2023 Iron Butt Rally

[kja]

The third and final leg of the 2023 rally is on.  This is a six-day run to the finish.  I was in 4 IBR's, 2005, 2007,2009 and 2013.  I finished 05, 07 and 13.  In 2009 I was on the Norge.  I had to head home (DNF) after the first leg due to a business problem at home.  That disappointed me and a large number of guzzi fans that were hoping for a better ending.  I took the Norge back in 2013 with one goal, to finish - which I did.  I can't say that the IBR was fun for me.  What I can say is that the memories are well worth the effort.

Maybe, just maybe, there are a few of you that could show the world a Guzzi can do it again.

[PJPR01]

Kja,

What kind of modifications did you make to your Norge or additional items to be able to compete in the IBR?  Did you have to change tires towards the end or make it thru on one set only?

Thanks!

[kja]

In 05 and 07 I rode a V-Strom DL1000.  Just a few modifications.  A 5 gal fuel cell, extra lights, gel seat, GPS and throttle lock.  The Norge I did the same, but added a storm case, larger aux lights, an extra GPS, a phone and a radar detector.  In 05 and 07 I did not change tires.  The Norge I changed the rear at the second checkpoint.

I did receive a couple of speeding awards in the 2007 rally, thus the radar detector.  The tires in 05 & 07 were ME88's but they became dangerous on day 9.  On every rally except 07 I had to plug a rear tire.

There was never a need for me to modify the Norge mechanically.  And it ran without any problems. 

I still have my Norge and ride it a few thousand miles a year just for joy.  But if I wanted, I would not be afraid to ride it coast to coast and back.   

[rocker59]

KJA. 

[PJPR01]

In 05 and 07 I rode a V-Strom DL1000.  Just a few modifications.  A 5 gal fuel cell, extra lights, gel seat, GPS and throttle lock.  The Norge I did the same, but added a storm case, larger aux lights, an extra GPS, a phone and a radar detector.  In 05 and 07 I did not change tires.  The Norge I changed the rear at the second checkpoint.

I did receive a couple of speeding awards in the 2007 rally, thus the radar detector.  The tires in 05 & 07 were ME88's but they became dangerous on day 9.  On every rally except 07 I had to plug a rear tire.

There was never a need for me to modify the Norge mechanically.  And it ran without any problems. 

I still have my Norge and ride it a few thousand miles a year just for joy.  But if I wanted, I would not be afraid to ride it coast to coast and back.

Great stuff…any pics of your Norge from the rallies you participated in?  Thanks!

[kja]

If I do, I would not know where they are.  Lots of pictures taken, but the disc was used to verify bonus points and became the property of the IBA.  There may be some lost in the cloud.

I wish I had pictures of all my bikes and riding exploits.  But regret is a terrible thing, so I will just have to use my skills at rationalizing anything.

Kendall

[Ringosdad]

 

300K?  Wow.  Those Harleys are as reliable as a good hammer.  You know, a good hammer will last forever...as long as you replace the head and the handle every once in a while. 

[guido guzzi]

KJA. 

 

[MerleLowe]

300K?  Wow.  Those Harleys are as reliable as a good hammer.  You know, a good hammer will last forever...as long as you replace the head and the handle every once in a while. 

He did end up replacing the engine a bit over 200k.  Had it apart to replace the output shaft bearing and accidentally blocked the feed line to the oil pump during reassembly.  Junkyard replacement motor has over 100k on it. 

[kja]

Looks like two riders made it to Yellowknife, NT.  It's about 3,000 miles back to Pittsburgh.  Gives them plenty of time to get back before 8:00 am Friday.  That must have been a huge number of points.  Still may not be enough to win the rally.

Kendall

[Trialsman]

What about the guy up in the North West Territories ????

[kja]

Both riders were in Yellowknife and are on the way back. The one in Alberta is ahead of the rider still in the Northwest territory.  I'm not sure how much of a delay there is spottwalla to thier actual location.

Kendall

[kja]

Just a short time to the finish.  Here is a link to a report written by John Harrison, an IBR finisher and this year's scribe to help people understand a bit more about the riders who are near the end of an 11-day adventure. 

https://www.ironbuttrally.net/bright-day/

Kendall

[n3303j]

Another one in the books.
Been watching Spot and reading the "news".
Looks like about 75 riders made the finish by 1000.
Feel sympathy for those riders whose spots were 5 or 10 miles out when the door closed.
So close......

[kja]

I'm sure there will be some disappointed riders.  There seems to be a 30% to 40% DNF rate for all types of reasons. Waiting for the final scores and all the surprises that come with them. 

kja

[PJPR01]

Enjoying the scribe's musings on the webpage...I hope they do a video of the rally this year...this is great stuff.

[kja]

James Owen won the rally again.  14,138 miles in 11 days.

Results:    https://www.ironbuttrally.net/three-peat/

Kendall