One end of the line to the other, Key West to Deadhorse on a Versys

[PSUcanary]

Normally I would tell someone who is about to embark on such a trip to enjoy every minute of it, but with you, I know this is something you don't need to be told....

I look forward to the RR!

Christian

[XC Rider]

Originally Posted by hppyfngy

That front end looks crazy cool.

Have a good one

Originally Posted by Jamie Z

That front tire is crazy.

Jamie

Originally Posted by Holistic

good luck on the road, I like your Versys, gonna still some ideas from you. What tires are that, model and manufacture.

Originally Posted by Wolfgang55

Good upgrades to the Vers.

What is the size & manufacture of the ft tire?

Don't forget your plug kit.

Wow, lots of questions about the front tire!!! Well I guess when you mount what is technically a rear tire up front on a bike, you're bound to get some looks and questions. For all inquiring minds, the front tire is a Metzler Tourance, size 130/80 17, and the rear is also a Metzler Tourance, size 150/70 17. It handles a little different from the stock tires, but after about 150 miles or so, I'm getting really used to it. The only thing that I noticed when I took it out for it's first spin was that the front end felt a little heavier than before and the bike seemed to fall into a lean more easily in turns. No big deal, just something to be mindful of. Just wait 'till I get to Watson Lake, YT, I've shipped some tires there ahead of me to put on the bike for when I hit all the gravel and stuff. I don't want to ruin the surprise by telling what they are now, but let's just say that they're knobby!

Originally Posted by zadok

Nice job, XCR. I was quite taken by the Versys when it was released. You have done a great job of making it a cross country tourer. They are very reasonably priced, even in Oz, but I'm surprised I don't see more on the road.

I fully agree. While I have not run much off paved roads with mine, I've seen others do amazing things with theirs. They're very reasonably priced over here too, and they've got a tried and true powerplant in the frame. The only thing I wish they'd done differently is to put a 19" rim up front. But who knows, that may not even be necessary.


To all others who have posted their well wishes so far, I greatly appreciate it. Only 70 hours or so 'till departure time!

[Michhub]

This is gonna be great...subscribed

[AirDrive]

Hey Denis!
Found this one early and will be watching for places Rita and I should plan on seeing.
Your hand guards and highway pegs look great on the Versys.....but don't have the personality of the ones you put on the DRZ for your ride back home from the TAT.

Have a good trip.

[twohawks]

Rock and Roll Denis!


One of these days we're gonna hit one of these trips together I hope!

[Spoke]

Subscribed!

Ride On Brotha!

[CharlestonADV]

Looking forward to reading your RR. Like you I decided to buy a Versys for a "bucket list" long ride. I'm traveling from South Carolina to New Mexico and then on to Montana. Plan to leave after July 4th and spend about a month traveling.

[PsychoSayWhat]

In! Good luck and ride safe!

[stitchergary]

I've had the Versys on my radar for a couple years...Looking forward to this ride report....Stay safe!!
Gary-In a Little Town in Northern NY

[kitesurfer]

I'm in!

[XC Rider]

Originally Posted by AirDrive

Hey Denis!
Found this one early and will be watching for places Rita and I should plan on seeing.
Your hand guards and highway pegs look great on the Versys.....but don't have the personality of the ones you put on the DRZ for your ride back home from the TAT.

Have a good trip.

Hi Bob! So glad you found this RR. Don't know how far into CA I'll go on this trip, but I am planning on swinging down into CA to atleast check out Lassen Volcanic park on the return leg. It's always been closed when I've been out that way and this time I'm determined to make it more than half a mile into the park! However, after my Alaska run, I plan on re-running the TAT and my dad will be riding along with me. So who knows, we may meet up then. Just in case we don't get to meet up, all the best to you and Rita.

Originally Posted by twohawks

Rock and Roll Denis!


One of these days we're gonna hit one of these trips together I hope!

That would be awesome Michael! Say.....what are you doing in August!?

Originally Posted by CharlestonADV

Looking forward to reading your RR. Like you I decided to buy a Versys for a "bucket list" long ride. I'm traveling from South Carolina to New Mexico and then on to Montana. Plan to leave after July 4th and spend about a month traveling.

Good deal my friend, if you've never been out that way you'll have a blast! PS, I live in Columbia for a while and my oldest brother used to live just outside Charleston (Mt. Pleasant). Small world isn't it!?

[XC Rider]

This weekend was a busy one, what with final preparations for the trip. Sunday was an especially rough day, with some heavy duty prep work for the upcoming trip. Here, just take a look for yourself!



That's me on the right, toasting everyone!



And friends on the boat that came out with me.



No the boat is not mine, I'm not that lucky. Just lucky enough to have friends that invite me along. Thanks Steve, I'll be thinking of this day when I'm freezing my cahones off, going over Atigun pass on the way to Deadhorse!

For those who are interested, these pics were taken at Boca Grande. A small key just a little west of Key West.


Well now I got to get back to being serious. Today's goal is to fully pack up all my belongings. Less than 48 hours until departure time!!!

[XC Rider]

Originally Posted by hppyfngy

So not even a little preview of the proposed route Denis? ...

Sorry for the late reply there hppyfngy, but here goes. These are just screen shots from Mapsource where I layed out the route.



The northern route is the route going, and the southern route is the return route.



The eastern route is the route going, and the western route is the return route.



In these last two pictures is gets a little screwy but here's the main gist. From Watson lake I plan on riding to Dawson City. From Dawson I'll do a one way up the Dempster to Inuvik and back. I'll then head to Fairbanks by way of Chicken and Tok. Then Onto Deadhorse and back to Fairbanks. On the return I'll then head south from Fairbanks and swing by Denali National park and back to Tok. From there the southernly route back to Watson Lake again.





If I have enough energy while on the road, and I remember to do so, I'll try to save my tracks and post pics of the route.

[danh600]

Hey Denis

Been looking forward to reading this report since you told me about it this winter when I met you down in Flamingo camping. I like the changes you made to the bike since then.

We are headed down to the Keys in the next month or so, but you will be long gone by then. I am sure you are ready. You have to be a little stir crazy being a rider and living in the Keys.

Have fun on the trip. It sounds great!!!

Dan

[FLARider1]

Hey Denis!! Glad to see your plans held together and you are starting. Nice job on the bike. If you get a late start on Wednesday give me a shout(pm'd phone number) and I will buy a beer and burger in Homestead as you come through!!!

My adventure starts in 25 days!!! Lots of Florida folks headed to AK this year!!