FD2, it depends on how far (pardon the pun!) you want to take the Iron Butt addiction.

The statement you quoted is almost always in the context of the Iron Butt Rally - 11,000 miles in 11 days. For example only 3 of the 87 starters this year rode H-D's, and none finished (rider issues, not bike issues). If you look at the IBA's Ride Finishers page, however, you will find that nearly half of all IBA certs are issued to H-D pilots.

I have ridden 35,000 miles this year on my '10 Ultra Limited which included both an IB 10-10ths (10k in 10 days) and a SaddleSore 5K (5k in 5) and I will agree strongly that the ergonomics of an HD touring bike are not suited to the Rally itself, but with minor tweaking just about anything up to that level is fine. Note I said ergonomics and not reliability - reliability hasn't been an issue for years (we have to be honest that it was) but old reputations die hard.

Let me explain my opinion. The Rally traditionally requires riding A LOT of miles, but also a lot of stopping and dismounting for bonus hunting and photo documentation. Though the Ultra is a few pounds lighter than a GW which is a popular Rally mount, it carries its weight much higher and that makes it get heavier and heavier as you're in your 7th day and you've had to lift it off the side stand 150 times, or so. My 10k didn't involve any of the additional aggravations of hunting bonuses, but I can tell you I was really feeling the weight of the bike those last 3 days.

Our bikes also have a notoriously short fuel range, and you win rallies by keeping the wheels turning, not by stopping often for fuel. I've fabricated a 3 gallon auxilliary fuel tank to reduce that limitation, but it sits on top of the pillion further aggravating the center of gravity issue. Even so, with 9 gallons of fuel and that even higher COG, my bike has half the range of the typical Rally big dogs. So, if I was looking to enter the IB Rally (I'm not!), I'd likely be looking for a different ride.

Most stock Harleys, however, will be just fine for the entry level IB rides. Make sure the bike is comfortable for you by testing it against 4-500 mile days, if you haven't already, because anything that is only mildly annoying at 100 miles can be downright painful at 1,000 miles. As noted above, make sure the bike is well maintained, and keep yourself well-maintained during the ride (hydration and snacks). 1,000 miles in 24 is only a 42 mph average, so it's not a race and it gives you plenty of time to stretch and rest. Heck, my first SS1K even included 5 hours in a motel since it was an overnight ride.

Most of all, ride safe and enjoy!

 

Poppy ****!! I did the Iron Butt on my little Sporty. Friend of mine did it on his Buell. (not at the same time)

On the Ultra Classic....would just be an easy day out on the bike.

 

Great feedback guys - thank you. My very first ride on my previous Roadking ended up being 400 miles, I have ridden the Ultra about 400 in a day so far, so the statement seemed wrong to me. Ks6c's comments made a lot of sense - I hadn't thought of the extra pain of mounting and dismounting and the fuel range - especially on the earlier bikes is too limited. The plan is Liverpool to Munich. I have a channel crossing to fit in but that gives me chance for a break. Plus I can tell my wife that I am just popping out for a pint!
Thanks again

 

oh crap- UK!

most of us here are thinking the wide open spaces of North America so much less congestion--- and timing the crossing is a huge factor ( if you are on a time constraint).

and France too!

what ever the distance and the time, enjoy yourself!

mike

 

I did back to back SS 1000's on my SG with no problems. Tired at the end of the day, but not sore at all. When I would stop for fuel I would walk around for 15 minutes and then hit the road. Would take a 45 minute break for lunch and that was it.

 

Absolutely no prob for ss100. I would suggest reading the "tips" on the IB website. Hydration, no caffeine, frequent stops, etc. Have fun..........

 

I do back to back 500 mile days several times each year to visit my daughter in college. I've done it on my Road King and on a Yamaha FZ1. I've done a couple of 750 mile days on the Road King without any problems or serious discomfort. I like to travel on the Road King. I have no desire to do the Iron Butt, but a Harley touring model would work just fine.

 

Statistically there have been more IBA qualified rides done on Harley Davidsons than on any other brand. As of 2008 the top six motorcycles used for an IBA qualified ride are Harley-Davidson (12,838), Honda (9,752), BMW (7,672), Yamaha (2,982), Kawasaki (2,275) and Suzuki (1,349). People have done SS1000s on just about anything that can be licensed for the street.

As has already been stated the Iron Butt Rally or long distance multi-day rallies in general are different animals. They are usually dominated by Hondas, Yamahas and BMWs. There is usually a smattering of just about everything else and there will always be some Harley Davidsons in the mix.

 

been there done it, every thing is good till that 800mile mark. and its your back that will bother you not your ***

 

No problem on your Ultra, it's what it was made for........like someone already mentioned, the Saddlesore1000 is completed by more Harley Riders by a great percentage.

SS1000 is an easy ride, 10n10 on the other hand........I admire someone you can ride like that! I would really like to run the utah1088's 10n10 Rally.....
IronButt Association has some nice rides....CC50, B2B24/36....National Parks Tour......