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Best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway on a Sport Touring Bike

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Amidst the gravel roads, unpredictable weather, and remote landscapes, the choice of tires emerges as a crucial determinant of success. Enter the Shinko E805 tires which are 40/60 on/off-road, and the Shinko 705 which are 80/20 on/off-road setup. I would argue it’s one of the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway, for a 2003 Suzuki Bandit sport touring bike, as not many adventure tires can fit the wheel size, 17′. Rob and Damian both had KLR 650’s and didn’t have an issue finding their tire size. However, as an odd duckling out with a sport bike, I needed a bit more research for my tire set and am quite pleased with my outcome of the selection.

Embarking on a journey along the Dempster Highway is an expedition that demands the utmost from both rider and machine. This legendary route, spanning over 900 kilometers (560 miles), one way, through the rugged Canadian wilderness, presents a formidable challenge to even the most seasoned adventurers. In this review, we uncover the unparalleled performance of these tires and their role in conquering one of the world’s most iconic highways on a 2003 Suzuki Band sport touring bike.

Can you ride a sport touring motorcycle on the Dempster Highway? – Yes.

Bottom Line Up Front

This is specifically for this tire set up of Shinko E805 at the rear and 705’s at the front, arguably the being the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway on a sports touring bike, and in consideration of pricing and wheel size. With the right tire setup, riders can maximize the effectiveness of traction control systems, allowing for safer and more controlled riding on the Dempster Highway.

Pros:

  1. Traction Control Compatibility: The aggressive tread pattern of the Shinko E805 rear tire provides superior traction on gravel roads, while the Shinko 705 front tire offers stability and control on a variety of surfaces. With this tire setup, riders can maximize the effectiveness of traction control systems, allowing for safer and more controlled riding on the Dempster Highway.
  2. Improved Handling: By pairing a specialized rear tire with a versatile front tire, riders can enjoy enhanced handling and manoeuvrability, especially when navigating challenging terrain.
  3. Durability: Both Shinko E805 and Shinko 705 tires are known for their durability, offering long-lasting performance even in the most demanding conditions, and boy did it deliver!
  4. Cost-Effective Solution: Opting for a combination of Shinko E805 and Shinko 705 tires provides riders with a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise on quality or performance.
  5. Limited Size Options: When it comes to adventure tire bikes on sport bikes, it’s a hard fit. Due to market limitations, riders may encounter difficulty finding the perfect tire size for their specific motorcycle model. However, by choosing a combination of Shinko E805 and Shinko 705 tires, riders can overcome this challenge and enjoy optimal performance on the Dempster Highway.

Cons:

  1. Road Noise: While designed for off-road performance, Shinko E805 tires may produce slightly more road noise on paved surfaces compared to traditional street tires.
  2. A little slick: The Shinko E805 on the rear, having such huge knobbies also does not push incredibly well in bitumen covered roads, more specific once you get into Tuktoyaktuk after the Dempster Highway, but that’s hardly a Con. On asphalt it still handles very well, all things considered.
  3. Shinko 705 is similar as a rear tire to be slick on wet asphalt. But only mildly.

The Dempster Highway: Understanding the Challenge


Understanding the Dempster Highway will provide ammo for selecting the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway, your purposes, and your bike. Specifically, we’re looking at sport touring bikes where the wheel sets are typically around 17′ diameter with not a lot of adventure/dual sport tire that could fit this. Most adventure bikes have a 19′ wheel at the front to roll over terrain better. Thus presents a fitting issue when looking for an adventure tire for a sport touring bike, and making it difficult to choose the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway.

A gravel road stretching into the distance through a wild landscape with dark storm clouds overhead. Small trees line the sides of the road, and a mountain range looms in the background. A small group of cyclists can be seen in the distance on the road.
Some amazing weather and views while on the Dempster Highway

The Highway itself, while it will be one of the best places you ride with breath taking scenery, do not take the road to be an easy road. The Dempster Highway is a test of endurance and equipment, where every mile presents a new challenge. From navigating gravel roads and encountering sudden weather changes to enduring isolation in remote locations, riders must equip themselves with gear that can withstand the rigors of the journey. Among the essential equipment, the choice of tires holds significant importance, as they are the only point of contact between the motorcycle and the terrain.

On good days, the Dempster Highway can offer motorcyclists a picturesque journey through vast expanses of pristine wilderness. The Highway can very quickly transform into a formidable obstacle course for motorcyclists. The road conditions deteriorate significantly, with loose gravel, mud, and potholes posing serious challenges to navigation and control. Heavy rain or snow can turn sections of the highway into slippery quagmires, testing the skills and endurance of even the most experienced riders. Moreover, the remoteness of the route adds an additional layer of complexity, as assistance are scarce in case of emergencies. For motorcyclists, the key to tackling the Dempster Highway on bad days lies in thorough preparation, including equipping the bike with suitable tires and gear, monitoring weather forecasts closely, and exercising caution and patience while navigating this type of terrain. This means also choosing the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway.

For riders venturing onto the Dempster Highway, the Shinko E805 and 705 tires stand out as the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway, for sport touring bikes venturing into this adventure, offering unmatched durability, traction, and reliability.

Mounting different tire setups

When it comes to selecting tires for your sport touring bike, size limitations in the market and wheel size compatibility play a crucial role. Owning a 2003 Suzuki Bandit, I was limited with the sizes of tires for selection. In many cases, finding the same tire size from a particular brand and model for a typical adventure tire both the front and rear wheels can be challenging on a sports touring bike.

Strategically researching the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway, I wanted a tire at the front that could track and a tire at the rear that could push. This wheel combination proved to be a real phenomenal set up.

Shinko Dual Sport 705 Radial Tires Front Tire: 120/70R17

Rode this tire for the whole trip; crossing Canada and into the Arctic and back!

Check the price!

Shinko Dual Sport 705 Radial Tires Rear Tire: 170/60R17

Rode this tire for the majority of crossing Canada until Whitehorse.

Check the price!

Shinko E805 Rear Tire 170/60R17 TL:

Rode this specifically for the Dempster Highway.

Check the price!

How the Shinko 705 Tracks Well in Gravel and Sand:

Tracking refers to a tire’s ability to maintain a stable and predictable path over uneven or loose surfaces, such as gravel and sand. In these conditions, tires can easily lose traction and slip, making it challenging for riders to maintain control of their motorcycles. The key to effective tracking lies in the tire’s tread pattern, construction, and compound, all of which contribute to its performance on diverse terrains. With every twist and turn, these tires inspire confidence and exploration, turning obstacles into opportunities for excitement and discovery.

  1. Aggressive Tread Design: The Shinko 705 features deep grooves and large tread blocks, which dig into loose surfaces like gravel and sand, providing superior traction and preventing slippage.
  2. Wide Contact Patch: The tire’s wide contact patch distributes weight evenly, improving stability and reducing the risk of sinking into soft terrain. At the same time, it travels very well on the asphalt, with minimal noise and vibration.
  3. Self-Cleaning Design: The spaced-out tread blocks of the Shinko 705 allow debris to be easily expelled from the tire, preventing buildup and maintaining traction in challenging conditions.
  4. Flexible Sidewalls: The tire’s flexible sidewalls conform to the contours of the terrain, providing better surface contact and enhancing grip on uneven surfaces like gravel and sand.
The Bandit with the Shinko 705 front tire mounted

Why the Shinko 705 Excels on the Dempster Highway:

Arguably one of the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway mounted on the front wheel of a sport touring bike, even as an 80/20 tire (on/off road).

  1. Adaptability: The Dempster Highway presents a diverse range of surfaces, from gravel to sand, requiring tires that can adapt to changing conditions. The Shinko 705’s versatile design allows it to perform consistently well across these varied terrains.
  2. Stability: The Shinko 705 tire features a versatile tread pattern with large, staggered tread blocks and deep grooves that are engineered to bite into loose surfaces like sand and gravel. The staggered blocks create multiple biting edges that improve traction and stability, while the deep grooves facilitate efficient debris evacuation, preventing buildup and maintaining a clean contact surface. Additionally, the tire’s reinforced carcass and dual-sport compound offer a balance between flexibility and rigidity, ensuring that the tire conforms to uneven terrain while providing the necessary durability for off-road conditions.
  3. Durability: Constructed with robust materials and engineered for long-lasting performance, the Shinko 705 is built to withstand the rigors of adventure riding, making it the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway.

How the Shinko E805 Pushes Well in Gravel and Sand:

The Shinko E805: Engineered for Power and Performance Crafted with the demands of adventure riding in mind, the Shinko E805 is designed to excel in challenging off-road conditions, including gravel and sand. Its aggressive tread pattern and robust construction provide the necessary traction and durability to tackle even the most demanding terrain. Additionally, the tire’s bias-ply construction and specially formulated compound ensure reliability and control, allowing riders to push through gravel and sand with confidence. Designed to withstand the challenges of off-road exploration, the Shinko E805 tires have earned a reputation as the go-to choice for riders tackling tough off-road terrain. Their ability to offer maximum grip and durability in the face of adversity makes them the undisputed best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway, on a sport touring bike.

  1. Aggressive Tread Design: The Shinko E805 features deep, angled tread blocks that bite into loose surfaces like gravel and sand, providing enhanced traction and preventing slippage.
  2. Wide Contact Patch: The tire’s wide contact patch distributes weight evenly, allowing for better surface contact and improved stability on uneven terrain.
  3. Reinforced Sidewalls: The Shinko E805’s reinforced sidewalls provide added strength and resistance to punctures, ensuring durability and reliability in rugged conditions.
  4. Self-Cleaning Design: The spaced-out tread blocks of the Shinko E805 allow debris to be easily expelled from the tire, preventing buildup and maintaining traction in challenging terrain.
The Bandit with the Shinko E805 rear tire mounted

Why the Shinko E805 Excels on the Dempster Highway:

Arguably one of the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway mounted on the rear of a sport touring bike, as a 40/60 tire (on/off road).

  1. Power and Control: With its aggressive tread design and robust construction, the Shinko E805 provides riders with the power and control needed to push through gravel and sand with confidence.
  2. Stability: The tire’s wide contact patch and reinforced sidewalls offer stability and resistance to sidewall flex, allowing for precise handling and control on loose surfaces.
  3. Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of off-road riding, the Shinko E805 is engineered for long-lasting performance, making it the ideal choice for extended journeys through gravel and sand.

More gear recommendations

For other motorcycle gear recommendations, check out our bespoke outdoor gear shop! There’s more stuff here than the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway!

Final Thoughts on the Best Motorcycle Tires for the Dempster Highway:


My thoughts on the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway is a combination set up of the E805 and 705’s tires mounted on a 2003 Suzuki Bandit. This tire set up proved their mettle on the demanding terrain of the Dempster Highway, making them arguably the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway on a sport touring bike. The Shinko E805 and 705 series tires and set up emerges as the ultimate adventure companion, offering unmatched durability, traction, and reliability. From the moment the journey began, these tires exhibited exceptional performance and reliability, instilling confidence in me with every mile travelled. Whether navigating loose gravel, encountering muddy stretches, or facing sudden weather changes, this tire set up maintained their grip and stability, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride throughout the expedition. Their ability to conquer the challenges of the this infamous route with ease reaffirmed their status as the best motorcycle tires for the Dempster Highway. So, gear up, mount those Shinkos, and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the rugged landscapes of the Dempster Highway, where every mile is a testament to the spirit of exploration and discovery.

Watch the video of our motorcycle ride to the arctic!

Best 4 Tips for Motorcycling the Dempster Highway

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Congrats on continuing your research on motorcycling the Dempster Highway and riding in Canada’s high arctic! In this article, we’ll share with you our top 4 tips for motorcycling the Dempster Highway and the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH). The reason this is highlighted separate is because the Dempster Highway officially ends in Inuvik. The highway going north from Inuvik is the ITH, effectively an extension of the Dempster Highway, all the way to the end of the road and, perhaps, your ultimate destination, the Arctic Ocean!

Why Motorcycle the Dempster Highway?

This is an excellent question. If you’re an adventure seeker, motorcycling the Dempster Highway is one of the more challenging rides you might partake in your life! In fact, you don’t even need to be a motorcyclist to enjoy it. There are several individuals we came across bike packing, RVing and driving all to seek the journey of a lifetime. There is a reason why so many adventure seekers come through here, as it is also the most rewarding journey.

Motorcycling through the high arctic, in 900 kilometers, you’ll move from the boreal forest, through un-glaciated mountains, and the infamous arctic tundra. The views and vistas are just absolutely phenomenal and the pleasure of riding it is undeniably the most liberating thing ever. The people you’ll meet will be absolutely wonderful as the road is full of adventure seekers from around the world, locals who’re incredibly welcoming, and you’ll earn the bragging rights of spending time in Canada’s high arctic!

Motorcycling the Dempster Highway, looks like we’re on the moon, if not the top of the world!

Myths to Dispel (or confirm) on the Dempster Highway

  • No, the arctic is not full of ice and snow all the time
  • No, it’s no -30 celcius all the time
  • Yes, it can get up to +30 celcius during the day
  • No, you don’t need an adventure-style bike – but with caveats.
  • Yes, it’s a gravel road with lots of deep and soft gravel
  • Yes, dust kicks up in seconds to zero visibility, especially on-coming traffic and especially passing semi trucks
  • Yes, highway turns to mud when it rains
  • Yes, you’ll have 24 hour sunlight in the summer
  • No, northern lights cannot be seen during the summer when there is 24 hour sunlight.

Top 4 tips for motorcycling the Dempster Highway

Without further ado, our top 4 tips for motorcycling the Dempster Highway!

Tip 1: Time budgeting

How long does it take motorcycling the Dempster highway? It depends who you ask. But for us, we budgeted one week to ride up (900km) and back (1,800 km) (or 1120 miles total). We built in time for foul weather, bad roads, repairs, break downs, general unforeseen delays.

From Whitehorse to Tuk to Dawson, we planned 9 days total, including extra time. We ended up using it all.

  • Day 1: Whitehorse to Moose Creek Government Campground, as we had already bike issues leaving Whitehorse and it ate most the day.
  • Day 2: Enter Dempster Highway, stayed at first campsite, not before going to Dawson for gas.
  • Day 3 to 4: Journey to Tuk and stayed two nights in Tuk
  • Day 6 to 9: Tuk to Dawson City, with two nights at Tombstone Territorial Park – it was well needed!

Tip 2: Plan your entry and exit strategy

This is not how you want to motorcycle the Dempster Highway; Ian fully loaded meeting Rob

Plan your vehicle maintenance before and after motorcycling the Dempster Highway. We suggest in Whitehorse as it’s the last bastion of specific motorcycle stuff before leaving. Would highly recommended Yamaha Whitehorse as the place to go get ‘er done. Book ahead of time for anything more than tire swap – even then, reserve it as soon as possible! They are slammed in the summer.

Things we didn’t anticipate that delayed us include construction on the road and wildfire closures. Give yourself plenty of time for riding in from either Whitehorse or Dawson City. It may take longer than you anticipated.

If you’re on your own, highly recommended for shedding some weight in Whitehorse (or Dawson City) and taking only the essentials. Everyone we encountered who crashed had one thing in common; their motorcycles were overloaded. And stories of fatality also a cause of overloaded motorcycles. Dump anything you don’t need on your bike! Hostels have been known to help motorcyclists out and keep gear there. Yukon Motorcycle Park is known to be one of the best places to share war stories about motorcycling the Dempster Highway, or at least get good info before you head out.

Tip 3: While on the road

Dust proof your everything as best as you can

This includes wearing an N95 mask! Motorcycling the Dempster Highway is dusty business. Dust will get into place you didn’t think it could go, despite how well you seal it all.

Get that N95 mask in that helmet! You’ll be thankful!

You don’t need as many jerry cans as you think

Or as big a can, but know your range of your bike. As you’re motorcycling the Dempster Highway, you can fill up every 400km or so. At the start, and there are hamlets and townships along the way. This will save you time, weight and valuable real estate on your bike. But that’s not to say, to be complacent about your fuel!

Plan your stops because…

First come first serve campsites! You’ll want to get there first and snag that pretty little campsite and not be left out in the cold! Have an emergency spot planned out in case you don’t make it to your destination. Again, anything could go wrong, from mechanical issues to adverse weather and wildfires.

Group communication

If you’re riding in a group, communication will be key. Especially when riding further apart to keep the dust down and away from each other, you’ll want to know where each other are for safety reasons and general check ins. Check out our recommended motorcycle helmet communication system.

riding position

While motorcycling the Dempster highway, body positioning is going to be key to navigating the deep, loose, and soft gravel.

Weight your front tire!

Weighting your front tire will be absolutely essential to controlling your bike in the gravel. This means standing up! Lean forward! And let the rear half of the bike bounce around as much as it needs to. So long as you get the push from the rear tire, the key thing is to keep the front tire where you want it to go, and that means having it track well by weighting the front.

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Shameless plug: check out our curated gear store for recommendations for outdoor equipment (please remove ad-blocker to view recommendations)! Motorcycling the Dempster highway is inherently a risk adventure. Plan ahead for emergency!

  • Cash – is king! Recommend CAD $700 minimum, in case payment network outages on credit cards occur, which is more often than not. Also, if you like souvenirs, cash is preferred.
  • Full armour – all the time; this is not the time to show off your bravery. Passing cars will spit rock at you and fatalities have happened on the highway. Check out our recommended motorcycle helmet.
  • Weather and adverse environment – Check the wildfire and smoke forecast on top of the weather! It will help you plan accordingly for the ride.
  • Keep the bike light – as mentioned earlier, this is going to help keep you on top of the deep , loose, soft gravel. This is going to be key for controlling the motorcycle and avoid crashing and spillage (of gear all over the road!)
  • Mosquito juice – deet, swatters, bug jackets, citronella, thermacell ; all of it! The bugs are nasty and especially in June
  • Sleep mask and ear plugs – it’s 24 hr sunlight! And it’ll help in Tuk when you’re camped out. It’s been known to be loud. But the ear plugs not only for sleeping, but general motorcycling, if you don’t already have a pair. Protect those ears!
  • Garmin Inreach or other device – You’re off grid… for days in accident-prone region ; be safe and let people know where you are.
  • Water Filter – a lot of campsites will not have potable water. Check out our recommended water filter!

And that’s those are the tips for motorcycling the Dempster Highway! We have our video coming up shortly, but check out our trailer in the mean time!

How to dewinterize a motorcycle

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With riding season upon us, it’s only fitting to know how to prepare you motorcycle for it. A large part of that is how to dewinterize a motorcycle. This is a quick rundown of some basic care for your beautiful motorcycle. This is no way replacing any motorcycle maintenance you will have to do on your bike.

If you’re also in an environment where you can only ride for certain months of the year, you’ll probably have to know how to store it. So, before dewinterizing the bike, I will share here, what I do to prepare to put the bike away for the season. It’s it’s really really straight forward. There are many ways of doing it, but this one is a quick, easy and sure-fire way to get your bike up and running after a couples of months sitting in the garage. Do note, that some would choose to start their bikes once a month over winter to keep it going. Which is still totally fine. I’m too lazy for that, though. I prefer to spend a touch more time after and before the season to make sure the bike is stored and started properly.

Winterize Your Bike

Winterizing your bike properly will be key to getting it up and running well in the next season. These are the steps I take before storage and I haven’t had a problem starting my bikes up in spring.

  • Fuel stabilizer – pour it in your tank and let it run for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure that it is actually in your engine block. Gas can go stale and lose octane, or not burn at all if left for a while. To make sure it’s OK, having fuel stabilizer in the tank will help. You can find fuel stabilizer at any auto shop or gas station. You’ll know the stabilizer made it into the engine as the exhaust fumes will smell different… (for better or for worse).
  • Resting your tires off the ground – I do this with my bike’s center stand and then a block of wood for the front tire. If you don’t have a center stand, a block of wood on the rear tire will help too. This will help create a barrier so that your tires are not contacting freezing temperatures. It may help with tire rot, but only a little bit.
  • Taking your battery out of the bike – AND put it on a trickle charge. This is done with a car battery charger. You should be able to find this at an auto shop or even a home improvement store. The feature you want to ensure it has is the “winter” mode, where it will trickle charge the battery and keep it from over charging or depleting completely. This will keep the battery in tip top shape.

Dewinterize a Motorcycle

Now that you have it winterized and you braved the season, time to get’er undone! Watch the video, below, but a few things to mention in hindsight:

  • Prime the fuel tank – one thing I keep forgetting to do and may be helpful to starting the bike, is to prime the fuel tank. After the fuel evaporates from the fuel lines, it requires some suction, especially as a carburated engine, to get it going again.
  • Seafoam – A general cleaning agent for your engine components and keep fouling at bay is to run Seafom through the engine. I do do this, but totally forget to mention it in the video.
  • Considerations – warming up before exercise is necessary, much like my old muscles, give the bike time to warm up before rip roaring a few minutes later.

That’s it folks! Hope this was helpful for you all. Again, knowing how to dewinterize a motorcycle is super easy and good for general maintenance.

If you enjoyed this post and like to read more about our motorcycling, check these posts out:

https://explorationsevo.com/2020/09/16/bike-touring-packing-setup/
https://explorationsevo.com/2021/11/15/west-hamilton-roads/
https://explorationsevo.com/2022/04/11/motorcycling-duffy-loop/

Motorcycling Duffy Loop Part 2

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Here we are the Part 2 of of motorcycling Duffy Loop! In case you missed the first part of motorcycling Duffy Loop, check it out here! But wait, first, what is the Duffy Loop and why are we talking about it? This loop in British Columbia, you’ll go encounter various mountain ranges, deserts and back to rain forests, before returning back to Vancouver.

However, in this second part, we’ll see Damian ride through one of the hardest hit areas in British Columbia’s wild fires of 2021 over the summer. This unfortunately set the ground for massive flooding in the late fall, early winter. Damian’s ride through Lytton, a town that was completely decimated by the wild fires, yielded the real horrors of climate change and the impacts of the warming climate.

Preparing for the Duffy Loop

Far too often we remove ourselves and shelter in our own beliefs that climate change is another persons problem and Canada is largely safe from the impacts. Research suggests that we will have flooding, and wild fires ripping through the boreal forest that stretches across Canada will eventually turn the forest into grasslands. This huge amount of release of carbon, that the forest holds as a carbon sink, will add and perpetuate our climate.

Yes, we at Explorations sit on our high horses of our trusty steeds of motorcycles spewing carbon emissions into the air. Yes, we drive fossil fuel cars. Yes, we eat meats… and red meats at that. Yes, we do everything that would contribute to climate change, while being a hypocrite and talking about the devastation of it.

However, we, at Explorations, recognize our carbon foot print and strive to reduce it where we can. We all love the outdoors and nature and see the changes in climate and weather in our regions. We see the devastation of climate change, first hand. One of us is a scientist and has previously worked in monitoring the effects of climate change. Another one of us worked with multi-lateral organizations to main stream sustainability into supply chains. We know full well the science and impacts of climate change. Does knowing the science this justify our carbon emissions? Hardly. But we do strive in our day to day to reduce our carbon foot print to the extent possible. It’s probably my climate grief spewing out so I’ll stop the ranting here.

But, this conversation deserves a blog post on it’s own and is taking away from Damian’s beautiful tour of the Duffy Loop.

Check it out below!

Motorcycling the Duffey Loop

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Follow Damian as he goes motorcycling the Duffey Loop on his birthday. This loop is 580 km or so long, full of twisties and perfect for a motorcycle tour. What he did was way cooler than Bueller’s Day Off – (sorry, not sorry). He’s starting from a random gas station, in British Columbia, to do the Duffy Loop. This loop is 580 km or so long, full of twisties and perfect for a motorcycle tour. Amazing part of this ride, and perhaps even more to the ecological point of view, is the variety of such different ecosystems in such a small amount of time, through the interior of British Columbia.

Through motorcycling Duffy Loop, you’ll go encounter varying mountain ranges, deserts and back to rain forests, before returning back to Vancouver. Twisties for days, through this loop. It’ll take you through hope, Hell’s Gate (in it’s own right, passing through the narrows of Fraser River) and the rest you’ll have to learn about in Duffy Loop Part 2.

Want to see more riding videos? Check out Rob touring Southern Ontario around Hamilton area! Interested in learning to pack for a motorcycle trip? Check out Bike Touring Packing Setup!

But for now, enjoy the part 1 of motorcycling the Duffey Loop!

Motorcycling West Hamilton Best Roads

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Embark on motorcycling West Hamilton, Ontario is a journey through the scenic landscapes of that is an experience that combines the thrill of the open road with the beauty of nature. With winding routes, lush countryside, and picturesque waterfronts, West Hamilton offers motorcyclists an unforgettable adventure. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular motorcycle routes in West Hamilton, highlighting the stunning sights and exhilarating rides that await.

Rob is motorcycling West Hamilton best roads to show you some of what Southern Ontario roads have to offer. It’s pretty much the conclusion of the motorcycle season, unless you like riding on roads that won’t warm your rubber (giggidy) and you have to fight to stay on your crotch rocket because the rubber on your rocket is just sliding off… the road… But, this post is to celebrate another successful riding season, check out Rob’s great big ride!

The Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) is notorious for straight roads and flat ground, and those areas that are known to be super curvy with beautiful scenery are well known and busy. This makes the GTHA not the most ideal area to motorcycle around. But, you can still find the charm in the rides around West Hamilton, just a few hours outside of Toronto!

Motorcycling West Hamilton, 5 best routes:

Niagara Escarpment Cruise

One of the most iconic routes for motorcycling West Hamilton is the Niagara Escarpment Cruise. Starting in the heart of Hamilton, riders can head west along Highway 2, also known as Lakeshore Road. As they traverse along the shores of Lake Ontario, they’ll encounter breathtaking views of the water and the towering cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. This route offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and exhilarating twists and turns, making it a favorite among riders. Not to mention, Niagara is home to many wineries and estates that are just an absolute treat to motorcycle through.

Dundas Valley Discovery

For those seeking a more tranquil ride with plenty of natural beauty, the Dundas Valley Discovery route is an excellent choice. Beginning in downtown Hamilton, riders can head northwest towards Dundas, where they’ll enter the serene Dundas Valley Conservation Area. The route winds through lush forests, alongside babbling brooks, and past charming historic sites. Riders can take their time exploring the valley’s hidden gems, including waterfalls, lookout points, and picturesque trails.

Waterfront Wonders

Motorcyclists looking for a leisurely cruise with stunning waterfront views will love the Waterfront Wonders route. Starting in West Hamilton, riders can follow Lakeshore Road as it hugs the shoreline of Lake Ontario. The route takes riders past sandy beaches, marinas, and waterfront parks, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery. Riders can also explore charming lakeside towns and villages, each with its own unique character and attractions.

Brantford Backroad Adventures

For riders looking to venture further afield, the Brantford Backroads Adventure offers a thrilling journey through the scenic countryside surrounding West Hamilton. Starting in Hamilton, riders can head southwest towards Brantford, where they’ll encounter winding country roads, rolling hills, and picturesque farmland. Along the way, riders can explore quaint rural communities, historic landmarks, and charming roadside attractions.

Waterfall Wanderlust:

No motorcycle journey through West Hamilton would be complete without a tour of the region’s famous waterfalls. Riders can embark on a Waterfall Wanderlust adventure, exploring some of the area’s most stunning cascades, including Webster’s Falls, Tews Falls, and Albion Falls. Each waterfall offers its own unique beauty and charm, providing riders with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the natural wonders of West Hamilton.

As riders embark on their motorcycling West Hamilton adventures, it’s essential to prioritize safety and responsibility on the road. Always wear appropriate safety gear, obey traffic laws, and ride within your limits. With its diverse array of routes, stunning landscapes, and scenic attractions, motorcycling West Hamilton offers motorcyclists an unforgettable journey that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. So fuel up your bike, hit the road, and embrace the freedom of motorcycling West Hamilton, Ontario.

Follow Rob on some of his favourite roads around Hamilton! Check out the video below!

Bike Touring Packing Setup

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This article talks about my motorcycle bike touring packing setup and I packed during my cross-Canada tour with a sport touring motorcycle, Suzuki Bandit 600.

As a quick background, this is my longest and biggest trip I’ve done on my motorcycle. I’ve done several long-weekend tours and other adventures. This worked for me with my style of touring, camping background and experience. This may not work for everyone due to style preference or motorcycle.

The bike, fully loaded with rain cover on the packs, cutting across the prairie grasslands

If you have a basic understanding of, and practice some ultra-light camping, then this style of motorcycle touring set up may be for you. Prior to this trip, I had done zero research on how to pack. I took my previous experience from bicycle touring the Atlantic maritime and back country camping experience to piece it together. I wanted to carry my kitchen, sleeping arrangements, food, clothes, water, and repair kit on the trip with me. Additionally, I had planned to go rock climbing and brought some basic gear. So, admittedly, I wasn’t going ultra-light, but there were a few more things I wanted to do along the way.

Essentially, this was my set up for self-sufficiency and didn’t need to buy food for about 4 to 5 days (all three meals) with my set up. With that said, let’s get into it.

The Packs

I had a total of 145 litres of of space for packing. I had two 25 litre panniers (50L total), 20 litre tank bag (which was my back pack), and the main 75 litre backpack. I had decided on my pack, as I knew I was going to be hiking at some point during my trip.

At the very end of the bike, I had a 5 litre Jerry can for gas, which I was grateful for as I had pushed the range on my bike in territory with few gas stations in between. I will advise, during hot days with the sun beating down, I’d open the vent to reduce the hot pressure inside.

What Did I Bring?

As you know, space is valuable on the motorcycle and especially on a bike touring, the packing setup, will have to be very strategic.. The list here is not the complete list, but instead, outside of the “normal” things, ie tent, toiletries, etc., there were a few items here I brought that helped me out immensely and was very grateful for.

Tarp laid out over the gear to keep it from getting wet
  • A 3/4 inch thick, 2×1 foot plywood for the centre and kickstand, along with holding my 75L pack.
  • Mosquito repellent, the Thermacell. Better than the spray, as this creates a barrier, in a sphere, around you.
  • Water filtration pump by MSR
  • Baby wipes, not only for the bum, but general cleaning when showers weren’t available and especially after bike maintenance.
  • 3 litre water bladder, 1 litre Nalgene (4L per day, folks!)
  • 2 pairs of boots; 1) waterproof, heavy multi-day backpacking boots and, 2) Combat boots from the army surplus, which are my regular riding boots. I know, this set up isn’t ultralight, but there was plans for hiking around for a couple of days and the surplus boots were not waterproof.
  • Multi-tool Leatherman
  • Radio that also had NOAA radio frequency; this was very helpful for outside of cell signal and needed to know the weather
  • Bear horn/bangers/whistles – I’ve come to liking having the security of the bear horn and whistle with me inside the tent at night, as it would be impossible to set off a banger. During outings, bangers and whistle are still my go to.
  • 1 burner gas stove, set of pots and pans, kitchenware, 1 large and 1 small Iso-butane gas; this worked for both my cooking and the Thermacell
  • 1/6 dozen Egg carton protector – this is actually more valuable than you’d think!
  • 10L Bear vault, I’ve tried many different ones and they were relatively ok. But this one is supposedly the standard that’s used and accepted in most States, ie, you need to show you have this vault before going back country. The vault apparently was tested with actual grizzly bears and was fine. Bringing this was a good peace of mind about protecting my food, but it doesn’t have scent protection.

What Should I have Left Home?

The tarp. Because the tarp set up didn’t work out, I could’ve left my mosquito net at home as well. However, I do recommend it in other trips. They took up a lot of space and found little use for. It was hard to set up in “proper” camping spots, with minimal trees around. I thought I could throw it on the ground and use it as a quick shelter, but in the end the set up was way more cumbersome than my tent.

PAC Safe pack locking wire mesh. This mesh wire product wrapped around bags to prevent theft. I was hoping to deter any thieves if I left my bags and motorcycle unattended in the city. Turns out, every time I was in a city, I took my bags into an AirBNB or hotel. And when I was passing through, well, I was passing through. Museum drop-in going through a city? Never happened. I only visited when I had several nights.

WHAT I WISH I BROUGHT INSTEAD was my camp saw and axe. As I didn’t think I’d make a campfire, I sorely regretted that. It was one easy way to stave off loneliness at the campsite at night. There were more opportunities than I thought when I could’ve made a fire. I was on a budget and didn’t want to buy those items along the way.

How Did I Organize my Packing?

As I’m used to camping, so I used my big 75L for nearly all my equipment, sleeping bags, food, tent, etc.

The only things I left in the panniers were the extra set of boots, the rain gear for easy access, and repair and cleaning kit for the bike.

I put my 3 litre water bladder in my day pack, which I had elastic straps to use as a tank bag, along with some snacks and food.

And voila, if you made it this far in the article, I hope it was helpful for you to understand or get inspired from more information on bike touring packing setup.

Changing Stubborn Oil Filter

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This post is a quick guide on changing a stubborn oil filter. Just north of 6,000km on my odometer reading, it indicated it’s about time for regular motorcycle maintenance. I have a Suzuki Bandit 600. Normally, oil changes for me are quite quick and takes maybe just about an hour, including running around my basement and garage to find all the tools. I can be a bit better organized for that. But regardless, if you have a stubborn oil filter, these are a few things I’ve tried and might work for you.

My normal set of tools of the trade that kind of worked.

The Situation

During my motorcycle’s last oil change, some gorilla mechanic tightened the filter incredibly tight. Later on, I learned that the filter, Suzuki proprietary, required 3 full turns to tighten. Other filters I’ve used only instructed 1.5 to 2 turns maximum.

The oil filter on the Suzuki Bandit sits behind the exhaust pipes and between the engine block. This provides very little room between the engine block and exhaust pipes.

Some basic oil removal tools:

Belt Wrench

Having the belt wrench is great for removing an oil filter from the car. But when there isn’t enough room between the engine block and the exhaust pipes on my motorcycle, it proved useless. The belt would stretch too much to create the tension needed by the time the handle meets the limits of the turning radius required.

Wrench Cap

This is probably the most useless tool and wasted CAD $9 bucks on. I went out to buy one, thinking it would fit perfectly and handle the torque required. Instead, it kept slipping. I tried the elastic band trick by wrapping the elastic band around the oil filter and putting the wrench cap on. It still slipped.

The filter after being crushed by the pliers

My next idea was to drill screws into the wrench cap and onto the oil filter. Upon boring a hole through the wrench cap, I realized it was going to take too much effort. I didn’t have the right equipment to drill through the metal, and subsequently, drill into the oil filter.

What I also wanted to do, was maintain the integrity of the oil filter, so when it needed to be torqued, it won’t rip apart.

Filter Plier Wrench

This ended up doing the trick. I was apprehensive at first, partially I was feeling cheap as I already had some tools. I purchased an off-set one, as the area I was working in was really tight. It literally took a minute. It did crush the oil filter a bit, but it didn’t puncture it.

This is the very one from Canadian Tire: https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-offset-plier-wrench-0283585p.html

Some other ideas that I’ve come across and have known people to try:

  • Successfully drilling the wrench cap on. 3 screws even spaced seemed to have worked.
  • Stabbing the filter with a screwdriver and turning it. The filter will rip, as I’m told, and may lose the integrity to keep going.
  • There are a variety of oil filter removal tools. If the belt or pliers don’t work, I would still try and acquire another tool. There are other still: Strap wrench, band wrench and 3 arm adjustable. Having the right tool saves so much more time.

Hope these tips and tricks help you with changing a stubborn oil filter! Good luck, happy maintenance!