Harleys and the Iron Butt?
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
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Harleys and the Iron Butt?
I've been fascinated by the Iron Butt for a long time. I recently saw a statement that said very few HDs enter and the main reason is that 'the ergonomics of most HDs" won't support true long distance riding. I am planning a 1000 mile day next summer (bucket list stuff) and think my Ultra is well up to it. But I'd be interested in others views on the statement and the fact that more HDs don't get involved.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
depends on the rider very generally BMW riders might do more distance...lots of H-D riders go no farther than the bar.
My first day with an evo bagger I rode 500 miles, the 2nd 800.
The bikes are pretty good for distance in near stock condition-- when touring I usually do 10 or 12 hours in the saddle.
my set up for distance is stock height with air adjusted for floaty ride.
Ultra seat
windscreen where the seam falls at a point about 40' in front of me
fairing lowers
ear plugs or ear buds
gassed, oiled, tires and all that stuff for worry free riding
roll bag on the pass seat for back support
65-70 mph works pretty good for me-- faster if traffic demands it on the interstate, slower if roads demand it.
faster means more fuel, so going a little slower can get better MPG and less stressful.
support as much weight as you can on the stomach muscles, and transfer some of that weight to your feet, try to keep it off your back and rear
drink a liter of water an hour and pedialyte or gatorade at fuel stops in desert or high temp conditions
these bikes were born to run, lots of the common mods decrease their touring ability
mike
My first day with an evo bagger I rode 500 miles, the 2nd 800.
The bikes are pretty good for distance in near stock condition-- when touring I usually do 10 or 12 hours in the saddle.
my set up for distance is stock height with air adjusted for floaty ride.
Ultra seat
windscreen where the seam falls at a point about 40' in front of me
fairing lowers
ear plugs or ear buds
gassed, oiled, tires and all that stuff for worry free riding
roll bag on the pass seat for back support
65-70 mph works pretty good for me-- faster if traffic demands it on the interstate, slower if roads demand it.
faster means more fuel, so going a little slower can get better MPG and less stressful.
support as much weight as you can on the stomach muscles, and transfer some of that weight to your feet, try to keep it off your back and rear
drink a liter of water an hour and pedialyte or gatorade at fuel stops in desert or high temp conditions
these bikes were born to run, lots of the common mods decrease their touring ability
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Oct 27, 2011 at 09:08 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 564
Likes: 9
From: Texas gulf coast
I haven't done the iron butt, yet. Last month I rode from Houston to Alto, NM and did 847.3 miles in 14.5 hours. I only stopped for fuel and a stretch every three hours or so. I got in a comfortable groove in the saddle and set the cruise. I know that I could easily do the iron butt now. Your scoot will fill the bill. Ride on.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 2
From: Michigan
I did it on my yamaha roadstar last year and my street glide (26" front wheel/raked) and no issues...
ear plugs and take a few minute break/walk around when your done gassing up helps more then you would think.
ear plugs and take a few minute break/walk around when your done gassing up helps more then you would think.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: Niceville Florida
It can definately be done, This past summer I went from Pensacola FL to Roanoke VA took about 15 hrs. Did it on an 08 dyna street bob with a windshield, backrest, and forward controls I was fine I got to my parents house and was a little "saddle sore" but the next day I was good as new. trip back a week later was the same way it was something like 780 miles door to door.
Last edited by lukemc7; Oct 27, 2011 at 09:15 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
I've never "officially" done the Iron Butt with all the paperwork, but have done 1,000 mile days twice.
1989 - 1,000+ miles in one day on a 1979 Shovelhead makes the ergonomic statement true, not a good long distance machine, but hey, I was young, 34 years old.
2008 - 1,000+ miles in one day on a 2008 Road King makes the ergonomic statement bull$heet, I could have done it again the next day at the young age of 53.
I'm thinking about actually logging and submitting for the award next summer with a trip to Cali, should be a piece of cake on the new Street Glide at the VERY young age of 56.
I also know, first hand, many people who have received the documented award on Harleys. If you feel the urge, go for it, you'll be glad you did, it will be a good sense of personal accomplishment.
1989 - 1,000+ miles in one day on a 1979 Shovelhead makes the ergonomic statement true, not a good long distance machine, but hey, I was young, 34 years old.
2008 - 1,000+ miles in one day on a 2008 Road King makes the ergonomic statement bull$heet, I could have done it again the next day at the young age of 53.
I'm thinking about actually logging and submitting for the award next summer with a trip to Cali, should be a piece of cake on the new Street Glide at the VERY young age of 56.
I also know, first hand, many people who have received the documented award on Harleys. If you feel the urge, go for it, you'll be glad you did, it will be a good sense of personal accomplishment.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 480
Likes: 14
From: Wellsburg, IA
Your Ultra will be more than fine. I did it on 9-1-11, on my 1996 Evo Heritage, and planning another one next spring. Just ride and don't waste a lot of time and you'll be fine. Its not that hard, but its not called the Iron Butt for nothing.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I've done single day 700+ miles runs several times on my Softail Duece.
On my Limited, just this past August, I did 1,162 miles in a single day. From Simi Valley, CA to Fort Morgan, CO. Followed that up with another 771 miles the next day.
I've never did an official Iron Butt run though.
On my Limited, just this past August, I did 1,162 miles in a single day. From Simi Valley, CA to Fort Morgan, CO. Followed that up with another 771 miles the next day.
I've never did an official Iron Butt run though.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, UT. Dushore, Pa.
The Saddlesore 1000 isnot that hard, I did it at 66 in 16 hours. Some of the other IB rides would be a little more challenging. I think in the pre evo days Harleys weren't reliable enough. I just concentrated on getting fr. one gas stop to the next thinking it's only 5 or 6 stops. You don't have to sign up in advance which is nice since you can pick your day, just get form, have start and finish witness, and record stops and keep gas receipts.
