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Oil change in Alaska

1.4K views 14 replies 10 participants last post by  Jamieslife  
#1 ·
We are currently in Alaska and will soon need an oil change. I didn’t schedule anything in advance due to not knowing where and when we would be.
Besides the BMW dealers in Fairbanks and Anchorage, does anyone know of an independent shop where I might get this done properly?
 
#5 ·
Local auto parts had the oil, I had packed an OEM oil filter n crush washer before I started my trip.
I did my service behind a gas station in Fairbanks AK. They borrowed me a drain pan and torque wrench.
I donated $20 for coffee n donuts. I laid on my tent ground cloth to do the work. They happily took my used oil n filter.
Just make sure the pan you get doesn’t have a pin hole in the bottom (another story).🙄
 
#6 ·
I've had good experience at Walmart auto centers. They loaned me a catch pan and took it back full of my old oil. I agree - worry about a filter change after you get home unless you brought one with you. Walmart sells Rotella T-6 synthetic which is MA/MA2 rated. I didn't worry about this on my trip to Tuk and put about 11,000 miles on the oil/filter.

When we rode the TAT on KLRs we did a Walmart parking lot oil/filter change in Colorado and did all four bikes in about 30 minutes.
 
#7 ·
I didn't worry about this on my trip to Tuk and put about 11,000 miles on the oil/filter.
^^^ This. I change my oils by oil testing. Typically change at 10k and still well within spec, including additive levels. If you are using a decent brand synthetic oil, pushing a few thousand miles past 10k isn't going to break the bike. Same for oil filters. Many Honda's recommend swapping the filter every other oil change. You shouldn't be collecting much in them if the engine is in good condition.
 
#8 ·
Driving through Anchorage we were fortunate enough to get the oil changed at the BMW dealer the motorcycle shop. and I will add my Dunlap mission tire was destroyed by the Dempster Highway I put on a Moto Z GPS.
Fantastic service very friendly people. We were the last bike out and they stayed until it was done. We left at 7 PM that evening.
 
#10 ·
I'm curious about your Dempster experience with the Dunlop TMM tires. When you say it "was destroyed" what do you mean?

I had about 4,000 miles on mine when we got to the Dempster and they were fine there and for another 5,000 miles coming home.
 
#13 ·
We are currently in Alaska.
In 2022 I was at Trails End BMW, Fairbanks for oil and tires. The tires I had ordered and paid for ahead of time. Should you decide to use them, three points - 1) They don't make appointments during summer riding season so just show up an hour or so before open time to be near the head of the line. 2) It is AK and the bill was $550 to install tires and change oil. 3) The service counter guy came tome early and said my brake disc was out of spec and would have to be changed. I asked which disc, current measurement and the spec so I could make an informed decision. Eventually he came back with the measurement and the spec but didn't know the location. It was right on the line and I recognized the spec as rear. I told them to leave it so they refused to test ride the bike after the service. SO! I mentioned this only because I overheard at least 4 similar conversations with various brand riders that morning. Two months later when I got home to FL the disc was barely under spec and I took care of it myself. For just an oil change, I'd take the Wally World option. Enjoy AK
 
#14 ·
Trails End BMW and The Harley Davidson Farthest North Outpost were sold and split into two separate locations and businesses. The Harley Davidson Farthest North Outpost continues to do business under that name at a new location. BMW is now sold by Delta Power Sports, a muti-brand dealership located at the old Trails End location.