Dalton "haul road" HWY. Alaska

[Sci_]

Greetings,
Has anyone road up the Dalton HWY to Deadhorse, Alaska? I would like to go up this summer or next and was wondering if my ZG1200 would make it? Any advice?
Many thanks for your input,
Dan

[voyager55]

I'd take a 4 x 4 truck

[Highway Rider]

There are many types of bikes that have completed the ride. But keep in mind that this is the time tat there is road repairs being done. A lot of the road is not paved and you never know what the weather will be. June is when the is the best month the do the run as the you will have most of 24 hours a daylight. Keep in mind that with the road construction there could be miles of uncompacted roadway and it could be vary rutty. I have thought about using the 1200 to do this ride but tires could be the biggest issue and the overall handling of it it the loose road conditions that you may run across and should it rain the road may be slimy . Also if it should rain be prepared for the road film the will adhere to you bike. I'm Not saying it could not be done on a 1200 but there are of course better bikes to handle conditions, such as a dual purpose bike that you could install knobie tires on for the 1000 mile round trip of gravel. Also there is a stretch that has no services for 200 miles.There are riders that have completed the round trip in one day. There are a bunch of stories out there of where riders have done the ride and they talk about issues they ran in to. One thing I remember is a rider was meeting a haul road truck when the truck kicked up a rock and hitting the faring breaking it and the hitting the rider. Not trying to talk you out of it but these are a few things to keep in mind. who knows how it would go but you need to be prepared for any thing that may happen or run across even wild life. Should you do it please keep us informed. Plan the trip but plan it well.

[Sci_]

Thanks Highway Rider for the very thoughtful reply.
Dan

[misft]

Hello Sci_. That's what I call a great adventure. I've heard the Alaska D O T is paving the Dalton but don't know how far they've got. There will be plenty of construction, that means rough roads and gravel. It will get you and your bike plenty dirty. Even the paved roads are bumpy due to frost heaves. Gets rather hard on the equipment, tighten all fasteners as best you can. The weather may be wet but temps are comfortable, dress warm. It will definitely be something to write home about.

.
We only went as far up as the Artic Circle, honey said that was enough rocks and ruts. Rained the next day on the way back to Fairbanks, got very muddy.
Good luck, have a great ride.

[cranky]

... I guess the "can a Voyager make it" question has been answered!!! GBG Great on Ya!!!!