RIDER SKILLS: How To Stop Dropping Your Motorcycle At Slow Speeds

Image: Clinton Smout

We all know that a motorcycle is less stable at slow speeds, which is when so many falls happen. For street riders, it’s usually parking lots or roadside stops where slow tip overs happens, but adventure riders have an even higher tip over rate, just because of the nature of riding an adventure bike. We tend to ride on dirt, gravel, rocks, mud, over uneven and slippery surfaces and that’s part of the appeal of adventure riding.

How do we avoid falling over at slow speeds? What are the key ingredients that some riders have mastered so that they can slowly work their way around obstacles at slow speeds and not fall over? What’s the secret?

According to Chief Instructor Clinton Smout it comes down to four key points. And we are going to walk through those points and how you can improve them individually so that collectively you’ll become a higher skilled rider.

Clinton Smout - S.M.A.R.T Adventure Programs

On this episode of Rider Skills our instructor is Clinton Smout, from SMART Adventures in Ontario, Canada. Clinton has been riding his entire life and has been instructing for decades. He holds many certifications for training, everything from ATV’s to snowmobiles to motorcycles, but motorcycles are his true passion. 

Website: www.smartadventures.ca

Images: Clinton Smout


DISCLAIMER: This segment is not intended as a substitute for taking a rider training course. We recommend that you work with a professional trainer before trying any of the techniques discussed, or do so at your own risk. Canoe West Media, Adventure Rider Radio and Clinton Smout do not assume any responsibilities for injury and damages, including and not limited to, yourself, another person, motorcycle, etc. 

More RIDER SKILLS episodes at https://adventureriderradio.com/riderskills.


Adventure Rider Radio is the original and longest running adventure motorcycle and travel podcast and has been produced weekly since 2014! You can count on us to be there for you every Thursday with a new and exciting episode, we never miss a week. And we hope we can count on you for your support. Become a Patreon supporter for just $5 a month and get a sticker and ad-free listening. Make a one time donation of just $10 and we'll send you a sticker. A donation of $50 or more also gets you a shout-out on RAW. To become a supporter please head over to the Support page on our website. Thank you!


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Posted on December 15, 2022 and filed under Rider Skills.