The 3 BIGGEST Adventure Motorcycle Off Road Mistakes

In today’s blog we are taking a closer look at the 3 BIGGEST and most common mistakes we see in adventure motorcycle riders, especially when they are new to riding off road. At our Adventure Motorcycle classes we get a great variety of riders from level 2 and level 3 riders that are preparing for the BMW GS Trophy or the KTM Adventure Rally to riders that have minimal off road experience looking to learn the fundamentals and build confidence in our level 1 class.

Over the years we realized that there are 3 very common mistakes that even riders with more experience make. All three have a major impact on the control of the motorcycle and the overall riding experience. Often times we see riders with years of adventure motorcycle riding experience get away with poor form but they really wear themselves out and are on the edge of going down a lot. All 3 mistakes are easy to correct ones you know what you are doing wrong and what you need to focus on to fix them, so her we are breaking them down.

THESE ARE THE 3 BIGGEST ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE OFF ROAD MISTAKES

1. Standing Position

A lot of riders tend to stand on their motorcycle in a very compromised position. They are trying to “squeeze” the bike with their knees so they bent their knees, push them forward, which then moves the hips forward. From their they find themselves too far in the front of the bike, so their upper body is leaned back and their elbows are tucked in.

WRONG POSITION! In this picture you can see how poorly this position distribute your weight across your adventure motorcycle. If you find your bike to be very nervous and “twitchy” when riding sandy section, this is why.

The fix starts at your first point of contact with your ADV bike at the foot peg. The foot peg is your first point of contact and it is also the lowest point of contact so you will have the biggest impact on the overall control of your motorcycle there. Make sure to ride on the balls of your feet and turn your feet into the bike. There should be no gap between your boot and the frame. This position will allow you to drop your heels, which moves your hips further back on the bike. Your head and chest stay forward with your elbows up and slightly bent. Now in this position you are covering 80% of your bike and can use the leverage of your legs to gain control. Stay flexible in your ankles and don’t bent you knees more than 10 degrees. Let the bike’s suspension do it’s job and absorb bumps and waves in your ankles. Elbows are slightly flexing so you are able to work with the front end of the bike.

RIGHT POSITION! This is where you wan to be on your bike. When you compare the two pictures, you can clearly see the difference and how much more control you gain by putting your feet in the right spot. It all starts at the foot peg, your first point of contact with your adventure motorcycle.

2. Inconsistent On The Throttle

This is a mistake that we see a lot of adventure motorcycle riders make especially in soft terrain. You want to make sure that you are consistent with your throttle delivery. Every time you are getting off the throttle the weight of the bike shits towards the front end of the motorcycle which makes riding softer off road terrain especially tricky. By staying consistent on the throttle you will stabalize your ADV bike and you can start building some momentum. At this point we always refer back to point 1 and controlling the motorcycle with your ankles and lower legs. Once you are ready to slow down or come to a stop, just make sure to decelerate slowly. Don’t just chop the throttle but roll it back slowly so the weight transfer to the front wheel is not so abrupt. The best way to practice this off road riding technique is in a nice open sandy area where you have a little bit of space to make mistakes.

Momentum is your friend when it comes to riding in the soft terrain. The more you stay consistent on your throttle the more your Adventure motorcycle will stabilize and bring confidence into you riding.

3. Taking Your Feet OFF The Foot Pegs

This is a very common mistake that comes from a lack of control of the motorcycle at your first point of contact (see mistake 1) which leads to a lack of confidence when the motorcycle starts moving around underneath you. Taking both of your feet of the foot peg means giving up the majority of the control of your motorcycle. You are now trying to handle a 450 lbs weight that is moving around underneath you just by holding on with your arms, which is pretty much impossible. As I’ve explained before the only time you are really in contact with your bike is from your foot peg up to your seat and then at the very top of the motorcycle you get in touch again at the handlebars. Adventure motorcycles are very hard to control from the top down so the more you can guide the ADV bike with your legs the easier it will be for you to ride off road. It’s very important to get comfortable with the bike moving around underneath you and keeping your feet on the pegs in order to keep control of your ride.

So these are the 3 BIGGEST mistakes that we see out of Adventure riders that come through our training. If you are interested in how to fix them with a couple very basic exercises, please watch the video below where we break the mistakes down and explain how you can become a better off road rider.

The California Backcountry Discovery Route - BDR

The California Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR) is a stunning off road motorcycle route that takes riders through some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in the state. Spanning over 800 miles, the route starts in the northernmost point of California, near the Oregon border, and ends in the southernmost point near the Mexico border. Along the way, riders will experience a diverse array of terrains and environments, from lush forests to arid deserts, rugged mountains to rolling hills.

Riding long stretches of off road trails can be intimidating especially when you are new to riding adventure motorcycles. Make sure to spend some time on getting comfortable on your bike and learning the fundamentals of off road riding before taking on big adventures like the CABDR.

The BDR was first conceptualized in 2006 by a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who wanted to create a route that would showcase the best of what California has to offer. They spent countless hours researching and mapping out the best roads and trails, and in 2007, the first California BDR was officially established. Since then, the route has become a popular destination for adventure riders from all over the world, and is considered one of the best motorcycle routes in the world.

One of the things that makes the California BDR so unique is the diversity of landscapes it traverses. Riders will start out in the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, where towering redwoods and Douglas firs provide a canopy overhead. As they make their way south, the terrain changes dramatically, transitioning into the arid deserts of the Central Valley. Here, riders will encounter cacti, Joshua trees, and other desert plants, and will have the opportunity to see some of California's iconic wildlife, such as bighorn sheep and golden eagles.

As riders continue south, they will enter the Sierra Nevada mountains, where they will be treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. This section of the BDR is considered one of the most challenging, as the road climbs to elevations over 10,000 feet, with tight switchbacks and steep grades. But for those who are up to the challenge, the rewards are well worth it.

As riders leave the Sierra Nevada and make their way into Southern California, the landscape changes yet again, with the route passing through rolling hills and vast open spaces. This is the perfect place to stretch your legs and open up the throttle, as the roads here are wide and winding, and the scenery is absolutely stunning.

Having your motorcycle and equipment prepared is one of the key ingredients for a successful BDR trip.

One of the things that makes the California BDR so special is the people you will meet along the way. From the locals who live in the small towns dotting the route, to the other riders you will encounter on the road, everyone is friendly and welcoming. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to stop at local restaurants, bars, and hotels, where you can sample some of California's delicious food and drink, and meet other riders who are also on the BDR.

Another thing that makes the BDR so appealing is its accessibility. Unlike many other motorcycle routes, the BDR is designed to be ridden on a wide range of bikes, from big adventure bikes to smaller dual-sport motorcycles. The route is well-maintained, with plenty of gas stations and other amenities along the way, so riders don't have to worry about being stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Our adventure motorcycle training curriculum will prepare you for every type of terrain that you will come across on your BDR adventure.

However, the BDR is not without its challenges. The route is long and demanding, and requires a good level of fitness and riding skill. Riders should also be prepared for the changing weather conditions, as the route passes through a wide range of environments, from hot deserts to cold mountain passes. And, because the BDR is not a closed course, riders will have to be mindful of other vehicles, such as cars and trucks, and watch out for wild animals.

Overall, the California Backcountry Discovery Route is an unforgettable motorcycle adventure that takes riders through some of the most beautiful and stunning landscapes in the state. With over 800 miles of diverse terrain, riders will experience everything from lush forests to arid deserts, rugged mountains to rolling hills. Whether you're a seasoned adventure rider or just looking for an exciting motorcycle trip, the BDR has something to offer everyone. It's a journey that will leave an indelible mark in the minds of riders and they'll forever cherish the memories made. And the experience will make them want to ride it again, in the future. So, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime on the California BDR!

If you are interested in setting off for your first BDR adventure but you don’t feel quite ready yet, consider signing up for one of our Adventure Motorcyle classes. You will learn all of the necessary fundamental off road riding techniques that will help you along the way when riding in challenging terrain.