Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: tchinkov on December 03, 2014, 01:29:54 PM
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I am planning a trip to Alaska in the second half of June 2015 on my 2011 C14 which by then will still have less than 4000km/2500mi on it. I know the C14 is not the best bike to ride on the Dalton Highway in Alaska but it is all I have :) . I live in Canada, in Calgary, Alberta. I want to make the trip with the minimum possible reasonable bike maintenance (during the trip). The distance from Calgary to Deadhorse and back is about 8500km/5300mi. I am looking for any advises of how to prepare my C14 for this trip. I am planning to install brand new Michelin PR4 GT tires prior leaving and I hope that they will last enough to return home safe. I had about 13 000km/8000mi on my previous set of Michelin PR3s B-spec (on my previous, same model and year C14 on which I made about 30 000 km/19000mi) so I believe that the PR4s GT being designed for heavy ST bikes should do the job. I will change the engine oil with high quality Castrol Power RS 4T synthetic oil just prior leaving and not changing it while on the trip. I will also change the final gear oil. I plan to bring additional tool set, small compressor, flat tire repair set, spare fuses, spare bulbs, duct tape and wire ;) for emergency repairs. I am considering to purchase a small emergency jump start device (any ideas?). I will have a CB Radio with me as there is no cellphone coverage there. While riding to and from Alaska I will sleep in a tent which means that the bike will be heavily loaded with camping/cocking gear. While in Alaska I will sleep in hotels/motels. I am planning to temporary leave the camping/cooking gear in a hotel in Fairbanks which will reduce the load on the bike and hopefully make it easier to handle thru the bad paved portions of the Dalton Highway. This is the plan so far. Any advice you guys can give is highly appreciated. I am mostly looking for advices in the technical part as the long ride comfort is more of a personal think. Thank you in advance.
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There's a lot of questions in your post and most I shouldn't attempt to answer. However I can say that I have read a bunch of good things about the PPS, or Micro - start batteries.
Here is a link for them and I have seen good prices on Amazon
http://themicrostart.com/products/micro-starts/ (http://themicrostart.com/products/micro-starts/)
Your trip sounds like a good trip. I'm sure the scenery will be fantastic.
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It sounds like you've got a pretty good plan in place. I've never done that ride, but the guys I know that have all say the same thing- bring some good mosquito repellent!
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There's a lot of questions in your post and most I shouldn't attempt to answer. However I can say that I have read a bunch of good things about the PPS, or Micro - start batteries.
Here is a link for them and I have seen good prices on Amazon
http://themicrostart.com/products/micro-starts/ (http://themicrostart.com/products/micro-starts/)
Your trip sounds like a good trip. I'm sure the scenery will be fantastic.
Good stuff, thank you sailor_chic.
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It sounds like you've got a pretty good plan in place. I've never done that ride, but the guys I know that have all say the same thing- bring some good mosquito repellent!
That goes in my list right away, tnx Racer Boy.
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I would invest in a shield for your headlight assembly... trucks going the opposite direction as you throw rocks, many rocks and debris... and that assembly is expensive and you won't be able to replace it in BFE Alaska!
Fuel... fuel stops? Have you looked in to how far apart gas is on your route and availability? What was there last year may not be there this year.
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I would invest in a shield for your headlight assembly... trucks going the opposite direction as you throw rocks, many rocks and debris... and that assembly is expensive and you won't be able to replace it in BFE Alaska!
Fuel... fuel stops? Have you looked in to how far apart gas is on your route and availability? What was there last year may not be there this year.
I will have about a gallon of spare gasoline with me. The headlight protector goes in my list. Thanks!
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Siphon hose too.
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Siphon hose too.
Never thought of this, thanks.
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Never thought of this, thanks.
It's better to have and not need it, than to need it and not have it... and it packs light. If you are on the side of the road and need gas, this is the cheese! 8)
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Moose/Bear/Wolf/Mosquito/Rain repellant.
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Moose/Bear/Wolf/Mosquito/Rain repellant.
Might want to add some police repellant too :)
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Potholes/Mud/Snow/Grumpy Truckers/The Palin family repellant.
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Potholes/Mud/Snow/Grumpy Truckers/Palin repellant.
Well if we are going that far, might want to carry a spare body or two.
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You may want to have someone with you that cant run as fast as you. In the event of a bear encounter. I'm just sayin'....
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Check out Rick's Alaska trip on a C-10 a couple of years back. This is part one of seven parts on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T578lzlENSY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T578lzlENSY)
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3M paint protection...
Before I started our 4k mile trip to the middle of australia and back (we are posted in Canberra right now), I ordered the tankslapperz 3M protection film for the bike. It took a little bit of fiddling but once on it seems bullet proof. Its only like $100 for every surface of the bike, or you can just buy the headlight, front fairings, etc. I did the actual 3M single use stuff, not the static cling crap.
I did it for all the high rub areas (tank, side panels) plus the front fairing. It saved the paint from 4k miles of chips, bugs, boot scratches, etc. And it's practically invisible. I had to point it out to fellow Concours riders, that it was even on. I had planned to peel it off after the trip and replace it, figuring it would be toast, but the damn stuff cleaned right up and I've left it on there.
100% recommend it. think this is the website- thetankslapper.biz
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3M paint protection...
This goes in my list as well, thanks!
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+1 for the Tankslappers /3M paint protection. It takes a little while to put on, but worth it.
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Word from the wise.... If you get the 3M protection, get it installed professionally by someone who does that for a living, otherwise you'll be posting in the what makes me crazy and annoyed thread.
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Radiator protector, travel as light as practical and keep heavy items packed lowest. You may want to consider a dusk mask. Drop protection such as canyon bars.
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Radiator protector, travel as light as practical and keep heavy items packed lowest. You may want to consider a dusk mask. Drop protection such as canyon bars.
These are all good stuff, RIP50AK. Thanks. I have tip over protectors (Top-Block) and radiator cover and will probably install a fender extender to even better protect the radiator. I have never thought about dusk mask but it's a good idea. Goes in the list :)
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Oil filter protector from Murph.
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Oil filter protector from Murph.
I will consider an oil filter protector, thanks Jim.
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I went in 2008. First point as soon as you hit the Alaska Highway GET GAS!!! NEVER, I MEAN NEVER, PASS A GAS STATION without stopping and topping off !! This will make sense later! The tip about mosquito repellant is a good suggestion, but the Alaska state bird don't care about no stinkin' repellant!! Get the best anti-fog shield money can buy, it's worth every penny!! I got to the point that I didn't take of my helmet. Somewhere I have a pic of the 3 TRILLION skeeters attacking my face shield, these things are SERIOUS, like in the cartoons serious! You have been warned! I bought one of those mesh hoods, but it was never handy when we stopped. So I can't talk about it's effectiveness. I NEVER saw anyone else using one though, so I have my doubts... YMMV
Get yourself a water bottle with the little pop up nozzle like on a bicycle water bottle. The idea is you will NEED to hose off your radiator (I did) because the gunk gets in there and blocks things. So being able to pull over and kind of blast it out it helpful. You can use water from just about anywhere to rinse. When empty, that squeeze bottle rolls up to the size of a crushed soda can. Keep it where you can easily access it. I took two 10' lengths of 30amp wire (The red and black wires only) and put aligator clips on either end. I made makeshift jumber cables out of them. I didn't need them, but my dad did. They coil up fairly small. I didn't have any problems with rocks or derbris flying at me. When you see a vehicle coming from the other direction, you will naturally move away from them.
I would suggest keeping a can of Bear Repellant where you can reach it at ANY time!! I had a situation where a cager stopped in the middle of the road to take a picture of a BIG BROWN BEAR. It could have been a Grizzly, Kodiak, Brown I don't know it was freaking big! They were stopped, and I rolled up about a car length behind them. I had no idea why they were stopped. Then up out of the weeds on the other side of the road this behemoth presented itself. It proceeded to saunter across the road to our side. All the while it was VERY interested in the people taking pictures in the car. Just as he did a truck headed the other direction pulled up next to the car, blocking my escape route. This monster is less than 50 feet from me! There was no way I could turn around without getting off the road and into the weeds, which I felt would instantly cause me to tip over. I could see the cell phones flashing away. Then it happened. The bear saw me. Bright light, dressed in black riding gear from head to toe.
Just as the bear began to lumber towards us, the car pulled away. We gave the bear a wide berth, and slipped past it. IF it would have charged, there was absolutely nothing we could have done! I have NEVER felt so helpless in my life!!
TAKE YOUR TIME! There is so much to soak in and see. We tried with a tight schedule, and you miss so much! Obviously get the Milepost magazine! It has all the information about gas stations, and food, loging and such. The one thing the Milepost DOESN'T mention is that the BP station 5 miles up the road closed at noon because someone had to run an errand or, meet the cable guy. So don't get yourself into the situation where you NEED them to be open. 1 Gallon of gas will get you 40-50 miles if you are lucky! There are plenty of stretches of 60+ miles between towns. I packed one of these http://www.campingatv.com/home/store/atv-accessories/atv-fuel-packs/2-gallon-gas-pack/ (http://www.campingatv.com/home/store/atv-accessories/atv-fuel-packs/2-gallon-gas-pack/) shop around you can find deals on them. I stood mine up against my top case and packed in front of it.
I don't want to sound like I am preaching, but those were my expereinces....I can't wait to go back! I'm still trying to figure out a fix for those damned skeeters!
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These are all very helpful tips, thank you stlheadake! Did you ride your C14 on this trip?
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Oil filter protector from Murph.
Does that need protection?
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It does on the 08/09s as the filter is closer to the road. It's been relocated on the gen 2 bikes, but considering the conditions of heading to Alaska and for the price, it's cheap insurance. It also wards of elephants as I haven't seen one on the road, since I've been using it.
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It does on the 08/09s as the filter is closer to the road. It's been relocated on the gen 2 bikes
I only knew about the oil pan being modified so that the drain plug faces forward instead of downward. I didn't know they also moved the oil filter. How much was it moved? Was it done to prevent damage?
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Dunno.
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Radiator protector, travel as light as practical and keep heavy items packed lowest. You may want to consider a dusk mask. Drop protection such as canyon bars.
People suggest these. But I've been 90,000 miles, tons of them off roading and on gravel roads, and never had a prob with my radiator.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/X%20country%20trippin/20110708-DSC_1451.jpg)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/X%20country%20trippin/20110713-DSC_1832.jpg)
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People suggest these. But I've been 90,000 miles, tons of them off roading and on gravel roads, and never had a prob with my radiator.
Yes I rode my C14 to Alaska
I +100 Steve above! I have ridden my C14 MANY MANY miles on gravel and 'dual sport' roads. I've never had an issue. I did accidentally bottom it out dragging the oil pan over a dirt/gravel berm on a back road. The issues I had with my radiator were more related to the crap hanging up on the shield. I don't have an oil filter protector, I don't have a headlight protector, and I've never had a problem. I DID catch a small rock on my ride into work, and now have a small spider web in my windshield. There is no protector for that....
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stlheadake, what tires you used, and how they performed on the unpaved parts of the Dalton highway? did you go to the end (Deadhorse)?
nice pictures stevewfl :)
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It's cheap insurance. Going to Alaska is a different ball game. Hole your radiator and you could be screwed. There is no tow truck at the end of your cell phone. No Kawi dealer in town. Just because somebody has not needed it doesn't mean anything.
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I left Southern Ca early August with a fresh set of the PR 4 GT's and rode up through the Yukon and up the Dalton and back on the same set of tires. They held up well. I think the few of us from So. Cal put close to 10,000 miles on our bikes. Not sure how everyone else's tires turned out, though a buddy of mine on an RT had even longer life on his tires. His were not new when we left and he rode them for a month or so after we got back. He wasn't on PR's, not sure what he used.
For the most part, The Dalton is compacted dirt with golf ball size rocks scattered all over the road, either loose or embedded in the dirt. It is pretty bumpy and rattled the C14 pretty well for the entire ride. The bike held up well and made the ride with no break downs or significant issues. Your bike will handle the road, just take it easy and recognize that your speeds will vary greatly depending on the road conditions and terrain in each section.
We were fortunate in that we had no rain and only a few sprinkles for most of the entire trip. Since most of the Dalton is hard packed dirt, the bike rode well. In some places the road was composed of an inch or so of loose packed dirt. When it was dry it was comfortable. The road crews continually wet sections of the road they are working on with a solution in order to keep the dust down. This created a very slippery surface. I think some have referred to this as "slippery as snot" in other forums. This is pretty accurate. The bike wanted to fish tail a little bit as well as pitch to one side or another. If you go slow, you can ride through it. I think I was down to 10-20 MPH, just to get through it. These areas tended to be a mile or two at a time, though it felt like 20 miles. The bike made it , though the radiator was caked over with this red clay like mud. As someone suggested bring water to wash off the radiator when you can.
There was gas up and down the highway when I went, though you do have to plan it out. Riders the day before us found one of the gas stops was out of gas. I called on our departure day and that stop had been refueled. Two of us brought gas cans for our group and we didn't need them. I can tell that if I was going again, I would bring them. The siphon hose is a good idea as there was enough traffic on that rode that you should be able to flag someone down, for a gallon if needed.
Riding up the Yukon, one of our group ran out of gas. Like someone already said...what was there before may not be there. One of our group decided he could make the next gas stop. "The "next" gas stop on his GPS was out of business. We wound up using a siphon hose to get him going again...lesson learned.
We didn't experience a lot of mosquito's, on this trip, though when we did, they were big and relentless. Riding gear and leaving the helmet on seemed to work.
As others have stated also, the animals you hope to see are right there along the side of the road. I have pictures of Bear, moose, bison, mountain goats, etc. . In some cases the bear walked out onto the road as we were approaching. Getting past them took patience and caution. Since reverse isn't an option we stayed way back a ways until they moved on and or off the road. The Bison were laying down on the road along the both sides of the Yukon Hwy. They had no interest in getting up or moving either, so we had to slow roll past them, one at a time. Made for some great pictures on the Go Pro.
I got a lot of my information for this trip, from the Adventure Rider forum (Advrider.com) . Lots of Alaska info and ride reports to help.
It was the trip of a lifetime and something you will always remember. Enjoy and plan out your stops.
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Very valuable info and advises, thanks riverbound51
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@riverbound, your summary of your trip sounds quite nice. It certainly makes me want to plan such an adventure.
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Aftermarket radiators are available on ebay for $150. (motomart11) Could be tough finding room in the luggage though.
I've had my 14 on un-paved passes in Colorado with little drama, but would hate to have dropped her there...
Maybe better to ride something you could pick up off of yourself, by yourself if you had to.
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Maybe better to ride something you could pick up off of yourself, by yourself if you had to.
Oh, I never even considered he was going completely alone. That sounds particularly scary. With my C14 lowered and my being small, the one time it fell over, I was completely unable to pick it up. It seems like too many things can go wrong way out in nowhere without someone along to help share the issues and keep each other safe.
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It does on the 08/09s as the filter is closer to the road. It's been relocated on the gen 2 bikes
I only knew about the oil pan being modified so that the drain plug faces forward instead of downward. I didn't know they also moved the oil filter. How much was it moved? Was it done to prevent damage?
I have verified by comparing both factory manuals that the oil filter location did not change between gen1 and gen2. Only the oil drain bolt moved.
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If it didn't change then it definitely needs the protector... Hmm I though it did. Oh well. I knew about the drain bolt. That was an idiotic place to put it originally.
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Maybe better to ride something you could pick up off of yourself, by yourself if you had to.
This is a good point. I practiced picking it up in my garage after I installed my Top-Block protectors and I had no problems then. But I am sure it would be much harder if at all possible when it is on wet and muddy surface...
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For those interested … http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html (http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html) … I've met the infamous, tiny Skert; and she can show anyone how to pick up any bike in all but the slickest conditions.
Alaska trip ! It's amazing that some can do this on street tires and others fail on adventure bikes. Weather, weather, Weather I suppose. Have fun and enjoy it to the max! Take lots of detours and wrong turns and pictures and … well, you've gotten lots of good advice so far.
I don't care for the oil filter guard. I would actually cut it in half and use it counter-intuitively as a heat shield above the filter rather than as a skid plate/rock guard. However, for Alaska!, I would put one on. I also rely on a fender extender and no radiator guard. However, for Alaska….(!) there's a theme here. You're taking a Connie into the wild!
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Thanks SevenAce !
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Get a Spot tracker , family and friends can follow your progress and you can summon help if needed .
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This sounds tempting, checking into it now, thanks lddave!
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I don't leave home without it on more than day trips.
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I'm planning a trip to Alaska on 2017 from Venezuela.
But, on my vstrom !!!!!
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Glad to see you again, JH. Still got the C14?
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Hi !!!!
of course I still have my connie and I love it.
I have a special surprise maybe in two weeks.
You'll see.
I always read the post, but because the work I don't have enough time to replay.
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:thumbs:
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The V-Storm is better bike for a trip to Alaska for sure
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The V-Storm is better bike for a trip to Alaska for sure
Says you! As soon as I find some adventure tires to fit, I'll take my BIG PIG anywhere! I've definitely taken it places I shouldn't, like on our clubs supercross track! She definitely could use a bit more clearance! But I was just funnin! It wad good for a dare and some photos. I didn't get any, but plenty ppl took them!
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All I'm saying is that to me the V-Storm is more appropriate than the C14 for the unpaved parts of the Dalton Highway. I am going with the C14 anyway ;)
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If an when I ride to Alaska I plan to ride something better off pavement then my C14. Would really like to do it on something like the KTM 1190 ADV but assuming I will never be able to afford that, I'll do it on my little old Suzuki DR650.
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I was in some doctors office a few years ago and saw a magazine (I don't recall the name) that was about long distance riding (pretty nice niche, eh?).
It had a story about the ride you want to go on. The article advised against using a bike like a connie; i think they used an adventure style bmw.
One of the things they stressed was the lack of gas stations on the trip. Seeing how thirsty the connie is, you might want to strap on more than a gallon of fuel, as a gallon in the rough stuff will get you maybe 35 miles?
Sounded like a good trip but that road sounds like hell if there is a lot of rain.
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My road dog made that trip on an Untra Classic Electra Glide several years ago. He had no problem making it there and back on a Harley. Completely ate up a set of tires and rattled loose a bunch of parts but that was all. On a Kawasaki you'll be fine.
That trip is a bucket list item for me. I have been to Alaska twice and it is AMAZING. I have had the opportunity to see a lot of different places all over the world, Alaska is the only place outside of the lower 48 I have any desire to go back to. Unless, of course, I need to avoid extradition ;-)
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Check out Rick's Alaska trip on a C-10 a couple of years back. This is part one of seven parts on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T578lzlENSY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T578lzlENSY)
Did this play ok for you? I had to VPN to another country to get it to play
I have never been to Alaska but by the sounds of things and these videos it sure looks like something I would like to do. The DRZ650 or my KLR650 sounds like the better bike to do it with.
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Played fine. I just tried it again and no problem. Must be the North Koreans....
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I used to live in Alaska and drove the Alcan in about 1964. There's a book, I believe it's called "Milepost" that gives information on every mile of the trip including services etc. We used to consider it mandatory for the trip but now it may not be. I'd definitely have one just in case. And yes to the mosquito repellant, they are big enough to drill holes in the windscreen, and can drive mamels crazy. Also, take twice as much money and half the "stuff".
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I believe the mile posts are still in use.
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Also, take twice as much money and half the "stuff".
+1 to that!
I do once a year a trip like the one you're planning and although after the 6th trip I managed to cut down my luggage to one side bag, I still find myself taking too much. As for the money, take what you think you'll need and 2 credit cards. I've been in more than 25 countries so far with the C14 since march 09 when I bought it, always on paved roads, and I can't see myself selling it.
There might be better bikes, I don't know, but I like my bike.
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:finger_fing11:
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I have more details on my trip now:
I am leaving on June 13 and will be back home (Calgary) on June 25. My better half insisted to book hotels instead of campsites. She showed me a blog of somebody’s trip to Alaska riding the same route and he saw 19 bears on the road in one day. My wife was against this trip since the beginning as she was extremely afraid of bears and in the end she convinced me (she always wins) to at least sleep in hotels/motels. The route is: Calgary > Dawson Creek, BC > Watson Lake, Yukon > Cottonwood Park, Yukon > Fairbanks, AK > Wiseman, AK > Deadhorse, AK > Wiseman, AK > Fairbanks, AK > Cottonwood Park, Yukon > Watson Lake, Yukon > Prince Rupert, BC > Prince George, BC > Calgary. The trip will be 13 days, 12 nights, about 9000 kilometers/5600 miles. All hotels/motels/BBs are now booked. I am working on appropriate gear/equipment now. Here is what I purchased so far:
For the rider
First gear Jaunt T2 Adventure Jacket
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/firstgear-jaunt-t2-jacket (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/firstgear-jaunt-t2-jacket)
This is a 3.5 season jacket, highly rated and reasonably priced. I got it from eBay for $99 + $25 US shipping.
Heated jacket liner from Gears Canada
http://www.gearscanada.com/heated-clothing/heated-clothing/gen-x-3-men-s-warm-tek-heated-jacket-liner.html (http://www.gearscanada.com/heated-clothing/heated-clothing/gen-x-3-men-s-warm-tek-heated-jacket-liner.html)
What I like about this heated liner is that the heating elements are throughout the whole jacket including the sleeves and even the collar not just few heated patches. I got it from a booth at Calgary Motorcycle Show new for $150 CAD - fantastic price for what it is.
AXO Freedom GT WP Boots
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/axo-freedom-gt-wp-boots (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/axo-freedom-gt-wp-boots)
What I like about these boots is the BOA lace system. I paid around $230 CAD incl. delivery
I will also get the Tour Master Venture Air Pants
http://www.revzilla.com/product/tour-master-venture-air-pants (http://www.revzilla.com/product/tour-master-venture-air-pants)
Very versatile 3-3.5 season pants that I believe will do the job. I am still looking for the best price.
For the bike:
Dimotiv DMV Side Stand Enlarger
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dimotiv-DMV-Side-Stand-Enlarger-for-Kawasaki-ZX-14R-GTR1400-CONCOURS-14-/141409092319?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20eca382df&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dimotiv-DMV-Side-Stand-Enlarger-for-Kawasaki-ZX-14R-GTR1400-CONCOURS-14-/141409092319?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20eca382df&vxp=mtr)
Like the shape more than any other side stand enlarger. About $55 US delivered from eBay
Fender Extender
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200983202358?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/200983202358?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)
I believe I will removed after the trip so I went with the cheapest option on eBay - $37 US delivered
Jump Start Backup Battery
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171442934164?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.com/itm/171442934164?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)
I do not want to be stuck with drawn battery in the middle of nowhere. $67 US delivered
Radiator protector
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Radiator-Grille-Guard-Cover-Protector-For-KAWASAKI-ZZR1400-GTR1400-Concours-/361041887455?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item540fc600df&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Radiator-Grille-Guard-Cover-Protector-For-KAWASAKI-ZZR1400-GTR1400-Concours-/361041887455?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item540fc600df&vxp=mtr)
I have purchased same as this about one year ago (at higher price then >:( )
I am getting more and more exited as the orders are arriving. To cold now in Calgary even in the garage to start installing them on the bike…
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Best of luck on your trip. Post lots pics. And a good long trip story.
Hey it's only -2 here now, thoughts of your trip will keep you warm while prepping your ride.
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:finger_fing11:
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;D We'll have to get together in the spring for a Kanaskis - Longview run. 8)
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Sure!
You are welcome to join me for the Alaska trip as well if you wish :)
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I have more details on my trip now:...
The trip will be 13 days, 12 nights, about 9000 kilometers/5600 miles.
430 miles per day average; day in/ day out. Hope you can have time for sightseeing and fun at the same time.
Never been to Alaska, so hope you post photos and a trip report - whatever it is will be good. 'Tis a request!
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Sure!
You are welcome to join me for the Alaska trip as well if you wish :)
Ok sounds good.
That's tempting!!
Actually planning a trip to Prince Rupert - Ferry ride to Vancouver island then back to Calgary on the southern BC highways this summer.
:chugbeer:
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Ok sounds good.
That's tempting!!
Actually planning a trip to Prince Rupert - Ferry ride to Vancouver island then back to Calgary on the southern BC highways this summer.
:chugbeer:
This sounds good too !
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;D We'll have to get together in the spring for a Kanaskis - Longview run. 8)
You don't mind if I tag along?
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Sure, you are welcome
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430 miles per day average; day in/ day out. Hope you can have time for sightseeing and fun at the same time.
Never been to Alaska, so hope you post photos and a trip report - whatever it is will be good. 'Tis a request!
You are absolutely right - there will be not much time for sight seeing... but this is the way I ride. When I am on a MC trip I go to a different mode - usually do more than 800-900 km a day in some cases more than 1000 (that's why I mostly ride alone). My sight seeing is at 100km/h :) If I like something much enough, then I decide to go there again, not on a motorcycle. It rarely happens tough... :)
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Sure, you are welcome
I suspect that type of ride (long, isolated, treacherous) is always much safer with more people. More eyes for danger spotting, more people to help in emergency, more capacity for carrying additional stuff that doesn't need to be duplicated, etc.
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You are right maxtog it would be better with at least one more rider. But I will try it just by myself if I have to
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Here is the world's best resource for ANYTHING to do with the combo of motorcycling and Alaska. Thank me later ;)
http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=68 (http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=68)
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Thanks stevewfl
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You don't mind if I tag along?
Sounds like a plan. The more the merrier ;D
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:finger_fing11:
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I will likely be traveling on my 2011 Concours from my home in Alaska to the loser 48 in mid to late May. I will try to post up any relevant info on the route. I will pick up a new second motorcycle in Washington so my Son can fly down and do a 14 day tour in the States with me.
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Sounds like maybe a different bike makes the most sense, something along the lines of a tough ADV style machine like a GS or a V-Strom. I would have personally never even thought of venturing up there on my C14, but think about it often on my V-Strom. Good luck on your adventure, hope KIPASS does not strand you. ;D
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hope KIPASS does not strand you. ;D
Don't even mention it ;D
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I will try to post up any relevant info on the route.
Thanks! :thumbs:
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You are absolutely right - there will be not much time for sight seeing... but this is the way I ride. When I am on a MC trip I go to a different mode - usually do more than 800-900 km a day in some cases more than 1000 (that's why I mostly ride alone).
Sounds like my kind of riding.
Dave
Calgary, Canada
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Sounds like my kind of riding.
Dave
Calgary, Canada
:chugbeer:
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You are absolutely right - there will be not much time for sight seeing... but this is the way I ride. When I am on a MC trip I go to a different mode - usually do more than 800-900 km a day in some cases more than 1000 (that's why I mostly ride alone).
Sounds like my kind of riding.
Dave
Calgary, Canada
Wow....if I cannot stop and enjoy the scenery, or take in the local beauty or fun things to do, doubt I would ever take any trips. To each their own I reckon, but I do not put myself in too much of a time constraint on a trip, if I have to do that......the trip can wait until I have extra time. Crap happens on trips that are out of your control, allowing extra time can save your ass. Guess that is why I would never do an ironbutt ride of any kind, to me it just makes zero sense. A good days ride for me is 400 to 500 miles tops, beyond that I am just miserable and or pushing my luck. Regards and be safe out there. :thumbs:
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Wow....if I cannot stop and enjoy the scenery, or take in the local beauty or fun things to do, doubt I would ever take any trips. To each their own I reckon, but I do not put myself in too much of a time constraint on a trip, if I have to do that......the trip can wait until I have extra time. Crap happens on trips that are out of your control, allowing extra time can save your ass. Guess that is why I would never do an ironbutt ride of any kind, to me it just makes zero sense. A good days ride for me is 400 to 500 miles tops, beyond that I am just miserable and or pushing my luck. Regards and be safe out there. :thumbs:
Iron Butt makes zero sense to me either and even tough I am used to ride long distances I am not planning to do any of the Iron Butt rides. I ride long hours and distances because I like it, not because I have to. But you said it right - to each their own reckon. :thumbs:
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You are absolutely right - there will be not much time for sight seeing... but this is the way I ride. When I am on a MC trip I go to a different mode - usually do more than 800-900 km a day in some cases more than 1000 (that's why I mostly ride alone).
Sounds like my kind of riding.
Dave
Calgary, Canada
Doenitz, did you ever try that riding style on a Vincent?
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Wow....if I cannot stop and enjoy the scenery, or take in the local beauty or fun things to do, doubt I would ever take any trips. To each their own I reckon, but I do not put myself in too much of a time constraint on a trip, if I have to do that......the trip can wait until I have extra time. Crap happens on trips that are out of your control, allowing extra time can save your ass. Guess that is why I would never do an ironbutt ride of any kind, to me it just makes zero sense. A good days ride for me is 400 to 500 miles tops, beyond that I am just miserable and or pushing my luck. Regards and be safe out there. :thumbs:
+1
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Wow....if I cannot stop and enjoy the scenery, or take in the local beauty or fun things to do, doubt I would ever take any trips. To each their own I reckon, but I do not put myself in too much of a time constraint on a trip, if I have to do that......the trip can wait until I have extra time. Crap happens on trips that are out of your control, allowing extra time can save your ass. Guess that is why I would never do an ironbutt ride of any kind, to me it just makes zero sense. A good days ride for me is 400 to 500 miles tops, beyond that I am just miserable and or pushing my luck. Regards and be safe out there. :thumbs:
I have done some long days just to get home or to get to the area I want to ride but I agree completely. In fact the very best trips I've taken there was only a general direction in mind when I left, and have ridden for a week where every day was unplanned. You see and discover things you never would have if you planned the destination.
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Everyone has different preferences. :thumbs:
I love riding but I live in Canada - very short riding season here. Whatever number of days in this short season I can allocate for riding I take as long as possible of this days on the bike, riding it. Not because I have to, but because I love to. When I am on a ride day I do not feel like stopping for a beer or nice dining as to me this is simply waste of riding time. I do not feel like pushing myself to ride. I am just letting my riding hungry self do what I want to do - ride, ride and ride. Some times even after more than 1000 km day I still want to ride more and more and then I push myself - to stop for the night... and that sucks... ;)
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I've been watching this post and can't wait for the pictures and ride report. All the advise given is sound and like it was mentioned" better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it". I will be doing a couple BC trips this season and confirm that we have an unfairly short season. So when we ride .. We Ride.. and then talk about all the sights we should have stopped and taken pictures of. My wife bought be a GoPro this Christmas in hope of seeing some of the sights I rave about. The Alaska trips is on my list but not this year.
the Local Calgary guys should get together for some rides this year for sure!
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the Local Calgary guys should get together for some rides this year for sure!
[/quote]
+1
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May be we should start a new tread and even may be a group for Calgary C14ers :)
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You guys almost got enough for a gang. :)
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:)
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You guys almost got enough for a gang. :)
Your more than welcome to come up here during our riding season there are a few roads in BC that rival the Dragon. 8)
:chugbeer: :grouphug:
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May be we should start a new tread and even may be a group for Calgary C14ers :)
That's a great Idea :chugbeer:
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Your more than welcome to come up here during our riding season there are a few roads in BC that rival the Dragon. 8)
:chugbeer: :grouphug:
I agree
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Just don't blink, you could miss it.
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I have done some long days just to get home or to get to the area I want to ride but I agree completely. In fact the very best trips I've taken there was only a general direction in mind when I left, and have ridden for a week where every day was unplanned. You see and discover things you never would have if you planned the destination.
+1, there is nothing beats it!
Its always the best adventure indeed. I even do that in my Tundra truck sometimes. Last time I went to Moab/Death Valley/Sonora I had the KTM, I heard they were getting snow in Durango, Colorado and I thought it'd be neat to hang out before the extreme deserts.
I went and the folks there asked me to stay and ride. I asked "How do i ride in this crap". My bike was turning white fast (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/iconhammer.gif)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/KTM/west%20in%20April%2014/IMG_273504030706.jpeg)
The whole place is like only 2 miles long but has a stealership, they took me there and showed me this nice accessory (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/lol.gif)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/KTM/west%20in%20April%2014/IMG_20140403_170601.jpg)
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:yikes:
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The whole place is like only 2 miles long but has a stealership, they took me there and showed me this nice accessory
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/KTM/west%20in%20April%2014/IMG_20140403_170601.jpg)
Man I think that would be hard to ride. Without the gyroscopic effect of the wheels I would think it would be very unstable. You would have to have a great sense of balance and lean without the natural feel of a bike. But I don't know. Crazy stuff right there.
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Here is a page in FB in case somebody is interested:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Wheel-Drive-to-Alaska/733920646715043?sk=timeline (https://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Wheel-Drive-to-Alaska/733920646715043?sk=timeline)
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just returned from 9000 mile round trip from home near Anchorage, Alaska to southern Utah and back. The Connie fared well. Got a flat tire in one of the road construction areas just south of the Alaska - Canada boarder on Alcan highway. Used a plug and pump that I brought to repair tire however it continued to leak slowly. Made it to Whitehorse and since no one would repair the tire, and there were no direct replacements, I tried a remedy offered by the local Yamaha dealer which consisted deflating the tire, installing a product called ride-on, re-inflating, and then riding through one heat cycle. This fix worked perfectly with no loss of air for the balance of the trip. I left the Connie at a relatives house in Washington so I can fly down for cycling trips without the 4300 mile round trip via road. I had two bikes on the trip with the other one being a new BMW R1200GS.
Roads were good overall with the exception of about the first 100 miles south of the Alaska - Canada boarder. Gas was not an issue other than premium not available everywhere. It is wise thought to fill up often in the less populated areas. I went via the Cassiar highway both ways and there is certainly limited accommodations there. If anyone wants more details just let me know.
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Did you leave the plug in when you used the Ride-on?
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What brand tire?
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Left plug in
Michelin Pilot Road 3
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Man I think that would be hard to ride. Without the gyroscopic effect of the wheels I would think it would be very unstable. You would have to have a great sense of balance and lean without the natural feel of a bike. But I don't know. Crazy stuff right there.
the gyroscopic effect of the wheels on the balance of a bike are grossly overestimated. I wish I had the source at hand, but by 50 mph it accounts for just 6% of the stabilising forces. Minute steering inputs do the job.