818-446-24502913 N Ontario St., Burbank, CA 91504Open 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Tuesday-FridayOpen 9:00 AM-5:00 PM SaturdayClosed Monday and Sunday
BMW Motorcycles of Burbank
With Shawn Thomas & Louise Coleen Powers
Saturday, November 14 & Sunday, November 15, 2026
BMW Motorcycles of Burbank invites you to spend a day learning how to handle your adventure motorcycle off pavement. Whether this is your first time in the dirt or you have been riding off-road for years, Shawn and Louise will help you become a better, more confident rider.
Big adventure bikes handle differently in dirt, gravel, sand, and other loose terrain. Some street-riding skills carry over, but others need to be adjusted. Good instruction lets you practice those differences in a safe environment, with someone there to help improve your skills.
Shawn Thomas is an internationally certified off-road instructor and BMW Brand Ambassador. He has spent 24 years teaching riders how to get more out of themselves and their motorcycles.
Louise Coleen Powers is a world traveler and adventure riding coach with more than 12 years of experience. At under 5’4″, Louise knows firsthand that you do not have to be tall or especially strong to ride a big adventure bike. Her own motorcycle is a BMW R 1300 GS Adventure.
The clinic begins with four basics: balance, braking, clutch control, and throttle control. Shawn and Louise explain each skill, demonstrate it, and give you time to practice. The exercises build on one another throughout the day.
One of the things Shawn and Louise hear most often is, “I can’t believe I can do that now!” They start with the basics and add one skill at a time, so the exercises feel challenging but manageable.
Bring your own motorcycle or rent one from RawHyde for $200 per day.
Yes. All makes and models of adventure and dual-sport motorcycles are welcome, provided the bike is suitable for off-road riding.
You do not need any previous off-road experience, but should already be comfortable riding a motorcycle. This is not a beginner learn-to-ride course; it teaches experienced street riders how to ride off pavement.
Dual-sport tires with at least 50% tread remaining are recommended. Knobby tires are welcome but are not required.
At minimum, riders must wear a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, long pants, a shirt, and closed-toe shoes. Full protective riding gear is strongly recommended, including a full-face helmet, armored jacket and pants, and off-road or dual-sport boots and gloves.
Tip-overs are a normal part of learning. Engine protection bars, a skid plate, valve-cover guards on BMW boxer-twin models, hand guards, radiator guards, and a headlight guard can help protect your bike. Larger footpegs and handlebar risers may also make the bike more comfortable to ride. Ask BMW Motorcycles of Burbank what makes sense for your motorcycle.
Bring plenty of water and a few snacks. A hydration backpack is especially handy because you can drink without taking off your helmet.
While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors can occur. Please verify all pricing and installed equipment information with a customer service representative. This is easily done by calling us or visiting us at the dealership.
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