Iron butt... suggestions?
I did one SS1000 a while back. A few thoughts:
- Even an incredibly relaxed pace of 50MPH for 20 hours will get you there. A SS1000 needn't feel rushed. You have plenty of time to take your time, relax, enjoy some scenery, have a nice meal, whatever.
- Weather is the #1 thing. Keep your plans flexible and make a game-time decision on your route based on the latest weather forecast. Rain and cold (I had both on mine) will suck the fun right out of this.
- I get the appeal of making a big loop, but if you have the time, consider just heading out 1000 miles, getting a motel room, then take your time working your way back over a few days.
- I did a 1500 in 24 ride once, and it sucked. That was an exercise in pointing it down the superslab and staying on the gas. Boring. As I said above, a 1000 in 24 gives you plenty of time, so if you are so inclined, get on the state highways and county roads and see some nice country.
- Highway pegs are a blessing. My knees and hips aren't what they used to be, and being able to change their position is extremely helpful. One trick I figured out (and it's a little weird, but it works) is to sort of lay on your tank and hang your feet on the passenger pegs. No kidding.
Have fun and take lots of pics and post a ride report when you are done!
- Even an incredibly relaxed pace of 50MPH for 20 hours will get you there. A SS1000 needn't feel rushed. You have plenty of time to take your time, relax, enjoy some scenery, have a nice meal, whatever.
- Weather is the #1 thing. Keep your plans flexible and make a game-time decision on your route based on the latest weather forecast. Rain and cold (I had both on mine) will suck the fun right out of this.
- I get the appeal of making a big loop, but if you have the time, consider just heading out 1000 miles, getting a motel room, then take your time working your way back over a few days.
- I did a 1500 in 24 ride once, and it sucked. That was an exercise in pointing it down the superslab and staying on the gas. Boring. As I said above, a 1000 in 24 gives you plenty of time, so if you are so inclined, get on the state highways and county roads and see some nice country.
- Highway pegs are a blessing. My knees and hips aren't what they used to be, and being able to change their position is extremely helpful. One trick I figured out (and it's a little weird, but it works) is to sort of lay on your tank and hang your feet on the passenger pegs. No kidding.
Have fun and take lots of pics and post a ride report when you are done!
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 627
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
I just got done doing a back to back SS1000 in 48 hours. One thing I can tell you is to check your route and keep a contingency plan for weather or detours, I had changed my route on the second half and all said and done I ended up with a total of 1982 miles, 18 freaking miles from the 2000. When I changed my route my gps rerouted the fastest route which removed 20 some miles from the route. I will still get credit for the 1000 but not the back to back. As for checking tightness of bolts check shift linkage bolts as well as the banjo bolts on the breather, I had lost one of the banjo bolts and hit a bump in the road on the last leg of my run and when I went to down shift I was stuck in 5th gear, I checked all my bolts except those two.
You can do a SS1000 in 16-17 hrs with plenty of stops so don't over push it and get plenty of rest before you go.
You can do a SS1000 in 16-17 hrs with plenty of stops so don't over push it and get plenty of rest before you go.
I just finished mine on Sunday. I did the SS1000 in 23hrs taking it easy and taking more country roads. I am planning another one for slab riding. I was with 2 others and we tried to stick to two lanes. Also, eat small portions and often. Protein is your friend. Stay hydrated in the dry heat. Most importantly, have fun.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 351
From: Holly Springs, North Carolina
Me & a buddy a couple weeks ago did it. Raleigh to Nashville & back. 17 hours, 45 minutes, 1066 miles. Stopped just for fuel/break for 15 minutes. Clif Bars & water. Did stop twice to put rain gear on. Traffic was no issue. Left at 5:00am on a Sunday morning to limit night riding. All Interstate 40.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 27
Likes: 3
From: Texas
If you have a good route and good weather it should be very easy to do
I'm 62 and do it often. Just have never paid to get the certificate . I know my limitations and stop when needed, 1000 miles on my Ultra interstate hwy 1st day out is ok. But I do sleep good that night
I'm 62 and do it often. Just have never paid to get the certificate . I know my limitations and stop when needed, 1000 miles on my Ultra interstate hwy 1st day out is ok. But I do sleep good that night
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 518
Likes: 244
From: Tucson Arizona
Thanks...
Thank you one and all for your input, lots of great info. The bike is pretty much ready to roll. I replaced the rear tire a couple of weeks ago and today replaced the 3.5 year old battery. It wasn't failing {yet}, but cranked the starter noticeably slower of late.
While I was swapping out the batteries I added a power line, with an in line 10 amp fuse, up over the heads to the handlebars where I mounted a cigarette lighter DC outlet. This will give me power for a compressor, GPS, phone charging and even heated gloves if I end up going that way.
We leave Sunday for a couple of weeks up in the southern Rockies {towing the Super Glide behind our Class C RV}, to catch up on the rides that got rained out last July/August {hoping for better weather this trip}. Hope to head out on the Iron Butt early in October as soon as we get back from Colorado/New Mexico.
While I was swapping out the batteries I added a power line, with an in line 10 amp fuse, up over the heads to the handlebars where I mounted a cigarette lighter DC outlet. This will give me power for a compressor, GPS, phone charging and even heated gloves if I end up going that way.
We leave Sunday for a couple of weeks up in the southern Rockies {towing the Super Glide behind our Class C RV}, to catch up on the rides that got rained out last July/August {hoping for better weather this trip}. Hope to head out on the Iron Butt early in October as soon as we get back from Colorado/New Mexico.
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