Naked_Duc
Member
I am planning a trip up to Deadhorse, AK in a couple of years. I'd be taking the NC700X and have began acquiring parts and accessories for the trip. One of my buddy is shopping for a bike, I will likely steer him toward a KLR or a mid-size BMW or similar. The 3rd person on the trip has a 1981 Yamaha XS650. He is thinking about taking that bike. Any thoughts on how the bike would fair on the Dalton HWY? Can he (6'1, 220) make it with proper tires? What equipment should he add on?
At a minimum, I would suggest - Tires, longer travel shocks, revolved front forks, wind protection (windshield, handguards), skid plate, and some luggage.
The alternatives would be - forget all that. Go buy a used KLR with all the goodies, ride the piss out of it, sell it after the trip. I think he would prefer riding what he already has and not spend $3-4K on another bike.
At a minimum, I would suggest - Tires, longer travel shocks, revolved front forks, wind protection (windshield, handguards), skid plate, and some luggage.
The alternatives would be - forget all that. Go buy a used KLR with all the goodies, ride the piss out of it, sell it after the trip. I think he would prefer riding what he already has and not spend $3-4K on another bike.