Dual Sports Fall Like Dominos: Riding the Honda CRF300L Rally Off Road at Giant Loop Ride 2023

The best part of the annual Giant Loop ride is all the amazing dual sport riding that is nearby. This year, I set out on my Honda CRF300L Rally to take on the King Mountain Loop, a multi-surface ADV ride with a stop at the super cool Pine Mountain Lookout before descending through some forest roads and sandy two track to the town of Burns, Oregon.
Along for the ride was ‪@ExploreAdventureMoto‬ on his Honda Africa Twin, ‪@pnwadvmoto‬ on his KTM 500 EXC-F, and Larry (also on a 500 EXC-F). We had a blast navigating our ADV motorcycles up into the high country and back down to the southeastern Oregon desert before heading back to camp at the 2023 Giant Loop Ride.
Dual sport riding on the Honda CRF300L is never boring, and this ride was a blast, despite multiple drops and Larry knocking me over while gracefully dismounting his bike.
SUBSCRIBE for more adventures, how-tos, gear reviews, and moto shenanigans!
bit.ly/dorkintheroad
Check out www.dorkintheroad.com for all your dorky motorcycling needs!
Want early access to videos and other perks? Become a channel member: / @dorkintheroad
Merch Store: teespring.com/stores/dork-in-...
Instagram: / adorkintheroad
TikTok: / dorkintheroad
Support me on Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=26709234
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...
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
Select music courtesy of Epidemic Sound. Use this link to get a free 30-day trial: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Camera Gear:
Insta360 One RS: www.insta360.com/sal/one_rs?i...
Insta360 X3: www.insta360.com/sal/x3?insrc...
Insta 360 One RS Mic Adapter: store.insta360.com/accessory?...
Insta 360 Motorcycle Kit: store.insta360.com/accessory?...
Insta360 Extended Edition Selfie Stick: store.insta360.com/accessory?...
Thank you for supporting the channel by clicking on the affiliate links in this description.
Disclaimer for reasons: I am not a professional journalist, expert motorcycle rider, or a mechanic. These videos are for entertainment purposes and represent my personal opinions and experiences. I'm just a dude who isn't even good at riding or making videos, so be smart and don't risk life or limb trying to follow my example or advice.

[@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

[@davidh9452]

I’ve been filling your content for a while. You had me looking at the KLR 650 but now I’m considering the crf300 rally. Can you give a good estimate as to how much all the add ons were to make it such a good bike? Thanks

[@theorthobiker]

The dad jokes and puns XD

[@ski102426]

Been really thinking about getting a 300L so I’m here for all that content.

[@soilsmanadv6673]

That helpful filming of the 600lb lift was awesome...probably reduced the lift weight by 1/3..Loved it!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Great ride, music (loved the MADTV music Dave uses in his intros. I don’t know the music’s actual name) and the editing at the look out on the 360 was cool ! The 300 Rally looks perfect for those trails.

[@advredbikes]

Hi Ben, great content, amazing views and trails, thank you

[@solidsnake2665]

16:50 we’ll moooooo on haha. Stay dorky Dork.

[@TheDeadeye5]

I know it's not the crf300, but I recently picked up one of the new XR150L's. It's good having a dual sport again, even if it is a tiny engine haha. Hoping to get into stuff like this on my new XR soon.

[@dirtcopdualsport]

That is a really cool bike! I've been eyeballing them too

[@TheDeadeye5]

@@dirtcopdualsport it definitely is

[@dstubby82]

7:30 Flat earthers: I KNEW IT! 😁

[@daniels781]

Decided to get a new Tenere 700 to learn ADV riding. Your content got me hooked thanks for opening me up to this new sport

[@DorkintheRoad]

Great bike!

[@mcgilm69]

Beautiful country for riding. Camera work is great because of the stabilization...but the bovine jones...YIKES!

[@mkramsauer]

Hahaha that was so awesome brother 👊 definitely need to do this next year

[@DorkintheRoad]

Highly recommended.

[@ihl2003]

Your editing is really top notch. Congrats on all the success with the channel!

[@Alex_556]

Great ride Ben! Nice to see familiar places again :) I've done King Mtn on Sat as well but in opposite direction.

[@bigdave6194]

I really need to go out that way. The amount of available riding out there is mind boggling compared to here in the southeast

[@Kephartable]

This part of Oregon is mostly public land so you can almost ride anywhere there is a road trail

[@Crittermoto]

Good good times! 👍🏻

[@kenkayser9337]

It was a lot of fun. Hope to go next year but its our 25th anniversary. Going to Moab maybe put bike behind jeep

[@stevecarmack6267]

Beautiful ride 👍

[@MetallaCaine]

Nice to see another fan of the classic Barnyard. Great video dude.

[@leighhill9185]

Cows are cowardly haha love it, great vid

[@LenaScott-numoto1]

Really beautiful FASTER hiking trail 😂 thanks for more great content!!

[@OscarSchneegans]

Come on, Honda! Give us a CRF450L Rally with 6,000 mile oil change intervals!

[@MidCoastAdventures]

Great ride made, pretty cool lookout 😎👍

[@DorkintheRoad]

It was a great day

[@jeffferguson899]

Ok i am going next year. see you there dork

[@Badhagis]

"Cowtastrophy"...LMAO, priceless!!

[@givemeanaxe]

Seems awefully well maintained for a no longer used site. Also, I wish I had asked to ride with you all that day. What great ride.

[@94SexyStang]

Falling is part of the game!.....Never think you're "above" that...Ever.....Very dangerous mentality to have because that's how you end up Trapped under a bike. Any rider who's dropped quickly learns, if the bike is going, Let it go.....get out of the damn way! Lol.....save your energy to lift, instead of trying to fight a losing battle as the bike tips over.

[@Argo-F-Ur-Sef]

Hahaha, I only fell in the challenge course. Good times!

[@oneshoepilot3943]

funny engaging content Ben!

[@DorkintheRoad]

Thanks for watching!

[@tomdoe4295]

How does one find these events before they happen? I keep watching videos after the fact and missing out on what looks to be a lot of fun.

[@scottbroyles2114]

Love seeing the differences in riding styles between you and Travis, he rides like he's on fire and there is water at the top of the hill, you pick a little better lines, not sure if this is because you're a bit under powered on the 300, or if it's just a riding style. Either way, fun to see the differences

[@DorkintheRoad]

Trav isn't one for self preservation or forethought. ;)

[@BadMedizin]

👍👍👍🤘

[@ken503]

Sometimes a meadow is just a meadow and sometimes the woods smells like the woods. 😅

[@louispaulter8733]

I hope before 2023 ends you can put a Kawasaki 300 Versys thru your usual SOP testing. It appears to be a 40 - 30 - 30 Light Adv bike at a fighting weight class below the KLR 650. Esp. If it can be fitted with a similar “Adventure Kit” that’s available for the KLR 650. The CRF 300 Rally is sweet but I’m interested in more comfort at 55 - 65 - 70 mph for all day touring along with urban and off-road mild exploring. Regardless your content is always top notch informative and fun !!!

[@Haul_Road_Rat]

Sub'd @ Moooov on. This is the kinda content im here for really.

[@randomkadrmas2630]

I talk to myself all the time as well, but its not my fault. Sometimes even I need expert advise 😂

[@IRQ1Conflict]

Your repertoire of bovine punditry is impressive.

[@Thoraxe0987]

Really want to make this my first bike, but I worry about seat height and suspension. Although maybe suspension doesn't matter to someone just learning and not doing anything intense.

[@DorkintheRoad]

Both are fine. I started on a 250L and learned a ton on it. Sit on one before you write it off because of seat height. The sag puts you a lot closer to the ground than you think.

[@valkyr_rl7169]

​@DorkintheRoad not many motorcycle dealers seem to have them in inventory. I'd love to test one out!

[@wrenchmonkey3920]

I just made the 300 rally my 1st. Im 5'10" plus used to 40" mtn bike seat. Never thought I'd find one.

[@ssmith278]

Ben, your narration cracks me up. "...I'm NARRATING. I don't always talk to myself this much. That's a lie! I do, but that's why I just started filming it." LOL Also, after you said "Thick and deep", I was saying your next line at the same time you were. Keep it up!...whoops...I unintentional just left myself open for another "that's what she said" comment. Great vids, bro!...except now I think I need to get a smaller bike for riding the Backcountry Discovery Routes. Have you seen Moto Giant's descent of Black Bear Pass? It looked hairy and scary. Whoops, there I go again. :)

[@wandererscott]

LOL "Short Guy Problem"!!! I'm 5'10" with a 30" inseam. It's more of a stumpy leg problem for me. I don't think there is a single knobby equipped motorcycle that I can flat foot! Not one with suspension anyway!😂

[@svobodamike]

Just picked up a 450RL to really get out there and play. How do you like the 300L vs your 450?

[@brianfackrell4139]

The Dork jokes were mooving.

[@TheKingsapostle]

What editing software do you use?

[@pajo2460]

Thought i seen a Cowasaki on the trail or was it ?🤔

[@JohnSmith-rp8uh]

Thumbs up for Moooooove on w/o listening to the rest...😂

[@robertsmith7130]

A little off in timing. I just watched your apology video! Personally I enjoyed the little insights into your world. But I understand the dilemma your face. So here’s just a thank you for what you bring us. The way I look at it is, if the “DORk” can do it then this 73 year old can! 😂

[@ggs0605]

I want to get the 300L Rally with ABS if could actually find one b4 it’s gone! 😅

[@DorkintheRoad]

Yeah they're really hard to find these days

[@samtheman1287]

legit watercrossing 🤣

[@retiredbiker]

I see you all sorts of bikes and I'm curious, if you could only have one, which one wouold you choose between the CRF300 Rally or the CRF450RL? I've seen you on both. I currnetly have the HD Pan America Special and absolutely love this bike. But I tossing around the idea of a second bike to through around in the woods. The problem I have is having to ride quite a distance to get to the woods.

[@DorkintheRoad]

If I had to ride a distance I'd get the 300L. If I were close or trucking to the woods I'd get the 450. They are VERY different bikes though so if you're not an experienced rider the 450 is not for you.

[@retiredbiker]

@@DorkintheRoad Thats the struggle I have at this point. I started riding at 6 and have had bikes pretty much my whole life, I'm 58 now, living in Central Florida. The riding here is pretty much sand or mud and the big bike doesnt like either. Although it's perfect for long distance rides over any conditions. Being 210 lbs i'm afraid the little 300 wont be up to the task of carrying me around. And the 450 is limited by its 2 gal gas tank. I really wish Honda would make a mid size adv bike.

[@tarjas]

@@retiredbikerlightly used DR650 customized to taste. Do it all and only a few lbs heavier than the rally.

[@retiredbiker]

@@tarjas just can’t bring myself to buy a Suzuki 🤣

[@tobynewman5450]

​@@tarjas I have the dr-z 400, wanting to upgrade because it's not the greatest on the highway. Is the dr650 a lot better on the highway compared to the 400, or marginally better, in your opinion?

[@bluhoss4768]

May I ask what GPS unit is on your 300L? Thank you 😊

[@DorkintheRoad]

Garmin Zumo XT

[@MrNicklasson87]

Is the rally similarly competent offroad as the standard 300L? I like the increased travel capability of the rally but if it makes the bike much worse I might reconsider. I live in Sweden so mostly twin track as single is against the law unfortunately.

[@maxw576]

How easy is it to link up with other riders if you attend on your own?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Very easy and we're working on ways to make it even more easy for next year.

[@eyemanm6045]

I weight 230 lbs will this bike be good for someone as heavy as me?

[@darksidemachining]

Wow… @07:26 the camera takes at least 50 lbs off. Who is that skinny dude. 😉

[@ericduarte4307]

Where did you say you didn’t like the 300L?

[@DorkintheRoad]

I said I didn't get the rally

[@ericduarte4307]

@@DorkintheRoad can you explain? Didn’t get the niche of the bike?

[@ggs0605]

Are these trails on gps systems to find on your own? Thank you!

[@DorkintheRoad]

They're part of what you pay for when you sign up for the GL Ride, but if you just put the lookout into your GPS I'm sure it'll route you there.

[@paulgoss7596]

request..... I know it will be expensive, but can you use a better camera with better focus on the road ahead?

[@maakamakana7007]

' Could be Mud ' as if it was some sort of evil thing, man , you make me laugh..

[@ctjanney]

Literally laughed out loud at "I'm narrating. I don't usually talk to myself this much...well I do, so I just started recording it" DUDE That's me too! Need to invest in a gopro. Hahaha!!

[@leeinwis]

I got da two fiddy , almost as good .

[@eyemanm6045]

Does the CRF300LRally have a better suspensión than the CRF300L?