the NATO garage

[Steve Carlton]

Originally posted by BSiple

Buy the bike before you buy the gear. If you get the bike at a dealership, alot of times they will give you a discount on any gear you buy there too.

Good point. Plus, your color choices should take into account the color of the bike. Go from head to toe, and like nostatic said, get boots (shoes can pop off)...

Here are some links a friend sent me for a guy I know who needs some gear:

http://www.newenough.com/joe_rocket_atomic_jacket_page.htm

http://www.newenough.com/joe_rocket_blaster_gloves_page.htm

http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=50-7185

[JavaBrewer]

I was at the local bike shop today trying on helmets. My head seems to prefer the Shoei brand and my head measures a 7.25. Problem is the Medium is kinda tight and the large feels good. I didn't have any salesman help but I've checked the online helmet sizing and I'm right inbetween Med/Large. I'm figuring if I'm gonna spend the money another cnote to get graphic -



Steve, I also tried on a bunch of jackets and its funny but the Joe Rocket Atomic (blk/blk) is the one I liked the most. I'm leaning towards the black but realize I need some color to stand out plus the black would absolutely suck when mercury goes north of 80F. The jacket had some built in armor but should I go with an upgrade to the CE armor that Todd mentioned?

Problem is I need the gear to test ride the bike, well, the helmet at least. My Giro bike helmet ain't gonna do me much good.

[Steve Carlton]

Did you try all the Arai helmet lines- RX7, Quantum, Astral, Signet? Some guys are using the XDs on the street and really liking them, too. Some helmets have interchangeable inserts for in-between sizing and fine tuning. A snug helmet will break in and loosen up a little, too. The helmet you have pictured is neutral and will go with anything, but you'll lose visibility.

Same with the jacket. The CE armor looks like a great idea. I'm not too familar with jackets and pants, to be honest. I'm basically an Aerostitch Roadcrafter guy. I like "emerging" from my suit with my street clothes underneath. But I did pick up a BMW Airflow jacket for warmer days and so far am very happy with it. If you go to a BMW dealer (or maybe look online), you'll be impressed with the protective quality they put in their line.

http://www.aerostich.com/product.php?productid=16133&cat=248&page=1

[nostatic]

I like solid bright colors. Studies show that big splotches of bright color have the best visibility. The more 'fancy" you get, the less visible.

I've thought about the aerostitch, but have settled with a textile jacket and pants for now. They are both designed to go over street clothes, so it works for commuting. I will likely get a set of leather pants and jacket for the track...still pondering the pluses and minuses of a 1-piece suit v. separates.

[Overpaid Slacker]

Missed posting for a while b/c I was upstate riding.

Spent 1/2 Saturday on a Triple, and loved it -- it's actually a lot smoother than the Mille b/c you don't have to be cautious of the "twin torque" and the Triple sounds brilliant!

But it doesn't handle or GTF out if its own way like the Mille...

As for gear, I got the Joe Rocket 990 (CE Pittard's) -- freaking awesome jacket and comfortable as long as you're riding. You don't stand around w/ the zipper zipped up... JR Reactor gloves and a VR-2 helmet, which was very comfortable for me. There may be a difference between a $300 helmet and a $900 helmet, but the velocity window for which that delta will likely make a difference is miniscule. If it's a reputable bucket and feels comfortable, I wouldn't worry that I "had" to spend the extra $200.

I also picked up Sidi Strada Evo Air boots which are very lightweight and comfortable, but not as "substantial" as I had expected.

YMMV

JP

EDIT --- I missed Steve's post -- I bought from New Enough and they were very reasonably priced and had very good customer service.

My new rearsets came in today, and they're freaking sculplture. They look even better in person than on the
website.

[Shuie]

Check out the BMW boots. Friggin awesome. Not cheap at all, but probably priced accordingly for what they are.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally posted by Steve Carlton
Did you try all the Arai helmet lines- RX7, Quantum, Astral, Signet? Some guys are using the XDs on the street and really liking them, too. Some helmets have interchangeable inserts for in-between sizing and fine tuning. A snug helmet will break in and loosen up a little, too. The helmet you have pictured is neutral and will go with anything, but you'll lose visibility.

I don't think so. I only tried on what the dealer (Escondido Cycle Center) had in stock. About 75% of their helmets were off-road/MX. They had 20-30 Arai, Shoei, and HJC to sample. They all looked alike for the most part. I wanted to go with the large but probably the medium is best if they "grow" a bit after wearing.

Solid colors - roger that. Since I don't have a bike/color finalized yet I'm kinda stuck on the helmet colors/design (== neutral). Kinda like buying baby clothes when not knowing the sex BFH. I really really like the Joe Rocket stuff, and the Alpine Star stuff. I'm thinking of going with a gaudy light colored (FLASHY BLING POSER) leather jacket as a safety+visibility stopgap.

I'll keep you posted on the 01 Triple. Owner says it just had it's 12K service. The shop in LA is sold out of 03 and 04 Speed Triples though I found 2 more that might have one. I checked EBay history and Speed Triples are not selling at all. Most never even came close to the sellers reserve. The guy here local has not given me the impression that his bike is getting lots of attention. Maybe it's because the popular bikes here in SD (Navy town) are the crotch rocket racers...

[nostatic]

The Triumphs are kind of an odd bird. Those in the know love them to death, but they don't have to cachet of a Ducati or other Italian bike, and they don't have the number of the Japanese bikes. BUt there are a number of hard core owners out there, and bang for the buck is really high with the bikes, as is the fact that they are distinctive. You can usually get a good deal new or used though...although I'm betting the Thruxtons are selling pretty well.

[Overpaid Slacker]

Strange thing w/ the Triumphs (at least those I've been around) is build quality is stereotypically British. The rear lens didn't fit quite right in the bodywork, some of the fittings weren't 100%. And, at 3900 miles, a Daytona's shaft driving the water pump sheared inside the block. That is a PITA to get to.

Fortunately, they're also stereotypically British simple -- I had the Daytona's motor out, virtually alone, in 2 hours. Rather than hassle w/ cracking the case and getting all the way down to the water pump, the owner just picked up another motor on eBay and was back in business in 3 hours.

I'd pick up a Daytona cheap if I found one. It'd be a good first "big" bike for someone, as it has good but not insane power, is smooth w/o the idiosyncracies of a big twin and handles very well.

JP

[911boost]

Don't any of the places you are looking at riding aloow you 'use" one of their helmets for the test ride? I know the BMW/Ducati shop I bought mine at did.

I ended up getting a Shuberth, know anyone that would want it? I think its time for an Arai. I also belive in spending more for the helmet with regards to the quality. I know at least in MX Helmets a lot of the manufacturers use the same helmet and the graphics are just different....

Bill

[JavaBrewer]

Not getting far with the new 03 and 04 bikes. I found a shop in San Jose that has two new (never registered) 03 Triples with 600 miles each. Problem is they are both silver. I'm looking for black or green. Another shop in Orange (much closer) has a red 03 and a silver 04. Also the sale prices are misleading. OTD prices are around $8700 and $9000 when they tack on handling, shipping from UK, setup, taxes, licence, etc... I've already been approved for the 2.9 X 48 months financing at both places but I still want to see local used 01 bike.

Todd, stopped by Oceanside Ducati/Aprilia today. WOW! Tons of eye candy there. I've never seen the 998 or 999 up close and personal before - scary crazy handsome bike. How do you compare the characters of your Monster and Speed Four?

[nostatic]

yeah, the OTD can be painful. I ended up at just under $7K OTD for my Speed Four.

The 4v Ducs are beautiful. A couple of issues...first is riding position. Much more "torture rack" compared to a Monster or Triple (even compared to my Speed Four with clipons). Second, maintenance costs are significantly higher (more valves to adjust). Third...you'll lose your license

Richard (motion) has a 999 I believe, and likely has ridden other bikes. I've never ridden a 4v Duc, but aspire to.

[nostatic]

That being said, I'm more smitten with Aprilias these days...

[motion]

Todd - Actually, its a 998 that I have ... see link in my sig below.

Aprilias are sweet too... my 250 2 smoker is a Priller. But, IMHO, nothing compares to a Ducati. They are just so damn sexy. I'm sure the Overpaid Slacker would disagree, though.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally posted by nostatic
yeah, the OTD can be painful. I ended up at just under $7K OTD for my Speed Four.

Seems like a scam to hide the real price of the bike. If they are listing the bike for a price then I would assume (...) I just add tax and registration. But hell I think they tacked on charges to cover the latte the guy driving the boat from the UK drank. Yeah I'm a little aggravated.

Richard, nice to see you here. Due to circumstances you and I are living on a different planet. No way am I gonna ride a bike on a race track, and stay married with children!

[Steve Carlton]

Yeah, on bikes adding freight and prep is par for the course (unlike car MSRPs). But it shouldn't be more than $200-400 typically, unless a dealer is marking it up (which is common). Tax will apply to used as well, and you inherit the existing license on used bikes, which is a minimal savings anyway.

David- maybe try a Cycle Gear. They usually have a ton of helmets. Take a look at the Arai website; the different model lines have different shapes for different heads.

[JavaBrewer]

Thanks Steve. We have a Cycle Gear just around the block and I've been there for my son's mx jersey. I will check out their prices vs. the other references you and others have provided.

[Steve Carlton]

As far as a new Speed Triple is concerned, maybe the dealers have a "locator" that would tell them who has a black or green one in stock. I called Munroe Motors in SF to see if they had any, and all they had was '05s. But you could call and ask for Rory at 415-626-3496. He's a cool guy, maybe he'd do it for you as a favor. Or maybe fax you a list of dealers if they're not available on Triumph's website.

[Overpaid Slacker]

Richard -- Ducatis can be maaad sexy. A neighbor has a yellow 1998 748 for sale (w/ all the "right" modifications) that I just can't take my eyes off of. It's a little bit small for me, but then so is most of everything. Well, the price isn't small at $8400. I like the powerband on the 748s, though -- it's more useable for street riding than the "99" bikes. Just MHO as a non-motorcycle guru.

What gives the Ducs the edge in appeal is the simplicity of their finish -- the 1 think I dislike about the Priller is the "busy" paint scheme. The MV Agustas (F4s) have just the right balance of simplicity and flair in their finish, IMHO, and trump both the Ducs and the Aprilias.

One day an F4 will be mine...

JP

EDIT -- David, I may have missed something, but why not a Triumph Daytona?

[nostatic]

I think David prefers naked bikes...