woman can do better than them... sore losers. Thanks Megs you are amazing explaining all, I'm getting better on the bike.

[@adambrackett2957]

You will not see this but have been trying to help my wife ride for years. I am a foot taller than her so your videos have helped out tremendously. Thank you thank you.

[@pv6304]

I've been riding for 45years and I just learnt something new. I may have even done what you're explaining, and never knew it. 👍

[@sanchezsaturno]

Thank you, seriously. This video made a huge difference for me.

[@biketothetop]

Megs, nice tips! Clutch control is a very important skill. My first bike, Yamaha had a cable-actuated clutch. It was much more effort than my KTM with a hydraulic actuated clutch. Thereafter, I quickly realized how much easier it was to control the clutch and get traction based on clutch modulation. One of the reasons why clutch modulation is so helpful is because it dampens out torque pulses coming from the engine in drive or from the pulses coming from varying ground surfaces when coasting downhill.

[@heritageturns]

Thank you! I'm a newbie 2-stroke clutch user and a moto addict. Really appreciate bids like this!

[@Cross-Country-Biker]

Watching you handle the bike with short legs is priceless I need to get better with avoiding touching down in bad places

[@inthepumpkinpatch5383]

Once again you've knocked it out of the park meggs you do these instructional videos so well they're easy to understand your techniques thanks for sharing.Maybe I'll see you passing me on your second lap in Odessa lol

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

Tires right for the condition and suspension setup helps too.

[@davidbarnes4246]

Just want to thank you Meg, my 13 y.o. daughter is taking your lessons to heart, as am I (a 63 y.o. male). After 40 years of street riding, I’m taking up single track and MX...I hope to get to a point that I don’t suck too much. Thanks for the help.

[@roccit]

4:17 Sick little section. Well done. Perfect. Awesome!

[@allenhuling598]

Excellent Megs, thank you!! Now I am eagerly awaiting the sequel, 'Effective Clutch Control!' :-)

[@edsmith2650]

I really appreciate your time and effort teaching strangers 😊

[@isaacpugno3388]

Cuz I’m a pretty small teen you’re my hero for this stuff lol

[@bhevish8639]

@Max Sand hell yeah she's a badass

[@bhevish8639]

Am 17 , but more towards street riding

[@marcallain5447]

Nice riding. Thanks for sharing. I'll go practice some of this tonight.

[@wesmorey6167]

learning how to clutch is life changing, wasn't so aware of weighting the pegs. Thanks!

[@tommeyer6033]

Just love your ability to finesse through the crudity.

[@megs_braap]

Tom Meyer Thanks Tom!

[@jimsiler6869]

Dang your videos are awesome. The info you put out is some of the best ‘how to’ I’ve seen. I’ve been riding in the woods for thirty years. I only wish I were able to watch your videos many years ago because your instruction is the best on the subject that I’ve seen.

[@denniss5845]

You're a really good Ryder I have no excuse now I keep saying to myself my bike is too tall for me. I just don't have the skill yet and you proved that in this video thank you

[@sephjfox]

I see you are able to defy the laws of physics on some of these obstacles! Very nice

[@someth1ngstube]

Stumbled on your channel out of blue and realized how many valuable tips there are! Thank you!

[@GeanAguiar94]

thank you very much for the tips ... i'm a beginner and i'm recording my evolutions haha ​​.. i hope to apply your techniques on my next track! thank you again

[@250txc]

If you can't feather a clutch, you will ~never be much of a dirt bike rider of any type.

[@trustmedood]

I’m a trail noobie and this video addressed a few questions I’ve had. Thanks!

[@gupomper]

Thank you for helping us being better riders!

[@joshua7999]

Thanks for the tips. I’ll try to remember this stuff. I’m such a newbie

[@ozziejim8472]

My arse is low to the ground too so I can’t get away with bad technique like taller dudes seem to do. Thanks Meg, at 50 you have taught me a lot!👍

[@ronwilson9202]

your skill is way above mine, thanks for sharing

[@realme-sd1gh]

Thank you this is very helpful... i experience a lot of standing still but don't have any traction.. i will try it..

[@jeanlavallee2887]

Thanks for keeping it short and to the point. Good info. I find it easier to practice this stuff on the trials bike first.

[@garybarry8745]

you do a very good job of explaining, thank you. And I have watched many, many videos on dirt riding.

[@megs_braap]

gary barry Thank you! 😊🙏

[@krispy1k]

The best video I've seen yet explaining how to use the clutch. And the weight management instruction was a bonus. Thank you! You have a new subscriber.

[@da7062]

She works for a clutch fiber company obviously - LOL, Awesome videos! Different from a lot of others I have seen. Always learning thanks!

[@Luftbubblan]

The happy revs @ 01:00 put a smile to my face :P

[@wawaron1407]

You very good girl. You will enjoy your ride longer with elbows protection...

[@dankman5813]

just dont fall lol

[@davididoshylander6472]

Very technical riding there Megs you make it look so effortlessly easy 😎

[@annac7292]

you're a great teacher. Thanks for the clutch control tip.

[@speedyboi349]

My friends:how do you keep up on a 125cc 4t when we are in 250cc 4t Me:the gass bois the gass

[@JohnSmith-dj5gf]

Wish I had watched this before my epic fail trying to climb a steep hill of loose shale on my YZ250X here in New Mexico. Great video, subscribed!

[@megs_braap]

John Smith Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@johnroethel5527]

Weighting the pegs is technique, as proven by someone of Meg's stature. Go little one go!!! Lol

[@Hutch_moto]

Awesome as usual, I like your point about he foot dab , gotta keep wait on the opposite foot , Love your style 😍

[@wadeholler]

love these . so helpful for a new+old rider

[@helialaska]

Want to ask if you have ever tried mousse tubes? I do a lot of single track in Colorado and they have helped tremendously with rear tire grip as well as the front tire not rebounding off rocks and terrain. And you don't have to worry about pinch flats! They aren't for everyone and take some getting used to but i love them.

[@marvinjames6398]

Great tip. You make it look easy, you are such a great rider.

[@bluejack644]

A helpful and informative video. Substantive engaging content presented in simple terms that are easy to understand. Professional grade video and sound quality. I look forward to watching more video's. Nice job.

[@yorkchris10]

I watch a lot of videos that involve traction. I often wonder what NASA would do if given a specific problem. They used metal wheel/tread for the Mars rover, but they were on articulated legs.

[@bualdoot83]

I could never ride those rock areas! Maybe once we have flying bikes, I’ll stop tipping over!!

[@Blackhawkthunder007]

Thanks for the great advice! As a newer rider who started just over two years ago, I definitely could have used these pointers on my week long mountain moto trip last summer. I managed though. :)

[@Havak37]

I loved this soo much! I just got a dirt bike and have rode on the river three days so far. I am learning fast but I'm still really new. The crew wants to go to some place called Crossbar Ranch this weekend which is difficult terrain with rocks and hills and KZbin recommends this!!!!! Sub'ed!

[@rjg3876]

I learn more from you then even Graham Jarvis. How I just have practice practice practice. That the hard part.

[@GregHartSk8er]

Nah that's the FUN part! :-)

[@rvtssrvtss3630]

Impressive information and riding skills go girl!

[@albertoproenca5611]

Very nice Meg!! Thanks for sharing..

[@ExpatonTwoWheels]

Great videos. Love seeing you ride. When I was into rock climbing, I always noticed the girls used better technique because they don't have the muscle to rely on. Same here. I've really been working on keeping my feet on the pegs and pegs and proper dabbing in the rocks. Takes practice and discipline, but it pays off.

[@kevintempany6936]

Thanks Megs for your vids.They really help

[@joe0813]

youre good and made that look easy... im just starting off and would have crashed on every one of those

[@OUTLAWATVOFFROAD]

This vid will help me where I ride keep up the content megs brapppp thanks 🙏

[@arturocharles7107]

Great format , with clear voice, awesome vids, tks Braappp

[@mickmcm4370]

Great vid, a lot of people can benefit from this information

[@motoxtrail7164]

Thanks for the tips and technique.. Moto xtrail from philippines🇵🇭.. Xr125🏍️..

[@basails45]

I don't even ride yet but this made perfect sense. Thanks for the video.

[@TrailBoundco]

Nice one meggs

[@mountain_man89]

Same as well with the clutch, iv never rode the clutch.. Its a 2 stroke i just control the throttle never had a problem. She has great points tho

[@RajChacko]

You have a new fan! Amazing skills, thanks for the video and advice

[@megs_braap]

Raj Chacko No problem! Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment :).

[@glenmack3640]

The slow mo is great, getting to see where the tyres touch, spin, grip etc. I might add, most of the dudes I see out in the bush would benefit from seeing this vid. Keep em coming kiddo 😬

[@megs_braap]

Glen Mack I’m glad you liked it, Glen!

[@mikefox5537]

Amazing girl riding motorcycle trail keep and safe always God bless pretty

[@luckystryke9709]

Good tips, me and the fam are new riders and appreciate this. Thanks

[@billcharlene1450]

I tried some rough trails on my xr650, (first time) same trails i rode years ago on my 4x4 4wheeler....wow way harder but way more satisfying once over it.

[@deanrobert8674]

I rode a XR600 for years in the 90's, was a great bike almost indestructible. Then rode a KTM 520 when they first came out it blew my mind, I felt like a mountain goat up any trail or big rocky hills.

[@billcharlene1450]

@@ccenduro 🤣🤣🤣

[@PHXGlock]

Another Excellent video, well done

[@MrStinky07]

Nice job Lady!

[@andriaskristianus8158]

Very nice technique mel

[@franciscoramirez5017]

Thank you for that video, your explain is amazing. Greets from spain.

[@johnrobinson8118]

Wow 👏...you're a beast! Good stuff!!!

[@korrakochlunn5858]

Thanks for your VDO.. very good for me

[@HippoDrones]

Awesome tips, I love the camera work you use to show how you are wieghting etc. Awesomes :-)

[@larskristiansen9158]

Buck-wild is a great word. Had to google it and found MTV.

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

Very good video! Well done!!

[@onepunchgeorge9251]

Well DONE! Learned on an OSSA TRIALS BIKE.😁

[@ricardobrizuela2298]

This video is pure gold, thank you!

[@utdesertghost199]

Always good to see another video from you.👍😁👍

[@gpf599]

Thanks for this Megs! I'll be up practicing on the little (don't hury me) bike this weekend then hopefully moving skills to the slightly larger (might hurt me) bike later!!

[@205gtipunk]

Awesome tips and executed perfectly. Good work!

[@MotoKeto]

It's all about the clutch, the clutch, the clutch It's all about the clutch. Lol Time for another cover song!!!!

[@mr.wildwood7342]

Great advice look forward to applying these tips!

[@REDROCKMAN2010]

Hell yes !! Great advice !!

[@sampathkarunarathne4174]

Thanks. Nice advice

[@alvinplummer9308]

Out standing

[@thebrothers8022]

This actually helped

[@redneckenroutekevan6397]

Way to break it all down, good examples too, makes me want to go ride rocks! ✊️

[@joeyberlet4161]

SPEED IS KEEEEY!

[@joeyberlet4161]

Also stand up, the rear suspension will use you to transfer energy if your sitting down

[@dirtbikesicehockey4788]

1:15 it takes lots and lots of time on the bike. I like hearing that but I don't think my wife would feel the same way...LOL great riding tips

[@tkwood]

Do you wear knee braces to keep your knees from hyperextending when dabbing your foot on an obstacle? I recently bought one and trying to get use to it. I am a road rider trying to learn offroad and find your videos very informative.

[@beauclose2235]

You leg shouldn't be hyperextending anyway

[@doubleclutchinjammingears3391]

Beau Close what a helpful comment.. Lol.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

Definitely want knee braces for trail riding. I initially did not have them and learned the hard way. After a few rides you stop noticing them and then you feel naked without. They have saved my old guy knees a lot of abuse.

[@ryanzone3675]

thanks Meg

[@ardakaanokkabas]

You are amazing couch! 🍀👌🏻

[@FotoAlin.007]

Good job!

[@mbarronv1]

Super useful insights!! thanks!!!

[@iwalkph]

Hi meg i always watch ur videos en jarvis... big fan of u2

[@aaronswanderlandadventures9561]

Thanks

[@ricksprague4577]

Thank you