My son wants to get his Iron Butt certificate by riding 1000 miles within 24 hours on our Versys-X 300. I think he's crazy as his longest day on a motorcycle is 125 miles. I don't think he's ever even driven a car more than 250 miles in a day. He is 18 years old and has 1 year of experience on a 50cc scooter, 1 year on a 150cc scooter, and has been riding the Versys since May of last year.
While he's technically an adult, I own 25% of his motorcycle and the title is in my name. So, I could stop him from going. Instead, I'm going to join him so I can keep an eye on him. I'll be following him on my Goldwing F6B. My last 1000 mile in a day ride was on an FZ1, so it will feel almost like cheating on a Goldwing!
We are planning three long rides before the big one. I just want to make sure he has a real understanding of what a long day in the saddle entails.
He has the Seat Concepts seat installed and an MRA X-creen windshield extension on the stock shield. I have an extra cramp-buster he can use to relax his grip.
I don't think a 300cc motorcycle is the best choice for long distance riding. But, if you have to ride long distances on a 300cc machine, the Versys is one to do it on.
I'm curious if anyone here has done any really long days in the saddle of their 300 and what the experience was like.
I had to look up the Versys X-300 to make sure how many cylinders it has. The Kawasaki website says it has two. The reason I wanted to know, is I had a 300cc bike, but it was a single cylinder...and it vibrated like mad. If I rode even 100 miles on it, I would be in mild pain for days. Maybe lingering for a few weeks. So how much vibration does the Versys have? That would be a key issue for me.
Planning three longer rides to work up to the 1000 is a good idea. He may not make it that long. Make sure he gets in the habit of taking breaks, staying hydrated. (and NOT with sugary/caffeinated drinks) A little something to eat, a little something to drink..while standing, then back on the bike. (and I'd pay attention to how tired he is at each break) Being tired is an invitation to mistakes/trouble.
Heck if it were me, I'd follow him in a car! (never having ridden a Goldwing)
My longest week was 2 days at 650 miles, followed by 5 days at 300 miles, then 2 days at 650 to get home. That was done a 440LTD with my 6'-1" body crammed on it.
That was done with a few decades less damage on the body, but I went to work the next day.
I think the young body coupled with a better riding position and lack of sensibilities would do fine (as long as you're there to moderate and supply judgement).
My son wants to get his Iron Butt certificate by riding 1000 miles within 24 hours on our Versys-X 300. I think he's crazy as his longest day on a motorcycle is 125 miles. I don't think he's ever even driven a car more than 250 miles in a day. He is 18 years old and has 1 year of experience on a 50cc scooter, 1 year on a 150cc scooter, and has been riding the Versys since May of last year.
While he's technically an adult, I own 25% of his motorcycle and the title is in my name. So, I could stop him from going. Instead, I'm going to join him so I can keep an eye on him. I'll be following him on my Goldwing F6B. My last 1000 mile in a day ride was on an FZ1, so it will feel almost like cheating on a Goldwing!
We are planning three long rides before the big one. I just want to make sure he has a real understanding of what a long day in the saddle entails.
He has the Seat Concepts seat installed and an MRA X-creen windshield extension on the stock shield. I have an extra cramp-buster he can use to relax his grip.
I don't think a 300cc motorcycle is the best choice for long distance riding. But, if you have to ride long distances on a 300cc machine, the Versys is one to do it on.
I'm curious if anyone here has done any really long days in the saddle of their 300 and what the experience was like.
Well if he doesn't have the stock seat then it shouldn't be that bad although I don't know just how good that Seat Concepts seat is. The stock seat is uncomfortable after a while for sure.
I love how instead of stopping your son from going you're letting him go. Nice father and son trip.
I have done Asian Iron Butt ride on the Versys 650. Just wanting to do it was all I needed and just went and rode the 1500km and yes, it was painful , not riding but when you want to get off the bike for refill and break (the tail bone hurt like hell). Not sure how your son will handle it , but since you are there for him , he should do well.
Wow. Those are some miles there. I wouldn't last and probably be found laying on the side of the road somewhere. I can't believe that. Those guys are super human.
Tip#1: wear those cushioned bicycle shorts under your motorcycle pants; Tip#2: eat light and drink plenty of fluids; Tip#3: know your limit, it's not worth your life...stop if you feel really tired.
PS: from a rider that tried and failed at mile 820 (a.k.a myself). Had a bad headache that almost knocked me down.
According to my GPS, we rode 317.49 miles yesterday on our round trip journey to Duluth. So, almost 1/3 of an Iron Butt ride. My son gained a better appreciation for what to expect when he goes for the 1000 mile in a day ride.
The main problems for him were the seat and his helmet. The Seat Concepts seat, while much better than stock, still is inadequate for long rides. He is going to try wearing padded bicycle shorts next time (thanks for the suggestion, Jay_Chicago!). His head shape is too round for his helmet and he developed a painful hotspot. So, once he gets a new helmet and some bicycle shorts, we will go on another long ride to see how much the experience improves.
The helmet is major...if it doesn't fit life will be continuous stress.
As far as the seat...I found that the Alaskan leather sheep skin pad made all the difference in the world hot or cold I don't ride without it between my butt and seat concepts seat.
Did 700 miles in 13 hours (group ride) , ugh, on a different mc. IMO, the Iron Butt thing is foolish bravado.
Definitely need some sort of throttle control and recommend a camelback (water) in a tank bag.
The throttle vibration should be fine since the rpms will be above 6,000.
First off, craziness at your son’s age us something we tend to lose as we “mature.” It should be commended, encouraged, and embraced. Let his craziness thrive and this experience be golden for both of you! Hopefully some of it will be regenerated in you. Father and son crazy is a very special special and rare kind of crazy.
Secondly, congrats on being an awesome father! I’m sure this will be an experience you both will love and remember.
I don't think Iron Butt is foolish bravado. No different than climbing mountains or skiing black diamonds.
It is a challenge.
If you want to be practical and boring all the time, don't ride a bike at all. Get a Honda Civic or some other boring cage.
Well, we've been on a couple more long rides. He wore his new helmet and bicycle shorts. That vastly improved his comfort. I mentioned the Alaskan pad to him, but he thinks the bicycle shorts do enough for his comfort. He is leaving for his freshman year in college next week and decided to wait until May 2020 to do the Iron Butt. I'll bump this thread up then if it happens.
I've never done rides just for distance but I've had several 6-8 hr drives on my versys and the air hawk mad those possible, that seat is just HARD. the riding position is fine I do put an extension on the top of my windscreen to decrease the sound blast from the stock and even the mra aftermarket plain windscreen, I think its the mra version of the clip on. I keep it lowered for less than 50 mph and bump it up for highways. As a plus when I'm doing dirt roads I tilt it so it catches the wind and it directs wind directly to my body for cooling.
Glad he got a comfy helmet, that is key. As the king of the big, mishaped head club, I can suggest HJC helmets. They make some (CL 17, Modular IS Max 2 and more I am sure) that when you look at the description on Revzilla, they specifically show it as for a very round head, NOT an oblong head. I started with a CL 16 and now have the Modular and every one has been perfect for me in my 3XL shape. Only bad about the supersized helmets is they are only DOT rated. Oh well, I will take comfort over perhaps a slight cut in safety.
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