Iron Butt '07

[Elseanno]

My friend Tom (Cal24Master around here) took of for the Butt '07. Alan Barbic is also riding. Both great guys & I hope they do well. I can't remember if Mark Crane got in this year..

Who has friends/aquaintances in the Butt this year? Are you gonna follow online or wait 'til the end? Who here would seriously consider doing the IBR?

I'd like to run it in a few years, but feel like I need to do a few more 24 hour rallys and get a brain transplant (rally's always highlight my stupidity & poor decision making skills) before I invest a year's vacation & descretionary income on the IBR.  

Elseanno

[Bounce]

Who has friends/aquaintances in the Butt this year?

me

Are you gonna follow online or wait 'til the end?

durring - as much as possible. considering the Dollywood fiasco, we haven't been able to follow in near-real-time for several years.

Who here would seriously consider doing the IBR?

did ('03).

I'd like to run it in a few years, but feel like I need to do a few more 24 hour rallys and get a brain transplant (rally's always highlight my stupidity & poor decision making skills) before I invest a year's vacation & descretionary income on the IBR.

some basic tips. ride the piss out of your bike for the 2 years prior to the rally. put at least 20k miles a year on your bike and get to know it and yourself well. even if you knew it in the past, a decline in riding can lead to overlooking what used to be instinctual. next... plan on it costing 3 times more than your highest estimate. then set aside double that upgraded estimate. this thing can be a financial monster even if nothing breaks you or your bike.

[Elseanno]

Good info on riding. I've ridden 4 Cal 24's. You're right, when I was riding 20k per year the riding was no problem. riding 8-10k per year I found it brutal & exhausting.

I'd love to blame my bad rally decisions on being tired from riding, but I usually started making mistakes the minute they gave me my paperwork! LOL!

I believe Tom spent around $6k in '05, so yeah... not cheap considering I've never paid that much for  bike!

Elseanno

[UFO]

Still waiting for someone to do a cool reality show on the IBR.  Of course I know that will never happen.

I'm pretty realistic and can say I will never do the IBR.

[Bounce]

Still waiting for someone to do a cool reality show on the IBR.  Of course I know that will never happen.

considering the pre-rally riders' meeting, that's a big 10-4.

[Specter]

star-traxx is planning to show some bikes again this time

http://rally.star-traxx.com/

[discochris]

Who has friends/aquaintances in the Butt this year?
I know a number of people in the IBR.  Mostly acquaintances met through various Team Strange events (MN1000, Butt Lite).  Some of the top riders in the IBR come out of Minnesota.

Are you gonna follow online or wait 'til the end?
Online. I look forward to it.

Who here would seriously consider doing the IBR?
That's a tough one for me. I did the Butt Lite last year, and that was 7 days, and it was the hardest thing I'd ever done. I was sore for weeks, had weird dreams for months, and didn't even want to think about motorcycles until about June of this year.  Adding four more days onto it would be tough, not to mention the cost, and the vacation time, especially with a wife that doesn't ride.

That said, yes, I think I would like to do it. When people ask me, I say that the main reason I would like to run the IBR is that we rarely have the opportunity to compete against the best in the world at anything. We don't get to play in the Super Bowl or the World Series, but the IBR is the equivalent in distance riding. I'd like to say I competed against the best.

[discochris]

star-traxx is planning to show some bikes again this time

http://rally.star-traxx.com/

This was a BIG issue in the Butt Lite. It's pretty easy with star-traxx for people to tell how fast a rider is travelling, and that can bring a lot of unwanted attention to the sport of endurance riding.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

I'd like to run it in a few years, but feel like I need to do a few more 24 hour rallys and get a brain transplant (rally's always highlight my stupidity & poor decision making skills) before I invest a year's vacation & descretionary income on the IBR.  

I highly suggest getting beyond just 24 hour rallies and into a few multi-day events. I thought I was ready and applied for this this year's IBR. After having ridden in the Beast In The East this year ... I now know I would have been a miserable failure in an 11 day event. Don't stop doing 24 hour rallies as the planning experience is great, but try and do some multi-day events as well such as the Spank, Butt Lite, or the BITE to work out pacing yourself. Maybe by the 2011 IBR I'll be ready to re-apply.

[GTS_Rider]

Before anyone breaks out the , this thread is useless without...gif, let me see if I can link in a few photos I've run across..


One gps is not enough?



I guess it's kosher to show up for the IBR in a trailer? Nice eyes of God lighting setup..
 


This is just wacky...



Good Lord!, that's a busy looking bike...




Interesting aux tank placement. I think this bike wheelies wheely easily...





More Here: http://gallery3.dougc.com/07ibr-prestart

[mike goodwin]

I have a good friend who is with a group from the Ninja 250 forum seeing off one of their gallant riders...On a 250 Ninja of course.
I swear every time i view that site i think i have gone to some weird cult like church.

Wanted to be there to see every one off but work and money had a different view point on that.
I would love to ride the IBR but i dont think i will ever have that much money to do so.
So i will have to be content to living vicariously through those that can.

[discochris]

I've often questioned the need for some of the more outrageous farkles on LD bikes. On the BL, I rode with 3 friends. We each had:
1 GPS each
Aux. fuel
hydration
CB radio/XM
heated gear (though we didn't need it)

and we carried, but didn't mount, a laptop each.

I don't really see the need for three GPS units, star-traxx, an onboard laptop, multiple timers, toaster oven, coffee maker, panini grill, and some of the other oddball things you see. All it would do is confuse and distract me.

[mike goodwin]

My high tech gear includes,but is not totally limited to....Paper maps,flashlight,magnifying glass to read those tiny mileage numbers on said paper maps,and of course a small calculator to figure up those miles.
Works just fine.

[cultureslayer]

I would like to, but honestly I'd be more likely to take a leisurely 11 day vacation so the boyfriend could tag along, and right now any IBR attempt would be physically impossible and only attempted through large amounts of chemical engineering.  

[discochris]

I would like to, but honestly I'd be more likely to take a leisurely 11 day vacation so the boyfriend could tag along, and right now any IBR attempt would be physically impossible and only attempted through large amounts of chemical engineering.  

That's something I've discussed a lot with my other LD riding friends. The time and cost for a multi-day rally is a big commitment. Add to that the fact that for a large part of that time, you will be spending your vacation being:

uncomfortable
hot
cold
wet
miserable
tired
mentally unstable
pissed off

When one considers that paying thousands of dollars to experience this kind of "fun" could be spent on a trip to say, Tahiti, you really have to balance out what you want to do.  It was a big strain on my wife that I did the BL last year, because it ate up well over half my vacation for the entire year, not to mention a lot of money. I don't regret doing it - the sense of accomplishment, and the stories, and the fun parts outweigh the misery by a long shot, but this sort of thing isn't for everyone.

[cultureslayer]

When one considers that paying thousands of dollars to experience this kind of "fun" could be spent on a trip to say, Tahiti, you really have to balance out what you want to do.  It was a big strain on my wife that I did the BL last year, because it ate up well over half my vacation for the entire year, not to mention a lot of money. I don't regret doing it - the sense of accomplishment, and the stories, and the fun parts outweigh the misery by a long shot, but this sort of thing isn't for everyone.

If it weren't for the physical impossibility for me, I'd do it once I'd put a down payment on a house and had the free cash.  I'm a masochistic soul, that also enjoys distance bicycling.  

[GTS_Rider]

This thread seems to be going slower than I would expect, though I guess many of the regulars of this forum are busy at the moment. Don't any of you out there have friends or family competing?

Anyone that could post links to pics or video of the following described spectacle that happened this morning will get a gold star ...

"Regardless of the turn around point they choose, virtually every rider is going to head for Gateway Arch to score their first bonus of the rally. At 3,565 points, its too big to ignore given its proximity to the starting line. Since its only a 23 mile ride to the Arch, and since the bonus is only available during the first 3 hours after the start, there will likely be a parade of over 90 motorcycles all headed for exactly the same spot. When everyone lines up to obtain a receipt from the Arch parking structure, its going to be more of a mob scene than the start of the rally. But its going to be the easiest 3,565 points on the leg. Its a must do bonus for any rider who is thinking clearly.

Dean Tanjis son, Colin, will be waiting for the parade to arrive at the Arch tomorrow morning with his camera rolling. The video should be priceless."

[UFO]

Yeah, these guys are hardcore.  I'm a mere peasant...even in the presense of their online photos.

[GTS_Rider]

Yeah, these guys are hardcore.  I'm a mere peasant...even in the presense of their online photos.

Yeah, I would never do something like this myself, but I'm completely fascinated by it at the same time.

Come on folks!, this is like the SuperBowl/World Cup/Olympics of Sport-Touring. Though 98% of the members consider the meaning of Sport-Touring to involve a lot of riding and some nice breaks to the see the sights in a little more vacationy atmosphere, don't forget "It's the ride, not the destination". The IBR is the penultimate expression of dreams to reality for all those that really believe in their hearts that it's truly *ALL* about the ride. They're all a bunch of sick fucks as far as I'm concerned. Still I'm oddly drawn and feel inferior at the same time...

In any case, the fact that there's one meager thread with a few odd replies for this bi-annual SuperBowl/World Cup/Olympics of Sport-Touring just saddens me. Who's the mod for this forum? I want to speak with the manager!!

To loosly tranlate the above paragraph, it means "Dammit!, I expect ya'll to keep *me* entertained!" .  

Since it's still up to me to provide content, here's a link from one of the reports on the IBR site that you could have missed. It's Rob Nye's BMW R1200RTP, farkled to the max. I wonder if you get pulled over on a police bike that's a thousand times more cool than the police bike that pulls you over, is that  a catch and release, or a double penalty ticket?

You need to go to the site to get all the mouse-over details on all the add-ons: http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/IBRB/

[DNA]

When I ran int he MD2020 this year there were at least 10 (possibly several more) riders that were using it a 24 hour test and tune for the rally.  Most of the top rider from the east coast were there - and they were all great.  Don Arther, Jim Owen. et al.

Rick The MD Rally Bastard is running this year on his yellow GL, and several other MD/PA guys I know are running their first one.  I was passed several times in the early AM by Alex Schmidt - he was riding awesome at 2:30 it he AM - faster than I ride in the daylight.  I realized that there was no way without a lot more experience I wold have a chance of completing a 10 day event.  Don Catterson is a rookie this year and He hand I have bent a few elbows after events - so he will also be getting my psychic support (Like hat will help).

I will be following it on line this year - I had dreamed about being there for the  of finish - but as I have a 7 month old - these type of events are a good 10 years away for me now.  My window is closed for a while, but I'd like to think it is not sealed shut.


BTW - here is the link - http://www.ironbuttrally.com/IBR/2007.cfm
I'm waiting for them to post the Stage 1 Boni - probably when they give out Stage 2 as I recall from last year.

[Bounce]

They're all a bunch of sick fucks as far as I'm concerned.

I suspect that we all take great pride in knowing you think so.  

[DNA]

star-traxx is planning to show some bikes again this time

http://rally.star-traxx.com/

Any idea who the rider are?
I'd love to put a name with the track.

[stk0308]

I'm ashamed to say I live in St Louis and didn't make the kick-off    I know a few in the IB scene but don't recognize any names entered this year.  

I'd like to see a luddite version run.  Pure stock, or limited mod, bikes.  Mainly no extra gas.  And no extranious electronics.

[Warchild]

Any idea who the rider are?
I'd love to put a name with the track.

In order to keep things interesting, no names, speeds, times, or any other identification is provided. Even the bike numbers are randomized every time you refresh the page.  

[mike goodwin]

I'm ashamed to say I live in St Louis and didn't make the kick-off    I know a few in the IB scene but don't recognize any names entered this year.  

I'd like to see a luddite version run.  Pure stock, or limited mod, bikes.  Mainly no extra gas.  And no extranious electronics.

I personally am a bit put off by the whole electronic warfare shit myself.
This includes things i could not afford anyway such as a lap top computers auxiallary fuel cells,mega lighting,etc.
But then again a lot of these people have shelled out a LOT of money to ride this thing and have ever intention of winning.
So all the bloated hardware.
But take heart.
I have a 1984 Cycle Guide magazine that had a feature story on the very first Iron Butt Rally that was held in 1984.
But they went to the extreme opposite by penalizing tire changes and stuff like that.
That's about crazy and more to the point needlessly unsafe.
This was several years before Mike Kneebone took over the rally and changed things for the better.

[DNA]

In order to keep things interesting, no names, speeds, times, or any other identification is provided. Even the bike numbers are randomized every time you refresh the page.  

So all transponders have had the special boxes un-checked this year?

[Warchild]

Naturally, since there are 14 FJR1300s entered in the 2007 Iron Butt Rally, I would like to see one on the Top Podium at the Finish on Aug 31.  

However, if a Beemer dude had to win the event... I would like to see this guy do it: Eric Jewell  He may be among the very best who has not won the event..... he is always in the Top 10, and a nicer guy you will never meet.  He was tardy making it to St Louis this past weekend, arriving late Saturday night. He was the vary LAST bike to go through Tech Inspection on Sunday.

Here I am taking Eric's odometer reading prior to him going out to complete the Odometer Calibration course, the final step in Tech Inspection:

[DNA]

Nice pic - so I assume Rick made it there on time to complete tech on his yellow school bus?

I'm also pulling for Alex Schmidt - that kid is on fire and a super humble guy.  Be nice to see him do well - even if it is on a Honda.
They said 1 Triumph is entered. I assume it is Russ on his Trophy again?

[discochris]

Nice pic - so I assume Rick made it there on time to complete tech on his yellow school bus?

I'm also pulling for Alex Schmidt - that kid is on fire and a super humble guy.  Be nice to see him do well - even if it is on a Honda.
They said 1 Triumph is entered. I assume it is Russ on his Trophy again?

I believe the Triumph is Kevin "Wizard" Healey from Florida.

[Warchild]

BWAH!  

FJR riders Matt Watkins and Doug Chapman at the Reynold Motorsports bonus location, just after riding 1000 miles through rain of Biblical proportions.

Check out the boots drying on Matt's exhaust......  

[Lawn Dart]

Absolutely, Positively, Brilliant.

A quick note from the Rally Notes that I just HAD to clip and post here!

In addition to the problems the Brunsvolds and Richard Buber have to deal with, there are three riders yet to complete tech inspection. Paul Allison, a rider from Great Britain, didnt finish the installation of an auxiliary fuel tank on his rented Gold Wing early enough to get it inspected today. He has plenty of time tomorrow. Eric Jewell arrived too late to start the process today. Rick Miller isnt due in until tomorrow.


I just plain cannot WAIT to hear Paul Allison's story to the place that rented him that GWing!  13,000 + fresh mileage on the clock in two weeks.

Absolutely, Positively, Fucking Brilliant!  

[GTS_Rider]

I just plain cannot WAIT to hear Paul Allison's story to the place that rented him that GWing!  13,000 + fresh mileage on the clock in two weeks.

Absolutely, Positively, Fucking Brilliant!  

Ha!

Didn't catch that bit about the 'Rented' GW. Thanks for pointing it out. Got a true lol from me, picturing the return in my head.  

If he took it out with a brand-new set of tires, do you think it's possible he could do the whole IBR and return it back on the same set of tires with a big show of down to the threads? If it were possible, that would be even funnier still...  

[mike goodwin]

Sorry ass people!!!! *@#%%%(#
I was just checking things out over at www.ninja250.com and found that the gallant 250 Ninja rider had his tank bag and expensive GPS unit fcking stolen while he slept.
Rotten crack head mofo!!
Any way the religious order of the 250 Ninja bunch has come to his rescue and outfitted another GPS unit to the bike.
His tankbag with gas receipts is long gone though.

[cultureslayer]

Sorry ass people!!!! *@#%%%(#
I was just checking things out over at www.ninja250.com and found that the gallant 250 Ninja rider had his tank bag and expensive GPS unit fcking stolen while he slept.
Rotten crack head mofo!!
Any way the religious order of the 250 Ninja bunch has come to his rescue and outfitted another GPS unit to the bike.
His tankbag with gas receipts is long gone though.

Yes, that royally sucks.  I've met Alan and he's great fun, especially after I think it was 8 beers.  

I'm already pretty OCD about my tankbag and now it'll be even worse.  

EDIT: I had a brain fart and it was Hugh (LDBandit) I was thinking about, not Alan.

[mike goodwin]

Hey CultureSlayer do you know my friend from Georgia aka LD Bandit (Hugh)??
He ans some other 250 people went to St.Louis to see Alan off.
I was supposed to go but the crap of life did not allow me.

[cultureslayer]

Hey CultureSlayer do you know my friend from Georgia aka LD Bandit (Hugh)??
He ans some other 250 people went to St.Louis to see Alan off.
I was supposed to go but the crap of life did not allow me.

Crap, it was Hugh that I was thinking about.  That was quite a weekend at Deal's gap.

I need to do that again.

[Warchild]

Day 3: The Attrition Begins

2007 Iron Butt Rally, Day 3
Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Chip Hyde has been Goosed. His effort to make Goose Bay on his Gold Wing has ended in failure. He has crashed in the vicinity of Churchill Falls, which is less than 200 miles from Goose Bay. The bike went down in deep gravel and Chip was tossed off. He has apparently come out of it with just one broken bone in his hand. There are a lot more broken parts on the Wing. Chip thinks it is totaled.

Tonight, Chip is safe in a bed and breakfast establishment. He will make plans tomorrow for getting back home.

It would be great to have pictures of the bike to show at the riders meeting the next time there is a Goose Bay bonus on the Iron Butt Rally. It might also be helpful to change the name of the bonus from "MANLY" to "YGTBSM."

Today is the day of the first call-in bonus to ever be used on the Iron Butt Rally and it's working out quite well. We are collecting a lot of detailed information about where the riders are, where they have been, where they are headed, and what interesting things are happening to them along the way.

Most of the calls came from riders who were either at, on their way to, or returning from Perce Rock on the Gaspe Peninsula. There was quite a crowd when the tide receded early in the afternoon, making it possible to get the required photo of the ocean floor before making the hike to the rock itself.

Many of the riders headed for Perce Rock by way of Campbellton, New Brunswick, where there was a 3,014 point bonus available for a photo of a statue of a Giant Salmon. Leaving Perce Rock, some were headed for the 8,014 point bonus at the Green Gables National Historic Site on Prince Edward Island; others were headed for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where there is a 10,123 point bonus for a picture of the Pickle Barrel House in Grand Marais, Michigan.

For riders that headed for Key West, a must-do bonus on the way down or back was a photo of a 30 foot high statue of a mother dolphin and her calf at the Dolphin Research Center located in Grassy Key. It was an easy 1,222 points to soothe the pain associated with the 8,999 point bonus for a picture of the Southernmost Point in the Continental USA monument in Key West. Big bonuses available on the Florida mainland included 4,303 points for a picture of the "Coral Castle" in Homestead, 2,888 points for a picture of the giant sinkhole northeast of Gainesville, and 2,310 points for a picture of "Eli's Orange World" in Kissimmee.

A summary of the information called in is presented below, listed in order of rider number:

1 - George Barnes called from Kissimmee after returning from Key West. He's headed for Tybee Island, Georgia. Based on the list of bonus stops he rattled off, he may be scoring more points than many riders that headed for Perce Rock.

2 - Chris Sakala was in Quebec and headed for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

3 - Jeff Earls called from Maine, headed for Campbellton.

4 - Eric Jewell called from Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick. That's another bonus that can only be scored during the low tide window. He was headed for Prince Edward Island. He has gotten off schedule because it took a while to get his R1150RT jump started this morning. He depleted his battery while sleeping on the ground next to the bike with his electric gear running.

5 - Marty Leir called in after scoring the Perce Rock bonus while he was on the road to Prince Edward Island.

6 - Jim Owen called from Maine while on his way to Perce Rock. He may be arriving later than others because of the bonus locations on his outbound route plan.

7 - Brett Donahue made Key West early in the morning after scoring Tybee Island, which Lisa referred to as a sucker bonus (because traffic can be brutal getting in and out of the coastal town). Brett said it was "a piece of cake." He was on his way to the bonus in Kissimmee when he called.

8 - Alan Barbic has linked up with Tom Melchild at the Biltmore Estates in North Carolina. Alan said they are heading to the "Georgia Guidestones" bonus in the Elberton, Georgia area next.

9 - Dick Fish called in from the side of a wheat field in New Brunswick after scoring Perce Rock. He's headed for a rest bonus.

10 - Peter Leap called from Prince Edward Island after scoring Perce Rock. He was on his way to Halifax.

11 - Tom Loftus has dropped out of the rally, stating a need to deal with some business-related paperwork.

12 - Andy Mills called in from Perce Rock. He said he was headed for Campbellton.

13 - Jim Frens called while on the water en route to Prince Edward Island. He said he would be heading for Perce Rock after photographing the Green Gables house.

14 - Tom Melchild reported in from the Biltmore Estates and is headed for the Georgia Guidestones with Alan Barbic.

15 - John Langan called from Maine while headed for Perce Rock. He wasn't having a good time early this morning. At about 3:30 a.m., while riding in the rain, he started hearing a horrible noise that sounded like a wheel bearing might have failed. After pulling over to the side of the road, he discovered that the center stand was dragging on the road; the springs that normally hold it up had fallen off. While trying to lash the center stand up with tie down straps, he knocked the bike off of the side stand. A Gold Wing lying on its side in the rain at 3:30 a.m. is not a good way to start Day 3 of the Iron Butt Rally. Fortunately for John, Brian Roberts soon arrived on the scene. Brian's considerable experience with lifting bikes that have been dropped was put to good use.

16 - Doug Chapman called while on his way to Perce Rock. He mentioned that he is wearing microwaved underwear today.

17 - Chris Cimino called from Marietta, Georgia, where he was waiting for dawn so that he could score a "daylight only" bonus. Chris says the combined heat of Mother Nature and the new Concours 14 have been difficult to deal with. Later in the day, Chris called for a second time saying that he was hoping to be able to earn an additional 2,000 points.

18 - Bob St. George called while riding a ferry to Prince Edward Island. Bob is one of several riders who said they think they should be able to claim a rain bonus when they get to the checkpoint.

19 - Bill Thweatt called in from Perce Rock and said he is headed for Niagara Falls.

20 - Jim and Donna Phillips called from New Brunswick while on their way to Perce Rock.

21 - Tom and Rosie Sperry called in from Campbellton after netting the Giant Salmon. They were on their way to Niagara Falls.

22 - Bob and Silvie Torter are also on their way to Niagara Falls after success with Perce Rock and the Giant Salmon.

23 - Terry and Lynda Lahman called in from Georgia while on their way to Key West.

24 - Reiner and Lisa Kappenberger called from Perce Rock just before heading for New Hampshire.

25 - Karol Patzer called in from Clanton, Alabama, on her way to Mobile.

26 - Tony DeLorenzo, who we assume is traveling with his mother Karol Patzer, called in from Mobile. He said he was headed for Biloxi, Mississippi.

27 and 28 - The Brunsvold father and son team called from Campbellton after scoring the Giant Salmon. Li'l Arlen and Big Arlen said they are headed for Mentone, Indiana for there next bonus. They apparently aren't planning to stop to pick up any of the 8 billion points that are available along the way.

29 and 30 - Mrs. and Mr. Lisa Stevens called from Louisiana after bagging the Superdome bonus. I could hear Lisa in the background telling Tobie what to say while he was making his call. Tobie claimed that his next bonus will be Elvis Presley's gravesite while Lisa claims to be headed for Sciples Mill, Mississippi. Hopefully, Tobie will just follow Lisa; if he really intends to go somewhere else, we may never see him again.

31 - Paul Allison called from Carlton, Quebec, on his way to Perce Rock.

32 - Gerhard Memmen-Krueger was headed for a rest bonus after making Perce Rock.

33 - Chris McGaffin called from Florida headed for Homestead. Chris said, "This Kawasaki is pumping an awful lot of hot air." He has named the bike "The Crotch Cooker." His final words were, "I reckon my sperm count is going to be zero by the time I get back."

34 - Richard Keegan called from Grand Falls, New Brunswick, on his way to Campbellton.

35 - Bill Watt, who is riding with Paul Allison, also called from Quebec while headed for Perce Rock. Bill had a close call last night when he side-swiped a moose but didn't go down. Both Bill and the moose have continued on their way.

36 - Don Wescott called from New Brunswick after bagging both Perce Rock and the Giant Salmon. He may try to grab a few bonuses on his way back, but it sounds like he is basically headed for the barn.

37 - Steve Broadhead called in from Indiana. He is headed to the Gulf Coast next.

38 - Mike Hutsal called in from Campbellton after making Perce Rock. He is headed for Michigan.

39 - Stephan Bolduc called at the end of his sleep bonus in New Brunswick to say that he was headed for Perce Rock.

40 - Bob Joers called in from Gainesville, FL, on his way to the sinkhole bonus. Later he called Lisa to report that he was stranded near Miami with an irreparable flat tire on his Gold Wing. He said he was planning to get some sleep tonight and be at the nearest Honda dealer first thing tomorrow morning.

41 - Vicki Johnston called after scoring Perce Rock. She is headed for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

42 - Don Kulwicki called in from Homestead, Florida, after returning from the Keys. He was headed for Biloxi, Mississippi.

43 - Mike Langford called from Maine on his way to Perce Rock after sleeping in a Laundromat last night.

44 - Greg Marbach called in from Perce Rock before heading for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Greg left a message regarding the difficulty he had the previous night while trying to get a bonus photo of the Giant Salmon in Campbellton. Greg said, "I tried to get it at night; the Polaroid pictures were showing my bike, but not the fish." That's probably why Mike and Lisa decided to make the bonus "Available daylight hours." It's lucky for Greg that the photos didn't turn out and he had to come back the following morning. He had other problems at the Giant Salmon also. After failing to get a photo, his bike wouldn't start. He had been simultaneously running heated gear and auxiliary lights with a stock FJR1300 alternator and had drained his battery to the point that it wouldn't turn the engine over. It took him about an hour to finally get it bump started.

45 - Rick Martin called from Perce Rock. He said he was headed for Campbellton.

46 - Ken Morton called from Perce Rock and reported that he was next headed for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

47 - Jim Mulcahy called from a rest area on Interstate 77 after scoring the New River Gorge Bridge bonus in West Virginia. He was headed for Kingsport, Tennessee.

48 - Peter Murray called while on his way to Tavern on the Green in New York City.

49 - Bob Mueller got word from his wife that he jumped the gun on the call-in bonus yesterday. He called during the proper window to report that he was headed for Perce Rock.

50 - Rick Neeley called from Key West where he bagged the 8,999 point bonus last night. He had just finished his rest bonus and was headed for Grassy Key.

51 - Rob Nye recognized his mistake of calling in a day early yesterday and placed another call to say that he was in Campbellton and headed for Niagara Falls.

52 - Glenn Pancoast called after bagging the Reynolds Motorsports bonus while he was on his way to Prince Edward Island and Perce Rock.

53 - Dick Peek called on his way to the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville, West Virginia. He reported that his fuel cell isn't working and his Star-Traxx has failed. Dick said, "All of my technology is crapping out on me."

54 - Paul Peloquin called from Campbellton, New Brunswick, on his way to Perce Rock.

55 - Dennis Powell called while on his way to Nashville.

56 - Joel Rappoport called in from Perce Rock where he was waiting for the tide to go out. From there he is headed for Niagara Falls.

57 - Brian Roberts called from Grand Falls, New Brunswick, on his way to Perce Rock.

58 - Alex Schmitt is on his way to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan after scoring Perce Rock.

59 - Mike Senty called from Maine on his way to Perce Rock.

60 - Jack Shoalmire is apparently traveling with Jim Mulcahy. He called from the same phone number and from the same rest area on Interstate 77 after scoring the New River Gorge Bridge bonus in West Virginia. He was also headed for Kingsport, Tennessee.

61 - Tom Skemp called from the Varsity Drive-In in Atlanta, Georgia. He was on his way to the Talladega Speedway. Tom reported that he has lost his ID flag but said, "People have been real good about taking pictures of me."

62 - Jim Simonet called in from Mobile, Alabama. He had just returned from the French Quarter of New Orleans and was on his way to the Barber Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Alabama.

63 - Carl Stark was headed for Carnegie Hall in New York City along with Michael Boge. His hydration system is no longer functional after dragging his drinking tube along the roadway surface for many miles.

64 - John Tomasovitch was at Perce Rock and headed for Prince Edward Island.

65 - Rebecca Vaughn called in from Grassy Key, FL, on her way back from Key West. She is having a problem with her fuel cell and is stopping more frequently for gas than she would like.

66 - Bill Wade called in from Maine on his way back from Perce Rock.

67 - Matt Watkins called after scoring Perce Rock. He was headed to the Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine with Doug Chapman.

68 - Jim Winterer called from Perce Rock. He reported missing the Harley-Davidson bonus by 1 minute because of the time he had to spend retrieving his ID flag from Buell Motorcycle Company bonus where he left it.

69 - Kendall Anderson called from West Palm Beach, Florida, while on his way to Key West.

70 - Doug Bailey called in from Maine after returning from Campbellton. Doug said he hasn't had any encounters with deer or moose, but claims to have hit 2 large-mouth bass on Interstate 70 during his soggy ride to Canada.

71 - Michael Boge from Sandpoint, Idaho (population: 5) called from just outside of New York City. He and Carl Stark are riding there together. Michaels says "We are a couple of kids from the west on our way to see the big city."

72 - Mark Collins reported that he and his 1972 Road Glide have already made Key West. Mark was in Fort Myers, Florida, getting ready for a rest bonus. He reported, "The heat has been just brutal down here, but I'm staying hydrated and the bike is running well."

73 - Art Garvin called in from Georgia headed for Tallulah Gorge State Park.

74 - Maura Gatensby called from Quebec after scoring Perce Rock. She was headed for a rest bonus.

75 - Mike Getzendanner called while on his way to Tybee Island, Georgia.

76 - Steve Branner called from a land line in New Brunswick on his way to Perce Rock. His cell phone is waterlogged and no longer working. Commenting on his ride so far, Steve said, "If we had boats, we would have done better."

77 - Curt Gran was headed for Orlando, Florida, after returning from the Florida Keys. He reported having some sort of problem with his windscreen.

78 - Norm Grills called in from Perce Rock and said he is headed for Niagara Falls.

79 - Kevin Healey called from Hardeeville, South Carolina. He was hoping to head for Gainesville, Florida, but the starter has stopped working on his Triumph. Earlier he was able to push start it, but even that wouldn't work this morning.

80 - Dave Hinks called in from Bath, Maine. He said that he has lost the brakes on his FJR and hoping to get them repaired at the nearest dealer. He said his next stop would depend on how long it takes to get the brakes fixed. Later in the day, Dave called again to let me know that his bike has been fixed and he's back on the road, headed for Niagara Falls.

81 - Chip Hyde, as noted above, is a DNF after his crash on the way to Goose Bay.

82 - Don Jones called in from Mentone, Indiana. He was in the process of adjusting his plan because he said, "16 hours after the ride started, I was already 10 hours behind."

83 - Hans Karlsson is headed straight back to St. Louis after success at Perce Rock.

84 - Vance Keeney reported that he had scored Perce Rock and was headed for Michigan.

85 - Homer Krout called from Grand Falls, New Brunswick, on his way to Perce Rock.

86 - Jim Bain called from Atlanta where he is waiting for Atlanta BMW to repair his front brake line. He said he would be heading for Marietta, GA as soon as the bike is fixed. Later in the day, I heard from Atlanta BMW owner Bob Wooldridge, who told me that his shop was able to get Jim back on the road in 2 hours. The source of the failure was determined to have been debris that had fallen off of another brand of motorcycle that Jim was following too closely.

87 - Alan Bennett called in after scoring the Opryland bonus while he was headed for Mobile, Alabama.

88 - David Bordeaux called from Ann Arbor, Michigan headed for bonuses in Ohio.

89 - Mike Evans called from Perce Rock and said he is headed for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

90 - David Derrick called from Perce Rock just before leaving for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

91 - Fred Droegemueller was on his way back from Key West, headed for Homestead, Florida.

92 - Richard Buber called from Maine on his way to Perce Rock.

93 - Gregg Burger called in from Perce Rock. He said he was headed for Campbellton.

94 - Joe DeRyke called from Fort Pierce, Florida, on his way to Gainesville.

95 - Don Catterton called from Homestead, Florida, to say he was heading for Tybee Island. He experienced a slight delay this morning in order to remove about a thousand baby spiders that had hatched in his helmet over night.

96 - Bob Collin scored Perce Rock and then called in from Maine on his way to the Maritime Museum in Bath.

97 - Rick Miller called from Augusta, Georgia, headed to Harlem, Georgia.

Today many riders were elated to have made Perce Rock, giving them the lift needed to continue on. Tomorrow might be a little tougher as many of the riders in this year's rally have never maintained an 800-1,000 mile per day pace for four days in a row.

Tom Austin
August 22, 2007
Copyright (c) 2007 Iron Butt Rally, Inc., Chicago, IL

[Lawn Dart]

Chip Hyde has been Goosed. His effort to make Goose Bay on his Gold Wing has ended in failure. He has crashed in the vicinity of Churchill Falls, which is less than 200 miles from Goose Bay. The bike went down in deep gravel and Chip was tossed off. He has apparently come out of it with just one broken bone in his hand. There are a lot more broken parts on the Wing. Chip thinks it is totaled.

NOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!  I was soooo rooting for this guy!  I was dieing to hear how the rental place responded to hear that he cranked 13k miles onto a RENTAL in just two weeks!

[mike goodwin]

Yea i was rooting for him too.
Interesting story Warchild.
Since i didnt hear about the 250 Ninja rider in that report i hope he's doing alright and gets thru the thief in the night episode.
That still has me pissed off.
I am rooting for him too.

[DNA]

Chip Hyde has been Goosed. His effort to make Goose Bay on his Gold Wing has ended in failure. He has crashed in the vicinity of Churchill Falls, which is less than 200 miles from Goose Bay. The bike went down in deep gravel and Chip was tossed off. He has apparently come out of it with just one broken bone in his hand. There are a lot more broken parts on the Wing. Chip thinks it is totaled.

NOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!  I was soooo rooting for this guy!  I was dieing to hear how the rental place responded to hear that he cranked 13k miles onto a RENTAL in just two weeks!

Hearing him explain how he totaled the GL in Canada 2500 miles away should be a good story as well.  I didn't realize he was the rental guy - are you sure it was him and not another GL rider?

[Warchild]

I could be wrong, but to the best of my knowledge, Chip owned that GL1800.

But I know for a fact that Paul Allison (Rider #31, from England) that is on a rental Wingabago. His rental contract stipulated "unlimited mileage", so.... he's good, even if he piles on 11,000 miles...  

[mike goodwin]

I could be wrong, but to the best of my knowledge, Chip owned that GL1800.

But I know for a fact that Paul Allison (Rider #31, from England) that is on a rental Wingabago. His rental contract stipulated "unlimited mileage", so.... he's good, even if he piles on 11,000 miles...  

I bet they change that policy in about two weeks.

[Bounce]

Not a given. There have been several extreme rallies over the years when rentals finished and the riders got shocked looks when turning back in their rental bike(s).

[jwhite518]

Hi all,

Checking in a bit late here. I was at the start in St. Louis. It was a great thrill to be present. I know about a dozen of the riders, some better than others. Paul Peloquin was borrowing my Star-Traxx unit (though it fell off on Day Two - the constant hours of rain made the adhesive backing on his velcro fail.) Tom Melchild, of course, is an STNer and the RM of the Cal 24, and a nicer guy you will not meet. Bill Watt witnessed a ride for me once, and I witnessed a ride for Chip Hyde once. (No, his GL is not rented.) Rebecca Vaughan and I have traded tips on the BMWMOA list for years (we have the same year and model) but never met until Monday morning. Lots of other people, I tend to remember them but they don't remember me. It's OK - I never did anything memorable!

Since the IBR is the Super Bowl of LD riding, the cream of the crop are present. Starting with Mike Kneebone, Lisa Landry, and Warchild, you know who these folks are but you stay out of their way because they're busy. Ira Agins is also a muckety muck, but he wasn't as necessary on Monday morning and I had a few minutes with him. Great guy, full of insight. He said that what really counts is that you do your best. If it's your first IBR you're not really competing against the big dogs. You're just stretching yourself further. That's really the underlying mantra of LD riding. How far can I go?

If you've ever run an endurance rally you can really appreciate the emotion of Monday morning. I was feeling it, and I wasn't even riding the rally. The last half hour before the start was full of tension and excitement. The rain just made it that much more epic. You couldn't ask for anything more - 97 bikes about to start the hardest thing they've ever done, competing against themselves and each other, and it's raining like cow piss. Sure I felt sorry for them, but I also wished it was me out there suffering.

I'll highlight a few photos here. The entire gallery can be found here.

Paul Peloquin. We met at the 2003 Cal 24 (which he won.) He was on an R1100RS back then, and every time I see him he mentions how much he misses that bike.



ST.N in da house! Tom Melchild's FJR.



Tom foreground, Alan Barbic background. These two are riding together on the Butt, and they paired up on this year's Utah 1088 too.



Alan Bennett and his Ninjette, before some asshole stole his gear.



Joel Rappaport's 31 year old airhead, first bike to arrive at Perce Rock. What bonii did he pass up on his way there? Or did he pick them up on the way back?



Somebody with something to say. I don't think I'd do that. You plow into the short bus on Day 9, and people start wondering what this Iron Butt Rally thing is, and did it cause you to kill little Susie?



Me and RV.



Rider meeting T-15 minutes. A rare dry moment.



Paul waiting for Warchild to give him the launch signal. Rally is underway, look at the rain.



Bob and Sylvie Torter on their way to Perce Rock on their sweet K1200GT. She's waving at her adoring fans, he's all business.

[DNA]

Sweet!!!  Thanks for posting.
Did anyone get video  of the start?  Or one of the arch chaos?

I so wish I was out there.  I'm thinking of blasting out to see the finish - but know I can't.
(Well - I could - but I'd have to cash in some pretty big chits..)

[Lawn Dart]

Great shots!  We need more though.  For those of us living vicariously through the insanity of others...

[Randy FJR]

Joel Rappaport's 31 year old airhead, first bike to arrive at Perce Rock. What bonii did he pass up on his way there? Or did he pick them up on the way back?

I met Joel on the 2nd day in Carlisle, PA while he was checking out of a hotel.  He said he was on his way to pick up bonii in York, Pa and Reading, PA before heading towards Cooperstown (not sure if there is a bonus there, he just said that was where he was heading).  I wouldn't be surprised if he picked up the bonus in WV before getting a little rest in Carlisle.

FJR Forum links for pics
http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=24906 Pics from the start
http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=24901 and a few more pics of the start
http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=24907 Pics from first bonus location
http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=24957 pics from a sighting in Buxton, ME
http://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=25038 pics from my sighting in York, PA

Iron Butt forum links for pics
http://www.ironbutt.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1495&PN=1 pics from the pre-start and start
http://www.ironbutt.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1529&PN=1 more pics from the start

http://www.nhgazette.com/?p=114 New Hampshire Gazette article

BMW MOA forum link for pics
http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=19700

ST Owners forum link for pics
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27178

I'm sure there are more out there...who's got em?

[DNA]

So - what is happening?  Any info?
On the edge of my seat here - it looks like some bikes broke down, or some tags got lost.
Either way, everyone should be at the checkpoint already - I'm bitting my nails for a few of the riders that are close but not there yet...

[jwhite518]

Checkpoint info trickling in from the FJR forum and LDRider. Paul Peloquin is in with 86,000 points, Matt Watkins with nearly 79,000. People have mechanical'ed out, but I haven't heard of anybody just plain quitting out of fatigue or frustration. Also no word of anybody being time barred (yet.) It's a helluva rally.

[Warchild]

Official Standings at the end of Leg One can be found here.

[bpg]

Geeze Dale - after the 7 x 1500 you did recently on the XX, I thunk you'd be in there representin' with da Bird

Very cool stuff, been following along daily as I did in '05!

What happened to Pete Hoogeveen?  I know he also switched to a Feejer a while back, but I couldn't find his name among the entrants for this year...

[jwhite518]

Geeze Dale - after the 7 x 1500 you did recently on the XX, I thunk you'd be in there representin' with da Bird

Yeah, WC, when's the last time you actually rode the Butt? Think you'll ever ride it again? Or is that pillowtop bed at the Doubletree just too cushy these days?  

[Warchild]

What happened to Pete Hoogeveen?  I know he also switched to a Feejer a while back, but I couldn't find his name among the entrants for this year...

Peter just couldn't pull away from work.... first time he's missed an IBR in 15 years....  

Yeah, WC, when's the last time you actually rode the Butt?

1997.  I did okay that year.

Think you'll ever ride it again?

No, I am medically retired from riding competitively in these Endurance Riding events, thanks to LASIK surgery gone bad. I can no longer see well enough to bonus hunt at night. Mind you, I can still go down the road okay (ASSuming I can use my 50-watt PHIDs), but I can't see dick as far as night-time bonus hunting....  

[DNA]

Anybody know what happened to Don Arthur?  I thought he was riding again this year after healing up from the bad accident on the way out last time.  Didn't see his name on the list though?

Hope he is ok.

[bpg]

Peter just couldn't pull away from work.... first time he's missed an IBR in 15 years....  

Sucks, I've always rooted for him...  He's part of the reason I got a Bird...

1997.  I did okay that year.

I'd say 5th is DAMN admirable!

No, I am medically retired from riding competitively in these Endurance Riding events, thanks to LASIK surgery gone bad. I can no longer see well enough to bonus hunt at night. Mind you, I can still go down the road okay (ASSuming I can use my 50-watt PHIDs), but I can't see dick as far as night-time bonus hunting....  

Gotcha..  I like to think I might possibly be able to try one out, but all the second-guessing and bonus hunting would definitely wear me out, mentally.  Crazy stuff, and more props to those that do it!

[jwhite518]

Anybody know what happened to Don Arthur?  I thought he was riding again this year after healing up from the bad accident on the way out last time.  Didn't see his name on the list though?

Hope he is ok.

Admiral Arthur posted on LDRider awhile back that the Navy moved back his retirement date to September, and he had to drop out of the Butt.

[DNA]

Thanks for the info - bummer he couldn't make it though.

Looks to me like there are some people about to go up Pikes Peak?  
Mt Washington in the east - Pikes peak in the west?  Mt. Elbert?  

[Lawn Dart]

Unfortunately, Rob's chances of scoring the Homer, Alaska, bonus have just vaporized. His BMW R1200RT, the one with the all-new, never needs maintenance final drive, is puking rear end lubricant all over Public Highway 16. Dammit!

Ok, I ride a BMW.  And to be frank I just don't quite understand why the IBR guys just don't ride with a spare Final Drive either in a bag or with a FedEx overnight 10-am courier.  I love BMW's but that's just silly not to have that level of preparation!

[mike goodwin]

Unfortunately, Rob's chances of scoring the Homer, Alaska, bonus have just vaporized. His BMW R1200RT, the one with the all-new, never needs maintenance final drive, is puking rear end lubricant all over Public Highway 16. Dammit!

Ok, I ride a BMW.  And to be frank I just don't quite understand why the IBR guys just don't ride with a spare Final Drive either in a bag or with a FedEx overnight 10-am courier.  I love BMW's but that's just silly not to have that level of preparation!

Just how much does that final drive weigh???
Back in the older days of old Suzuki GS series motorcycles their charging systems were so notoriously shitty that after having mine failed (of course while on a trip) i always carried a spare stator with me.
But it was relatively small and probably weighed a whole two pounds.
Not having owned any of the new BMW's but could someone please tell which series of these newer bikes are hindered by this achilles heal of a drive shaft.
I certainly never want one.

[squeezer]

Before the rally, Rick Miller joked that he was going to fill his trailer with BMW final drives and sell them in the parking lot of the hotel.  I guess he should have done it.

[DNA]

Unfortunately, Rob's chances of scoring the Homer, Alaska, bonus have just vaporized. His BMW R1200RT, the one with the all-new, never needs maintenance final drive, is puking rear end lubricant all over Public Highway 16. Dammit!

Ok, I ride a BMW.  And to be frank I just don't quite understand why the IBR guys just don't ride with a spare Final Drive either in a bag or with a FedEx overnight 10-am courier.  I love BMW's but that's just silly not to have that level of preparation!

I'm thinking it is not such an easy repair.  If it were - then we would see them ready.  I know you basically have to remove 1/2 the bike to replace the clutch - I don't know about the final drive.

I bet we will soon though.

[jwhite518]

There's speculation on the BMW list that it may not be his final drive crown bearing, which is a bitch and a half to repair. You need to heat up the assembly to install the new bearing. Instead it could just be a seal, an easier repair. No up to date info is posted on the list, we don't really know if Rob's underway or not. Does anybody know if Mr. Gizmo has a star-traxx listed on the public page?

[Bounce]

Anybody know what happened to Don Arthur?  I thought he was riding again this year after healing up from the bad accident on the way out last time.  Didn't see his name on the list though?

Hope he is ok.

he's fine. his participation this year was based on his retirement plans. at that level in the Navy, you can't just pack up and leave; you have to wait for your replacement. worse, your replacement has to be approved by Congress. that didn't happen when originally planned, so Don had to drop out. his official retirement ceremony is this next week or so.

[DNA]

There's speculation on the BMW list that it may not be his final drive crown bearing, which is a bitch and a half to repair. You need to heat up the assembly to install the new bearing. Instead it could just be a seal, an easier repair. No up to date info is posted on the list, we don't really know if Rob's underway or not. Does anybody know if Mr. Gizmo has a star-traxx listed on the public page?

Negative - there are no bikes in Canada as of 8/27:
http://rally.star-traxx.com/rallyview.asp?Rally=98

[Bounce]

Unfortunately, Rob's chances of scoring the Homer, Alaska, bonus have just vaporized. His BMW R1200RT, the one with the all-new, never needs maintenance final drive, is puking rear end lubricant all over Public Highway 16. Dammit!

Ok, I ride a BMW.  And to be frank I just don't quite understand why the IBR guys just don't ride with a spare Final Drive either in a bag or with a FedEx overnight 10-am courier.  I love BMW's but that's just silly not to have that level of preparation!

even if you had it all prepped and ready, his ride required he maintain something like 1300 miles per day average and some of those roads are "challenging". that means you have to make up the difference when the going is good. taking time out for serious maintenance issues pretty much kills that Homer bonus as a possibility.

How cool would it be to bag Homer even after that equipment failure?

[Lawn Dart]

I'm thinking it is not such an easy repair.  If it were - then we would see them ready.  I know you basically have to remove 1/2 the bike to replace the clutch - I don't know about the final drive.

I think the real issue is size and weight.  A final drive is a solid 15-20# and doesn't exactly pack well.  However doing a final drive swap is about a 15 minute ordeal (assuming you have a complete spare).  Rear wheel off, three bolts on my RSL and pull the drive.  Slap the new one on and replace the tire.  Yeah, it's that easy.  

BUT final drives aren't cheap.  A brand new fully assembled (complete) is $1k or more.  Best to find a decent used one on Ebay or the like for a spare.  Not uncommon at all to find one from a totaled bike.

And to confirm, I do know that there are guys who keep a spare already boxed up and ready to ship.

[Warchild]

Negative - there are no bikes in Canada as of 8/27:
http://rally.star-traxx.com/rallyview.asp?Rally=98

Actually, there are.... just none with Star-Traxx.

Rob Nye is back on the road. I just spoke with him. At the direction of BMW NA, the Beemer dealer in Edmonton cannabilized a final drive off a showroom bike. He's rolling again, but there is a problem with the rear wheel sensor; ABS is not 100%, and he has no speedometer, odometer or gear indicator.

None of which matter as long as he can hang onto his GPS. If he loses that, that's the ball game; he won't be a finisher.

Guys over on the Beemer forums are just being brutal about this... check out this images of Rob's bike they "enhanced".....  

[bpg]

Unfortunately, Rob's chances of scoring the Homer, Alaska, bonus have just vaporized. His BMW R1200RT, the one with the all-new, never needs maintenance final drive, is puking rear end lubricant all over Public Highway 16. Dammit!

Ok, I ride a BMW.  And to be frank I just don't quite understand why the IBR guys just don't ride with a spare Final Drive either in a bag or with a FedEx overnight 10-am courier.  I love BMW's but that's just silly not to have that level of preparation!

Damn man, I'm having trouble deciphering - you serious??  I don't know that much about the maintenance of the bike he was on, but is the issue that big of a deal where people really lug final drives around (guess so)?!?

Hopefully BMW makes right on this, soon... egads..

[Warchild]

Perspective: when I did Tech Inspection on Rob Nye's beemer at the IBR Start Line last week, it had roughly 10,000 miles on it... basically, it was a brand new 2007 bike...  

[ive_been_hijacked]

It was definitely 'the right thing to do' by BMW NA to fix Nye up in Edmonton.  Must be damned nice to not only have the support of The Anonymous, but also the BMWNA dealer ring!  Good on BMW (aside from the mechanical) to keep a rider going in the Big Ride.  Had they not, the internet would be full of Posts of Rage.  EDIT:  Too late.  ADVRider is already demanding answers from BMWNA.  

[Warchild]

 Had they not, the internet would be full of Posts of Rage, I'm certain.

Too late.  

BMW-NA should be very uncomfortable when they read the AdvRider.com thread on this incident. Pretty sure the BMW MOA forums aren't pleasant reading, either.

  Too bad for Nye, but could it be that bikes aren't supposed to carry the load of a half-ton truck in accessories?  

Don't think that's the case... there are other beemers carrying a lot more than Rob, and they seem to be doing fine.

Rather, it appears BMW still can't get their final drives right, which is a pretty big mystery... and a damn shame.

Earlier today, we had a second brand new BMW - a K1200GS - also go down for the count for yet another failed rear drive. This rider doesn't quite have the networking that Rob has....  he has to wait until a Beemer dealer opens tomorrow....  

[mike goodwin]

WTF BMW???
Since i didnt get an answer to my question as to which models are afflicted with these fragile final drives and since i just read a K model is also having the same issue i must assume it's the liquid cooled bikes as well as the air/oil cooled models as well.
This has been going on for at least a couple of years now i do believe.
Being that i own an older BMW that is not connected with this disease (thank god) i truely hope BMW either scrapes this design or fixes whatever it is that's breaking.
I mean they have only been making shaft drive bikes for decades so this should not be rocket science for them.
Must be outsourcing their engineering and steel components to China.

[discochris]

I posted this to the Team Strange forum as well, but here's where I would think BMW should be getting very nervous.

Isn't Rob's RT a police model?  If a cop riding one of these in the line of duty broke down, crashed, or god forbid was injured or died as a result of this, can you imagine the investigations and outcry?  Cop bikes are subject to extreme duty, both from a speed standpoint, as well as idling, sitting etc. in all kind of conditions, which are likely to put even more wear on a bike than an 11,000 mile trip.  This is a lawsuit waiting to happen if something like that occurs - BMW might want to consider that...

[Lawn Dart]

I posted this to the Team Strange forum as well, but here's where I would think BMW should be getting very nervous.

Isn't Rob's RT a police model?  If a cop riding one of these in the line of duty broke down, crashed, or god forbid was injured or died as a result of this, can you imagine the investigations and outcry?  Cop bikes are subject to extreme duty, both from a speed standpoint, as well as idling, sitting etc. in all kind of conditions, which are likely to put even more wear on a bike than an 11,000 mile trip.  This is a lawsuit waiting to happen if something like that occurs - BMW might want to consider that...

There are a LOT of theories about why the FD's fail on BMW's.  My personal theory is that it has to do with heat.  Those FD's get HOT under long distance riding conditions and the heat ultimately burns up the oil, the seals, and finally, siezes the bearings.  Even a short 600 mile drive makes for a hot FD.

Am I personally happy about it?  Nope.  I love my BMW and it fits me just right for the riding I do.  I would love to see BMW fix the damn problem somehow.

[mike goodwin]

There are a LOT of theories about why the FD's fail on BMW's.  My personal theory is that it has to do with heat.  Those FD's get HOT under long distance riding conditions and the heat ultimately burns up the oil, the seals, and finally, siezes the bearings.  Even a short 600 mile drive makes for a hot FD.

Am I personally happy about it?  Nope.  I love my BMW and it fits me just right for the riding I do.  I would love to see BMW fix the damn problem somehow.

I dont know.
If heat was the factor then why isn't it happening on other shaft bikes??
Those  German engineers,Heinz and Hans, are probably about to face a firing squad for this design.

[greench440]

I dont know.
If heat was the factor then why isn't it happening on other shaft bikes??
Those  German engineers,Heinz and Hans, are probably about to face a firing squad for this design.

The BMW Para Lever or whatever they are calling it now, the shaft makes up the swing arm side and uses a couple of complex bearings in the shaft between the swingarm pivot and axle.  The shaft articulates as the suspension moves

The FJR is more like a standard swingarm with the differential housing solidly mounted to the end of the left side of the swing arm and the drive shaft going up the middle of the left arm.  The only bearing in the FJR shaft is a standard u-joint at the front of the shaft.

So the BMW has more bearings that are more complex in nature than the less complex u-joint setup of the FJR.  I'm not bashing here, but it seems the complexity of the elegant engineering solution employed by BMW to decouple the shaft drive forces from the suspension are the root cause.

BMW Paralever courtesy of MicaPeak


FJR

[desert_rider]

BMW-NA should be very uncomfortable when they read the AdvRider.com thread on this incident. Pretty sure the BMW MOA forums aren't pleasant reading, either.

Does anyone have the link to the AdvRider.com tread, I feel too lazy to go search.

[Lawn Dart]

One of several hate threads...

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=260804

[mike goodwin]

Man those guys over at ADVrider are a rugged bunch.

Looks like more people are falling out including the Ninja 250 rider.
Too sad.
And of course more final drive issues.
BMW is gonna get a shiv stuck in their gut over this shit.

[Lawn Dart]

And of course more final drive issues.
BMW is gonna get a shiv stuck in their gut over this shit.

JoMama is more like a shark den or a lion pit.  Anything down there is fair game for a frenzy.  There is NOTHING sacred in JoMama.

As to BMW getting shived - nope, ain't gonna happen.  I'd love to see a class action lawsuit on it but it just isn't gonna happen.  Nor will this significantly affect BMW sales, sadly.  

Reality:  Final drive issues have been a problem for BMW for about the past 20 years.  They've never fixed the problem effectively - and I like Greench's explanation.  BMW is asking a single-sided swingarm to do too many things all at once.  

I still stand by my original assessment but I do agree with Greench as well.  The FD's that I see fail are typically FD's on either GS's or on bikes where the guys are true long distance riders.  The people who do shorter jaunts on the bikes, say 400 miles or less a day and are not abusive on the bikes seem to have FD's that last longer.  Their FD's don't get as hot nor stay hot as long as the LD'ers.

I'm convinced that heat is somehow involved in this whole mess - if you don't believe me, feel an FD right after a long ride: those things get HOT!

[mike goodwin]

Until i looked at the picture of the newer BMW's shaft set up i didn't really know they were so different than the one used on my 92 K75S.
And since i dont have the kind of money it takes to own a new BMW i have never really looked over the shaft setup of them.
This very morning i was talking to a close friend who is the original owner of a 260,000 mile 1985 K100RS and he has never had one issue with his shaft.
And he has always lubed the final drive at every rear tire change the the tranny splines every 50K.
He is very confused about the why of this himself.
Obviously better materials are needed in the building of this shaft or they need to scrape the whole damn thing and go back to what's worked in the past.
Even if i had the money after reading all these issues of these poor guys plight i doubt i would own one.
This is a disgrace.

[Lawn Dart]

Externally the FD's look virtually identical between any of the K or R bikes.  It's never made sense to me that a 500# R-bike would share the same FD as an 850# KLT...

[Bounce]

And of course more final drive issues.
BMW is gonna get a shiv stuck in their gut over this shit.

it hasn't for the past 10 years. why should more similar failures cause a falling out amongst the unwashed leiderhosen this time?

[mike goodwin]

it hasn't for the past 10 years. why should more similar failures cause a falling out amongst the unwashes leiderhosen this time?

I had no idea this has been going on for the last 10 years.
And i thought Suzuki sucked....Which they do mightily.

[Warchild]

I'm convinced that heat is somehow involved in this whole mess - if you don't believe me, feel an FD right after a long ride: those things get HOT!

So it would appear....  

[UFO]

There are a LOT of theories about why the FD's fail on BMW's.  My personal theory is that it has to do with heat.  Those FD's get HOT under long distance riding conditions and the heat ultimately burns up the oil, the seals, and finally, siezes the bearings.  Even a short 600 mile drive makes for a hot FD.

Am I personally happy about it?  Nope.  I love my BMW and it fits me just right for the riding I do.  I would love to see BMW fix the damn problem somehow.

This is the single issue that worries me most about getting a current gen BMW.  Out on the road I never question the reliability of my FJR (heat…yes).  Sometimes glance at the engine oil window at the end of the day … ride.

I know that if I were on the road with a BMW I would be checking the FD for oil leaks at every stop.  And if it was a GS and I was doing some occasional offroad riding…I’d be paranoid as hell.  I know the majority of BMWs don’t have this problem, but it’s a big enough problme that it's the single biggest discussion point on every forum I’ve been haunting lately.  It's also getting larger exposure due to high profile events like the IBR.

{Edit} Jesus, that picture Dale posted is going to give me nightmares.

[Lawn Dart]

This is the single issue that worries me most about getting a current gen BMW.  Out on the road I never question the reliability of my FJR (heat…yes).  Sometimes glance at the engine oil window at the end of the day … ride.

I know that if I were on the road with a BMW I would be checking the FD for oil leaks at every stop.  And if it was a GS and I was doing some occasional offroad riding…I’d be paranoid as hell.  I know the majority of BMWs don’t have this problem, but it’s a big enough problme that it's the single biggest discussion point on every forum I’ve been haunting lately.  It's also getting larger exposure due to high profile events like the IBR.

{Edit} Jesus, that picture Dale posted is going to give me nightmares.

Skip, can't say I blame ya for the reasonable paranoia.  The only thing I can really say is that out of the 100,000+ GS's that have rolled off the line since '05 (that's a real number btw) I've only seen/read about around 25-50 or so failing.  Let's go with 50 - that's a .05% failure rate.  

Or, 1 out of every 2,000 machines.

Obviously I'd like to see the BMW's REAL failure rates.  I mean, really, if 50 GS's were the only failures that kind of failure rate would be acceptable in virtually ANY engineering camp.  To even have a 1% failure rate we'd have to see 1,000 failures - and I sure haven't read about 1,000 failures in all my wasted internet time.

It's quite obvious that the FD's are the biggest painful and obvious wart on BMW's current reputation.  IMO, if BMW were to just flat warantee any FD for 100k of use and stand up about it, then they likely wouldn't be suffering the way they do.  

(One need only look at the goodwill that Yamaha created when they offered to fix any tickers free of charge.  IMO, Honda should do the same for their shitty Reg-Recs on the VFR, but I digress...)

[Lawn Dart]

So it would appear....  

Hmmm, you're and engineer, ain't ya Dale?  Let's see you slap some cooling fins and an external oil cooler on that puppy!  

[UFO]

Even if they waranteed them for 100K miles that still wouldn't keep me from getting stranded in the middle of Timbuktu.

I wouldn't base failure rates on internet reading.  BMW knows the failure rate, and they'll never share.    But purely based on board "buzz" it seems significant to me.  Much more significant than other issues some bikes have (like the waterpump on my FJR).  And the FD is not a niggle failure.  It's more of an "oh shit" failure.

I'm fairly easy on my bikes.  I don't continually ride the living piss out of them.  More than likely I would be safe unless I got one with an actual manufacturing defect already built in.

[jwhite518]

Pretty sure the BMW MOA forums aren't pleasant reading, either.

Not as bad as you'd think. FD failures have been discussed ad nauseum over the years as you'd imagine. Mostly the consensus is: We love BMWs, and you only ever hear about the ones that fail. We hope BMW admits the problem, but we'll keep buying anyway.

I wish there were more LD interest on that forum, or in the BMW community in general. It's still a fringe thing mostly.

See this current thread, entitled "Could someone explain the appeal of the Ironbutt"
http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=19411

[DNA]

In a few days we should get some pretty accurate failure rates for the FD's under tough - but not abusive circumstances.

I bet the rate will be much higher than 1%.  It is already.

10% probably.

25% possibly?  

We will know soon.

[cultureslayer]

In a few days we should get some pretty accurate failure rates for the FD's under tough - but not abusive circumstances.

That's the key.  Let's face it, even with sport touring bikes, I'm betting most are bought with the idea of being free and having fun touring the country.  After working up the their first all day ride the owner realizes "Owie, my butt hurts" and starts riding it to work and starbucks once a week.  

Don't even get me started on the "noob" bikes.  But whatever, more cheap low mileage and possibly slightly rashed bikes for me.

[Lawn Dart]

In a few days we should get some pretty accurate failure rates for the FD's under tough - but not abusive circumstances.

Nope, sadly, no.  Accuracy requires a lot more than just looking at the number of failures.  You would also need to know starting mileage and care characteristics of each of the bike entered.

The statistics of the IBR, as much as I would like to believe so, are not Gospel.  So far, 2 out of 43 FD's have failed.  Only one started out as being new (Nye's I believe).  So far that's the only measurable stat.  For all I know the second FD might have had 300k on it.

I've never said that BMW FD's aren't an issue:  they are.  That's fact.  What is at question is what the real failure rates are.  And, sadly, I doubt that there is any way to know short of a class action lawsuit to force BMW to release info.

You can bet that's an uphill battle.  It might be easier to poll individual shops as to how many failures they've had - even then I bet they are not permitted to release such statistics.

Bottom line:  We know the FD's are a problem - it's simply impossible (or at least extremely hard) to quantify it accurately given the data we have.

[Andrew]

Is it just me or has this thread been  


Lets face it those of us who like the BMWs will stay with them regardless
The rest of us can point fingers all we want, BMW riders are rather loyal.

Good or Bad    

And now back to coverage of the IB 07'

[Robert]

Go Skooter, Go  

Go Iggy, Go  

[squeezer]

Go Skooter, Go  

Go Iggy, Go  

The feejer fan club speaks.  I'm with you.  

[DNA]

Nothing updated yet today - anybody heard any news?  I'm really waiting for info hoping some guys are still doing well.

Info delays cause me to get suspicious of nervous for my friends.

[jude]

Bottom line:  We know the FD's are a problem - it's simply impossible (or at least extremely hard) to quantify it accurately given the data we have.

It not so much the statistically small numbers, it's the bad PR.  I don't know why BMW doesn't just redesign the damn thing and be done with it.  How long these things been failing?

[Lawn Dart]

Go "tick" Skooter "tick", Go "tick"  

Go "tick" Iggy "tick", Go  "tick"

Fixed that for ya!    

Sorry, but SOMEONE had to!  


As far as I'm concerned, anyone who even attempts the Rally is a winner in my book.  The finishers just have more bragging rights.  The "Winner" needs serious mental reconditioning though!  


(And no given' me any shit about it WC!  I know all about your trials with the tickers..although at least though Yamaha's made good on it.)

[swimmer]

It not so much the statistically small numbers, it's the bad PR.  I don't know why BMW doesn't just redesign the damn thing and be done with it.  How long these things been failing?

Stubborn german engineers too proud to admit they have a poor design.  From my experience working with german engineers thats the conclusion I would come to.  Either way hats off to all those riding in this event no matter what they are on.

[Robert]

  It's all good if they both make it back on time with only the rubber from the tires worn off & a bag full of points. . . .

[Black Ice]

Geeze.  BMW's ain't what they used to be.     Check out the last IB--they were about 50% of the entries and 90% of the breakdowns?    

Sorry--any way you slice it, that's called a piece of shit.  Guess that's what happens when your country goes socialist--no one has to care about actually putting out a decent product.  Yeah, I've had to replace my final drive in the last 35,000 miles...of course, my final drive is chain-and-sprocket, which is: 1) expected to wear, 2) cheaper and 3) easier to replace than a whole final drive unit.  

I'd like shaft drive.  I'd really like something equivalent to the GS.  But I'm not stupid enough to spend Gold Wing money for reliability worse than AMF HD's.   BMW...call me when you re-learn how to build a motorcycle that works.  

[DogBoy]

Hey, we can (and do) bash BMW's anytime. Lets not discourage WC and JWhite518 from giving us more IB updates.

[Warchild]

Hey, we can (and do) bash BMW's anytime. Lets not discourage WC and JWhite518 from giving us more IB updates.

Yeah, I got an update..... I am now IBR Headquarters at the Doubletree Inn in Chesterfield, Missouri, getting debriefed by Tom Austin on todays happenings.

Several more bike casualties today.... one particularly not good.....

David Derrick, in 1st Place at the end of Leg One, who is the The Beemer rider having all the electrical failures on Leg 2.... has crashed. Injuries do not appear life-threatening, but are serious nonetheless: broken clavicle, broken pelvis, etc.  ATGATT is the only reason he is alive tonight, we are told by the attending physician.

Chris Sakala, another front-runner, in 7th Place at the end of Leg Oe, rides a BMW R1150GS Adventure.  Shall you guess what component failed on him today?   He is down, possibly out of the rally, with a failed rear final drive.

Glenn Pancoast rides a BRAND NEW bike, a BMW R1200GSA. He suffered a breakdown. Wait for it.......... yep, his rear end failed.   He was able to get it to a beemer dealer in SLC, and a new rear end was *flown* in to replace the smoked one. Glen is back out on it, desperately trying to scarf up enough points to be a finisher.

My buddy Rob Nye is out of the rally. The R1200RT is still moving; Rob should be back tomorrow.

A lot happened today.  



EDIT: Bike model correction. So many friggin' Beemers are failing, I can't keep all the models straight...

[GTS_Rider]

Several more bike casualties today.... one particularly not good.....

David Derrick, in 1st Place at the end of Leg One, who is the The Beemer rider having all the electrical failures on Leg 2.... has crashed. Injuries do not appear life-threatening, but are serious nonetheless: broken clavicle, broken pelvis, etc.  ATGATT is the only reason he is alive tonight, we are told by the attending physician....

Thanks for the updates WC. This one is troubling. Thoughts and prayers to David and his family.

For me, it seems that front runners in this type of event are not really that far apart from Evel Knievel as far as risk goes. Ok, 'EK' took all his risk into a single moment of "the jump". Though, it seems to be truly a contender for a top place in this event, the top riders are running the same or greater risk as "the jump".

Sure, the risk is spread out over multi-thousands of miles, but in the end it's the same or worse odds imho. These guys are running high-speeds in a sleep-deprived state. They're fighting between self-preservation, and adulation of their peers. It's dragged out over a couple weeks, but for the less experienced challengers, it's nearly the same as the newbie rider trying to keep up with his way more experienced brethren over a 3 hour ride in the local mountain twisties. Carnage is likely...

Anyways, just trying to steer the conversation back to nutcase riders vs. the questionable machines on which they chose to ride...

p.s.

How's the Concours 14 doing mechanical-wise? I pick mine up next Saturday.

p.p.s

Beemers suck! lol... (just pushing BMW-K's buttons ; )





 

[mike goodwin]

  Rugged news WC.
Hoping David Derrick a speedy recovery and that all other riders make it back to the corral without further incident.
I know it will have been a long eleven days for them all.

[DNA]

Damn - I just logged on this AM.  It is really troubling to hear about Dave.  I hate to be a vulture about the wreck - but is there any more info?  Deer involved (damn them all to hell)?  Where is he located and is he getting good med care?  Some of the rural areas may not have the best trauma care avaialble.  Hopefully he was close to a major metro area.

WC- Thanks as always for the update.  When 2 days has gone by with no public updates,  my "Oh Shit" detector goes off. As much as I love following this event and fantasize about participating someday, I worry that there will be a fatal incident at some time.   As for all the final drive failures, I don't really have that much sympathy for those riders. I know how upset they must be and what a crushing blow it is, but I see it as a pretty high likley hood.  It would be pretty funny if a GL were to win this year.  Possibly a VFR next year?

[Lawn Dart]

David Derrick, in 1st Place at the end of Leg One, who is the The Beemer rider having all the electrical failures on Leg 2.... has crashed. Injuries do not appear life-threatening, but are serious nonetheless: broken clavicle, broken pelvis, etc.  ATGATT is the only reason he is alive tonight, we are told by the attending physician.

Oh man, not good at all!  Thoughts and prayers to David.  It's never easy when one of the best goes down.

[UFO]

Stubborn german engineers too proud to admit they have a poor design.  From my experience working with german engineers thats the conclusion I would come to.  Either way hats off to all those riding in this event no matter what they are on.

Trust me.  If the bean counters and marketing people had the data that said "re-designing the FD is cheaper than fixing them piecemeal" they would be re-designing and tooling it.  Money drives everything, not the egos of engineers.

[Nodaclu]

I don't have any love or affiliation one way or the other (I own neither), but I have to wonder if the ratio of Beemers to Uly's (around 40 to 1 this year I believe) might not be just a touch different by the 09 Rally? Especially if Dick Fish continues to have problem-free riding and a Top 10 finish on the only Buell in this years event.

Andy Mills could make some inroads for the Victory Vision as well, with a trouble-free, Top 10 finish.

The fact that the 1976 R60/6 and the 1972 Electra-Glide haven't had a mechanical failure (the Glide had a rear wheel problem caused by hitting something IIRC) has to make this even more embarrassing situation.

Is it a sign of the apocalypse that the newer BMW's are having all these problems, but all four H-D powered bikes, the Victory, and the old R60 not only appear as though they will complete the rally, but most of them have a shot at being "official" finishers?

Growing up, I longed for a Beemer of any kind, car or bike. But if I had the money to do it today, I'd certainly pause. I still love the current RT and think it's the best looking ST bike on the market, but....

I'm honestly not trying to bash here. I love anything on two wheels, and my previous bikes support that - Ninja 250, ST1100, DL650. I think BMW has some of the best engineering solutions in the world and when they get it right, build the best bikes on earth. But their unwillingness to fully address what is fast becoming a PR nightmare is definitely troubling.

[desert_rider]

A quick question to the ST-N'ers following this thread: Would the success/failure of the various brands affect your decision if you were shopping for a new bike?

[mike goodwin]

A quick question to the ST-N'ers following this thread: Would the success/failure of the various brands affect your decision if you were shopping for a new bike?

Uhh... in the case of the newer Paralever BMW's and the fact some are literally low mileage brand new bikes that are puking their guts up...Then definitely yes.
If a ride like the IBR 11 day blow out isn't an acid test for reliability then i cant fathom what is.
Most of these bikes that finish will probably have been rolling and running 20 hours per day.
So if a certain model is known for drive train issues, faulty electrics,oil consumption,etc. this will show it.
My opinion and YMMV.

[DNA]

A quick question to the ST-N'ers following this thread: Would the success/failure of the various brands affect your decision if you were shopping for a new bike?

Yes - if I intended to use it for the same purpose.  I do 24-48 hour events and there doesn't seem to be an issue at that stress level - but if I was in the IRB and my final drive broke - I would not cry foul.  I would also use events like this to see what were the critical issues.  If I wanted an FJR, I would take the upgraded stator mod into my initial buying consideration (ticktick has been addressed I think).  

My perception of the real BMW issue is that there is no good work around.  If it were so easy to fix - then some smart Dilbert out there would be making major coin selling the solution.  But they are not, so free market thinking leads me to believe there is no workable Do-hickey solution or the issue is not that bad and hence not a big market.    

[UFO]

A quick question to the ST-N'ers following this thread: Would the success/failure of the various brands affect your decision if you were shopping for a new bike?

Yes..and no.  The IBR reports by themselves wouldn't, but the current FD design has been debated a lot on BMW boards for a few years.  What's happening during the IBR is only enforcing this debate, and giving it even more negative exposure.  As I said above it's the single thing that's keeping me from seriously going to check out a GS.

[Specter]

A quick question to the ST-N'ers following this thread: Would the success/failure of the various brands affect your decision if you were shopping for a new bike?

Yes - The comparative incidence of final drive failures of BMW vs. FJR vs. Concours/C14 in events like this has the inverse effect of "Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday".

At the very least, It would cause me to research a BMW more before purchase. Further research, from what I see would not give me comfort.  Thankfully, we have extensive user feedback on most makes in forums like these.

[jwhite518]

Yes..and no.  The IBR reports by themselves wouldn't, but the current FD design has been debated a lot on BMW boards for a few years.  What's happening during the IBR is only enforcing this debate, and giving it even more negative exposure.  As I said above it's the single thing that's keeping me from seriously going to check out a GS.

It's the same thing that would prevent me from buying a new BMW. My vintage (96 oilhead) seems to be immune from the problems of the newer designs. When it's finally time to replace I doubt you'll find me on another one. For the price premium and the high failure rate, why even bother? Sheesh, how disappointing. BMW used to be known for going the distance.

[mike goodwin]

What year did BMW start using this design of shaft??
Damn i'm glad my K75S isn't one of them.

[discochris]

Would it influence me? Absolutely, and it is currently.
Considering the high cost of a BMW compared to other makes, this is unacceptable.
I can't see spending $3-4k above a similar class bike, knowing that this black cloud is lurking overhead.

I also do 12-24-48 hour rallies and ran the Butt Lite (a 7-day rally) last year. Plus I've been to Hyder, AK, around the Great Lakes, and from Canada to Mexico.  All of them on my 1997 Concours. It has never left me stranded, broken down, or stuck. The only real problem I had was a shorted out ignition coil on day 6 of the Butt Lite, but I was still able to limp to the finish on two cylinders.

Even though I'm currently looking to get a new bike, I would still not hesitate to hop on the Connie and take it cross country. I can't say I'd feel the same about a BMW with that final drive.

Three of my friends have just purchased brand new R1200RT's. They're beautiful bikes, and they really are perfect for this kind of riding - I'd love one. Even if they weren't out of my price range though, I don't think I'd buy one - I just don't think I'd trust it, especially after seeing some poor soul with his rear end torn apart in Hyder, waiting for several days for a Fed Ex truck to bring him a new FD. This isn't an occasional occurance - it's been happening for a number of years now, and BMW hasn't done squat.

I'm pretty sure that if I can afford the new bike, it's going to be a Uly.

[Lawn Dart]

What year did BMW start using this design of shaft??
Damn i'm glad my K75S isn't one of them.

1993 for the R-bikes...I'm not sure on the K bikes.

[burnergold2B]

A quick question to the ST-N'ers following this thread: Would the success/failure of the various brands affect your decision if you were shopping for a new bike?

  It already had about 3 years ago. The final drive "big bearings" were an issue with the  BMW 1100 models. We started researching what our next STers were gonna be back then when we first went to a Ducati ST4s, now adding an FJR. Peace o' mind when we're 1500+miles from home is/has been, well, peaceful.  

[ive_been_hijacked]

No, the current paralever shaft drive started use in 2005 for the R12GS, R12ST, and the R12RT.  There were issues with the previous paralever used on the R11XX series bikes, but not as consistent or frequent and mostly were a few cases overly popularized online.  There is certainly a problem with the R12-bike FDs.  The K1200GT, and S bikes using the newer FD design have not exhibited many problems.

K1200GSA, huh?  Must be a new prototype.

[jwhite518]

 The K1200GT, and S bikes using the newer FD design have not exhibited many problems.

I've yet to hear of any new K1200's experiencing FD failure. There are five GT's still running on Day 11 of the IBR. The sixth entrant DNF'd but not due to mechanical issues. Does the GT have a different FD, or is it a disaster waiting to happen?

[plumber]

The K final drive is on the left side while the R final drive is on the right. I wonder if it's something that simple.

[greench440]

Reports for days 8,9,10, 11 are now up at http://www.ironbuttrally.com/IBR/2007.cfm

Given our discussion of BMW FD's, I liked this gem from day 9:

Sure enough, Rebecca called in this morning to report that she couldn't find a place to stay in Big Sur. She ended up going to Carmel, which is not exactly known for economical accommodations. She found a room for $400. But, hey, the rest bonus was 7,723 points. 19 points per dollar is a bargain on this rally, especially for the many riders visiting BMW service departments throughout North America.

[Warchild]

One of my favorites is from Day 11, where Tom Austin (a staunch beemer dude) writes:

For 2009 IBR, we may try to level the playing field with respect to each rider's
choice of motorcycle as well by adding the following bonus:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Any BMW Dealership in North America 1,000 points Available
Up To 3 Times

Pick up a copy of the repair order for the correction of a final drive
or transmission failure from any BMW dealership in North America. Your
motorcycle's vehicle identification number must appear on the repair
order. Have a glass of Kool-Aid while you are waiting. No
documentation is required for the Kool-Aid; we already know you drink
it.

1st Failure Time: ______ Odometer: _______ Code: BMW1
Approved:____________
2nd Failure Time: ______ Odometer: _______ Code: BMW2
Approved:____________
3rd Failure Time: ______ Odometer: _______ Code: BMW3
Approved:____________
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

There is a button you can pick up at your friendly, local BMW dealer
that has printed on it, above a BMW logo, "I'd Rather Be Riding." That
phrase has taken on a whole new meaning from the one intended by some
marketing genius at BMW. During the last eleven days, there were a
number of riders who would rather have been riding than sitting in BMW
dealerships waiting for repairs.

 

[UFO]

"Have a glass of Kool Aide."

[DNA]

In a few days we should get some pretty accurate failure rates for the FD's under tough - but not abusive circumstances.

I bet the rate will be much higher than 1%.  It is already.

10% probably.

25% possibly?  

We will know soon.

Looks like 25% might have been a good bet.  I'm going to Vegas baby (not).

[Lawn Dart]

LMFAO!

This is wrong - oh so wrong!  

Excerpt from Day 10:

At least five separate riders, Karol Patzer, Tony DeLorenzo, Michael Boge, Stephan Bolduc, and Richard Buber, had an interesting encounter with a Nevada state trooper on Interstate 80. They each were sweating bullets as the cruiser pulled up beside them and rolled down the window. The officer then held up a clipboard with a sign on it reading, "Tell Kneebone hi for me." He sometimes held up a second sign saying, "Good Luck!"

[Lawn Dart]

btw, the score as of day 11:  4 FD's failed - and an unknown yet possible 5th on a KLT with an "odd vibration".  Could be any number of things.

In other news:  Another Deer Strike:

Mike Hutsal, riding my (not so) old K1200GT, had been having a great ride until about 5:00 a.m. this morning. That's when a forest rodent crossed his path. At first it looked like it was K1200GT: 1, Bambi: 0. Mike kept the bike upright and was able to continue on. Unfortunately, there was more damage to the bike than he originally thought. The cooling system was obviously damaged in the collision; the engine overheated and quit.

Mike was intent on a top ten finish this year. With over 100,000 points on Leg 1, he demonstrated that he is a top ten-caliber rider. All that was missing was luck. If there are endurance keyboard riders out there who think a deer strike is avoidable by a prudent and competent rider, they don't have a clue. Try riding a few hundred thousand miles at night and you will learn that Lady Luck is a significant factor. Yes, you can reduce the risk by slowing way down when in deer infested areas, but most of North America is a deer infested area and traveling 10 mph under the speed limit is no guarantee that you won't eventually be run over by one of these incredibly stupid vermin.

[DNA]

Any news?  I'm eagerly awaiting any data.
Jim Owen this year?  

[greench440]

Any news?  I'm eagerly awaiting any data.
Jim Owen this year?  

Based on the reports, that's my bet.  Would be well deserved given the way he was put out of the last event.

[bpg]

...If there are endurance keyboard riders out there who think a deer strike is avoidable by a prudent and competent rider, they don't have a clue...

I agree 100%.  The only way to absolutely guarantee that you won't hit a deer on a bike is to not ride...

[jwhite518]

"Have a glass of Kool Aide."

Speaking of Kool Aid, this was posted on the MOA forum today.

my doctor thinks all people are sick. he is convinced the human race cannot survive. i asked him why, and he told me, "i sit in this office for ten hours a day and every person who comes through here has something wrong with them. humans are just not strong enough. they are all sick. i have data that shows that every person i see has a problem." i asked him if he considered that maybe there were a few million people outside his office with no health problems, and he told me, "not that i have seen, so i doubt it."

i asked him for some examples, and he pointed out that little boys' arm bones are too weak. "i get five of them a week that have broken arms. they fall off the monkey bars, and break them. obviously, all little boys' arms are too weak." i asked him how many little boys there were in the world. he didn't know. i asked him how many boys use the monkey bars each day. he didn't know. i asked him how many times the boys with broken arms had used the monkey bars previously without being harmed. he didn't know. he got angry with me. "look," he said. "they have playgrounds. they have these monkey bars on them. obviously if they have playgrounds and monkey bars, they are 100% safe. they wouldn't have monkey bars if they weren't safe, so OBVIOUSLY humans are too weak. we're doomed as a species."

i asked if maybe the kids were falling off at a funny angle, or being knocked off by other kids. some sort of unusual condition that wasn't documented. then he threw me out of his office for asking so many questions and complicating things. he remains convinced that humans are too weak and that god is an idiot for designing us so poorly.

i find that like my doctor, many people in the world make assumptions that lead to simplistic conclusions, and hate it when subtlety, complexity, and deep knowledge are required to understand and solve a problem.

[squeezer]

Any news?  I'm eagerly awaiting any data.
Jim Owen this year?  

That was my bet, too.  Saw on another forum, though, that Jim Frens made it back from Alaska in time, so hmm...

Can't wait for results.

[crazykz]

Naturally, since there are 14 FJR1300s entered in the 2007 Iron Butt Rally, I would like to see one on the Top Podium at the Finish on Aug 31.  

However, if a Beemer dude had to win the event... I would like to see this guy do it: Eric Jewell  He may be among the very best who has not won the event..... he is always in the Top 10, and a nicer guy you will never meet.  He was tardy making it to St Louis this past weekend, arriving late Saturday night. He was the vary LAST bike to go through Tech Inspection on Sunday.

Here I am taking Eric's odometer reading prior to him going out to complete the Odometer Calibration course, the final step in Tech Inspection:

I couldn't agree more on all counts.  I'm happy for all the winners but I would very much like to see Eric take first at some point in the future.  He happened to be the one to help me pick up my bike at Bristlecone when I made a slight miscalculation in where the smooth surface of the road was.  Oh that's right... there wasn't a smooth surface on that road.

Curt

[ben1364]

It's almost a must to trailer the bike if the IBR starts thousands of miles from the rider/owners home base because of tire wear if nothing else.  Fresh tires at the start can save lots of time enroute.