| Author | Message | ||
     Impulse_101 |
I've been thinking about one specific motorcycle trip that I've been wanting to take for years. I want to ride to Alaska via the Al-Can highway. I'm not sure when, certainly not for several years. But it's one goal that I keep as my personal fantasy. I'll need a lot more vacation time than I have now and I doubt that I'd want to take my S3T on this trip without some serious modifications and a custom designed seat! I'm leaning towards the BMW K1150GT as my perfect bike for that trip, unless Buell comes out with something that would be comparable. Does anyone have else have grandiose (sp) asperations? I'm sure that most of them are aimed at the track than any grand touring escapades but everybody's got their thing. I'm also curious to hear anyones thoughts about a trip like this and what touring over 4000 miles in three or four weeks would do to the bike. JT | ||
| Mikej |
Hal's had a ride from Alaska to Wisconsin last year. Maybe one of the folks at the BRAG meeting there tonight can get the web site info for the ride organizer/sponser. | ||
| Bads1 |
Impulse your S3T would be fine for it set up right.Hell ask Court,Firemen,Newfie,Blake or better yet Jprovo hell he rode his Blast here from Cali.and back.But all of the above people have really put some serious travel time on BUELLS and loved every bit of it. | ||
| Viros |
one of my asperations is to do some iron butt competitions later when i get a touring bike. Im really interested in doing their coast to coast in under 50 hours ride ive heard about.... As for your trip, you wont regret doing it... even if your bike blows up or a major set back sends you back home.. you at least have the satisfaction of knowing you tried, which is better than being a old man and wishing you would of done it. 4000 miles in three or four weeks is a piece of cake and most modern sport bikes wont have a problem. Hell i admit i was surprised my XB did as well as it did when I rode 5425 miles in two weeks... | ||
| Impulse_101 |
I'd have to do something about that damned seat and add a few things like heated grips, GPS, and some kind of radio/CB/intercom system. I'd also have to repair the bags and see if I could smooth out the engine a bit. Finally I don't know if that bike will be up to the challenge by the time I could do it. JT | ||
| Lake_bueller |
I would NOT use a Buell for that trip. I'd be worried about the belt. The trans-Can highway is better suited to the shaft drive bikes. My pipe dream: Southern Europe along the Mediterranean. Preferably a Buell. Other choices would include BMW or Ducati. | ||
| Mikej |
GPS is nice but not necessary unless you plan to wander down less traveled roads. CB/Radio/Intercom system is nice but adds to complexity, install it early if you want it and get some long miles on your system well before you head out. Same applies to the heated grips, unless you plan to ride outside of the June-September timeframe, or unless you plan to ride well into the nighttime or start out in the pre-dawn hours. Same applies to the Gering and other brands of heated riding gear, install it early and work the bugs out well before you head out. You might also look into updating your rocker covers to the newer style to reduce oil loss. Start today and keep a small spiral bound notebook and pencil/pen with you and start making notes of things you think of, things you try, things that work, things that don't work, oil consumption of your particular bike, what tools you use between now and your trip to work on it with, what parts you need or use between now and then, and so on and so forth. Six months before your trip go back and review your notes and start assembling a toolkit and spare parts bag of the items you think you'll need. Then spend the entire summer haunting the IronButt pages gleaning any info that you can. And in the mean time try to get in a few Ironbutt rides of your own just to get yourself into ride-shape. And perhaps most importantly, beyond the bike, learn about your own personal needs for food, fuel, fluids, and water to keep yourself healthy and alert and well rested. Just some thoughts I've learned by reading, listening, and doing. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Always put a chain on it!!!!!! | ||
| Doughnut |
I want to take my S2 to Ireland and Japan at some point. It will likely cost more to ship the bike over then me.  | ||
| Crusty |
I shipped a Sportster to Brisbane, Australia in 1997. It cost over $2,000 to ship the bike one way. My round trip ticket was under $1700. Next time, I'll just buy a bike there. In the long run, it will be a lot cheaper. | ||
| Torqer |
lake bueller: I just lived your pipe dream a few years back... do it | ||
| Henrik |
Impulse; the seat is easy, and not too expensive either. If you haven't already, get the '99 S3 seat. The get thee to The Pro Pad and get a size Medium (I think) for installation. With a utility knife, an electric drill w/ drum and disk sander and the recommended 3M glue, you install the pad in the stock seat, and you'll be good for at least 750 mile days. Heated grips and Widder heated clothing is some of the best $$ spent on MC distance riding gear. Add gel grips and you're good to go. Also, check out Iron Butt's website, and possibly sign on to their email list. *Lots* of excellent LDR advice. Henrik | ||
| Buelluk |
I have family in Sydney , Australia and Brisbane , i am thinking about buying a bike over there , and leaving it in the garage for my annual visit | ||
| Kaudette |
How about Geneva to Nice & back across the French and Italian Alps!  I'm doing this with a friend of mine this June - 12 days - 2000 miles of curves and mountain passes in some of the most beautiful "country" in the world. I'll take some pics and post them when I get back - maybe a before & after of the Dunlops as I imagine they will be in a sorry state by the time I get back! There's nothing better that heading out for a long ride on an open road and getting into that "zone" of calm and contemplation. Best of luck on the Alaska trip! | ||
| Ocbueller |
Kaudette, That sounds like an awesome trip. My dream ride is a fly and ride in New Zealand which has been postponed from my fortieth birthday to my fiftieth. I'm now 47. SteveH | ||
| Chainsaw |
3700 miles in six days I would recommend starting on good tires, bring some tools, carry extra water and oil, and just GO! The bike should make the trip, no problem. Oh, don't take a firearm into Canada. Our brothers to the north are kinda funny about that (they think we're gonna invade and kidnap Hockey Players) I hope you get the opportunity to make this trip!  | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Kaudette, which passes are you going to use? If you're going to go through Italy on the way Stelvio as absolutely awesome, have fun.  | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Chainsaw, You can have all them fkn hockey players you want!!! Actually you can get in trouble for carrying a lot of concealed or non-concealed guns, knives etc, etc. | ||
| Kaudette |
Mr Grumpy We'll be doing about every col in the French alpes - the big ones on the Italian side - Col Gd Saint Bernard ~2500M, col petit Saint Bernanrd - 2000M, Col Montgenèvre 1854M, Col de Larch 1948M, Col Lombarda 2350M, and obviously the big French ones as well - Telegraphe, Galibier, Croix Fry, Croix Haute, Iséran, Izourd, Lauteret, Cayolle, Colombière, etc.. Total is 38000M of dénivilé for the trip... Should be a good time - I just hope we don't get snow in June on Iséran!  BTW - any tips on nice places to stay & eat? I know the northern part pretty well but below Gap (05) I'm not that familier with the villages & region. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
It's a few years since I was down there & that was in a truck so I expect it's all changed now. |
