I’ve been wanting to ride a motorcycle to Alaska ever since I started to do long-distance touring more than 20 years ago. After quitting our jobs in 2023 to have more time to travel, taking this trip topped my list. (Fortunately I have a partner who goes along with such ideas.)

I knew spring/summer 2024 would be our first chance so I started investigating route options, looking into the type of motorcycle we would need, and compiling the relevant accessories and gear.

From a route standpoint, we decided to ride from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to the starting point of the Alaska Highway – which we took into Alaska – and then we returned via the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. We were able to ride the Golden Circle and the Beartooth Highway at different points on this trip as well. The trip ended up being 7,772 miles / 12,508 km and took us 38 days. 

Choosing the Right Motorcycle

Heather decided she would rather be a passenger for this adventure instead of riding her own bike, which made finding something that could carry both of us and all of our gear the top priority. We have done short two-up rides on my BMW F800ST in the past, but I knew that wouldn’t be comfortable for more than a month of riding.

My criteria, which included hard, locking luggage and ABS (both a must) and heated grips and cruise control (both nice to have), quickly narrowed the search. I ended up buying a 2012 BMW K1600GT in Little Rock, Arkansas, that fit our budget.

Selecting Motorcycle Accessories and Performing Maintenance Checks

After riding the bike home to Cheyenne in the blazing heat, I set about configuring it for our preferences, which included more comfortable aftermarket seats, front and rear crash bars, a new windshield, phone mount, tank bag, and luggage liner bags. I also removed all the audio equipment (e.g., radio, amplifier, antennas, speakers, etc.) to make room for tools.

I also performed the bike’s required maintenance:

• Changed the engine/transmission oil
• Completed valve clearance checks
• Changed spark plugs
• Replaced driveshaft gear oil
• Replaced front wheel bearings
• Installed new front and rear tires

We were fortunate to be able to take a trip back to Ohio more than two weeks prior to leaving for Alaska, which was a great way to see what worked and what didn’t. I highly recommend trying everything out on a shorter trip before leaving on a longer one.

Compiling the Recommended Tools

I experienced a flat tire in the middle of Florida on one of my first long-distance trips and ended up pushing the bike to an auto tire shop that helped me get back on the road. After that experience, I try to carry a pretty thorough toolkit that includes:

• The necessary items to remove the front and rear wheels
• A small 12V air compressor and tire plugs
• Spare fasteners and fuses
• Miscellaneous items that inevitably come in handy such as zip ties, electrical tape, duct tape and hose clamps

Especially in remote areas, having the means to avoid being stranded is very important as is carrying water and heat/cold protection in case it does happen. It is also good to realize that not all areas have cell coverage and even if you can reach someone, it may take them hours to arrive.

Choosing the Right Gear

From a gear standpoint, we both have our own preferences, which include full face helmets with Bluetooth headsets, armored suits, waterproof boots, and motorcycle-specific gauntlet gloves. After a headset microphone failed on a previous trip, I’ve started routinely packing a spare, which we ended up using partway through this trip.

We also have heated vests that are great on cold rainy days and even sunny but cold mornings. We also both wear a balaclava, which keeps our hair from tangling and is much easier to wash than the helmet lining.

Enjoying the Trip

While it’s important to prepare your motorcycle ahead of your trip, it’s equally as important to prepare yourself for things that could go wrong along the way. This is prudent whether you’re riding near your home in populated areas or traveling long distances through uninhabited areas.

I always find that taking time to choose the right bike, accessories, and gear, conducting all of the recommended maintenance, and testing out the setup in advance gives me peace of mind and allows me to fully enjoy the trip. Happy riding!