Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Alaska?!?!?!?!....?

So I have a delimma here. My wife and I are currently residing in Kansas, but are getting ready to move to Alaska. Fairbanks specifically. It's always been her dream to live in Alaska, so we're going up there for a couple of years.

Anyway, here's my delimma. To bring the America, or not to bring the America? I hate to sell her, cause she's the prettiest bike I've ever owned, and she gets attention wherever I go. I have no trailer however, and a vehicle that probably wouldn't haul a trailer well anyway, so that's out. We could have it shipped or moved there, but at some cost (which is not necesarilly a big deal, but who wants to pay extra money if you don't need to). Or, I've thought about riding there, but I really have it set up for puttzing around town right now. No saddle bags, no luggage rack, and no windshield. Also, I would have to first drive my car to Alaska and then fly back to ride the bike (though I do have the time to do it if I wanted).

All of those thoughts are just considerations though. The real question I have is about the weather in Fairbanks Alaska. I have never been there before, but assume that it is cold much of the year (I tend to be a fair weather rider). So I guess I'm not sure that I want to go through all of the expense of getting the bike there, if I'm only going to be able to ride a couple months out of the year. I'd be really sad to sell her, but It just doesn't make sense to me to keep paying on a bike I'm not really going to use.

Anyone on this forum from Alaska, or anyone been to Alaska for an extended period of time? Anyone own a bike there? I would love to get some feedback on riding conditions in Alaska, especially Fairbanks, and would appreciate any of your thoughts on the subject .

Well you say you're going up there for a couple of years? That means you might only miss one summer (the summer between going and returning) of riding if you leave the bike behind. Or a small utility trailer is inexpensive, especially used....a lot cheaper than an airplane ticket and gas and such to go back for your bike. You should be able to get a hitch for your vehicle.

But here's the thing and because you asked, don't sell the bike. I can tell you because I've been North of 60 in the summer... it is heavenly!! Super long days and nice and warm, just perfect for riding. You will never get another riding experience like it anywhere. And the country up there is breathtaking.

So.... get a trailer for maybe a couple hund, take the bike and have the experience of your life.

I love my America too. If I were planning on a rode trip to Alaska that was going to last a few years I'd have to trade it for a Tiger.

My #2 son lives in Alaska. He took his motorcycles and has a small custom bike shop. Take your Triumph, you won't find any better riding in summer, and the summer days are longer so you get to enjoy it more.

As others say - BY ALL MEANS TAKE THE BIKE. There are options to get it there. Just a few;
1. I have seen 3 or 4 examples of really small cars towing large bike in recent months - So, there very well may be trailer packages that meet your needs.
2. There are reasonable priced, insured M.C. transporters out there - Shop around.
3. Riding is an option - But beware if you admire it for its beauty - It will look like it was rode hard and put up wet by the time you get there. The route is notoriously harsh and many who make the trip buy a bike (as in disposable) for that purpose only and unload it on return.

Anyway - Bring it or not - Its an envyable adventure

just put the friggin bike in the back of the moving truck...

Oh, Alaska... such fond memories...
Wait, what's that you say? You want to see pictures?

Here is me in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska



This is the paint mixer is rented, while I was in Ketchikan



Here is me and the missus in Skagway

Alright, Alright, I'm sold, I'll bring the bike! I'll probably see about the cost of a trailer and towing package first and then see about cost for having it moved up there. We don't have a moving company yet, but I'll probably just look into how much it might cost to get it moved with the rest of the stuff (if they do that sort of thing). Though the thought those movers handling my bike makes me shudder. By the way, nice pictures of Alaska Mikey, makes me excited to get out there.

Good choice. Most of the major movers ship mc's. Plus it probably woudn't be as much if you were shipping it by itself. My parents moved my 1971 Triumph Trophy along with their stuff from Oil City, PA. to Littleton. Co., while in was in the service. That was quite a while ago though. I think if you get up there and didn't have the bike you would kick yourself.

You can fly me to kansas then I'll ride your motorsickle to Alaska, then you fly me home. Deal?

P.S.: I don't need no stinking saddlebags.

Good riding time is short, but get yourself a nice snowmobile and youre good to go year round. Hunting and fishing is the best up there.

Make sure you get a wind(bug) screen.Enjoy your trip.

I lived in Two Rivers - about 30+ miles northeast of Fairbanks, in a 2 room cabin, loved it, and my one regret was leaving my bike in the lower 48. So much so, one of my favorite past times in winter was visiting bike stores (yeah, there's all kinds in Alaska...).

Summers there are wonderful and (counting the nearly 24 hours of daylight) nearly endless.

IMO an America/Speedie would be the perfect ride for that part of the world - I hope to test that theory this summer (got my passport ap filled out today!).

Like Mountainman, I've done the Alcan. I think it would be a great ride on our scoots - they should handle it with style. If I find out, I'll let y'all know.

The Solstice is a huge party. Don't miss it!! Motorsickles galore. Head north from Fairbanks. About 10 miles. Fox, Alaska is the place, Howlin Dog's the bar. Cant miss it- there's more Harleys than mosquitoes in the parking lot (and the mosquitoes come in clouds). Ok, maybe not. Either way, take your Triumph AND don't forget the bug dope!!

Did I mention bug dope?!?