Yuan Hung Low
New member
Was part of the Hoka Hey, this post is about the ride not the event. What went right and not so right with ride, preparation, and equipment.
First I have to say we have a beautiful country, I have seen almost all these places before except Montana and Dakota but you never really see them until you are on a bike, that pretty much goes for anywhere you ride. BTW we have great people all across the country, in every area I met very nice people. I swung through 7 Indian reservations, very nice people, the infrastructure on these reservations needs help but the people were very nice and helpful with directions and general info, good people, will go back visit when I have more time to hang out.
I went through Fla, Ga, MS, AR, OK, NM, Ariz, Utah, Wy, SD, MT, BC (Canada), Alberta (Canada), Yukon (Canada), AK (USA).
Took almost all secondary roads, did 8990 miles and 10 1/2 days getting there.
Weather range was from hot and sunnt 120 (Ariz NM) to sleet rain and 30 (Yukon BC and MT).
Equipment / Bike
Right
B109 seat bag from Saddleman, holds alot and keeps center of gravity lowere than TP bag.
Tool Kit from HD (the snap on one)
Zip Ties, shifter fell off, inner mount bot let loose, zip tied it to shaft and got to dealer to inspect and fix, just needed retightening and locktite.
Windsheild from Clark Sheilds, great service and great product, he cut me a sheild and overnighted it, during his move from SC to Kentucky, unbelievable service.
http://www.customflhtwindshields.net/index.html
Tourmaster Synergy heated gloves and jacket. Graet in cold wet weather. (more on this later)
Tires, the D 407/408 last long and take a lot of abuse as well as good handling. Older bikes all had to change tires, when I finished I still have many miles tread life left on front and rear tire, great tire.
Seat, switched to stock seat as I find it more comfortable on long rides, like the sundowner in local stop and go traffic as it sits a little lower but puts pressure on inner thy.. My a$$ is still thanking me.
Unerarmor underwear, cant beat these underwear for long rides, very comfortable.
Carhartt T shirts long sleeve and short sleeve and socks, great construction heavy cotton. the socks are key though, especially in cold wet weather. Used the bib insulate overalls, great item in teeh cold wet weather.
Coleman air mattress and blower (twin size), small,folds nicely, set up and take down is quick and easy, also cheap $.
HD high Vis rain suit, the jacket is great but the pants dont fit so I am looking for a better pair of cold weather high vis rain pants.
Mobil 1 V, never had to change oil til I arrived in Homer, had to add a littel in Ariz and NM, thnk I burned some in teh heat and high speeds. Not a endorsement use what brand you want, this is the one I use.
Not so Right
Sleeping bag, took a bag rated to 30 mainly for size, should have took a 20 degree bag, never really got too cold but never really warmed up in the cold climes either.
Tour pack bag, makes bike too top heavy and handling a little scary in twistys and sweepers at speed, will not use one again unless ole lady with me and I need to pack kitchen sink.
Tools, bring a small socket set with extensions and swivel, will come handy especially when the closest dealer is 8-00 miles away, I didnt need it but helped other riders that did. Standard tool set does not have these items, suggestions on tools appreciated.
Food, bought a lot of food and never ate any of it, just peanuts and M&M's, ate mostly gas station food, great Burritos in New Mexico gas stations, green pepper burritos are great.
Tank bag, the one I had would not fit a standard map page in the window, had great storage but did not fit the Ultra tank as secure as I would like. Need help here too.
Tire pressure, check often especially when riding secondary roads, they will lose pressure so get a good gauge and check often.
Compressor, get a good one, mine fell apart by the time I tried to use it, too much bumping around in saddle bag so get a good one. I had the slime one, it just fell apart. will research for better one.
Glasses, I use Uvex Bandit glasses and change out lenses from dark to yellow at night. They are cheap and durable. I also use Panoptix transition glasses when riding through sundown, they dont get dark enough. Both sets are not good in rain, so looking for a good transition set and the best pair for rain. Remember when heading that far north the sun really does not go down in summer and you are heading into the sun 20 + hours a ay.
The suspension on teh bike was adequate but there has to be better solutions out there, I went airborne on BiA 32 in SD, a small dip in the road andout 10 deep and 3 feet long sent bike a foot and a half in teh air, was able to maintain control but every bag poped open. Scared the hell out of me. The secondary roads are rough so control is key, a better suspension would be needed for teh next trip liek this. (fastharley)
High Compression engine, I have a 10 5 1 HQ 107 motor, it becomes a ping machine qwhen combined with crappy low octane gas and high heat in NM and Ariz. I plan to lower the compression and get a retune before next trip (need help/advice here Phil and Dalton).
Maps, the small HOG map sucks, not enough details, get the larger touring book.
Cell service, had ATT which has best coverage allegedly but still out of touch for 2/3rd of trip, no issue this time but just letting you know incase you are planning on service all the way.
Planning and screw ups
Took too much food, never ate, can attract bears also.
Set up heated gear last minute never read instructions (like a guy needs instructions hehe). The jacket worked fine, actually really good. When I tried to ook up the gloves I noticed another plug at bottonm of the jacket and assumed that this was for teh gloves and I forgot to hook up second harness. Well I rode the wjole way without ever trying to plug in teh gloves and forze my hads off, use the engine to keep them warmish while riding (not the safest practice). Well when I get to Homer I notice a guy with same set up, he tells me there is no harness needed for teh gloves tehy just plug into jacket and use its power to heat gloves.I forze for 3k miles like a dumass because I rushed setting up teh ehated gear and didnt read instructions. Had frostbite in teh apst on hands and I cant decribe the pain involved, my hands are tsill hurting today.
Handle bars, I installed + 2 sweepers shortly before ride, put about 2k miles on them, never felt comfortable with them like stock bars in sweepers and twistys. I told myself that I will get used to them, well I never did and it impacted the fun factor going through the sweepers and twistys as I had to slow down to be safe and confident. It sucked. I do liek the + 2 higher as it got rid of pain in my neck bit not the +2 wider. I will either put stockers back on or look for just a +2 higher bar with stock width.
Dont bring more than you need, it adds weight and impacts the ride.
Riding secondary roads are the best rides but also very dangerous, get rest, sleep at least 3-4 hours straight, and take a mid day nap. Dont underestimate the value of a half hour power nap in teh sun at mid day.
The further north you go the more daylight you get so it screws with your body clock, be disciplinedand sto[p to sleep even if your body tells you different. The 20 - 24 hour daylight plays tricks on your mind and body. There are bvery fow guard rails and almost every tirn is a cliff or a side of a mountain so there are very few second chances or close calls. Be careful, please be careful.
Wildlife, seen two bike deer meetings. Lots of moose in nothern climes, they weigh up to 2000 pounds and stand 10-12 feet tall, they are mean so be careful. Lots of Bear, Bison, Rams, Elk, Prong Horn, and other critters that can ruin your day.
Bike repairs
Compensator, replaced, spring assemble crapped out
Starter, replaced, clutch assembley crapped out, 3rd time on this bike
Shifter, reconnect and retighten
Soldotna HD was amazing with service and repairs, the kid fixing my bike worked til 8:30 PM getting me back on the road, starter and comp replacement, all under warranty. Great dealer.
The people of Alaska are a good hearty bunch.
Tha Canadian custome will not let you in Canada if you have a felony, this includes DUI in a lot of states, even 20 year old felonies, I find this to be BS and wonder if our customs do the same to them when they come here. Not bashing Canadiens (I like them) just stating facts here. I also wonder why our government is sharing info with foreign governments about Americans. I am not impacted by this but seen others that are, does not sit right with me. If you have a DUI or some BS charge Alaska is still worth visiting, ride to seattle and take the ferry up bypassing Canada all together.
Roads
Tha Alcan is treacherous, if you are not a skilled rider stay away, if you are skilled keep the speed down and be very careful especially on the Canadian side. It is just trecherous, gullies in that are the same size as your tire and will whip you all over the place and send you to teh ground if not careful. Dirt and gravel, so get the dirt bike skills honed before attempting.
Sorry for the long post.
First I have to say we have a beautiful country, I have seen almost all these places before except Montana and Dakota but you never really see them until you are on a bike, that pretty much goes for anywhere you ride. BTW we have great people all across the country, in every area I met very nice people. I swung through 7 Indian reservations, very nice people, the infrastructure on these reservations needs help but the people were very nice and helpful with directions and general info, good people, will go back visit when I have more time to hang out.
I went through Fla, Ga, MS, AR, OK, NM, Ariz, Utah, Wy, SD, MT, BC (Canada), Alberta (Canada), Yukon (Canada), AK (USA).
Took almost all secondary roads, did 8990 miles and 10 1/2 days getting there.
Weather range was from hot and sunnt 120 (Ariz NM) to sleet rain and 30 (Yukon BC and MT).
Equipment / Bike
Right
B109 seat bag from Saddleman, holds alot and keeps center of gravity lowere than TP bag.
Tool Kit from HD (the snap on one)
Zip Ties, shifter fell off, inner mount bot let loose, zip tied it to shaft and got to dealer to inspect and fix, just needed retightening and locktite.
Windsheild from Clark Sheilds, great service and great product, he cut me a sheild and overnighted it, during his move from SC to Kentucky, unbelievable service.
http://www.customflhtwindshields.net/index.html
Tourmaster Synergy heated gloves and jacket. Graet in cold wet weather. (more on this later)
Tires, the D 407/408 last long and take a lot of abuse as well as good handling. Older bikes all had to change tires, when I finished I still have many miles tread life left on front and rear tire, great tire.
Seat, switched to stock seat as I find it more comfortable on long rides, like the sundowner in local stop and go traffic as it sits a little lower but puts pressure on inner thy.. My a$$ is still thanking me.
Unerarmor underwear, cant beat these underwear for long rides, very comfortable.
Carhartt T shirts long sleeve and short sleeve and socks, great construction heavy cotton. the socks are key though, especially in cold wet weather. Used the bib insulate overalls, great item in teeh cold wet weather.
Coleman air mattress and blower (twin size), small,folds nicely, set up and take down is quick and easy, also cheap $.
HD high Vis rain suit, the jacket is great but the pants dont fit so I am looking for a better pair of cold weather high vis rain pants.
Mobil 1 V, never had to change oil til I arrived in Homer, had to add a littel in Ariz and NM, thnk I burned some in teh heat and high speeds. Not a endorsement use what brand you want, this is the one I use.
Not so Right
Sleeping bag, took a bag rated to 30 mainly for size, should have took a 20 degree bag, never really got too cold but never really warmed up in the cold climes either.
Tour pack bag, makes bike too top heavy and handling a little scary in twistys and sweepers at speed, will not use one again unless ole lady with me and I need to pack kitchen sink.
Tools, bring a small socket set with extensions and swivel, will come handy especially when the closest dealer is 8-00 miles away, I didnt need it but helped other riders that did. Standard tool set does not have these items, suggestions on tools appreciated.
Food, bought a lot of food and never ate any of it, just peanuts and M&M's, ate mostly gas station food, great Burritos in New Mexico gas stations, green pepper burritos are great.
Tank bag, the one I had would not fit a standard map page in the window, had great storage but did not fit the Ultra tank as secure as I would like. Need help here too.
Tire pressure, check often especially when riding secondary roads, they will lose pressure so get a good gauge and check often.
Compressor, get a good one, mine fell apart by the time I tried to use it, too much bumping around in saddle bag so get a good one. I had the slime one, it just fell apart. will research for better one.
Glasses, I use Uvex Bandit glasses and change out lenses from dark to yellow at night. They are cheap and durable. I also use Panoptix transition glasses when riding through sundown, they dont get dark enough. Both sets are not good in rain, so looking for a good transition set and the best pair for rain. Remember when heading that far north the sun really does not go down in summer and you are heading into the sun 20 + hours a ay.
The suspension on teh bike was adequate but there has to be better solutions out there, I went airborne on BiA 32 in SD, a small dip in the road andout 10 deep and 3 feet long sent bike a foot and a half in teh air, was able to maintain control but every bag poped open. Scared the hell out of me. The secondary roads are rough so control is key, a better suspension would be needed for teh next trip liek this. (fastharley)
High Compression engine, I have a 10 5 1 HQ 107 motor, it becomes a ping machine qwhen combined with crappy low octane gas and high heat in NM and Ariz. I plan to lower the compression and get a retune before next trip (need help/advice here Phil and Dalton).
Maps, the small HOG map sucks, not enough details, get the larger touring book.
Cell service, had ATT which has best coverage allegedly but still out of touch for 2/3rd of trip, no issue this time but just letting you know incase you are planning on service all the way.
Planning and screw ups
Took too much food, never ate, can attract bears also.
Set up heated gear last minute never read instructions (like a guy needs instructions hehe). The jacket worked fine, actually really good. When I tried to ook up the gloves I noticed another plug at bottonm of the jacket and assumed that this was for teh gloves and I forgot to hook up second harness. Well I rode the wjole way without ever trying to plug in teh gloves and forze my hads off, use the engine to keep them warmish while riding (not the safest practice). Well when I get to Homer I notice a guy with same set up, he tells me there is no harness needed for teh gloves tehy just plug into jacket and use its power to heat gloves.I forze for 3k miles like a dumass because I rushed setting up teh ehated gear and didnt read instructions. Had frostbite in teh apst on hands and I cant decribe the pain involved, my hands are tsill hurting today.
Handle bars, I installed + 2 sweepers shortly before ride, put about 2k miles on them, never felt comfortable with them like stock bars in sweepers and twistys. I told myself that I will get used to them, well I never did and it impacted the fun factor going through the sweepers and twistys as I had to slow down to be safe and confident. It sucked. I do liek the + 2 higher as it got rid of pain in my neck bit not the +2 wider. I will either put stockers back on or look for just a +2 higher bar with stock width.
Dont bring more than you need, it adds weight and impacts the ride.
Riding secondary roads are the best rides but also very dangerous, get rest, sleep at least 3-4 hours straight, and take a mid day nap. Dont underestimate the value of a half hour power nap in teh sun at mid day.
The further north you go the more daylight you get so it screws with your body clock, be disciplinedand sto[p to sleep even if your body tells you different. The 20 - 24 hour daylight plays tricks on your mind and body. There are bvery fow guard rails and almost every tirn is a cliff or a side of a mountain so there are very few second chances or close calls. Be careful, please be careful.
Wildlife, seen two bike deer meetings. Lots of moose in nothern climes, they weigh up to 2000 pounds and stand 10-12 feet tall, they are mean so be careful. Lots of Bear, Bison, Rams, Elk, Prong Horn, and other critters that can ruin your day.
Bike repairs
Compensator, replaced, spring assemble crapped out
Starter, replaced, clutch assembley crapped out, 3rd time on this bike
Shifter, reconnect and retighten
Soldotna HD was amazing with service and repairs, the kid fixing my bike worked til 8:30 PM getting me back on the road, starter and comp replacement, all under warranty. Great dealer.
The people of Alaska are a good hearty bunch.
Tha Canadian custome will not let you in Canada if you have a felony, this includes DUI in a lot of states, even 20 year old felonies, I find this to be BS and wonder if our customs do the same to them when they come here. Not bashing Canadiens (I like them) just stating facts here. I also wonder why our government is sharing info with foreign governments about Americans. I am not impacted by this but seen others that are, does not sit right with me. If you have a DUI or some BS charge Alaska is still worth visiting, ride to seattle and take the ferry up bypassing Canada all together.
Roads
Tha Alcan is treacherous, if you are not a skilled rider stay away, if you are skilled keep the speed down and be very careful especially on the Canadian side. It is just trecherous, gullies in that are the same size as your tire and will whip you all over the place and send you to teh ground if not careful. Dirt and gravel, so get the dirt bike skills honed before attempting.
Sorry for the long post.