Triumphrat

Harleytoo · 03-06-2008

I am planning a trip from Dallas, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska and have a few questions on conversion of my '07 Tiger for this trip.

I have read through the threads that had some relevance to my question, and really (on this trip) expect to run into nothing more than a few gravel or dirt roads, maybe some snow, and wet.

Thus, I am not looking to convert my Tiger to a BMW 1200 Adventure. I do not plan to go for full off-road.

This said, I have some ideas and want to get ya'll input on if I am on the right track.

- Wheels/Tires - wheels are probably ok for trip, but I expect I need to change to a tire with cross-over tread.
- Crash Bars - already put the SW Motech's on
- Lights - Plan to put a set of PIAA driving lights on the inside of my crash bars.
- Luggage - I plan to put a set of the Trax boxes/panniers. I will run a set of soft tour bags I have on the back of the seat and on my top box carrier.
- Jerry Can - I will find a way to fit a small (2 gal) jerry can somewhere.

Do I need to put a skidplate/engine protector on the bottom of the bike?
What else do I need to consider getting?

miker · 03-06-2008

Chappy, that sounds like a great adventure! Good on you.

If it was me, I'd get the best all round tyre you can get, depending on what you personally like. I've had great mileage out of my Anakees, but later in life they don't handle cornering so well.

The crash plate under the bike is good for keeping your sump and pipes safe from any unforseen hard things that you may land on unexpectedly and would be a worthwhile addition.

Apart from that, I'd get a good set of maps, a solar charger for mobile/gps/iPod, a small tool roll full of the right things for changing tyres, and tightening bolts that shake loose. Plus a set of tubless repair plugs and O2 bottles. The bottles will get you going, but not full pressure. Maybe look in your bike shop for a hand pump instead, but the plugs are worth their weight....

Don't forget your camera and to tell us all about it!

Mick

Harleytoo · 03-06-2008

Miker, good advice. Forgot the tool pouch. Something I never leave the house without on the Harley, course it tends to vibrate bolts loose kinda often.

Tires are probably the biggest question for me. I am researching a good crossover tire now. I will check out your Anakees.

Camera and video will both go with me, along with tent and bag so I can camp.

If only I could find a deal on a set of Trax boxes!

MAX21 · 03-07-2008

I like the annakees good all round as long as you don't plan on getting to muddy. Have a great trip

snakebasket · 03-07-2008

Did the same journey last year but in reverse. Anchorage to Prudhoe and then down thru rockies to meet up with a friend in texas. To be honest, if you don't do the Dalton or similar, a stock tiger with a credit card will be just fine, but the fun in this type of trip is the planning and scheming. I had to buy some tyres and a chain en route , but this only added to the trip's reminiscing (Bozeman Yamaha for two Metezelers, great service and great, really great people) and D and D Triumph Pensecola, even more amazing, stayed late on a Friday night to help me!!!!! (beyond Texas) for chain and sprockets. People on the way make the trip, bikers so friendly the world over but particularly in Alaska, a minute on the side of the road will bring caring enquiries. I can't wait to do something similar again....................

Harleytoo · 03-07-2008

Snakebasket, great shot of the Tiger. I agree with you, some of my fondest memories are from touring on a bike.

Sturgis on my Harley through the black hills was the last long trip I took. Great trip, right bike for it. The Tiger just beggs to be ridden to Alaska. My riding budy (and ministry partner) is planning to get a BMW 1200 Adventure for the trip (he has tons more cash than I do). It will be interesting comparing the two bikes on the trip. We alwasy swap off.

I write for Wheels of Grace and will do a piece on the trip and the bikes.

Thanks for the input.

snakebasket · 03-08-2008

Chappy, saw lots of guys on BMWs in Alaska, nearly all six feet five Californians. I think these bikes must have a self cleaning mode as they never looked dirty, even though they'd been thru the same crap as us. Looking forward to your report, Alaska is the best place I've ever been touring, but have seen a few reports here about Labrador and Nova Scotia which look tempting...... but money as ever is the issue. Good luck and have lots of fun.

FullMonte · 03-08-2008

I never leave home without my Slime Powersports air compressor. Its great for airing up/down when doing gravel fire roads on the Tiger. Also, works much better than the CO2 inflator I used to carry to get the desired psi. Have fun on your trip.

R.W. Kuechenmeister · 03-09-2008

Some great responses concerning an 07 conversion. A buddy and I are planning the same trip on a pair of 06 Tigers. From what I've been reading on line, we will see a number of fellow travelers along the way. (Traffic?)We are going from Key West to Prudoe Bay via Arkansas, (to stay at a my buddy's brother's place) Colorado Springs, up to Calgary, then to Fairbanks and the Haul Road. Return is through Vancouver, San Diago, Yuma and RT 10 East. We are planning on maintenance stops in stride at various Triumph shops and am interested in recommendations. As a previous poster said, most MC people are great, but everyone has their own recommendations. Anything as to shops and specialized equipment are welcome. Of particular concern is fuel availablity and driving ranges between Fairbanks and Prudoe Bay. At approx 45 mpg on paved roads it will be awfully close. What are the collective thoughts on making it with no spare gas can vs stopping a Wal Mart and strapping a spare gas can on the back rack. (I don't care for the idea, but ya gotta do what you gotta do...) Looks like we have some great adventures planned this year.

Thanks

Harleytoo · 03-09-2008

How many of you guys are using electric clothing? Th local HD dealership has a sale going on on their (Gerbing made) line of electric clothing.

I think I want gloves and jacket liner.

Thoughts?