nklr apology to group

[Ed Whitehead]

Hi, I'm planning on buying a KLR for an Alaska trip in August. Looking for any information from those who have done the trip, on any bike, but especially a KLR. Would you do it again on a KLR? Would you do it again on another bike? What things do I need to know before I go? What changes did you make? Any places I must see or any to absolutely avoid? You get the idea. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. I now own a BMW R100RT and a GL1800 Goldwing. Don't want to take either of those up those gravel roads. Thanks - Ed http://edstravelstories.com

[orc37]

Ive been to Alaska, from Seward to Barrow - but not on a bike yet... It is a truly amazing place. I dont think I'll ever make it back to Barrow on a bike either.. But Ive seen this web page that shows 3 KLR's journey through Alaska with a day by day account and hundreds of pictures which is very nice. Im sure you'll like it. http://tad.gralewski.com/ Click on Alaska 2003 --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Ed Whitehead" wrote:

> Hi, > > I'm planning on buying a KLR for an Alaska trip in August. Looking > for any information from those who have done the trip, on any bike, > but especially a KLR. Would you do it again on a KLR? Would you

do

> it again on another bike? > > What things do I need to know before I go? What changes did you > make? Any places I must see or any to absolutely avoid? You get

the

> idea. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. > > I now own a BMW R100RT and a GL1800 Goldwing. Don't want to take > either of those up those gravel roads. > > Thanks - Ed > http://edstravelstories.com

[Allan Patton]

Rode to Alaska in June 2001. http://www.perardua.net/FSSNOC/PICS/Alaska/AK17.html I used a Dunlop 491 on the back of my KLR, got 15,000 miles out of it. The other four guys had to replace tires two and three times. They were laughing at my 491 when we started, but changed their minds after replacing a few expensive tires. You don't need dual sport tires on the public roads in Alaska. Carried two spare tubes, and used the 21 inch on a Harley Wide Glide about an hour south of Fairbanks. Some newbie from Anchorage didn't know he needed to check the air pressure in his tires. Denali National Park was the biggest disappointment of the trip, far too many tourist for me. Reminded me of the south rim of the Grand Canyon. You can't ride very far into the park, they make everyone ride in an old school bus to get close to Mt. McKinley. Some other bikers told us we would not like the ride in the bus, so we didn't do it. South of Denali Park, we stopped at a road house for lunch and had an excellent view of Mt. McKinley. Allow yourself plenty of time to see Alaska, stop often and look for the out of the way places that the tour busses and mobile homes don't go to. If I were to go to Alaska again, it would be on a KLR, and I think I would go in July rather than June. Allan A14

----- Original Message ----- From: "Ed Whitehead" To: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 10:56 PM Subject: [DSN_klr650] Whose been to Alaska? > Hi, > > I'm planning on buying a KLR for an Alaska trip in August. Looking > for any information from those who have done the trip, on any bike, > but especially a KLR. Would you do it again on a KLR? Would you do > it again on another bike? > > What things do I need to know before I go? What changes did you > make? Any places I must see or any to absolutely avoid? You get the > idea. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. > > I now own a BMW R100RT and a GL1800 Goldwing. Don't want to take > either of those up those gravel roads. > > Thanks - Ed > http://edstravelstories.com > > > > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com. List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: > DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > >

[TLrydr@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/12/2003 12:44:17 AM Central Standard Time, apatton@... writes: << I used a Dunlop 491 on the back of my KLR, got 15,000 miles out of it. >> Wow, A 491 I get 14,000 miles out of one on my old 1500 GL, Maybe it was the bad roads, Sure seems like it should have lasted 50,000 miles,,, And I bet it handled good, I love um on my Concours. Mike

[ron criswell]

I took the school bus all the way to Wonder Lake and got some great fotos of McKinley (Denali - whatever the hell you want to call it) grizzly bear, moose, caribou, dall sheep. It was a long, slow trip but wouldn't have missed it. Talkeetna south of McKinley gives a great view of McKinley plus take a one hour float plane ride up and around McKinley (about $150 bucks) for some more fotos you will never forget of glaciers and 5,000 cliffs that you fly right up next to. I talked to a group of Japanese who had rented KLR's in Anchorage and were on their way to Prudoe on them. You are right about the RV's and mobile homes (especially around the Seward - Homer area in the Kenai area) but wouldn't miss that either. One area I wish we had stopped is Wrangle National Park north east of Valdez. We could see it off to the right on the way to Fairbanks. Big mountains (16,000 to 18,000 ft. in the park) and didn't seem to have a lot of old codgers pulling huge trailers in that area. Skip Fairbanks if you can. Didn't do much for me and the scenery gets pretty boring after passing Wrangle on the way to Fairbanks. Didn't go North of Fairbanks. Loved the Valdez area and Seward area. They look like pictures you see of Norway. We took the ferry from Whittier to Valdez and it went right up to the Columbia ice fall. Saw a whale jump out of the water on this trip. It takes motorcycles. Criswell Allan Patton wrote:

> Rode to Alaska in June 2001. > > http://www.perardua.net/FSSNOC/PICS/Alaska/AK17.html > > I used a Dunlop 491 on the back of my KLR, got 15,000 miles out of it. The > other four guys had to replace tires two and three times. They were laughing > at my 491 when we started, but changed their minds after replacing a few > expensive tires. You don't need dual sport tires on the public roads in > Alaska. Carried two spare tubes, and used the 21 inch on a Harley Wide Glide > about an hour south of Fairbanks. Some newbie from Anchorage didn't know he > needed to check the air pressure in his tires. > > Denali National Park was the biggest disappointment of the trip, far too > many tourist for me. Reminded me of the south rim of the Grand Canyon. You > can't ride very far into the park, they make everyone ride in an old school > bus to get close to Mt. McKinley. Some other bikers told us we would not > like the ride in the bus, so we didn't do it. South of Denali Park, we > stopped at a road house for lunch and had an excellent view of Mt. McKinley. > > Allow yourself plenty of time to see Alaska, stop often and look for the out > of the way places that the tour busses and mobile homes don't go to. > > If I were to go to Alaska again, it would be on a KLR, and I think I would > go in July rather than June. > > Allan A14 > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Ed Whitehead" > To: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com> > Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 10:56 PM > Subject: [DSN_klr650] Whose been to Alaska? > > > Hi, > > > > I'm planning on buying a KLR for an Alaska trip in August. Looking > > for any information from those who have done the trip, on any bike, > > but especially a KLR. Would you do it again on a KLR? Would you do > > it again on another bike? > > > > What things do I need to know before I go? What changes did you > > make? Any places I must see or any to absolutely avoid? You get the > > idea. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. > > > > I now own a BMW R100RT and a GL1800 Goldwing. Don't want to take > > either of those up those gravel roads. > > > > Thanks - Ed > > http://edstravelstories.com > > > > > > > > > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com. List FAQ > courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: > > DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . > > > > > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ > > > > > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com. List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: > DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Benjamin Fichialos]

Did it a couple years ago with a group on Vespas and Lambrettas, LA to Fairbanks(real adventure trip). Watson Lake and the sign forest is a must see. Bell II, a little resort along the Stewart-Cassiar Highway is a great summer secret as well, excellent lodging, meals and a big hot-tub (very apprieceated at this point in the trip), this place is so far out there the rooms have satalite phones. WhiteHorse was a little disappointing (tourist trap). The ALCAN is an amazing road, the KLR will eat up the gravel/pavement mix. Looking forward to doing it again on a KLR. http://www.scootourist.com/Features/Fa_index.php -Jay -----Original Message----- From: Ed Whitehead [mailto:efwhitehead@...] Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 11:56 PM To: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com Subject: [DSN_klr650] Whose been to Alaska? Hi, I'm planning on buying a KLR for an Alaska trip in August. Looking for any information from those who have done the trip, on any bike, but especially a KLR. Would you do it again on a KLR? Would you do it again on another bike? What things do I need to know before I go? What changes did you make? Any places I must see or any to absolutely avoid? You get the idea. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. I now own a BMW R100RT and a GL1800 Goldwing. Don't want to take either of those up those gravel roads. Thanks - Ed http://edstravelstories.com List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com. List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[sully33029]

Ed, I've lived in Alaska, motorcycled up and down the ALCAN thrree times (touring bikes) and will take my KLR up this next summer. Here's some advice: Don't pass a single roadhouse...not one. Be especially sure to stop in at Skinny Dick's Half-Way Inn between Fairbanks and Nenana. I'd be interested to hear if he is still kicking. Pat the head of the three-legged dog while you are in Chicken. It will bring you luck. Best lodging deal (not saying much) in Dawson City is the Bunkhouse. Silver Gulch Ale brewed in Fox is the best beer in North America...really. If you walk directly across the highway at the Chatinika Lodge and go back through the woods about two hundred yards, you can climb all over an intact mining dredge. Just follow the stream. Skagway is a cruise ship terminus...it will be crawling with tourists...just be prepared. August will be good, but head south before September. I had a bad snow experience trying to return home to Juneau in early September of 1999. Don't think about June unless you have to...cold and wet. Plan to be both hot and cold. I'm sure you are planning for the cold, but the heat can surprise you. I've seen it in the 90s after midnight in the interior. Be flexible in your itinerary...it is not too uncommon for stretches of the ALCAN to be closed for a day or two due to fire or washout. If you plan on using the AK Marine Highway ferries, bring along a ratcheting tiedown. Motorcycles to the head of the line. Construction zones...motorcycles to the head of the line. These construction zones are inevitably in the most highly infested mosquito areas. So when you have to wait for twenty minutes or so, a nice cigar can be helpful to fend them off. Remember you will be crossing back and forth through US/Canadian customs several times depending on your itinerary. Be sure to check up on the regs before you head out. I had bear spray confiscated once. Lodging is expensive. Moose can move out of ditches with incredible speed (don't ask me how I know). Go here: www.themilepost.com and buy one, now. (not affiliated in any way). The KLR will be great for your trip, giving you considerable flexibility...you will see roads that are appealing but not accessible with your touring bikes. But, either of your touring bikes would be fine, too. Unless I was interested in traveling on the Dalton, Dempster or other gravel (chip-seal) highways, I'd seriously consider taking that RT (or even the Wing). The Alcan is generally a great road and is paved (with the exception of some inevitable construction zones) and I know you would appreciate the wx protection that the RT affords. You WILL get a stone chip here or there, however. Harleys, Wings and RTs have been all over that state. You are going to have a blast. Let me know if I can answer any particulars for you. I plan to arrive in AK on July 1. sul --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Ed Whitehead" wrote:

> Hi, > > I'm planning on buying a KLR for an Alaska trip in August. Looking > for any information from those who have done the trip, on any bike, > but especially a KLR.

[Jeff Saline]

Ed asked for Alaska info.

>>>>>>

Ed, Last weekend I was "doing some research" : ) and stumbled upon this site. Found it very interesting and it covers some ground you'll be covering on the way to Alaska. www.motorcycleexplorer.com After riding my KLR the first couple of hundred miles I told my friend that it's the bike I'll be taking to Alaska instead of any of my airhead beemers. Best, Jeff Saline Airhead # 4412 South Dakota Airmarshal Airheads Beemer Club www.airheads.org The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota '75 R90/6, '03 KLR650, '79 R100RT, '00 H-D MT-500

[mwl_95623]

Check out this trip to Alaska on a couple KLRs: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?s=48b577565927960b19801a7849040e57&threadid=28012 Matt --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Ed Whitehead" wrote:

> Hi, > > I'm planning on buying a KLR for an Alaska trip in August. Looking > for any information from those who have done the trip, on any bike, > but especially a KLR. Would you do it again on a KLR? Would you do > it again on another bike? >

snip

> I now own a BMW R100RT and a GL1800 Goldwing. Don't want to take > either of those up those gravel roads. > > Thanks - Ed > http://edstravelstories.com

[Rasmussen, John A]

Esteemed List, I am also giving consideration to an Alaska trip next summer. My 'current' short list of ideas are: 1) Take my GL1800, Trailer and Wife. 2) Take my KLR and leave previously mentioned 3 item(s) at home. I read Dr. Greg Frazier's book and he did not recommend pulling a trailer. So...I would be interested in anyone else's thoughts or experiences on that topic. I am also considering riding to Alaska and taking a ferry back down to Washington and would be interested in any feedback on that idea. TIA Regards, John Rasmussen Moorhead, Minnesota 82 and Sunshine