Hi folks!
After a lot of researching and thinking I have almost decided to fly to either Vancouver or Anchorage, buy a bike and go as far south as my wallet, time table (do I really have one?) and butt allow.
I know: everything has its advantages and negativities but what do experienced people think about the following aspects?:
-if I buy a bike in AK, it will be more expensive, not so many to chose from
-the flight to AK will be more expensive but I do not have to ride the way up and down (from Vancouver). Or is it worth it, taking different ways?
-if I start in AK, my visa (3 months) starts and keeps on counting when I am in BC for some weeks (a month maybe) Can anyone say for sure that this is what happens? I heard different versions including the one that it even gets invalid as I go through Canada!?
-how much time will I need for AK and for the way to Mecico? I do not want to race!
-would it be a better timing to start in South America? Grant wrote that one should not even think about Ushuaia in december. What about february?
Well, I try to start in june, do not want to be in hurry and want to take it as it comes. Do have the option to return to my job in december, but am not sure if I will...
-Thinking about the KLR 650 as the most practical and payable option, but am also interested in for instance Tenere, 640 LC 4 Adv and GS 650/800.
Any thoughts about liability / access to help and spare parts..?

I am very thankful for any information.
I guess I will be at the meeting in Germany as well but as I mentioned, time is ticking and I have to decide and book soon.

Cheers from Sweden, where it is soon going to be light again : )
Toby

Let me see if I can help a bit.

1) You can buy a bike in AK. It may well be a bit more there but most things are. Here is a place or two to start The Motorcycle Shop - Anchorage, Alaska and anchorage / mat-su motorcycles/scooters - by owner classifieds - craigslist as well as Alaska Cycle Center-Honda, Suzuki, Polaris, Ducati, Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia & Victory M/C's, Scooters, ATVs,Side x Sides snowmobiles & Power Equipment. I have no way to know what they have on stock that you ride away on but there will be something.

2) I get bord seeing the samething day in day out I see no use riding the same area if you are on a time limit and want to see all you can. But others love to re ride the same road. You do not need to ride up if you land in Vancouver BC. Canada (there is Vancouver in Washington USA as well). There in ride on ride off ferry from Bellingham WA to Homer AK you can ride from there. It may still take a week or so to get there and is not a cheap way to go but you will get see more. Ferry Travel.com - Book all major Alaska, BC & Washington Ferries plus most major European Ferry Crossings online.

3) What your visa dose and how it works will depend on the visa. If I had to bet I say your time on your visa starts as soon as you come in to the USA and will not stop if you go Canada but will stop if you go to Mexico.

4) How much time you take will depend on you. You have 3 months use them. Eat up 30 days in BC and you still have more than you will need, you can even go to all around the USA in that time. I have gone from home in northern Washington sate to LA in a day (a vary long boring day)

5) Be in Ushuaia in December bit full at the time I am told. Winter in the North is summer down there plan your trip with that. Many in the USA eat up 6 months riding down to be there in December.

6) You may want to add the DL650 to your list. Any bike can brake down and can not be fixed with the shop has on hand. When you go to the meeting ask Grant the best way to ship parts to you, It may save your trip.

have fun on the trip!

if you want to contact us for information or advice .......daniel@worldwideride.ca or sara@worldwideride.ca

We leave from Vancouver June 22 to head north to Inuvik and then south. sara



also contact 2motokiwis

__________________
Sara

Those who say something is impossible should not hinder those who are achieving it!





www.worldwideride.ca

HU RR Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride

@DLbiten
Thank you for your help.
I decided to start from Vancouver, will be there on the 11th of june. Now I am looking for a bike over there.
Maybe it is going to be a BMW F650 or 800 GS...


@sara
I sent you a message some time ago.

Cheers Tobx

Well we will be here in Van until June 22 if you need advice or help you can PM us

Sara

__________________
Sara

Those who say something is impossible should not hinder those who are achieving it!





www.worldwideride.ca

HU RR Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride

Hey Sara: will be looking for you guys on the road

Cheers Growler (Philip)