Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: bobrebos on October 27, 2017, 08:59:54 AM
-
Im taking a trip on my 2013 Stelvio to Alaska next June, with a buddy who goes a lot. He has tires (a little more aggressive pattern) for his BMW shipped to a shop in Anchorage and changes, from his standard street tires, to the more aggressive tire at the shop when he arrives. The reason he changes to the more aggressive tire is the dirt road going to Dead Horse Alaska tears up his street tires in the past and they dont make it.
Im running a Metzler Tourance Next, 150/70r/17 on the rear of my Syelvio(Which is a different story due to the noise levels from that tire), and was wondering if anybody out there runs a little more aggressive tire on their Stelvio and what my options may be?
Thank You ahead of time for any recommendations.
Stay Safe!
-
Im looking at either continental tkc 80s or Shinko 705's. Either ones should handle 400 miles of dirt ok I am thinking....
-
I suggest you consider a Heidenau K60 Sport for your trip. The 150/70 rear has a continuous circumferential rib in the center of the tire that will extend your tire life considerably. You may be able to get the complete trip in on only one set of tires.
Others to consider are Shinko 705's (lower cost) and Meta's (aggressive tread pattern).
-
I did Trans Labrador Highway on Shinko 705’s.
All good unless you hit mud. If you see mud, TKC80’s...
-
The TKC80s are the tires of choice for big bikes in nasty bits...they don't last.
The K60 scouts are a bit harder, run like iron, and are a good mid-choice.
I ran Mefos back when they were new...tread block separation kept me from going back.
I ran k60's on a KTM 990 and really liked them for the mileage. They are a bit hard and you need to take care in the wet.
I never ran TKC80's, but I have heard the pavement performance can be eye opening...
What does your buddy run?
-
My friend shipped a pair of tires to Whitehorse and ran those for the Northern section, next time I see him I will ask about logistics.
-
Lots of choices. I like the Continental TKC80s, but the Heidenaus are also well regarded. In addition, several other tire manufacturers are developing big-block tires (like the Contis) that are more affordable. Check out the Shinko 805 or the Kenda K784...
-
The TKC80s are the tires of choice for big bikes in nasty bits...they don't last.
The K60 scouts are a bit harder, run like iron, and are a good mid-choice.
I ran Mefos back when they were new...tread block separation kept me from going back.
I ran k60's on a KTM 990 and really liked them for the mileage. They are a bit hard and you need to take care in the wet.
I never ran TKC80's, but I have heard the pavement performance can be eye opening...
What does your buddy run?
My buddy says he runs motoz tractionator gps tires....whatever those are?? LOL :thumb:
-
My friend shipped a pair of tires to Whitehorse and ran those for the Northern section, next time I see him I will ask about logistics.
My buddy says he has his tires shipped to Fairbanks and changed there. He is using MotoZ Tractionator GPS tires.....
-
Streetable but aggressive - Shinko 705. Not enough block to deal with mud that well, but then again the mud on the haul road is 'special', with lots of slimy slippy stuff from the chemicals they spray on it. Do your best to avoid it if it's wet.
Chunky, very suitable for the haul road - Shinko 805, TKC 80, Heidenaus, etc.
I have a friend in Wasilla with a tire changing machine, another friend in Fairbanks who knows all the shops there. Both have done the haul road many, many times; the wife of one of them worked up at Deadhorse for quite a time.
-
You blokes have used them and I haven't.
But something about the word "shitko" that just drains my confidence like acne at the high school prom... :embarrassed:
-
Shinko was formerly Yokohama Rubber Co. They moved manufacturing to S. Korea and changed the name. They are not exceptional, but are a great value.
-
You blokes have used them and I haven't.
But something about the word "shitko" that just drains my confidence like acne at the high school prom... :embarrassed:
LOL. I hear ya. Im leaning toward the Shinko 805's but I sure dont want to be let down by bad tires in Deadhorse Alaska. I might just try the Shinkos though??????
-
LOL. I hear ya. Im leaning toward the Shinko 805's but I sure dont want to be let down by bad tires in Deadhorse Alaska. I might just try the Shinkos though??????
Mate you're going riding in the third best place in the world, fabulous scenery, great bike, God's country.
Do you really want to come out of your cosy unit in the morning to a crystal blue sky, offset against monumentally large mountains with snow capped peaks, clutching your coffee in one hand while the steam condenses in the crisp morning air, all the while taking in the beautiful sight of the green pines....
Then look down and see Shitko tyres that you're hanging your life on.
.......Just get the good ones mate, you've come this far. :wink:
-
I did Trans Labrador Highway on Shinko 705�s.
All good unless you hit mud. If you see mud, TKC80�s...
Where would you encounter mud in Alaska ?
-
Mate you're going riding in the third best place in the world, fabulous scenery, great bike, God's country.
Do you really want to come out of your cosy unit in the morning to a crystal blue sky, offset against monumentally large mountains with snow capped peaks, clutching your coffee in one hand while the steam condenses in the crisp morning air, all the while taking in the beautiful sight of the green pines....
Then look down and see Shitko tyres that you're hanging your life on.
.......Just get the good ones mate, you've come this far. :wink:
Hell No I dont want to do that! Now Im leaning toward the Heidenau's K-60.......you dont work for them do ya? LOL
-
Hell No I dont want to do that! Now Im leaning toward the Heidenau's K-60.......you dont work for them do ya? LOL
I don't work at all anymore.
Unless you call shipping your Norge around the world each year and trying to wear it out (unsuccessfully), "work".
I did Nordkapp and Continental Europe on a BMW 1200 GS (gasp!!!) with Continental something or others on it.
Bike was as interesting as a wooden spoon, but the front tyre shat 25,000k's in and the rear around 15,000 k.
I just love Michelins though. Something about the name, it reminds me of a good restaurant ! :drool:
-
Mate you're going riding in the third best place in the world, fabulous scenery, great bike, God's country.
And, where are Numbers One and Two?
-
And, where are Numbers One and Two?
Too easy, (but thanks for asking), I was starting to wonder if anyone was awake !!!
#1 Australia obviously, (but we all knew that) and wait for it...
And the award for the second best place in the world to ride on a red Italian motorbike goes to....
(tearing envelope sound... drum roll....)
Italy !!!! (and the crown goes wild).
I should go on mastermind, Huzo from Australia, special subject, THE BLEEDIN' OBVIOUS !
-
I spooned a Tourance onto the rear of my EV for a run through Alaska. I decided that there wasn't enough bad road (or the ratio of bad road to good was skewed) to justify the downsides to using it. It was a hard tire, the big blocks made even the best road feel lumpy, it was unsettling at speeds above 65 and did not do well on wet pavement. The stretch I'd installed it for -- the unpaved section between Tok and Dawson City, YT, had had a major flood and was down to slippery hardpan where the road used to be. They had been fixing it, mostly on the Canada side, and had a chip coat down. There was marble-sized gravel loose on the top of the hard pan and the bike danced over it in all directions but straight. My kid had his Metzler Lasertecs on his Jackal and did as well as I did in the rough stuff -- and much better on pavement.
The haul road is a different story. It's like 435 miles of continuous bad road, punctuated with stretches of worse road. In addition, during the driveable months, the supply trucks are running nose-to-tail in caravans miles long. If you have a problem they're not going to pull over and help. If you lose your place in line, it could be a long time before someone opens a gap for you to re-enter the queue. Speed limit is 45 and enforced by the speed of those trucks -- they have tattlers and get into trouble if they arrive anywhere too soon.
So if I was going to do the haul road and wanted to use an ADV tire, I'd ship them on ahead to FBKS. I'd send them up on rims, do a quick changeout before heading to Coldfoot, and reswap on the return leg.
Huzo -- mud is the only thing in Alaska that outnumbers the mosquitos. There are 30 mile stretches of road work here and there that often has mud up past the spokes. I saw a guy on an HD once sail off the end of the paved section at about 40mph and simply stop when he hit the deep mud like he'd landed on a carrier with his arrestor hook deployed. It stuck him so good he didn't tip over. Several of us behind him helped get the bike into the rut from other traffic and he duck-walked his way into the distance. We let him lead. :evil:
Another time, on the Cassiar, I had a chat with a couple on and HD that were pulling a trailer. The trailer had no brakes. I suggested that he was on the wrong road for that combination, and he suggested something about my mother. The next day we were queued up behind a pilot car going down a steep, winding pass in an area of construction that had no pavement. The pilot car driver had an evil sense of humor and kept trying to find a speed that we couldn't pace on the straights, and then abruptly braked for the hairpins. The last I saw of the folks I'd been talking to was when the trailer passed me in a curve, followed by the bike. I was too busy keeping my own self upright to keep track of them.
-
Where would you encounter mud in Alaska ?
Anywhere there is a lack of rock or trees. The underlying 'soil' (and I use the term loosely) turns into mud as soon as it is exposed and wet - which is a good part of the so-called summer. This is made even worse on the haul road where they use calcite and other crap to treat the unpaved surface - gets as slippy as wet bentonite clay. The haul road is also notorious for its rocks, which come in two sizes: bigger than your head, and almost as big as your head.
-
If you look at most of my bike pictures, the head pipes are brown. It's not rust, it's ceramitized mud from years of riding Alaska highways. It bakes in place and polishes nice!
(http://thumb.ibb.co/mQHPWR/boundary1_dumb.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mQHPWR)
(http://thumb.ibb.co/nrJbd6/tag4_dumb.jpg) (http://ibb.co/nrJbd6)
-
Too easy, (but thanks for asking), I was starting to wonder if anyone was awake !!!
#1 Australia obviously, (but we all knew that) and wait for it...
And the award for the second best place in the world to ride on a red Italian motorbike goes to....
(tearing envelope sound... drum roll....)
Italy !!!! (and the crown goes wild).
I should go on mastermind, Huzo from Australia, special subject, THE BLEEDIN' OBVIOUS !
You have an inadequate appreciation of Canada.... :tongue:
-
You have an inadequate appreciation of Canada.... :tongue:
Hell no IT.
I'd love to live there if the first two didn't exist !
-
Canada would be a really successful woodsey theme park, except nobody goes there. :evil:
-
I went from Seattle to Fairbanks last summer and used Avon AV84 / AV85 Trekrider Tires (different from Trailrider). I've got a little over 6,000 miles on them and the rear is due for replacement. Front is still fine.
In general, I think they are great. Ride more like and 80/20 tire on pavement than 50/50 tire that they are...with the exception that they're a little loud. Feel very stable off pavement too, although the extent of the off-pavement that I did was the Top of the World Highway and the previously mentioned road work, which was often far worse than the Top of the World Highway.
The fact is, unless you're doing something like going all the way to Prudhoe Bay, you'll be ok with 80/20 tires, but to me the Trekrider's inspired a little more confidence.
-
Where would you encounter mud in Alaska ?
:shocked: 'shirely, you jest'...
If it rains and it isn't paved; its' mud.
-
My friend shipped a pair of tires to Whitehorse and ran those for the Northern section, next time I see him I will ask about logistics.
There are only two shops in Whitehorse that changes bike tires. Yukon Honda and Yukon Yamaha. Politely; neither of them are free.
(typed by the fingers of Yukonica ... sense a naming protocol that lacks creativity)?
Canada Post has reliable service if you aren't in a rush (or for a small fortune if you are).
-
:shocked: 'shirely, you jest'...
If it rains and it isn't paved; its' mud.
......that was my point :rolleyes:
(and please don't call me Shirley) :grin:
-
Mate you're going riding in the third best place in the world, fabulous scenery, great bike, God's country.
Do you really want to come out of your cosy unit in the morning to a crystal blue sky, offset against monumentally large mountains with snow capped peaks, clutching your coffee in one hand while the steam condenses in the crisp morning air, all the while taking in the beautiful sight of the green pines....
Then look down and see Shitko tyres that you're hanging your life on.
.......Just get the good ones mate, you've come this far. :wink:
Have you tried them and have personal experience?
I would be curious to know what is Shitko about 705's?
I'm on my second set of Shinko 705's with Stelvio, on both of my Quotas I've used many ADV tires, since I thrive in mud and gravel.
If I would do the Trans Labrador again tomorrow, I would go again with same tire choice. Great on asphalt, lots of traction on twisties, will carry 1200lbs without an issue, will last complete trip without issues and work great on loose gravel. Slippery mud is a different animal, but as little as I saw it, no need to punish the bike with knobbies for 6000km in 9 days.
I buy tires based on what works well and is used by riders with similar road conditions I plan to ride.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/kauUGR/IMG_1786.jpg) (http://ibb.co/kauUGR)
-
I put Hidinow (spelling) on my supper t and they have 8k on them and still look great....
-
RK - I'm slowly planning my Alaska trip to follow my retirement in 2019. Would you do the haul road (the Dalton Highway) at all? If the truck traffic is that bad, it doesn't seem worth the grief. From the photos, Deadhorse doesn't seem too attractive.
-
RK - I'm slowly planning my Alaska trip to follow my retirement in 2019. Would you do the haul road (the Dalton Highway) at all? If the truck traffic is that bad, it doesn't seem worth the grief. From the photos, Deadhorse doesn't seem too attractive.
I was wondering the same thing. My buddy, who goes to Alaska each year told me we have to go down Haul oad and into Deadhorse. Im second guessing that leg of the trip????
-
I ordered the Continental TKC 80's. Hopefully they work OK for the dirt roads........Gotta be better than the plain street tires I have on now. Seven Months to departure!!! :thumb:
-
I ordered the Continental TKC 80's. Hopefully they work OK for the dirt roads........Gotta be better than the plain street tires I have on now. Seven Months to departure!!! :thumb:
I've heard a lot of guys say really good things about those tires. :thumb:
-
I was wondering the same thing. My buddy, who goes to Alaska each year told me we have to go down Haul oad and into Deadhorse. Im second guessing that leg of the trip????
I've read many a ride report over on Advrider.com about trips up the Dalton and have never seen anyone report that kind of truck traffic. Riders like to go to the end of the road as a goal even if Deadhorse isn't a photogenic town. I'd say the general tone over at advrider is if you are time limited and have a choice it is more scenic to head towards Anchorage/Homer/Seward instead of taking the haul road. Many riders will take the haul road up to the Arctic Circle sign or the Antigun Pass then turn around.
-
My buddy, who goes to Alaska each year told me we have to go down Haul oad and into Deadhorse. Im second guessing that leg of the trip????
It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most. As far as I know, it's one of only two places you can reach the Arctic Ocean by road (the other is by way of the newly opened road to Tuktoyaktuk - http://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/the-road-to-tuktoyaktuk-1.4075013 (http://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/the-road-to-tuktoyaktuk-1.4075013)). I wonder when the first motorcycle will reach Tuk by road? Probably has happened already... :laugh:
-
Actually, no, you can't get clear to the Arctic on the haul road. At a point near Deadhorse civilian traffic is prohibited the rest of the way to Prudhoe Bay. If your rig doesn't say Haliburton or Exxon, you can't proceed.
If the haul road was on my bucket list to do, I'd do it. Like someone said, it's not a given that the trucks will be nose-to-tail, it's not a given that the roadbed will be like a burst cesspool with knee-deep ruts, and it's not a given that the chemicals and rocks on the road will eat your vehicle as you drive -- but you need to plan with those assumptions. Actual traffic depends on road conditions, the time of year, and what's going on upslope. There are precious few days traffic is possible on the highway, and they want to use every minute of it doing the resupply.
Coldfoot is kind of the point-of-no-return. If you get there and still think conditions permit, commit to the rest. If you don't like it, come back, go through Fox, and on up to the Yukon River at Circle City. You can see the Arctic Circle from there. It's in the river, IIRC, so you might not want to step on it. If you really feel the need to be punished but want to avoid the self-flagellation that is the Haul Road, head back through North Pole, Delta Junction, and Tok, take a left at the light, and run the Richardson (Top-of-the-World) Highway through Chicken (be sure to get the t-shirt -- they don't have one for the haul road) to Dawson City, and then head NE on the Dempster to Inuvik. It's as miserable as the Haul Road and has some dramatic scenery.
-
The photographs of Deadhorse don't make you think, "I've got to see that." Maybe I'll skip that part of the Alaska adventure. I'm still looking for the Alaska bike - a K75 or a Guzzi Sp1000, I'm thinking.
-
When you say it's the only way to get to the Arctic Circle, you are referring only to Alaska, is that right ?
-
I only meant Alaska.
-
I only meant Alaska.
It must have a beauty unique to itself I imagine.
Is it as "developed" as Northern Europe, beyond the Arctic Circle ?
63 deg and above ?
-
There are native villages, defense sites, and oil. That's pretty much it across the arctic part of North America.
-
It must have a beauty unique to itself I imagine.
Is it as "developed" as Northern Europe, beyond the Arctic Circle ?
63 deg and above ?
Nope.
Lodgepole pine (till you hit the treeline, when all you have is moss, lichen and rock), the occasional settlement, a lot of rivers and lakes big and small, a lot of granite especially as you go east onto the Canadian Shield, relatively little real soil, and space - incredible amounts of space - between anything resembling development.
-
Alaska Leather in Anchorage sells and installs tires - order them ahead of going. I believe they can get most any brand. When I went to Alaska in 2009 I was told that shipping tires from the US to Whitehorse (Canada - customs, etc) was expensive and slow. and to Dawson City was even worse. I carried my Karoo's with me (that was a mistake - extra weight up high) and installed them in Dawson City.
TKC80, Karoo and similar knobbies are good for 3000 to 5000 miles. Heindenau K60 are good for 6000 to 10,000 miles. All of these are "noisey. Shinko 705 are good for 5000 - 7000 miles.
The chip seal on Canadian roads eats tires, your mileage may be less.
-
Not to unnecessarily resurrect an old thread, but I am just coming to the end of my first set of Shinko 705s on my Stelvo NTX. The front will go a long way yet, probably as long as the next rear. The rear will be replaced in the next 500 - 1000 miles; current distance is 7500 miles+. Distance was about 30% city, 60% highway/high speed, 10% dirt or rough road.
Haven't tried them in mud. Dirt behavior is good. Gravel is good. Sand is OK but be careful if it's deeper than a couple inches before hardpack. Pavement is better than I'd expect - these aren't Pilot Road 4s, but they do very well on both dry and wet pavement. So far, I see no reason to use anything else unless I'm going to do a long all-pavement run. Yes, I could get better pavement handling, but only by using something that would make me skip taking that neat looking back road.
The next time I head for Alaska or Tuktoyaktuk, I'll start with a fresh set of 705s.
-
Moving back to Anchorage this summer. Anyone needing help there can pm me. Or stop by the Double Shovel Cidery and join me for a cold one.
Here’s a good website;
http://www.explorenorth.com
-
I spent the summer �up north�. I road both the Dempster and the Dalton highways. On the Dalton the traffic is industry driven, and while the truckers are friendly nice people, they are trying to make a living and the bikes are in the way. I rode the Dalton to Wiseman north of the Arctic Circle and returned to Fairbanks. Not as much fun as I expected. I went from Tok to Dawson City and that is a magnificent road! Very dramatic scenery! Stayed in Dawson City for a few days then decided to ride the Dempster Highway. The Inuvik tourism office in Dawson are totally awesome, they offered me a spare gas can, offered use of lockers to secure any unneeded gear. The Dempster Highway doesn�t have nearly as much heavy traffic and the road is much better. The Provincial campgrounds offer camping supplied with firewood. The people of Inuvik are friendly and welcoming. Have good eateries. Much better ride. I spent 10 days on the Dempster Highway and enjoyed it a bunch. The views from Eagle Plains north are spectacular!
I didn�t want to expose my Stelvio to the calcium on the roads so I used my KLR for this trip, 15,000 miles later I am still scrubbing the Dalton Highway off the bike. I found the older design Avon Gripsters did really good. I got about 5,000 miles out of the rear before it became Slipsters.
-
While you're waiting to head to Alaska, a good way to get a feel for what you'll encounter is by viewing ride reports and videos posted by a ADVrider named Tewster2...look on ADVrider.com/Epic Rides or YouTube...he has done the ride to Deadhorse on a 250 and a 700...
-
A few guys I know use a father/ son shop in Fairbanks to change tyres, they supply, work (I believe 24 hours a day in summer) and will change back on the return trip
-
I have some gs riding buddies that actually do ride single track here in the ozarks that run the Shinko 705’s. Cheap is not the issue, they like them.