Bryan's Blog

I’ve found a new hero. Been reading reports about former Senator Dave Zien. Seems like this cat’s the ‘King of the Iron Butts’ after riding a million miles on the same 1991 Harley-Davidson FXRT. What’s that I’ve heard about Harleys being unreliable? Someone forgot to tell Dave.

A million miles on a motorcycle. Can you imagine everything he’s seen and experienced, and how many other riders he’s met along his way? If you want to talk about somebody epitomizing the spirit of motorcycling, this guy gets my vote. The Iron Butt Association thinks likewise and just acknowledged him as the World Record holder for logging the most miles on a motorcycle.

What are some of his riding accomplishments? According to a Waukesha Freeman report, he’s ridden 1,616 miles in 24 hours, 3,032 miles in 48 hours, and he’s ridden through all 48 states in eight days. Along the way, his FXRT has seen at least three engines, a few trannys, and no telling how many tires. If I was a tire supplier, I would have hooked this guy up with a sponsorship. 

Harley-Davidson recognized Dave’s accomplishment by presenting him with a 2009 FLHXR in exchange for his Million Mile Bike. His old motorcycle is said to be headed to the Sturgis Hall of Fame. The former Wisconsin senator is already inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame for not only his riding achievements but for his motorcycle rights advocacy during his 18-year tenure in the state assembly.

What’s next for Zien? Maybe a shave and a haircut.