For all those who say "Just use a smaller bike and you won't need a winch!" I submit the following example of a TW200 rider that probably wished he had a winch. ua-cam.com/video/KyXkt99A-CI/v-deo.html
On such tracks u need a 100 to 150 cc bike that weighs 150 kgs max so I can enjoy and not get stuck and use off road tires i feel sorry for u guys i don't know what u expect from ur bikes i ride a 9bhp bike and I've been on worst roads. Without any kit the bike i use is a cb twister with off road tires and no gear at all not even helmet . I
Big adventure bikes are not the swiss knive of motorcycles. 250 cc enduro bikes are the swiss army knives. And if you need a winch, why not look for another road?
A brilliantly filmed and edited video, demonstrating exactly what it says in the title and in the most extreme of conditions. Everyone knows a smaller lighter bike would be more manageable in these conditions, but it's nice to see you didn't take the easy option of winching a CR250 up a shallow slope on a dry sunny day, but instead chose a very heavy bike, up a very steep and very slippery hill in the pissing rain ...for our education and entertainment! Great job guys...
WOW! someone gets it! Of course we could have ridden smaller bikes or ridden on a sunny day but that wouldn't have near the entertainment value or learning value. Thanks for the comment
Bret, your format is incredible! This is such a little gem of a channel and the videos are so fresh, humorous and useful for any rider on any terrain, and skill level. Well done.
Excellent video! Since I ride off-road by myself, I have carried a winch for the past nine years or so. First it was a hand winch (a very compact unit, that unfortunately, is no longer made,) and for the past several years, a Warn unit. It just makes total sense to me and I can't believe that winches, especially the Warn, just haven't caught on. Sadly, I have read that Warn no longer produces their XT17 winch. I'm glad that I have one.
I have been thinking about a winch for my truck. This would be used to load bikes solo because the days of pushing bikes up ramps with any degree of security have pretty much passed me by.
All of that could have been shown an explained in a bout 2 minutes but at least I got what I needed from it. It's an expensive winch, would be good to find some cheaper options but I found myself in a situation riding solo yesterday where this would have saved me a lot of time, effort so I'll definately be going out and putting together a similar setup. And for all those guys going on about how you don't need this stuff, well you're right, you don't need it until you do! Enough said.
I love watching this guy! Not sure where it is but I'd like to ride there! MOTOTREK has SO many great ideas and his teaching ideology is Spot on. One thing that is very Obvious is that MOTOTREK is IN SHAPE! That alone gives him a leg up on many riders and Most instructors. I also love his enthusiasm and common sense approach. If you're an Advanced rider it's easy to tell this man knows what he's doing and most of all has fun at it!! I love it!
As always, nice video. I really like your videos. In a short time I've become a big fan. I would only add a safety note: Even when motorcycles aren't as heavy as Trail Jeeps, I would put a special care on mixing pulling lines and their joints. Tow straps and tie ropes, like the green/blue ones you used for attaching the bike do really store kinetic energy while pulling. Kevlar winch ropes like the one you use in your warn are specially designed and their elasticity is negligible, but not the others. When you join two or more pulling lines or cantilever the line, you add a carabiner in the middle and/or in you case the winch itself, you're risking more than you think. In case one of the straps break, all the elastic energy stored in the ropes will transform into kinetic energy and launch the carabiner/winch in the oposite direction, and trust me, it carries a lot of energy. A guy in our group had a bad day when the farther tow strap broke while pulling the jeep. The big knot (note, only a knot) he made in the middle broke trough the windshield and destroyed the driver head-rest. As he was not well straight only took injuries in his ear and a black eye. As you'll always pulling you bike I'll recommend to adapt your ties and ropes to it. And I highly recommend dropping those tow straps and ties and making new ones from a kevlar rope like the one used in the winch. You'll find plenty material on the net about sew them back. Always attach that winch as near to the bike as possible to reduce the energy stored in between and try to avoid carabiners as possible by lace tying the ropes and using a winch mat ;)
I guess we could have been more clear, other than the climbing grade line used to guide the strap on the crash bars every bit of line and strap used came from WARN and used as they were purposed. It is always a good Idea to careful for sure. Our video was intended as a quick show and tell more than a comprehensive winching video. Thanks for the time and information in your response. Bret Tkacs`
last spring I had to drag my cb500x back up a 30' hill (ridge?) of mostly mud, moss and leaves by myself. Even a little hand powered "come along" would have saved a lot of effort and time. For my upcoming rides I'm thinking of adding a powered winch and a few straps (since I tend to ride alone).
Excellent Video! I have used my Warn winch on many occasions but never going up a steep slippery hill, I appreciate the tips and instruction! I've also used it many times to pull up my bike when fully loaded and it tips over. Lastly I use it to load my bike into my trailer, the longer I have it the more uses I find for it!
The tip over is a very good use most don't consider. I showed that to the warn guys when this was getting ready for release ( I was a consultant for the development team )
Bret, with all of my respect to you and your channel I cannot stop laugh on this video. Who the hell will need to carry 5kg of extra weight (winch, cables, rope, locks and est)+ 3 men, 100 kg each to pull 250kg bike on the muddy hill? Please do not try to convince me that this is the most useful item for motorcycle trip. Many of your followers will trust you and will try to do this stupid exercise. In the best scenario they will burn the clutch on the worst will breake the bike. I really hope than no one will get hurt. You are professional instructor and know what are you doing, but they are not. You have to start with the most simple and useful advice that this type of bikes are not for this type of terrains. You are able to make high quality and very informative videos. You have amazing crew to help you to shoot outstanding views and slow motions. Please do it, do not try to ruin the channel with such a useless stuff. All the best and happy adventures!
Thanks for the feedback. The winch is an option, not a necessity. For some it might save the day. Even a much smaller bike would not have been able to make it up the hill in the video. We could barely walk up it.
Love this video and I can see the use more for pulling someone out of a bad drop down a steep ridge/cliff/hill side. But I doubt I’ll ever be in a position to need one like you guys ride. Curious, in your footage I guess ALL 3 had a Winch as well and they both repeated the “winch up the hill” procedure or did they go back the way then came? Lol. Keep up the good work.
Yes ,but give Bret some slack, that was very hard work ,very very slippy,the winch worked there was no other option,it's a winner,maybe some ice crampons for the boots to stop the bike handler slipping as well.If I was demonstrating my product I would also need the 3 men ++, it was both the worst and best conditions just to prove what is possible,remember that Bmw is immensely heavy.
I'm with you on that MA. Considering already travelling with others, surely a simpler and lighter alternative would just be a decent length of rope and a couple appropriately positioned tree huggers with pulleys; tie one end to the bike going up, the other end to another bike. Then just have that other bike drive in the opposite direction so the bike gets pulled up the hill. Once one bike is up use it to pull the others up. Obviously would only work in certain situations.
0tothezenith you don't even need pulleys, just rope, which you should have anyway for towing. Nor do you need 3 helpers, you can do it by yourself. Just wrap the rope around the rear hub, feed it forward through the crash bars and tie it to a tree. adbmag.com.au/videos/chris-birch-winches-adventure-bike-hill-using-rear-wheel/
Hi Bret, Thanks for the heads up. I nearly needed the winch a few weeks ago, so now I'm looking for one. But they're discontinued I'm told. So what winch next? Thanks, Paul
IF you're going to take a winch and all the ropes/karabines with you, you may consider taking lighter stuff. Look at the mountainering world, we take all the stuff we need to climb a mountain, the food, the clothing etc in one backpack that we'll carry all the way. Our ropes (prussik, bandslinges) and karabines a less than half the weight off these shown and we trust this with our lives, it will even take the weight off this motorcycle even if it was falling of a cliff. It may not be much, but looking to other proffecionals in other proffecions can help you reduce the weight and size off your luggage while not giving in any safety/comfort. My reason for riding an ADV bike is to take my mountain and camping gear all over the continent(s) over all the roads. And your small 125/250/300 cc bike will simply not be able to carry the weight (allthough they do amaze, i must confess).
Erwin van Putten I’m not trying to start anything here, just asking a question.. if what you say is so then why did they bring so much trash down from several 14ers this year???
Found your channel today and subscribed after the second video. You have great content and excellent footage (plus a killer drumming soundtrack). Keep up the good work and hope to see more of the Poser Skills videos and reviews in the future.
This is funny, way back i suggested that adv bikes come with some useful things now they cost 16k. A small winch was one of the things I said could be built into a bike and not add much weight. Everyone just laughed and suggested I get a Toyota. I have been using a far better method. (I should do a vid) I always carry a 9mm x 30m climbing rope. With this I can improvise a winch. I take one end of the rope and pass it through two karabiners, one on the front crash bar the next under the footrest. Then the rope is fed under the swingarm to the disc carrier, now pop that end through the spokes. turn the wheel (with or without the engine) slowly feeding the rope through until it wraps around its self. Now attach the other end to a ground anchor or a tree and get the rope as tight as possible and tie off. Now get hold of the bike on the left side, start it, engage gear and gently ease out the clutch. Off you go. you will probably have to stop after a couple of meters and start the whole process again but you will get to the top. I have used this method for years and it always works. The added advantage is the rope can be use for lots of other things as well. A stretcher, cloths line, extra security for your tent in a storm, lowering a bike down a drop, making a raft, etc etc.
Love your inventiveness...i carry 2 winches (in case one breaks) a chainsaw and a hydraulic ram (to remove all the fallen trees out of the way)...seriously Bret... I am sure you know how to choose your tools for your bike, sometimes its about choosing the bike for the intended purpose. I seen your answer to Pavlin below and...honestly, while i can understand you defending the video i cannot possibly think you truly believe it yourself. I did Tamanrasset with (given quite modified) an XS1100, just to prove it could be done (i was in my twenties then). I had the strenght, the skills, the tools...it all went well BUT with 10x the effort it was with the old trusted XT. I owned an R1100GS, an R1200GS and an HP2 enduro, while i think they are awsome, they do have their limits and when i have to think about packing a winch i know i'm taking the wrong bike. Right now I'm between bases so i'm living on my bike for probably another good year and i can tell you that i am packing smaller then what you were carrying up that hill. If anything you could be on an HP2 enduro and that would impress me, slightly heavier then your avg adv but with your skills the perfect tool even up that hill...personally i went back to the good old trusted Ténéré for the tropics as it is, and remains to date, the best do it all adv bike out there. But hey, who am i to talk, just an old fart that started opting for less effort and more enjoyment out of my trips...lol Keep up the good work. Cheers, Alex.
Take the winch with you for some off-road ride is a genius idea. But what about a survival shovel? When you got stuck in the mud it can help. You can also find the wood or something else to improve the traction.
It’s interesting that Warn doesn’t bring back the XT17 given the growing market of heavy adventure bikes. I can’t wait to see one of those new HD Pan America bikes try and self rescue.
I was amazed to see you putting a Baja GS Moto Rentals sticker on your toolbox! Marco does a great job as a tour operator, I'm riding with him next week.
Looks like some kind of ice spikes attached to your boots would be useful. :) I’m wondering how much electricity the GS generates at idle. I’ve read some bikes don’t generate enough until 2,000-3,000 RPM, or so. I’m thinking this might be a case where a basic throttle lock might be useful?
At 3:10 - They get to the top and find a track sloping track down to the far end of the track we can see behind Bret! There is often an alternative easier route, but, of course, this may just be for the training.
Is it possible to do a similar winch technique to get my atto mobility scooter up a price of plywood making a ramp on three steps into the back of my house or up 6 in the front? I can't take the time to fold it if it's raining. And 65 pounds is more than I want to lift. I think I'd have to use a soft swing all the way around the back of my scooter but the principle should be the same don't you think?
For anyone that is interested in this for their bike or a remote trip one day. I just got an email back from Warn stating that their XT17 and XT15 wenches are discontinued and there is no plan to produce another winch like this in the future. Bummer
Had the same response from them (Warn) today (before seeing this video and its comments). I did find an xt-15 on ebay for $250. The xt-17, as is used in the video was more than 2x that price. Let's see how this works out. I like the idea of having this as backup on trails, but I'm thinking that this might help solo-load my '15 1200GS up and into pick-up bed too.
I know this video two years ago but hoping my question is seen. I am in progress of getting my trailer ready for bike hauling, which I am including a winch just in case i have to use it (dead bike, bad angle, etc). My bike is a R6. What is recommended on strap replacement for winching it?
Id have killed for a winch in Costa Rica last June, I was trapped in an area for a couple of long days with never-ending rains in the green season, My super tenere 1200 is no lightweight and i had to manhandle it way too much just to make any headway. At one point there was a hill that i spent the better part of a day waiting on some help.
I have one of those. It’s great. BUT... the only thing worse than a big bike with poor traction going uphill is a big bike with no traction going downhill. Just be mindful of the conditions going back down when you decide whether you want to go up in the first place. Personally, I hate riding in mud like that even on a smaller bike so if given the choice I would have either called it a day or picked another route. I keep it for when I don’t have a choice.
Hey Bret, always find your videos entertaining and full of information but ...I do find some of the interludes can be just a bit too long. This one for example feels like a life time of watching you guys ride before you get to the spot needing the winch. That winch though is quite an incredible tool! 👍
You have 100% confirmed to me that i would never want one of these 220kg bikes for adventure. They are not adventure bikes that enable actual adventure offroad riding competently (unless you are chris birch or such - plus have super knobby enduro tires ) - this video shows that normal guys try these offroad in the wet and spend ages strugglig dragging them up with help up multiple people , winches etc, its crazy - they are road touring bikes and im sure very comfortable at that. If you want to actually adventure ride, get a 130kg to 170kg 250 to 700c bike, there are several options around there. A nice 350, tuned up enduro bike with remade comfy seat and panniers does everything, has lots of power if its remapped and tunned right and is far more suitable for on / off road long adventure trips more than these silly 1000cc plus GS's / tigers etc. It is horrendous watching u winch the bike up and its so slow aswell
Depends on the angle of incline and the friction of the substrate. Probably works on shallow inclines and with slippery mud or grass. Not so well on steep uneven rock.
why dont use a manual hoist tackle (not sure of the trad)? i have one that is lightweight, can lift up to 500kg, and no need battery, electronics, etc.... and very cheap. If youre bike doesnt work and you just want to put it back on the road, youre battery will not appreciate.
I've been worse situations at the last moment after crossing a small pond between two lakes and came around the next corner and go ....oshit 45° up hill for 50yards with some dirt and mostly smoth inbeded smoth rock and had one choice go or fall down now ....stood up and played dirt bike rider and prayed I made it up to the top ...(P.S. 1999 f650 funduro bmw )...a bit scary but dam not the only time on that bike I've put myself in (unfortunately) I twice..that I remember to stand up and let the bike do what it can ...cheers to thous who survive these thing we at one time or another we go through and ...well survive with little damage...winches? Sry...you have no reason to be on such a trail if the bike and the rider is not prepared!!!!!
For all those who say "Just use a smaller bike and you won't need a winch!" I submit the following example of a TW200 rider that probably wished he had a winch. ua-cam.com/video/KyXkt99A-CI/v-deo.html
Apparently it takes SIX PEOPLE to recover a TW200.
ua-cam.com/video/mN3pteaTG0A/v-deo.html
On such tracks u need a 100 to 150 cc bike that weighs 150 kgs max so I can enjoy and not get stuck and use off road tires i feel sorry for u guys i don't know what u expect from ur bikes i ride a 9bhp bike and I've been on worst roads. Without any kit the bike i use is a cb twister with off road tires and no gear at all not even helmet . I
Big adventure bikes are not the swiss knive of motorcycles. 250 cc enduro bikes are the swiss army knives. And if you need a winch, why not look for another road?
The winch you have shown looks terrific. Although the availability is very limited. Do you have any other winches you would recommend:??
MOTOTREK the warm winch is difficult to find. Do you recommend another one??
A brilliantly filmed and edited video, demonstrating exactly what it says in the title and in the most extreme of conditions. Everyone knows a smaller lighter bike would be more manageable in these conditions, but it's nice to see you didn't take the easy option of winching a CR250 up a shallow slope on a dry sunny day, but instead chose a very heavy bike, up a very steep and very slippery hill in the pissing rain ...for our education and entertainment!
Great job guys...
Thanks, Dom! Glad you enjoyed it!
WOW! someone gets it! Of course we could have ridden smaller bikes or ridden on a sunny day but that wouldn't have near the entertainment value or learning value. Thanks for the comment
As the Warn Xt 17 is a discontinued product, what is your recommended alternative?
I’ve been looking as well any luck?
It’s unfortunate that that has been discontinued. Your best option now is the green chili motorcycle strap set.
Green chili adventure gear
Bret, your format is incredible! This is such a little gem of a channel and the videos are so fresh, humorous and useful for any rider on any terrain, and skill level. Well done.
Thanks!
No one has provided a replacement for this and here I am years later just getting into ADV riding with a big bike and now I'm sad...
You're pretty hardcore, I would of used the path on the right and went directly to pizza and beer.
Me too!!!
The music on this channel deserves some credit. Good stuff.
Noted. Thanks!
Now that theWarn XT17 has been discontinued, what winch would you now recommend? Or have you found a different system that offers the same benefits?
Excellent video! Since I ride off-road by myself, I have carried a winch for the past nine years or so. First it was a hand winch (a very compact unit, that unfortunately, is no longer made,) and for the past several years, a Warn unit. It just makes total sense to me and I can't believe that winches, especially the Warn, just haven't caught on. Sadly, I have read that Warn no longer produces their XT17 winch. I'm glad that I have one.
If your bike needs a winch, it might be a GS. ;) Clay mud really is a pain, though. Great vid!
I have been laughed at for bringing a winch along on some rides...they stop laughing when you yank their bike out of a near vertical ditch.
Droverification yes that much is true
Looks like the Warn XT17 winch is no longer available. Any recommendations for an alternative? Thanks.
I have been thinking about a winch for my truck. This would be used to load bikes solo because the days of pushing bikes up ramps with any degree of security have pretty much passed me by.
All of that could have been shown an explained in a bout 2 minutes but at least I got what I needed from it. It's an expensive winch, would be good to find some cheaper options but I found myself in a situation riding solo yesterday where this would have saved me a lot of time, effort so I'll definately be going out and putting together a similar setup. And for all those guys going on about how you don't need this stuff, well you're right, you don't need it until you do! Enough said.
That shot at 0:49... that is art. Really excellent camera work. Well done.
Glad you like it, Glenn!
I love watching this guy! Not sure where it is but I'd like to ride there! MOTOTREK has SO many great ideas and his teaching ideology is Spot on. One thing that is very Obvious is that MOTOTREK is IN SHAPE! That alone gives him a leg up on many riders and Most instructors. I also love his enthusiasm and common sense approach. If you're an Advanced rider it's easy to tell this man knows what he's doing and most of all has fun at it!! I love it!
Thanks... I go to the gym at least once a year :-)
That is something that I’m not planning to do. Thanks for the video
As always, nice video. I really like your videos. In a short time I've become a big fan. I would only add a safety note:
Even when motorcycles aren't as heavy as Trail Jeeps, I would put a special care on mixing pulling lines and their joints. Tow straps and tie ropes, like the green/blue ones you used for attaching the bike do really store kinetic energy while pulling. Kevlar winch ropes like the one you use in your warn are specially designed and their elasticity is negligible, but not the others. When you join two or more pulling lines or cantilever the line, you add a carabiner in the middle and/or in you case the winch itself, you're risking more than you think.
In case one of the straps break, all the elastic energy stored in the ropes will transform into kinetic energy and launch the carabiner/winch in the oposite direction, and trust me, it carries a lot of energy. A guy in our group had a bad day when the farther tow strap broke while pulling the jeep. The big knot (note, only a knot) he made in the middle broke trough the windshield and destroyed the driver head-rest. As he was not well straight only took injuries in his ear and a black eye.
As you'll always pulling you bike I'll recommend to adapt your ties and ropes to it. And I highly recommend dropping those tow straps and ties and making new ones from a kevlar rope like the one used in the winch. You'll find plenty material on the net about sew them back. Always attach that winch as near to the bike as possible to reduce the energy stored in between and try to avoid carabiners as possible by lace tying the ropes and using a winch mat ;)
Thanks for the comprehensive comment and great advice, Sergio!
We'll learn more about using kevlar to replace the straps..
I guess we could have been more clear, other than the climbing grade line used to guide the strap on the crash bars every bit of line and strap used came from WARN and used as they were purposed.
It is always a good Idea to careful for sure. Our video was intended as a quick show and tell more than a comprehensive winching video.
Thanks for the time and information in your response.
Bret Tkacs`
Yeah, i broke my synthetic winch line, it didn't drop. glad i wasn't in the way.
last spring I had to drag my cb500x back up a 30' hill (ridge?) of mostly mud, moss and leaves by myself. Even a little hand powered "come along" would have saved a lot of effort and time. For my upcoming rides I'm thinking of adding a powered winch and a few straps (since I tend to ride alone).
Jayson Rackerby or this: greenchileadv.com/products/gcag-z-drag-recovery-system
WARN has stopped making the XT17 winch, amazing video just wished they hadn't stopped making it.
I'm remembering the McGregor/Doorman "Long Way Down-Around" series. I'll bet they would have killed for a winch.
Brilliant production quality mate, your vids are great fun to watch!
I'm happy your channel is growing so fast ! keep up the great videos !
Thanks, Andrey. We will.
Excellent Video! I have used my Warn winch on many occasions but never going up a steep slippery hill, I appreciate the tips and instruction! I've also used it many times to pull up my bike when fully loaded and it tips over. Lastly I use it to load my bike into my trailer, the longer I have it the more uses I find for it!
The tip over is a very good use most don't consider. I showed that to the warn guys when this was getting ready for release ( I was a consultant for the development team )
thank you for responding sir. enjoyed all of your videos
This is bloody brilliant. Thank you Brett & team for showing us the way forward :)
Clear as mud. Probley need to watch about 5 more times to get it.
Bret, with all of my respect to you and your channel I cannot stop laugh on this video. Who the hell will need to carry 5kg of extra weight (winch, cables, rope, locks and est)+ 3 men, 100 kg each to pull 250kg bike on the muddy hill? Please do not try to convince me that this is the most useful item for motorcycle trip. Many of your followers will trust you and will try to do this stupid exercise. In the best scenario they will burn the clutch on the worst will breake the bike. I really hope than no one will get hurt. You are professional instructor and know what are you doing, but they are not. You have to start with the most simple and useful advice that this type of bikes are not for this type of terrains.
You are able to make high quality and very informative videos. You have amazing crew to help you to shoot outstanding views and slow motions. Please do it, do not try to ruin the channel with such a useless stuff.
All the best and happy adventures!
Thanks for the feedback. The winch is an option, not a necessity. For some it might save the day. Even a much smaller bike would not have been able to make it up the hill in the video. We could barely walk up it.
Love this video and I can see the use more for pulling someone out of a bad drop down a steep ridge/cliff/hill side. But I doubt I’ll ever be in a position to need one like you guys ride. Curious, in your footage I guess ALL 3 had a Winch as well and they both repeated the “winch up the hill” procedure or did they go back the way then came? Lol. Keep up the good work.
Yes ,but give Bret some slack, that was very hard work ,very very slippy,the winch worked there was no other option,it's a winner,maybe some ice crampons for the boots to stop the bike handler slipping as well.If I was demonstrating my product I would also need the 3 men ++, it was both the worst and best conditions just to prove what is possible,remember that Bmw is immensely heavy.
I'm with you on that MA. Considering already travelling with others, surely a simpler and lighter alternative would just be a decent length of rope and a couple appropriately positioned tree huggers with pulleys; tie one end to the bike going up, the other end to another bike. Then just have that other bike drive in the opposite direction so the bike gets pulled up the hill. Once one bike is up use it to pull the others up. Obviously would only work in certain situations.
0tothezenith you don't even need pulleys, just rope, which you should have anyway for towing. Nor do you need 3 helpers, you can do it by yourself. Just wrap the rope around the rear hub, feed it forward through the crash bars and tie it to a tree. adbmag.com.au/videos/chris-birch-winches-adventure-bike-hill-using-rear-wheel/
Hi Bret, Thanks for the heads up. I nearly needed the winch a few weeks ago, so now I'm looking for one. But they're discontinued I'm told. So what winch next? Thanks, Paul
IF you're going to take a winch and all the ropes/karabines with you, you may consider taking lighter stuff.
Look at the mountainering world, we take all the stuff we need to climb a mountain, the food, the clothing etc in one backpack that we'll carry all the way.
Our ropes (prussik, bandslinges) and karabines a less than half the weight off these shown and we trust this with our lives, it will even take the weight off this motorcycle even if it was falling of a cliff.
It may not be much, but looking to other proffecionals in other proffecions can help you reduce the weight and size off your luggage while not giving in any safety/comfort.
My reason for riding an ADV bike is to take my mountain and camping gear all over the continent(s) over all the roads. And your small 125/250/300 cc bike will simply not be able to carry the weight (allthough they do amaze, i must confess).
Erwin van Putten I’m not trying to start anything here, just asking a question.. if what you say is so then why did they bring so much trash down from several 14ers this year???
awesome winch technique mate!!
I didn't even know this stuff existed for Adv Bikes!!
cheers mate!!
How about a detailed update on the Z drag system. Rigging and knots to pull a Big bike.
We will put that on the list
Thanks Bret. Will be nice to see this is done in a real world environment.
Found your channel today and subscribed after the second video. You have great content and excellent footage (plus a killer drumming soundtrack). Keep up the good work and hope to see more of the Poser Skills videos and reviews in the future.
Great Video. You can get a small Winch at Harbor Freight with wireless controls really Cheap. They are really good Winches.
This is funny, way back i suggested that adv bikes come with some useful things now they cost 16k. A small winch was one of the things I said could be built into a bike and not add much weight. Everyone just laughed and suggested I get a Toyota. I have been using a far better method. (I should do a vid) I always carry a 9mm x 30m climbing rope. With this I can improvise a winch. I take one end of the rope and pass it through two karabiners, one on the front crash bar the next under the footrest. Then the rope is fed under the swingarm to the disc carrier, now pop that end through the spokes. turn the wheel (with or without the engine) slowly feeding the rope through until it wraps around its self. Now attach the other end to a ground anchor or a tree and get the rope as tight as possible and tie off. Now get hold of the bike on the left side, start it, engage gear and gently ease out the clutch. Off you go. you will probably have to stop after a couple of meters and start the whole process again but you will get to the top. I have used this method for years and it always works. The added advantage is the rope can be use for lots of other things as well. A stretcher, cloths line, extra security for your tent in a storm, lowering a bike down a drop, making a raft, etc etc.
Thanks for making a video after I asked if there was a winch on your bike!
lone wolf you are welcome
Great information - it actually had not occurred to me to even think about bringing a small winch!
Love your inventiveness...i carry 2 winches (in case one breaks) a chainsaw and a hydraulic ram (to remove all the fallen trees out of the way)...seriously Bret...
I am sure you know how to choose your tools for your bike, sometimes its about choosing the bike for the intended purpose. I seen your answer to Pavlin below and...honestly, while i can understand you defending the video i cannot possibly think you truly believe it yourself. I did Tamanrasset with (given quite modified) an XS1100, just to prove it could be done (i was in my twenties then). I had the strenght, the skills, the tools...it all went well BUT with 10x the effort it was with the old trusted XT. I owned an R1100GS, an R1200GS and an HP2 enduro, while i think they are awsome, they do have their limits and when i have to think about packing a winch i know i'm taking the wrong bike. Right now I'm between bases so i'm living on my bike for probably another good year and i can tell you that i am packing smaller then what you were carrying up that hill. If anything you could be on an HP2 enduro and that would impress me, slightly heavier then your avg adv but with your skills the perfect tool even up that hill...personally i went back to the good old trusted Ténéré for the tropics as it is, and remains to date, the best do it all adv bike out there. But hey, who am i to talk, just an old fart that started opting for less effort and more enjoyment out of my trips...lol
Keep up the good work. Cheers, Alex.
Ive owned and toured on a GSA and wish this winch was around then. Brilliant!
Very nice compact winch. I really like the neat rack mount too. I'm sure just the energy saving factor would result in trying more interesting tracks.
Love it. I just subbed today. So glad i found your channel. So much good information.
Keep going ! Amazing as usual, and nice slow motions at the beginning. Thanks !
Take the winch with you for some off-road ride is a genius idea. But what about a survival shovel? When you got stuck in the mud it can help. You can also find the wood or something else to improve the traction.
Great video. Respect and love from India
Thanks, Naved.
Nice video. I’ve been thinking about this for a while. Thanks for demonstrating
Very good video guys! Thanks.
It’s interesting that Warn doesn’t bring back the XT17 given the growing market of heavy adventure bikes. I can’t wait to see one of those new HD Pan America bikes try and self rescue.
I was amazed to see you putting a Baja GS Moto Rentals sticker on your toolbox! Marco does a great job as a tour operator, I'm riding with him next week.
Looks like some kind of ice spikes attached to your boots would be useful. :)
I’m wondering how much electricity the GS generates at idle. I’ve read some bikes don’t generate enough until 2,000-3,000 RPM, or so. I’m thinking this might be a case where a basic throttle lock might be useful?
You're correct. It depends on the bike's charging system.
Nice video. Can this work be done by one person?
lite weight Z- drag system I can fit it in 2 ltr of space! Classic use of prussik/sling and pulleys.
Great suggestions, thank you. Now please demonstrate riding DOWN the same mud path , lol 😆
LOL is right, Carl!
Here’s an idea. Don’t take an overloaded pig of a bike into terrain where it doesn’t belong. :p
Some riders are on "adventures" where they do not know what is down the road, Mister Right.
Taking the bikes for a walk hey? up those small inclines..
Thought this looked like home, checked your website and you are a Washingtonian.
Great solution, Bret. Love your channel. Curious, how did you get your bike safely back down that slippery slope?
Push and watch ;-)
This is great but I found this to late. Looks like that winch is discontinued. What would you recommend that is currently available?
Yes - I asked the WARN guys at Overland Expo 2019 and they're definitely discontinued :( No alternatives we're aware of at this time.
@@MOTOTREK thanks for the reply even though it's sad news :)
always enjoy your videos
At 3:10 - They get to the top and find a track sloping track down to the far end of the track we can see behind Bret!
There is often an alternative easier route, but, of course, this may just be for the training.
Is it possible to do a similar winch technique to get my atto mobility scooter up a price of plywood making a ramp on three steps into the back of my house or up 6 in the front? I can't take the time to fold it if it's raining. And 65 pounds is more than I want to lift. I think I'd have to use a soft swing all the way around the back of my scooter but the principle should be the same don't you think?
While not automatic like the electric winch, seems like a decent ratchet strap can do the same thing and weighs less.
Where can I find a winch like this I don’t think they make it anymore ?
Yeah - they stopped making it a month after we made the video :(
Is the next best option an atv winch? I like that this one is free hanging
For anyone that is interested in this for their bike or a remote trip one day. I just got an email back from Warn stating that their XT17 and XT15 wenches are discontinued and there is no plan to produce another winch like this in the future. Bummer
Backcountry Adventure Motorsports that's a shame...
Had the same response from them (Warn) today (before seeing this video and its comments). I did find an xt-15 on ebay for $250. The xt-17, as is used in the video was more than 2x that price. Let's see how this works out. I like the idea of having this as backup on trails, but I'm thinking that this might help solo-load my '15 1200GS up and into pick-up bed too.
sylverknuk The only problem with the XT 15 is you get half the amount of cable I believe it’s only 20 or 25 feet which is not much
What winch model is a good alternative to the Warn XT17 used here?
Anyone found a reasonable alternative to the XT17? I may end up with some solo trips in the future and this looks more capable than a z-pull set up.
I know this video two years ago but hoping my question is seen. I am in progress of getting my trailer ready for bike hauling, which I am including a winch just in case i have to use it (dead bike, bad angle, etc). My bike is a R6. What is recommended on strap replacement for winching it?
Try to order the winch, however it is out of production. Would you have an other suggestion?
Great production on this video 👍🏻
Thanks!
Id have killed for a winch in Costa Rica last June, I was trapped in an area for a couple of long days with never-ending rains in the green season, My super tenere 1200 is no lightweight and i had to manhandle it way too much just to make any headway. At one point there was a hill that i spent the better part of a day waiting on some help.
Excelent video! Can you make one explain how you get that bike down that hill :)
Stand back and push it :-)
That was either a short ride or you have some epic riding gear as you were laying in the mud.
Some crampons would be a great addition to your kit. I might add some to mine after watching this video. Love the channel!
cutest little snatch block I've ever seen at 6:30
I have one of those. It’s great. BUT... the only thing worse than a big bike with poor traction going uphill is a big bike with no traction going downhill. Just be mindful of the conditions going back down when you decide whether you want to go up in the first place. Personally, I hate riding in mud like that even on a smaller bike so if given the choice I would have either called it a day or picked another route. I keep it for when I don’t have a choice.
Hey Bret, always find your videos entertaining and full of information but ...I do find some of the interludes can be just a bit too long. This one for example feels like a life time of watching you guys ride before you get to the spot needing the winch. That winch though is quite an incredible tool! 👍
All the right equipment for the winching but you guys used the wrong boots (no grip in mud slop)
What camera are you using to get this footage? Superb!
GH5 and (mostly) Olympus Zuiko 12mm f/2. Thank you!
Links to camera gear at mototrek.net/?p=272
Would it be possible to use a simple manual wrench ?
You always make very practical and interesting videos, excellente keep going, you have my "Likes"
Thanks, David!
I bet strap on cleats would have been nice to have on your boots if you're slipping that much.And would a Ratchet type winch be a good idea too?
What is the next best winch the the Warn XT17 if they don’t make that any more.
This is why i put Big blocks on and change a lot. On big bikes to Big blocks just get blown through or what?
Man that is just brutal! If It is that bad would just stay on pavement. What was the name and model of the winch?thx
mototrek.net/?p=272
MOTOTREK so you have it: XT17 was discontinued. Apparently it was a failure they didn't sell many
You have 100% confirmed to me that i would never want one of these 220kg bikes for adventure. They are not adventure bikes that enable actual adventure offroad riding competently (unless you are chris birch or such - plus have super knobby enduro tires ) - this video shows that normal guys try these offroad in the wet and spend ages strugglig dragging them up with help up multiple people , winches etc, its crazy - they are road touring bikes and im sure very comfortable at that. If you want to actually adventure ride, get a 130kg to 170kg 250 to 700c bike, there are several options around there. A nice 350, tuned up enduro bike with remade comfy seat and panniers does everything, has lots of power if its remapped and tunned right and is far more suitable for on / off road long adventure trips more than these silly 1000cc plus GS's / tigers etc.
It is horrendous watching u winch the bike up and its so slow aswell
How is that your front tire doesn’t accumulate mud under the front fender & get stuck??
Would this winch drag a 600lb bike out of a ditch when it's not on its wheels?
Depends on the angle of incline and the friction of the substrate. Probably works on shallow inclines and with slippery mud or grass. Not so well on steep uneven rock.
How feasible is it to do this solo in the field?
that is one of the primary reasons I carry one
ua-cam.com/video/AgxFUXwk_PM/v-deo.html
Absolutely Amazing
I happen to have one Warn XT17..... how did you mount to the back rack of GS? link to the parts? Thank you.
WARN 86595 Portable Winch Stow Plate, Good Luck finding one.
synthetic line will not just fall to the ground when it breaks. Slightly less kinetic energy but still extremely dangerous when it snaps.
Screw Gate Carabiners aka D Shackles are Stronger and More Secure than the Snap Link Carabiners you appear to be presently using.
why dont use a manual hoist tackle (not sure of the trad)? i have one that is lightweight, can lift up to 500kg, and no need battery, electronics, etc.... and very cheap.
If youre bike doesnt work and you just want to put it back on the road, youre battery will not appreciate.
The best part I like is the awesome video production...
I dont have a garage in my house...and i need save a two step stair to go out of the house...that is a very intrested option
I've been worse situations at the last moment after crossing a small pond between two lakes and came around the next corner and go ....oshit 45° up hill for 50yards with some dirt and mostly smoth inbeded smoth rock and had one choice go or fall down now ....stood up and played dirt bike rider and prayed I made it up to the top ...(P.S. 1999 f650 funduro bmw )...a bit scary but dam not the only time on that bike I've put myself in (unfortunately) I twice..that I remember to stand up and let the bike do what it can ...cheers to thous who survive these thing we at one time or another we go through and ...well survive with little damage...winches? Sry...you have no reason to be on such a trail if the bike and the rider is not prepared!!!!!
u r cool man. lots of love from india
Which boots are you wearing in this video?
Bret was wearing Sidi's as I recall.
Sidi Crossfire
Video was great (and funny) - then I read the comments. Even funnier. So many experts.
Self declared experts... :-)
What kind of ADV boot are you wearing ?
This was quality!
such a production!