Adventure motorcycles are built to carry riders and gear through difficult terrain, but when a bike gets properly stuck, all of that capability can quickly become weight, leverage, gravity, and frustration.
In this episode, we explore what happens when the bike stops moving — buried in sand, hung up on a log, trapped in a rut, tipped over on a slope, or lying off the side of a trail — and why the first decisions a rider makes can dramatically affect the outcome.
Jim talks with Clinton Smout from Smart Adventures about the judgment side of motorcycle recovery: slowing down, assessing the situation, avoiding panic, and choosing the safest and most effective way to get the bike moving again. They also discuss how fatigue, embarrassment, group dynamics, terrain, and gravity can either work for or against the rider.
The episode also features practical recovery strategies from Adam Owens of Green Chile Adventure Gear, including the use of straps, tow systems, lift points, and compact tools that can provide options when strength alone is not enough. Chris Birch from Say No To Slow joins the conversation as well, explaining a simple but ingenious rear-wheel rope technique he has used to recover stuck adventure bikes when other methods are limited.
This episode is not about one perfect recovery method. It is about understanding the sequence of events, making better decisions when the bike is not going anywhere, and carrying a few ideas and tools that can turn a bad situation into one that can be managed and worked through.
Photo: Clinton Smout
Photo: Clinton Smout
Adam Owens - Green Chile Adventure Gear
Green Chile Adventure Gear founder Adam Owens is a lifelong rider and adventure enthusiast with a passion for building durable, practical gear for real-world motorcycle adventures. From dual-sport riding to exploring the outdoors through snowboarding, wakeboarding, and scuba diving, Adam brings an adventurer’s mindset to everything he creates. Under his leadership, Green Chile Adventure Gear has become known for rugged, American-made motorcycle luggage systems and innovative adventure gear designed to withstand the demands of serious riders and explorers.
Photos: Adam Owens
Chris Birch - Say No To Slow
Chris Birch is one of the most sought-after off-road coaches in the world. With over 35 years of riding experience, he has competed at the highest levels and coached thousands of riders across the globe. Known for his relatable teaching style, Chris focuses on explaining why techniques work, not just telling riders what to do. Through his Say No To Slow coaching program, he helps adventure and enduro riders build skills, confidence, and control on the bike.
Photo: Chris Birch
Clinton Smout - SMART Performance Centre
Clinton Smout is the highly regarded chief motorcycle instructor and founder of SMART Performance Centre in Ontario, Canada. With his extensive experience and expertise in motorcycling, Clinton has become a prominent figure in motorcycle education and safety. He is known for his passionate approach to teaching, emphasizing the importance of proper riding techniques, road awareness, and safety precautions. Through SMART Adventures, Clinton has helped numerous individuals enhance their motorcycling skills, whether they are beginners looking to learn the basics or experienced riders aiming to refine their techniques. His dedication to promoting safe and responsible motorcycling has made him a respected authority in the motorcycling community.
Photo: Clinton Smout
Getting Unstuck: Simple Recovery Items to Carry
A few small items can give you more options when an adventure bike is stuck, dropped, buried, wedged, or off the trail.
Useful items to consider carrying
• Tow strap or dynamic motorcycle tow strap
• Z-Drag or small mechanical-advantage recovery system
• Strong webbing straps or soft loops
• Front or rear lift straps / grab handles
• Lightweight rope suitable for motorcycle recovery
• A few heavy-duty zip ties
• Gloves
• A small digging tool, or be ready to use a stick, rock, can lid, or whatever is available
• Communication device for calling help if the bike cannot be recovered safely
Quick reminders
• Stop before making the bike more stuck.
• Take a minute to assess the situation before pulling, pushing, digging, or lifting.
• Make the area safe first, especially if other riders or vehicles may be coming.
• Turn the key off if the bike is down or stuck and you are not actively using the engine.
• Remove luggage if weight or bulk is making the recovery harder.
• Think about gravity and angles before lifting or dragging the bike.
• Make your first recovery attempt your best attempt.
• Avoid spinning the rear wheel until the bike digs in deeper.
• Be careful where people grab the bike. Mirrors, turn signals, exhaust pipes, and weak racks are poor pulling points.
• Give helpers clear direction so they do not get hurt or damage the motorcycle.
• Practice with recovery gear before you need it on the trail.
• Sometimes the smartest recovery is turning around and going back.