Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category
June 26th, 2011 | 
Author: June 18-19 I went up to Pacific Raceways (Kent, WA) for their mini track day called “Taste of Racing”.
Introduction of the Taste of Racing.
It’s a brilliant idea in that it is a controlled (more so than a full track day anyway) environment and they have it setup so that you can ride without the full power ranger outfit and it’s only $20.00!!!!
Here is some more Taste of Racing Info
My Experience.
I was only a little nervous (surprisingly) when I had decided to go and try it. I had been invited a week earlier by a business friend of mine (Bob May) who races with his son. I knew I’d be doing a track day or something this year since I had bought my Frank Thomas leathers earlier. Now was the time to put up or shut up.
The Track.
Before heading out there I decided that it would make sense to see, and if possible, learn the track. What better way than to ride around it over and over again. So I jumped on YouTube and spent a bunch of time doing “research” by watching lots of video footage. I learned the track and got a feel for how fast one could/should be going. Here is a good one to check out:
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I ordered my tires a couple weeks ago from Chaparral Motorsports and they arrived a couple days ago. I chose the 23 partly because the 21s are no longer being made, but over other tires because of some reviews and cost comparisons. Sounds like a pretty good tire. One review mentioned that it’s harder to turn in, but more stable in the corners. Looking at them on the bike, I can’t see that. But then again, the 21s I just took off were plenty used so new tires look way better. Of course I’ll keep you apprised after I ride a bit.
To get the front off, I had to buy a front wheel stand. Went to Cycle Gear to buy the Trackside stand they had on sale (love their sales). Took the wheels off (more work than I expected) and brought them into Hinshaws motorcycle to get them mounted.
I always enjoy walking around considering my next bike. They still have an 09 VFR 800. That’s a bike that people always love when you read their reviews even though on pure performance their are other bikes (better value for money). There is just something about it. Read the rest of this entry »
Ok, so they may be on the verge of closing these out so this isn’t really all that timely, but here ya go anyway.
Saw that Cycle Gear had a super swinging deal on the Frank Thomas Xti 2 leathers so I decided to get a set (jacket and pants, not the one piece).
I went for the all black (I’ll get some pics at some point). The look pretty well made and feel heavy duty. They are not track/racer leathers and fit my use perfectly (sporty street rider). I feel as though I could wear the jacket without looking like I was trying to hard.
Great fit, snug but not tight. Feels a little short in back, but that is in relation to the all weather jacket I have been wearing. Remember, the jacket is designed to zip to the pants.
Zippers on the “wrong side” which makes it a mental exercise to get that going, but it feels like it’ll last.
Pants are definitely snug/tight to pull on, but once pulled up they feel well made and everything just “clicks” into place. I like the zippers on the calf (compared to my current pants). About the only thing is the left knee protection does hurt just a little bit. I’ve worked them a bit and it felt a lot better on the second day’s ride, so I have high hopes that it’ll be fine. The right knee feels perfect, no issues.
Keep in mind too that I have only ridden these twice and the temp has been mid 40′s. I’ll try and remember to write a follow up once things settle in….and maybe I get to start dragging my knee 
But so far, they feel like the bargain of the year. Overall I think the price came to something like 50% off. Jacket was 120 and pants 160.
I needed them and now is a great time to buy.