|
THE CORRECT WAY.
(For advanced riders/tourists who have completed an off-road course)
The old saying that they teach you at the BMW off-road academy
LOOK UP , STAND UP AND OPEN UP!!!!! |
|
1 – LOOK WHERE YOU WANT TO GO.
- Where you look is where you go, if there is a rock in the road ahead and you focus on it, chances are you will hit the rock!!!
- Once you have seen the rock, look up beyond the rock at the road ahead where you want to go. Your sub-conscious will automatically guide you past the rock.
- The same theory applies to ruts in the road (potholes), patches of the thick sand and patches of mud. TAKE NOTE of the obstacles and then look up and beyond and let your sub-conscious do the rest.
- Do not let your eyes fixate or stare at the object, do not look down.
- Look where you want to go and the GS will naturally go where you are looking.
- The same applies when taking a corner, do not stare at the verge of the corner, rather keep your eyes focused on the exit of the corner, with your weight on the outside footpeg, accelerate gently towards the exit and the horizon beyond.
2 – KEEP YOUR MOMENTUM UP.
- It is important to keep your momentum up when riding through patches of thick sand or loose gravel. Slow down a little when approaching the sand or gravel and then accelerate gently through, keeping up your momentum.
- If the GS’s start moving around beneath you, just accelerate a little more.
- Whatever you do, do not close the accelerator or use your front brakes, your front wheel will dig in and you will fall!!
- Approach corners and difficult patches with the old SAYING of "Slow in and fast out".
Look UP AT THE ROAD BEYOND to see problem areas early.
Ride defensively, anticipate problems.
- Your gearbox and rear brake should give you all the stopping power you need. Unlike riding on road, locking your rear wheel up on sand is not a problem. If you need the extra stopping power you can progressively pile on the front brake until it shows signs of locking up - then ease off a little.
|
THE SAFE WAY!
FOR THE NOVICE RIDER OR TOURISTS WITH NO OFFROAD EXPERIENCE WHO WOULD LIKE TO GET
FROM POINT A TO POINT B IN ONE PIECE
|
|
| |
-
If you notice that the gravel road you are travelling on has short stretches of thick sand, I would suggest slowing down to a walking pace and keeping momentum up, ride slowly with your feet outstretched. This method is called paddling. This is the safest way to do it if you have had little or no off-road experience.
-
It is not the time to learn how to ride off-road when you are on tour!!!
-
Doing it the safe way will ensure that you have a good holiday.
-
Falling off your bike and injuring yourself because you wanted to do it the correct way, may result in you having to fly home and cut you tour short.
|
|
| |
*Please note that we cannot accept responsibility for your off-road riding skills- we highly recommend attending an off-road course with professional riding instructors before attempting any off- road riding techniques or motorcycle adjustments. Please see these techniques as a guideline only and ensure that you know what you are doing when you attempt to ride your motorcyle. |
|
|
|
|
|
