pretty cool, on a 350. Paul as a primer, reading material, read "south" by shakleton, doesnt have anything to do with this thread other then a cold journey.
You may wish to remember the golden rule when riding a bike. Watch out for the cagers !!! Yesterday in Quebec, it was + 11 C. Tonite, I just checked and it's -18 C. I'd be a bit scared riding across the country in such extreme weather. Your chances of wiping out due to slippery roads are greatly increased and oncoming traffic may find it just as slippery trying to avoid you. Anyways, it's your life and your bike so good luck, bro.
...goes like this. "Those who can, do. Those who can't, criticize." Aside from limited traction in some areas due to the seasonal climatic conditions, there should be nothing but the matter of your own resolve to keep you from making it across the continent. Those who suggest the motorcycle isn't made for sub-zero temperatures obviously haven't done it. A motorcycle's mechanicals aren't that much different from a car's, and we know that cars can continue to operate in -40° temps and colder. For below 0°F/-18°C operation, I use synthetic lubricants from one end to the other, including the forks (which do fine with 5W-40 year 'round). Anti-freeze in a 60/40 mix will keep the radiator from bulging to over 60° below zero F, and if you're riding in those temperatures you're a far better man than I am. Just as with a car or truck, you want to warm up the cold machine carefully, but once everything is up to temperature it's ready to roll. Alcohol added to the gas is hardly necessary in cold, dry areas, but traveling from a milder, humid climate to the cold without treating the gas is asking for problems. It's a good preventative measure, but one to be done in moderation, as a high percentage of alcohol in the gas has the effect of leaning the mixture. In the higher altitudes of the Rockies, that might actually help. My Concours, on which I did a cold ride down the Alcan, started and ran just fine in temperatures that only got above 0°C for a few miles in mid-day. As far as the bike was concerned, it could have been 80° in the shade. Even now a few of us are making plans to ride from Deadhorse, AK to Key West in late February/early March (when temperatures in Interior Alaska can easily be down to -30°F/-34°C) and our primary concern is traction, not whether the bikes will run. Glad to see you're going to make the run - or at least an attempt at it. Weather can throw a monkey wrench into the best plans. Just concentrate on being safe. I'll look forward to reading your report.
Good post, Alcan Rider! I fired up the KLR the othr morning to see how it would do, and it fired right up at -20. Just thought I'd try it.
I for one am glad to see that just like I, some riders do not let the seasonal changes alter their desires to ride.. It is all common sense.. I have had a lot of good feed back so far and an amazing amount of help and support.. This is what will make the ride fun and this is also the reason why I will make it.. So as i get all my equipment ready, purchased and in some case made. i will post the pictures and all.. Thanks again!
I am going to start adding pictures as the bike I will ride on the trip gets equipped.. This is the one I will ride..... anyone with ideas of what to do or add is welcomed to help me.. Cheers!
I am choosing the 650 Dakar because it is light. good gas mileage.. easy to handle and when i WILL drop it it will be eaasy to pick up.. It has enough generator power for heated vest and auxiliary lights.. Plus i had one before..And i totally loved it. The one you see on the picture is actually the one that got totalled when a young asian driver ran me down last march and put me out of commission for 10 months.. It is a thumper. lesss moving parts in cold therefore less friction..
Paul, This sounds like an interesting trip. This thread gets marked to visit more often. Best of luck on your trip, if you need anything from Virginia, I'll help, but we don't get winter here, so I'm not sure what I can contribute. Leon Begeman A few Ninja 250s & a Suzuki DL-1000
Hey Leon! Good to see ya! I thought maybe you fell off the edge of the earth or sumptin'. (Paul, Leon rides with Steve and I sometimes, he rode 362 out of 365 days last year)
When I first saw this thread I wondered if it was you posting it. Been keeping a ride to Nome in mind, and checking on the logistics of same. See you in Jacksonville? Jack
A while back, I asked Jack (Alcan Rider) about riding on the frozen rivers in Alaska. Based on a web search, there is some traffic. If there is other traffic, then in theory it should be possible for a motorcycle to do the same. But, such dreams take many years to accomplish. This thread seems to be a small step toward doing that. I look forward to learning from Paul's work. I've met both Ron and Jack, maybe next winter I can meet Paul as well. Almost forgot, Yes, I will be in Jacksonville in March.
I will be carryinbg a Notebook and camera during the trip.. at the end of the day in my room I will post the pictures and events of the day just as the day went.. Temperatures, obstacles, stops etc.. everything that makes riding great... I am soo freking looking forward to this, THIS IS ALL i AM THINKING ABOUT. Cheers
Well let's get on with it. I'll be watching this one. Someone has to do it...way to step up to the plate .
BTW I have to guys so far who have offered to meet me on the road and ride a while with me... If anyone is interested in riding any distance with me and meet me at any point, please PM with your info and I will keep this in my road journal and meet you in time.. Also can anyone confirm if there is any way to operate my Garmin 2620 in the cold without screwing it up..??:huh Cheers!