Alaska this summer -

[Beemer01]

Is there anyone around Watson Lake (Canada) that can change and balance my tires this summer? Thinking of shipping them up in advance.

[AKBeemer]

Try the Anonymous Book.

[nilsso1]

Is there anyone around Watson Lake (Canada) that can change and balance my tires this summer? Thinking of shipping them up in advance.


I am in Lethbridge Ab , you are more than welcome to use my tools, shop, balancer, and what ever else I can help with but I am still 1300 miles south of Watson Lake,

[Beemer01]

What a great offer - I'm checking with my riding buddy to see if this works for him.

[airoilheadbeemerguy]

Watson Lake is not much more than a large truck stop, couple motels etc. However, it is an oasis for getting repairs done; you name it, semis, motor homes, flats, and there is a Napa store. Stop at the Air Force Lodge, the owner knows everyone around for miles and will be able to point you in the right direction for help. My recommendation would be Whitehorse, another 450 kms further along north but it is a major centre (for the north) with at least three bike shops. Google it for shops, services etc. An alternative is Ft Nelson roughly 450 kms south of Watson Lake, there is a bike/quad/skidoo shop that is used to bailing out riders in the summer.

[Beemer01]

As a newbie to gravel roads - Alaska style - what Dual sport tires are suggested for a 1150GS? :ear

Whatever tires I mount up there, I'd think I'd want to be able to ride on back to Chicago assuming they don't get damaged.

[AKBeemer]

As a newbie to gravel roads - Alaska style - what Dual sport tires are suggested for a 1150GS? :ear

Whatever tires I mount up there, I'd think I'd want to be able to ride on back to Chicago assuming they don't get damaged.

If you encounter mostly dry weather with only the occasional wet stretch laid down by DOT spraying the dirt roads then Tourances or a similar tire will do the trick for the entire ride. If it is a wet summer then you'll wish you had TKs on the haul road or other similar roads; doubt you'll want to ride home on TKs. Regret to say it, but the answer is.... it depends. It depends on the weather; it depends on your tolerance for slowing down to accommodate the capabilities of your tires; it depends on your skill level. Last year a fellow road a Goldwing to Deadhorse on normal street tires, he towed a trailer as far as Coldfoot and got a speeding ticket 30 miles south of Colfoot for doing 70 in a 35 zone; this was during a wet stretch of a very wet late summer in these parts. Also last summer, a GS1200 rider turned back from the Deadhorse trip because of road conditions; it depends.

[106208]

As a newbie to gravel roads - Alaska style - what Dual sport tires are suggested for a 1150GS? :ear

Whatever tires I mount up there, I'd think I'd want to be able to ride on back to Chicago assuming they don't get damaged.

Oh I have used TKC 80's a couple of times. They handle well on and off pavement. The Tourance is great on pavement and so-so-OK off pavement. If I were to do the trip again (Anchorage to Rapid City) I would use the TKC 80's. Carry a tire pump to inflate tires if you need to let air out on some really snotty roads. I got about 5,000 miles out of a set aired up to book standards. Also carry a good tire repair kit. 90% of the Alcan from the US border to Anchorage or Fairbanks is pavement of one sort or the other. I would take my K1200GT without too much problem