Though been riding my GS for four years, taking some training, and lots of rides with friends, I recently took a two day basics course. THIS is what we did for two days: braking and clutch work, up and down hills, round and round and round, s-l-o-w figure eights, etc. (I fell a lot) By the end of the weekend, I felt even more comfortable on the bike than I had before, even followed the instructor into terrain I may have avoided prior at the end. THIS is the core of big-bike offroad skills. For those just getting started with big-bike offroad I highly recommend some training. If not in the budget, just go find some an open dirt area and practice what Dusty shows here. Bring a friend and proper riding gear because you will fall over. A lot =D
About to start adventure riding myself next year so definitely will practice alot of slow speed riding. Your comment is helpful. How do you like your GS? I am considering buying a GS650.
@@waldo_s you gotta learn to go slow before you can go fast. Just ask Gragam Jarvis and all the top enduro riders who came from a trials background. Throttle control. Brake Clutch Body positioning Body balance Steering with weighting the footrests...
I love that you´re showing these maneuvers with a broken clutch lever. I broke my brake lever the same way, and won´t bother replacing it, as I find it more comfortable like it is. As long as I can still get all four fingers on it, I haven´t lost a lever, I´ve gained gripping options. Great riding tips!
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate these Videos. I watch them over and over again and constantly pickup on things I did wrong when trying to practice. These Videos are going to make a World of difference in not only my Riding ability, but also my enjoyment of Riding. I grew up Riding Dirt and Street Bikes and thought I was a pretty good Rider. I didn’t know Squat! After watching these Videos, I was doing all kinds of things wrong. Thanks again for posting these. You are going to save a lot of People from being hurt or Killed. That is if they Practice what you’re Teaching.👍
Well this was a handy video and channel to find. About to start adventure motorcycling next year after I sell my current ride. Thanks for this great video I learnt alot. Look forward to watching more vids.
Very good video! I’ve been riding for 20 yrs. All of it has been in the street riding with sportbikes and very limited off road riding experience. I’ve recently purchased my 1st adventure motorcycle. You hit it on the spot about being anxious using my front brake in dirt. Lol. This is good to know that your front brake is still your primary stopping power. I just need to practice and get comfortable and trust the front tire. Also, the leaning the opposite direction when turning. That’s complete opposite in the street. Lol. I’ll need to retrain my brain. Lol.
This is great info. I have been riding dirt bikes since I was 8 years old in the 1970s. I recently bought an Africa Twin which is a way bigger bike than I've ever ridden. So, all these tips help, especially about using the front brake. The only time I used the front brake on my dirt bikes was when I was unloading them from the back of the truck.
In regards to body position and ergos I would love to hear Dusty talk about how his handlebar position/height is set up and the pros and cons/compromises of it. I notice he's using not only risers but has his bars cocked forward and it looks very comfortable in his "standing but not attacking" stance, but that height would drive me nuts for long miles seated. I love your videos and I'd be stoked if you guys could go deeper on ergonomics as I'm really struggling to find a do-it-all balance. I'm constantly messing with my bars. Legend!
I was using Rox risers until my instructor convinced me to try the course without them. They havent been used again. I keep an allen wrench on my person and tilt the bar up if I'm going to ride more than a few miles on dirt. I have seen cam bolts that allow you to do this without a tool.
this vid showed up in my feed the day after i dumped my f800gs in some slow, rocky, sandy terrain b/c i went too hard on the front brake. like all mototrek lessons, this one already has me figuring out ways to improve!
That was an excellent video! I've been practicing those exact same skills especially the little hill climb exercise and I've become a much smoother rider as a result.
Hey Rusty and Tim, thank you for those tips. You touched one of my weakest aspects as a rider. I always struggle with rolling down a hill in reverse. Great tip as always.
Thanks for the slow-riding tips. I need to really take the time to practice practice practice😜. Have a great Christmas and an amazing New Year. Looking forward to your videos in 2021🙏🏼
Can you PLEASE make a video on how to properly inspect an adventure bike (preferably tailored for GS1200 series). Thank you in advance. Love your channel!
A wonderful channel.. Teaching bike riding skills..I am watching the channel from Jordan.. I find great benefit in education lessons. I hope to get a suitable bike for me. I hold a bicycle driving license since 2006 thank you all.. You are really cool. AKRAM JORDAN 15-2-2023
Hello from Portugal. For the year 2021 i would like to see videos that show different techniques for jumping, jumping on bumps, ramps, etc. And keep up the good work for 2021. Thanks.
This is the same way I taught me drivers on a Manual transmission. Take them to a small slope on a dirt road and have them practice just using the clutch, then we get into blending the clutch and has pedal.
Re: the clutch work. All this is excellent, but don't do it too much with a dry clutch R1200GS. They don't appreciate the slipping, while a wet clutch R1200GS, and almost all other bikes, almost don't care how much you slip the clutch.
I came into the comments to ask this, I was always told to not feather the dry clutch (and rarely do it/need to on the RT), and basically go binary on it. How much is too much? Just pay attention to smells? haha.
@@pixelotix yes, feather just enough to get going. Clearly, some more feathering may be needed, especially off-road, but the goal should be "do as much as you need but as little as possible". And yeah, if you smell it, it's already cooking.
Thanks for the lessons. Interestingly I once went on an advanced motorcycle course with the police and they recommended not to use the clutch. Thinking was ...clutch is expensive to replace and it disengages the engine if you get it wrong. Use your brakes to slow the engine to a minimum - brake pads are also cheap compared to clutches. For example, when doing a slow turning manoeuvre use the rear brake and let the engine labour.
Great tips in sand and gravel off road, I would like the start attempting some of these things to get better control and practice but, at almost 70 I get really nervous.
I like the early tips, but all the later tips use the clutch. I don't have a clutch on my electric motorbike (a Zero DSR) - but very subtle throttle control, with regenerative braking when I close the throttle/
I've found that I have to be extra careful going from standing to a foot on the ground due to my short inseam. If my foot is too far out, the bike will lean too much, and I'll tip over. It has to be just right. I'm ok with that though. Signed: 28" inseam.
I really need some of these for a DCT bike - I'm on an Africa Twin DCT from 2020, so it's big & heavy but there's no manual clutch. I'm kind of at a loss.
Nice video.great information..sir.I am planning to by bmw gsa 1250 adventure bike low suspension model..is there any compromise with original suspension setup performance and ground clearance with this low suspension model other than regular GS or GSA..?
Heh, when you watch dozens of videos with that same repetitive drum stuff, it does get a bit stale. I think MotoTrek needs a bit of fresh music for 2021 and something not so monotonous as well.
Awesome video. I could really use help with sharp turns in deep sand. Often I find my self faced with Transitioning between hard pack and soft sand while in a 90° turn. Any advice?
Takes finesse not to burn up the clutch. Just don’t hammer on it, keep the revs low so the engine isn’t lugging but not so high that its screaming. There’s a sweet spot, you will find it through how the bike feels and the engine sound. Although on a dry clutch, I’m not sure.
Doing the circle exercise, pick a point on the ground to look at as well and focus on that. If you are a new rider and get that I am tipping over feeling let the clutch out some. It will pop you back up as well.
Hi . I really enjoyed this video. I have a question. What bmw bike would you recommend for a 5'7" tall male , 1st motorcycle? Thanks for your time and honesty.
My girlfriend is 5' 1" she is looking at a tiger 900 low, might start with a low model If having you be flat footed at a stop is more important at first.
I recommend the BMW G310GS. Many of the 1200GS riders will tell you it's not a real GS, and they may have a point, but I suspect they're just a bit sore because they spent four times as much. 🙄 The baby GS is built in India. I've found the build quality to be very good. It looks like a much bigger bike. It definitely doesn't look like a beginner bike, but it's a very good choice for a new rider. In some ways, it feels like a larger bike, but lighter and more nimble. As an added bonus, your insurance will be cheaper too. It'll cruise at highway speeds, but it's better in town and on secondary roads, which I prefer. Now is a good time to buy as the 2021 models will be out soon. A month ago, I bought a new 2019 with a full three year facrory warranty for US$4920 out the door, after $1000 incentive from BMW and another $400 from the dealer. That's the price of a three year old used G310GS with 5000 miles and no warranty. I'm still seeing some new 2019s, but they won't last too long. If your local dealer is no help (mine wasn't), get on CycleTrader and start calling. Be sure to budget for a good helmet, jacket, goves, and if you ride offroad, a pair of offroad motorcycle boots.
I highly recommend going to your nearest trials school for training, and better still, buy yourself a trials bike. You will learn all the stuff in this video and more. And be a better rider for it without hurting yourself.
No. Same stuff. The LC GS’s sometimes feel like the friction point is a moving target. I like the dry clutch better and easier to feel, but replacing it, once it’s worn out, is more work.
Though been riding my GS for four years, taking some training, and lots of rides with friends, I recently took a two day basics course. THIS is what we did for two days: braking and clutch work, up and down hills, round and round and round, s-l-o-w figure eights, etc. (I fell a lot) By the end of the weekend, I felt even more comfortable on the bike than I had before, even followed the instructor into terrain I may have avoided prior at the end. THIS is the core of big-bike offroad skills. For those just getting started with big-bike offroad I highly recommend some training. If not in the budget, just go find some an open dirt area and practice what Dusty shows here. Bring a friend and proper riding gear because you will fall over. A lot =D
100% People underestimate the value of slow speed technical skills 👌
Thank you for the comments orangelion03. I agree completely :-)
About to start adventure riding myself next year so definitely will practice alot of slow speed riding. Your comment is helpful. How do you like your GS? I am considering buying a GS650.
yep highly recommended and I think if people can afford a big bike, the cost of the course would not be a probs
@@waldo_s you gotta learn to go slow before you can go fast.
Just ask Gragam Jarvis and all the top enduro riders who came from a trials background.
Throttle control.
Brake
Clutch
Body positioning
Body balance
Steering with weighting the footrests...
Ive actually been practicing my u-turns on my mountain bike. Really showed me how turning your head all the way around is critical.
all the best riders I've known were also skilled bmx riders and mountain bikers
I love that you´re showing these maneuvers with a broken clutch lever. I broke my brake lever the same way, and won´t bother replacing it, as I find it more comfortable like it is. As long as I can still get all four fingers on it, I haven´t lost a lever, I´ve gained gripping options. Great riding tips!
These videos make me feel better about buying a bigger bike (900) than I initially felt comfortable with. thank you, big fan now.
Nice! Two thumbs up. Thank you.
You've learnt me so much, I do thank you sir ! Bret and yourself are excellent teachers ! My son and I both are learning from you guys
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate these Videos. I watch them over and over again and constantly pickup on things I did wrong when trying to practice. These Videos are going to make a World of difference in not only my Riding ability, but also my enjoyment of Riding. I grew up Riding Dirt and Street Bikes and thought I was a pretty good Rider. I didn’t know Squat! After watching these Videos, I was doing all kinds of things wrong. Thanks again for posting these. You are going to save a lot of People from being hurt or Killed. That is if they Practice what you’re Teaching.👍
Thanks, I got a lot out of this.
I’m going to be practicing these skills.
Happy Trails
Well this was a handy video and channel to find. About to start adventure motorcycling next year after I sell my current ride. Thanks for this great video I learnt alot. Look forward to watching more vids.
Very good video! I’ve been riding for 20 yrs. All of it has been in the street riding with sportbikes and very limited off road riding experience. I’ve recently purchased my 1st adventure motorcycle. You hit it on the spot about being anxious using my front brake in dirt. Lol. This is good to know that your front brake is still your primary stopping power. I just need to practice and get comfortable and trust the front tire. Also, the leaning the opposite direction when turning. That’s complete opposite in the street. Lol. I’ll need to retrain my brain. Lol.
This is great info. I have been riding dirt bikes since I was 8 years old in the 1970s. I recently bought an Africa Twin which is a way bigger bike than I've ever ridden. So, all these tips help, especially about using the front brake. The only time I used the front brake on my dirt bikes was when I was unloading them from the back of the truck.
Learning so much from your instruction Dusty, love your work.
Very - very good 👍
Love your videos. So much of motorcycling of any kind is understanding rheostats and how to control them. Thank you!
many many many thanks for this driving tip....
In regards to body position and ergos I would love to hear Dusty talk about how his handlebar position/height is set up and the pros and cons/compromises of it. I notice he's using not only risers but has his bars cocked forward and it looks very comfortable in his "standing but not attacking" stance, but that height would drive me nuts for long miles seated. I love your videos and I'd be stoked if you guys could go deeper on ergonomics as I'm really struggling to find a do-it-all balance. I'm constantly messing with my bars. Legend!
I was using Rox risers until my instructor convinced me to try the course without them. They havent been used again. I keep an allen wrench on my person and tilt the bar up if I'm going to ride more than a few miles on dirt. I have seen cam bolts that allow you to do this without a tool.
You are an amazing teacher .greetings from kenya
Great tutorial！
Just bought my first GS...a 310...found this video and I grew up right by Borrego so what a treat to see this video in familiar terrain
Right on, Derek. Congrats on the new bike.
this vid showed up in my feed the day after i dumped my f800gs in some slow, rocky, sandy terrain b/c i went too hard on the front brake. like all mototrek lessons, this one already has me figuring out ways to improve!
Better luck on your next ride!
really help me to understand my motorcycle
That was an excellent video! I've been practicing those exact same skills especially the little hill climb exercise and I've become a much smoother rider as a result.
Hey Rusty and Tim, thank you for those tips. You touched one of my weakest aspects as a rider. I always struggle with rolling down a hill in reverse. Great tip as always.
Right on!
Thank you very much, cant wait to try them out, from Montreal!
That hill one is going to be amazing. I feel like the friction zone on my klr is a bit numb so that should help a ton getting the nuances figured out.
Clutch control is always the key
@Caylan Fountain Hahahaha 😝😝😀
Another great video! Thanks.
Unfortunately, up here in the great white north I will have to wait a few more months to practice this.
Take care.
These guys make this look easy.
Nice job Dusty, I think you are ready for trials!!!!
Thanks J 👊😎
Thanks for an excellent instruction video on adventure motorcycle slow speed control techniques.
You're welcome!
Thanks for the slow-riding tips. I need to really take the time to practice practice practice😜. Have a great Christmas and an amazing New Year. Looking forward to your videos in 2021🙏🏼
Thanks, you too!
Great video and very helpful Thank you very much
You're welcome!
Great stuff Dusty. Living in BC means I can't start practicing this stuff till spring. Damnit!
We need a snow riding video!
한글자막 감사합니다~!!
어드방 구입한지 3달된 초보인데 정말많은 도움이 됩니다.
항상좋은영상감사합니다~
A joy to watch ..Almost as much fun as riding ....Thanks from New England .... Guy
Thanks, Guy!
I ride a Honda Valkyrie and I am getting some great tips from you guys. Thanks heaps.
Nice work again from Dusty and Tim Tyler. Hoping to be in Borrego this next year but it's not going to be in January thanks to covid.
Thanks for the compliment Ken. We will be doing training in Borrego February, March and April. Our 2021 schedule is up west38moto.com/
excelentes consejos !
Forgot to add in the title: for beginners ADV riders. With all due respect sir. Good video for starters.
Can you PLEASE make a video on how to properly inspect an adventure bike (preferably tailored for GS1200 series). Thank you in advance. Love your channel!
Great suggestion!
A wonderful channel.. Teaching bike riding skills..I am watching the channel from Jordan..
I find great benefit in education lessons.
I hope to get a suitable bike for me.
I hold a bicycle driving license since 2006
thank you all..
You are really cool.
AKRAM JORDAN
15-2-2023
Smooth and Slow.... Interesting concept.
That was awesome. 👌
Perfect lessons to practice on the lockdown days.
Hello from Portugal. For the year 2021 i would like to see videos that show different techniques for jumping, jumping on bumps, ramps, etc. And keep up the good work for 2021. Thanks.
Noted!
This is the same way I taught me drivers on a Manual transmission. Take them to a small slope on a dirt road and have them practice just using the clutch, then we get into blending the clutch and has pedal.
Re: the clutch work. All this is excellent, but don't do it too much with a dry clutch R1200GS. They don't appreciate the slipping, while a wet clutch R1200GS, and almost all other bikes, almost don't care how much you slip the clutch.
it is still not a good idea to slip wet clutch more than what needed.
I love the smell of dry clutch plates burning in the morning.
(Note: Other people's, not mine LOL)
I came into the comments to ask this, I was always told to not feather the dry clutch (and rarely do it/need to on the RT), and basically go binary on it. How much is too much? Just pay attention to smells? haha.
@@pixelotix yes, feather just enough to get going. Clearly, some more feathering may be needed, especially off-road, but the goal should be "do as much as you need but as little as possible". And yeah, if you smell it, it's already cooking.
Feathering your clutch is crucial
Thanks for the tips!
Good, clear explanation and well demonstrated Dusty. Thanks
Thanks for the lessons. Interestingly I once went on an advanced motorcycle course with the police and they recommended not to use the clutch. Thinking was ...clutch is expensive to replace and it disengages the engine if you get it wrong. Use your brakes to slow the engine to a minimum - brake pads are also cheap compared to clutches. For example, when doing a slow turning manoeuvre use the rear brake and let the engine labour.
Thanks Dusty and Mototrek nice video showing us nice technics
You're welcome, Miguel.
Great tips in sand and gravel off road, I would like the start attempting some of these things to get better control and practice but, at almost 70 I get really nervous.
gracias por los consejos
I like the early tips, but all the later tips use the clutch. I don't have a clutch on my electric motorbike (a Zero DSR) - but very subtle throttle control, with regenerative braking when I close the throttle/
Looking sharp..
Outstanding video! Thanks!
Glad you liked it, Michael.
Very good video mate, Thank you!!!!
Glad you liked it!
Great knowledge thanks for sharing. Now I just need to remember it all when I’m teetering on the edge of disaster lol 👍🏼
Practice.
What an excellent video. Thanks so much!
Thanks for the great Info
What jacket is that?Pants also... thanks for the educational video!
I had the same question!
Nice videos for beginners, do one for advanced one day, thanks!
Noted!
Great Video. Y’all need to do some videos on the KLR.
Klr is ass. Beginner bike. Get a DR650
@shaggy bickering about bikes... meh. What about the rider? There's the problem. Don't let ignorance stand in your way.
lovely brother!!
Thanks-can always work on clutch control.
A ride is much more enjoyable when the rider’s inputs are smooth.
What tires & panniers are on your bike?
Hi Will, I agree and thank you for the comments. Those are Mosko Moto Panniers and MotoZ Tractionator RallZ tires.
This was useful! Thanks!
I've found that I have to be extra careful going from standing to a foot on the ground due to my short inseam. If my foot is too far out, the bike will lean too much, and I'll tip over. It has to be just right. I'm ok with that though. Signed: 28" inseam.
I really need some of these for a DCT bike - I'm on an Africa Twin DCT from 2020, so it's big & heavy but there's no manual clutch. I'm kind of at a loss.
Nice video.great information..sir.I am planning to by bmw gsa 1250 adventure bike low suspension model..is there any compromise with original suspension setup performance and ground clearance with this low suspension model other than regular GS or GSA..?
Thanks!👍😊
I love the music on your videos!
Thank you!
Great tips
Great bike
Thank you for your video! Can you tell me please what flat mirror you using on your bike?
You're welcome, Ondrej. They're DoubleTake Mirrors.
amzn.to/3myFPHL or www.doubletakemirror.com/
Great post
On your GS it has linked brakes ! When you pull the front hand brake, rear brake is automatically applied . . .
I need a video on how to play drums as cool🤪 thanks again 👍
Heh, when you watch dozens of videos with that same repetitive drum stuff, it does get a bit stale. I think MotoTrek needs a bit of fresh music for 2021 and something not so monotonous as well.
Not to me; I'd listen to a mix of that while riding, it'd be good stuff.. now Brett's club music would make me go nuts for sure 🤪
@@bryanreeme8584
For a day or two maybe, then you'd get bored. ;)
Awesome video. I could really use help with sharp turns in deep sand. Often I find my self faced with Transitioning between hard pack and soft sand while in a 90° turn. Any advice?
And what about burning up the clutch (at some point)? On my old dry clutch (2012 GS) I could smell it after a few maneuvers like this...
Takes finesse not to burn up the clutch. Just don’t hammer on it, keep the revs low so the engine isn’t lugging but not so high that its screaming. There’s a sweet spot, you will find it through how the bike feels and the engine sound. Although on a dry clutch, I’m not sure.
Great video! On a different note, what gear are you using? Looks comfortable.
Doing the circle exercise, pick a point on the ground to look at as well and focus on that. If you are a new rider and get that I am tipping over feeling let the clutch out some. It will pop you back up as well.
Wouldn't "smooth clutch control" lesson be dangerous to my air cooled GS with dry clutch?
So what you're saying is, its my DCT that's making me look smooth LOL I guess I can't argue with that.
Hi . I really enjoyed this video. I have a question. What bmw bike would you recommend for a 5'7" tall male , 1st motorcycle? Thanks for your time and honesty.
Recommend you visit motorcycle shops and sit on as many bikes as you can.
My girlfriend is 5' 1" she is looking at a tiger 900 low, might start with a low model If having you be flat footed at a stop is more important at first.
I recommend the BMW G310GS. Many of the 1200GS riders will tell you it's not a real GS, and they may have a point, but I suspect they're just a bit sore because they spent four times as much. 🙄
The baby GS is built in India. I've found the build quality to be very good. It looks like a much bigger bike. It definitely doesn't look like a beginner bike, but it's a very good choice for a new rider. In some ways, it feels like a larger bike, but lighter and more nimble. As an added bonus, your insurance will be cheaper too. It'll cruise at highway speeds, but it's better in town and on secondary roads, which I prefer.
Now is a good time to buy as the 2021 models will be out soon. A month ago, I bought a new 2019 with a full three year facrory warranty for US$4920 out the door, after $1000 incentive from BMW and another $400 from the dealer. That's the price of a three year old used G310GS with 5000 miles and no warranty. I'm still seeing some new 2019s, but they won't last too long. If your local dealer is no help (mine wasn't), get on CycleTrader and start calling.
Be sure to budget for a good helmet, jacket, goves, and if you ride offroad, a pair of offroad motorcycle boots.
If you're up for riding older bikes, the F650GS is a great low, beginners adventure bike.
I highly recommend going to your nearest trials school for training, and better still, buy yourself a trials bike.
You will learn all the stuff in this video and more. And be a better rider for it without hurting yourself.
Good advice, Michael.
Are techniques any different for older BMWs with dry clutches?
No. Same stuff. The LC GS’s sometimes feel like the friction point is a moving target. I like the dry clutch better and easier to feel, but replacing it, once it’s worn out, is more work.
BMW dual breaking system kicks in rear break when you use front anyway...
That bike is too smart.
Dusty, what boots are you wearing?
I see that question in every video but never answered. I guess Dusty working out advertising deal. Nice boots indeed ;)
Toes in homies!
Guys what handguards does he use? I am looking for some solid handguards for a 240 kg bike
Nice video
what´s the deal with clutch lever? Was it cut for optimization or something like that? Or broke in a crash but still usable so no swap is needed yet?
Mate, was it you who keeps his foot on the peg at 0:12 in a way, that requires _lifting_ it in order to reach the brake pedal? 0_o
What happens if your clutch doesn't have a friction zone, but only a friction point... kle300 for example.
I want to know about your riding gears
SUZUKIのアドベンチャーバイクはクラッチレバーだけでエンジン停止しない
最低回転持続の制御装置が付いています。
То, что надо. Одни из ключевых понятий в управлении слоном.
Смешной!
And now to the important stuff, how to wheelie, lol
You're putting the cart before the horse. Burnouts come before wheelies. You have to be moving to lift the front end silly.
When you ride trails and come across a tree on the trail, knowing how to wheelie can bring your bike over the obstacle easily.
Jim Bob I’m joking dude
Haha, you all are great!
What riding pants are you wearing?
so that first part is basically "how to brake with a motorcycle "?? cool