Haul Road

[lddave]

Here is the ST parked along the Haul Road south of the Artic Circle while me and my wife take a break.

[EdsST]

Looks like a great adventure:bow1:

[Don-STOC237]

You can tell that ST's been to Alaska by the white salt-mud caked all over it. Looks just like mine did. Then when you get home you get to take all the plastic off of it and clean everything thoroughly. :D

[crazykz]

Did you got all the way to Prudhoe Bay? I've been wanting to do that but I'm afraid my lower fairing will be non-existant when I get back.

More pics too. :D

Thanks,
Curt

[crazykz]

What about some big metal sheild with small vents that would mount around the lower and hook into the wings somewhere?

Curt

[lddave]

Don with all the rain I rode thru on the way back I would think the ST would have been semi clean, butt it was not. Took me some hours to get it clean.
I had smooth sailing to the Yukon river bridge then weather started to change to drizzle, then and dropping temperatures, and before Coldfoot I turned around, the ST riding two up on rain slick dirt roads is not very agile .
I could see myself continuing butt I could not see endangering my wife just because I wanted to be able to say I went to Deadhorse .
I been toying with the idea of going back up there this summer.
The pictures are of the Yukon River bridge and some of the sights along the way.

[sherob]

That is some truly amazing riding and pics! ;) I can't believe your SO went too... that is way cool! Was Bart on board then :confused:

[lddave]

Was Bart on board then :confused:


Bart goes everywhere with me on the ST, he stays at home when I ride the KTM he said it rides too rough.

[KentS]

Good choice to make the U-Turn. The white salt-mud is slick and cost me a fork seal this summer. Don't let that stuff dry on the fork tube! I carry a can of WD-40 to keep tubes clean. Just gotta remember to use it.

IMHO the deadhorse run is very do-able on the ST-1300 but I'm willing to pick the day and the weather. Road maintnance is a crap shoot for loose gravel, potholes, and washboard. I don't like the ST handling on that stuff either. In the mud- forget it on the ST. If you are caught, camp and wait. It's too far from any help if you get an injury.

Remember, the truckers own that road. This August I drove off the Elliott Hwy about twenty miles toward Manley on excellent gravel. Overcast day light rain earlier, no dust, no mud. :lol:

[crazykz]

Hey Kent,

Still at it? Thansk for the tips. I worry about camping out there. I was freaked out enough in Arkansas about bears I just am not familiar enough with camping in the middle of nowhere when it comes to wildlife. Do you pack a gun when traveling in those areas?

Curt

[KentS]

Hey Kent,

Do you pack - when traveling in those areas?

Curt
Naaah, I'm too onery anyway. Offer Griz (Ursa Magna) no food smells. Besides border crossings ask if you have any weapons, firearms, tear gas, or pepper spray. Course you can always get that stuff in Anchorage or Fairbanks if you think it's needed. The skeeters are more difficult to deal with but, remember only the females bite. :rolleyes:

You gonna make it up next summer?

[crazykz]

Naaah, I'm too onery anyway. Offer Griz (Ursa Magna) no food smells. Besides border crossings ask if you have any weapons, firearms, tear gas, or pepper spray. Course you can always get that stuff in Anchorage or Fairbanks if you think it's needed. The skeeters are more difficult to deal with but, remember only the females bite. :rolleyes:

You gonna make it up next summer?

I don't think so. I'm still trying to figure out how to handle the trip. Not ready for it yet.

Curt

[IntruderCruiser]

how many sets of tires did you go through? did the head bearings or swing arm bearings cause any problems and have to be replaced -- am trying to make the run this next summer --

[sandman]

Great pics,

I hope to make that trip someday but I think I'll do a V-Strom 650 thing, dirt riding on the ST1300 doesn't interest me at all.


Gordon

[crazykz]

Great pics,

I hope to make that trip someday but I think I'll do a V-Strom 650 thing, dirt riding on the ST1300 doesn't interest me at all.


Gordon

You and me both Gordon. I was thinking about a BMW 650GS but not sure at this point.

Curt

[Louie Louie]

Definetely an adventure I woukd like to take.! WoW

[crazykz]

I have seen it and after they fell on their *** over and over because they picked too big of a bike and loaded it down too much I think I'll stick with something smaller. I'm sure the 1150 would be good but I'll look at the price difference. The V-Strom might be a good choice too but I've seen what stones do to sprockets and chains.

Curt

[jackpine savage]

The 1200 GS has been a popular adventure bike for some time and did well during the 80s at races like Paris-Dakar. My wife's uncle has an early 80s model and it's a beautiful bike. But, I'm wondering how well those big jugs hanging out the sides will do in a bike that will most likely go down a time or two over the course if it's off-road lifetime. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have one. Are my worries for naught or should one stick to a bike where the engine is tucked inside the frame?
David

[lddave]

how many sets of tires did you go through? did the head bearings or swing arm bearings cause any problems and have to be replaced -- am trying to make the run this next summer --

If this is directed toward me
One set for the entire trip, I used Metezeler ME 880's. replaced rear tire when I got home because it had a cut showing, ran the front until I needed to replace rear again. I had no problems on the road. When I returned home I changed the oils and filters.

[Ridingfar]

Buy my KLR650 - I set it for that trip.....