Iron Butt

[2fast]

After many years of riding, and more than a few long distance rides, I have decided to do my first Iron Butt ride. Part of the kick for me will be doing it on my 26 year old XS11. I'm just wondering if anyone else has done an Iron Butt on an XS11? There's lots of guys that have done various rides on luxo liners, and even a few that have endured a Harley for significant distances. My apologies if you are one of them and take offence, but that is a whole lot o shakin! My first attempt will be a 1000 in 24, hopefully followed immediately by another 500 in the next 12. That will get me a Saddlesore and a Bunburner in one trip. After that, who knows. I have done the 1000 in 24 many years ago on a Triumph Trident, but that was before I ever heard of the IBA . Any advice is welcome. -Iron Butt Association

[Ken Talbot]

Plug iron butt into the search tool at the top of this page, or go directly to this article for a couple of observations from JP on his Iron Butt experiences...

[MartyA]

Yeah JP was my idol for doing that. I think he also had the oldest bike note for a while, till someone did one on a 76 or 77 something. When I got my XS the seat was MURDER after a couple of hours, till I finally got it right. At that time the thought of riding 1000 miles was incomprehensible.

Good luck!

[Dragonrider]

I have done several "Iron Butts" . . . I have just never documented them. (I have even collected the reciepts and signatures, and then never quite got around to sending them in)

Thousand mile days are reasonably common for me, and yes, I did several on the XS (80 Midnight Special). The only problem I had was those evil buckhorn bars are hell on the wrists.

Advice:
If you are really going for it, stick to the Interstates. Fast and plenty of gas stops. Ride until you hit reserve, then look for a gas stop (exception is out west where there may not be one in range).

MP3 player. Get one. Put at least 10 hours of your favorite tunes on it.

Plan a mostly North/South route, or just be aware of the sun . . . headed east in the morning or west in the afternoon and you will need a tinted helmet visor.

If you are subject to aches and pains take some Advil before the run, and at your lunch break. Be sure and walk around on your breaks and always drink something. The objective is to prevent the aches and pains. Shift position and stretch often. Once you get the pain, you are stuck with it till the end.

Keep your breaks short, they really add up. Gas-up, hit the restroom, grab a drink (everytime), and if hungry, a candybar or carb bar or something and walk around while eating/drinking. 10 minutes average . . . quicker at the beginning, longer later.

Pick one stop and take 30 minutes and grab a quick hot meal.

1000 in 17 hours is about average for me when not "pushing it".

Start early. You want to complete the runbefore . . . say . . . 2:00am. Around 3-4am everybody, and I mean everybody, starts to lose concentration and ability. Take this seriously.

Above all, do not be afraid to abandon the goal (iron butt) if you have any problems at all. Ride to have fun! Anything else can kill you.

Good luck!

[Pat Kelly]

All those trips I made from Phoenix to Modesto (and back), 900 miles each way, on my 78 Honda Hawk (CB400TII) and I'd never heard of "Iron Butt". Usually did the 900 miles in around 14 hours. Being in my early 20's made it easy.

[wildbill]

Back in the 70s I rode a Honda 550 Supersport from San Diego,CA to my home in western NC in 3 1/2 days.Would have got there quicker if I had not got lost in TN.The most recent long ride was going through the Smokeys and rideing the Blue Ridge Parkway.You have to get yourself in shape {rideing wise}.The last 2 long rides I made,I wasn`t in a hurry,took my time and had a real good time but I was not interested in distance.I wish you luck and always have a good time.