Re: Iron butt rally
Here's the details on bikes in the IBR.
"For the numbers folks out there, here is an overall summary of the bikes that the 117, now 116, riders have told us they plan to ride. Note that the numbers listed may not be exact and may not add up to 107, now 106, because some riders may not have updated the staff on their final decision on which bike to ride. We plan to post an update on this after the start on Monday.
BMW is by far the go-to choice of the most riders in the 2017 rally. One would rather not go there, but past results beg the questions to be asked. Has BMW gotten past the FD monkey on their back? Will the all encompassing Beemer integrated electronic CANBUS computer system snatch another finish from a disappointed rider? Or will the blue Kool-Aid be flowing to the tune of “Happy Days are Here Again” at the Finisher’s banquet? The thirty-seven Beemers include seventeen of the GS adventure bike variety, ten of the various years of RT’s, three versions of the K-bikes, and a few additional R variants (some oil cooled, some airheads).
The next most chosen brand for this rally is Honda. There are twenty four of them on the list, which includes a dozen or so Wings, a half dozen ST1300’s, an ST1100, and a few additional models.
Yamaha checks in with twenty one bikes, including eighteen representatives of the proven FJR platform from various years, along with a few Super Tenere adventure bikes in the mix.
Harley is the number one brand in terms of the bike of choice for riders doing the IBA Saddlesore 1000, but only eight riders in this field have chosen to rally for eleven days on the HD brand. They are mostly variations on the larger, dresser style FLH hogs, including one with a sidecar. But there is one Sportster in the mix, complete with a very recent engine replacement.
Most of the eight Kawasaki’s entered are the Gen2 C14 Connies, with a couple of Ninja’s rounding out the group. Some might consider a Ninja 250 a hopeless class bike, but in 2003, Leon Begeman’s 12th place Gold Medal finish proved what could be done by a determined rider on a quarter liter parallel twin.
Three of the four Triumphs entered are Trophy 1200 triples, with one chain drive Tiger 800 twin making another trip to the USA from across the pond.
Should both of the Suzuki’s that are entered be listed as members of the hopeless class? We shall see. There is a vintage two-stroke, water-cooled triple, GT750 “Water Buffalo” and a Burgman 400cc scooter. Vintage two stroke triples have typically been quite a challenge to
remain operational for 11 days in a row, but how will this “Water Buffalo” do under rookie Jerold Anderson? He has acknowledged that he will no doubt need his piloting skills, engineering credentials, and perhaps some duct tape and bailing wire to get to the finish. Scooters under good riders have managed to defy the odds and finish in prior IBR’s. Rider Yohinori Ishii is hoping to add one more scooter rider to that list. He has reported that this particular Burgman has successfully carried him over 105,000 miles already.
Even though Polaris has dropped Victory in favor of the Indian brand going forward, there are 2 die hard Victory’s entered.
And last but not least, there is one Aprilia representing the Italian marques."