Adventure Motorcycle Rider Training – From Zero to Sidekick with Motorrad Adventures...
- Gerard Browne
- Aug 9
- 4 min read
Have you ever wondered whether adventure motorcycle rider training in South Africa can truly change your riding life? Well, this is my story. From my first wobbly ride at age seven on a Honda CB50 to joining the Motorrad Adventures team as a coach-in-training, I’ve learned that the right skills, the right mindset, and the right coaching can transform your confidence both on and off the road.
Early Days: From Backyard Wheelies to Enduro Fun
I first learned to ride at seven years old. My brother gave me a crash course in motorcycle controls — then told me to start the bike, kick into first, give it some revs, and let the clutch out...
Noticeably missing? The word “slowly.”
The result? I dumped the clutch, popped a wheelie down the backyard, and left my brother on the ground shouting, “Pull the clutch!” It was wild, but I was hooked.
Fast forward three decades — I returned to riding with a passion for off-road and enduro. My 300cc two-stroke changed the game, letting me conquer technical terrain with new skills and confidence. But nothing prepared me for my next leap…
Enter the Big Bike: My KTM 1190 Adventure R...
After years on lightweight enduro bikes, I upgraded to the 250kg KTM 1190 Adventure R. I thought, “How different could it be?” The answer: very.
On a 100kg enduro bike, you can catch it when it tips. With a heavy adventure motorcycle, every technique matters. And that’s when I realised — enduro skills don’t translate 100% to adventure bike riding. I needed proper training.
Finding Motorrad Adventures...
Researching off-road adventure motorcycle rider training near Johannesburg, I discovered Motorrad Adventures. They were running a training special, so I invited a friend and signed up.
We arrived early, met our coaches Tim, Nadine and Elton, and kicked off with a morning theory session. Within minutes, I realised that, while some of my long-held beliefs and techniques were valid, others were completely wrong. The class introduced concepts that at first made little sense… but would soon change everything.
Practical Skills: Where the Real Adventure Motorcycle Rider Training Happened...
After lunch, we hit the training ground. We began with the emergency stop — a vital skill for any adventure motorcycle rider — before moving into slalom cones. Nadine’s calls of “Hips to me! Hips away!” scrambled my brain at first, but eventually I started to get it.
Then came my nemesis: the 6x6 metre U-turn box. On the hottest day of the year, wearing the wrong gear, dehydrated, and frustrated, I tried again and again — and failed every time.
We moved on to riding rocks, ruts, and washboard corrugations, where my enduro experience shone. But I wasn’t ready to give up on the U-turn. I kept trying between exercises… still no success.
The day ended with sand motorcycle riding training — a skill that intimidates many adventure motorcycle riders. Tim reminded me, “You are the boss of this bike; it’s not the boss of you.” With that in mind, and shouts of “POWER! POWER!” from the sidelines, I powered through the sand with confidence.
The Return: Conquering My U-Turn Nemesis
I booked the next month’s course — this time in the right gear, cool and comfortable. With encouragement from coach Elton (“Look up!”) and a fresh understanding of body positioning, I had my "aha!" moment during cone slalom motorcycle training.
When it came time for the 6x6 metre U-turn, I nailed it on my first try… and my second… and even in the opposite direction. Victory!
Why Training Changed Everything
That was the turning point. I realised I wanted to help other riders have their own breakthroughs — to see someone go from battling endlessly to riding with effortless control.
Nearly a year later, I’m proud to be a Motorrad Adventures Sidekick. After countless hours of theory and practical training, I’m part of a passionate team that helps riders master the skills needed for safe, confident adventure motorcycling.
Now it's Your Turn to Level Up
You’re never too old, too experienced, or too set in your ways to improve your riding. With professional adventure bike rider training and time in the saddle, you can conquer anything — whether it’s riding sand, ruts, rocks, steep climbs, or your own 6x6 metre box.
📅 Book a training session with Motorrad Adventures today and unlock a whole new world of off-road confidence. 👇 👇
If you're looking for the ultimate adventure motorcycle tour or training, you’ve come to the right place! At Motorrad Adventures, we bring years of experience, expert guides, and world-class support to ensure you have an unforgettable off-road motorcycle experience.
Since 2009, we’ve been crafting and leading epic motorcycle expeditions across the globe. Our team has successfully organised tours in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Namibia, and South Africa, helping countless riders tick off their bucket-list motorcycle adventures.
We’ve also had the privilege of working alongside some of the biggest names in adventure motorcycling, including Charley Boorman, Billy Ward, Claudio von Planta, Dylan Wickrama, SA Adventure, Moto Aventures, and Compass Expeditions.
Your safety is our top priority. Every Motorrad Adventures motorcycle tour includes:
✅ Fully equipped support vehicle & trailer with satellite communication and tracking
✅ Professional lead and sweep riders for guidance and support
✅ On-tour medic for added peace of mind
✅ A dedicated backup crew so you can ride at your own pace
With our experienced team by your side, you can push your limits while knowing you have the best support in the industry.
Royal Enfield Himalayan rental
We take care of everything—from planning scenic routes to securing top-quality accommodation and delicious meals. That means you get to focus on what matters most—riding and exploring. Whether you're navigating Namibia’s desert dunes, cruising through the rugged landscapes of South Africa, or crossing breathtaking salt flats, we ensure every moment is an adventure to remember.
So, if you’re ready to experience the motorcycle trip of a lifetime, click the button below and start your next great adventure! 👇
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