Name: What is trail braking?... and why you should use it. @BretTkacs
Uploaded: 2026-09-21T08:17:00-05:00
Duration: 8 min 17 s
Description: What is trail braking?... and why you should use it.

What is trail braking?... and why you should use it.

Bret Tkacs ADV 2026-09-21 | What is trail braking?... and why you should use it.

Aprilia Tuareg 660 reviewed... shorter riders take a look!

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-10-02 | I think I may buy the Rally model. The Aprilia Tuareg (I always want to type Toureg) is a bike that is better than it's spec sheet indicates. Definitely a bike that riders under 6 foot should be looking at.

www.BretTkacs.com/Training

Trail strategy for improved traction

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-09-26 | BretTkacs.com

Forma boots for adventure riders

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-09-08 | Don't buy the Forma Adventure boots for riding off road, instead consider one of these three Forma boots, the Boulder, Terra Evo Dry or Pilot

www.BretTkacs.com/training

Thank you Atomic-Moto.com for letting me borrow these boots for this video.

The question no rider ask, but should. What size tire should I use?

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-09-04 | The question riders never ask but should is what size tire should they use to get the highest level of performance from their adventure motorcycle.

Narrow tires or wide tires... which one is best?

www.BretTkacs.com/Training

Passenger standing tip for offroad

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-08-01 | BretTkacs.com

Are hitch carriers for motorcycles a bad idea?

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-08-01 | Let's take a look at a hitch mounted motorcycle carrier, specifically the heavy duty Rack N Ride carrier made in Australia. I also discuss the biggest concern I hear from riders, specifically that ADV bikes with a carrier exceed the tongue weight listed in almost all examples.

I answer the questions that I seldom hear addressed such as the possible need from overload or leveling springs and hitch load.

if you are interested in the carrier featured go to racknride.com

This channel and this video is not subsidized or sponsored other than by the viewers through Patreon and thank you donations.

Why motorcycles DONT want to fall down

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-07-25 | "You are the problem, not the solution" is a phrase I often use while teaching. the meaning is that the motorcycle is designed to be stable but as riders we often interfere with that stability because in misunderstand it. What is stable we believe is not stable and the actions we take create instability. Much of the time I spend training is to teach riders how to get out of the way and let the motorcycle do what it was designed to do.

for training go to www.BretTkacs.com/Training

Last chance for 2025 ADV training

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-07-25 | Join me August 8 & 9 at GritMotoAdventures.com for my last class of the year. This is a special semi private low volume class not to be missed.

www.BretTkacs.com/Training

First motorcycle ride on gravel

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-07-25 | BretTkacs.com

This lesson discusses what to expect the first time you ride your motorcycle on a gravel road

Selling my Ducati DesertX: a final review

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-07-09 | My final review of the 2023 Ducati DesertX after 2 years of ownership.

Car vs Motorcycle braking

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-07-02 | BretTkacs.com

Gaerne Fastback Endurance Enduro boot; long term review

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-06-23 | After using the Gaerne Fastback Endurance Enduro boots for a full season of teaching and training videos I give them a solid thumbs up. In this review I cover all of the elements that I use to classify a boot as a Motocross/MX level protection boots. Although adventure motorcycling is my audience these boots will work well for enduro, duel-sport riders and MX riders too.

Thanks to Atomic-Moto.com for loaning me these boots for the season.

to join me for ADV training go to www.BretTkacs.com/training

Dont air down

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-06-20 | BretTkacs.com

It's not about airing down it's about having the correct pressure in your tires for the situation. On an ADV bike that air pressure is generally the same pressure as you run on pavement.

Sitting down offroad

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-06-06 | BretTkacs.com for ADV Training

Sometimes sitting is a better choice than standing offroad but their is a proper way to sit most effectively.

Riding up a rock hill

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-05-30 | This video was shot on Cleman Mountain on the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route (WABDR).

How to tow a motorcycle with motorcycle

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-05-16 | BretTkacs.com for training and international tours

This is the most popular and safest way to tow a motorcycle with another motorcycle

Adventure bike pivot turn

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-05-02 | BretTkacs.com for classes

doing a power pivot turn on any motorcycle can be a challenge but adventure motorcycles make it even more difficult due to the heavy weight, tall seat heights and, generally, older riders.

this lesson addresses the details needed to be successful

ADV tire talk - choosing the best

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-04-26 | BretTkacs.com/Tires , Choosing the perfect ADV tire for training, travel or daily use can be an expensive process now and a poor choice could be expensive or long lived.

Join me on a discussion about assessing tires for there off-road abilities, deciding between a Bias Ply tire and a Radial, tire pressures and much more.

for training go to BretTkacs.com/Training

Learning to grind a motorcycle

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-04-18 | BretTkacs.com for training classes

Learn to grind ruts by practicing on logs. This step my step lesson will walk you through the elements needed to be successful

3 ADV clutch drills to master traction

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-04-10 | This video lesson offers three different clutch drills for adventure riders from beginner to experienced.

for in person training go to www.BretTkacs.com/training
to support this channel support us at www.Patreon.com/Join/BretTkacs

The myth of 4-finger braking

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-04-04 | www.BretTkacs.com

Many riders were told by there motorcycle instructors when learning to ride that the proper way to brake is using all four fingers. This is a lie

How to do a sidestand turn

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-03-28 | BretTkacs.com to get training

This is an easy way to turn your bike around in very limited spaces

How to not crash like this rider did

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-03-27 | The rider on this Yamaha Tenere 700 crashed while attempting to cross a rock while riding up hill. Bret Tkacs (Adventure Motorcycle Guru instructor/coach) analyzes what happened. What went wrong, what went right and how to make sure you would be successful in the same situation.

To train or travel with Bret go to www.BretTkacs.com

Original video from MarkyMarkMoto titled Lazyboy: youtube.com/watch?v=CM4oEG4YvcA

3 common trailbraking questions answered

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-03-13 | Answers to 3 common questions about trailbraking

#1 is leaning and turning two different things? part 2: is braking while turning why we crash?

#2 When leaning you hold front brake to maybe 30% and let off the gas while holding the brakes and once you see the exit then you let off the brakes and add gas... right?

#3 should I use the rear brake and hold in the clutch or not not touch those at all?

to support this channel www.Patreon.com/join/BretTkacs

for classes go to www.BretTkacs.com

Dead end turn around

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-03-07 | BretTkacs.com for training classes and international Adventure tours

this short lesson talks about turning around on a tight trail using a small hill, the engine an gravity. Like all of my teaching I focus on preservation of man and machine as well as (personal) energy conservation.

Motorcycle snow chains

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-02-27 | My quest to build my own motorcycle snow chains and see if they work. BretTkacs.com for class schedule

Support this channel at www.Patreon.com/join/BretTkacs

For training classes and travel check out my website www.BretTkacs.com

Eye pro and Helmets for ADV riders

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-02-21 | ADV helmet choice isn't about how a helmet looks, it's how it functions for you as a rider. This video dives into the merits and disadvantages of helmet styles most commonly chosen by Adventure motorcycle riders.

To support this channel: www.Patreon.com/join/BretTkacs

ADV training: brettkacs.com/training
Arclite: arcliteoptics.com
Hornet X2: shoei-helmets.com/models/hornet-x2
RF1400: shoei-helmets.com/models/rf-1400
Neotec3: shoei-helmets.com/models/neotec-3

Gym drill for lifting a motorcycle

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-02-14 | Using proper technique for lifting a motorcycle it important however there is a limit and a certain level of strength is necessary.

To register for ADV training go to www.BretTkacs.com
to support these free lessons go to www.Patreon.com/join/BretTkacs

Downhill braking off-road

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-02-06 | Go to BretTkacs.com for classes

One belief many riders have is that the front brake should be avoided offroad particularly when riding down hills. This video demonstrates and addresses this belief with techniques and strategies.

Just stand up

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-01-30 | A lesson of how and why riders stand when riding off-road or on unpaved roads.

There are a lot of myths about when or why you should stand when riding off pavement. This video lesson addresses the why, when and how to stand when riding off road on any motorcycle but especially a heavy adventure bike

For in-person training classes go to www.BretTkacs.com

Easiest partner motorcycle lift

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-01-27 | The monkey lift is the safest, easiest lift for getting motorcycle up in difficult terrains. Specifically designed for getting out of difficult places this is a critical skill for every adventure motorcycle rider.

Classes @ www.BretTkacs.com

Standing to lower COG

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-01-27 | NO standing does NOT lower your COG (center of gravity) when riding a motorcycle.

BretTkacs.com

5 things you were taught wrong in your motorcycle class

Bret Tkacs ADV 2025-01-16 | Support this channel at www.patreon.com/join/brettkacs
for training or tours go to www.BretTkacs.com

This video discusses 5 common things taught to adventure riders by instructors that are wrong. Let's talk about keeping those elbows up, riding on the balls of your feet, squeezing with the knees, keeping your eyes up and steering with the footpegs.

Gear used in this video:
Gaerne Fastback Enduro boots: imp.i105279.net/19bjz9
Shoei Hornet X2 helmet: imp.i105279.net/DK47Ab
Rev'It! Dominator 3 suit: imp.i105279.net/2aKP77
ArcLite Optics: arcliteoptics.com
Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 tires: imp.i105279.net/yqrDo3

Long term Sidi X-Power boot review

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-07-16 | Sidi X-Power SA vs Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro and Sidi Crossfire 3's after six months of use.

I recommend chatting and purchasing your new boots from Atomic-Moto.com . This channel receives no incentives from Atomic-Moto but we really like these guys.

If having a boot consultant and supporting small businesses are not priorities for you but you would like to support this channel with your purchase the following links will give a little back to our video budget.

Sidi X-Power SC
amzn.to/4cLVy1c

Sidi X-Power Enduro
amzn.to/3W9U6hO

Alpinestars Tech 7 Enduro
Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/EKmWBQ
Amazon: amzn.to/3xQrWk3

Sidi Crossfire TA
Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/0ZW1aE
Amazon: amzn.to/3Lsqwzh

A lesson in braking offroad on your motorcycle

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-06-20 | ADV riding is more than going it also includes stopping and sometimes that stop needs to happen in a hurry.

This is a fairly comprehensive look at how to do the best stop possible on your adventure motorcycle or any motorcycle when riding off pavement.

For hands-on training go to www.BretTkacs.com

Sidi X Power Boots:
Revzilla link: imp.i104546.net/y2VYOG
Cycle Gear link: imp.i105279.net/xk1YXy

Shoei Hornet Helmet:
Revzilla link: imp.i104546.net/P0GxWQ
Cycle Gear link: imp.i105279.net/DK47Ab

I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Raise your center of gravity by standing up on your motorcycle

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-04-06 | To train with me go to BretTkacs.com

So often viewers comment on my videos that I don't understand the concept of "center of gravity" or more properly center of mass, when I comment on the advantages and disadvantages of standing on your motorcycle when riding off-road. This is a video rant to explain when so many miss in those other videos

2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro vs Ducati DesertX

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-04-05 | Paul and I discuss the differences between the new 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro vs Ducati DesertX

#tiger900rallypro #triumphtiger #ducatidesertx #desertx

Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro set up tip #adventureriding #motorcycletraining #adventuremotorcycling

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-03-20 | ...

Set up tip: 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro #triumphtiger #

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-03-19 | ...

Bypass sidestand safety switch - Ducati DesertX #adventureriding #desertx #ducati

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-03-04 | ...

No dirt needed, dirt skills: the rolling hip pocket turn

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-02-26 | The perfect no-dirt-needed dirt skill to practice. The combination of rider skills are the ones that get rusting in the off season and are most significantly missing in riders I train. This is a common U-turn technique I use off road

Adventure training: www.BretTkacs.com/Training

Helmet: Shoei Neotec II
Jacket/Pants: Rev'It! Defender 3 GTX
Gloves: Rev'It! Sand 4
Boots: Sidi Crossfire 3

Levers: Wild@heart
Pegs: BDCW
Tires: Shinko 804/805
Panniers: Lone Rider

The rolling hip-pocket turn #ADVtraining #brettkacs #bwmR1200GS #adventureriding #skydio2

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-02-25 | For Adventure motorcycle training go to www.BretTkacs.com/Training

Alpinestars Tech 7 vs Tech 10 boots for ADV riding

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-02-20 | This is a long term comparison review of the Alpinestars Tech 7 and Tech 10 boots for riding and traveling on an adventure motorcycle.

www.Atomic-Moto.com is a great place to call if you plan on ordering your boots. I receive not sponsorship from them but I do recommend them.

www.BretTkacs.com

Forma Terra Evo boot review: How to score a boot for offroad use and how the Forma rates

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-02-04 | The Forma Adventure boot is crap boot for riding off-pavement but the Terra EVO is a true adventure touring boot. Join me on a detailed breakdown of how I score boots in my offroad rating system using the BMW Venture Grip, Sidi X-Power and Alpinestar Tech 7

Thank you Atomic-Moto.com for letting me use and evaluate the Forma Terra Evo boots

4 ADV motorcycle lifts - exercise and conditioning

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-02-01 | Adventure riding is more than learning to ride well. At some point we will all need to pick up our motorcycle and it is likely to not be in a convenient location. It will be upside down on a hill, buried in mud, sand or even somewhere worse.

Join me at CrossFit Forge 208 with Richard as we show you 5 different exercises that will prepare you before the 2024 riding season gets here.

If you are joining me for a class this year (www.BretTkacs.com) I recommend doing all you can to maximize your learning while you are with me this year.

If you live in the treasure valley in Idaho, USA check out www,Crossfitforge208.com

Exercise & conditioning for mounting and dismounting your Adventure motorcycle

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-01-29 | 4 drills to make you stronger and more controlled. Join me at the gym for some exercises and drills that help you prepare you for taking a class with me and to prepare you for the upcoming riding season. Just because it is cold out side, frozen, snowy or wet doesn't mean you have to wait until spring to get ready.

Join me at Crossfit Forge 208 in Caldwell ID with owner Richard for 4 exercises to get fit.

www.BretTkacs.com

2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro first impression / review

Bret Tkacs ADV 2024-01-12 | Triumph has really stepped up their game with the newest 900 Tiger. The changes may look small on paper but on the bike they are much larger.

www.BretTkacs.com

Shifting while standing + braking, clutch and throttle

Bret Tkacs ADV 2023-12-29 | This is a video that has been requested many times... so here you go.
This lesson is simply how to use your controls on your ADV bike while standing.

whether you are riding off-road, on trails or on dirt roads these are the basic skills needed for standing and using your brake, clutch and shifting.

To support the channel producing free training videos support me at www.Patreon.com/Join/BretTkacs

To join me for a live ADV training course check out my schedule at www.BretTkacs.com

Motorcycle safety features that will keep you alive

Bret Tkacs ADV 2023-12-20 | Rider modes, ABS, Traction control and more... this is a chat about some of the many features that are available on modern motorcycles that help to keep riders alive on public roads and trails.

The bike used as an example is the 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro.

www.BretTkacs.com

To help support this channel in making more educational videos join at www.Patreon.com/Join/BretTkacs

6 shocking myths about motorcycle helmets

Bret Tkacs ADV 2023-12-08 | if you believed even one of these myths share this video with others.

Myth: helmets save lives, Myth: You should replace your helmet every 5 years. Myth: If you drop a helmet you need to replace it. Myth: helmets impair sight and sound. Myth: expensive helmets are safer in a crash.

www.BretTkacs.com
www.Patreon.com/join/BretTkacs