Water crossing tips

Water is great for adrenaline junkies. The fear of dumping your bike mid stream is quickly overcome by excitement when you make it to the other side. How can you ensure your fear does not become reality?

“Stand up and shift your weight slightly to the rear of the bike. Keep a loose grip on the bars and keep a consistent throttle.”

Not everyone can wheelie though a water crossing like a rock star. Many trips have come to an abrupt end based on a water crossing gone wrong.

What should I do?

The first thing to do is assess the water crossing, these are monocycles not jet skis. Taking your boots off wading into the water to find the depth, condition of the bottom and confirm the water is crossable via motorcycle.

Once you are committed to making the crossing do just that and be committed. Do not try to stop or change pace mid stream (literally). Approach the water at a slower pace carry enough momentum to make it across the crossing but not so much that you will hydroplane on entry. Stand up and shift your weight slightly to the rear of the bike. Keep a loose grip on the handle bars and keep a consistent throttle. You should always have one finger hoovering over the clutch for the unexpected. There may be loose rocks on the bottom of the stream which will cause your front end to want to abruptly turn right or left. Your hands should be there to limit this movement and keep the bike pointed in the proper direction. The tight grip on the bars will most likely cause what you are hoping to avoid.