road Trip-Advice for FJR

[flienlow]

Hey Gang-

I just picked up my 06 this last weekend. I have a trip to alaska planned at the end of may, since the bike is so new, I was wondering if anyone has anything that I should take into account before leaving. I am trying to build up enough miles so that I can get the first service before I go. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Ignacio]

I spent a week locally racking up 600 miles so I could get to that first service. The following weekend I did my first SaddleSore on the bike completely stock.

In hindsight I wish I would have used that time to put a Vista Cruise throttle lock on it before the SaddleSore. A definite must and very easy farkle for even medium length rides.

Also, get your first aid kit, tire plugging kit, and toolkit sorted out before you go wander off to Alaska. #19, and #21 in The Ironbutt - Archive of Wisdom for the latter 2 for sure.

 

[zzkenoman]

First, we would like to know where your from by filling out your profile. Second, you can always do the first check up on your bike like many have here. Just a matter of changing the rear oil, lube the splines, check your fluids, battery connections, re-check the bolt torque on the front and rear wheel bolts, then do a TB sync. After that, its just your list of things to keep you warm & dry, communications, emergency tools & first aid, cameras, and your stashed blackbook of telephone and addresses of women prospects.

 

[FJRPierre]

Before going to Alaska on a stock bike, I'd get installed:

- a rad guard for flying rocks/gravel;

- some sort of fairing/headlight protection overlay like Tankslapper;

- heated grips;

- electric vest connector;

- handguards;

- footguards;

- TOGS;

- upgraded horn;

- have a mini air comp + string patch repair kit

- hiz viz tape on bags

etc etc

 

[Harvey55]

I rode to Prudhoe Bay from Oklahoma on my KLR650 a few years ago. That was in late June/early July. It rained a little to a lot every day from Calgary to Fairbanks. The weather was cool. The heat wave had come in May that year in Alaska. I suppose you have already done your homework and have been reading about preparing for the ride. One good source is The Milepost. It has maps and lots of info about Canada and Alaska. Road condictions will vary. Construction zones are plentiful. Your arrival time at a constuction zone will determine its condiction. Workers could be laying down rocks, gravel, dirt, watering in the dirt, chat, you could arrive during a rain, or just after a rain.

I sold the KLR. Now I have a DL650, the little V-Strom. The next time I go to Alaska it will be on it or on something similar. Not my FJR.

Harvey

 

[FlyingLow]

Damn, Harvey, that is one hell of a road trip, one definitely worth bragging about .

Did you have any company or fly single squad?

 

[Harvey55]

I don't want to hi-jack the thread, but I have done the ride. Because everyone of the local riders that planned to go to Alaska came up with reasons not to go, I posted my ride plans on a KLR forum. I was put in touch with VROC (Vulcan Owners Riders Club). They were having a meeting in Fairbanks. So I showed up in Calgary at Dave's house where a group of Vulcan riders were starting the ride. Six Vulcans, one KLR, and one Blazer with a enclosed trailer made the trip. It was great riding in a group and having a chase vechicle. The KLR looked a little odd with the cruisers but it proved to be a good choice for the ride. Gravel does a job to painted parts and the grey slush sticks quite well to hot exhausts. One Vulcan had broken fins on the rectifier before the end of the ride.

If you don't have a good cool/wet weather riding suite, get one. I also had a heated vest , heated grips, and Maiar hand guards. I was better prepared for the weather than most of the Canadians that I rode with.

As for preparing your bike, FJRPierre pretty well covers it. I did most of those suggestions and I started with a dual sport. You can ride a stock street bike if you want. But, a ride to Alaska does not happen often for most riders. Prepare your bike to handle a low speed crash and flying gravel. I got two gravel chips on my helmet. You do not want a minor accident to stop a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

One ride to Alaska will take the new right off your bike.

 

[rickcorwn]

Hmmmm, I'm headed for Alaska at the end of May also. The major difference between you and me right now is you've got your bike. <_<

I'm just going to Hyder, not all the way to the "real" Alaska, but I've got a list right here of things I've got planned to do before I leave.

This list does not include the 600 mile service only farkles.

My first priority is protection from a drop.

Skyway's Sliders

CF armor for the Alt. cover

Second priority, rider comfort.

Wild Bill Highway Pegs

Heat Troller and plug for my heated liner

AudioVox cruise control

Vista cruise

A stop in Shasta Lake to get a Russell Day long made

Misc.

GPS mount

Tank bag

Radar detector

Reflective tape on saddle bags

If I have time...

Voltmeter

PHIDs Aux. lighting

New 2730 GPS w/XM

Mount my JM CB2003 to handle tunes and V1

That should keep you busy, I know it will me

 

[GunMD]

All great suggestions...don't forget the camera w/ extra batteries so we can all enjoy your trip upon your safe return.

A tailbag on the passenger for additional storage works great for me, also.

 

[flienlow]

Hmmmm, I'm headed for Alaska at the end of May also. The major difference between you and me right now is you've got your bike. <_<
I'm just going to Hyder, not all the way to the "real" Alaska, but I've got a list right here of things I've got planned to do before I leave.

Rick- It looks like we are making the same trip. We will be leaving from Seattle (Bothell) May 26th and heading up to Hyder- then back (not sure if it's an opposite route yet or not.) So far there should be about 4 bikes going. We also plan to be back on June 4th.

 

[flienlow]

WHERE CAN I FIND:

Skyway's Sliders

CF armor for the Alt. cover

Wild Bill Highway Pegs

AudioVox cruise control

 

[thegunslinger]

All good advise.

Being one that lives in Alaska and makes the trip to the states almost annually I advise things for protection (you and the bike), and comfort. My feejer has the rad guard, sliders, fenda extenda, Wilber's suspension front and rear, rifle oversize windscreen, headlight guard, wild bill footpegs, Russel saddle, tank bag, tail bag. and radio. Make sure your raingear will keep you warm for days of riding at 40 degrees if neccessary. Good boots and gloves a must for the same situation. You'll be coming through construction around Kluane Lake at Destruction Bay, and a stretch between Whitehorse and Haines Junction. (and who knows where they'll be starting new projects this year)

Remember to take your passport or birth certificate for the border crossing, it makes things a lot smoother.

Radar detectors are taboo in some provinces, so best to keep it stowed while in Canada.

Gas prices in Northern Canada will probably be over a buck a liter again this summer. ($2.71 a gallon in fairbanks today.) Enjoy the trip, and look me up when you get here.

 

[Groo]

WHERE CAN I FIND:Skyway's Sliders

CF armor for the Alt. cover

Wild Bill Highway Pegs

AudioVox cruise control

Skyway's sliders... search this forum... Skyway

CF armor - Bike Johnny

Wild Bill... Here

 

[fjrchik]

WHERE CAN I FIND:Skyway's Sliders

CF armor for the Alt. cover

Wild Bill Highway Pegs

AudioVox cruise control

I can direct you to the sliders as I just ordered a set myself for my 06...

Skyway's sliders

 

[rickcorwn]

Hmmmm, I'm headed for Alaska at the end of May also. The major difference between you and me right now is you've got your bike. <_<
I'm just going to Hyder, not all the way to the "real" Alaska, but I've got a list right here of things I've got planned to do before I leave.

Rick- It looks like we are making the same trip. We will be leaving from Seattle (Bothell) May 26th and heading up to Hyder- then back (not sure if it's an opposite route yet or not.) So far there should be about 4 bikes going. We also plan to be back on June 4th.

I'll be leaving Mpls. area on May 19 and have my appointment at Russell on the 23rd. I plan to be in Hyder the 26th thru the 28th and my boss thinks I'll be back to work on the 30th. Me thinks he might be disappointed

 

[rickcorwn]

WHERE CAN I FIND:Skyway's Sliders

CF armor for the Alt. cover

Wild Bill Highway Pegs

AudioVox cruise control

The Audiovox CC can be found at JC Whitney, maybe even at a local auto parts store like Pep Boys and such. I don't have the link at hand but there are install instruction for the FJR out there.

 

[Scab]

Second mortgage.

(to buy gas)

 

[gr8eyes]

Autozone has the audiovox for 99.00.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

rickcorwn Posted on Apr 27 2006, 01:37 PM

I'll be leaving Mpls. area on May 19 and have my appointment at Russell on the 23rd. I plan to be in Hyder the 26th thru the 28th and my boss thinks I'll be back to work on the 30th. Me thinks he might be disappointed

RC, good luck! As counterpoint I'll offer that my partner and I went to Hyder and back from MN several years ago (pre FJR) -- and, I think it took us about 3 times as long. Of course, we didn't go to Russell Seats and we really were on vacation; but, just the same, your time frame seems quite optimistic....?

Then again, some of our overnites were (and I'm probably forgetting some): Fergus Falls, Belfield, Havre, Drumheller, Jasper, Fraser Lake, Hyder, Prince Rupert, Port Hardy, Squamish, Princeton, Spokane, Lolo, ....and I forget. We really enjoyed the trip (all of it) -- it was an all-time great. I especially enjoyed Drumheller (different), Hyder (glaciers and snow-capped mtns), the ride down the Skeena to P.R., the "Sea-to-Sky" hwy, the "Duffy Lake Rd", Fraser R. canyon, and more.

I know the FJR's fast -- but, good luck in "gettin'r done".

Please report back on how it went.

p.s. don't forget to stop at Kitwanga Jct. -- I think everybody stops....?