'08 KLR ready for Alaska

[motomac]

Well, after a lot of rearranging, I think I'm ready for the big trip. The only major thing left to do is replace the tires. I have a set of Metzler Tourances in the garage and will probably mount them after I return from my trip to Moonshine and Charleston SC.

[Mellow]

It sure looks ready... What dates are your trip?

[mongo]

Looks like you are set up and ready to go, are you going to pack like this for the other 2 earlier locations? If so let us know how it goes.

[motomac]

Looks like you are set up and ready to go, are you going to pack like this for the other 2 earlier locations? If so let us know how it goes.

That's the plan. I just took it out on my 14 mile loop I use for checking things out. Everything rode fine. I did switch the big bag with the Big Agnes in it for the one with my extra foul weather gear in it so I had more room on the seat. This loop I do has everything from 25 MPH to freeway. I did lose my flag. Snapped the little plastic pole right off at 70 MPH. I try to carry a US flag with me when I'm on the road. I guess I'll see if I can find some with wooden sticks for poles.

[motomac]

It sure looks ready... What dates are your trip?
Haven't completely decided. Somewhere around the end of May to whenever I get back.

[Trekker]

Sweet Mac !!

[GoldWingGL]

Nice setup Mac

[Mr. Guy]

Hi Motomac,

I've been thinking about putting my boxes back on my DR. The thing about it is they're so wide, so I was wondering if you have a picture straight on the front or back you wouldn't mind posting and show us how wide that rig is.

Thanks, Guy

[sandman]

Good looking rig, Mac

[Trailace]

Looks good your taking a lot more than I did.

[motomac]

OK, here's the front and rear view. The bags measure 41". I wouldn't go out in the woods with these on. Rick, you know me, I have to have my coffee in the mornings!!!

[Mr. Guy]

Thanks Mac,

I like the look of your rig, I also use Happy-Trail racks, but i'm useing 20MM ammo cans for boxes. They were about $25 versus $400, have I mentioned before I'm cheap. Anyway thanks for the pics.

Guy

[motomac]

Thanks Mac,

I like the look of your rig, I also use Happy-Trail racks, but i'm useing 20MM ammo cans for boxes. They were about $25 versus $400, have I mentioned before I'm cheap. Anyway thanks for the pics.

GuyIf it weren't for the payoff on the totaled Wing, I would probably have either ammo cans or the surplus bags you did the buy on. When I was shopping for my Alaska bike, I contemplated a GS, but when I looked at what it would cost to buy and outfit, I gave the KLR, DR, and Honda a look. The KLR won because of the gas tank. I have less in the KLR with all the good stuff on it then I would have paid for the GS before farkling.

[Mr. Guy]

When I bought my DR, I also was looking at a GS. I had enough cash to buy the DR or a good down payment on the GS. I paid cash for the DR so I wouldn't have payments on the GS. Insurance was cheaper too.

Guy

[braindead0]

All right Mac... I know your not as heavy as I am, but with all that stuff... I'd recommend cranking the shock up to at least 3.... Although it may break the adjuster ;-)

[motomac]

All right Mac... I know your not as heavy as I am, but with all that stuff... I'd recommend cranking the shock up to at least 3.... Although it may break the adjuster ;-)
Like I told ya, I'm afraid to touch that adjuster after reading about all the folks that are breaking it!!! Actually there isn't that much weight. Probably 60-70 pounds. But when I put my clothes in that empty right bag it will bump it up a bit.

[braindead0]

If it breaks, it just means you can't adjust it.... If you never try, you can't adjust it either ;-)..

One thing you can do that *might* alleviate the risk, if you can take the weight off the rear prior to adjusting that might help.

[motomac]

If it breaks, it just means you can't adjust it.... If you never try, you can't adjust it either ;-)..

One thing you can do that *might* alleviate the risk, if you can take the weight off the rear prior to adjusting that might help.
Well it's busted!!!

[Mr. Guy]

Damn, Hate to hear that. Is there anyway to adjust it at the shock.

Guy

[braindead0]

Damn, Hate to hear that. Is there anyway to adjust it at the shock.

GuyYeah, take it back to the dealer and have them replace it under warranty. They've had a new shock part number for several months, mine was replaced some time ago.

BTW Motomac, next time your over this direction I'll hook you up with some coffee.. I roast my own and there's nothing like fresh roasted.

[motomac]

Yeah, take it back to the dealer and have them replace it under warranty. They've had a new shock part number for several months, mine was replaced some time ago.

BTW Motomac, next time your over this direction I'll hook you up with some coffee.. I roast my own and there's nothing like fresh roasted.
Thanks for the coffee offer. The shock will get done after the trip, I got too many plans between now and departure to have the bike sitting at State 8 for a few weeks.

[braindead0]

Thanks for the coffee offer. The shock will get done after the trip, I got too many plans between now and departure to have the bike sitting at State 8 for a few weeks.They (State 8) did mine in a day, if you stop down there and tell them it's busted they'll order the new shock. No reason to leave your bike there until it gets in.

Just sayin'... ;-)

EDIT: whoops, wasn't State 8, was Park Honda/Kawi..whatever over on 62. ;-)

[motomac]

They (State 8) did mine in a day, if you stop down there and tell them it's busted they'll order the new shock. No reason to leave your bike there until it gets in.

Just sayin'... ;-)
Thanks again.

[Ironheadziggy76]

motomac, I will be watching this post closely. I'm really looking forward to your trip report so I can make more plans for my trip. I'm one of those persons who researches something to death.

[motomac]

I just take my Milepost and head north. I know what I want to see and do and that is the plan. Don't spend a lot of time worrying about time schedules or where I'm going to stay each night. When I get tired I pull into the next campground and set up. Make my coffee while I'm breaking camp and go on down the road until I'm tired again.

[braindead0]

Whoops, just thought I should correct myself (corrected my previous post, not sure if it'll show up in new stuff though)...It wasn't State 8, was Park Honda/Kawi..whatever over on 62. ;-) It's warranty repair though, any dealer should be able to do it. If you'd like I'd be happy to ride over there with you and make sure they remember mine ;-)

[GENE]

You gonna sell it to me next year for my trip to Alaska with Kreis :D you retired guys sure do have it rough !!

[motomac]

Whoops, just thought I should correct myself (corrected my previous post, not sure if it'll show up in new stuff though)...It wasn't State 8, was Park Honda/Kawi..whatever over on 62. ;-) It's warranty repair though, any dealer should be able to do it. If you'd like I'd be happy to ride over there with you and make sure they remember mine ;-)From my drive to theirs is 2 miles. I was just in there last week for a face shiled for the SO's hat.

[motomac]

You gonna sell it to me next year for my trip to Alaska with Kreis :D you retired guys sure do have it rough !!
Now that's an interesting proposition.

[Ironheadziggy76]

UH OH, Let the bidding begin.........:D

motomac your trip plans sound a lot like mine. I am planning about 30 days for the trip north. I just want to take my time getting there while taking a bunch of pictures and then hang out up there for a week or so and come home.

I got a brand spankin' new Passport in the mail yesterday that needs some use. :D

[motomac]

UH OH, Let the bidding begin.........:D

motomac your trip plans sound a lot like mine. I am planning about 30 days for the trip north. I just want to take my time getting there while taking a bunch of pictures and then hang out up there for a week or so and come home.

I got a brand spankin' new Passport in the mail yesterday that needs some use. :D
Since I've been up there 3 times, I kinda know the roads and where to go, so this time, I'm gonna concentrate on pictures with a digital camers instead of 35mm. It is too hard to scan those prints to get them on the internet.
I got my passport last year to avoid the rush.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Since I've been up there 3 times, I kinda know the roads and where to go, so this time, I'm gonna concentrate on pictures with a digital camers instead of 35mm. It is too hard to scan those prints to get them on the internet.
I got my passport last year to avoid the rush.

They must have hired some people or got them busy actually issuing Passports instead of looking at where all the presidential candidates have been going. :p I got mine in about four weeks, when I applied they said probably at least six to eight weeks.

I just got off the phone with the nice lady from Thompson's Eagle Claw campground in Tok, AK. If you need a place to ship tires or gear she said they let folks ship there. She also gave me a tip I didn't know. If you buy your gas with a credit card while going through Canada, most credit card companies will give you the best exchange rate on your purchases. I learn something new everyday. You might want to check with your personal card company to be sure though.

I am just getting my feet wet with digital media, but with my crappy computer I still have to have them put on disk and then upload them to Photobucket. I have a Canon PowerShot A630 that I picked up to start with and it has taken some really good photos so far. I was thinking of getting a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4 to take also because of it's great wide angle and zoom capabilities. With all the rain I will probably see I might should be considering something waterproof instead though. The wife won't let me spring for a Digital SLR yet, but I probably need something that is small anyway.:(

What are you using?

[bvail]

Well, after a lot of rearranging, I think I'm ready for the big trip. The only major thing left to do is replace the tires. I have a set of Metzler Tourances in the garage and will probably mount them after I return from my trip to Moonshine and Charleston SC.

Hello Mac,

Looks like were are pretty much on the same path. Same age, brand new Tourances sitting in the garage waiting to be put on the bike, etc.

I bought a used DL-1000 last summer for a trip to Alaska. Been adding stuff this winter and I plan on taking off the first week of June. Hoping to do the Haul Road at least to the Arctic Circle and maybe beyond to Deadhorse. Just have to see how the old body holds up.

Very nice rig you have there. Maybe our paths will cross.

[motomac]

Thanks Bob, I am going to try to get to Deadhorse after I do Inuvik. I'm also going to try to make the D2D celebration in Dawson on June 20. Gene McCall is going to be there also.