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Pennsylvania to Prudhoe bay on a BMW K75? Pennsylvania to Prudhoe bay on a BMW K75?
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  #1  
Old 29 Oct 2006
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Question Pennsylvania to Prudhoe bay on a BMW K75?
Hi guys,
I'm planning a trip from Pennsylvania to Prudhoe Bay-Alaska / june 2007.
I bought a 95 BMW K75 this year and I'm wondering if the bike is strong enough for this project. I know that a dual sport would be more apropriated but I'd like to hear your opinion before change plans. The bike is very reliable but I never rode it on mud etc.
What if I use dual sport tires for the rough part of the trip?
Regards,
M5
Last edited by m5rocha; 10 Nov 2006 at 07:35.
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  #2  
Old 29 Oct 2006
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North to alaska
Do it, if you like the bike and it is comfortable. Mainly you have a long road ride to get to a bit of gravel. If it rains on the gravel it will be tough no matter what you are riding. I would worry more about the mosquitoes than the roads in june. Talk to alaska leather in anchorage if you want to change tires. I presume you have a copy of "the milepost". If not get one and read it at home. Take your K75 out and find some gravel roads to ride on and then load it up to simulate your traveling load and ride it on gravel and some muddy surfaces. There are many stories on this site about traveling north, read them but remember that your trip will probably be diferent. BTW don't miss the dempster highway in canada and Dawson city, laird hot springs, ross river, moose creek lodge, takini hot springs, hyder AK and about 500 hundred other interesting places and people on your trip.
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  #3  
Old 29 Oct 2006
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This thread is about a lady who took a road biased BMW to Alaska this year .
It's a long thread but worth a read , a couple of major breakdowns but lots of good times too .
Good luck !
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...light=shoganai
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  #4  
Old 29 Oct 2006
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Thanks Bill for your info.
I'll follow your advice, ride on gravel to test the bike, and read The Milepost.In addition thanks for the tips on must see places.
I'm reading travelers stories and postings as well and some of them say that early in june there's not much mosquitoes and less motorhomes. On the other hand, it's cold. I also concern about the bears when camping.
Which month do you think would be better for this kind a trip?
Thanks Dodger for the link.
M5
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  #5  
Old 30 Oct 2006
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North to alaska
As far as mosquitoes carry and use a mosquitoe head net. As far as bears when camping don't cook around your tent and camp in a campground where there are tastier campers for the bears to nibble on. I have traveled north as late as the first part of sept. (got snowed on) but usally I try to hit the northern most extreme of my trip on june 21. There really is something surreal about midsummer in Inuvik where the sun doesn't set for 51 days. I have always ridden street bikes up north usally with street tires.
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Old 30 Oct 2006
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Sounds like the mid of june would be better to catch the long days.
Nice tip about the bears...
Thanks again.
M5
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  #7  
Old 31 Oct 2006
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Thumbs up K75 on the Dempster
Hi M5,

When we went up to Inuvik this summer we met a fellow on a K75 and his Dad on a Harley Sportster. They had no trouble with 1,500 km of gravel but it was dry. I imagine it would be a different story in the wet but as was mentioned above, it would be a challenge on any bike in the rain.

While at Yukon Honda in Whitehorse getting our knobby tires mounted a fellow showed up on a Honda CBR900RR super sport bike. He was coming down from Prudhoe Bay and it had a rained while he was there. He said that he took it easy and all was well. So there you go.

With 8,000 km of asphalt highway riding before you even get near the Dalton (or the Dempster) I would chose a comfortable bike like the K75 and then keep an eye on the weather when you get closer to Fairbanks. If it is dry go for it, if it is wet try and wait it out.

Have fun!
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  #8  
Old 1 Nov 2006
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Ekke,
Thanks for your posting.
Congratulations for you and Audrey on your 1 year around europe.
Now that I have positive answers from you veteran travelers about the k75, I'll start to work on routes. I'll have only four weeks off and its going to be very tight. I'll be glad to hear if you have any other advice especially on routes.
Thanks again !
M5
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  #9  
Old 4 Nov 2006
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You shouldn't have any problems, unless, as mentioned earlier, it rains. The gravel/dirt (at least in Yukon) gets a little greasy. Take it easy and you'll be fine.

We travelled across Canada - including Yukon/Alaska on a R1150R (2-up).
No spills and plenty of rain.

Enjoy...it's a great trip!
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  #10  
Old 6 Nov 2006
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Thank you Cindy and Lorne for your posting.
It's interesting .... last week I was looking at your web site ...beautiful pictures (especially the Emerald Lake one- Klondike hwy) and lots of good information.
Thanks,
M5
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Old 9 Nov 2006
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I did both 6-8 weeks ago, and would stress the major difference between dry and wet conditions, paticularly on the Dempster. I rode north on this in pretty bad conditions, and it was hairy even with TKC 80's (on a 1200 ADV). Whereas if it's been dry for a few days (preferably a week), they'll have re-graded the bad bits, and the worst you'll have is some shallow loose gravel.
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  #12  
Old 28 Dec 2006
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pa to alaska
I just moved to pittsburgh from alaska and will be looking to make this trip in a year or two myself. i posted somewhere else on the board about the fact that I do not own, nor have ever ridden a motorcylce...but I think I lost my post :-(
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