Jesse James is a Dead Man, or so the new series says. This week Jesse is taking a trip where most of us would take a pass, he’s riding the Arctic Ice Road from Inuvik to Aklavik, Alaska NWT, Canada, … on a motorcycle, a BMW R 1200GS. OK, the heated handgrips are nice but the metal studs in the tires are essential for this trip. You know, the bike looks pretty slick, right down to the flames. I like it.
The TV series might say he’s a dead man, I’d say he’s a busy man, custom bikes, TV shows, Garage Magazine, even Cisco Burger, an eco-friendly burger joint. Yep, that qualifies, he’s a “doer.” Not bad!
The show will air this Sunday evening on Spike TV 10:00 -11:00 p.m. , ET/PT.
Press release:
New York, NY, June 11, 2009 – What happens when you combine the treacherous Arctic Ice Road, negative 60-degree temperature, and the superior capability of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure motorcycle? The next adventure of Jesse James, of course.
On Sunday, June 14 from 10:00 -11:00 p.m. , ET/PT, Spike TV will telecast the third episode of the new hit series “Jesse James Is A Dead Man,†where James will traverse the infamous Arctic Ice Road from Inuvik to Aklavik, Alaska. This hazardous highway of snow and ice is home to some of the world’s most extreme conditions, including bitter below zero temperatures, piercing wind chills, and the perilous ice road itself that can open at any moment, swallowing a traveler instantly. With virtually no traction on the unprepared ice and not a single gas station for miles for refuge or repairs, at least the BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle could offer some comfort and peace of mind, and not just from the heated handgrips.
“From motorcycle enthusiasts to those who just can’t get enough of Jesse James, this episode will provide viewers a chance to see the extreme capabilities of the BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle, and how it excels in what could be the world’s most inhospitable conditions,†said Roy Oliemuller, communications manager for BMW Motorrad USA.
For this perilous journey, a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure motorcycle was outfitted to fight the frozen north with a multitude of modifications, including studded tires and custom flame paint in typical Jesse James fashion. The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure motorcycle is coveted around the world as the only motorcycle that can tackle any terrain, from the African Desert to the Tibetan mountains, and come back for more. The GS series of dual sport motorcycles are at the forefront of adventure riding, which is quickly gaining in popularity in the United States due to its promise of fun and freedom both on and off road.
Chris says
I think that sounds like a fascinating adventure. I also think the flames look a little ridiculous, but I guess Jesse has to draw attention to the bike somehow. (Maybe Sandra Bullock didn’t want to ride pillion? That would have been my preferred means for drawing attention to the bike if I were him.)
cl
jp says
I’m curious what sort of prep, if any, was done to ready the bike for the cold temperatures.
Nicolas says
Jesse is a sick man … I really like the idea, can’t wait to watch this.
Tenaya says
I wonder how big his support staff will be and what they’ll be driving.
hoyt says
don’t forget being a “Project Manager” for Trump. Jesse’s “termination” from the Celebrity Apprentice was b.s.
This ice road ride is impressive for both rider and machine. Air-cooled takes on a new meaning
JC says
I have no idea how one would go about keeping the engine at the proper operating temperature due to such a low ambient temp, but hope their is some waste heat left over for the rider!
Hawk says
The key here is BMW’s reliability …. and a skookum alternator. Layered electrically heated clothing from a balaclava to socks are an absolute must. Face shields too because exposed skin will freeze in about 40 seconds. Breaking through the ice roads won’t be a problem unless they are foolish enough to try this in the spring breakup. Hey, they run 70 ton semis ove these roads in winter …. but at defined speeds so as not to crack the ice. A seven or eight hundred pound motorcycle will have no problem. 5-10W oil and a warmed battery should help after very short breaks. Keeping temperature in the engine could be challenging though. Ice trains pulled by Caterpillar tractors have been known to freeze their radiators …. while running under load!
None-the-less, a great adventure. More so if he didn’t have helicopters and trucks as chase vehicles.
OMMAG says
Some observations on ice road adventures:
1- I live in Manitoba and have used ice roads to access remote communities for several decades. The roads are built for large trucks that use chains and heavy loads and even a 3/4 ton four wheel drive equipped with oversize tires and studs or chains can get stuck …in the middle of the road.
2- The surface on an ice road depends on what part you travel….
– there are sections that cross over permanent land routes that are gravel road beds.
– there are sections built on bog (muskeg) that use the frozen muck as a base and are topped with gravel
– There are sections that are built up over frozen lakes that are ice through and through , made by drilling holes through the ice and pumping water over the surface.. creating a gigantic slab of frozen water.
– The surface of these roads can be completely rutted and develops a monster corduroy that can shake apart the largest vehicles
– The roads develop in relation to the season’s temperature
– The coldest part of the winter provides the best road surface
– The roads are kept in operation as long as the trucks can pass … this means that even when spring temperatures are hitting daily highs well above melting the roads are still in use.
3- The air cooled bike will not operate at ambient temperatures found in the winter. like minus 30 to minus 50 Fahrenheit. The diesel trucks that run in these conditions have extra heating and thermal protection just to keep them from freezing … and they sometimes do freeze up anyway.
4- Jesse’s ride will have to be run during the warmer spring temperatures. Although I am sure he will play it up as though he is running in the middle of the arctic winter.
5- He is unlikely to make the complete trip due to surface conditions alone.
6- If a storm blows in both he and his camera crew are completely screwed.
7- I predict an epic FAIL …. for the dude.
BTW- Here is a guy who actually did ride across the continent in the Middle of winter:
Mike Cole riding for Ride for Diabetes left New Brunswick on Jan 1 2009 and arrived in Vancouver On Jan 22… It was really cold over that period.
MX says
Ummm…when did Inuvik & Aklavik become part of Alaska? Last time I checked, they were still permanently frozen parts of NWT, Canada.
Cash says
I ran ice tires on my cbr600rr a few years ago in winter (Saskatchewan, Canada), and took sick pride in riding under the most adverse weather conditions. Keep in mind that from the end of Dec to spring thaw there is no bare pavement, it is all snow and ice. I’m at a much lower latitude than Inuvik, so the temps are somewhat warmer (although I’ve ridden in as cold as -45 celcius, not including windchill) Special gear required? Nope. It’s called snowmobiling, and conveniently all one has to do is buy nice warm snowmobile gear right off the shelf. I found the only dangerous road conditions were when there was a very fresh heavy snowfall and a lot of loose snow. Best conditions: glare ice (not kidding), the ice tires have PHENOMENAL grip! Also, correct me if I’m wrong, but Aklavik to Inuvik aren’t very far apart. Here’s a link to a pic of the road (they state only 2 hrs travel).
http://inuvikphil.wordpress.com/2006/12/28/road-to-aklavik/
My prediction is he’ll do it easily, and it’ll be a comfy ride to boot with those heated grips, etc. If he wanted to do something cooler, how about doing the ride on one of his hardtail choppers?
Cash says
I thought I remembered reading an article in a Canadian motorcycle mag about some Germans who rode the ice roads down from Tuk on VINTAGE HARLEYS!
http://www.nnsl.com/frames/newspapers/2008-03/mar10_08bk.html
and http://www.canadianbiker.com/from-the-publisher/motorcycle-riding-winter-cold.html
kneeslider says
MX,
“when did Inuvik & Aklavik become part of Alaska? Last time I checked, they were still permanently frozen parts of NWT, Canada.”
Haven’t you heard about our new “flexible borders policy?” 🙂
Nicolas says
I watched the show last night, pretty cool actually (if you don’t mind the usual dramatization about the granpa who needs his heart medicine and so on).
Looks like it wasn’t a piece of cake, looks also like it wasn’t mild spring temperature either, likely – 40 sthg degrees, the beemers didn’t freeze, the home-made spikes screwed in Jesse’s co-rider tires worked out too, that was a nice piece of unnecessary but cool adventure.
Sorry, Ommag, you epic prediction hasn’t happened, the Jesse dude didn’t fail. This guy is the Fonz’ of the motorycle world !
OMMAG says
Oh well …. good for Jesse then …. I’m still surprised the bikes ran in those temps.
OMMAG says
OK … just watched the show …. so like Moma said if you can’t say anything nice ………I will say no more on the matter of JJames …..
MX says
Like CASH says…riding in the winter is no big thing. In the 1970′ s we’d screw sheet metal screws into old knobbies and ride our dirt bikes all winter (Slave Lake, Alberta, Canada). Those tires worked good in the mud too. So ol’ Jesse isn’t impressing anybody around here…
Jared says
Aklavik and Inuvik are in the North West Territories. Back when I lived in Yellowknife, they had races on ice with dirt bikes around a track in the winter.
putra says
Nice bike james!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wayne says
Great, nice to see Jesse ridding a real motorcycle for once. To bad he’s not riding twisty canyon roads. Perhaps his eyes will be opened.
Wayne says
Saw, the show. Geez, c’mon Jesse, I could do that. In fact set me up with a GS like that (skip the fancy paint, doesn’t belong on a beemer anyway. Is that a Harley thing??) crew and helicopter. I’ll do the 125 miles in one day. No sleep over necessary.
Michael Cole says
Hey Mike Cole I made the ride across Canada last year Coldest on record No studs but studs are only good for ice No mods to my 95 softail custom 5000 miles in 22 days 19 riding coldest with windchil 90 F 68 C Not many will ride like this be it a cross Canada road trip or ice roads doesnt matter what kind of bike its what we do its a challage and a lot of work and a lot of fun Way to go Jesse BMW or Chopper Flames or not Your the man Any time you want to come for a longer blast I am doing the Ride across Canada again I hope to do it on a custom bike this year If it has Gas Air and Spark it will run Radicalmike Thunder roads on face book for video
Anthony | Heated Gloves says
Great!!Nice bike James!!!! Don’t forget to wear your heated clothes… 🙂
TornadoF5 says
I’d never take my helmet off…..