Expedition Frozen Seal full video. A winter motorcycle ride. Prudhoe Bay via Dalton Hwy! KLR650 /BMW

[@robluce6334]

Let me just confirm this for you, that's insane. Yep.

[@ak.klr650]

😂 I think, planned out like we did it, it wasn't quite as insane and the concept sounds. 😁

[@silveriojohan]

Huge respect for the inmortal KLR650,

[@ak.klr650]

It's a solid machine!

[@mikee9065]

"We went out. We chose to go and live life". Massive amount of respect for you two. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@ak.klr650]

Thank you for the kind words and for watching! I appreciate it!

[@maximusmiles8435]

At first I thought you guys were a bit crazy for this attempt. So many things to consider in those temps. But then I saw those bicyclist. The things people do, is both crazy and inspiring at the same time.

[@ak.klr650]

The bicycling is nuts! People are cool! 😊

[@jsmith7013]

Support vehicle plus all the gear. Smart. You still pushed the limits. I had lived in northern Wisconsin and commuted with my honda xr150L. At 40 degrees it was very very cold. It would have been a death sentence for anyone not prepared as you were. Huge respect!!

[@ak.klr650]

We definitely wanted to be able to self rescue in case of a major problem. There aren't emergency services to speak of out there in the middle of nowhere. It was a good way to push hard, but not leave someone else stuck with the mess if we had a problem. 👍🏻😊

[@820stovall]

Tremendous respect for your bold adventure. Have to say, you got incredibly lucky with the weather. An unexpected storm could have been real trouble. But glad you made it home safe. Great video.

[@ak.klr650]

We had a few days of trip flexibility available in case of weather or trouble. One positive of the temperature being aas cold as it was is that it rarely gets stormy without warming up. 🤪😂

[@HarjotSingh-rq4yv]

I must say! You two have balls of Steel!! Great job!!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! 😂😊

[@AdnanAhmedSiddiqui-o3n]

You earned my subscription right at 4:35 ! Moto vlogs are what I live and breath for!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks for the subscription and kind words! 😊

[@scottsum1319]

My hats off to you guys! Living in the Great White North aka Canada, I understand cold incl sub zero -40c & thats before windchill. Most I would ride a bike is +5c as the road would get really slick from the cold. That said, I did some snowmobiling out in the East ie.Northern Ontario & have done 400-600kms rides. But thats on snowmobiles that are totally stable even at speed with fairly large fairings & windshield. I cannot see myself doing similar on bikes like you guys. Thats really into pain territory. Awesome ride guys

[@ak.klr650]

Snow machines are the smart choice. We sure enjoyed giving this a go though! 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@alainmaurice5383]

I did the trip from Quebec to Dead Horse and back in the summer and it was fantastic but I didn't think it was realistic in the winter. Wow, congratulations. The winter scenery is super beautiful. Thank you so much.

[@ak.klr650]

Very practical in winter, not really. 😂 But doable with the right gear, connections, and planning. Thanks for watching! 😊

[@bcuzicancuellar5478]

Frikken AWESOME! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us! Looking forward to your next one! Ride safe…

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed it! I've got more coming up for sure! 😊

[@flatcapcaferacer]

Nicely done fellas!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks, and thanks for watching! 😊

[@dylanoldham2066]

The 6000$ klr beat out the BMW. I’m not surprised . What an epic trip for the two of you . Yall are tuff SOBs

[@ak.klr650]

Simple makes it easy sometimes. Thanks! 😊

[@jimmiehoyt729]

Absolutely Hat is off to you 2 for farfilling my boy hood dream of riding AK thank you for making this video

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks for watching! Hope you can ride up here one day! Maybe on a warmer day. 😂😊

[@FaithisKey792]

Amazing video. God bless you all. I’m riding today. May God and Mary, keep us all safe.

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks, you too!

[@samhill3496]

Congrats on the accomplishment. You made it. I've ridden it several times. It's tough on a good day. Always a challenge of physical and mental abilities and any machine you are on or in. All good Take care.

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! And thanks for watching! It is an accomplishment to ride up no matter when you do it for sure. 😊

[@samhill3496]

@ak.klr650 14,000 miles round trip for me.

[@ak.klr650]

That's a good ride! ​@@samhill3496

[@bsc1463]

Great job !! ...... and another feather in the KLR'S hat 🙂 for holding up .

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! 😊

[@shortattentionspangarage1312]

Exactly! The bike that cost 1/3 of the BMW had no problems. It probably would have made it back just fine too.

[@sachadee.6104]

The Adigan (?) pass images are unreal !! SO STUNNING.

[@ak.klr650]

Atigun, I believe. Some of the coolest area up here!

[@Sumandokm9.3]

tremendous journey, what crazy landscapes, one day I would like to live that experience, the KLR650 is a tractor, not even the cold stops it, and the BMW is pure marketing hahaha, good journey, I congratulate you 🏍🌎

[@ak.klr650]

Maybe one day you can do something like it. I would reccomend trying to have a little bit warmer cold temperatures though. 🤣

[@ALASKANBOY21]

What an amazing adventure!! I was up there in March of 23 but I was in a warm SUV.

[@ak.klr650]

Nice! It is pretty neat up there even in a car! Stunning time of year!

[@bdkw1]

I did it in July, it was a little warmer then. Day 1 was Dawson city to cold foot. Day 2 was cold foot to Prudhoe then back to Fairbanks. That was a long day of dodging semis.

[@ak.klr650]

Wow! You put on some miles! 😯

[@mikeskidmore6754]

0W-5 WT oil .. thinner synthetic oil in the shaft drive.. I wrapped cut up beer and pop cans around my air cooled dirt bike fins and wired them in place to get the engine to run a bit warmer. I noticed quite a lot of daylight.. Must not have been mid Winter.. I see your notes said March of 2024. Plastic and Metal can get brittle at those temps. Running a little lower tire pressure might make the bikes at bit more stable in the grooves ect.

[@ak.klr650]

Nice. Good points for sure!

[@mikeskidmore6754]

@@ak.klr650 I riveted the pop cans together to make them one piece too . Does your car have studded tires?

[@ak.klr650]

​@@mikeskidmore6754Just Toyo G3 winter tires. Non-studded. When the ice is dry, the grip it well.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

@@ak.klr650 The colder it is the better the grip on ice with Rubber tires. There is a youtube channel in FL that just made a video how to winterize your bike. MotoDasha .. I shared a link of your video. Have you seen C-90 Adventures Ed March and his GF road across Canada in the Winter. Made it from AK all the way to Montreal where they got pulled over and bikes had to be hauled out of the City for having illegal studs. I just bought one pair of studded winter tires for my pickup to pull my snowmobile trailer with her in Michgan .. They are not Legal in Southern MI but I doubt than any young Cops have even seen them. I have two sets of wheels so I can change from summer to winter tires Quickley. I just went back to your video to get the name of the studs again. Where I live the put salt and chloride on everything and that will stick every where and cause rust and corrosion .

[@AnthonyJoh]

That's amazing! I was just thinking about doing such a trip but though to do it on a URAL because I didn't think it would be possible on two wheels. You guys have proven me wrong and hats off to both of you for such an amazing accomplishment.

[@ak.klr650]

A Ural would be incredible also! You'd still face the same cold temperatures. Balance might be a bit more stable. I think you'd still want tire studs though!

[@nobodycares3897]

As an Ural rider myself the 2 wheel drive is stable on ice BUT the addition of studs onto the more aggressive off road tires is a must.

[@ak.klr650]

​@@nobodycares3897Makes sense! Studs are about the only way to get traction on a light machine!

[@michaelmyang]

Wow, well done! Awesome! I rode my GSA to Tuk and Prudhoe Bay solo last summer from LA and made it back safely. Doing it in March is a totally different kind of challenge. Kudos!!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks. That is awesome! That's an incredible trip you accomplished!

[@Scorge120]

Dude, this is seriously gnarly. I tried to make it up to Tuk in October 2023 on my Africa Twin but only just made it to the Yukon. Need to get studded tires to do the winter riding! Kudos to you guys for being completely insane.

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! October is pushing pretty late into the year for summer tires for sure!

[@mattryder1803]

Love it I have road in extreme cold conditions and snow by you guys are nuts.

[@ak.klr650]

Hey, thanks! It was an interesting run! Working on deciding what I am doing this winter. 😊

[@someonethere5440]

Huge respect for sponsors and KLR

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! 😊

[@karlquint]

Love this idea! Great adventure!

[@ak.klr650]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@clintalbertson9636]

Met you at Alaska Feed in FBX this summer. Thanks for sharing this link. Awesome job.

[@ak.klr650]

Oh, yes. Nice to hear from you again! Hope all is well for your son!

[@rickorezzoli172]

Outstanding video! Let's keep riding brother!

[@ak.klr650]

For sure!! Ready for the next one!

[@joem5110]

Awesome job guys! I'm going up to Tuktoyaktuk but I'm a wimp and doing it this July.

[@ak.klr650]

That is an accomplishment no matter what time of year! That should be a great time to go!

[@littlefarmer_32]

Have a fun and safe ride, I rode up to Tuk in July 2019. One thing I learned from my ride, don't fret about packing lots of extra gas. Ride safe

[@ak.klr650]

​@@littlefarmer_32That's awesome! Was the road from Inuvik still super muddy at that time? My first trip on the Dempster was just last year!

[@littlefarmer_32]

@@ak.klr650 The road in the low parts was soft, but not muddy to stick to the tires. Very manageable for my big heavy, overloaded bike. Good times Offroad in the great CANADIAN Wilderness, take care ride safe

[@chrisdowdy]

Gives me hope of riding through winter. You guys are some tough sob's

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@maksimiliankiefergregl]

Fantastic ride guys. Well done, Congratulations!

[@ak.klr650]

Thank you! 😁🤙

[@GOLDDRAGONFiRE8]

WOW you guys !!! -80 wind? -30 wind? F¥(K !!! I love your video … live life ! you gotta live life … what an amazing challenge 😳

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@emmetmartin4083]

Some achievement to even attempt that ride never mind making it all the way North. Bravo !!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! 😊

[@scottishfold1305]

Huge respect from Türkiye.Well done.

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! 😊

[@gungho6798]

Awesome stuff . Silas , do you have a list of clothing and heating you would like to share ?

[@ak.klr650]

I might do a dedicated video to winter gear at some point this season. Drop me a DM on Instagram and I can send you a list of what I've worn. It's really nothing crazy special. I've just had cold weather gear that I've been wearing for the last 13 years plus some heated gear for the bike.

[@gungho6798]

@ Thank you

[@rogerthat1553]

A trip like that is really crazy on a motorcycle and totally insane on bicycles. I noticed that the Ford didn.t have any issues.

[@ak.klr650]

The cyclists are some tough people! The Explorer stays happy as long as the engine is warm. It does well.

[@justin.gipson]

I really enjoyed watching this. Unfortunately, I longer feel as though my year round riding in temperatures of about 20 degrees isn't as much of an accomplishment as I use to, lol. Well done fellas, and good planning ahead as well.

[@ak.klr650]

I'd still call 20⁰ solid cold weather riding! 😊 Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@53Peterbilt]

I give you both an Official "ATTABOY"!! Well done fellas!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! 😎

[@chazza1014]

Awesome dude!!! Nice work

[@ak.klr650]

Thank you! 😁

[@rmoran113]

incredible journey! KW to PB in late may.. cant wait.

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! You've got some epic travel ahead of you! You might even see some snow on the pass. 🤪

[@rmoran113]

@@ak.klr650 planning mid may start with stop at Yellowstone on way so likely early June……..don’t mind lil snow but ice another story!

[@davidh1314]

I'd totally do that...... In my 4X4 van.... NOT my motorcycle... Good for you guys. That takes guts

[@ak.klr650]

It'd be a beautiful van trip! Thanks! 😊

[@aliduran8144]

Yaşamaya değer iki teker yol macerası,tebrikler...

[@ak.klr650]

Thank you! 😊

[@normblais5120]

Fantastic 👍 Well done.

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@fernandobazo6369]

You guys are an inspiration!!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks!

[@N3QEH]

If you ever ride something this cold again, the only thing I suspect you missed is your crankcase vent. That's likely what caused the oil failure on the BMW. At those temps, the crank case vent will ice over. When it ices over and no longer vents, the pressure builds up until it goes somewhere. In this case, it probably increased your pressure until it forced the oil out of the engine. Running a low wattage heating pad on the crankcase vent, should in theory help this problem. All in all, truly awesome trip! Thank you for sharing! Almost makes me regret moving out of Nenana last year. I''ll be moving back to Alaska one day. Just some place other than Nenana.

[@ak.klr650]

That's an interesting thought. I hadn't thought about that. It's a bummer my 2008 BMW doesn't have a warranty. I might be tempted to try again with it. 😂 I lived in Nenana from 2019 to 2022. Might have met each other there. Thanks for the input, and thanks for watching! 😊

[@N3QEH]

@@ak.klr650 wait, you lived in Nenana the same time I did! 2018-2023. At first, I had the yellow BMW R1150GSA. Then in 2022 and 2023 I was riding the ice grey 1250GSA. I lived at the south end of Nenana just north of milepost 301.

[@ak.klr650]

​@N3QEH nice! My 2022 KLR650 was my first bike in the tail end of 2022. I lived near the True North church there across from the pond there on the South edge of town.

[@dcijams]

I've driven a tractor trailer in temps of -39 degrees. and had to shield my drivers door, from the wind blowing in. The coldest I ever rode a bike was 17 degrees.

[@ak.klr650]

That is quite cold! Heater struggles to keep up in some vehicles for sure!

[@dcijams]

@@ak.klr650 can't decide if the KLR would be to small of a bike for me, as I'm 6' 4" tall, & weigh 290 LBs. I'm also looking at the BMW 850 gs & the Moto Guzzi 85TT

[@ak.klr650]

You planning on riding much interstate? What are the top speed limits for your area where you'll be riding? The KLR maxes out at 93 downhill, loaded with me and luggage. I have had the throttle pinned and only been at 75 MPH into a hard headwind in Utah. It would fit you size wise. The biggest disappointment I think most people have with it is the power. I am tickled with it. It fits my riding style, it is simple, very reliable, and easy to work on yourself. Those are the reasons I have them now.

[@functionalfitness1013]

You guys are nuts!! Awesome job 💯

[@ak.klr650]

😂 Thanks! 👍🤙

[@sisgrl4alwyz]

This was so fun!!!!! Glad i got to come along for this adventure! 😁 P.S.--Can't wait til our Cali to Oregon trip! 🤩

[@ak.klr650]

Looking forward to it! 😁

[@DavidM2002]

I put on my sweater after the first few minutes watching. I'd use those studded tires as picture frames for a couple of your favourite pics.

[@ak.klr650]

😂 Not a bad idea with the tires. 😊

[@letsfindme8156]

Let me know if you need help our advice. I did the ice road to tuk the last year it was up on my motorcycle and I have about 65 000 km of ice road riding under my belt. You'll have a good time

[@ak.klr650]

We had a great run! Covered the whole trip in this video. 😊

[@sayless2117]

What an amazing adventure, thank you for sharing 👍

[@ak.klr650]

Glad you enjoyed the video! And thanks! 😊

[@frankmlchaelglasscock6539]

A fantastic video

[@ak.klr650]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😁 Thanks!

[@thudtheace]

Great ride! Wow! Fantastic ride! Did you have any issues with snow drifts blowing across the road? Cheers!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! No snow drifts. We didn't have any fresh snow at the time of this trip for one, and also, for the most part, the road bed is elevated, so snow blows off easier without collecting in most areas.

[@tymobyrne4451]

I just got a sage green refrigiwear outfit just like the one in the vid for winter riding in new england.

[@ak.klr650]

Nice! Really good suit for the price!

[@elwood62]

Pretty incredible. I enjoyed the short vids you released, but seeing it all together is cool. What did you guys wear for boots? They don’t look nearly as thick as would have expected them to be.

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! Military surplus "bunny boots." They do a pretty good job of keeping the feet warm!

[@robreed2999]

Absolutely brilliant and congratulations to you both 🥇🥇👍🏍⛽🇬🇧

[@ak.klr650]

Thank you! 😊

[@AK_ADV]

Awesome trip. Well done 🍻

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! 👍

[@stevek4449]

Yes, I also confirm, that’s insane….now, where is my popcorn to watch it all unfold?😂

[@ak.klr650]

🤣😂

[@stevek4449]

I traded my 2023 KLR650 S due to big feet making shifting an issue for my 24 Africa Twin adventure sport DCT. I am surprised the KLR faired better than the BMW. So how did chain maintenance turn out? More than normal, only in warm garage etc?

[@ak.klr650]

​@stevek4449 The KLR is just a simple machine with less to go wrong, and maybe I got lucky. Someone suggested that the BMW crank case breather hose may have iced up causing an oil pressure spike in places it isn't supposed to have one. I lubed my chain in the garage before leaving home, but no other maintenance over the 700 miles I did.

[@stevek4449]

@@ak.klr650 interesting. Yeah half visualized the BMW pulling an IV supply of oil dripping into the motor as it would be ridden home till it got to a shop to fix the seal 😂 So how was it? Was there any damage aside from the bad seal?

[@ak.klr650]

No engine damage. It had to have happened recently enough not to damage anything. Most of the oil was gone, but it wasnt dry yet. They inspected the whole engine and replaced the seals. Runs strong now. Rick took it back to Florida this Spring and hasn't had another issue.

[@757Adventurer]

Pushed to the limits… with a chase vehicle… thats the first I’ve heard of that… My turn… but I’ve got to ride from Virginia just to get to Alaska… we’ll discuss pushing the limits, at 56 years old.

[@ak.klr650]

🫡

[@arronchristopher4054]

great video ... look like a fun trip ... great work

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! 😊

[@samuroadventure1227]

That was epic, cool, and phenomenal!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! 😊

[@Ghostrider-71]

This is epic, what a trip. This is inspiring, doing this solo probably would end badly. The survival aspect alone would cause pretty high anxiety. How did you keep the KLR going? Did you block off the radiator? This should be part of a Kawasaki ad campaign. A real testament to the KLR 650. Thank you for posting.

[@ak.klr650]

I actually didn't think of blocking the radiator. I just left it run all day while it was out in the cold. You most likely would be able to hitch a ride if you broke down solo, but I knew that the regular truck drivers in the area would appreciate seeing we were capable of solving our own problems if we had any. Plus there is no emergency medical resources for a couple hundred miles at a stretch. We weren't planning to get hurt, but there is some risk there. Being unprepared to be self-sufficient up here in winter is generally bad practice. 🤪 Thanks for watching! 😊

[@Ghostrider-71]

@@ak.klr650 is your KLR 650 Thermobobbed? Yes, the survival aspects of “if something goes wrong” could be quite challenging. How often did you see a truck pass you going the other way?

[@ak.klr650]

​@@Ghostrider-71 I haven't modified the engine of my KLR at all. Had traffic passing the other direction probably at least every 30 minutes. Sometimes more, sometimes less for a stint.

[@ThomasKinzer]

Embracing the suck. 🤘

[@ak.klr650]

100% 😁

[@allieb5841]

I can't imagine your alternators could keep up with the current draw from all the heated clothes and grips. Do you know how many amps it took ?

[@ak.klr650]

Less than 13 amps in heated gear draw with all of it on high. I had no issues on the KLR. Rick had to keep some of his extra flood lights off if I remember right. Not sure how many amps his gear would have been. His suit was from Gerbing. Mine was Harley Davidson brand.

[@MrKevinDriscoll]

would love to know more about your personal gear and layering. Thanks

[@ak.klr650]

​@MrKevinDriscoll That might be a good video idea this winter. My heated gear is Harley Davidson brand. I bought it because it was all that was available in store around me, and ended up liking it pretty well. My snow suit is a 13 year old suit from Cabelas. 😂 I'll consider doing a layering video this season!

[@haywoodyoudome]

Not surprised the KLR out did the BMW. Over 40k miles on my '17 and only stranded once due to a snapped clutch cable.

[@ak.klr650]

Simple is best in some cases. 👌

[@PA-Tammy]

52k in 2 yrs on a 01 it never let me down once....

[@ak.klr650]

Nice! ​@@PA-Tammy

[@andrewjones2167]

I own both 2012 KLR650 and a 2022 BMW 1250 GSA. I should say that reliability of the BMW is far superior to the KLR. Also, the KLR requires a lot more maintenance and multiple serious upgrades to run well. The engines are know to grenade if the balancing shaft chain tensioner is not modified by the owner. I'm not even talking performance where the BMW is light year ahead of the Kawasaki . So far, I put a bit over 25,000 miles on the BMW with ZERO problems, just oil and tire changes. The KLR has about 18,000 miles. Worst about the KLR is the carburator that requires to be cheated and rebuilt at least once per year. It can't run on gasoline with ethanol. I try to use ethanol free gas but it's not available everywhere, besides that the bike runs a lot better on 93 octane (no pinging ). I'll keep the KLR because it's not worth much money if I sell it. besides that, I did a lot of mods to make it rideable and somewhat reliable.

[@ak.klr650]

​@andrewjones2167 I have 48,002 miles on my 2022 Gen 3 KLR. No issues to speak of to date. Did nearly 9100 miles in 2 weeks on it just this fall. It certainly isn't as smooth or powerful as the BMW 1200 GSA I own, but it does the job fairly well for me!

[@wagnerdeoliveiraandre9377]

Hello, could you please provide the brand and model of the tire screws and where they were purchased? On average, how many miles do they last and is it possible to install others in the same place after they wear out?

[@ak.klr650]

GST-1300 studs from gripstuds.com I put about 1400 miles on my rear tire with them last season and have some life left. I think you could put new ones in again. They reccomend starting with a new tire I think to reduce risk of losing them, but I haven't restudded a tire yet.

[@In_The_Woods_Doggo]

I rode my old drz400 to work a few winters ago and it was 9 degrees f out, I was wearing a set of carhart insulated bibs and sedici winter gloves with merino wool liners... Still couldnt feel my fingers or knees by the time I got to work lol! What sort of heated gear do you run? I am trying to put together something because my africa twin has a 12 volt plug, and I would love to extend the riding season.

[@ak.klr650]

I have a Harley Davidson brand heated jacket, pants, socks, and gloves. They plug all together and deliver pretty good even heat. They're best layered right over a base layer with a mid layer on top of them to insulate the heat in.

[@RGB872]

I’m so glad you did that so I don’t have to. Also, props to the mighty KLR for holding up, but the real question is did your milk crate break under these conditions? 😅

[@ak.klr650]

😂 All luggage and bags held up well.

[@907jl]

Gutsy ride, well done!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks!

[@wheelSSpinner]

Well done guys. You did a great job. I was expecting you to give us details about the BMW issue and what was to be fixed? What was the reason? Some seals failed due to old rubber, etc?

[@ak.klr650]

Dealership thought the engine couldn't get up to temperature and blew the oil seals in the head. Someone else suggested that maybe the crank case vent froze up and the oil pressure blew a seal. That largely air cooled head had a lot of cold air running over it at wind chills down to -85.

[@wheelSSpinner]

@@ak.klr650 Well understood. I was asking just to understand if I should avoid riding it in very cold weather. Thanks a lot and spot on!

[@ak.klr650]

@wheelSSpinner At that temperature I would avoid it. But you probably won't find yourself riding around that cold by accident. 😂

[@wheelSSpinner]

@@ak.klr650 To be honest I am crazy enough to try this, but can you tell me what was the minimum temperature in Celsius? I don't understand how many degrees were there in the coldest part...?

[@ak.klr650]

​@wheelSSpinner our coldest temperature this trip was -38⁰ Celcius. That is too cold.

[@garyteague9555]

If I did this it would be a smaller motorcycle, like a Honda trail 125 , or Yamaha 200 , Honda 15o 0r something in that range that would be easier to lift when it falls and you will drop it

[@ak.klr650]

Good thoughts! A light bike would make life simpler when you fell!

[@sachadee.6104]

you should watch Ed March on his 90 cc bike doing winter driving to Alaska and sleeping in a tent. He's hilarious.

[@MrBeboopman]

Subbed... if only for the madness of it. 😊 hello from Tipperary Ireland 🇮🇪 😊

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks for the sub! Hello! 😊

[@gnmurray5955]

In a world full of "out there" expeditions, that was a ripper! A very impressive effort.

[@ak.klr650]

Hey, thanks! 😊 Glad you enjoyed it!

[@COM70]

How did your KLR cope with the electric demand ? Small enough alternator.

[@ak.klr650]

It didn't fail me. Idk what its max output is, but apparently I wasn't over it. I had tested it before on a several hour winter trip prior to this ride.

[@amiemorey]

This was SO fascinating to watch😮 I can't believe some of those conditions, you were so right, it's something very few will ever do. You guys slept in sleeping bags at -37°?!? 😱🥶 I loved what you said, humans are made to do incredible things, and it is exhilarating to push the limits of what's possible ✨ What a cool trip you all did 🙌🏼

[@ak.klr650]

Thank you! 😊 I wouldn't say we were comfortable sleeping at -37, but I did sleep without getting hypothermia. 😂

[@amiemorey]

@@ak.klr650 that's a plus 😅😂

[@ak.klr650]

For sure! 😂

[@brandonrides8953]

Excellent work

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! 😊

[@terrymiller5246]

Amazing trip. For the KLR, what prep did you perform on bike for the cold? Did you only start the engine from heated storage? My 2022 will not start below freezing.

[@ak.klr650]

I actually didn't do much besides installing cables for my heated gear and putting tire studs in. We stored the bikes in heated places at night, and left them run all day.

[@wagnerdeoliveiraandre9377]

How many miles have you driven with these screws on your tires?

[@ak.klr650]

I put about 1400 miles on my rear tire. Last winter. Wore them about half out.

[@wagnerdeoliveiraandre9377]

I was worried, I'm organizing an 800 mile trip in the winter in southern Argentina....I was worried they wouldn't be able to handle it, as around 400 miles it's ice-free and snow-free asphalt. 

[@ak.klr650]

​@@wagnerdeoliveiraandre9377It will round the sharp edges a bit, and on asphalt, the studs are about as slick as when they're on ice, so you have to ride with caution, but it is definitely possible to use them for that long!

[@mikeskidmore6754]

I have special hardened sheet metal screws with dished head for riding on the ice.. They won't last 5 miles on pavement. I never was able to find the kind of studs you guys are using . I have very short legs. You definitely want to be able to put both feet down on ice. It looks like the BMW is air cooled.. You want a liquid cooled bike with most of the radiator blocked off with cardboard ect.

[@ak.klr650]

The BMW is at least partly liquid cooled, but the heads on that engine still use a lot of air flow for cooling from the look of them. Gripstuds.com makes the studs we used. Pretty hard studs that lasted impressively well on pavement!

[@Thewarhorse47]

Question, if you had a support vehicle, why did you have luggage on the bikes? Seems like they would have been safer to ride with less weight.

[@ak.klr650]

Mine just had winter clothing in the side bags. Some camera gear and necessities in the top box. A pretty light load actually. If you had seen the inside of the car, there wasn't much room for anything left. Traveling with 3 kids in the car along with cold weather gear and stuff for everyone, and trying to leave room for two of us, in case of emergency is a project. 😂

[@sachadee.6104]

"Need a support car with a trailer (and a lot of high end technical stuff)." One should watch Ed March (and his girlfriend) who crossed Dalton hwy AND went cross Canada west-to-east on 90 cc bikes and slept in a tent MIDWINTER.

[@ak.klr650]

I heard about them recently. Very impressive! 👍

[@waynebernard1224]

Well done

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks!

[@qdllc]

I wonder why they blew a seal…too thick a viscosity at that temperature?

[@ak.klr650]

We started the bikes in a warm garage each day and didnt shut them off all day. The oil shouldn't have ever gotten cold. One theory floated was that the crank case breather tube got frozen up and caused a severe increase in oil pressure.

[@qdllc]

@ - Yes, but it can get cold enough to gel oil if it’s not formulated for extreme cold. Some passages are more exposed and thin…easier to reach colder temperatures. I went to AMSOIL when I lived in Wyoming partly because it won’t start to gel until -70. Never needed a block heater in winter.

[@ak.klr650]

Possibly I'd guess.. 🤪​@qdllc

[@Flaresh]

Great achievement!!

[@ak.klr650]

Thank you! 😊

[@DavidTysdal]

Amazing!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks!

[@jamespalmer4727]

What is the electrical capacity on that klr? Did you put an aftermarket stator in it?

[@ak.klr650]

It has the stock stator. I don't know what it's max output is. I had no issues running all the gear though. I had definitely tested it for multiple hours before this trip!

[@TheGeorgiaGent]

About 15 yrs ago, Sjaak Lucason and Doris Weidemann rode to Prudoe Bay in winter..with Lu ason on an R1 and Weidemann on GS 850 (?)

[@ak.klr650]

An R1 would very quote the machine to ride! Nice!

[@veiledallegory]

I guess this shows the difference between Japanese and German engineering. Watch C90 Adventures, they rode across Canada in the middle of winter on two Honda C90s from the 90s.

[@ak.klr650]

I figured the design of the single cylinder engine was easier to keep warm, but I don't really know why otherwise the failure on the BMW. I'll have to look up those guys!

[@sachadee.6104]

YES ! That is an awesome, unbelievable feat and crazy funny. Ed March + friend.

[@yurart]

It's not insane. It's cool!!! I would join you as well. But sadly I'm far away.

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! Bummer you can't meet up this winter! 🥶😂

[@aBluegrassPicker]

Well Done!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! 😊

[@andrewpeter6128]

Would you have chosen a different Grip Stud length?

[@ak.klr650]

Not on this trip. I tried the GST-1200 studs on my front tire in Operation Iced Over before this and those were too shallow. The 1300 studs were perfect for these conditions.

[@andrewpeter6128]

@@ak.klr650 Great! I live on the Kenai and just installed some 1500's....will see how they work

[@ak.klr650]

​@@andrewpeter6128 You'll probably be able to handle a little more snow cover with those I'd assume. Let me know how it goes!

[@armdm]

13:14 Kudos to the truck driver for not honking which could cause avalanches in these areas and put other people's lives at risk.

[@ak.klr650]

We were far enough from actual avalanche risk for noise to be no issue. The mountains do look pretty close though. 😊

[@aliriovelasquez8362]

It's Alaska?

[@ak.klr650]

Yes.

[@rockinroxxi3710]

You two are insane We can be friends 🤣😂😅 I’m riding the Dalton this summer solo. Cheers 🙌

[@ak.klr650]

Nice! Enjoy your ride! Maybe I will catch you on the road one of these days!

[@rockinroxxi3710]

@@ak.klr650 You becha, I’m moving north to Fairbanks and will be setting up a Biker Basecamp to service Dalton Highway riders. See you on the road 🙌

[@ak.klr650]

Sounds like a cool idea!😊

[@ak.klr650]

​@rockinroxxi3710 Hey, forgot to reach out this summer. If you got your base camp up and running, drop over on Instagram and send me a message. I keep better track of people over there and would love to swing by your place next summer!

[@FLY--wy2yi]

I was thinking about how impressed I was…,,,,and then I saw the three on the bicycles! No warm support truck to save their butts if needed! Great video

[@Xt1000]

Awesome video. You can get 3 KLR's for the price of one Beamer.

[@ak.klr650]

True! I wouldn't mind having a BMW. But I don't want to spend the money and am really happy with my KLRs. 😊

[@anthonymalfino1]

Most excellent!!!!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks! 😊

[@paulwenzl1711]

I totally can't believe you did that but an experience I'm sure you'll never forget. You had a good plan and a chaser car, which is good. Folks die out there, as I'm sure you know. Is that KLR fuel injected? That single cylinder engine keeps proving itself over and over!

[@ak.klr650]

Yes, we were well aware of the risks and planned accordingly! My KLRs are the third generation fuel injected ones. They do a solid job! 😊

[@562Aksapper]

Awesome!

[@ak.klr650]

Thanks!