devilsidol
Parking Attendant
Posts: 9
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posted June 16, 2010 10:57 AM
Chicago to Alaska and back!
Taking my zx14 to Alaska next weekend. Total miles approx 7500. 23 days of riding! Just wanted to thank everyone on this forum. A month ago I was riding my 08 still stock. Finding this site I now have full muzzy m14, PC3w map, K+n filter, genmar risers, buell pegs, cortech bags all around, throttlemeister, flys out, sport supergrips, and pilot road 2s. Now my bike rides like a dream and I've had it apart and back again, bringin us closer together  . All thanks to you guys. Any other advice is sure welcome. Gettin anxious as the launch date approaches!!
  
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gilberjj
Needs a job
Friend of Fast
Posts: 3196
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posted June 16, 2010 11:20 AM
Nice, that seems like the perfect setup to me! Enjoy the ride, Alaska is beautiful.
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nydhags
Expert Class
Posts: 127
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posted June 16, 2010 11:26 AM
That's what's up, I'm planning a trip like that for next year,
from Long Island, NY, 3 weeks over 10,000 miles.
I was thinking about going with a smaller rear sprocket to bring the RPM's down and leaning out my map a little to extend my gas mileage when I take the run.
You already have a lot of comfort mods listed, but I didn't see any seat changes, I have a sheepskin pad I put on my seat for multi-day trips, but I may get the seat redone.
I've been told by some that there are a good amount of gas stations but some maybe closed depending on how late your traveling and on the weekends, so I was advised to start looking for gas around the 80-100 mile mark and having a gallon or so with you just in case wouldn't hurt either.
Cell phone coverage gets spotty at times so having something like a spot or satellite based communication would be good.
Watch out for wildlife.
The people that I have spoke to that have took the trip would do it again and wish they could have stayed longer.
Happy trails and looking forward to your safe return and a ride report with plenty of pictures.
____________
To Do List:
CONTINENTAL US DONE
Hawaii - I’ll rent a bike there, MAYBE
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Superman T
Pro
Posts: 1831
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posted June 16, 2010 11:36 AM
I would recommend Tobin seat but I don't think he'll have it back to you in time. I could never go that far on a stock seat! Good travels and ride safe....
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devilsidol
Parking Attendant
Posts: 9
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posted June 16, 2010 12:01 PM
yeah I wanted a seat mod but $500 for a concourse seat is too much, i think seargents was same. Where would I get a sheepskin pad? Also thinking of replacing my padding with tempure material. I've got an extra temperpedic pillow that I could cut up and stuff in, but worried it wouldn't be firm enough. I've been on a 1600 mile trip sitting stock with no problems so maybe I'll be okay.
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Superman T
Pro
Posts: 1831
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posted June 16, 2010 12:15 PM
Google Tobin seats, his price is half that & better quality(imho). I've seen those sheep skin pads @ bike events but you should be able to google that also
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nydhags
Expert Class
Posts: 127
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posted June 16, 2010 12:21 PM
http://www.alaskaleatheronline.com/servlet/StoreFront
You may want to see if you can get one locally to make sure you have it in time.
____________
To Do List:
CONTINENTAL US DONE
Hawaii - I’ll rent a bike there, MAYBE
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devilsidol
Parking Attendant
Posts: 9
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posted June 16, 2010 12:56 PM
Thanks guys I will look into the sheepskin. Prob couldnt' get tobin in time. Was also thinking of adding a rotor lock. Just seems they might do more harm than good. Roadlok looks good but $300 dam! Definetely the most expensive trip I've taken already lol
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LAB3
Needs a job
Posts: 2977
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posted June 16, 2010 02:18 PM
 Edited By: LAB3 on 16 Jun 2010 22:30
08 or newer C14 seat used on Ebay for about $150.00 or so. Big help on long runs. Still not as good as some of the custom high $$ one's. Also a Zero Gravity Sport Touring Shield .
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Ricksgsxr
Zone Head
Posts: 511
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posted June 16, 2010 02:30 PM
Edited By: Ricksgsxr on 16 Jun 2010 22:31
Awesome!
Watch out for the wildlife and the skeeters may be bad this time of the year. Nice scenic country going through, i'm in envy.
Rick
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dcjens
Pro
Wet side of Washington
Posts: 1059
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posted June 16, 2010 06:01 PM
I have a tall shield just like the one up above ^^^^^^^^ I'll donate it if you pay shipping pm me 
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Black 06
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CraigChrist
Pro
BAWLS
Posts: 1043
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posted June 16, 2010 06:31 PM
Do you have rain gear? If not, and you need a set that don't take up much room you might want to check out "frog togs". They're thin and do a pretty good job. Another good addition for a trip like that would be a centerstand.
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60ft-------1.42
1/8th------5.97
mph-------119
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dcjens
Pro
Wet side of Washington
Posts: 1059
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posted June 16, 2010 06:45 PM
..... Another good addition for a trip like that would be a centerstand.
and a motorhome
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Black 06
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devilsidol
Parking Attendant
Posts: 9
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posted June 17, 2010 12:06 PM
Yeah I finally got rain gear for this trip seeing as there might be rain for days at a time. Hope the bugs don't come out in ull force. Centerstand is good idea too but I can change oil and plug a flat without it. Gotta save a little money for excursions
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eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
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posted June 17, 2010 01:15 PM
quote:
..... Another good addition for a trip like that would be a centerstand.
and a motorhome
you guys call me the day before you get there and I will meet with y'all at the airport. 
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Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
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dcjens
Pro
Wet side of Washington
Posts: 1059
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posted June 17, 2010 05:58 PM
quote:
I have a tall shield just like the one up above ^^^^^^^^ I'll donate it if you pay shipping pm me
devilsidol, try that pm again, I'm old
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Black 06
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted June 17, 2010 09:05 PM
Now that's a ride!
Very very cool man!
Take a bunch of pics and have a blast !
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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Ozonkiller
Expert Class
Posts: 350
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posted June 19, 2010 11:44 AM
Been there, done that. The adventure of a lifetime.
Several bits of advice.
The distances are HUGE! Assume that the next gas stop will be closed. Even on a major road, you'll be amazed at how sparce traffic is. Whenever I stopped for any reason (picture taking, resting or taking a whizz) somebody always stopped or slowed to make sure that I was alright.
Gas in Canada is stupid expensive. I paid as much as $9/gal!!
The Alcan is just another boring road. The Casiar Hwy is stunning. It's dirt but don't let that scare you. You'll actually find most of the dirt roads are better than the paved ones. I saw frost heaves as much as 8 inches tall and watched workers fixing pot holes that were 18 inches deep or more on the Alcan. The Casiar takes you right by Hyder. The road to Hyder is unbelievable. Glaciers by the dozen. If you do go to Hyder, you must eat at "The Bus". Try to take the Casiar either on your way out of way back.
Homer is awesome also. If you go to Homer, you'll reach a point where you've gone as far west in North America on a road as you can go. You'll ride a beautiful highway where the mountains drop right into the sea.
In my opinion, do not take your 14 on the haul road to Prudhoe. It'll destroy it. When I got back to Fairbanks from Prudhoe on my BMW, I spent $40 at a car wash, cleaning the mud off. They also use a solution on the dirt (mud) that is the same shit used in the making of concrete. It makes the mud stick like crazy and etches bare metal. I ran into folks who were riding GS BMW's who were almost in tears. I found it not to be as bad as I was lead to believe, but I have a ton of dirt riding experience. I think that made the difference.
You'll love the fact that it stays light forever. Makes for great riding but don't let it sucker you into riding until everthing is closed for the night. Been there, dont that.
Leave with "sticker" tires. You'll need every mile.
Moose are HUGE and mean. They appear out of nowhere.
I spent days at a time in my rain gear. It's things like that, the difficulty and enormity that makes it the adventure that it is.
You're going to get home and are going to be a babbling idiot, with all the stories to tell.
Always think of the logistics of fucking up. You might find yourself on a twisty road and start getting froggy. Remember, help is probably a very long wait and a long and expensive amulance ride. Example: a tow for a bike off of the Dawson Hwy is about $3000 and an ambulance ride is about $18,000!! Average wait time, about 4-8 hours. That would suck..
Alaska leather seat pads ROCK. They're in Anchorage. Stop by and pick one up for the ride home.
You're gonna have a blast, I know that I did.
Good luck and have fun,
Tom
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Ozonkiller
Expert Class
Posts: 350
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posted June 19, 2010 12:05 PM
Inspiration.
http://www.ridermagazine.com/output.cfm?ID=2184769
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dcjens
Pro
Wet side of Washington
Posts: 1059
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posted June 20, 2010 12:47 PM
Homer is awesome also. If you go to Homer, you'll reach a point where you've gone as far west in North America on a road as you can go. You'll ride a beautiful highway where the mountains drop right into the sea.
Good tips here. I've been to Homer and had a drink at that bar I have family in Ninilchic. The highest paved road (and restroom) in North America is Mt Evans, Colorado. it snowed in August up there. very thin air too. I think I'd buy a shit bike if I was to ride in AK. sounds like an adventure for sure. Every pic is a post card
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Black 06
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devilsidol
Parking Attendant
Posts: 9
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posted June 20, 2010 06:45 PM
Homer is not on the itinerary as we are camping in Denali for two nights. Prudue bay is out also, but we are flying into Barrow. We'll be riding as far south as whittier, north to Fairbanks, then east back home. 23 days really not enough lol. There's always next year Hey dcjens is that screen still available? Tried to pm you but not sure it's working
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dcjens
Pro
Wet side of Washington
Posts: 1059
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posted June 20, 2010 07:30 PM
yep I got it. I thought you left already.I didnt get the pm. dcjens@yahoodotcom try that. I can ship it to AK to be there waiting for you if you have a place there you know of. Let me know. Darin
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Black 06
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SteveWFL
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted June 22, 2010 06:35 AM
trip pics?
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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devilsidol
Parking Attendant
Posts: 9
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posted June 22, 2010 06:51 AM
i'll be posting pics when i get back in mid july. dcjens thanks but i'll make due without. I'll probabaly be passing through your town next week on the way up to seattle.
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WARBIRD
Needs a job
Posts: 2739
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posted June 22, 2010 03:12 PM
quote:
trip pics?
Yeah........we will be watching for those........... 
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I'd Rather Be Roadracing.
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