Anyone done an Iron Butt ride?

[cb750]

Today at work a coworker asked if id be interested in a coast to coast ride in 50 hours, and back in 100. So, the last ride I went on with him was 4500 miles in about 10 days. I borrowed an Ultra Classic for that, it was pretty easy riding. I know my Lightning wouldn't be as comfortable, but I think it would mean more to me anyway if I did it on my own bike.

Anyone done anything similar?

 

[mirkvid]

I rode 916 miles in a day once. took me 19 hours. it was not fun.

 

[anrkizm95]

did a saddlesore.most inportant thing imo hydrate and keep a good body temp.

 

[Bill]

Yep, Fayetteville, NC to about Oklahoma City, OK, XB-12R, in the rain. I was a bit sore afterwards

 

[Kid1620]

If you do make sure to tuck your shirt in lol sun burns suck lol

 

[freak2180]

covered 800 miles in roughly 10 hours once on my 04 12r.

 

[cyall]

That doesn't sound like much fun. Call it a 6000 mile round trip. You would have to average 60mph inclusive of stops for fuel and food.

 

[netty2424]

Good luck with that! My ass was sore after 4 hours!

 

[Dragonslayer]

I'd like to do an ironbutt ride. I've done 812 miles in one day from East Troy, Wisconsin to home and although I was tired I felt like I could go further. I was on my Uly XT.

 

[c818919]

anchorage to fairbanks....391 miles....4 hours in the rain 1125r...not a fun ride but doible.

 

[jlightning]

Went from spokane, Wa to Sacramento. I had to stop a few times. It was about 850 miles it was rough after the first 300 but I would do it again for sure, nothing like the open road.

 

[2004xb12s]

Go buy a goldwing

 

[ct1200]

Do-able, yes.
Fun, depends on your definition.
In 50hrs, might need some spare fuel cans.

I know my limit for a days ride is right about 6hrs.
Anymore and my head starts to play games with me and its hard to stay focused.

 

[1972c10]

how many of you guys were listening to music durring the rides, I got a few long trips I have to make this summer and im debating taking my lighting for them

 

[captain chaos]

Today at work a coworker asked if id be interested in a coast to coast ride in 50 hours, and back in 100. So, the last ride I went on with him was 4500 miles in about 10 days. I borrowed an Ultra Classic for that, it was pretty easy riding. I know my Lightning wouldn't be as comfortable, but I think it would mean more to me anyway if I did it on my own bike.

Anyone done anything similar?

I have a strong sense of adventure but I'm not sure I'd attempt that on a Lightning.
Don't underestimate the fatigue that is cause by riding an unfaired bike that far. After 12hrs or so in the saddle it can become a REAL problem. I know, I've done it. I did 1200mi in 3 days on a streetfighter style bike, much like a Lightning. I could have done more but coast to coast in 50 hrs would have been a killer.

how many of you guys were listening to music durring the rides, I got a few long trips I have to make this summer and im debating taking my lighting for them

I always take along some tunes for long rides. I can tell you from experiance that it helps a LOT with the hum-drum of long days in the saddle. I'll normally alternate w/ tunes for a few hours and without for a few. Be sure to play it at a low volume though so that it doesn't interfere with your ability to hear what's going on around you.
How far is a "long trip"? everyone has a different standard so it's hard to tell how far you're actually talking. After riding a variety of bikes for distances exceeding 1000mi I can tell you that more than 500mi a day for several consectutive days will start to wear on you. On a naked bike like the lightning I'd do 500-600mi in a day tops. Like I said above, fatigue from the wind beating on you can become an issue during long days on a naked bike.

If you do make sure to tuck your shirt in lol sun burns suck lol

If you wear a proper riding jacket this doesn't happen.
I’ve worn one on 12+ hr days in 90+deg temps on multiple occasions so the “it’s too hot” excuse doesn’t work either.

 

[anrkizm95]

how many of you guys were listening to music durring the rides

always

 

[2004xb12s]

how many of you guys were listening to music durring the rides

I can't. Get too nervous like I cant hear what is happening around me. Feel to distracted

 

[belkerx3]

I did an ironbutt ride 2 years ago on my 40th birthday. My friend and I rode 1100 miles in 20.5 hours. I was on a KLR650 so that should show that it's not the bike but how the bike is prepped. Great ride and I would probably do it again.

 

[RT Performance]

I comute 700 miles to nc from michigan about 4 times a year.
Music is a must.
Biggest thing is all the gas stops and how much time you spend at them the group you riding with ok with stopping every 120 miles?

Must have a good sport touring tire. I would reccomend the dunlop road smart decant grip yet hard center.

the first time took 18 hours but i got caught in pouring rain and had to stop.
I have made it in as little as 12 hours but thats really short stops and pusing the 1125r to the 160 mark on stops.

 

[buzzhead8189]

I did 1,040 miles in 23 hours last summer on my XB12s. Certified by the Iron Butt Association. It's easily doable in about 18 hours, however my riding buddy's 84 nighthawk broke down and it took us about 4 hours to get it going again. We stopped for gas and a stretch about every 100 miles.

Earplugs and a Camelbak are a must.

I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I don't know about coast to coast in 50 hours though. I think day two would be pretty miserable.

I second the Dunlop RoadSmarts RT.