FRONT BRAKING BASICS (Off-Road) for New Adventure Motorcyclists - ALWAYS use your front brake!
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- čas přidán 18. 06. 2024
- New adventure riders often fear using the front brake on dirt and gravel roads. Professional motorcycle instructor Dusty Wessels explains the front braking basic skills you need to build confidence for using your front brake almost everywhere on any traction surface.
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#adventuremotorcycle #1250gsa #colorado #dualsport #tim.tyler.cine #bmwmotorrad #west38moto #findMOTOTREK
00:00 Colorado Scenic Intro
00:35 Braking Anxiety
01:15 Body Position for Front Braking
01:45 Pull the Clutch In
01:52 Apply the Front Brake Gently
02:26 Practice on Different Traction
03:13 Front vs Rear Brakes
03:45 ABS Front Braking
04:09 Wrap -up Recommendations
what have you heard about using your
front brake off-road?
don't do it you'll die! not the case at
all
it still controls most of your stopping
power the key is
getting used to how it reacts on
changing traction environments
there are three things to getting more
comfortable with using your front brake
off-road
welcome to MOTOTREK! i'm Dusty Wessels
professional motorcycle instructor with
West38 Moto
breaking anxiety... oh my gosh did i ever
have that when i first started riding
more specifically off-road braking
transitioning
from the pavement a high traction
environment to the dirt a lower traction
environment
so when i teach off-road classes one of
the things students are the most
apprehensive about
is using their front brake off-road
completely understandable
there are three things for you to
practice to make using your front brake
more comfortable off-road
the first thing to getting comfortable
using your front brake off-road
is to get your body in the right
position you want to move your weight
back
the reason you want to move your weight
back is because when you break or
decelerate all the weight goes forward
you want to counteract that you're in a
much better control position
if you're back here while you're trying
to slow the bike down
instead of being up here
just like riding anywhere else the next
step is pull the clutch in for a
smoother stop
so the third step is applying the front
brake
with your weight back and the clutch in
use one or two fingers here
don't use your whole hand if you use
your whole hand you apply too much
pressure
one or two fingers allows delicate
control of the front brake
squeeze and apply pressure until you
feel
the front wheel engaging with the
surface below you
and then continue to squeeze until you
come to a stop
in order for you to become proficient
using your front brake off road you've
got to practice
practice in multiple different traction
environments
gravel on top of hard pack it's going to
be a lot looser it's not going to be as
comfortable to stop on that
hard pack a lot better you're going to
have a lot more traction on that
embedded rock that's got a lot more
traction
the tread on your tire matters a lot
my point is there are a lot of factors
that affect
front braking off-road the more you
practice the more you're going to become
proficient
take a look at your adventure bike it's
only got a small
single disc rotor in the rear now take a
look at the front wheel on your
adventure motorcycle
most adventure motorcycles have two
large disc rotors in the front
this is why the front brake provides
most of your stopping power
abs can affect front braking off-road
some motorcycles have simple abs systems
some motorcycles have sophisticated abs
systems the best way for you to get
comfortable
is to ride the motorcycle if you have a
sophisticated abs system
go through all the modes practice on
multiple different environments
until you get comfortable with how abs
reacts when you're using your front
brake off-road
i use my front brake almost everywhere
when i ride off-road
if you've been hesitant to use your
front brake off road find a safe
environment
practice at slow speeds gain confidence
and make your front brake your friend
front brake is primary because of weight transfer. you don’t need dual rotors offroad anyway, due to limited traction.
You're right, Eugene. We should have worded that a bit differently. The front brake offers the most stopping power on any road, paved or not, as long as the bike is moving forward. Of course... there isn't any weight transfer until the front brake is applied, but our point is that the front brake offers considerably more stopping power than the rear brake and riders should use it whenever possible.
@@MOTOTREK "upright under gyroscopic forces" and moving forward, of course - Hahahahahahahahahaha!!
I'd also be showing fingers permanently wrapped over the brake lever, not - coming off throttle then onto brake lever...
Assume you'll cover the change in bike dimensions, using front break, in further videos, or perhaps reference previous videos if covered previously...
@@MOTOTREK Sorry for being nitpicky here. Weight transfer to the front will happen not just with the application of the front brake, but also with the rear, and rolling off the throttle.
Everyone knows that Parker.
@@billsafford586 you'd be surprised brother!
Hilarious horse photo bomb.
Lol , yeah
Yeah man
I hope the camera was visible so they didn't think he was crazy😂
I know right, I was sure they were going to do a ridiculous horse-motorbike comparison
Thea dont have the Problems with the front break
I like how the four legged atvs came by to check out the guy talking to himself 😄. Enjoy the videos sir.
I feared and hated dirt like sand and wind . I didn't enjoy riding as much as I had hoped . your videos changed that and now I am exited to go off road and to develop my skills . thank you so very much !
I got used to this great guy so quickly. Very friendly attitude and teaching skills. Love this channel.
Glad you enjoy it, Michal!
All those backgrounds are so majestic, they look like a movie set or CGI
Thanks, Dusty, for an awesome explanation. I can speak 1st hand, because he trained my man & me. We went through different types of braking off-road, practiced it a ton, and this sequence of front braking really works!!!!!
Going to Colorado to drive off-road is now definitely on my bucket list. Thank you Mototrek for sharing all your knowledge!
I miss Bret, but I like Bearded Bret more than I thought I would. Nice job, great on-camera delivery! Also, way to go finding an instructor named Dusty to do a video on dry summer fire roads. That was probably harder than we think. PS - do ANY of you guys wear normal hats? ;)
Thanks, Brian!
Bret is still making videos on his own channel.
It's cool because now we have even more good moto content.
@@tahoehiker I'm thinking Brett sold the Mototrek channel. About the same time as this change, another channel, "Mototrek Adventures" (had to) change its name (to Ride On Amigos). That CZcamsr Carlos, didn't share details, only that he bowed out. Out of respect for Brett, he didn't want to get in a fight over the name. My guess is they had to clear any claim to the name before the sale. Conjecture, but it adds up, especially with Brett starting a new channel.
Hi Brian, I get that all the time :-) Just worked out I guess. Also, for fun, what is a 'normal' hat?
@@norsefalconer Bret has actually had his channel for some time but didn't publish to it regularly.
He also touched on the separation some time ago - MotoTrek from what I understand is a separate entity and he simply did work with them and for one reason or another, the collective whole decided not to work together any longer.
I will start practicing as soon as possible.
Many Thanks for this Video.
Keep it up and Safe Rides everyone.
Chicken or the egg. The reason for stopping power being more on the front brake is not because there are two disks, there are two disks there because the front brake is most effective since weight transfers to the front wheel during braking.
You are correct, Abhay. Definitely chick or the egg. We should have used better language for that bit.
Haha ditto.
Thanks, Dusty. Convinced myself a while ago that ‘the front brake is my friend’ off road...it fundamentally changed my level of confidence. I’ll be practicing my body position, as you really cover that well for all modes and manoeuvres on the dirt. Thanks for what you do....no drops off road last 2 years! Touch wood and everything else....
Yep, I took an off-road riding course and front wheel braking was one of the first lessons taught. Spend some time learning where the threshold is that your front brake locks in a safe and controlled environment and you'll have much more confidence and control later when you need it.
I love this channel. Thanks for these amazing videos!
Great information on front braking! Thx! Another tip is to practice emergency braking, techniques and stages of braking, front and rear braking, initial braking front tire loading, obstacle avoidance, situational awareness and exit points and so on. Become an effective brake'r in general, then incorporate off-road specific approaches such as this. How to stop in the shortest distance with the most control is the key, so get out and hit those brakes hard, over and over again, in controlled environments on and off road. 😉👍
Thanks Dusty for making these basics episodes.
Have sent them to my kids also.
👍
Simple and great video, so clear. Thanks
I use front brake all roads on my xr650l dual sport/adventure bike all ways great information from you keep it up thanks
Super useful topic, thanks for this video!
Best ADV instruction videos anywhere!
awesome video! One of my two favorite Channels.
Rode dirt/gravel in Washington today…wish I watched this first! Round two tomorrow!! 🙏
Just the sort of motivation I need to get out and work on my offroad braking. Great video Dusty
Thanks Chuck!
Great video very informative for us off road novices. Many thanks Dusty
Great stuff! Mountain bikers sometimes have a hard time deciding when to use the front brake as well.
Great stuff Dusty.....keep em comin pls!!
This is a perfectly good video, practical and aesthetic. Nice touches throughout with solid advice. Some guys who don't make demo videos about much of anything think they are great critics though. Disregard them.
I appreciate that, Chris!
Back to practice with ABS on and Front brake, thx for the teaching vid.
Glad to help!
very good video...nice job Dusty ... keep the tips and lessons coming..
Thanks Brian.
Thanks for the short and easy version.
You bet, Peter.
Superb vid. Much needed. So many time’s I hear on slopes and off road. DONT touch the front brake. N I wonder how else will the bike stop ? Glare at it ? 😂
such an informative video ❤️! Thank You Sir 🙏
Good vid....and beautiful landscapes
Glad you enjoyed, Miguel.
Thank you
Let's not forget that engine braking for us thumper riders! Top notch as usual !
Nice Video!
Amazing
Nice one Dusty - much love my brother
Thank you!
Short and sweet. Nice. (longer vids are cool too though!)
Nice informative videos as always, but can't help but notice the cylinder head protection that you added. did you fabricate it your self or is it off the shelf?
Thanks, keep it coming, your tips helped me made it out from some tricky situations. If it wasn't for this channel I'm pretty sure that I have dropped my bike a dozen times. Cheers.
Very good Congratulations!
"making your bike as afriend" nice words
Great video. I can't wait until I'm allowed to leave my suburb and practice this.....
Now that's the best comment in this thread.
Nice video.
Nice video Dusty. It's great that you are encouraging the use of the front brake for offroad use.
But there is a scenario that I wish you had answered - slowing down or stopping while leaning into a turn, do you use front or rear or both? Why?
You really have amazing tracks where you are :)
Great job, both in your delivery and in the subject matter. We have the same bike, you just ride better than I do :-(
Hey Dusty, thanks for another informative video, they are great. Can you share what gear you are wearing - jacket, pants and boots as I am looking for some new gear. Cheers
when should you practice with TC and ABS off (on the dirt of course)? Good stuff Dusty thanks
When I hear the beating drums and the screaming eagle in the background at work.
"Hey, Julie!! Can you cover me?
It's my break time
Great video. I'm currently in the market for cylinder head protection and really like what is on Dusty's GSA. Anyone know the make/model of the head guards?
Forever confused as to why people don’t use their front brake off road / on road / adjacent to road / slowing down. Brakes are amazing. Use brakes.
I've heard so many "good advices" about riding motorcycle in general... good intentions but bad results :) There are so many of them which you can check on your own (probably all low-speed ones).
I still feel a bit like riding bicycle - where you grounded so many times that you can't even count but you weren't afraid of trying to brake on sand, tarmac with sand, mud... - you got few bruises but a lot of skills! After being sure that I can use front brake (because it worked for me really nice) I took offroad course in "Akademia Enduro" (dedicated to GS 1200 and other buffalo size bikes) where they confirmed some of things I trained on my own.
I like their excercises with ABS front wheel disabled - keep power on, brake until front is blocked and drag as far as you can, feel the traction, how it's lost, how you feel it with your body and manage to release the brake before you fall.
THX Mototrek for your channel!
Thanks for your videos, very clear explanation. I have a motorcycle with simple ABS non off-road program. I heard in this cases that is better to switch off the ABS because in most of the cases can assist you but in others could be make me a mistake. I also understand it depends on your experience. This is correct?
Hi Fernando, thanks for the comment and question. My answer here is it depends. ABS works well off road in many situations however, there are situations in which I would want it off. The best I answer I can give you (beyond the bullet point tech spec variable lingo) is to practice with ABS on and ABS OFF in as many situations as possible.
BMW's Enduro Pro ABS is a revolution in this arena.
Totally agree! These BMW's have a very sophisticated ABS system, it's almost cheating ;-) BTW...is this Ian?
@@west38moto53 yup, it's me... the guy who never stands up. ;^)
Nice Video Dusty. What is the brand and model for your front and back tires.
Can you possibly to a follow on to elaborate front braking off road in corners...... Do it? Don't do it? How to and how not to?
Personally I use the brakes when I want to slow down. On road, off road, corners, stop signs. Since most of your power and traction are in the front I mostly use the front
Right on, Dan!
Never brake in any corner, the bike loses stability. You should lose the speed BEFORE the corner. If you're getting surprised by a corner very gentle breaking and try to trust the bike. Countersteering is also a key technique to know.
@@moshrom not actually... Trail braking is concidered the correct method for braking into and in a corner.... But here I am asking specifically about trail breaking technique ie in a cnr on gravel.
We'll certainly do a video on your question. There are times in which using the front brake in a corner is a must. Example, a tight, steep downhill corner. As moshrom mentioned, this situation would be very gentle braking. If the terrain is flat, I agree most braking should be done before the corner but if you need to use either brake in that situation, it should be applied GENTLY :-) Also, Dan makes the best point and the major point of the video. The front brake is very effective at controlled slowing down and stopping. But in order to get comfortable in all situations, we have to practice using the brake in all those situations.
Don't forget to remind people to air down the tire before doing this..... I forgot I had a rock hard 32 pounds of "pavement air" in mine and I TOUCHED the front brake on a steep downhill with deep loose gravel, and the tire went right out from under me. 26#'s of air and the same line was just fine....
Hi Sherri, interesting point. I actually try to keep my tire at 30 lbs of pressure or above. I don't want a dented rim when I am riding fast over rocks. It is true that a tire with less pressure will give more and grab the terrain better, but there are so many variables involved and all bikes/tires/braking systems etc. are going to react differently. Good thing you figured out 26 lbs works for you!
In a previous Mototrek video, I remember Brett Tkacs saying that he keeps his tyre pressures around 35 psi on most dirt roads, unless in the soft sand or mud, (to avoid get a pinch flat). He reckons too many people drop their tyre pressures too low when they don't need to. But at 26 psi, this is still quite high so you should be fine if that works better for you.
Yeah, with a 1250 abs model , try a DR or Husky non abs....embrace the slide..power on during the drift. A light non-abs is worlds different than a "Computer.. do it for me" ride.
I have a 2019 triumph tiger 1200 and I would like to adjust my brake and clutch levers down so I don't have to move my fingers back up and then over to engage them. But if I do the mirrors and Brake reservoirs will be on an angle and it doesn't look like I have very much slack with the brake lines. Is it ok to have the brake reservoirs not parallel to the ground If I was to find a way to get extra slack in the lines. It's too bad they don't make the mirrors and Brake reservoirs separate from the levers.
What happened to Bret don’t get me wrong I really like Dusty but I was curious on what happened to Brent?did I miss that video?great job Dusty on the video my weakness is that front break in the gravel but you give the right tools to try. Thank you
I have been wondering the same thing.
He has his own channel now. Search Bret Tkacs
Does the BMW R1250GS Adventure have an integrated brake system? So when I apply the front brake, the rear brake will be the first one that works, right?
can you recommend some good off road shoes for the BMW R1250GS ADVENTURE motorcycle? Thank you very much🙂
I really like your YT episodes💪👏
great photo bomb
Dusty, where in Colorado was this filmed? Did a search for High Mesa and it came up with a location west of Montrose, which I don't think is correct. Really enjoying the content!
goo.gl/maps/rcu8WMbBQuZhtgNXA
Thanks for the video. I noticed we have a new host. Has the channel been sold? I like old and new videos. It seems whatever was the decision the proposal of the channel remains. I appreciate that.
Los Brembo que tiene mi GS1100R son muy confiables...usar ambos o lo que exija la ocasión... Otro asunto es la técnica y experiencia del piloto
I only use the back brake for steering, not stopping; road or dirt.
Right-on Duane!
Another great video, thank you! Dusty, would you mind sharing which tires you’re running on your GSA?
They look like Motoz Adventure
Black and round
Those are MotoZ Tractionator Rallz pacificpowersports.com/shop/tractionator-rallz/
yeahyeah, try using two fingers on the brakes of 1993 xtz 750 :D :D :D
Hi can’t help notice your tyres. How are they for both off and on road?
you should mention that on the GS your front brake never acts alone. The GS's integral braking system always additionally engages the rear brake. There surely is a noticable difference to "true" none rear supported braking. ...and one more reason move you body to the rear...
Great point, Michael. The GS definitely has an advanced ABS system.
@@MOTOTREK so I take it you ride offroad with your ABS on?
@@johanbrits674 I do. I ride in the Enduro Pro mode which still has ABS engaged at a certain point. Also, as Michael mentioned, the brakes are linked so it's like cheating... :-) Somewhat hard to do a video on aggressive braking without making the disclaimer and explaining the BMW braking system specifically. We'll have to do that in the next video when we get more aggressive.
@@west38moto53 Thanks for the response Dusty. Now a can of worms have been open between the different model's of Gs. The R1150's and R1200 GS's has ABS and Linked brake front and back. But no Eduro mode as the LC R1200/R1250.
So the next video is going to be interesting. Whats your suggestion on the older models. Abs on when doing Offroad whereas rear tire lock up is not required? Or the old way and ABS off? Are the front and back still linked with the ABS off?
Getting complicated....great topic for the real learners.
Groetnis Johan
I always follow your videos and I am also an instructor in Brazil but with the Triumph. I would like to know how do I become an official instructor for BMW in Europe or specifically in Portugal to obtain the certifications and work as a motorcycle instructor and guide MOTO Turism...???
Please some hints
Tks
And congratulations
Hi Milton, I don't know a lot about the process and am sure it is different for each market. I would have your dealer get you in touch with the regional rep who can then get you in touch with marketing...?
I disabled my rear brake so all I had left was my front after that for a few weeks I am front brake pro.
Thanks for the video! Just a quest: what kind of soft luggage are you mounting on? Thanks!
Giuseppe - Dusty has the Mosco Moto Backcountry 35L panniers.
@@MOTOTREK Thank you very much! Probably my next choice :)
What kind of tires are they
I had a great science teacher in school named Tom Wessels when I was a kid. Maybe the Wessels surname denotes natural teachers :)
Haha...that's cool!
Horse 1: What do you mean by front brake!? I know what I do. Ride a horse instead and you'll see.
Horse 2: Yeah man ride a horse!
By the way amazing instructive video like always. Thanks.
what tires are those? :)
Gr8 mith buster , could u shed some light on carrying hard panniers or soft in terrains. Thanks
Look at their older videos with Brett, they've done one already
czcams.com/video/TZTRVLwO51Q/video.html
Is that bike normal suspension or low suspension?
You didn't mention using the rear brake. Should you be applying the rear brake at the same time as the front brake or are you saying to use only the front brake off-road?
Sir I have a big question in my mind that which bike should I buy the one which have a shaft drive or a chain drive I am asking this question to you because you rides the BMW GSA r1250 which have a shaft drive. Please suggest me
Hi Exotic, that really depends on which bike fits you better. BMW's 750 and 850 or the 1250 class. I would get the bike that fits you better and not worry too much about the final drive. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages.
@@west38moto53 thanks bro for your suggestion but I have booked the r1250 gsa today only
As a Coloradoan, any chance you could let us know the location and what road this was filmed on? I want to test these great skills on the same beautiful road!
On the COBDR, Jim. Just east of Ridgeway.
@@MOTOTREK Awesome. Thank you!
We were on the east side of Owl Creek Pass near Silver Jack Reservoir. Thanks Jim!
What about front brake in gravel hair pin bends, Dusty?
Hi Paul, are they flat hair pins or are we going downhill? If it is downhill, I am on my front brake ever so slightly. If they are flat, I try not to use my brakes at all but I am comfortable dragging (slight pressure) on either front or rear.
@@west38moto53 Thanks Dusty. My nemesis is downhill hairpins on gravel and mud. Flat and uphill are ok.
Well done video, thank you! However there was no mention about deep sand. In Sand, the front wheel behaves very differently than in other off road situations, same goes for deep gravel. The front brake needs to be at a minimum and the rear brake does most the stopping, if you lock it, it will dig in the dirt and create a pile of sand in front of it, which helps with the stopping and it is important not to chop the throttle, rather pull the clutch in. Also I think that the whole “no front brake in dirt” comes from road riding, where people will most likely have road tires with minimal tread, which would likely skid under braking, rather than the teeth sink in and bite the dirt.
I agree, deeper sand or gravel is no good for the front brake, the rear is better in those situations. However, it also depends on how deep either is and what their traction points are. For me, the deeper the sand or gravel, the more I use engine braking and the rear brake. We'll do a video on this as well.
I love your work and I love this channel - but I really love your crazy yankee names - Dusty Wessels and Brett Tcaks are just not regarded as names on my side of the pond....I wonder if English names sound so bizarre to you?? ...anyway, silly point, not intending to be rude, just enjoying our cultural differences....keep up the great work - all the best - TMF.
Love your videos, Andy! Hope we cross paths some day!
-Tim
Haha, yeah, not the most common names :-)
Actually, I think Tkacs is Hungarian. On the other hand, Dusty Wessels does sound something out of Dodge City, KS or Tombstone, AZ. :)
Wonderful content and location. Could someone please tell which place is this ?
Watch the beginning of the video, it is written on the screen.
@@calin7017 thank you. I missed the detail as I was focussing on the beauty of the place.
On the Colorado BDR just outside Silver Jack Reservoir below Owl Creek Pass.
@@west38moto53 thank you so much.
Dusty Wessels, some Dutch roots??:)
I would like to suggest a topic for a video: I am a few years into adventure riding and have made a habit of going out into the NYS forest roads and trails surrounding me in upstate NY to practice and get comfortable with the skills you demonstrate. I have taken a few short trips and had any number of weekends/overnights. However, I have just returned from a 2,000 mile plus trip through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine while picking up parts of the newly released Northeast BDR route as well as relying on Butler Maps of the Northeast as well as the X OffRoad app to locate trails. The point is, I was wholly unprepared and surprised to learn how much a difference riding my F800GSA while carrying a fully load of gear made in the handling and response - and yes I took too much with me. I did however notice in this one that you rode loaded with gear (and yes you are on the big bike) but the gear I carried made a big difference in how the bike handled. Could you talk about (not what to bring like the rtwpaul videos or the tool tips) but how to load the bike (I started out decidedly lopsided and too hemmed in to move back on the seat well when the trail demanded I shifted weight back. Thanks for considering it as a topic.
👍
Except on a downhill, i guess.. in this case front breaking may be dangerous.. then is good to balance betwen both, what you say?
Front braking is effective downhill.
Anyone know what Klimt jacket that is ?
TacticalMedic Thanks. And I think the pants are Outriders. Seems like good gear for the summer heat.
Neduro called using the front break “Front brake loading” in his off road courses.
I honestly hardly ever use the rear break ever since learning that.
Great fishing at Silverjack Reservoir, Dusty.
My extremely limited experience shows me that front brake going downhill is a bad mixture. The bike was gaining to much speed, I panicked and applied too much pressure on the front brake. The result is having to lift an heavy bike from the ground.
I would like to know that GPS set up you have on your bike. I am in the market.
Garmin XT, James. We should have a 1st Impressions video up soon. We love it.
@@MOTOTREK Thanks
Personally, I have found that balanced use of both front and rear brakes yields the most stable and shortest stop.
Very true, we'll talk about each one independently and together in another video.
Good thought. BMW GS has integrated (70/30) brakes...so essentially he is doing as you suggest with just the hand brake.
Hhahah , :) was fun to see people on horses :)
Right!? Luckily I got a good take while they were walking behind...haha :-)
Gooday I stopped using my rear brake on the second day I ever rode a bike that`s around 51 years ago now cheers,,
Maybe it's time to start using it again then, to maximize stoppingpower both front and rear are needed :)
How on earth do you find these beautiful roads you're riding on?
This location is a dead end spur off the COBDR. Dusty got us close, and Tim got lucky exploring.
MOTOTREK thanks! Just googled it. Had not heard of it.🤗