Around the Wheel with Bret Tkacs

Struggling to choose your next adventure motorcycle? In this detailed buyer's guide, I break down the exact process for selecting the perfect ADV bike based on YOUR specific needs and criteria.

Bret Tkacs breaks down how to choose the right motorcycle tires for both road and off-road riding, from Michelin Anakee Wild to Motoz Tractionator models, and offers real-world advice for adventure riders preparing for his ADV training courses as well as Backcountry Discovery Route trips. Get tire recommendations that balance the needs of grip, longevity, and confidence, whether you’re commuting o...

Is a 21" front tire better than a 19" front tire? Episode Summary: What if the right tire could transform your off-road motorcycle experience? Join me, Bret Tkacs, as I explore this question alongside fellow rider Bill, who is debating between a BMW 1250 GSA with a 19-inch wheel and a Triumph Rally Explorer with a 21-inch wheel. Together, we dissect how these choices impact performance on rugged t...

TRAIL BRAKING: Expert Tips for Mastering Throttle and Brake Control Guest:  Peter Shimm Episode Summary: Join us for an engaging and informative discussion with Peter Shimm, an experienced rider, as we explore the intricate world of trail braking techniques for street riders. In this episode, we emphasize the importance of blending throttle and brake controls to smooth transitions and stabilize su...

TALKING SUSPENSION: AN IN-DEPTH DISCUSSION OF MAKING YOUR MOTORCYCLE RIGHT FOR YOU Guest:  Hal Massey, an engineer and ADV rider. Episode Summary: Join us as we unravel the complexities of electronic suspension systems in modern adventure motorcycles with our guest, engineer and rider Hal, who brings his fresh experience with a Triumph Tiger 900 into the mix. We will explore how the evolution of s...

Mastering the Adventure: Lana's Journey from Racing Cars to Motorcycle Excellence Guest:  Lana Tsurikova, autocross racer and GS Trophy Qualifier participant (Lana on Wheels)Episode Summary:From the roar of race car engines to the heart-pumping thrills of off-road motorcycling, Lana's story isn't one you stumble upon every day. Today, she sits down with me and shares the her tale of transitioning...

CHOOSING THE PROPER ADV BOOT Guest:  Brian Price, owner of Atomic Moto (https://www.atomic-moto.com)Episode Summary:Join me as I chat with the owner of Atomic-Moto.com, Brian Price, to discuss everything you need to know about proper footwear for adventure riding. Brian shares his extensive knowledge about motorcycle boots, from their complex construction to size variations. We cover why a good...

OLD GUY ADV RIDING TIPS Guest: Murrae Haynes, a lifetime motorcyclist who is currently 74 years old. Episode Summary:Get ready to unlock the secrets of continuing your adventure riding journey as you age, with invaluable insights from our 74-year-old guest, Murrae. We promise to transform how you see and handle the unique challenges of maturing as a rider. Together, we examine the shifts in mindse...

TRAIL BRAKING WITH YAMAHA CHAMPIONS RIDING SCHOOL Guest: Chip Spalding, business development manager and instructor at the nation's premier motorcycle riding school: Yamaha Champions Riding School. Episode Summary:Get ready to master the art of trail braking as I am joined by the business development manager for Yamaha Champions Riding School, Chip Spalding. Listen in as we debunk the mispercepti...

WHY TEACH FOUR FINGERED BRAKING? Guest: David Weed, currently an MSF-certified RiderCoach and RiderCoach trainer and formerly the lead technical specialist for the Washington State Motorcycle Program. Topic: Bret and David dive into the controversial topic of teaching and using four fingers on the brake, why it's still being taught, and strategies to improve as a rider (hint: it involves questioni...

MX BOOTS VS ADV BOOTS Guest: Alex and Bret discuss some of the advantages and challenges of switching to a heavier boot for ADV riding. Discussion Points: 1.  There is huge difference between motocross boots and boots that are marketed as an Adventure boot. Key Takeaways: - There is the challenge of getting away from boots that you can walk around in.   Move into boots that actually protect your...

ADV Tire Talk Guest: Jarrett King is an ADV rider and mechanical designer at Mitas Tires. Discussion Points:1.  Air pressure – should I air down before riding off-road?2.  Why is the manufacturer's baseline pressure different from what's written on the sidewall?3.  Can a rider increase or decrease the size of the tire on the bike? Key Takeaways:- It’s interesting to observe what people thin...

LARGE & TALL BIKE SETUP Guest: Kip Kyler stands 6’4†with a 38†inseam who is riding a Husqvarna 701.  He has made a few adjustments to accommodate his height and weight, but still feels cramped in the cockpit while riding.   He has reached out to Bret to find out what other adjustments he can make and what kind of suspension he may need to install. Discussion Points: 1.  How to choose...

INVESTING IN EXPERIENCE When taking riders overseas on motorcycle expeditions, Bret has been surprised to note that participants don't have the problems he would expect them to have.   In fact, less-experienced riders quickly develop their skill sets and become confident off-road riders very quickly - much faster than in any traditional training environment.   Bret dives into this phenomenon wit...

AVOID DANGEROUS COMPLACENCY Sometimes riding can be not very exciting or even downright boring.   The excitement of reacting to everything on the road fades away once you feel you've encountered most situations and feel comfortable with the threats that are common to motorcyclists.   However, this natural progression can lead to a dangerous lack of focus... and that's when the curve closes up to...

HOW TO MANAGE FEAR WHILE RIDING A MOTORCYCLE. Bret Tkacs discusses a subject that every ADV motorcyclist has faced - how to manage fear.   This is a subject that’s widely discussed, but only in general terms – until this podcast.   Learn specific strategies to work specifically with a paralyzing fear of heights while riding. Guest: Kerry Haggerty, a Patreon subscriber and a former student of...

IS ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION WORTH THE COST? Suspension is undoubtedly one of the most critical aspects to your motorcycle, and many people talk about upgrading their suspension.  However, since the cost can be up to $7,000, it's important to know what upgraded suspension can do for your motorcycle, and whether you should invest in an upgrade. There is a narrow weight window for stock suspension, whic...

RIDING WHILE HURTING: A TALK ON AGING Adapting to the realities of age is important in the ADV world, where it’s too easy to get hurt if you’re not developing the correct muscles, use the correct technique, or your bike is not ergonomically set up.  Fatigue while riding is likely to be a skill issue, a technique issue, or an ergonomic issue.  If it’s none of those, then it will likely be a health...

How To Choose A Motorcycle Class Washington State has two state-approved motorcycle basic rider education curriculums.  One is through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and the other is the Motorcycle Education Program (MEP), which Bret wrote for Puget Sound Safety.  There are some major differences between the two curricula: The MSF courses are formulaic, structured, and linear while the MEP...

What can you expect as a new ADV rider? Many people who first start riding ADV bikes can credit their knowledge to riding dirt bikes as a child.  But what if this is the first time you've ridden anything in the dirt?  Learning what to expect as a new adventure rider is a subject that few instructors address. Australian rider, Robert Malpas, is a recent convert into the ADV world and he has some ex...

Are you Miscalculating your adv skills? Paul Solomonson, dueling counterpart in the recent video "Mosko Moto vs Lone Rider", talks with Bret about rating yourself as an ADV rider and some of the common ways riders miscalculate their skill level. Paul Solomonson works with Bret across the United States in teaching ADV training classes.  He is also a state-certified motorcycle and driving instructor...

Top Tips for Adventure Camping You don't need to travel far and wide to be an ADV motorcyclist, nor do you need to travel with an expensive motorcycle.  Adventuring is about travel, discovering, and wandering, and these tips will help make your next adventure smoother.

Does Motorcycle Training Create Safer Riders? Does motorcycle safety training really teach what it's intended to teach?  In this episode, Bret Tkacs speaks with Chris Johnson, owner of Washington Motorist Safety Training, about whether motorcycle safety education is real or a myth.  Does training actually make safer riders?  Enjoy this dynamic podcast where two energetic personalities discuss ride...

What's GOING ON WITH Jesse Luggage? Jesse Luggage is now owned by Jared Maxfield who is revitalizing the brand into Jesse Adventures: a one-stop resource for the ADV community.  In this podcast, Bret and Jared discuss what it's like being one of the few hard pannier distributors in the United States, the competition in the ADV luggage market, and the pros and cons of putting hard panniers onto you...

Bret's first podcast brings in John DeCarlo, a professional educator and ADV motorcyclist.  Listen to an excellent discussion on learning theories and how fear can actually be a benefit.