IBR aux fuel a necessity?

[scottdc]

Just out of curiosity, I know folks run the IBR without aux fuel but are any competitive? In recent rallies have there been any top 10 or top 20 finishers who've run it on the stock tank?

[DNA]

My stock tan holds ~9 gal.
The difference between looking for gas every 180-220 miles and waiting 350 is huge.
I do not believe one can be competitive w/o 350 mile range.

If you have to make 4-5 extra stops per day - you are done.

[2wTraveler]

In a 24 hour rally I don't think it make that big of a difference (i've placed very well without one) but in a multiday rally those extra gas stops really start to add up. IMHO it is required to be competitive...

[Ignacio]

A GS with an 8.7 stock tank might be competitive....that's just 2.8 they'd be able to add in capacity.  That and they're a little more friendly on mileage than say an FJR.

An FJR at 6.6 stock with 4.9 fuel cell and probably 2 mpg or so less...really needs a cell to be competitive.

I was a tech inspector and didn't review anybody that didn't have a cell this year.

It just gives one more options in when and where to fuel--maybe combining with another stop.

[katego]

Are IBR riders allowed to carry fuel bottles?

-k

[sleazy rider]

No, all fuel cells must be rigidly mounted/grounded/plumbed/vented and there are no MSR bottles or the like allowed.

[lionlady]

Another key reason for an aux tank: 3am need gas, running on fumes, and every gas station you find is not open. Kicking yourself because you bypassed an open gas station when the low fuel light came on.

P

[Specter]

Another key reason for an aux tank: 3am need gas, running on fumes, and every gas station you find is not open. Kicking yourself because you bypassed an open gas station when the low fuel light came on.

P

Slightly off-topic: gas stations usually leave the pumps on when they close. If the display is lit, you can usually use your credit card and fill up.

Back on topic: just finished the Utah 1088 three-day rally. Three gas stops a day and no worries about finding a station. Averaged about 400 miles between stops. 4.73 gal aux tank plus 6.6 main. Great peace of mind.

[katego]

anyone know why the IBR was scheduled so close (or on  top of) these other LD rallies this year?

-k

[sleazy rider]

The IBR is always every other June and is the granddaddy of all rallies.  The other rallies run every year and timing/weather plays a part in the scheduling of all.  There's only so many fair weather months to go round and no everyone can afford or wants to run an 11 day marathon.  I've done 12 hour and started a 24, but dropped out due to mechanical issues.  I'd think about a 48, but that's probably the extent of my desires and attention span.  

[Specter]

The IBR is always every other June and is the granddaddy of all rallies.  The other rallies run every year and timing/weather plays a part in the scheduling of all.  There's only so many fair weather months to go round and no everyone can afford or wants to run an 11 day marathon.  I've done 12 hour and started a 24, but dropped out due to mechanical issues.  I'd think about a 48, but that's probably the extent of my desires and attention span.  

Actually, this is the first time that the IBR was run in June. In years past, it always ran in August, finishing prior to the labor day holiday weekend. The IBA decided to move to June this year, citing a desire for more daylight and better weather.  in doing so, they pasted it right over the Utah 1088, and put it so close to the Cal 24 that it made it difficult or impossible to run either of these rallies and the IBR. Both of these western rallies have been around for up to twenty years, and it caused quite a stir in the LD community.

[sleazy rider]

Oops, my mistake.  Thanks for the correction.

[squeezer]

Back on topic: yeah, for the IBR itself, a fuel cell is probably needed. It can be a long way between boni and it's the stops that hurt you.

For other, shorter rallies, especially in the east, not really. Of the 9 weekend rallies I've run on the FJR, I've had 6 top 10s including a win and a second. Not bad for a Top of the Bell Curve rider. I've never run with a fuel cell. Don't own one and not planning to buy one. There are probably more bikes with them than without, but it's not a necessity.

So, if the cost and hassle of a fuel cell is keeping you from trying it, don't let it stand in your way. LD rallies are fun, a good challenge, a great excuse to ride to places you'd never see otherwise, and an excellent way to meet some amazing riders.

[lionlady]

Slightly off-topic: gas stations usually leave the pumps on when they close. If the display is lit, you can usually use your credit card and fill up.

Never seen that here on the East Coast. Taking the time to drive through a gas station and look at the pumps is time an LD rally rider can't afford, so if the highway sign is off, then the station is considered closed. Guitardad found himself in western NY state in the middle of the night and in the middle of nowhere in desperate need of a fill up, while running the MD 2020 rally a couple years ago. None of the gas stations that on his GPS or on highway signs were open. That was his impetus to go ahead and get off the fence regarding an aux tank for Clifford.

P

[Justin]

Never seen that here on the East Coast.

Most out here have the pumps on even though the station is closed. But I have seen some that did not. pisser. You are right though, it's a waste of time searching for one.

[2DFlyer]

Never seen that here on the East Coast.

We're just west of Raleigh.  Can't say it's every station but the local ones I typically go to leave the pumps on.

[D-Mac]

I ran the NSR with a fuel cell and didn't need it. It was on a smaller bike and I felt the extra weight wasn't worth it.

I ran the IBR without one and it would have been nice to have at times, but it didn't cost me a lot of time. I wasn't trying to win mind you, but a couple of riders without them did very well (I managed to finish comfortably). I never had any close calls running out of gas (I've never run out of gas in any vehicle in my life), but it would have been nice in some of the western states to have one. Still, I have no plans to plumb one into my current bike.

I'd say as long as you have a 250 mile range you are fine.

[squeezer]

D-mac! You made it out of Utah!

I know it's the wrong thread, but congrats on your three digit number. Nice ride!

[Justin]

I'd say as long as you have a 250 mile range you are fine.

What is the range on the RT?

[D-Mac]

What is the range on the RT?

It's highly variable. My fuel economy ranges from 42-51mpg, mostly depending on the quality of gas available (48 is typical). That gives me anywhere from 275-350 miles of range. I usually go with 300 miles as my expected range and start thinking about gas at about 250 miles. My body needs to stop every 300 miles or so anyway (more often in the heat).