springman wrote on 09/02/16 at 21:16:28:Mr. Pescatori, when are you going on your trip and how many days are you budgeting for it?
Ya calls me again "Mr." one more time...
Most on this Forum call me "Pesci"..., you know, like Joe !
The ride to Scandinavia can be done anytime, the Norwegains and Swedes actually hold the "Krystal Rally" in February every year
From Rome to Nordkapp...
Consider anything from 4500 to 6000 Km to go and just as many to return, depends on how much sightseeing you want to do.
Milewise, that's 3000 to 4500 miles to go and just as many to return.
My ideal journey would be 10thou Km = 6000 miles.
Ideally you'd want to visit Scandinavia in August; true, you've got the midnight sun in June and 1st half of July BUT you've also got rain, sleet and maybe some slush.
August is an inherently dry month, and I'd rather ride at 35°F dry than 60°F wet!
The same principles apply when riding the ALCAN. [Note: I had read it was all tarmac; I now learn a nice chunk is still gravel]
You'd rather ride dry&cold than warm&wet, the difference being dry&cold or sweaty&muddy...
I still believe you can do it on a Savage, you just have to readapt the bike for the new environment:
- replace those lowered 11" shocks with 13" progressives,
- replace the belt drive with a 530 chain system,
- nice big fuel tank (4-6 gals, honestly!)
- nice comfy sprung solo seat,
- few items of luggage but well packed,
- big hefty heavy duty luggage rack,
- enduro style dual sports tires,
- low&narrow windshield that'll take the wind off your chest but which you will over, not through...
Let us know