Tire suggestion for Dempster Highway
 

I'm planning a trip to Yukon this summer. Not quite sure if I'll travel the Dempster Hwy just yet.

I am riding a BMW R1150R (2-up). This is by no means a dual-sport, and agressive tires are dificult to find for this model.

I've read stories of this road eating tires.

Can anyone who has travelled this road in the last year comment on the condition of the gravel, and just how rough it is on tires?

I live in Inuvik and we have a large amount of motorcycles that live here. We travel the Dempster Highway lots with both motorcycles and vehicles. The Dempster Highway does not eat tires with normal driving. It only eats tires if you go fast in a vehicle and your tires are worn out. On a motorycle this does not happen. We have many street bikes coming up the Dempster, and we have a number of street bikes up here that travel the Dempster. The only problem with the Dempster is if it rains lots, and then the mud will get you on some parts of the road. The road drys fast so you might have to wait a few hours. email me directly for more information. www.inuvik.ca for information. Owner of a R100GS, R1150RT

Although its some time since I rode up there I thoroughly agree with all the above.The road was very good and if I remember right 100kph all the way on 'normal' tyres. The road was being soaked by one of those trucks which meant the bike looked like it had loads of street cred at the end of the trip. And no it didn't eat my tyres either and I was 2 up.
One of my favorite roads in Canada

Tor, was up there in a clapped out old jeep last summer, plenty of bikes up there on road tyres, though like ve8nc says when it gets wet its really slick so best to just park up for a few hours - a few guys were really struggling at walking pace on f650 and klr650 on road oriented tyres on one section north of Fort Mcpherson after a long downpour - I even had to stick the jeep in 4wheel as it was fishtailing with just light throttle.
Spoke to a few guys up there - one couple on an 1150gs Adventure was using Continental TKC80s - Dont think they will fit your rims on the 'r' how about Michelin t66 ? if not Id just go with your normal tyres and keep off the track if it rains too much.

There were quite a few long loose windrows of gravel on the track formed by the heavy trucks - just something to be aware of as they can catch you out while you are looking for bears !
Cheers
Grif

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'95 LR 90 300 Tdi - 'The Milkfloat'
'02 KTM Adventure 640 - 'Scrachy' - its covered in em !
Ex Rockape...and Bloody Nice Bloke !

[This message has been edited by Gipper (edited 22 March 2006).]

Cool,
Thanks guys. Planning on sending a rear tire to Dawson City, to swap in once I'm up there. Should be fine on brand new rubber.