7 Things I'm Doing Differently on My SECOND BDR Motorcycle Camping Trip

[@DorkintheRoad]

Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links: Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/3tYzpXq Amazon: amzn.to/3aDkk4z Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/4eMdJZ MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork Giant Loop: www.giantloopmoto.com/?ref=dork Save 20% on Gaia GPS Premium with this link: www.gaiagps.com/discounts/?fp_ref=dork Dork in the Road’s Riding Gear Picks on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3t8fgOC Dork in the Road’s Dual Sport Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3yzVuws Dork in the Road’s Adventure Bike Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3zGFHxg

[@thumpersquid]

I lost 30 lbs off my gut not the motorcycle and wow things are a lot easier for me. I'm in my fifties and needed to shed some pounds to stay active enough to ride. Dualsport riding inspired me to do it.

[@djantix1200]

Same here! I'm 49 and shedding over 20lbs has been the best improvement I have made so I can enjoy riding even more than I already have been. Ride safe!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yeah man. Congrats. That's the best and cheapest mod you can do to your bike to go faster and ride longer.

[@justsomedude445]

well done , im 55 and down 20# recently , half way to the goal

[@terrystratford1235]

I'm beginning to thi k I must do the Same! 5'10 18 stone!! Just bought jacket and trousers....4XL!!!!! Shop was struggling to fit me!!!

[@thumpersquid]

@@terrystratford1235 You can do it Bro! One step at a time for me. Rome wasn't built in a day LOL.

[@merlefisher2680]

Looking forward to the 'what's in my bags' video! Doing a BDR in 6 weeks!

[@TheWinger1008]

I don't like moto camping but do like off-road riding. So when I did the WABDR my wife met me at the end of each leg at a hotel she booked before hand. I can't tell you how much of a relief it was knowing someone was there when I rolled in dog tired. Plus there's the added safety factor of if I didn't show up she could start calling the authorities. So I think having your bike hauled to the beginning is a smart move. Stay safe.

[@dukegnarley]

This will be my 12th year riding BDR / other offroad routes. Started on a DR650 went to 690. 690 was perfect, but since we've done all the local routes our freeway time started to increase, so now I'm on an 890 with rally suspension. The other riders in my group have dabbled in small bikes, but are now back in mid weight adv bikes. After the first couple of BDRs, we learned to just chill out. Don't worry about finishing the route, just have fun. Ride until you want to camp, no need to aim for a specific camp site. I still pack a little bulky, but most of the bulk comes from fresh clothes and an oversized tool kit. I pack less food, as we usually eat at a restaurant once a day and hit up a gas station at some point. Don't forget some shorts to swim in and a packable camp towel. Leave some extra space in your bags for picking up items at the store while you're in town.

[@AT2021Rocker]

One of your best videos! All your points are very valid and logical! This is the DITR that I started following and learning from! Doing my second BDR this summer(WABDR) and enjoying the experience is so key! Hope you have an excellent ride!

[@ChopperChad]

I also backpack and learned real quick that weight and how much space gear occupies matter. There’s a saying that goes “you can be comfortable on trail or you can be comfortable in camp.” Finding that balance depends on the trip you’re doing and how much time you plan to spend in camp vs time on trail. Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain.

[@roysteves]

I definitely am glad I already have a bunch of lightweight gear from backpacking, too. Great point.

[@rvator7291]

Took the words right out of my mouth. alcohol stove, bowl, spoon , texas pete is my cook kit .Sometimes I take a bush buddy wood burner too. I preached the oz to lb thing to the scouts while getting ready for philmont in 2017. Some learned the hard way when they were trying to keep up with me at 60. I have recently upgraded to a nicer chair because at 66 getting up and down 20 times in camp is taking a toll on knees. Less stuff just makes packing up easier too.

[@wanderlpnw]

I think it's awesome your wife is coming along for the start. You'll have more fun with less stuff on the bike. 85 lbs of baggage is like a couple skinny 25yos going two up.

[@MotoCampNerd]

Good points on the anxiety aspect. I have similar anxiety issues and I have to do SOME planning so I feel prepared or else I get stuck in my head and not focused on the ride. There's definitely a sweet spot (of course everyone is different) between over and under planning where you get the good anxiety of experiencing something new but not the bad side of worrying about the new.

[@soldierboy425]

I remember my first big trip. I was packed down like I was going on year long excursion. These days. I barely bring anything.

[@RadicalLinguisticDescriptivism]

You really make me want to get into ADV and off road riding. I started on dirt bikes in my teens many years ago...but I've been a street boy for awhile now and your videos have me feeling like I need to try getting dirty again...

[@RadicalLinguisticDescriptivism]

oh also... can't wait to see clips of this BDR run! super excited for that!

[@DorkintheRoad]

You can do it! You won't regret it ;)

[@russellborn515]

Very timely, I'm hitting the ORBDR next week. Kinda doing the opposite of you, going from a DRZ to a Tenere 700. Love the DR, but keeping up with my buddies on the tarmac was not always fun. Hopefully the T7 won't be too much on the trail, did a few hours off-road on it last week and I think we'll get along fine.

[@pwinter_USAF_83]

I did half the NMBDR last year on my 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F. We couldn't finish due to the wildfires in New Mexico north of Interstate 40. This year I finished the NMBDR on my 2022 Tenere 700. I bought the Tenere for the same reasons that you cited...because it would be better on the pavement transfer sections. Having finished the NMBDR on the Tenere, my tool of choice for future BDRs will be the KTM or some other dual sport bike. Don't get me wrong, the Tenere is a great bike and very capable, but it's 200+ lbs heavier than my KTM and that extra weight is noticeable on the trail.

[@-SLOTH]

Sounds like you have your head on proper for this one. Excellent planning tips Ben. Thx for the share. I see Paul got your forks done. My turn next!! Let us know how the new EVO suspension is for you on this one. Best of luck, cheers!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Dude the suspension is SO GOOD

[@-SLOTH]

@@DorkintheRoad Happy to hear it!! No excuses now, lol.

[@doublex632]

I dragged about 60lbs of stuff up and down the Alpine Loop on a adv build KTM450, never again!! Learned a lot, now I know. good luck and thanks for the fun video's.

[@craigmccue2841]

Nice. I hope you all have a great trip and I hope the weather cooperates. For me personally, the lighter the better and that goes for the bike as well as packing. A good solid moto that is very capable of getting the job done is what I prefer. I sacrifice blacktop capability for better dirt capability because these routes are mostly off road and I don't want to expend extra energy handling a large heavy bike. Just my preference.

[@matthewarnold8100]

I did my first BDR on a KLR 650. As much as I love the KLR, I did my second on the much lighter KLX 250 and it made a world of difference. Next time I do a BDR, I'm going to work out a bunch beforehand so that I'm physically ready for it. It really is a beating physically, and if you're not ready for it, you can be in for a world of hurt. Thanks for a great video, as always.

[@bradwentz4607]

I've said this in several media posts so far, but I can't wait until the video!

[@givemeanaxe]

I need to go back down there (the region around the beginning of the ORBDR) and ride more. I didnt get to hit anywhere near as much dirt as I wanted.

[@onerider808]

Dear Mister Dork: sweet loadout and bike. I’ll KLR it this year and next, but get a KLX300 for “overland” BDR routes I make on my own. Good episode; thanks!

[@mkramsauer]

Sick explanation of your trip planning and testing you are confidence inspiring brother 👊

[@michaellauer3397]

Hey, thanks for describing the motorcycle and gear this time. probably be a good idea to have a similar introduction to your trip video.

[@sambomoto]

Great video! This helped me decide on a more streamlined rackless bag system instead of going with larger paniers as I plan for my first BDR trip in Colorado.

[@marcjohnson7882]

One item that I will include in my kit from now on is a small rechargeable air mattress inflator. These things are cheap, about half the size of a beer can and they double as a an electric bellows for stoking the campfire! While the fire is igniting, point this at the base of the wood stack and the fire will start unbelievably fast. USB rechargeable. Hello from Gasquet California, on California Oregon Hwy 199. You should ride this area sometime if you haven't yet, the Smith River is incredible.

[@ADV_Agenda]

I totally agree with you trucking your bike to the beginning, it's a definite game changer on a small bike!!

[@johnjenkins9202]

Sounds like you're going to have a lot more fun on your next trip. Attitude is half the battle. I like to slow my rides down and stop and enjoy the view. I think you might like my Big Brother's Army saying he taught me the five P's - prior planning prevents piss poor performance LOL hope you have fun and enjoy your Shakedown ride

[@CampingwithRadios_kg6dve]

My first multi night trip on the bike cost me a lot of money. When I got back I bought all new gear.. Now I overpack with all the right stuff. Lol. Have a fun and safe ride.

[@bobbyschroeder7068]

Thanks for the video! My friend and I are doing the T.W.A.T. (trans Wisconsin adventure trail) next weekend and I'm super excited

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Most excellent points Ben. 👍 I always take too much stuff, even when I’ve pared things down. It’s a good strategy for me to have smaller luggage.

[@josephthornton8560]

I look forward to seeing your loadout, shakedown and of course the BRD videos.

[@bricetetrick1457]

Sounds like you have thought this out well. Have fun!

[@mfranquemont1884]

I’ve done 3 BDR’s; 2 on 450 and one on 790. Trick with small bike is having trailer to start and trailer at end. Trying to do long connections (back to start/trailer/home) on small bike sucks. But while on trail 790 can be a bit much to handle. Either way less gear=more fun & less headaches. Dont overthink it, have fun and ride! Anxious to hear post ride debrief and detailed gear analysis.

[@canyonforkash731]

I attended adv fest in the black hills last year and am doing it again this year on my Africa twin. I was planning on doing the COBDR right after adv fest with my buddy this year but he had to back out after the fest. I’m planning on soloing the bdr and am definitely nervous about it but at the same time pretty excited.

[@geoffreykrueger5562]

I'm starting the OR BDR in a couple of weeks...a little nervous about it since it's my first BDR and my Africa Twin is a handfull. Maybe I'll see you out there. Have a great ride!

[@Droptineful]

Good luck and enjoy yourself!

[@toltod]

hauling your bike...sure makes sense to save wear on those knobbies.

[@osimnod]

Great advice humbly delivered, as usual. No need to apologize for taking a vehicle to the start point, especially several hours away on a thumper. Start fresh and enjoy the challenge from there. Anxious to see and hear your episodes. Are you packing a herfador?

[@DF4Trap]

It all makes sense. It will be interesting to see how you'll appreciate the more agile bike and lighter load out. For one, it should be easier to pick up in the sand. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomkatusa912]

Best of luck!!

[@whoscook4481]

Dork living the dream!

[@bryanmitchell5790]

Good luck, it’ll be a good trip, it sounds like you’re more prepared, more research, more thought went into this trip, you’ll do just great man, it will be great fun to watch, thanks for bringing us along

[@bradmootz2196]

Im 58 and doing my first multi day dual sport ride on my new CRF450RL in the Black Hills next month. Its with the Dakota 600 group, so we are staying at a resort each night, so different than a BDR for sure. But still a bit anxious on riding 4 days in a row for the first time ever.

[@charleetho]

Have fun on your ORBDR. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I plan to ride the COBDR the first week of July. The snow pack may have other plans for me. Bike is a 2022 KLR650 (how I found your channel). Thanks for reminding us to enjoy the ride and don't over focus on time and finishing to whole route.

[@MyADV360]

Excellent approach, hope there are less challenges on this one 👍

[@camotablet8073]

Just finished my first BDR, North East. I did go with the mindset I was riding to camp, and did overpack too. I planned it to be that way so it was Great! I used the BDR track as a guide to follow for a fishing trip around New England. Has been a bucket list thing for me and now it's just added a whole bunch more plans to my bucket. The next one I think I'll camp to ride also. Thanks for your valuable info. Happy Trails!

[@Michael_Shay]

I haven't done a long multi-day trip yet, but I use my UL backpacking gear when camping off my bike. My base weight luggage wise is about 20lbs plus tools/food/water. I use the GCAG system(2 20L dry bags), I'd love to try a GL system but my college student budget doesn't enable that and I already spend too much on this hobby lol. Light is the way to go.

[@danb7666]

Just finished doing most of WABDR. First time. What a rush, Clemens Mt., the washouts we’re awesome. High point for mad view atop Chumstick Mountain. So much I need to work on before going again.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Awesome dude

[@gusmerwin7028]

Sounds great , My first trip was from New Hampshire to Eugene Or and back and i took way to much stuff You are really on the right trak taking less. Love your 450 setup.

[@shassabo]

Nice setup! I purposefully bought a Reckless 40 for my DesertX so I wouldn't overpack as well. I had a lot of anxiety about it, but in the end it forced me to pack WAY less. I also see that new Insta 🤫I'm gonna order one of those for sure - I love the Go 2 already.

[@podthewelder]

Very nice!!! Planning on a couple ORBDR sections later this week!! I tend to pack a lot. 2 sleeping arrangements (hammock set up and tent w cott set up) full kitchen, tools, chair and table and what not. I’m a solo rider so I myself alone have to cover all bases!!! I hope to have a buddy ride with me at some point this summer but until then, it’s me and only me. I’m based in Portland if anyone needs a riding pal!! I am 100% self sufficient 🏍🤙🍻

[@YeahGroovyBaby]

Enjoy! 😊

[@jimhurkman8657]

Trucking your bike to the start of a BDR is like going mountain climbing and having a Sherpa carry you and all your gear to the top of Mount Everest. BDRs are for adventure bikes not Dual Sport bikes that is part of the challenge. The ride to the start of a BDR can be fun if you pace yourself and take a route less traveled, The ride back gives you time to reflect on your trip. Just plan a few extra days. A big adventure bike is very challenging in deep sand or slippery mud but as long as your not riding alone you just take your time and help each other get though it. Like we always say its all part of the adventure.

[@Mycatz]

Went off roading on a short easy trail near my house first time ever. One part had some ruts going down a hill I didn’t notice till too late. Almost broke my ankle. Definitely need to watch more videos and get more practice.

[@stopbreathereset958]

Nate @dirtlifestyle just posted his video of the Oregon BDR. Might give that a watch for a sneak peek.

[@2dollarbill650]

I like taking a comfortable bike slower than a uncomfortable bike faster. Then again, I'm just a road rider who happens to like dirt roads. It might be different if I lived in the western states.

[@Sconnie470]

Excellent video, thanks for the tips!

[@aBluegrassPicker]

I Love your attitude. Well done. I tarmac motocamp on a K1600. You took twice the gear on your first BDR than I do. LOL.

[@stevenjohn4]

Bike is looking sweet 👍🇦🇺

[@SuninSanDiego]

The thing that has always got me about the CRF450 is that if you look in the Official Honda owners manual for the bike, which is available as a PDF download, it states that the maximum weight allowance for the bike is 220lbs (100kg). That is the maximum weight that should ever be on the bike according to Honda motors. Rider, luggage, tools, all of it should be 220lbs or less. They even state in the owners manual that the total weight should NEVER exceed this capacity. I've always wondered what part of the bike was engineered to a point where the Honda engineers came to the conclusion that 220lbs is what they should rate it at.

[@Cajundaddydave]

You have learned well grasshopper. Bringing too much bike and too much stuff is simply exhausting and sucks the joy out of the ride. The big heavy 500lb "Adventure bike" is far better suited to 90% street/10% off road travel. You will lay it down and when you do it's gonna hurt. When attacking a BDR that is 95% off road, taking on the mindset of a through-hiker with minimalist gear and more capable off-road bike is the secret sauce. Plan every 3-4 days to make a stop at a state park or take a hotel room in a small town, eat in a local cafe, sleep in a bed, refresh your supplies. This relives a lot of the desire to bring EVERTHING and keeps you relaxed and fresh to enjoy the ride. It is an off-road adventure ride with friends, not a competitive endurance race. The Honda CRF450 should suit you well on this ride, enjoy!

[@squid148]

I have a KTM 500 and agree completely on all counts!

[@johnnyphoenix1223]

A hitch mounted motorcycle carrier could be ideal if planning to do it more often then you wouldn’t need to take an entire trailer for one bike

[@SlowEddie]

Heck yes dude. Imma go take some more shit outta my bags. Very much looking forward to the your ORBDR vids!

[@Warerdog24]

I can agree with most of your Ideas . However you must keep in mind how lucky you are to have 2 BDRs in your back yard. For most of us BDR are a much longer distance away . In my case it would be 750 miles to the east for the MABDR or 1800 to IdBDR . Both a long ride on the 450 Honda.

[@DorkintheRoad]

I'm not riding to the beginning. No reason why you'd have to if you wanted to do it on a smaller bike.

[@14sgs]

Awesome assessment. Ride on!

[@KENNETHedwardMitchell]

Agreed. Camp to ride not ride to camp. And, eat to ride not ride to eat! (Sometimes)

[@onemileattatime2642]

Fantastic REAL-WORLD & honest feedback from a great (poor) experience!

[@KahunaADV]

I know you have videos around what you packed for trips. Do you have one or a list of your "this is my ride to camp list" and this is my "camp to ride list"? It would be cool to compare directly the pack size, weight, etc. all in one place.

[@justsomedude445]

every trip i go on i take Less 'stuff' than the time before it seems !! we are doing the ORBDR in August but ill be doing it on my 901 so wish me luck 🤞🤞, i dont like sand & have a little nervous about that but i did the whole WABDR on it before i had the suspension fixed and carrying more gear than ima take this time so should be ok just might be some slower tough going for a while . we are renting a u-haul 1 way

[@GR1MKA1]

I'd like a build out video on the Honda 450. I'm bouncing back and forth between getting a KTM 500 or the Honda 450L for doing BDRs. I'd like to see what you did to your 450 with the intent of doing BDRs.

[@roysteves]

Thanks for all of your videos! Just bought a KLR-650s from Power (I'm just up in Salem) partially after chewing through a ton of your videos and others, weighing the pros and cons of a couple of options. Next up, some skills drills, maybe a course on heavier bikes (grew up with small dirt bikes), and most of all exploring!! Anyway, just wanted to toss my appreciation your direction.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Awesome! You'll love it!

[@terrystratford1235]

I got the AT with aluminium side panniers. I think I need the top box and a roof rack😅😄😃

[@vulcandj]

Will you be doing section 1 and 2 that go through Lake County? I’ve been out in the Oregon High Desert and it can be a bit rocky through some of it. And if you stop in Plush, they make great burgers. I love the videos. You do a great job.👍🏼

[@tcb333]

Great advice.

[@WhY_ADV]

Curious, if the 450 is your BDR slayer, what is your Tenere for anymore? I'm thinking of turning in my Tiger 800xc for the same crf 450.

[@DavidHain-TX]

Very good info

[@ne-adv]

Thumbs up. Spend a bit of camping time with the loved one before you separate for a week. And doing it camping. Yeah. Wisdom. Creds.

[@ryanwallner]

Is there a breakdown of what’s in the bags this time vs last time?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Not yet...

[@IRLtrolls]

Totally agree with “starting fresh” riding a Dualsport 5-6 hours then starting the off-road section fucking sucks!

[@jrdepew]

Valid adjustments. 73, the TAT and 4 BDRs and my luxury item is a chair. Gotta have my chair! OBDR This month too. Solo so far. @jrdepew

[@renotimberwolf2139]

I noticed you don’t have a front fender bag. Is there a reason why you don’t use one?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Haven't needed one yet but considering running one for my tire changing kit for this trip. Haven't worked out the final bag setup yet.

[@brentmiller5830]

Thanks for the great content. Based on your experience and opinion, if you had one motorcycle with the primary purpose of BDR adventures such as the Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado, would you pick the T7, Norden 901, or a dual sport like your current set up?

[@Dad_Woof]

I’m taking a Kawasaki KLX 230 👍

[@yowser8780]

Hopefully you have a after-market gas tank on that Honda ?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yes 3 gallon IMS

[@Channel323]

Im new to all of this and have been looking at beginner adventure bikes and electric bikes for moto camping and what not. Seeing this and just now learning about "BDR", I have a few questions, 1) I live in Massachusetts and I see that (section 3) of "the NEBDR" is in Mass (western Mass), my question is do you have to start at pt. 1 of a BDR and 2) can you use an Ebike on a BDR route? I did see that new Honda XR150L, its affordable and i think, it would be the only ICE Moto I would get, but im still looking for an electric bike that could handle the BDR or the NEBDR. Any responses would be awesome as I am new and still learning. Any advice or point me in the right direction to figure out this info on my own would be great. Awesome videos def subbed and will be back to get more info from you. Thanks Brotha!!

[@bpound4139]

On a different note, have you expanded your first aid kit given what you encountered last year? After watching that guy with the broken leg, I determined my FA/Trauma kit was vastly lacking, and am rolling with a MUCH more expansive kit.

[@ddg9584]

Another question: Have you dialed in that 450 the way you want it? It no longer flames out? Meaning that it is now on par with KTM 500excf? If so, that's awesome.

[@tennyis28]

What tank bag is that I thought the larger ones didn't work with IMS

[@MyADV360]

Hey Tenny, looks like the Giant Loop Diablo, slightly smaller than the Fandango 👍

[@DorkintheRoad]

Diablo

[@burtonparsons7717]

Did you do a pay tour, or did you do it on your own?

[@nickschuler4203]

Are starting in Nenino or Fields?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Fields. Gotta get that milkshake before we go.

[@nickschuler4203]

@Dork in the Road Yeah ya do!

[@BadMedizin]

👍👍👍🤘

[@KingFriday274]

What is the rackless saddle bag system that you have?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Giant Loop Coyote

[@tjs201971]

What would be a great dual sport for a beginner in the BDR? I am looking at crf450 and crf650 plus dr650 and drz400.

[@ronswihart176]

I never heard of bdr until this year. Is there maps?

[@DorkintheRoad]

ridebdr.com

[@ronswihart176]

Second question is there a possible two up 650 or less used bike you would recommend. Think heavier than you and a regular wife?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Not really, no. You're gonna need more than 650cc with 2 people to be comfortable on the highway.

[@tlasaracina7]

What is a BDR?

[@JAES1]

yes at 120 I need to get it under 100... goals\;]

[@shj2000]

You said BDR about a hundred times. What is BDR?

[@itsFritz]

You lost weight on your bike, bags, and gear. The elephant in the room would ask where else could you lose weight? Love the videos and keep up the great work

[@phatsmitty]

Not sure if you are a great orator or just have the gift of gab. Both make a great teacher, individually or collectively. Nicely done. Keep doing what you do and contribute to go fund me phatsmitty (need a 450L to park & ride next to my T7, and lots of riding lessons) Just kidding. But not about the lessons.

[@njw6146]

dude whats up with all the blubber?