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.
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.
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.
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!
I would expect more accurate information. Where is a lot of mistakes in video. Main thing what you did not say is that you have limited traction. You can use it for turning, or for braking (if both, you will split it). If you are on turn, you can't brake hard and you have to prepare it before turn. With ABS I was able to slide bike only on snow. So in straight line you can brake quite hard with no or little effort
Hi Linas, we didn't get into too much detail about braking in this video. This was a basic video to help those folks that are new riders and are not sure about front braking off road. We'll certainly dig into more detail on another more advanced braking video that will talk about and show everything you mentioned.
Good question. The quick answer is, your weight over the rear portion of the bike keeps it stabilized while slowing down. While it may be true that more weight in the front will give the tire more traction, it will also affect the handling and stability of the front of the bike. Try it next time you are out. Do an aggressive (ish) stop with your front brake and put your weight in both positions and feel the difference in stability.
@@dancingkids5158 if u don't move yr body weight to the back in emergency braking or when u brake very hard ,the bike may flip Coe there will be to much weight /force/momentom on yr front wheel bcos sbk front brake is very strong . Try it on yr MTB emergency brakes(yours disc brakes ?) U will crash if if don't move yr weight to the back. More crucial if u brake during yr downhill .that the reason for MTB if u descend very steep trail u butt will almost touch yr rear tires .I believe u done d moving yr body weight to the back without realising it
@@west38moto53 You're making a lot of sense there. In MTB we shift back and push down while braking hard. In my head this is to avoid going over-the-bar. I guess at the same time this put the the rear under control as well.
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? ;)
@@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 RU-vidr 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.
@@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 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.
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.
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 !
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is NOT a good advice. I understand it has to be generic by nature of a short video. Yet there are scenarios where using front break offroad will get you on the ground fast. Like using front break in a sharp turn or going downhill, especially when it is loose and/or rocky. @MOTOTREK quality control?
I think you need to apply some front brake on a steep downhill on a 1250GS - the back brake won't stop you alone. Just need to apply it gently. Plenty of professional vids out there on that topic. Agree with you on not using front brake in a corner. Hopefully that's common sense.
We can't say "don't use the front brake in a corner or downhill" because we DO use the front brake all the time in those situations. The trick is to be gentle with it.
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...?
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....
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.
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.
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!!!!!
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?
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...
@@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
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 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.
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?
pulling the clutch not only for smoothness, that is dangerous for the gearbox and the clutch if you dont pull the clutch when stopping and applying brake, the bike would stall.
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
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!
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?
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 ? 😂
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.
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?
