the NATO garage

[nostatic]

Go easy on the throttle at first

I'm trying to figure out what to do for another jacket/pants. I assume I'll end up liking the track, so I really need leather. The other issue is my textile jacket is fine when the full liner is in, but when I take it out, the sleeves are too loose, and if I went down the armor would be all over the place (not good). Trying to figure out if I want to take a risk at get something sight unseen: http://www.kobeusa.com or stick to Alpinestars.

[JavaBrewer]

The biggest problem I had was the difference in sizing between jacket brands. I was either a L or XL and some that I thought I would like on the internet ended up not feeling right once I had them on my body. No kidding I tried on about 30 leather and textile jackets before making my decision.

[}{arlequin]

sorry guys, I'm bikeless at the moment and jonesing heavily... and the funds are going into the 911 so it's hard to branch out

if you're looking for leathers, have you tried Ku****ani?
they're pricey but the softest, most comfortable stuff (gloves) I've ever used. You have to have it in your hand to realize. Plus, they've gone through two spills w/ out me getting a scratch
http://www.ku****ani.com/

also, if you're into Dainese stuff, these guys are in the UK but their selection is better than ours. They get stuff that we don't.
http://www.sondel.co.uk/

edit: damn, I can't believe the company name got edited, anyway, the word is: ku$hitani

[}{arlequin]

oh..................... I forgot

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Aerostitch suits are really popular with the mags. Even MCN.

[nostatic]

Ku$hitani is local to me, so I'm going to go by their place and check them out. I'm trying to stay in budget though...the Kobe stuff looks to be bombproof and I can get OTD with jacket and pants for under $500.

[JavaBrewer]

Todd,

Why not do the track day with what you have? If you end up liking it as much as you think (or hope ) you'll probably be shopping for a track suit anyway.

[JavaBrewer]

Oh and about your track day on the 24th. Are you going to ride there or drive out with bike on trailer? I'm asking because the site says you're responsible for getting home if your bike is dumped/crashed and unrideable. Suprisingly wife is open to me doing the same course, but we are on vacation in Phoenix that week. I'll definitely put the bike in my truck when I go.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

David, feel free to come by and help me w/ building my chopper while you're here in PHX.

[motion]

Todd - I'll be out at Willow Springs this weekend racing the Aprilia. Come out if you have a little spare time!

[Steve Carlton]

Originally posted by dmoolenaar

Next up are some kevlar reinforced jeans and boots. The boots are gonna be tough. I'm leaning towards a Doc Martin steel toe mid length boot. Opinons are welcome

I'd be leery of reinforced jeans. Unreinforced jeans will wear through in 10 feet of pavement. Plus there won't be any armor in them. Is your jacket made to zip together with compatible pants?

I've been very happy with my Daytona boots. Good feel for the pegs, shifter, and brake pedal. And easy to put on/take off with the two long zippers.

Your choice of jacket and gloves looks very good. I have some Alpinestar gloves and they're super comfy.

An interesting thread here on helmets. I haven't read the article yet, so I don't know what to think:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?threadid=220629

[}{arlequin]

for street riding kevlar reinforced jeans (Ku$hitani and Draggin' are the two brands that come to mind although I'm sure there are more) are probably ok

regular jeans shred as if they were made of paper... trust me

if it's for the track, I'd go w/ zip-in pants at the minimum, full suit is better. Imagine if you're sliding on your back or stomach, but with your feet forward. The jacket will ride up and you'll be picking pebbles out of your back/front.

as for boots, doc's won't prevent a shattered/broken ankle- your worst possible foot injury (other than having it separate) You can get some "tame" looking boots that will have all the required shims/splints/padding and reinforcement if you don't like the power ranger look. Your toes are just one area to protect. Once you go down, you'll realize that while sliding, your ankles take a lot of beating. Regular boots won't cut it.

like stated above-- dress for a crash

[nostatic]

bummer for me Richard...I have a conference all weekend (14+ hours a day). I'd ditch out but I'm the host and sponsor.

I've been looking at some of the reinforced jeans (Icon) as a possible casual/street solution. I've been riding either with just jeans (bad), or jeans with Alpinestars airflow textile pants (that combo should be pretty robust for commuting). Like I said, I'm not happy with how loose the jacket sleeves are, so I'm definitely going to go with a perforated leather jacket and then some matching (zip in) leather pants. But the leather pants seem a bit much for just a casual ride.

As for boots I'm still happy with my Triumph Tri Tech, but they won't do on the track, as they aren't high enough nor are they reinforced enough (and you can't tuck pants into them).

Always more stuff to get...

[911boost]

I mentioned earlier that I have both Sidi Discovery (dual sport street boots) and Sidi SRS Force dirt boots and am very pleased with both of them. As a matter of fact I am pretty sure I woudl have broken my left ankle while riding on sunday without the dirt boots on. They are pricey, but heh, its your body, smile.

Bill

[JavaBrewer]

I've been eyeing the motorcycle commuters for a while now and have noted that most wear tennis/running shoes. Rarely do I see motorcycle specific footwear unless the guy is on a sport bike with full leathers. Here is what I've narrowed down to.

1. Red Wing 970 Boot - admittedly the only HD/biker style item that I appreciate. I like the fact that they function off the bike in regards to appearance however they don't appear to offer much in terms of ankle protection. Most expensive @ $180



2. Icon Supermoto. Kinda fits in with the unique look of the Speed Triple/Triumph bike, not too terrible for walking around off the bike. Seems to offer all the protection I need. Can get for $140.


My Shift jacket does not support zip on leather pants however it appears to have several snap loops that can hook into pants (belt loops maybe). I doubt they would hold while sliding on pavement though. Shift is primarily a dirt bike apparel manufacturer but after trying on several Icon and AlpineStar jackets this one was the nicest in finish and percieved quality. My only gripe is that I ended up with an XL. The large was super tight with the liner (and a t-shirt), almost constricting. However the XL fits really nice with liner but when sitting on the bike tends to rise up into my neck and helmet area. Hoping that once the jacket breaks in (however long that takes) it will not do that so much. Having ridden in it now several times it vents very well and other than the neck crowding I like it alot.

[Steve Carlton]

http://www.helimot.com/catalog/boots/index.shtml

[VincentVega]

Hey guys

This thread is all over the map, maybe you can give me some advice on my dilema. I have the bike bug again this spring. I'm looking at either a r bmw or a monster. Of course I have ridden niether, of which is suprisingly tougher than I thought. I just love the old bmw's but Monsters are just sexy.

Am I nuts to think I can enjoy either one of these bikes as fairweather/weekend transport? I'm 6'3 and both bikes seem a bit small, but arent they all? I'm over the sport bike thing, just looking for something to tool around on and maybe take to the beach once in a while (~100 miles). Any have or ridden both? I know there are lots of other choices, but these are the two I've boiled it down to.

Knowing that the first one I ride I will most likely buy, any advice one way or the other?

[JavaBrewer]

Originally posted by motion
Todd - I'll be out at Willow Springs this weekend racing the Aprilia. Come out if you have a little spare time!

Richard, any pictures? How was the weekend at Willow Springs?

[JavaBrewer]

Originally posted by Chris Martin
Hey guys

This thread is all over the map, maybe you can give me some advice on my dilema. I have the bike bug again this spring. I'm looking at either a r bmw or a monster. Of course I have ridden niether, of which is suprisingly tougher than I thought. I just love the old bmw's but Monsters are just sexy.

Am I nuts to think I can enjoy either one of these bikes as fairweather/weekend transport? I'm 6'3 and both bikes seem a bit small, but arent they all? I'm over the sport bike thing, just looking for something to tool around on and maybe take to the beach once in a while (~100 miles). Any have or ridden both? I know there are lots of other choices, but these are the two I've boiled it down to.

Knowing that the first one I ride I will most likely buy, any advice one way or the other?

Sorry bout that Chris, my fault for taking this thread 'round a couple times. Mr. Carlton seems to have a lot of experience with BMW, might be worth a PM. I know what you mean about test rides, they are very hard to come by. Personally I like the Ducati looks more than the BMW though I doubt the Duc is even in the same ballpark re quality and reliability. Sorry I can't help much but it's been a long time off this game for me. I'm sure folks will chime in, it's a great group here on Pelican.

[Rufblackbird]

Chris, I wondered the same thing...here's a thread I started a while back.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?threadid=210534&highlight=ducati