6 Tips for Riding Through Gnarly Gravel & River Rock - Let Your Adventure Bike Steer Itself

Every motorcyclist dreads riding through deep gravel and loose rocks. Bret Tkacs teaches you the best techniques to help you navigate this treacherous, low-traction, uneven terrain. Learn, practice and be prepared, especially if you're traveling to the American southwest, Baja, Mexico and Central America.
Filming location: goo.gl/maps/mnNxEtqmBXepbhKm8
Bret Tkacs @ bit.ly/2INkHvk
Lots more to learn @ MOTOTREK.net/
Follow MOTOTREK @ / findmototrek
Buy Stuff We Recommend @ www.amazon.com/shop/mototrek
MOTOTREK is made by Timothy Tyler @ inventivepictures.com/
MOTOTREK's music is by Matt Jorgensen @ mattjorgensen.com/
#AdventureMotorcycle #RoundRocks #HowTo #r1200gs

Пікірлер: 357

  • @thomasjones113
    @thomasjones11311 ай бұрын

    I'm so grateful for this content. I recently got some health news that means I have less time to acomplish the dreams I've had for a long time. These videos have helped me tap into the skills that I developed some time ago before life got in the way. This content is high quality, well structured, and really engaging. In the absence of oodles of time , watching this series has conquered the base level of anxiety that prevented me from having a go and an awareness of the situtions I need to pay more attention to when I'm out there. It's not a riding course, but man it really helps to know when to focus and the skills transferrable from road bike handling to adventure bikes. Live hard fam, be safe and don't wait for the perfect time to follow your dreams. Thanks again to Mototrek for this resource. Super valuable.

  • @Piracanto

    @Piracanto

    2 ай бұрын

    Hope you're doing fine, fellow rider!

  • @RollModel724
    @RollModel7245 жыл бұрын

    Ironically, I was watching this video on Saturday for no particular reason. Sunday morning, I am riding my very NON-adventure 1987 Honda Rebel 250 and the GPS took me onto a remote English farm road. It was raining, the road was two small tracks of mud, big rocks/broken brick and unknown puddle depths. This video really helped me get through the two mile trek to my destination.

  • @MOTOTREK

    @MOTOTREK

    5 жыл бұрын

    Great!

  • @LookattheBiggerPic
    @LookattheBiggerPic3 жыл бұрын

    ...my 600lb GSA and I are most afraid of this kind of terrain - watching you go thru it is both inspiring and I found myself muttering "how does he expect us mere mortals to do that?" in any case, much thanks for all you do!

  • @jedbarney9295
    @jedbarney92955 жыл бұрын

    This is definitely off topic, but the drum tracks on these videos are F#%$ing tasty! (Great tips also!)

  • @hooty6699
    @hooty66995 жыл бұрын

    "You need to keep in mind you're not actually the one in charge." That realization is a quantum leap in (virtually) no grip riding like loose rocks, sand, accumulated snow, etc. You have to let the bike do it's thing. Trying to boss it around is what will get you in trouble.

  • @XoXRiver

    @XoXRiver

    4 жыл бұрын

    what if i am downhill on that type of terrain ?

  • @KLP99

    @KLP99

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@XoXRiver If you use the engine as your brakes, and the clutch as your throttle, you might come out alive. You must turn the engine off, too, because if you let the clutch out while the engine is just idling while going down hill in loose rocks or sand, you die. But then, I'd never try it in a bike that weighs more than a couple of hundred pounds. Pick your pathways carefully.

  • @vebez5993

    @vebez5993

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@KLP99 “turn off your engine”??? Dude what? Just don’t let go of your clutch! Lean back use your rear brake, don’t be afraid of using your throttle. You want to stay loose to some degree but you don’t want your front tire veering too far and washing out ending in a high side. That’s some bad advice

  • @jonsoderkvist
    @jonsoderkvist5 жыл бұрын

    This is common on gravel roads in the forests around where I live. Land owners put similar material to this on the roads then they count on the timber trucks to pack the material for them but it's common that you get there first on the bike on the loose material. I used to hate that kind of surfaces but it has been getting a lot better with practice.

  • @SuperBardley
    @SuperBardley5 жыл бұрын

    Wow, so spot on Bret. I know you are the one in the lens, I also know there’s someone behind it, maybe someone handling your sound, and then there’s all those late nights with you editing it all together - it’s all so deceivingly simple for those of us out here in Television Land - so hats off to your WHOLE team! Thanks for sharing what is what I consider to be some of the best YT content I’ve seen.

  • @BretTkacs

    @BretTkacs

    5 жыл бұрын

    I don't get to claim the editing but I know that Tim (Producer/videographer/editor) deserves a massive thumbs up for making me look good.

  • @jamalbashir3326

    @jamalbashir3326

    4 жыл бұрын

    Ur fan from Kenya absolutely incredible content Bret ,making me better in quantum leaps.

  • @David_Drills
    @David_Drills Жыл бұрын

    Bret, you are born to explain things the best way possible! Very well done

  • @ecalzo
    @ecalzo3 жыл бұрын

    Still watching your video Bret Tkacs after two years and after you're on your own channel..means that you're really good at it .. congrats

  • @mrspandex3
    @mrspandex35 жыл бұрын

    As usual, Matt Jorgensen's drums really take your videos to another level.

  • @BretTkacs

    @BretTkacs

    5 жыл бұрын

    He does rock

  • @aussiefarmer8741

    @aussiefarmer8741

    5 жыл бұрын

    My first visit here, yes I liked the drumming ,being 1 myself. I hate the vids with loud crappy music. I switch off straight away. Well done, good vid.

  • @patrickperron792
    @patrickperron7925 жыл бұрын

    Another great skills video. Thanks Bret !

  • @jimpannell2035
    @jimpannell20355 жыл бұрын

    Another really fantastic video, Bret. Super impressed with what you release. Thanks!

  • @troyanthonymorris
    @troyanthonymorris5 жыл бұрын

    Every time I watch your videos, I learn something new everytime that then improves my riding... Thank you Brett.

  • @tshansen
    @tshansen5 жыл бұрын

    I look at myself as a relatively skilled driver. But I take myself to watch the movies over and over again. You inspire further training, exploring new areas, and really take the adventure segment to a whole new level for us happy amateurs. Keep up with this, it is absolutely magical to watch. Thank you

  • @2fastnlight
    @2fastnlight5 жыл бұрын

    Good one brett. Nice note about not airing down. Skill and practice carry through

  • @ianwestlake7736
    @ianwestlake77365 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Bret, love your videos. Reminds me off having to switch my weight back on my snowboard through the woods back in the day, and not worrying about correcting every stroke when out paddling! Cheers, Ian

  • @iangray7410
    @iangray74104 жыл бұрын

    Great lesson well taught. My riding days are past but I am sharing this with the younger members of my former riding community. Thanks !

  • @clivekirkman1
    @clivekirkman15 жыл бұрын

    Yay 17" rims and skill will get me through, ahhhh need to practice the skill bit as a bit rusty not been off road for 15 years!! wish me luck gona practice this week on a xt660x with 50/50 street tyres, love your videos Bret a true inspiration.

  • @tiffany64871
    @tiffany648714 ай бұрын

    The BEST video ever on this topic. As a new rider I’ve been told I just lack confidence. No, I lacked KNOWLEDGE, until this video. Knowledge leads to confidence. 🎉

  • @submissionstories
    @submissionstories4 жыл бұрын

    Your 'How To' playlist is exceptional, thanks very much for the content!

  • @KARMAkazeMoto
    @KARMAkazeMoto5 жыл бұрын

    Once again, I will never forget a single moment of instruction from this video. I'll put put it all to use this summer. Bravo!

  • @lolAtTheStupid
    @lolAtTheStupid2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for these videos!! I've rewatched a few already. I bought a Tenere 700 this year, and already humbled myself with some slick mud and a tree. Oof. I come from 10 years of street riding, touring, across NZ and North America, and a lot of those years commuting. I've also gotten a LOT of bad advice from very good, experienced street riders. (myself was one of them) 5 or 6 times have you casually explained something that was explained to my wrong in person. Can't wait to binge all these videos.

  • @FTAAdventures
    @FTAAdventures5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Bret, great video as always. I think I'll go practice this technique this weekend. Ride safe!

  • @markjacobs6294
    @markjacobs62945 жыл бұрын

    Hell, that's what our roads around here look like. My new Triumph Scrambler 1200XE goes over them like a 450 dirt bike.

  • @jacobshirley7155

    @jacobshirley7155

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hey I got one of those too! Really tough bike.. dropped it twice near moab. Sand is the only thing I am afraid of at the moment... it feels like it'll sink.

  • @3niknicholson
    @3niknicholson5 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff! Thanks! I've had my motorbike licence since 1978 and I'm only just starting to really learn bike control.Today was my first day on riverbed sand and gravel, inspired by watching this vid. I feel like I learned a lot. Thanks again. I'm looking to overcome gravelly steep downhill fear, that's next.

  • @JorgeBravoPratscher
    @JorgeBravoPratscher5 жыл бұрын

    Great tips! they'd have come handy last year when i went uphill on loose rocks and gravel. Thanks I think I've got a better idea of what I need to do now. Greetings from Spain.

  • @gudgengrebe
    @gudgengrebe9 ай бұрын

    Thanks for this very well made instructional. I appreciate your clear instructions and advice. When next I have the chance to ride on loose gravel or rocks like that, I feel confident that I’m going to be doing the right things after watching your video. Good to know, otherwise it’s just guess work on my part. I love being given clear instructions like this because I’m impatient to master these skills. I feel once I know what I’m supposed to be doing I can concentrate on getting the feel of the bike. I’ve waffled on too long but I feel you’re a good teacher and I wanted to let you know that these videos are appreciated. I’m writing this from the UK btw. You’re famous internationally now! 😀

  • @CCShad
    @CCShad5 жыл бұрын

    Cool video, very helpful. Awesome that you showed a little Versys action! Thx for that. Cheers 🍻

  • @peterwells5424
    @peterwells54245 жыл бұрын

    Very helpful for me! I really look forward to your videos. Thanks Bret.

  • @BretTkacs

    @BretTkacs

    5 жыл бұрын

    You are welcome

  • @miguellara511
    @miguellara511 Жыл бұрын

    Again thanks for those important tips... greetings from La Paz - Bolivia

  • @FanOWater
    @FanOWater5 жыл бұрын

    More excellent tips! Thanks so much for posting these.

  • @mattdelcomyn8012
    @mattdelcomyn80124 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff! I was surprised to hear your advice about tire pressure and riser bars. But I liked the points you made in defense of your opinions. Thanks Brett!

  • @robpinter5431
    @robpinter54315 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic riding ability....it's not all about speed, it's about skills and confidence. your videos show real life tracks and situations in which adventure riders may come across, skills and confidence enables us riders to travel where we need to. I used the weightless rider technique on my Triumph XCA and hold the grips with only a thumb and a finger up a steep muddy track great tip indeed.

  • @Robnord1
    @Robnord15 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the tips Bret! I've dropped my 1200RT twice in deep gravel, both times with friends/family looking on. I'll take myself out of my comfort zone and practice some of your tips since even on a road touring machine...gravel happens.

  • @oneblackdogrides
    @oneblackdogrides5 жыл бұрын

    Couldn't do that in my dreams... Thanks again for the lesson & motivation

  • @PauloEllery
    @PauloEllery4 жыл бұрын

    Man, you're a monster!!!!! Maybe next life I can ride like that!! Awesome channel, it inspires me to go on a off road ride, totaly out of my comfort zone. Thanks for being there.

  • @kikofranzful
    @kikofranzful5 жыл бұрын

    You earned a subscrber! im not an adv biker but go through this type of rocks going to work with my street bike😊 helpful tip!

  • @colonelsly
    @colonelsly5 жыл бұрын

    was missing your videos, glad your back

  • @maxmmpower
    @maxmmpower5 жыл бұрын

    rock on bret, and you have mad skills

  • @dahveed284
    @dahveed2845 жыл бұрын

    Loose gravel like this river bed is the work of the devil! I have a hate/hate relationship with this stuff. And it's everywhere. Forest, desert, and everywhere in between. Thanks for the lesson.

  • @diathimrecn
    @diathimrecn4 жыл бұрын

    I started riding off road few days ago, and this video is really helpful for me

  • @johnsandlin7474
    @johnsandlin74744 жыл бұрын

    You make it look so easy. Riding on those surfaces is tough on the head. Exhausting.

  • @calin7017
    @calin70175 жыл бұрын

    I like the way you handle that Panzer over everything and the way you explain, straight and simple. Thanks.

  • @BretTkacs

    @BretTkacs

    5 жыл бұрын

    It is a tank.

  • @pathfinder7549
    @pathfinder75495 жыл бұрын

    very good video, thanks :), I really appreciate all the detailed info you give, it is a lot of logic and sense in it and I agree 100% with you.

  • @antoniocordeiro2528
    @antoniocordeiro25285 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, we learned a lot from your practices.

  • @chaitanya5197
    @chaitanya51973 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much guys for making such informative videos.I don't have any off roading schools near me.I am going to learn from your videos.

  • @EmmanuelTychon
    @EmmanuelTychon4 жыл бұрын

    Amazing skills and tips - thank you. Now on to practice!

  • @vladalexandru5861
    @vladalexandru58613 жыл бұрын

    Bret dude, I think you are the only one that spoke the truth. Skill will get you through terrain like this. Most say that you need a super specialised offroad vehicle. Btw very good explanation and really informative and helpful. Thanks mate

  • @sjsherwin
    @sjsherwin5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a bunch for the video! This will help a ton

  • @AdventureGlide
    @AdventureGlide2 жыл бұрын

    Great Video. This is my second favorite channel on KZread next to my own, LOL. This isn't where I choose to go play and have fun, hahaha. Big River Rock is the worst. Thanks for the Vid.

  • @fredsmith9945
    @fredsmith99452 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this! I accidentally ended up riding on railroad ballast recently...wish I'd seen this before then!

  • @carolinap4150
    @carolinap41505 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Bret - !! a great teacher, I would love to take some courses with you.

  • @izismael5075
    @izismael50753 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for the education!

  • @MartinFarrelly2000
    @MartinFarrelly20005 жыл бұрын

    Another great video. Thanks Brett.

  • @pizabrothers2398
    @pizabrothers23985 жыл бұрын

    Very good video man! I have a bigtrail and I'm improving my skills on dirty roads!

  • @Merecocross
    @Merecocross5 жыл бұрын

    Gotta love them drums

  • @deadfishparty
    @deadfishparty5 жыл бұрын

    Would love to see more tips featuring the versys. Really shows how the rider has more impact than the bike. Cheers.

  • @riveraluciano
    @riveraluciano5 жыл бұрын

    We take deep sand trails on small canyons which act in a similar way to this terrain. Usually (since we ride small displacement bikes) we just go 3/4 throttle in 1st or 2nd and push through. It is helluva fun once you remember that you're not so much in control as you think and apply little pressure on the handlebars.

  • @TheSouper07
    @TheSouper075 жыл бұрын

    I'm just here for the drums.

  • @debroyprasenjit

    @debroyprasenjit

    4 жыл бұрын

    Me too :)

  • @zolle76

    @zolle76

    4 жыл бұрын

    not quite my tempo.

  • @ruandre5619

    @ruandre5619

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@zolle76 lol

  • @tad3549

    @tad3549

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah they get pretty old after a few of those videos...

  • @Azzurro650
    @Azzurro6502 жыл бұрын

    Great tips, awesome footage!

  • @dandersonjr
    @dandersonjr5 жыл бұрын

    Great lesson Bret. I'm commenting on this video just because I like to comment but I really have nothing to add, You've covered it very well and I hate when you do that. Thanks alot.

  • @BretTkacs

    @BretTkacs

    5 жыл бұрын

    Lol

  • @ralfwieseler2554
    @ralfwieseler25545 жыл бұрын

    i love your Videos ! thanks for your great work ! keep going.. there are thousends of Drivers out there to learn your amazigng skills like i did !

  • @kevindblew6822
    @kevindblew68225 жыл бұрын

    Truly helpful information! I can't envision long patches of river bottom in my near future but there a lots of gravel roads all over northeastern Missouri where I live. I really want to avoid dumping my bike, as much for preserving my newer ride as for preserving this antiquated rider.

  • @Zoofactory

    @Zoofactory

    4 жыл бұрын

    Kevin D Blew INDEED. Good to know I’m not the only one. My first ADV is a 2011 KLR owned by a Kaw mechanic.. Bike has never been laid down and is fully loaded. I cringe knowing the day is coming where I’ll hold the honor of dumping it... I guess the flip side is being willing to challenge myself. Not sure the previous owner did that in 9 years.. Seems like you’d have to dump it if you were riding to your limit and pushing that limit. 👍. Good Luck Kevin

  • @COOLCABMAN
    @COOLCABMAN5 жыл бұрын

    AMAZING VIDEO.. THANK YOU BRET

  • @wsebastiaanselders7510
    @wsebastiaanselders75104 жыл бұрын

    The drums make me think of "Take Five" by the Dave Brubeck Quartet"....everytime. Love the videos - thank you for putting in the time an energy into making such high quality content!

  • @MOTOTREK

    @MOTOTREK

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the feedback, WSS. Matt Jorgensen is a talented drummer.

  • @TerryManitoba
    @TerryManitoba5 жыл бұрын

    Directional Suggestion... Great Statement

  • @calablanca
    @calablanca5 жыл бұрын

    0:22 Awesome control !

  • @tomgrenier7677
    @tomgrenier7677 Жыл бұрын

    Bravo. Great instruction!!🎉

  • @davvidc
    @davvidc5 жыл бұрын

    Awesome content as usual ! 🙌🙌

  • @emgeesea3983
    @emgeesea39833 жыл бұрын

    It’s interesting that you guys always talk about the importance of looking far ahead - to the horizon - yet in every shot of your face in this video your eyes are looking down in front of the bike!

  • @hardworkingamerican8847
    @hardworkingamerican88474 жыл бұрын

    Like how you changed panniers and luggage for different clips , haha . All joking aside what you're saying makes sense and I have used similar techniques when mountain biking mainly easing up on the bars . Mountain bikes are way lighter and react differently than 400lb and up adventure bikes but I think you should've went over to the trees and hacked some branches out to "stick" under that hopelessly stuck front tire , lol . Love this channel . Great advice to help shorten the learning curve for newer riders like moi . Thanks .

  • @waldo_s
    @waldo_s5 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic, as usual! 🎉🎉🎉👊

  • @petertspock
    @petertspock5 жыл бұрын

    Great videos, very helpful.

  • @lamina666
    @lamina6664 жыл бұрын

    Coming off a cruiser and onto an adventure bike, these videos are key.

  • @MOTOTREK

    @MOTOTREK

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the sub, Mike!

  • @johncella4457
    @johncella44574 жыл бұрын

    Excellent riding lesson. Outstanding drum music.

  • @MOTOTREK

    @MOTOTREK

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, John!

  • @kamilowski6295
    @kamilowski62953 жыл бұрын

    Hello. Watching You from Poland. You said rider has to 😊 polish 😊 skills before get to riverbed. Yes a agree. But i have a story about skills. There is Polish sport journalist and writer who decided to go around the World on motorbike. He got this idea in January and started in April - i think it was in 2008. Till January 2008 he never ride a motobike. In few weeks he and he's friend got driver licences, found sponsors and organized everything. They started in Poland and rided east. It is so typical for Polish people. Spontaneity.

  • @olegyd
    @olegyd5 жыл бұрын

    As, usually, perfect lesson!!!

  • @miguelangelsenillosa8081
    @miguelangelsenillosa80813 жыл бұрын

    Como siempre sos muy claro y trasmitis la idea muy bien

  • @mariesonoma
    @mariesonoma11 ай бұрын

    Great vid, super helpful 💪

  • @Jamilsiddique
    @Jamilsiddique5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you that was very insightful

  • @Brunoxtr
    @Brunoxtr5 жыл бұрын

    Excelent video. Very well explained

  • @migueltrujillo5932
    @migueltrujillo59325 жыл бұрын

    Nice piece of drumming there at the end. Nice video with a lot of good tips.

  • @MOTOTREK

    @MOTOTREK

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks. Matt Jorgensen makes cool music.

  • @marshallfischer3667
    @marshallfischer36674 жыл бұрын

    I watch this video several months ago and while on a 400 mile loop ride I ended up in this very element by Surprise. Front wheels started swinging wildly from side to side and I remembered your teaching did what you said road 200 more yards and I didn't crash, I would not have made it without your teaching. Thanks.

  • @BretTkacs

    @BretTkacs

    4 жыл бұрын

    That makes me happy... And congratulations

  • @norsefalconer
    @norsefalconer5 жыл бұрын

    Always great stuff here! I recommend this channel every chance I get. Thanks for your hard work and generosity with your knowledge Brett.

  • @UncleWally3
    @UncleWally35 жыл бұрын

    Excellent. That said, a comparison video between ‘17 and 21’ wheels would be interesting. Also, a similar comparison between a “real” adventure bike and something like a DL650 V-Strom. I’ve ridden both the GS and the Wee ‘Strom in rough stuff; the GS did its job but the ‘Strom was surprisingly adept (poor thing) and kept up with the big boys well. Maybe too well. Had the ‘Strom better suspension it would have been my choice of mount. But, I’m not an expert rider. To see it being abused professionally would be a treat!

  • @laprepper
    @laprepper11 ай бұрын

    Great tip about follow the bike

  • @VipinMishraProject
    @VipinMishraProject5 жыл бұрын

    Another great video with valuable tips. Thank you! :-)

  • @benstabile8493
    @benstabile84935 жыл бұрын

    You, sir, are truly a magician!

  • @BretTkacs

    @BretTkacs

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @kingfisher111
    @kingfisher1115 жыл бұрын

    Most useful Channel 👍🏼

  • @kislyjdozhdik
    @kislyjdozhdik5 жыл бұрын

    The music as always great :)

  • @jduplease2002
    @jduplease20022 жыл бұрын

    awsome video, I like how you put the filming location. nowhere near me but still cool

  • @magetflea
    @magetflea24 күн бұрын

    Very awesome vid class, thank you so much bro 😂

  • @Adeel.sheikh84
    @Adeel.sheikh8410 ай бұрын

    Very well explained,

  • @svinatraktore
    @svinatraktore5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Great video!

  • @MarcoFrantz
    @MarcoFrantz3 жыл бұрын

    Great tips. tks

  • @froosifroosii2383
    @froosifroosii23835 жыл бұрын

    Thumbs up very nice Tips Thanks for sharing Peace

  • @niltontravaglini8578
    @niltontravaglini85782 жыл бұрын

    Você é o Cara. Parabéns!!!

  • @diamondmidnightgardener
    @diamondmidnightgardener5 жыл бұрын

    Awesome sound track

  • @nickcalnephone
    @nickcalnephone5 жыл бұрын

    Cracking stuff as ever.

  • @benb2058
    @benb20585 жыл бұрын

    Good advice! More cow Bell !😉