Disclaimer: The opinions provided in this posting are for informational purposes only. I am not liable for any risk(s) you assume with your own life.
Let me give you some context. I'm no Valentino Rossi or Ricky Carmichael, but I've been riding motorcycles for over 30 years. If it has two wheels, I have rode it. Honda, Harley, Yamaha, BMW, Ducati, Triumph, etc. Sportbike, dirtbike, enduro, cruiser, tourer, sport-tourer. Lightweight. Middleweight. Heavyweight. Rutted out dirt trail. Super technical road race course. You get the picture, I hope. I consider myself to be a fairly advanced rider with above average skill and ability. I know my capabilities. I know each of my motorcycles and how they behave. Now, about the Dalton Highway.
Is the road paved?
75% is paved, but what do you consider pavement? This road is not part of the Eisenhower Interstate System.
Is there gravel?
Yes. Hundreds of miles of it.
Is there dust?
Yes. Like someone hit you with a full vacuum bag. Remember those?
Is there mud?
Yes. Have you ever seen a hog wallow?
Is there washboard?
Enough to make your teeth chatter.
Are there many potholes?
There are enough to where you can't dodge them all.
Are there many rocks?
Lots. Some as big as your fist.
Is there a shoulder?
In some places. It's soft enough to suck you in like a Hoover.
Is there any steep grades?
Try 12%.
Is there cell service?
There is ZERO cellular service from just north of Fairbanks all the way to Deadhorse - a distance of over 400 miles.
Are you off the beaten path?
No, but you are 125 miles from the nearest semblance of civilization.
Ok. Enough with the dramatics. The Dalton Highway is no joke, folks. Seriously. If something goes wrong and you become injured, you're hours away from a helicopter ride and assistance.
I rode the Dalton on my 2009 BMW R1200RT loaded with about 100 pounds of gear, clothing, tools, and extra fuel, equipped with half-worn Michelin Pilot Road 4 street tires. Do people blink in disbelief when they see what I rode up there? Yep. Would I ride the Dalton with the same setup again? Nope. Would I ride the Dalton again with a different motorcycle and tires? Sure.
There are some people that say, "Whatever bike you're riding." That statement is based on best case scenario and is compete bullshit. Anyone who gives an answer like that should be dismissed immediately. Walk away. Have you ridden your motorcycle in all types of weather - cold, rain, fog? Have you ridden your motorcycle on dirt? In the mud? On gravel? Deep gravel? There are just too many variables there for someone to make a blanket statement such as that.
Can you make it up the Dalton and back on a street bike and street tires? I did. But I have experience and know my motorcycle. That's not to say that you don't. I purposely rode my bike up and down steep, gravel mountain roads in preparation to ride the Dalton. I rode those taboo gravel roads to feel how the bike behaved in loose, slippery conditions. I navigated those roads in the rain. I rode them in the cold. I practiced. I prepared myself to be successful on the Dalton, and I still almost got served. I blew out a fork seal that spewed fork oil all over fork and front brake on that side. I blew a rear tire that I had to plug at the Arctic Circle sign.
What kind of motorcycle would I ride to traverse the Dalton? A Sportbike? No way in hell. A cruiser? Not without perfect weather and road conditions, the right on/off-road tires, and preparation. A tourer? Not without perfect weather and road conditions, the right on/off-road tires, and lots of preparation. A dirtbike or enduro or adventure? Without question, yes.
Any temp above 55 F, sunshine, and a slight breeze. NO RAIN! Rain will quickly turn the Dalton in a disaster waiting to happen, if you're not prepared.
No construction and no recent grading.