Why a dab is not just about your foot
Balance on a motorcycle is often treated like something a rider either has or does not have. But low-speed motorcycle balance is a skill, and for adventure riders, it is one of the most important skills to develop.
In this Rider Skills episode, Jim Martin talks with Clinton Smout from the Smart Performance Centre in Ontario, Canada, about motorcycle balance recovery, counterweighting, and the power of the dab. At speed, a motorcycle has a lot working in its favour. But when the bike slows down — in a tight turn, on uneven ground, in gravel, sand, mud, or with the added weight of luggage — the rider has to do much more of the balancing.
Clinton and Jim look at how riders manage an adventure motorcycle at low speed using steering, peg weighting, body position, acceleration, counterweighting, and foot placement. They also get into one of the most misunderstood parts of off-road and adventure riding: the foot dab.
Is putting a foot down a failure, or can it be a useful motorcycle control technique? When does a dab help recover balance, and when can it create more problems? Why do some riders rely on their feet too much, and what does repeated dabbing say about confidence, clutch control, and balance?
This episode is about learning to feel the balance point of the motorcycle, understanding what happens when a bike starts to lean too far, and developing the slow-speed control needed to keep a heavy adventure bike from getting away from you.
Photo: Clinton Smout
Clinton Smout - SMART Adventure Programs/SMART Performance Centre:
Clinton Smout is the highly regarded chief motorcycle instructor and founder of SMART Adventures 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.
Web: SMART Performance Centre
DISCLAIMER: This segment is provided solely for informational purposes and should not be viewed as a substitute for formal rider training. It is highly recommended that you consult a certified professional trainer before attempting any of the discussed techniques, or proceed at your own risk. Canoe West Media, Adventure Rider Radio, SMART Adventures, SMART Performance Centre, and Clinton Smout accept no liability for any injuries or damages sustained, including but not limited to those affecting yourself, another individual, or a motorcycle. Your safety and the safety of others are of the utmost importance.
More RIDER SKILLS episodes at adventureriderradio.com/riderskills.