Been riding for nearly 40yrs. I think all these points are relevant to road riding too. I nearly didn't watch, but it was delivered in a really good way, not patronising or judgemental at all. Great stuff 👍🏻
I ride 365 days. Once in winter i lost control on a icy bridge and found myself lying on the road. I rushed to pick up my bike as fast as possible (because of other cars) But while picking my bike half way up it slighted on the icy surface away from me. I hurted my backbone so badly that i had to go to the hospital. So my crash was not the problem, i didnt hurt my self at all....it was just the hurry to pick up my bike..................safe ride to all the readers. (and by the way.... nice video and well made :-) )
Wow, like a strange twist on whether we are more dangerous than motorcycles. --- Great story, and hope the back has healed. Thanks for the note. More videos ahead.
I can’t hardly pick up my KLR anyway … I’m in my 70’s. I have to plan it out carefully when I drop it (been known to happen!). Slipped a disc just lifting it up on a stand to change a tire. Trip to the hospital via ambulance - thank goodness my sweet wife was there.
Just one more thought...when going around a blind curve, especially on dirt roads, DON’T cut the corner! Stay way into your own “lane”. The closer you cut the corner the greater the likelihood someone will be coming too fast from the other direction at the same time. Murphy is alive and well!
Yeah was going to add the blind corner but don't need to now. This is a big one and I have actually had a fellow rider do thus to me after I turned around to find out where he was after waiting too long for him
At 150 lbs you might be one of the few people that the stock suspension on the Rally is actually sprung for. It’s a great bike, you will enjoy it for sure.
Just got an Africa twin kept the rally I love them both rally is now a 350+ and fully modded it is a dirt animal! Im nervous to take the twin on the dirt more than a fire road untill I get some tires and protection
I'm 64 and have been riding since I was 15. The list you make goes over very important parts and is excellent for all types of riding. On road and off. A key point you made that people tend to ignore is your bike will go where your eyes are looking. Another if you weigh 80 pounds you have no need for a 800 pound motorcycle that you cannot pick up. If your a great rider you might not crash, but simple things do happen. If you fail to put your side stand down on a hard surface it can sink in dirt causing the motorcycle to fall when it's parked. If you cannot pick the bike up by yourself get a lighter bike. Ride smart if a car cuts you off it might have been a blind spot where the driver of the car did not see you. Showing the driver your middle finger and screaming at them is foolish, remember the car is heavier than your bike, you piss them off they can hit you with their car and knock you off your bike or worst. Use your head not only to wear a helmet but to use your brain to avoid situation that can end badly for you.
Wow, a motorbike instructor / guide that actually talks sense! They're few and far between on UA-cam as anyone and everyone with a camera is, apparently, an instant "expert". Really good tips there that are really well explained. I've just hit that subscribe button. One I'll Definitely bear in mind is parking near the side of the road when I go abroad. In the UK, because we drive on the left, the bike leans away from the road. The fact it leans into the road abroad hadn't occurred to me at all.
David, we're so glad if anyone gains good safety or other info in these videos, so thanks for mentioning it and subscribing. More vids like this on the way, and thanks for noting the credibility in what we're producing. RIDE on!
@@Quambi222, thanks for that positive note. Yesterday's video did cover some of the trips we have available, but www.rideadv.com/ is best for explaining that. More fun to talk about bikes and gear and such on UA-cam : )
@@RIDEAdventures wait, so no lessons are required? I had to spend over €1000 just for lessons alone. And I think a couple of €100 for the riding tests. With the chance of failing of course. That was 10 years ago in the Netherlands.
This is a great list. The biggest mistake I find myself doing even after many years of off road riding is not fully utilizing the capabilities of the bike I'm riding. When attacking difficult terrain, especially steep inclines, I've found that it's best to stop over braking or over steering and just let the bike do what it does best. It seems like every jam I've gotten into was the result of my holding back and not trusting what the bike was capable of.
Steve, thanks for the positive note, and yea, there's something to be said about finding a "flow" for what the bike can/wants to do, and guiding it in the direction/position we want it to be in. Such a fun challenge......imagine all that we are coordinating. So fun. Thanks!
Truth! Steep decent on rutted loose baby heads this weekend with too much input to try & slow the beast down. Told myself out loud to just "let it go & ride".Things got a little faster & a lot less frantic once i loosened up & just let it roll.
I call it 'ride the pony' - stay in the saddle and just keep pointing the wheel where you want to go, if youre flowing with the bike you'll be surprised what you can get out of, and into, and through.
@@lessmore444 I also yell at myself sometimes just let the bike do its thing , also will congratulate myself outloud when I do something the right way like avoiding a rock or pothole .
I have to give you credit the tone of your voice the speed of your speech your characteristics and your mannerisms all of these combined make your video enjoyable to watch easy to listen to and easy to learn from good job and thank you
Thanks for saying so! The editing helps a bit, as it doesn't always come out right the first time, and we're just glad if this info helps anyone stay safer and ride more. --- Eric
The nice thing about having a high horsepower machine is that I can give the riders in front of me plenty of room but still know that I can easily catch up if I need to do so. I generally ride towards the back of the pack and let the leaders discover speed traps and other unpleasant things.
54 and only ever been a road rider, just getting into the adv "scene" and really appreciate videos such as this. Great info and in easy to follow format. Thank you
leaning uphill while turning around is the #1 most important tip. I always tell people this when theyre new because it's not intuitive, a lot of people will instinctively lean towards the direction movement, which is fine on the road on completely flat terrain but is 100% wrong on a slope and will cause you to drop your bike.
The one on group rides is why I enjoy going solo. I have not found someone who matches my pace. I don't ride fast and I don't go too slow. I also hate when folks stop every 5 min to take a picture, have a cig, or need a wee. So far solo seems to be the best for me. The other tips, very useful!
Nathan, thanks for the note. Yea, something can be said about having other riders/friends around us when riding for safety reasons, but it can also lead to disaster. Enjoy riding in groups, or solo....however you want to, and just RIDE on!
I always have the "Jiffy" stand down when I roll the bike off the center stand just to quickly transition. I keep my foot out of the way quite simply. Great advice and another great video from this guy. He, the Brit and the Canadian kid are my go to reviewers of motorcycle "stuff".
Thank you - here I was thinking I was the only one. 😉 I only ever stand when it's actually necessary. It's definitely not necessary for 90+% of my dirt riding (typically heavily loaded, fast, outback sand and bulldust, or poorly maintained mountain firetrails) I do shift my weight to the pegs a reasonable amount as surfaces change, but standing just because there's dirt? Yeah nah. Hammering through a dry rocky creek bed? Sure. Stand for the second or two it takes to cross the hazard, and back in the saddle. It just makes sense.
hello! Thanks for share your knowledge. Safety and knowledge is never enough and regardless of the age of each one of us or driving time, when it comes to riding motorcycles with the guys, whether in town or out of town, inside or outside our mother country. I've seen a lot of people get hurt and others I'll never see again. All of us who live the pleasure of two wheels is important to be alive and in good health so that we can continue to enjoy this motorcycle pleasure
Thanks for the heads up my friend, we all fits in every mistakes aspect of riding. Be aware always in how I'm doing and correct ourselves along the road. We want to be a better and conscious rider. Thanks 👍
I just got a new bike after a long time off motor cycles, a CRF250 to keep it real and in my skill set. Rode on road for the first time in over 20 years, every thing came straight back but I am not going to take that for granted so will do a refresher training course and stick to my skill set (low at moment), so thanks for the excellent up-load. This will go to saved section.
Darren, welcome back to the freedom of motorcycle riding! There are other videos there in our Adventure Motorcycle Training Series, so please feel free to take advantage, and we'll see you out there .... on the road, or the trail : )
Great list! Another important tip is to not let your ego force you to ride above your skill level just so you can try and keep up with more skilled riders.
1st point - bike on the side stand leans into the road of incoming traffic - that’s a good example of why we Brits find it sensible driving on the left, whenever you pull over on your bike it automatically leans away from the traffic 😁👍🏼. Love your video’s btw 😁
Great video and tips. After decades of riding & racing mounting bikes and picking up a dual sport bike the thing that always gets me is focusing my eyes too close in front of the bike as the speed increases.
It's almost like it's supposed to be a "gaze" over all that lies before us, and around us, right? Apparently whatever you're doing is working out (after decades) so keep it up : )
Perhaps the best argument towards using the front brake is the fact that most bikes have 2 front wheel rotors and only a single back wheel rotor and the front rotors are generally bigger than the back brake rotor. The same applies to cars off course :-) nice video ;-)
Excellent point! I'll never forget, I once witnessed a rider narrowly avoid a highway collision by locking up his rear brake. When in the aftermath, we all asked him how he did it, how much front brake, etc. he said "front brake? Are you kidding me? Use the front brake? I don't want to kill myself!" We figured he's a lucky dude : ) ---- Thanks for watching and sharing this good point.
Nice segment Eric, as a 40 year rider I two make some the mistakes you mentioned, particularly fixation which I preach about all the time to other riders! Just a few weeks ago coming around a blind 2 track gravel road suv meet me instead in the middle instead of scanning with my head up I looked down where was run off ditch created from heavy rain. Luckily my19 500X handled the ditch and I road though it. I was quiet disappointed in myself though!
David, thanks for the note. ---- Yea, in the wrong frame of mind, fixation is still possible...at least for a split second sometimes. Glad you were able to dodge the SUV, and it sounds like keep it upright. Lotsa moving pieces, this riding passion.... have fun!
As a newer ADV rider, this has definitely given me some more perspectives on things to keep in mind. Already ran into the hill turnaround one just this past week - so seeing it in there brought on a chuckle and an Oh Yeah, that's no joke! Great down to earth presentation of valuable info! +1 Subscriber
Erik, thanks for the great feedback, and we hope your sidehill turnaround involved staying upright. If not, at least now it won't in the future : ) Thanks again!
@@RIDEAdventures - Thankfully was able to stay upright but it was a close call and a definite learning (how not) by doing moment 😎. Would also add that getting off the bike and walking that difficult section to get a better idea of the line to take (up or down) on single track steep lanes is also a great way to help stay upright. Have done that plenty of times with 4 wheeled adventures, and the perception that a bike can do it easy is not always true.
I would like to see a video about braking in off road conditions while in group rides, road conditions and traction issues. Thanks for all the great videos. Really learning a lot and jones’n for more!
I agree about riding experience. No matter if you've been riding 30 years, as you mention, it doesn't mean we have developed the best skills. Bad habits can follow you all your life. Thanks for passing on your knowledge and in such an accepting manner.
always learn something new & thank you. Target fixation, pre-load and front braking, situational awareness. Heckin' yeah. My favorite of the bunch -- "slow hands make fast riders." Happy Thursday!
Very practical tips. I have been riding for the past 6 years and these points are really very common mistakes. thanks for summing up and putting it in a video with no nonsense... just straight talk... 👍👍
Just stepped into my first full time Adventure bike, and boy is it intimidating. Made the mistake of choosing my favourite brand, and buying it off the floor, without a test ride. I do however, have over 40 years, in riding motorcycles, so it's "steady as she goes". That being said, you can always learn something new. Thanks for the tips. Bike of choice" Triumph 1200 GT PRO.
Great bike! But yea, it might feel a bit tall and heavy for a while. If that feeling of hesitation with it persists, there are more mid-sized bikes out there now that might allow you to relax and enjoy more. Da 1200 is a big ol' bike, but a nice one. Thanks for watching!
I wish I knew these tips 20 years ago-all are very useful and relevant. I don't Adv ride anymore but they are still needed from time to time for cruising.
Great list! I’ve been riding street since 92, but l learned the most as the first Motorcycle Patrol rider for AAA in North America, out of Sacramento. Here’s a couple vital rules. 1-Never take your eyes off the road in front of you. 2-Always have an out, if the situation changes. 3-Always ride like your invisible. 4-Most people can see you, they just don’t care, or hate bikers. 5-Don’t linger behind cars or in the blind spots. 6-Don’t follow behind center of car. Follow their tire tracks. If they drive your road debris, and you don’t see it you will have no time to avoid it. Retread if trucks is hard to see and avoid. 7-If you decide to pass, do it swiftly and efficiently. Don’t dawdle. 8-It’s easy to add speed, hard to reduce it entering a corner. 9-Downshifting helps reduce speed, and get you out of corner in proper gear. 10-Give people more respect than they deserve, especially cops, people with guns, and overseas. Your already being stereotyped, don’t prove them right. 11-Throttle and speed will keep you alive, don’t be afraid to use it!
Hey thank you for your clear no nonsense training advice. We ALL know all about what you said but it is really great to listen to someone saying it in a direct comprehensible way to remind us of what we have learned but don't always think of. Again, many thanks.
I appreciate that, thanks for saying so. We just kicked-off filming Season 3 and the first video comes out Sunday: "Is the Honda CB500X an Adventure Bike?"
Keeping distance: when I taught MSF I asked my students how far they think they travel in one second at 60 mph; the guesses were wild, but when I told them that at 60 mph they are traveling about 88 ft / sec it got their attention.
Watched this and thought “wow, this looks like my backyard in Central, OR” Looked y’all up and you’re based out of Bend like I am! Just got my first ADV bike and looking forward to getting out on some trails. Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for sharing these! I'm about to try adventure riding for the first time; I've been on-road since getting my license in 2006. I bought a Versys-X about a week ago. Glad to have some good, sound "before you start" advice, including riding the bike that's the right size for you. I wish I was taller than 5'4", but at the tender age of 39 I'm probably done growing. 🤔
Laura, thanks for commenting, and welcome to your upcoming adventures! You're probably about to shoot-up when you hit 40 like so many of us have : ) so maybe a bigger bike someday, although the Versys-X is pretty big and a great bike. RIDE on and see you out there! - Eric
I love the 1250gsa, and I don't blame anyone for getting one. But so many people have those bikes and are not built for them. Wet weight with no gear or panniers is 591. So many people get bikes that are too big for them to pick up alone. Solid advice
Thanks, and yea, it's quite clear when someone is uncomfortable on the size of bike they are riding (often too big.) Get them on an appropriately-sized option, and the swifter/better riding and smiles become apparent. Thanks for commenting.
Most of this is common sense but it pays to remind ourselves every now and then. Some of what seems obvious often gets forgotten in the "Moment" Cheers Eric, great vid!
Thx Eric, great vid, I totally agree with you, I started to learn these skills 50 years ago, on road and off-road, also on a mountainbike and the last 45 years they served me well and the first 5 years, well, you need some time to learn… and still learning. These skills work on every sort of bike.
so i just wrote a comment, but forgot to mention that i got here from DorkintheRoad! He supports you unabashedly, and did a couple of really nice vid's of your trainings
Funny to see that the sometimes most obvious things make you think, mmm didn't think of that. Love the point of To much Distraction; Sometimes you'll see people so busy with navigation, pictures, video, etc etc that they actually forget to enjoy the surroundings (not only happening in adventure riding). Like your video's 👍🏼
Good instructional video. What surprises me most is that you felt the need to make it. Nearly 60 so been riding dirt before the term ADV was invented. So my question is how many guys and gals are coming into market who really don't know the basics. (A a lot) ( B some no a little) ( C no experience at all). Thanks Aussie Jeff
Good question, but just imagine: Every day, somewhere in the world, someone is gaining a first interest in riding. Or taking the first steps toward getting a motorcycle or their license. We just made the video hoping it helps anyone avoid mistakes. As mentioned in the video, even long-experienced riders have been seen making mistakes. RIDE on!
What a great video and tips you shared in this video--just really wise, practical advice that is sure to save a lot of riders pain, delay and embarrassment if they only are willing to listen and learn. Just fantastic that riders with your experience share their knowledge, as the tips you describe in this video will be learned one of two ways, i.e., the hard way, by actually making the mistake and dumping your bike, injuring yourself, etc., or the better way, actually setting one's ego to the side and learn from the sage masters of the sport who are generously sharing their expertise so we don't have to learn the hard way. Well done, and great filming by the way--some beautiful vistas and shots in this one.
Jmaninaz1, thanks for the great feedback! Yep, even those of us who have been riding a long time can still learn from others, and what a better way to learn, by video, instead of by personal/accidental/expensive mistake. We appreciate your note. More videos on the way :)
I had an incident that nearly took my life what saved me was trying really hard not to target fixate it saved me I just had to believe it would move me away from the danger in front of me it works.
Great points - Pretty much common sense and drilled into the heads of long term experienced riders ( one would hope eh? ), but great to see the “13 Mortal Sins” being aired as a refresher. Number 8 is bang on the button Mate. Marketing for AV Bikes is very very sneaky. By the time a 5’3 / 140pound rider has finished watching a video of some of the BIG bikes - the poor soul has figured out that they too, can wheelie, stand on pegs and squiggle around obstacles and fly over double track at 70mph while looking totally awesome in their ( soon to be purchased ) top-of-the-line gear and disregard their own better judgement of dropping $20,000 on that “BEAST”.......
Some riders make the apparent mismatch in size work out, but yea, some never really end up going out for a ride, not fully admitting to themselves that they over-bought, and are nervous about getting back on that "thing" that now sits in the corner of the garage. Glad if this info helps anyone. Thanks for sharing.
Dropped my bike for the first time yesterday. I made two of these mistakes trying to turn around on a steep dusty track. I now have a real appreciation for off-road skills and training.
Robert, thanks for the feedback, and hopefully the drop wasn't too bad. Funny the timing....then seeing the video. We all put a bike down from time to time, but if it can be avoided....
This is such a great video! I consider myself probably an intermediate rider. I've upgraded from be careful on the street to actually I wanna take the next step and go long distance. I learned a lot from this video, especially the squat to pick up the bike! Omg that's changed my life haha. I make a lot of these mistakes (fortunately without any serious consequences yet) and now I know. Really great production value and we'll delivered. Man your tours look like so much fun. I can't wait to join one some day.
Thanks for watching and saying so. Now the trick is to remember all 13 points when each moment arises, and we don't have UA-cam in front of us. Have fun, and keep exploring. We'll be out there, too. See you on tour one of these days : )
Common sense wins the day. Go slow and enjoy the ride. Its not a competition. Thank you for these reminders. In another 6 weeks or so riding season will start up again here in the desert. Hopefully these 115 degree days will be gone by then. I did 60 miles this morning on my KTM 790A. 100 degrees at 8 am. Cant wait for 90 degree days and riding weather. Not riding for a couple months shows. Be safe!
Robert, thanks for sharing and the compliment. We actually have "another 13" mistakes video on the way. Many of them you've perhaps seen over the years.
Well done, I've been a motorcyclist for 53 years and everything you have said is spot on. Obviously there are way more than 13 errors that can be made, but you have covered that by telling viewers that there is more to come. Only thing I can whinge about so far is the video header, it should have just been 13 Common Mistakes "Motorcycle" Riders make lol. Hopefully your next vids (which could already be here but I haven't looked before commenting) will cover that in group riding scenarios always try to ride in an offset position in relation to the bike ahead of you (see 9:39 in the vid) as if things turn pear shaped you already occupy your own escape route, and the importance of counter steering and ingraining counter steering as a habit, as it goes hand in hand with target fixation scenarios. Oooops, just had a peek and see a vid relating to counter steering, I'm off to watch the vid.
therafter1, thanks for the great feedback, and you're absolutely right: Should have been "Motorcycle Riders" instead of those famous "ADV" letters, as quite a few of these apply to all riders. Our Customer/Viewer base is mostly that dual sport, adventure-type crowd thus far, although we're getting more into road riding and pavement situations now that we are surrounded by such a bounty of it here in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. ----- Indeed, the "offset" riding pattern is a smart one, although we'll be taking that one-step-further in an upcoming video, where we say perhaps more important than offset, is being properly-spaced, 4-5 seconds apart, instead of crunched up on each other. Yes, riding tight and close is more fun maybe, but what a difference a few seconds of cushion can make. ---- Thanks for sharing and commenting, and RIDE on!
#9 is critical. I went on a KTM organised, multi-day adventure ride that was pretty hardcore. KTM organised it brilliantly, but my overall enjoyment was severely negatively affected by far too many guys thinking they were Jarvis or Chris Birch and riding well beyond their level and far too close to everyone. The true best riders were way out front causing no problems.
It's unbelievably fun, but yes, unbelievably risky in some of those situations. Bunch of strangers, pumped with adrenaline, and nothing more crediting than a motorcycle endorsement. Glad if you made it okay, and yea, Riders, give each other some space!
Absolutely. When I'm riding with others I try to constantly remind myself that my friend could panic brake with full force to prevent riding over any wildlife that comes out the ditch and THAT IT WILL take me about 1sec to even react to that, which close can result in crash, that I wouldn't possibly have even started to brake or that this friend is already going like 40kmh's slower, which will result in already nasty crash. Also I try to constantly seek if my friend would crash, where he would most likely end up, specifically meaning what side I should most likely be prepared to try to pass if I don't have enough space to stop in time. Ie. in corners I try to target myself more inside the curve than my pal is currently riding as he would likely go tangent if S hits the fan. I had friend crashing me standstill 40kmh with moped as I was kid and it was lesson I won't forget. It was painful with moped. Wouldn't like try it with like 4x heavier bikes.
I saw the South African flag there. My home country, and yes, be polite and nice. A lot of good guys in the SAPS, but also a lot of rotten eggs with a bit of an agenda based on who and what you are. Work with them, and be nice. If you experience corruption, report it later andget the leak out for sure. The video is great and informative, thanks a lot. Keep it up. Lots of advice here that most of us don't even think about. Bike size: So true! Confidence comes with loving and trusting the machine. TW200 goes anywhere (Amigos angola). :)
Yea, something to be said about "traveling in numbers," as it may have something to do with limiting encounters with the rotten eggs. Love the TW200! Thanks for commenting and sharing.
Love it. Intentional or not, it also reminds of a reference to the band, Toto's hit single. Now what is that nickname people have for the CB500x that's escaping me......all funny stuff. ---- Thanks for the note, and RIDE on!
Agree to every single word. Learned some of them the hard way myself during my early riding days about 10 years ago (get too close to other rider, pointing the bike downhill, both feet on sloping ... Ofc... I fell over... And immediately panicked and tried to pick up the bike almost immediately)... Lol Almost choose the wrong bike as well back a couple years ago... Used to want the BMW R1250GS, but after just sitting at it, i immediately thought "this bike is far too big and too heavy for me to be enjoyable" so i used the money to buy secondhand Ninja 650 and KTM 450 EXC and save the leftover money for the trip...
Excellent move. We've talked about that in other videos like KTM 790 Adventure S vs. Honda CB500X. They do about the same thing, but one leaves a lot of money for travel. Thanks for sharing....ride on!
Brilliant video. Thankfully, I'm so bloody nervous about riding a motorbike (test in Feb 2022), I went with a nice, light (yeah, it's relative :)) G310GS.
we found out the hard way that you MUST dismount 1meter further out of the roadline to be safe. A friend got hit on his side panier from a driver who was on his phone while exiting a turn. Thankfully only the paniers got damaged and his gear protected him.
Great riding advice. I see a lot of guys with some bad tires. Not sure where it comes from, but I ride off road a lot and knobbies are fine out on pavement, but worn down 80% road tires suck when it gets a little wet or sandy off road. Great job, we've all had some close calls and riding too close is nuts. One friend who we've ridden so well together we're like twins, just cut in front of me and locked it up to ask a pedestrian for directions, I was coming up on him and had no room. Nonetheless, he was at fault, but I also was way to comfortable riding side by side with him too. Spread out. And be respectful. That was nice you mentioned that up front. By candy, Red Bulls, stickers and give them to people and kids. You'll be warmly received really quickly when traveling overseas.
Greetings from India! 🇮🇳 Just started riding and these tips are astonishingly helpful. Brief and excellent explanations with equally wonderful visuals! You have me hooked on. Subscribed instantly, Sir! ✨
@@RIDEAdventures Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer. A part of me wants to trade it in but also a part of me wants to keep it because it’s such a awesome bike. I’m still not sure what I want to do yet.
@@jesseonamotorcycle tough one, yea, that's a great bike the Explorer. If you can find one, and plan on being a bit more intricate in the dirt, you might appreciate something like a Yamaha Tenere 700.
A lot of great info , I was fortunate to have started on 175 cc trail bikes and have done a lot of off road riding in the last 35 years. I cringe when people buy a 550 lbs adventure bike and think they are going to learn to ride off road on it . The advertisements are very misleading when these professional rider's are flying down gravel roads sliding sideways. One thing I disagree with is pulling a big bike off the center stand with the side stand up. I always take a wide stance and never have my feet close to the side stand. I've felt it's safer if you loose balance coming off the center stand. I never came close to hitting my foot in 50 year's of riding.
Careful. In the comments below, others have admitted the foot-crush happened to them. And having seen it happen....just be careful. We all make mistakes. Have fun out there.
#8 is extremely true. I am a small, skinny guy. I ride a TW200, cause it's only like 280 Lbs or something. There's no way I'm gonna be lifting a 600-900 CC adv bike up if I fall on one.
1) + 2) is for people who close their trousers with a hammer ;-)) 5) picking up the bike "wrong". Err OK.. for me anyway i can get it up is right and preferably i get it up facing the bike! because I usually fall off on a steep (or not so steep) slope and the moment you pick the bike up you need to be in control of it.. otherwise it'll fall right over AGAIN ! :)) ...TOTALLY AGREE WITH 13) also took me some time to realize that proper determined use of the front break is way better AND LESS SCARY! than almost not breaking at all ;-))
Been riding for nearly 40yrs. I think all these points are relevant to road riding too. I nearly didn't watch, but it was delivered in a really good way, not patronising or judgemental at all. Great stuff 👍🏻
Absolutely. Very universal and good bike riding tips.
I ride 365 days. Once in winter i lost control on a icy bridge and found myself lying on the road. I rushed to pick up my bike as fast as possible (because of other cars) But while picking my bike half way up it slighted on the icy surface away from me. I hurted my backbone so badly that i had to go to the hospital. So my crash was not the problem, i didnt hurt my self at all....it was just the hurry to pick up my bike..................safe ride to all the readers. (and by the way.... nice video and well made :-) )
Wow, like a strange twist on whether we are more dangerous than motorcycles. --- Great story, and hope the back has healed. Thanks for the note. More videos ahead.
I can’t hardly pick up my KLR anyway … I’m in my 70’s. I have to plan it out carefully when I drop it (been known to happen!). Slipped a disc just lifting it up on a stand to change a tire. Trip to the hospital via ambulance - thank goodness my sweet wife was there.
Just one more thought...when going around a blind curve, especially on dirt roads, DON’T cut the corner! Stay way into your own “lane”. The closer you cut the corner the greater the likelihood someone will be coming too fast from the other direction at the same time. Murphy is alive and well!
Yeah was going to add the blind corner but don't need to now. This is a big one and I have actually had a fellow rider do thus to me after I turned around to find out where he was after waiting too long for him
#8 - Just sold my Africa Twin and got a CRF 300L Rally. Slower on the highway and not tons of power, but SOOOOO much easier for smaller 150 pound me
and as ppl say Slow Bikes are more fun Then Fast one :D
At 150 lbs you might be one of the few people that the stock suspension on the Rally is actually sprung for.
It’s a great bike, you will enjoy it for sure.
Ended up selling the 300L Rally after a knee injury and surgery.
Got a Tiger 900 GT Pro, useing it just for sport touring
Just got an Africa twin kept the rally I love them both rally is now a 350+ and fully modded it is a dirt animal! Im nervous to take the twin on the dirt more than a fire road untill I get some tires and protection
I'm 64 and have been riding since I was 15. The list you make goes over very important parts and is excellent for all types of riding. On road and off. A key point you made that people tend to ignore is your bike will go where your eyes are looking. Another if you weigh 80 pounds you have no need for a 800 pound motorcycle that you cannot pick up. If your a great rider you might not crash, but simple things do happen. If you fail to put your side stand down on a hard surface it can sink in dirt causing the motorcycle to fall when it's parked. If you cannot pick the bike up by yourself get a lighter bike. Ride smart if a car cuts you off it might have been a blind spot where the driver of the car did not see you. Showing the driver your middle finger and screaming at them is foolish, remember the car is heavier than your bike, you piss them off they can hit you with their car and knock you off your bike or worst. Use your head not only to wear a helmet but to use your brain to avoid situation that can end badly for you.
Wow, a motorbike instructor / guide that actually talks sense! They're few and far between on UA-cam as anyone and everyone with a camera is, apparently, an instant "expert". Really good tips there that are really well explained. I've just hit that subscribe button.
One I'll Definitely bear in mind is parking near the side of the road when I go abroad. In the UK, because we drive on the left, the bike leans away from the road. The fact it leans into the road abroad hadn't occurred to me at all.
David, we're so glad if anyone gains good safety or other info in these videos, so thanks for mentioning it and subscribing. More vids like this on the way, and thanks for noting the credibility in what we're producing. RIDE on!
I agree. This is great content- useful and not so much about self promotion as you often find with many UA-cam videos.
@@Quambi222, thanks for that positive note. Yesterday's video did cover some of the trips we have available, but www.rideadv.com/ is best for explaining that. More fun to talk about bikes and gear and such on UA-cam : )
Check also Brett Tkacks
@@ridewyominggood shout, he's great. I'm already a big fan of Bret both back in the days of MotoTrek and now on his own channel.
This instructor is obviously experienced and offers excellent common sense actions to adventure riders to avoid stupid mistakes.
This should be required watching for every motorcycle safety course around the world.
Curtis, wow, thank you for that fun much appreciated feedback. More videos ahead, and sincerely.....thanks.
lol, i am more curious how much one spend to get a licence worldwide
@@sdqsdq6274, here in the U.S., the International license costs only about $25 at any AAA Travel store.
@@RIDEAdventures wait, so no lessons are required? I had to spend over €1000 just for lessons alone. And I think a couple of €100 for the riding tests. With the chance of failing of course. That was 10 years ago in the Netherlands.
@@sjoerdhoempert2295, not sure we ever said anything about lessons being required or not. Pardon, a bit confused.
Probably one of the best dual sport motorcycle videos i've ever seen
Huge thanks for that, Aubrey! We've got more vids coming every other Tuesday, so we hope they help. RIDE on!
Thank You for those tips . I am a beginner at my age (57) but pasion never dies . From Transilvania all the best ! 👍✌️
Thanks for the note, glad if the info helps, and hello from Oregon. RIDE on!
This is a great list. The biggest mistake I find myself doing even after many years of off road riding is not fully utilizing the capabilities of the bike I'm riding. When attacking difficult terrain, especially steep inclines, I've found that it's best to stop over braking or over steering and just let the bike do what it does best. It seems like every jam I've gotten into was the result of my holding back and not trusting what the bike was capable of.
Steve, thanks for the positive note, and yea, there's something to be said about finding a "flow" for what the bike can/wants to do, and guiding it in the direction/position we want it to be in. Such a fun challenge......imagine all that we are coordinating. So fun. Thanks!
Truth! Steep decent on rutted loose baby heads this weekend with too much input to try & slow the beast down. Told myself out loud to just "let it go & ride".Things got a little faster & a lot less frantic once i loosened up & just let it roll.
I call it 'ride the pony' - stay in the saddle and just keep pointing the wheel where you want to go, if youre flowing with the bike you'll be surprised what you can get out of, and into, and through.
@@lessmore444
I also yell at myself sometimes just let the bike do its thing , also will congratulate myself outloud when I do something the right way like avoiding a rock or pothole .
I have to give you credit the tone of your voice the speed of your speech your characteristics and your mannerisms all of these combined make your video enjoyable to watch easy to listen to and easy to learn from good job and thank you
Thanks for saying so! The editing helps a bit, as it doesn't always come out right the first time, and we're just glad if this info helps anyone stay safer and ride more. --- Eric
All good. I particularly note the point about fixation on a rock or something to the detriment of avoiding same!
The nice thing about having a high horsepower machine is that I can give the riders in front of me plenty of room but still know that I can easily catch up if I need to do so. I generally ride towards the back of the pack and let the leaders discover speed traps and other unpleasant things.
Hahahah that's true
My friends and I call that using Blue Bait...:D I speed a lot...but honestly only when someone else is ahead of me speeding faster.
54 and only ever been a road rider, just getting into the adv "scene" and really appreciate videos such as this.
Great info and in easy to follow format.
Thank you
Neil, welcome to this ADV world, and thanks for saying so....and for watching! Glad if any of it helps.
leaning uphill while turning around is the #1 most important tip. I always tell people this when theyre new because it's not intuitive, a lot of people will instinctively lean towards the direction movement, which is fine on the road on completely flat terrain but is 100% wrong on a slope and will cause you to drop your bike.
Be patient and respect authority - I guess same goes when you deal with locals. being polite will make your life easier everywhere
Well said!
These are really good. Insightful and practical. I appreciate that you clearly have the experience to know what's actually important.
Adam, thanks for the note. We're glad if the info helps anyone, anytime : )
Totally agree.
The one on group rides is why I enjoy going solo. I have not found someone who matches my pace. I don't ride fast and I don't go too slow. I also hate when folks stop every 5 min to take a picture, have a cig, or need a wee. So far solo seems to be the best for me. The other tips, very useful!
Nathan, thanks for the note. Yea, something can be said about having other riders/friends around us when riding for safety reasons, but it can also lead to disaster. Enjoy riding in groups, or solo....however you want to, and just RIDE on!
Target fixation is something new that I learned. Also, the rest of the tips with visual aids in this video are top notch.
Bluecamaroz28, we're glad if any of this info helps. Thanks for the note, and RIDE on!
Great tips seems totally logical and obvious when you say it, but there are many things to think about when your on a motorcycle.
I always have the "Jiffy" stand down when I roll the bike off the center stand just to quickly transition. I keep my foot out of the way quite simply. Great advice and another great video from this guy. He, the Brit and the Canadian kid are my go to reviewers of motorcycle "stuff".
Thanks for the note, glad to have made your Top 3! More videos ahead. Glad if they help anyone.
I kinda like having to pull over to check the map. As a beginner rider it definitely helps me focus on the ride itself.
Haha you will spot Dermot in a lot of our videos.
Thank you - here I was thinking I was the only one. 😉 I only ever stand when it's actually necessary. It's definitely not necessary for 90+% of my dirt riding (typically heavily loaded, fast, outback sand and bulldust, or poorly maintained mountain firetrails) I do shift my weight to the pegs a reasonable amount as surfaces change, but standing just because there's dirt? Yeah nah. Hammering through a dry rocky creek bed? Sure. Stand for the second or two it takes to cross the hazard, and back in the saddle. It just makes sense.
Great job man! I’ve been riding motorcycles for 58+ years. This information is ALWAYS good to hear.
Thanks, The Captain. More videos ahead : )
hello! Thanks for share your knowledge.
Safety and knowledge is never enough and regardless of the age of each one of us or driving time, when it comes to riding motorcycles with the guys, whether in town or out of town, inside or outside our mother country. I've seen a lot of people get hurt and others I'll never see again. All of us who live the pleasure of two wheels is important to be alive and in good health so that we can continue to enjoy this motorcycle pleasure
Thanks for the heads up my friend, we all fits in every mistakes aspect of riding. Be aware always in how I'm doing and correct ourselves along the road. We want to be a better and conscious rider. Thanks 👍
I just got a new bike after a long time off motor cycles, a CRF250 to keep it real and in my skill set. Rode on road for the first time in over 20 years, every thing came straight back but I am not going to take that for granted so will do a refresher training course and stick to my skill set (low at moment), so thanks for the excellent up-load. This will go to saved section.
Darren, welcome back to the freedom of motorcycle riding! There are other videos there in our Adventure Motorcycle Training Series, so please feel free to take advantage, and we'll see you out there .... on the road, or the trail : )
Thanks for the advises I've riding bikes for 40 years and still have things to learn. Again thanks and keep the videos coming.
Trond, thanks for the positive feedback, and yep, even the reviewer (me) still has things to learn. "Every little bit," right. ---- Eric
It was amazing brother thanks for helping us out
Thanks for saying so, glad if it helps : )
Great list! Another important tip is to not let your ego force you to ride above your skill level just so you can try and keep up with more skilled riders.
1st point - bike on the side stand leans into the road of incoming traffic - that’s a good example of why we Brits find it sensible driving on the left, whenever you pull over on your bike it automatically leans away from the traffic 😁👍🏼. Love your video’s btw 😁
Great video and tips. After decades of riding & racing mounting bikes and picking up a dual sport bike the thing that always gets me is focusing my eyes too close in front of the bike as the speed increases.
It's almost like it's supposed to be a "gaze" over all that lies before us, and around us, right? Apparently whatever you're doing is working out (after decades) so keep it up : )
Perhaps the best argument towards using the front brake is the fact that most bikes have 2 front wheel rotors and only a single back wheel rotor and the front rotors are generally bigger than the back brake rotor. The same applies to cars off course :-) nice video ;-)
Excellent point! I'll never forget, I once witnessed a rider narrowly avoid a highway collision by locking up his rear brake. When in the aftermath, we all asked him how he did it, how much front brake, etc. he said "front brake? Are you kidding me? Use the front brake? I don't want to kill myself!" We figured he's a lucky dude : ) ---- Thanks for watching and sharing this good point.
Nice segment Eric, as a 40 year rider I two make some the mistakes you mentioned, particularly fixation which I preach about all the time to other riders! Just a few weeks ago coming around a blind 2 track gravel road suv meet me instead in the middle instead of scanning with my head up I looked down where was run off ditch created from heavy rain. Luckily my19 500X handled the ditch and I road though it. I was quiet disappointed in myself though!
David, thanks for the note. ---- Yea, in the wrong frame of mind, fixation is still possible...at least for a split second sometimes. Glad you were able to dodge the SUV, and it sounds like keep it upright. Lotsa moving pieces, this riding passion.... have fun!
As a newer ADV rider, this has definitely given me some more perspectives on things to keep in mind.
Already ran into the hill turnaround one just this past week - so seeing it in there brought on a chuckle and an Oh Yeah, that's no joke!
Great down to earth presentation of valuable info!
+1 Subscriber
Erik, thanks for the great feedback, and we hope your sidehill turnaround involved staying upright. If not, at least now it won't in the future : ) Thanks again!
@@RIDEAdventures - Thankfully was able to stay upright but it was a close call and a definite learning (how not) by doing moment 😎.
Would also add that getting off the bike and walking that difficult section to get a better idea of the line to take (up or down) on single track steep lanes is also a great way to help stay upright.
Have done that plenty of times with 4 wheeled adventures, and the perception that a bike can do it easy is not always true.
I would like to see a video about braking in off road conditions while in group rides, road conditions and traction issues. Thanks for all the great videos. Really learning a lot and jones’n for more!
I agree about riding experience. No matter if you've been riding 30 years, as you mention, it doesn't mean we have developed the best skills. Bad habits can follow you all your life. Thanks for passing on your knowledge and in such an accepting manner.
Well said! Thanks for the note.
always learn something new & thank you. Target fixation, pre-load and front braking, situational awareness. Heckin' yeah. My favorite of the bunch -- "slow hands make fast riders." Happy Thursday!
Yea, finesse = fast, with a bit more fun : ) Thanks for the note.
Very practical tips. I have been riding for the past 6 years and these points are really very common mistakes. thanks for summing up and putting it in a video with no nonsense... just straight talk... 👍👍
Just stepped into my first full time Adventure bike, and boy is it intimidating. Made the mistake of choosing my favourite brand, and buying it off the floor, without a test ride. I do however, have over 40 years, in riding motorcycles, so it's "steady as she goes". That being said, you can always learn something new. Thanks for the tips. Bike of choice" Triumph 1200 GT PRO.
Great bike! But yea, it might feel a bit tall and heavy for a while. If that feeling of hesitation with it persists, there are more mid-sized bikes out there now that might allow you to relax and enjoy more. Da 1200 is a big ol' bike, but a nice one. Thanks for watching!
I wish I knew these tips 20 years ago-all are very useful and relevant. I don't Adv ride anymore but they are still needed from time to time for cruising.
Excellent, glad if the info helps. Yep, some non-dirt good points in there, too. RIDE on!
Great list!
I’ve been riding street since 92, but l learned the most as the first Motorcycle Patrol rider for AAA in North America, out of Sacramento.
Here’s a couple vital rules.
1-Never take your eyes off the road in front of you.
2-Always have an out, if the situation changes.
3-Always ride like your invisible.
4-Most people can see you, they just don’t care, or hate bikers.
5-Don’t linger behind cars or in the blind spots.
6-Don’t follow behind center of car. Follow their tire tracks. If they drive your road debris, and you don’t see it you will have no time to avoid it. Retread if trucks is hard to see and avoid.
7-If you decide to pass, do it swiftly and efficiently. Don’t dawdle.
8-It’s easy to add speed, hard to reduce it entering a corner.
9-Downshifting helps reduce speed, and get you out of corner in proper gear.
10-Give people more respect than they deserve, especially cops, people with guns, and overseas. Your already being stereotyped, don’t prove them right.
11-Throttle and speed will keep you alive, don’t be afraid to use it!
Hey thank you for your clear no nonsense training advice. We ALL know all about what you said but it is really great to listen to someone saying it in a direct comprehensible way to remind us of what we have learned but don't always think of. Again, many thanks.
I appreciate that, thanks for saying so. We just kicked-off filming Season 3 and the first video comes out Sunday: "Is the Honda CB500X an Adventure Bike?"
Keeping distance: when I taught MSF I asked my students how far they think they travel in one second at 60 mph;
the guesses were wild, but when I told them that at 60 mph they are traveling about 88 ft / sec it got their attention.
Just bought my first Adventure Motorcycle.
Thank you for the advice given.
Welcome to a wide open world of opportunity then, and thanks for the note! See you out there : )
Watched this and thought “wow, this looks like my backyard in Central, OR” Looked y’all up and you’re based out of Bend like I am! Just got my first ADV bike and looking forward to getting out on some trails. Thanks for the tips!
Welcome to the ADV riding world, thanks for the note, and see you out there!
Great advice… one to always live with while riding..🙌🏽👍🏻
Thanks for sharing these! I'm about to try adventure riding for the first time; I've been on-road since getting my license in 2006. I bought a Versys-X about a week ago. Glad to have some good, sound "before you start" advice, including riding the bike that's the right size for you. I wish I was taller than 5'4", but at the tender age of 39 I'm probably done growing. 🤔
Laura, thanks for commenting, and welcome to your upcoming adventures! You're probably about to shoot-up when you hit 40 like so many of us have : ) so maybe a bigger bike someday, although the Versys-X is pretty big and a great bike. RIDE on and see you out there! - Eric
I love the 1250gsa, and I don't blame anyone for getting one. But so many people have those bikes and are not built for them. Wet weight with no gear or panniers is 591. So many people get bikes that are too big for them to pick up alone. Solid advice
Thanks, and yea, it's quite clear when someone is uncomfortable on the size of bike they are riding (often too big.) Get them on an appropriately-sized option, and the swifter/better riding and smiles become apparent. Thanks for commenting.
Most of this is common sense but it pays to remind ourselves every now and then. Some of what seems obvious often gets forgotten in the "Moment" Cheers Eric, great vid!
I still fall victim (or close to it) to a few of them from time to time, so yea, we all need reminders : ) Thanks for the note. - Eric
Absolutely fantastic, simple, straight forward video. Thank you for taking the time too make and share this.
N R, thanks for that great feedback. RIDE on!
Thx Eric, great vid, I totally agree with you, I started to learn these skills 50 years ago, on road and off-road, also on a mountainbike and the last 45 years they served me well and the first 5 years, well, you need some time to learn… and still learning.
These skills work on every sort of bike.
Hans, thanks for watching and the kind words.
Excellent production. You are a first class communicator..
Thanks again for saying so.
awesome sharing of experience but also your bikers psychology and even more your bikers philosophy. Thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it!
so i just wrote a comment, but forgot to mention that i got here from DorkintheRoad! He supports you unabashedly, and did a couple of really nice vid's of your trainings
That Dork is one of the coolest guys.....thanks for saying so : )
Funny to see that the sometimes most obvious things make you think, mmm didn't think of that. Love the point of To much Distraction; Sometimes you'll see people so busy with navigation, pictures, video, etc etc that they actually forget to enjoy the surroundings (not only happening in adventure riding). Like your video's 👍🏼
Thanks, and yea, we stare at screens and such enough at home and in the office. Remember to breathe and enjoy the rest of the world. RIDE on!
Thank you
Greatest lessons for bike riders
Thank you again 😊
🇮🇳
Good instructional video. What surprises me most is that you felt the need to make it. Nearly 60 so been riding dirt before the term ADV was invented. So my question is how many guys and gals are coming into market who really don't know the basics. (A a lot) ( B some no a little) ( C no experience at all). Thanks Aussie Jeff
Good question, but just imagine: Every day, somewhere in the world, someone is gaining a first interest in riding. Or taking the first steps toward getting a motorcycle or their license. We just made the video hoping it helps anyone avoid mistakes. As mentioned in the video, even long-experienced riders have been seen making mistakes. RIDE on!
Great demeanor, good info, well formatted. Bravo!
James, thanks for the great feedback. More videos ahead, so please be sure to Subscribe and hit that Notifications button. See you out there : )
The best 13 minutes of my life!! Great tips and nicely presented!
Thanks for saying so, hope it all helps :)
@@RIDEAdventures thanks man...definitely
I love it what a great video.
The simplest things make the ride much more enjoyable and thank you for taking the time to make this informative video
Glad if you enjoyed it or it helps, thanks for watching!
Seriously great advice! Alot of new riders need to know these things. This could have saved me lots of struggle.
Thank you!
Glad if it was helpful. RIDE on!
What a great video and tips you shared in this video--just really wise, practical advice that is sure to save a lot of riders pain, delay and embarrassment if they only are willing to listen and learn. Just fantastic that riders with your experience share their knowledge, as the tips you describe in this video will be learned one of two ways, i.e., the hard way, by actually making the mistake and dumping your bike, injuring yourself, etc., or the better way, actually setting one's ego to the side and learn from the sage masters of the sport who are generously sharing their expertise so we don't have to learn the hard way. Well done, and great filming by the way--some beautiful vistas and shots in this one.
Jmaninaz1, thanks for the great feedback! Yep, even those of us who have been riding a long time can still learn from others, and what a better way to learn, by video, instead of by personal/accidental/expensive mistake. We appreciate your note. More videos on the way :)
I had an incident that nearly took my life what saved me was trying really hard not to target fixate it saved me I just had to believe it would move me away from the danger in front of me it works.
And it all happens so fast.........glad you made it. Thanks for watching.
Very wise suggestions, are most appreciated, thanks !!!!
Beautiful. I started filming almost. I hope to have some interesting shots like you soon. Greetings from Serbia.
Hello to Serbia! We've got a little footage from there we'll included someday, too. Yea, we've ridden a lot of the world. Come along sometime : )
Great points - Pretty much common sense and drilled into the heads of long term experienced riders ( one would hope eh? ), but great to see the “13 Mortal Sins” being aired as a refresher.
Number 8 is bang on the button Mate. Marketing for AV Bikes is very very sneaky. By the time a 5’3 / 140pound rider has finished watching a video of some of the BIG bikes - the poor soul has figured out that they too, can wheelie, stand on pegs and squiggle around obstacles and fly over double track at 70mph while looking totally awesome in their ( soon to be purchased ) top-of-the-line gear and disregard their own better judgement of dropping $20,000 on that “BEAST”.......
Some riders make the apparent mismatch in size work out, but yea, some never really end up going out for a ride, not fully admitting to themselves that they over-bought, and are nervous about getting back on that "thing" that now sits in the corner of the garage. Glad if this info helps anyone. Thanks for sharing.
Dropped my bike for the first time yesterday. I made two of these mistakes trying to turn around on a steep dusty track. I now have a real appreciation for off-road skills and training.
Robert, thanks for the feedback, and hopefully the drop wasn't too bad. Funny the timing....then seeing the video. We all put a bike down from time to time, but if it can be avoided....
This is such a great video! I consider myself probably an intermediate rider. I've upgraded from be careful on the street to actually I wanna take the next step and go long distance.
I learned a lot from this video, especially the squat to pick up the bike! Omg that's changed my life haha. I make a lot of these mistakes (fortunately without any serious consequences yet) and now I know.
Really great production value and we'll delivered. Man your tours look like so much fun. I can't wait to join one some day.
Thanks for watching and saying so. Now the trick is to remember all 13 points when each moment arises, and we don't have UA-cam in front of us. Have fun, and keep exploring. We'll be out there, too. See you on tour one of these days : )
Common sense wins the day. Go slow and enjoy the ride. Its not a competition. Thank you for these reminders. In another 6 weeks or so riding season will start up again here in the desert. Hopefully these 115 degree days will be gone by then. I did 60 miles this morning on my KTM 790A. 100 degrees at 8 am. Cant wait for 90 degree days and riding weather. Not riding for a couple months shows. Be safe!
Ron, yikes, some warm days there, but as you said, cooler times ahead. Sounds like you'll be ready to get back to it. Have fun!
Seem such obvious advice. Always good to be reminded, love your delivery.
Thanks for that great feedback!
VERY WELL DONE Sir ! I have been a motorcycle instructor for many years. That is an excellent presentation ! Thank you
Robert, thanks for sharing and the compliment. We actually have "another 13" mistakes video on the way. Many of them you've perhaps seen over the years.
Nice straightforward and helpful video!
Well done, I've been a motorcyclist for 53 years and everything you have said is spot on. Obviously there are way more than 13 errors that can be made, but you have covered that by telling viewers that there is more to come. Only thing I can whinge about so far is the video header, it should have just been 13 Common Mistakes "Motorcycle" Riders make lol. Hopefully your next vids (which could already be here but I haven't looked before commenting) will cover that in group riding scenarios always try to ride in an offset position in relation to the bike ahead of you (see 9:39 in the vid) as if things turn pear shaped you already occupy your own escape route, and the importance of counter steering and ingraining counter steering as a habit, as it goes hand in hand with target fixation scenarios. Oooops, just had a peek and see a vid relating to counter steering, I'm off to watch the vid.
therafter1, thanks for the great feedback, and you're absolutely right: Should have been "Motorcycle Riders" instead of those famous "ADV" letters, as quite a few of these apply to all riders. Our Customer/Viewer base is mostly that dual sport, adventure-type crowd thus far, although we're getting more into road riding and pavement situations now that we are surrounded by such a bounty of it here in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. ----- Indeed, the "offset" riding pattern is a smart one, although we'll be taking that one-step-further in an upcoming video, where we say perhaps more important than offset, is being properly-spaced, 4-5 seconds apart, instead of crunched up on each other. Yes, riding tight and close is more fun maybe, but what a difference a few seconds of cushion can make. ---- Thanks for sharing and commenting, and RIDE on!
Very good points ! Most of which you learn over time especially if you ride a woods rocket like a WR
Right on
#9 is critical. I went on a KTM organised, multi-day adventure ride that was pretty hardcore. KTM organised it brilliantly, but my overall enjoyment was severely negatively affected by far too many guys thinking they were Jarvis or Chris Birch and riding well beyond their level and far too close to everyone. The true best riders were way out front causing no problems.
It's unbelievably fun, but yes, unbelievably risky in some of those situations. Bunch of strangers, pumped with adrenaline, and nothing more crediting than a motorcycle endorsement. Glad if you made it okay, and yea, Riders, give each other some space!
Absolutely. When I'm riding with others I try to constantly remind myself that my friend could panic brake with full force to prevent riding over any wildlife that comes out the ditch and THAT IT WILL take me about 1sec to even react to that, which close can result in crash, that I wouldn't possibly have even started to brake or that this friend is already going like 40kmh's slower, which will result in already nasty crash. Also I try to constantly seek if my friend would crash, where he would most likely end up, specifically meaning what side I should most likely be prepared to try to pass if I don't have enough space to stop in time. Ie. in corners I try to target myself more inside the curve than my pal is currently riding as he would likely go tangent if S hits the fan. I had friend crashing me standstill 40kmh with moped as I was kid and it was lesson I won't forget. It was painful with moped. Wouldn't like try it with like 4x heavier bikes.
5:30 i am happy i just took Bret Tckaks advice and just left the street pressure as is. Maybe a -10% front and rear if the terrain is gnarly.
Solid advice even for experienced riders. Thanks.
Tony, thanks for the note, glad if the info helps :)
I saw the South African flag there. My home country, and yes, be polite and nice. A lot of good guys in the SAPS, but also a lot of rotten eggs with a bit of an agenda based on who and what you are. Work with them, and be nice. If you experience corruption, report it later andget the leak out for sure.
The video is great and informative, thanks a lot. Keep it up. Lots of advice here that most of us don't even think about.
Bike size: So true! Confidence comes with loving and trusting the machine. TW200 goes anywhere (Amigos angola). :)
Yea, something to be said about "traveling in numbers," as it may have something to do with limiting encounters with the rotten eggs. Love the TW200! Thanks for commenting and sharing.
Excellent video. Solid tips.
Thanks for posting.
I hope to join you on a ride sometime soon!
Thanks, Ernie. Glad if any of this helps, and yea, come on out for a ride sometime : )
Solid list! I'm new rider as of 2 months ago, and my 250 Rally has been dubbed the "Africa Single" by the guys I ride with. 😁
Love it. Intentional or not, it also reminds of a reference to the band, Toto's hit single. Now what is that nickname people have for the CB500x that's escaping me......all funny stuff. ---- Thanks for the note, and RIDE on!
Ahhh that is one great nickname;)
@@andreborges3849, just remembered it! Folks are calling the Honda CB500X the "Halfrica Twin"
Once again these tips and common sense suggestions are simply explained with no BS! Epic presenting 👍
Thanks a lot. You’ve got a new subscribed here. Fantastic video!
Franklin, welcome to the channel, thanks for the note, and we're glad if this info, or more videos ahead help. RIDE on!
Agree to every single word.
Learned some of them the hard way myself during my early riding days about 10 years ago (get too close to other rider, pointing the bike downhill, both feet on sloping ... Ofc... I fell over... And immediately panicked and tried to pick up the bike almost immediately)... Lol
Almost choose the wrong bike as well back a couple years ago... Used to want the BMW R1250GS, but after just sitting at it, i immediately thought "this bike is far too big and too heavy for me to be enjoyable" so i used the money to buy secondhand Ninja 650 and KTM 450 EXC and save the leftover money for the trip...
Excellent move. We've talked about that in other videos like KTM 790 Adventure S vs. Honda CB500X. They do about the same thing, but one leaves a lot of money for travel. Thanks for sharing....ride on!
0:48 Big advantage of being Australian and driving on the left hand side of the road, whenever I park and step off the bike I'm stepping off the road
Common sense for experienced riders. Good info for all.
Jerry, thanks for the note. More videos ahead every other Tuesday.
This video just woke me up to the idea of adv riding in other countries. more adventure.
It's a big, beautiful, motorcycle-friendly world out there. See you in it : )
Brilliant video. Thankfully, I'm so bloody nervous about riding a motorbike (test in Feb 2022), I went with a nice, light (yeah, it's relative :)) G310GS.
Thanks for that note, and that's a great bike to get yourself going with. Plenty of others out there if you ever decide otherwise. Good luck!
we found out the hard way that you MUST dismount 1meter further out of the roadline to be safe. A friend got hit on his side panier from a driver who was on his phone while exiting a turn. Thankfully only the paniers got damaged and his gear protected him.
Glad he wasn't injured worse, but yea, some dangerous moments have been created by this out there. --- Thanks for watching and sharing.
Great video! I like your style, man. Your calm and friendly demeanor is conducive to good teaching.
I appreciate that, thanks for saying so. More videos like this are being worked on year-round. --- Eric
Great riding advice. I see a lot of guys with some bad tires. Not sure where it comes from, but I ride off road a lot and knobbies are fine out on pavement, but worn down 80% road tires suck when it gets a little wet or sandy off road. Great job, we've all had some close calls and riding too close is nuts. One friend who we've ridden so well together we're like twins, just cut in front of me and locked it up to ask a pedestrian for directions, I was coming up on him and had no room. Nonetheless, he was at fault, but I also was way to comfortable riding side by side with him too. Spread out. And be respectful. That was nice you mentioned that up front. By candy, Red Bulls, stickers and give them to people and kids. You'll be warmly received really quickly when traveling overseas.
Close call out there! Glad it sounds like you pulled it off, and yea, it's amazing what a few extra seconds of breathing room can do for us. RIDE on!
Greetings from India! 🇮🇳
Just started riding and these tips are astonishingly helpful. Brief and excellent explanations with equally wonderful visuals! You have me hooked on. Subscribed instantly, Sir! ✨
Welcome aboard, and thanks for the great feedback! More fun and videos ahead. Glad if the info helps.
I definitely bought a bike that’s way too big for me🤦🏻♂️ but too late now. Time to learn and adapt!
Out of curiosity, which bike? Good news is, there's always other options : )
@@RIDEAdventures Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer. A part of me wants to trade it in but also a part of me wants to keep it because it’s such a awesome bike. I’m still not sure what I want to do yet.
@@jesseonamotorcycle tough one, yea, that's a great bike the Explorer. If you can find one, and plan on being a bit more intricate in the dirt, you might appreciate something like a Yamaha Tenere 700.
A lot of great info , I was fortunate to have started on 175 cc trail bikes and have done a lot of off road riding in the last 35 years. I cringe when people buy a 550 lbs adventure bike and think they are going to learn to ride off road on it . The advertisements are very misleading when these professional rider's are flying down gravel roads sliding sideways.
One thing I disagree with is pulling a big bike off the center stand with the side stand up.
I always take a wide stance and never have my feet close to the side stand. I've felt it's safer if you loose balance coming off the center stand. I never came close to hitting my foot in 50 year's of riding.
Careful. In the comments below, others have admitted the foot-crush happened to them. And having seen it happen....just be careful. We all make mistakes. Have fun out there.
#8 is extremely true.
I am a small, skinny guy. I ride a TW200, cause it's only like 280 Lbs or something.
There's no way I'm gonna be lifting a 600-900 CC adv bike up if I fall on one.
The pulling over too close won't happen in Australia because we ride/drive on the correct side of the road. Great vid btw,just having a stir
Thanks, and yea.......funny how the world got going with so many opposite strategies : )
@@RIDEAdventures I thought it was to oppose the British. I do everyday hahaha
Don’t you also ride upside down ? 😜
@@tafftastic only on our kangaroos ! They enjoy larger feet with suction cup so that they /we may hang upside down on this crazy planet
Grate list! Very common stuff. Thumb up 👍🏻 to let more riders see it!
Very much appreciated, all your hard work in making these videos
Thanks for noticing. Lots of work, but the fun type : )
1) + 2) is for people who close their trousers with a hammer ;-))
5) picking up the bike "wrong". Err OK.. for me anyway i can get it up is right and preferably i get it up facing the bike! because I usually fall off on a steep (or not so steep) slope and the moment you pick the bike up you need to be in control of it.. otherwise it'll fall right over AGAIN ! :))
...TOTALLY AGREE WITH 13) also took me some time to realize that proper determined use of the front break is way better AND LESS SCARY! than almost not breaking at all ;-))