GS success in the Ironbutt Rally

[fjones]

I'm a HD rider who has decided to cross over. Tenatively decided on a new RT. Totally new to BMW's. My question is why the GS is apparently the ride of choice in the Ironbutt Rally. I would think that a marathon run entirely on pavement with a lot of higher speed freeway riding would be the forte of the RT and LT but when I look at the top ten finishers in the last two rallys, about 40% are GS's. Can someone explain this to me. Sorry if the answer is obvious, but like I said I'm new to BMW's. Thanks.

[amarider]

I think you would have to go take a test ride on the GS, It would answer your question. Also not all the miles on the Iron butt are always Paved....

[mikerd400]

The GS is a great all around bike.

[murray]

The GS is a great all around bike.
Yes and when the boni are on dirt roads, muddy roads etc..... It can be a major advantage. Can you imagine driveing X amount of miles only to find you have to ride on hard pack wet slimy clay on the RT-LT. It can be done but at a much slower pace.

[NOGILLS2]

doesnt the gs have a 9 gallon gas tank?

[hschisler]

doesnt the gs have a 9 gallon gas tank?The GS-A has an 8.something fuel capacity, I believe. 8.7 perhaps... Even so, many riders level the playing field by having additional fuel storage on board (live, integrated into the bike), up to the max allowed by the IBA.

[tmgs]

I'm a HD rider who has decided to cross over. Tenatively decided on a new RT. Totally new to BMW's. My question is why the GS is apparently the ride of choice in the Ironbutt Rally. I would think that a marathon run entirely on pavement with a lot of higher speed freeway riding would be the forte of the RT and LT but when I look at the top ten finishers in the last two rallys, about 40% are GS's. Can someone explain this to me. Sorry if the answer is obvious, but like I said I'm new to BMW's. Thanks.


entirely on pavement

HAHAHAhahahahahahahehehehehehehehe

ok first off the IBR (for more on this go to http://www.ironbuttrally.com/IBR/default.cfm
can take you anywhere there is no telling if you are going to key west or prudhoe bay ,

for current road conditions to Prudhoe Bay and weather click here http://tinyurl.com/m9r6n

the gs is light nimble easy to work on easy to take anywhere and still rides better (as far as rough roads) than any other motorcycle made even out loved K1200LT
plus you have a more upright riding position

you can do a search for Prudhoe Bay and motorcycle and see some pics of some seriously nasty looking bikes that have been across the tundra in some grades up to 12% of 6 ft thick dirt gravel mud and whatever else they use to rebuild Haul road everyday! (I hear tales there are some Harleys goldwings and maybe a LT under it someplace!)

[tmgs]

doesnt the gs have a 9 gallon gas tank?

no the gs adventure has a larger tank but not the gs
but any one that enters the IBR will put the aux tank to max fuel allowed on the bike anyhow

11.5 gallons for two wheel bikes
i think it is 15gl for trikes and sidehacks

so that is not the reason because they are going to add a aux tank anyhow

[dshealey]

--------------- I would think that a marathon run entirely on pavement with a lot of higher speed freeway riding ------------------------.

You should go to the Ironbutt web site and read the archive rally reports. You will see that the Rally Bast----, er Rally Masters have a sick mind, and will have the high point bonus locations in places that often require a lot of off highway riding. Yes, you can "complete" the rally on all paved roads, but you will likely be way out of the running when the bonus points are added up.

We have GS riders here who put the GS in the same league as the LT as far as long distance comfort, especially for one up.

Tom and Rosie Sperry, who are also LT riders, bought a GS for the Iron Butt Rally. They have done some amazing rides, all TWO UP, and finished the rally together on the GS.

[DaveDragon]

I'm a lot more comfortable on the GS-Adventure than on my LT.
I could not have completed the BBG and 50CC on the LT, but thats just me.

[tkramer]

the gs is light ...

You gotta be kidding, right? Unless you're talking the F650.


However, along with it's road handling versatility is its roominess and platform versatility. People 6ft tall and over are very comfy compared to other styles of bikes, because the legs arent as folded up while riding.

And, you can bolt/strap/tie-on just about anything, anywhere on the R-GS. Plastic body panels be damned! This makes it ideal for rigging up for whatever type of trip you will undertake.

[fjones]

Thanks for the enlightenment guys. What a great resource this forum is. As I indicated in my initial post I currently ride an HD but have tentatively decided to move to a new RT. After taking all this in I'm beginning to wonder if I should test ride a GS before I drag the old checkbook out. Even though all my riding will be hard surface touring maybe I wouldn't be gaining anything by going with the RT.

[dshealey]

Thanks for the enlightenment guys. What a great resource this forum is. As I indicated in my initial post I currently ride an HD but have tentatively decided to move to a new RT. After taking all this in I'm beginning to wonder if I should test ride a GS before I drag the old checkbook out. Even though all my riding will be hard surface touring maybe I wouldn't be gaining anything by going with the RT.

While you are testing BMWs, take out the LT and GT also, if they have a demo. Between the RT, GS, LT, and GT you will surely find one that makes you light up.

[sanjaun2]

I have never ridden a GS but I just got home from a little 7800 mile ride and noticed a lot more GS's on the road in isolated areas than any other bike, Even harley's.(Lots more of those around then any beemer.) I even met a gent who buys a new GS every year and trades it in when the warrantee runs out. Thats a lot of miles.

[tmgs]

You gotta be kidding, right? Unless you're talking the F650.

However, along with it's road handling versatility is its roominess and platform versatility. People 6ft tall and over are very comfy compared to other styles of bikes, because the legs arent as folded up while riding.

And, you can bolt/strap/tie-on just about anything, anywhere on the R-GS. Plastic body panels be damned! This makes it ideal for rigging up for whatever type of trip you will undertake.



no not kidding a bit, not compared to any touring bike the R1xxxGS is light, (shoot 50lbs makes a big difference)

yes the f650 is lighter but still compare the RGS to a HD, ST, RT, LT, GW, it is light, of which none of those bikes use a chain that oucld need replaced during the 11k miles

[tmgs]

Thanks for the enlightenment guys. What a great resource this forum is. As I indicated in my initial post I currently ride an HD but have tentatively decided to move to a new RT. After taking all this in I'm beginning to wonder if I should test ride a GS before I drag the old checkbook out. Even though all my riding will be hard surface touring maybe I wouldn't be gaining anything by going with the RT.

I have rode the crap out of all of these bikes you mention

herre is my take and I tell everyone that asks this

if your looking for a rt Go buy the GT and be done, it is MUCH SMOOTHER and handles IMHO better

if you want to take the occasional off the beaten path froad
buy a GS , if the wind proteciton is not enough on the gs for you , go buy Aero flows partial fairing it works from what everyone has told me

Personaly I have abotu 1100 miles on the R1200gs and the wind proteciton is not al lthat bad, but I am getting a GSA hopefully one day

tic toc tic toc tic toc

this will be thee slowest wait...........

ARRRGGGGG IS IT HERE YET
<grin>

[tmgs]

I'm a lot more comfortable on the GS-Adventure than on my LT.
I could not have completed the BBG and 50CC on the LT, but thats just me.


yea but your a BIG Man, you make a KLT look like a mid sized moped!


(call me old wil ya!) hehehehe

tom <runnin n duckin>

[Handlebar]

I believe the iron butt requires riders not to exceed 350 miles between stops.
the 06 GS now has a larger fuel tank 7 or 8 plus gallon.
I still question Egans record setting run from the top of Alaska to Key West in 101 hrs. I read the recap of the ride and just cant believe the 101 hrs to be correct. He did this ride on a Ducati and went off the road before he got outside the Alaskan border, disabling his auxilary fuel tank. He changed tires and got the aux tank fixed in Kansas City.
I still think 101 hrs to be in error and am still looking for a corrected time.

Don

03 K1200 LT
03 Springer Softail (stroked to 103 cu in)
bmwmoa #125650
IBA # 22972

[tmgs]

I believe the iron butt requires riders not to exceed 350 miles between stops.
the 06 GS now has a larger fuel tank 7 or 8 plus gallon.
I still question Egans record setting run from the top of Alaska to Key West in 101 hrs. I read the recap of the ride and just cant believe the 101 hrs to be correct. He did this ride on a Ducati and went off the road before he got outside the Alaskan border, disabling his auxilary fuel tank. He changed tires and got the aux tank fixed in Kansas City.
I still think 101 hrs to be in error and am still looking for a corrected time.

Don

03 K1200 LT
03 Springer Softail (stroked to 103 cu in)
bmwmoa #125650
IBA # 22972


the record isn;t on the IBA site

but i thought the bike was trailered(or trucked) out for repairs? maybe that was just a assumption on my part since the bike was wrecked

[murray]

I believe the iron butt requires riders not to exceed 350 miles between stops.
the 06 GS now has a larger fuel tank 7 or 8 plus gallon.
I still question Egans record setting run from the top of Alaska to Key West in 101 hrs. I read the recap of the ride and just cant believe the 101 hrs to be correct. He did this ride on a Ducati and went off the road before he got outside the Alaskan border, disabling his auxilary fuel tank. He changed tires and got the aux tank fixed in Kansas City.
I still think 101 hrs to be in error and am still looking for a corrected time.

Don

03 K1200 LT
03 Springer Softail (stroked to 103 cu in)
bmwmoa #125650
IBA # 22972
Don the IBA ride certs allow a maximum of 350 miles between stops. The Iron Butt Rally does not limit the 350 miles between stops . They limit fuel capacity to 11.5 gallons for bikes and 15 for hacks.

[Handlebar]

he had the bike trucked north out of Fairbanks before he officially started. He went off the road and a semi driver helped him get the bike back up onto the hiway. He then went to a wrench shop and waited for the owner to show up at around 0630. He said while he waited for the shop owner, he napped on the shops driveway..lol..resilient..!!...he didn't lose a whole lot of time at the shop. Once he was back on the road, he replaced tires and got the aux fuel tank up and running in KC..and still showed 101 hrs into Key West.. I haven't come across a correction to this yet.

Don

[meese]

I met Gary at a Ducati Dealership in Santa Barbara and saw his slide show. It was fascinating.

If you figure 5,700 miles over 101 hours, that's an average of 56 mph for the trip. The Haul rode will be a bit slower, but most of the US is crossed with Interstates where you can easily do more than 56 mph to make up time. A trucker helped him patch up the bike on the side of the Haul Road and he just kept going. His stop in Kansas City was 2 1/2 hours of sleep, while someone else replaced his tires and tried to repair his Aux tank.

Sure there are guys who will cheat at almost anything, but most of the serious LD riders do it for personal satisfaction, rather than claiming some grand prize that's pretty much worthless and in fact usually unimpressive to anyone except those who have attempted a similar feat. There's just no real gain in lying about it, or cheating. So you get on the bike, decide not to let anything stop you, and just keep riding no matter what happens. It ain't easy, but it is just that simple.

In Gary's words: "As for the ride, I can say without a doubt it was the hardest thing I've ever done. Would I do it again? No, not ever. I just hope I can hold onto the record for a bit."

I can believe that. :)

[tkramer]

no not kidding a bit, not compared to any touring bike the R1xxxGS is light, (shoot 50lbs makes a big difference)

yes the f650 is lighter but still compare the RGS to a HD, ST, RT, LT, GW, it is light, of which none of those bikes use a chain that oucld need replaced during the 11k miles

I know what you mean, especially being an LT rider myself. My second BMW was a '95 R100GS/PD. She was relatively lightweight in comparison to, but nowhere near as long-legged as the new oil-heads of that year. I used it mostly for dirt roads and such up-n-down the Front Range of Colorado/Wyoming. So, I made the right choice at the time, since I never missed the long range chops of the R1000.

It's taken the Bavarians almost a decade to pare down the new GS to a reasonable weight (more so if you get the HP2). I plan on taking a test ride next opportunity I get. The last one I tried was a R1100GS and I ended up buying a Triumph Tiger instead.

[tmgs]

I know what you mean, especially being an LT rider myself. My second BMW was a '95 R100GS/PD. She was relatively lightweight in comparison to, but nowhere near as long-legged as the new oil-heads of that year. I used it mostly for dirt roads and such up-n-down the Front Range of Colorado/Wyoming. So, I made the right choice at the time, since I never missed the long range chops of the R1000.

It's taken the Bavarians almost a decade to pare down the new GS to a reasonable weight (more so if you get the HP2). I plan on taking a test ride next opportunity I get. The last one I tried was a R1100GS and I ended up buying a Triumph Tiger instead.

a friend of mine here has a Tiger, we ride togehter quite a bit, he is pretty funny about riding others bikes or letting someone ride his, after him rying to follow me through wolfpen gap with me on the R12GS , he actually asked about riding it, I was shocked he asked at all, let alone was dead serious about it. I told him they sell em at BMW Atlanta <grin> now he can't seem to love his tiger as much anymore hehehehehe

tom

[drhines]

For those questioning the capabilities of the GS for long distance riding you might find a recent survey of the most popular touring bikes. 1- GW, 2- Triumph Tiget, 3-FJR1300, 4-R1200GS, 5-K1200LT.

If you believe this survey the R12GS is ranked higher than the LT as a touring bike. Having had 3 LT's, I agree. I enjoying touring on the GS much more than the heavy LT. I enjoy it more than the FJR also. Mainly due to the hauling capacity and comfort.

Here's the link for the survey.

http://www.splise.com/Tourer/category_1163.html?ref=302

Doug Hines
Benton, AR

[BillyOmaha]

... My question is why the GS is apparently the ride of choice in the Ironbutt Rally. ....Howdy fjones, (it would be a good thing if you filled out your profile)

I read through everyone's responsed so far and agree with all of them. However the following reason wasn't given and I believe is a fairly significant one:

Bikes break down, no matter how well maintained, and the GS is a much more open design allowing for easier and faster repairs.

.

[Randy]

As you can see from my signature line, the GS Adventure is the newest bike in my stable. I've never been much of an R-bike fan. My wife had an R1150RT and an R1200RT. Both were very nice bikes, but I really never liked the engines that much.

My wife has decided to go back to school and will be unable to take a long motorcycle trip with me next summer as she has in the past. With that in mind I began planning a trip that I have always wanted to do, but so far have not been able. I want to ride to Inuvic, NWT and/or Deadhorse (Prudhoe Bay), AK. I loved my LT and certainly love the GT, but for this trip, the GS was the only bike I would consider making it on.

Unfamiliar with the bike, I borrowed a GSA from BMW of Denver (a GREAT dealer by the way) for a couple of days to get a real feel for the bike. I especially wanted to see if I could really learn to appreciate the boxer engine.

I was totally surprised at how comfortable the bike was, amazed at the carrying capacity and thrilled at how easy it is to maintain. The wind protection, while not as good as the LT or GT, is surprisingly good. Because it is so tall, the riding position is very comfortable. Though I don't like the boxer vibes, at highway speeds they are not uncomfortable. The personality of the boxer engine really suits the GS bike - 8.7+ gals of fuel capacity is not bad either.

The metal cans used for luggage are very utilitarian and considered ugly by some, but amazingly capacious and well designed. All of the luggage also comes with multiple tie points to attach other items and the inner bags are even designed as to be attached to the tops of the cans if you need more space.

The suspension is amazing, smooth and compliant, but with enough travel to eat almost any surface irregularity, paved or not. Everything on the bike is supremely easy to get to for maintenance, or even failure.

BMW missed the boat by excluding the GS from their cruise control offering, as the bike is equally well suited to covering miles on the highway as it is to eating up gravel roads. I have begun a project to integrate a Rostra electronic cruise control to correct that oversight.

While not a smooth as the LT or as fast as the GT, for solo long distance travel through most any kind of conditions I cannot think of a better bike than the GS, but I will further define my thinking on this over next summer ;)

[tmgs]

For those questioning the capabilities of the GS for long distance riding you might find a recent survey of the most popular touring bikes. 1- GW, 2- Triumph Tiget, 3-FJR1300, 4-R1200GS, 5-K1200LT.

If you believe this survey the R12GS is ranked higher than the LT as a touring bike. Having had 3 LT's, I agree. I enjoying touring on the GS much more than the heavy LT. I enjoy it more than the FJR also. Mainly due to the hauling capacity and comfort.

Here's the link for the survey.

http://www.splise.com/Tourer/category_1163.html?ref=302

Doug Hines
Benton, AR

Wow old thread for you to pop up on. Neat link though, thanks!

Tom (wondering where Doug has been hiding all this time)

[tmgs]

Howdy fjones, (it would be a good thing if you filled out your profile)

I read through everyone's responsed so far and agree with all of them. However the following reason wasn't given and I believe is a fairly significant one:

Bikes break down, no matter how well maintained, and the GS is a much more open design allowing for easier and faster repairs.

.

actually that was, "the gs is light nimble easy to work on " <grin>

Tom

[BillyOmaha]

actually that was, "the gs is light nimble easy to work on " <grin>

TomHowdy Tom,

Coming from the LT, I read, "... easy to pick up". :histerica D'oh!! ... don't laugh,....I pulled something lifting up that beast :eek:


.

[tmgs]

Howdy Tom,

Coming from the LT, I read, "... easy to pick up".

.


Man you are NOT kidding there!
I about threw the GS out the garage door the first time i put it on the center stand! <grin>

[Ruben]

........... BMW missed the boat by excluding the GS from their cruise control offering, as the bike is equally well suited to covering miles on the highway as it is to eating up gravel roads. I have begun a project to integrate a Rostra electronic cruise control to correct that oversight........ Randy, let know how that goes. I've been trying to figure out how to install one of those myself. I put one on my '04 V-Strom with no issues, but haven't dug into the GSA enough yet to figure out how to hook up the throttle linkage, or for that manner, where to put the servo. For a big bike, there really isn't much room on it, as the normal underseat location is subject to getting wet from thrown debris from the rear tire.

I've go so much going on right now, that I may table that project for a month or two, and just pop a throttle lock on it for now.

You and I both agree about the comfort of this beast. Amazing. :D

[tmgs]

Randy, let know how that goes. I've been trying to figure out how to install one of those myself. I put one on my '04 V-Strom with no issues, but haven't dug into the GSA enough yet to figure out how to hook up the throttle linkage, or for that manner, where to put the servo. For a big bike, there really isn't much room on it, as the normal underseat location is subject to getting wet from thrown debris from the rear tire.

I've go so much going on right now, that I may table that project for a month or two, and just pop a throttle lock on it for now.

You and I both agree about the comfort of this beast. Amazing. :D

someone has put a cruise on one, but I can not seem to find the info now, when I do I will post it here

Tom

[tmgs]

As you can see from my signature line, the GS Adventure is the newest bike in my stable. I've never been much of an R-bike fan. My wife had an R1150RT and an R1200RT. Both were very nice bikes, but I really never liked the engines that much.

My wife has decided to go back to school and will be unable to take a long motorcycle trip with me next summer as she has in the past. With that in mind I began planning a trip that I have always wanted to do, but so far have not been able. I want to ride to Inuvic, NWT and/or Deadhorse (Prudhoe Bay), AK. I loved my LT and certainly love the GT, but for this trip, the GS was the only bike I would consider making it on.

Unfamiliar with the bike, I borrowed a GSA from BMW of Denver (a GREAT dealer by the way) for a couple of days to get a real feel for the bike. I especially wanted to see if I could really learn to appreciate the boxer engine.

I was totally surprised at how comfortable the bike was, amazed at the carrying capacity and thrilled at how easy it is to maintain. The wind protection, while not as good as the LT or GT, is surprisingly good. Because it is so tall, the riding position is very comfortable. Though I don't like the boxer vibes, at highway speeds they are not uncomfortable. The personality of the boxer engine really suits the GS bike - 8.7+ gals of fuel capacity is not bad either.

The metal cans used for luggage are very utilitarian and considered ugly by some, but amazingly capacious and well designed. All of the luggage also comes with multiple tie points to attach other items and the inner bags are even designed as to be attached to the tops of the cans if you need more space.

The suspension is amazing, smooth and compliant, but with enough travel to eat almost any surface irregularity, paved or not. Everything on the bike is supremely easy to get to for maintenance, or even failure.

BMW missed the boat by excluding the GS from their cruise control offering, as the bike is equally well suited to covering miles on the highway as it is to eating up gravel roads. I have begun a project to integrate a Rostra electronic cruise control to correct that oversight.

While not a smooth as the LT or as fast as the GT, for solo long distance travel through most any kind of conditions I cannot think of a better bike than the GS, but I will further define my thinking on this over next summer ;)

Well the vibration is pretty much gone at 85+ <g>but then the gas mileage is 34 or under at those speeds, so an Aux tank is a thought to get over 300 miles out of it between stops, the best MPG i have seen so far is right at 41 just running around up here at a fast pace but not very aggressive ( If that makes sense, nothing realy over 65mph). I was just having fun and getting used to it on the tight curves.

Your pretty tall, so you can reach the bars i'm sure better than I they need to be back about 1-1/2" for me. I really liked the leg room from the seat to foot pegs!

Enjoy your Adventure! our plan is alaska in '07 then a stop on the wya back for the IBR ending

Tom