Dalton Highway on a Harley: Plans, FAQs, and Advice for riding Alaska's Haul Road

[@Jake_RollinThrottle]

Awesome advice, thank you. This is on my bucket list for big rides to complete one day!

[@CrunchMoto]

You should!

[@deeswiggins4331]

Great video series. Last July, I rode from Utah to Prudhoe bay. It was the best trip ever! I was on an adventure bike (BMW GSA) with knobby tires and still managed to dump the motorcycle on the first muddy hill going up Atigun pass. You're right about it being VERY slick when wet. I stayed 2 days at the Brooks hotel and on my return trip to Wiseman (near Coldfoot)) the roads were totally dry and made for a completely different experience.

[@CrunchMoto]

Yeah, I should have mentioned that in my video. I had dry weather on my return trip down from Deadhorse to Coldfoot; it took 2-3 hours less than the day up in the wet weather.

[@KYPresto]

Congrats on making the trip. I rode from Phoenix, AZ to Prudhoe Bay and back in 2022. I was on a Pan Ameriica Special and my friend was on an Utra Limited Low. We lucked out when we rode the Dalton: three days of clear, dry weather. It was the trip of a lifetime.

[@jeffreykrout3034]

Living the dream thanks

[@CrunchMoto]

Yessir - Thanks for watching!

[@MrGunner945]

this is one of the best put together cross country motorcycle trips that I have seen on KZbin!

[@CrunchMoto]

Thank you! I really appreciate that, I put a ton of effort into editing.

[@mikemichaels4315]

Glad you had a safe trip and made it back. I rode to AK in 2019 on a 2017 Road King and chose not to ride to Deadhorse for the reasons you experienced. I averaged 43mpg and rode within the speed limit for safety. Spent six days riding around AK instead and then rode back. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@CrunchMoto]

Your ride sounds great!

[@aaron___6014]

That riding advice seems good for all roads.

[@CrunchMoto]

Definitely!

[@gsfinatic]

Thoroughly enjoyed the series. Looking forward to you next adventure.

[@CrunchMoto]

I appreciate that. I make these videos to commemorate my trips but also inspire others!

[@rso1411]

That's amazing. I did this ride in 2022 on a Harley Pan America. I did it in May-June because that is the drier season, but it was cold (17 degrees F). I'm doing it again in 2025 on a BMW GS Adventure. The fact that you did it on that bike just cracks me up.

[@CrunchMoto]

Ride what you got! Love it

[@RealRonTV]

Awesome video. Been planning this same trip on my Street Glide CVO for over a year, but I just bought a Pan America to do this on. Your original video and your crash kinda led me down that road lol. I'm planning on averaging 600 per day but I will make adjustments like you suggested to see the sights.

[@CrunchMoto]

Are you the guy I talked to on the phone a few weeks ago? He has the same two bikes! I love my Road King, I take care of it, and can stand a little dirt… but I would NEVER ride a CVO Road Glide or Street Glide on that road. Smart decision! You’ll fly on that Pan America. Enjoy!

[@RealRonTV]

@@CrunchMoto Nope wasn't me. 😊Thanks again for the update.

[@mickeygaines007]

Good choice! It is a cool story to ride a Harley touring bike up there but especially taking a $50K CVO on the Daulton makes zero sense. I lived in Alaska. The Daulton on any bike is a challenge. Especially if you get these big ideas and go up with the wrong bike not respecting that road and what you are signing up for, you’ll be in a situation of needing a lot of luck to get back.

[@kimklim3267]

..been there..done that….!!! An adventure….a challenge…worth every second…!!! Congratulations for your endeavor..!!!

[@CrunchMoto]

@@kimklim3267 thank you

[@kimklim3267]

@@CrunchMoto ….done it in 2018…PA…Prudhoe Bay…Key West…PA…on a BMW R 1200GSA….and I loved every second of it… About how much it cost…who cares… Trying again…next year… Again…all my respect for taking the challenge…and not giving up….👍.

[@jimtrachta1927]

Enjoyed your short video... In 2021 I made it to Arctic circle and had to turn back due to mud/ weather... This July I am leaving Key West and heading north to AK... I pray I make it this time as I will be on the Dalton the 3rd week of July, said to be the bestbtime to ride it... Wish me luck

[@CrunchMoto]

Good luck!

[@MauriceHess-y1d]

When I got to that intersection to make that right turn for Deadhorse ,, I saw two guys on adventure bikes coming from Deadhorse, they were COVERED in mud so bad you couldn’t tell what clothes they were wearing or what color their bikes were,,, I said NOPE !! My Ultra Limited wasn’t made for that and I knew I would be asking for trouble 😉👍🇺🇸

[@WageSlave_13]

I'd never admit that kind of thing but each to their own.

[@CrunchMoto]

An Ultra would be very difficult on the Dalton. Wise choice.

[@albertcatelani9562]

Bet they were smiling, though!

[@rso1411]

You made the right decision.

[@MikeGilroyAK]

I plan to do this ride next summer, Not too jazzed about running back to deadhorse as I have done it 4 times over the years. Easy trip form Anch. I think my best time fairbanks to deadhorse was 12hrs. in 2009. Your right doing on an adventure bike!

[@CrunchMoto]

ADV bike next time for sure

[@thehexter1]

Did the trip with a buddy on our Harley’s in 2010, but only as far as Fairbanks. Jasper and Whitehorse are great places to stay and spend time. Great vids, binge watched them all in a day.

[@CrunchMoto]

Thanks! Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I’ll definitely plan to spend more time in Jasper and Whitehorse next time.

[@tonygreene3941]

Outstanding series of vide, thank you so much, this has always been a dream of mine and watching this has really inspired me. Hopefully one day.

[@CrunchMoto]

Go for it!

[@jsr1659]

Binged watch the series, congrats 👏, loved the scenery, definitely on my bucket list!!

[@CrunchMoto]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@darrylg7600]

My ride to Deadhorse was a great adventure. Did it with 4 others. Rode my BMW GS1150 Adventure. The temp was just above freezing most of the time.

[@CrunchMoto]

Sounds great- there’s no place like

[@bsc1463]

Great job !

[@CrunchMoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@jackthebagger7589]

Cool , I've done it four times on a Harley , first in 1979 , that was a trip for sure .. Hope to go at least once more in this lifetime .. ADV bike would be a plus ..

[@CrunchMoto]

Cool- I’d love to do the trip again on an ADV

[@JohnJones-ed8hp]

Thanks for sharing. I plan a similar trip on my 2024 road glide spring of 2025. You might find a trip to Radisson, Quebec less of a challenge but as interesting. Loads of friendly people and good Canadian camping.

[@CrunchMoto]

Thanks for the tips!

[@kentalanlee]

I would not try to do this ride on a Harley. And I've been riding for over 40 years. The Dalton is best with a 4wd truck. You have my respect.

[@CrunchMoto]

Yessir- Thanks for watching

[@albertcatelani9562]

Rode the Dalton in 2020. Awesome scenery! Like they say the Dalton is 400 miles of dirt road and 50 miles of sheer terror. But what an experience. Biggest lesson learned: no matter the road conditions, you need to keep your speed 30-40 mph. This is fast enough to keep the bike heading the right direction. Slower, and the front tire will want to slip and slide. Seems counterintuitive and takes a bit of huevos, but once you try it, it really makes it much easier.

[@CrunchMoto]

That’s solid advice!

[@wingandhog]

Very cool! When I saw the caption pop up that stated 2003 Road King Classic, I had to pause and back up to make sure I got that right. Besides my GoldWing, I also ride an old carbureted 2002 Electra Glide TC-88 with stage 2 and always wondered how she would do on the Dalton. I don't think I would attempt it on the FLHT, but I would definitely do it on an ADV bike to your point. Kudos to you for a successful trip.

[@CrunchMoto]

For sure an ADV bike next time.

[@chrisd4283]

I did the Dalton this past June. I was fortunate to have little rain but hit the day before mud up Atigun Pass each direction. By far, the scariest 5 miles of my life, and that was on a BMW GSA. I will say that the road crews there are phenomenal. The section of heavily rutted mud I went through on the way up was smooth and dry on the way back. I would do it again as well, but to your point, you really need more time to see it all.

[@CrunchMoto]

I agree about the road crews. And I found the truckers to be very considerate as well!

[@chrisd4283]

Absolutely. They get a bad rap. Of all the trucks passing me only 1 did not slow down which may have just been bad timing. @@CrunchMoto

[@brucem8129]

Cool ride

[@CrunchMoto]

Memorable for sure

[@jamesdumas6602]

You shoul have taken a Kawasaki KLR650 up to Alaska. I have a 2010 Electra Glide and a 2008 Kawasaki KLR650 (a street legal dual sport bike with a 6 gallon gas tank with a 300 mile range) that I trail ride over in the Oscelo National forest in North Floida (where 75 crosses 10). I've ridden my Harley down sandy dirt roads a few times, in the mud it would be a nightmare. Next time your passing though Lake City, Fl. look me up and I'll let you ride my KLR around in the mud over in Osceola, you'll love it!

[@CrunchMoto]

Thanks! I may take you up on that offer. I’m down in central FL about once per year

[@robertmakinen7189]

The room in Coldfoot @6:33 looks almost identical (the rooms all looked the same) to when I stayed there in 92 while driving hydro-axe on the Price road project. Made a lot of money there, bought my girlfriend a diamond ring, she married me, 30th anniversary this year.

[@CrunchMoto]

Sounds like the work was worth it. Congrats on 30 years!

[@philbailey8488]

Looking at using the Saddleman Dominator for my limited obviously you like it.

[@CrunchMoto]

Cannot recommend it enough.

[@philbailey8488]

@@CrunchMoto great, I ride solo and been riding a Mustang. Moving from a 06 UC to the 17 Limited. Thanks for the recommendation. Enjoy your videos. Keep it coming

[@commonclay0070]

What a ride! That’s a wonderful video bravo. Great info too and on a Road King nonetheless 💪🏼😁. Looks like an awesome trip. Could you (or do have a video on the gear you took with you?)

[@CrunchMoto]

Thanks! and yes, I go into some details of that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZSQn5SNeLOfoJI

[@richardlingan5455]

Enjoyed the series!! I have a BMW 1200 GS & HD Electra Glide would love to ride up there with my son..I was just worried about taking the HD..but many on KZbin have. Done it.. I was wondering if you. Would be able to put an ADV tire on the HD for better traction on the Dalton.. Thoughts?

[@CrunchMoto]

I’m not mechanically gifted to know if that is possible, nor am I smart enough to plan that far ahead, but it seems like a good idea to me!!!

[@johnmacdonald1878]

The BMW 1200 GS. worked really well for me. I had it fully serviced and put Dunlop trailmax missions on it for about 700$ Cdn. Just before I set off. They did the full trip to Tuktoyaktuk Fairbanks and back home. JIK I carried a spare can of gas, never needed it. Or the tire plugs. It will be the ride of a lifetime with your son. Best If you both have good bikes for the ride.

[@profitininfinitenumbers7189]

You can put knobby tires on Harley Davidson You can also put car tires in the back Last longer than motorcycle tire There’s a guy on KZbin riding a mountain trail on goldwing with knobby tires

[@CrunchMoto]

@@profitininfinitenumbers7189 I saw a guy with knobby tires on a BMW RT

[@afsoccommando]

Buddy and I are planning the same trip for summer 2025. Good to hear more of your experiences on this trip. How much was lodging in Prudhoe Bay for the night?

[@CrunchMoto]

It was around $225… originally I booked a double occupancy room, but when I showed up as 1 person they gave me a discount. Because 1 person can only eat so much! Check out the Aurora hotel too. They are known for their food, but it’s not as close to the Deadhorse sign. For what it’s worth…

[@craigalbright5126]

Great video I lived in AK and rode a lot The roads are not great 👍

[@CrunchMoto]

Great scenery… questionable road surfaces 😁

[@Brian-qg9bm]

Oncoming trucks hurl a lot of rocks off their tires, especially when the road is greasy with mud. Wear your gear and stay behind a fairing. Anyone considering a bike run on the Dalton would be best off with an ADV type bike. It can be done on anything that rolls, but...

[@jaywinters2483]

Trading my HD for a Honda was best motorcycle decision ever made.

[@CrunchMoto]

I’m considering something different too.

[@johnmoooo5804]

I got mine at Yukon Twin Harley Davidson in Fairbanks.

[@mikerapp8163]

Bike Prep: Not Much. New tires, hard bags, tour pack, gas container, change oil, dealer inspection, tighten bolts, hand protecters. Good thing you prepped for that road.

[@CrunchMoto]

Well when you put it like that… I suppose I did prep the bike a bit

[@Jeremybaland]

Its not as complicated as you made it out to be. I rode from TX to Tuk via the Dempster. 10K round trip in 20 days. Used one set of tires. Who ships their bike home? Props for using a HD to do it, that wouldn't have been my choice bike. I know the Dalton can be sketchy on any bike let alone road designed HD.

[@CrunchMoto]

I explain all of that in the full series.

[@adventurevin7600]

I am planning on going from Los Angeles to Dead Horse August 2024. (One month from now). I am on a KLR 650 (2007- Gen 1). I've done round trip Route 66 on this bike, Mojave and Nevada BDR, all of PCH Hwy 1 and Hwy 101. How do you book the shuttle to the Ocean? How do you book rooms in Dead Horse and Cold Foot? I will be traveling with a tent as back up. Also traveling with a friend on an Africa Twin.

[@Mr_Smarty_Pants]

You book rooms in deadhorse and coldfoot like you would any other hotel, directly on their websites or via 3rd party 'trip' website. They are essentially the same as large industrial work camps or drilling rig camps appearance wise but they are functionally the same as regular hotels. Book well in advance.

[@adventurevin7600]

@@Mr_Smarty_Pants What about the shuttle bus that brings you from Dead Horse to the Artic Ocean?

[@Mr_Smarty_Pants]

@@adventurevin7600 Iirc one of the hotels up there handles the booking directly, 'Deadhorse Camp' I think. The shuttle would also have a website and phone number I believe to contact directly etc. I"ve never taken it and have only been up there for work a few times.

[@adventurevin7600]

@@Mr_Smarty_Pants Holy crap! You've worked up there? Well, thanks for the answers. I plan on staying in Cold Foot one night before Dead Horse. Then two nights in Dead Horse and one night again in Dead Foot. I am retired Air Force so I will probably spend two nights at Fairchild Air Force Base to get some good rest and do some motorcycle maintenance.

[@Mr_Smarty_Pants]

@@adventurevin7600 ya several years ago now, winters on a rotation on drilling rigs, I wouldn't mind taking a trip back up there in the summer though one day.... maybe on 4 wheels though haha. Sounds like you have a plan....this guy put up a neat video series, was really hammering out the miles too wow, my hat off to him...and on a RoadGlide to boot.👍

[@kelvinknaff9903]

How bad were the mosquitoes the entire time you were in Canada in Alaska?

[@CrunchMoto]

Absolutely terrible. That’s the biggest thing I forgot to mention in this video. Bring a mosquito had and plenty of bug spray!

[@nicklopetrone3611]

I saw this bike in deadhorse

[@CrunchMoto]

No kidding? Which bike were you on?

[@softfinesse9673]

Spray with WD 40 sit for 15 min then wash and repeat until happy works well !

[@jimboakastormyweather9711]

How did you carry extra gas and how much?

[@CrunchMoto]

@@jimboakastormyweather9711 I had two 1.25 gallon containers in the tour pack

[@shakey2634]

Can I ask the body of viewers this question? I have friends with chemical engineering degrees and they would consider your bike “totaled” due to the caustic nature of the calcium chloride used on the road. Any other chemical engineers out there with an opinion? Would any of you hesitate to purchase a used bike you know went up that road? TIA. Ride safe everyone!

[@CrunchMoto]

I’m not sure how anyone could make that judgement without examining the bike today; 15 months after the trip. However, I’m always interested in what internet experts have to say.

[@shakey2634]

@@CrunchMoto Yes, the responses could be interesting!

[@andrewpeter6128]

Time and schedule; these are your two most dangerous opponents. As a resident of alaska, it allows me to be more selective with my journeys. Good weather allows longer days (such as one day from Dawson City to Tuk), or short/down days (such as camping in the wilderness and going for a walk) So regardless of the moto you ride…Mother Nature is not brutal. She is just indifferent. Don’t pound a round peg into a square hole. Take your time.

[@CrunchMoto]

I believe in making the most of the time you have. I had limited time on this trip, a lot of ground I wanted to cover, and a return flight booked. As I said, if I had more time, I would have traveled a few less miles per day and spent more time seeing the small towns.

[@andrewpeter6128]

@@CrunchMoto ...totally; I'm not casting stones. Priority of travel is different for each person. An analogy might be: some people choose to visit 5 European countries in a 10 days holiday, whereas others might visit and stay in a single valley for the same time period. Not right or wrong; different strokes for different folks.

[@CrunchMoto]

@@andrewpeter6128 absolutely, great metaphor. 👍🏼

[@Rooster003]

Bike prep up that highway, get some tires built for mud

[@CrunchMoto]

thanks for watching, The Dalton was harder than I expected it to be... but I made it.

[@gueyg3764]

Adventure road for those from the outside, road to avoid for the locals in motorbikes

[@CrunchMoto]

To each his own

[@pastorbobncc365]

I would do it on my dirt bike but not on my Harley, no way!@!

[@CrunchMoto]

Smart choice. Having done it once, I would love to do it again but only on an ADV bike

[@johnmacdonald1878]

Good advice. First piece of advice. Don't ride a Harley😀. Pan America why not. Yep. My GS is still dirty.

[@CrunchMoto]

If I do it again, it will be on an ADV bike. But... "run what you brung" or something like that :)

[@mickeygaines007]

Best advice for riding a Harley up the Daulton…don’t. Wrong tool for the job, it’s never going to be the same after, and you were very lucky to make it without wrecking the bike and yourself. Someone commented on a channel about how he was going to take his CVO street glide up the Daulton. It’s like bruh, got any idea what you are getting into? Obviously not. And you really want to ruin your $40000 CVO? I hope he changed his mind because yeah stupid idea.

[@CrunchMoto]

To each his own, I guess. Who am I to tell that guy when and where to ride his CVO? I’m just sharing my story. Thanks for watching!

[@mickeygaines007]

@@CrunchMoto you can for sure do whatever you want, I guess if you have 45K disposable to replace your nice CVO or even $30K Harley with it being likely that it will never be the same if you make it at all. But you do for sure have a story to tell and luckily you got through.

[@pascalfo6014]

Harley davison cool man

[@CrunchMoto]

You bet! 👍🏼