Anyone Ride "Iron Butt" on a cruiser?

[Bain Dramage]

Hello.  Does anyone ride Iron Butt on a cruiser (Harley or metric)?  If so, what cruiser(s) have you ridden, how far, and would you do it again?  Also - did/do you ride with or without windshield/bags?


Thanks.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Brett Donahue (of Donahue H-D in Minnesota) finished the 2007 Iron Butt Rally in 3rd place ... on a Sportster.

I worked as a witness for the MTF Regional SaddleSore 1000 series last summer in Fort Worth, TX. Of the 40 some-odd bikes, half were Harleys of various models ... baggers and sport models. If I remember right, we even had a couple people (2 or 3) on VRods.

The key is to find a ride that you're comfortable on.

[squeezer]

I usually see a handful of Road Kings at the LD rallies I ride.  And Vern Hauck did an IBA certified 100,000 miles in a year on a Road King.  I think it took more than one engine, though.  Anyway, there's nothing about a cruiser that makes it impossible as long as that's a comfortable riding position for you.

[jude]

Harley has the largest chunk of the IBA rides by about a 700 or so...

http://www.ironbutt.com/rides/ssbbfin1.cfm?CFID=5359880&CFTOKEN=26608348

[helodoc]

You can LD ride on just about anything capable of holding speed.

I think BMW would have more finishers if they didn't leave final drives all over the country. I wonder which state I'll be in when mine goes. State of panic, maybe?  

[jude]

I think BMW would have more finishers if they didn't leave final drives all over the country.

Brrrrrr, that's cold, dude.  

[Rocket_Cowboy]

You can LD ride on just about anything capable of holding speed.

I think BMW would have more finishers if they didn't leave final drives all over the country. I wonder which state I'll be in when mine goes. State of panic, maybe?  

Say Helo ... want to go in with me on a final drive stash strategically located around the country?

[helodoc]

I have access to helicopters! And was thinking I could have them airlifted anywhere in the US within 4 hours.  

Seriously, I told my wife that she has to leave the espresso machine at home for this one...to make room for spare parts.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

So it sounds like it's me who needs to go in for some helicopter fuel. LOL

[helodoc]

Cool! Jet A is running about $5.80 a gallon with a burn rate of 45 gallons an hour. I accept paypal, be sure to add the 3% fee though.  

[squeezer]

Dang.  There goes my business plan.  I was going to franchise final drive stands at bonus locations.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Dang.  There goes my business plan.  I was going to franchise final drive stands at bonus locations.

Sounds like a good plan to me ... save the rider on the 4 hour transport time ... every second counts.

[Bain Dramage]

Thanks for the info.  I'm bike shopping, and feel a bit torn over which way to go.

I have owned 5 bikes, sport bikes, but have not done any riding (except for recent test rides) in recent years.  I'm 47 and no longer desire to see how fast I can get through that winding stretch of road; I'm more into cruising through it and enjoying the view.

I want a bike I can commute on daily weather permitting (80 miles round trip, mostly Interstate riding @ 55 - 75 MPH), and do some occasional touring (2-3 day rides).  I posted this in Iron Butt because I'm looking for the comfort perspective.  

That said, I am looking at the Star V Star 1300 tourer.  I find it very comfortable. I can get a 2007 OTD for $9100, and a 2008 OTD for $10,600.  These are California OTD prices - tax, lic, etc.

I have a friend selling a 2005 Kawasaki 1600 Vulcan Mean Streak, 2000 mi - looks new - for $6,500.  He bought it for his wife and it's too much bike for her - so it has mostly sat in his garage.  For $6,500 I could afford to add some goodies.

Money aside I really LOVE the FJR1300.  Unfortunately, I actually rode one, which REALLY makes me try to rationalize buying one. At $13,900 OTD it's a few grand out of my range.  (I think I'm a 2-bike guy at heart).

Thoughts on thse choices, or other suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

[dalan]

Money aside I really LOVE the FJR1300.  Unfortunately, I actually rode one, which REALLY makes me try to rationalize buying one. At $13,900 OTD it's a few grand out of my range.  (I think I'm a 2-bike guy at heart).

Thoughts on thse choices, or other suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Used FJRs can be had for decent money.  We bought my wife's '04 FJR used a couple years ago for $9500.  She loves it.

Of course you could go with a bagger cruiser, but in my highly-biased opinion sport-tourers are better in every way.  I started on a cruiser and almost got a Vulcan Nomad as my second bike, but I got a ZZR 1200 instead and never looked back.

Speaking of which, if you want a real bargain for a highly capable, comfortable, long-distance bike, look for a used ZZR1200.   Can be had for under $7k easily, which will leave you lots of $$$ for farkles.  I bought my '02 4 years ago for $6400.  I now have 35000 miles on it and I just love this bike.

Tons of power, big 6.1 gallon gas tank, happy on 87 octane (many v-twin cruisers these days require premium), get 45-50 mpg, has great headlights and wind protection, and is all-day comfortable. Add hard bags and a custom saddle and you're ready for anything.

[zldrider]

Years ago, I went through the Cruiser or Sport Touring decision process.  I chose the ST answer and never was disappointed.

Cruisers are just too limited.  They generally don't have much clearance in turns nor much power.  They don't have much weather protection or alternator output (for electric clothing, farkles, etc.).

Plus, they are not comfortable for LOOOOONG rides.  You don't sit straight up and down with your legs under you - which is the most ergonomically desirable position.  You can't stand up on the pegs that easily because they are not directly underneath you.  So, using your legs for shocks while riding over rough terrain is harder (or just standing up to stretch your legs).  

The gas tanks are generally much smaller than ST'ing bikes.  

Just all around a Cruiser is not designed for long distances.  So, if you want to do some touring, I would suggest staying away from Cruisers and concentrate on Sport Touring bikes or a true Tourer like a Goldwing.

I chose the ST1300 (and the ST1100 before it) over the FJR just from personal preference.  The ST was more comfortable to me and provides more weather protection.  But, there are many choices out there.  You might want to check out the new Kawasaki Concours too.

Regards,

[Motocentaur]

When I did my SS1k, another rider was doing his on an 883 Sportster.   He must have made a s***load of gas stops. I felt like a total pansy!

[chilipeppernorm]

There's absolutely no substitute for trying as many bikes as you can get your hands on, and the right one will make itself known. Besides, that's really the fun part.

[budah1]

I did 2 in state SS1000's last year on a Softail Standard with no windshield.

[mustang28027]

I did the old " Feast in th East" 12 hour  rally on a 1987 Honda Magna 700. Had a sheepskin on the seat and  used Tourmaster soft bags. Also put  highway pegs on for added versatility.  Out of 50 or so bikes entered  I finished  in 7th place. Not bad for a first timer on a $2000.00 bike!  While it isnt a  sportbike the Magna's  were great for  what I call "sport-cruising".  Gotta love the v-4 motor!

[budah1]

I did the old " Feast in th East" 12 hour  rally on a 1987 Honda Magna 700. Had a sheepskin on the seat and  used Tourmaster soft bags. Also put  highway pegs on for added versatility.  Out of 50 or so bikes entered  I finished  in 7th place. Not bad for a first timer on a $2000.00 bike!  While it isnt a  sportbike the Magna's  were great for  what I call "sport-cruising".  Gotta love the v-4 motor!

My first street bike was a 700 Magna,  Motor was great-the suspension Those Magna's would supprise a lot of people with the quickness.
Posted on: June 30, 2008, 09:15:59 am