Riding across Canada

[EDMGUY]

 

[MacDoc]

Funny you bring this up, I am actually in the midst of experimenting with my Hyper chain by not lubing it. Ever.

I'm doing the same with the Regina chain which claims maintenance free.

Regina Just Built the First Maintenance-Free Motorcycle Chain - Asphalt & Rubber

BMW is the first to receive a new chain design from Regina, which uses a diamond like coating to make it maintenance-free and more efficient.

www.asphaltandrubber.com

I have 15k km on it now with no lube but I'm in ideal conditions for that. Light low power bike, relatively low speeds and no off pavement.
It has not stretched or kinked.

 

[Lightcycle]

I'm doing the same with the Regina chain which claims maintenance free.

Regina Just Built the First Maintenance-Free Motorcycle Chain - Asphalt & Rubber

BMW is the first to receive a new chain design from Regina, which uses a diamond like coating to make it maintenance-free and more efficient.

www.asphaltandrubber.com

I have 15k km on it now with no lube but I'm in ideal conditions for that. Light low power bike, relatively low speeds and no off pavement.
It has not stretched or kinked.

So you still clean it though?

 

[daq]

how do yall manage tires for such a long trip? put on new shoes or plan to swap partway?

 

[MacDoc]

Nothing touches the chain. I've never advocated cleaning a chain unless I've been in sand and not doing that kind of riding anymore.
My last off pavement adventure with the KLR was a long run in sand and even tho the chain was well lubed ....it was unrideable by the end of the 400 km day. ( the chain was due but the sand totalled it ) Had to pick it up in the trailer.
I don't wash the bike with detergent either - only a wet cloth with some detergent to get the road gunk and bugs off the tank and screen.

V-Tom seems to have a successful approach without cleaning his chain

chain lube recommended

I use belray super clean I second that.

www.gtamotorcycle.com

When did you replace your chain?

www.stromtrooper.com

I'll use a dry adhesive chain lube once this experiment is over. The bike is going into major service next week and want the dealer to assess it as he is also interested in the Regina chain as is my off road buddy. It's not a big premium over others but I have my doubts about off road in bull dust and sand without lubing.

 

[Lightcycle]

how do yall manage tires for such a long trip? put on new shoes or plan to swap partway?

Depends on if you have the time for a pit stop or not.

If you are pressed for time, put on fresh rubber before the trip. If you can spare half a day, call ahead to a shop along the way where you think you'll need a tire change and arrange for a tire and an appointment.

If the tire you like is hard to find, I've seen some guys strap a spare onto the back and do the change themselves halfway through the ride.

 

[MacDoc]

I specifically bought K60s for the Vstrom for the x-country trip with my son and they still passed safety when I got back and sold the bike ...
I'd put on new rubber and make sure your air pressure stays on the high side especially with fuel costs where they are.
Enjoy.

 

[shanekingsley]

how do yall manage tires for such a long trip? put on new shoes or plan to swap partway?

Always put on new rear tire before I leave.

My trip out west meant I had to get new rubber in BC to make it back home because that trip was around 13k and the tire was done around 8-9k.

My trips down to Deals Gap usually have me burning through a rear tire just as I’m getting back home - so around 6-7k.

I find that my tires usually last me around 16-18k for local riding, but the added weight of luggage seems to vastly reduce the lifespan on trips.

 

[MacDoc]

and pushing harder than anyone else ??

 

[olayda]

If you're staying in Canada, take the Yellowhead highway over the Trans-Canada every time. Still not the most exciting scenery in the world but it's not quite as monotonous. The Southern prairies are beautiful but 2 solid days of uninterrupted wheat/canola fields is a bit mind-numbing. The Northern route even has these strange things the local call trees...

If you take the Yellowhead across Alberta/Saskatchewan, make sure to pay attention to your fuel range. There are a few stretches where a bike with a smaller tank might get caught out.

BTW, if you're sticking to paved roads only you're going to have trouble doing much of anything off the main routes. Lots of gravel in AB/SK/MB, most of it is pretty decent to ride on in my experience.

Hey thanks. Options to the trans canada were something I was looking for

 

[MacDoc]

Try that northern route with some diversions, perhaps down Lake Winnipeg even since you have time. You can then also drop down to the US border at Kenora and go east via Souix Narrows. I enjoyed that section tho was cold in the morning in June.

 

[olayda]

Northern route for sure out of Hinton tho you could go even further north even over to Flin Flon but you'd have to check for gravel. I enjoyed the Northern TransCan but this route might be more interesting and still have pavement and services
I was doing 7-800 km a day to get home - if you do less you have more sight seeing time.
View attachment 55672
You can find out via Streetview often what the road surface is like. Endless trees.
View attachment 55671
I enjoyed the US route coming back via Crows Nest Pass to Glacier to Yosemite and Bearfoot Pass - even into the prairies it is pretty.
South Dakota in the spring - more historical places and services, cheaper gas. You usually get a big boost from the west wind coming east ( one reason we flew the bikes out and rode them back ) but traffic speeds are very high 85 mph +
View attachment 55673
are you motelling or camping?

Thanks MD. I'll be motelling

 

[danp]

Northern route for sure out of Hinton tho you could go even further north even over to Flin Flon

Have you ridden that way? If so what are the roads like?

I'm planning a trip but don't have enough time off work to go to BC so was gonna ride up to Flin Flon and back, something like this:

 

[timtune]

you can easily make/buy something like this. This plus sidestand equals rear wheel in the air.

This exactly. I have one I made from a scrapped handicap shower chair leg. Aluminum ,adjustable and free.

 

[MacDoc]

I've ridden the Northern Transcan which is fine for road surface. Flin Flon you'd want to check via street view but looks okay