BODY POSITION BASICS - How You Stand on the Bike Matters - Learn the Right Way
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- New to adventure motorcycling? Professional motorcycle instructor Dusty Wessels teaches the basic body positions you need to safely manage your heavy adventure motorcycle on low traction dirt and gravel roads and trails using his BMW R1250 GS.
Riders who watch this video may span a wide spectrum of riding experience, skills, and goals. Different riding styles and environments require different skill sets. For folks who are new to riding 400+lb adventure touring bikes off road in a non-competitive setting, this video is focused on equipping you with basic front/back and side/side positions.
Visit Dusty @ West38Moto.com
Lots more to learn @ MOTOTREK.net/
MOTOTREK's music is by Matt Jorgensen @ mattjorgensen....
#shift #weight #balance #R1250GS #dualsport #tim.tyler.cine #bmwmotorrad #west38moto #findMOTOTREK
So many excellent points! Coming from a track and street rider, it is very difficult to train yourself to lean off opposite or lean off and back in a turn. I still struggle with that. It also took me a while to find the right combo of riser for my bike so that I could stand while riding without having knuckle dragger type arm placement. I ride a Hypermotard off road so the bars come stock in a low position as compared to a normal adventure bike. It's funny, the comments about the amount of time you ride standing. For me is just about being old. I generally change position when a body part starts hurting, LOL. It probably works out to be about 50/50. I know there are some states who will ticket you for riding standing on the highway, not cool. One last point. You briefly mentioned shifting weight back coming down hill. But you also mentioned that one does not want the back moving around. How true! I have had to learn that the hard way because I would make the mistake of being indecisive about line choice and make a lot of changes when coming down a hill. My worst crash coming down Imogene was like a run away train because of this. Great job with the vid!
Thanks for the feedback. Glad you found it helpful!
Thanks for the feedback 549weraracer!
Yeah my riding pants get zero airflow unless I'm standing so periodically on the road I stand for a nice breeze on the old coin purse. Would be bullshit to catch a citation for that!
are you serious? Is it actually illegal to ride standing up? Why on earth would that be a thing?
Björn Jessen He said it is illegal to do it on the highway, he didn’t mention the legal aspect of riding standing up on any other kind of streets nor off-road. I am actually curious about that as well.
Take Dusty’s classes! They’re even better than the videos! I know from personal experience! Strong work Dusty! Thanks for the tips!
I love these "basics" videos. They never get old and I cannot pound enough of it into my head.
Glad you are enjoying, Eric. I agree, they never get old.
I do miss Brett, but Dusty is THE MAN! Transitioning from street to ADV, this is great advice
Thanks for the feedback and subscription, Leif!
Thank you Leif!
I feel the same. Miss Brett but welcome Dusty. We appreciate the help!
You are welcome to follow my future adventures. ua-cam.com/users/btkacs
I think this is one of the best things ever, as long as it was a peaceful ‘goodbye’. Now we have both Dusty and Bret!
“Out of whack” - you get a subscribe for making me smile in an uncertain world.
Motorcycles have given me freedom for 45 years now, on road and off road. Sadly my Route 66 trip with my wife (was due to start in three weeks time!) has been cancelled so I will view your country’s beautiful vastness through your video.
Good morning Dusty! I saw this video for the first time 2 years ago, and watched’em from time to time when I get some improvement in technique so to be sure to do not loose anything. We miss more content! Please continue give us video!
Great instruction !! really no complications. No frills or cute antics ! thank you !
Chris Birch “Say No To Slow” videos are excellent and contradict some of what you are saying. That being said I try and combine any instruction and training I receive to be the best rider I can be. Keep em coming.
The work on the suspensions @ 5:00 is mesmerizing
Al fin alguien que me explica la posición parado.
Eres muy bueno. Gracias. Sirvió.
Saludos desde Argentina. Like.
I have now watched 2 of your lessons Thank you for clearing things up. I have been told many different things by many people you break it down and make it simple with demonstrations that show what your talking about. Thank you.
So I've been working a lot on the standing position off road and my worst problem is being shot to the back of the bike when accelerating. I've also watched videos from the likes of Chris Birch who advocates bending at the waist and really sticking your butt out. You advocate standing taller and shifting the hips forward when gassing it. I've experimented with both and found that your method works better for me. I can't wait until tomorrow to get back out there and try to apply this more. I was actually trying to break myself standing tall and moving my hips forward. You have me rethinking the entire concept. Fantastic video start to finish.
All of the Mototrek comments are going through my head whenever I go off road now. Thank you all for your great videos. It has definitely saved me from crashing a few times.
Was planning to ride out West this summer to take a course with you all, but with all of this craziness and border closures.... Well there is next year.
Glad you like them, Paul.
Dusty, you're an awesome teacher. Thanks bro.
Hello teacher!!! Thank you very much for all your advice. I really enjoy your lessons, because now I ride my BMW 1200GS with more confidence. Blessings and a hug from Mexico. I am from Sonora, and my roads are beautiful to ride on my motorcycle. Great detail to have a sticker from Mexico. Blessings to you and your entire family.
Go to the extreme first!! Gotta love that advice!!
Excellent advice on your channel. I have ridden in the Himalayas and all the advice on this video and the others on your channel are spot on!
Thanks for the feedback, Zac!
Yesterday I did my first (easy) offroad we followed a trail next to a park it was a little road, I was very scared I will fall down, saw everybody standing I try to stand and my quads were tired after a minute now I understand I should have stretch a little more my legs and rest them in the tank will try this again next time, thank you, wish I could take that course😅
Excellent video. Couldn’t be clarified any better. Much appreciated!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Why does this channel only have 135K subscribers? Deserves many more.
Awww! Please share and spread the word, John!
Hey man ur sessions are recall for me getting more confident thinking I was riding in right way , I m gonna b on bike after years 😂 will meet you when I am there in the US. Will join for sessions with you … awesome
Thanks for the advice. Makes complete sense...Seem like we know what we’re doing automatically but explaining it...that’s not as easy! Well Done!
Thanks for the feedback, Peter!
Thanks Peter!
These videos are just the best really enjoy the tips and Ive combined it with off road courses in NSW Australia, at 50 you break easier so I suck up all the advice I can , well done keep them coming
Very clear and simple instructions 👌
Excellent instruction and demonstration !
Many thanks!
Lovin your work Dusty. It's hard re-training an old road bike brain to ride off road. Thanks for your help.
excellent video and explanation of body position...well done Dusty thank you from British Columbia Canada
What a great area to ride.
That’s where I grew up, so awesome!
Very informative for me...pls keep teaching 👍
I was on Motojitsu live chat and he is a super knowledgeable guy but these videos are solid. I researched a lot and bought a 850 gs for my first bike and the safety features are solid. I ask the question “is the 850 gs a good beginner bike and he just responds, “obviously not” is their this line in the sand between street riders and adventure riders?! That answer makes me nervous I feel confident I can master my bike.
Thanks a lot for your videos bro, you are awesome. I own a sport bike (Honda CB250F) and even with my bike I've been able to get my way out of risky situations while driving off road in gravel, corners, and uphills. It takes time, practice, and balls to win fear!
Nice videos man 👏✌
Nice work Dustsy!!
Que bueno que esta subtitulado y doblado al espanol !! deberian hacer eso en todos sus videos soy un seguidor y me interesan muchos los contenidos que suben!!
Excellent video, it's all stuff/balancing skills that I've done naturally without training (largely coming from mountain biking background). But this video articulates it perfectly, I've always not been able to explain the way to position to newbies because I just did it without thought. This is great information, I'll be sure to pass this video to people when they ask👍🏻 New guy on the videos seems to be very knowledgeable, and can convey it well🤙🏻
Damon - exactly same for me - I did a lot of mbx bike riding growing up and has helped so much with my Africa twin adventure bike
Thanks! Don't stop making quality content!
Greetings from Costa Rica! Thanks a lot for these excellent pointers! I have 10 years of street riding, and getting now my hands on an adventure bike...so you just taught me basically the opposite to what you do on asphalt! (at least on sleeks cornering, I mean.) CR has great mountain and beach bike trails so am planning to get the most out of your teachings. Visit anytime! Pura Vida!!!
Just looking forward to practicing these drills. Great music in these videos, too.
Love it! Please keep this content rollin’
Will do!
Man the camera work is the best on Mototrek videos
Wow, thanks!
Thank you Dusty that was incredibly helpful
This one and the video on cornering fast have been very good. I can't watch without wanting to ride so bad :)
Another good one, thanks Dusty.
Dusty......you’re still a video star.....not a radio star! 😆 👍🏽 You Badass!
Excellent instruction
Glad it was helpful!
Yet another great video
Excellent video!
Excellent presentation - thank you!!
Excellent. That area looks so familiar. Up between Flagstaff and the GC I guess?
love how you teach, nice to learn from you. Thank you boss:)
Perfect, thanks a lot for that lesson Dusty 😍! We like your Vids✌🏼 Greetings from Germany!
Thank you!
@@west38moto53 Dusty, what is your best tipps for driving through lanes/ruts? Quick and left/right-shaking of the handlebars? Your and Bret's positive human nature is so great and almost unique on UA-cam! 🙏🏼
Great coach on person, great coach on video - thanks!
Absolutely love the video🙌👍
Very well done and informative for a nine minute video. Thanks!
thank you for the instructions , will practice and put them to work ,
question pros and cons of handle bar risers verse
lowering foot pegs to accomplish good body position ,
Thank you, very nice job, you are the best
Great tips! Excellent video!
Thanks for being a subscriber, Pete!
thank you Dusty, very clear explanation!!
Thank you Sir. Goa, India.
We love India, Prasad!
Ty for these great videos
Thank you so much for all the advices. Real pro!
also miss brett video but let me tell you that your video are just as good!!!! continu to create great content!. best adv bike channel on youtube!
Great video, Dusty. Please share what pants and boots you have there!!!
Thanks Brother great advice
Excellent, thank you.
One thing I struggle with is high speed turns on loose surfaces. I always get left behind when the speed goes up.. How to be stable in a controlled drift with both the front wheel, and the rear are losing traction? I tend to use the strategy in this video. Great for maximum control, though!
Great point pal! We did a video on cornering at speed and may or may not have another one on exactly what you are referring to :-)
Great tips keep them coming thanks 🙏
Glad you don’t mind risers. As Brett made a video saying not to put them on! 🤔
Another great video Brother!
Awesome explanation, thank you!!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much 🙏
It is probably THE biggest thing I still battle with. Apart from confidence.
Thanks, Dusty. I have to say that the leaning out bit, is sort of counter-intuitive for me. I need to put it into some real practice. Thanks, again from Santiago, Chile.
Hi Enrique, good point. That takes a bit to get used to.
Thanks for the feedback and being a subscriber, Enrique!
What you must understand is that the bike turns by LEANING. If you push the bike down and put your weight on the outside, then you can allow the bike to lean more, thus turning more sharply. The cost is that you have less traction in most conditions.
I don't get it why leaning outside?By leaning inside You have to drop bike less into corner and that gives You more traction. Leaning outside let You tighter the turn in low speed. Or am I wrong?
@@sdzialach It's about the placement of the weight to gain traction. It's basically the opposite of street riding because the grip from your tire is so limited. I always visualize like this, say you are looking down from the top, and there is a point on your center of gravity from your body, and one on the contact point of your wheels on the ground. When you lean inside on the dirt, those two points get further away from each other, and you have less traction. If you lean outside, the two points are much closer together, which means your body weight is still pushing the tires down into the ground for the maximum available traction. This effect is seen most at low/medium speeds, depending how loose the terrain is. It amounts to keeping more weight over the wheels in all situations. On the street with lots of traction, you want to get inside the turn to keep centrifugal force from taking you off the high side.
excelente vídeo, gracias!!
Great information....would it be possible to make a video on body position in the event that you take a small jump and find yourself in the air? Thanks for sharing.
Good video!
Super informative.
I followed 2 out of the 3 populair offroad riding school here and they never went into these things. Always bugged me.
Glad it was helpful, Peter.
Nice content I would like to see brett & dusty on a real adventure ride giving tips on the move
Well done mate, thanks, very helpful
great video，learn a lot
Somehow, unknowingly, I learnt this on my own on a bicycle.
But on a motorbike, off road - yet to explore.
I like this guy
So good! Thanks bro.
You bet!
Great stuff, practiced the shit out of it today on an AT, this vid and your one on Ride fast and safe around corners, REALLY HELPED my confidence and and Cranked up the sheer Enjoyment of it all. Thanks man, I appreciate the technical wisdom
Thank you just I for your tutorial very in Florida
Love these videos. Thank you for posting
Excellent Advice. Thank you.🙂
Super videos from you.
What kind of sidebags do you have?
I think for off-road driving it’s better than Aluminium bags.
I don’t find such bags in Germany.
Perhaps you can send a link?
Thank you and go on with such videos.
Thumbs up.
I have a question regarding the steering, do you actually have to "push" the opposite side of the handle bars like if u were on pavement and then move ur body weight on the outside to counter balance? Or use the handlebars as if u were on a bicycle and just "steer" the way u want to go? Cheers
Bicycles countersteer too...
Thanks 🙏
So good
I’m a Colorado guy living in the front range. Curious to know where you filmed this. Looks like some nice back roads. Thanks for the vid.
Just outside of Flagstaff, AA, mostly on the AZ BDR.
Apparently you didn't watch the credits ;)
Thanks for being a subscriber!
Hey AA, I'm a Colorado guy too living on the front range! We should get together for a ride sometime :-)
West38Moto I’m game for sure. I’m on the west side of Longmont so ride a lot up in the “Hills“ between Estes Park and Nederland. I found some pretty cool roads up there and some nice rides between Georgetown and South Park. My motocross days are long behind me so I’m out now truly for the adventure and exploring as corny as that may sound. Back roads and fire roads are my adventure objective these days.
MOTOTREK Guilty as charged. I got distracted when I read some of those completely groundless disparaging comments. I guess everybody’s an expert these days.
@@JohnShepherdMusic I'm in Broomfield, usually ride in the Estes to Rollins Pass area, sometimes down to the Deckers area too, maybe see you around sometime. 👍
Can you do one for SAND. Cornering and downhill and downhill cornering sand.
Great idea, Jorge!
There is one in this channel made by Bret Tkacs, ua-cam.com/video/Fo75lHpLBOM/v-deo.html .
Andes Moto Adventure I have seen that one. But that’s why I said cornering or going downhill. I have no idea what I am doing in those scenarios lol
Got it... will be good to see someone doing something that I wont try XD
you want your front wheel light on sand, so weight shifted back most of the time is a good idea. Doing as much steering as possible with your knees. At least thats what you do on an enduro bike. =) oh, and more use of rear brake than usual.
Thank you
Welcome!
Awesome content. Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
I'm fairly new to adventure riding. What about when riding through rocky river crossings? I've had advice telling me to put my weight more to the rear, & I have also had advice to push my weight forward
I just saw a video of another professional instructor saying that the most effective way to move around the corner is not to shift your weight from side to side but rather to put pressure on the inside peg instead by dropping the heel of your foot to initiate the turn, with your upper body remaining relatively straight up. According to him this technique is the modern way of doing it which is also used by professional Dakar racers - so who's right? See Sedlack offroad school re. counter balancing techniques for offroad riding.
Thank you for your advice - Body position and techniques for deep soft sand please?????? I live in Australia - plenty of beach and sand, also deep bull dust. Type of tyres / pressures, negotiating speeds ect
nice thanks bro 👍
This is EXACTLY the video I've been looking for! Thank you for this! Is this all still solid advice for all terrain?
Thanks, Nick!
This video has helped me. Thank you. I do have a question that is not related to this video, though. What pants are you wearing in this video? Thanks!