Moto-Brian

Here's a pic with the table and a bike on it for size and height reference. Some guys were thinking this thing was huge. It is not. It is super easy to store in a trailer or in the garage. Just the right height, also... Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Well, it is that way. The price they pay from TR may be different than it is from PU. They get different deals at times from one distr. vs another, etc. Again, not to jab here, but if you don't truly know, you really shouldn't make assumptions... Plus, the price you see online isn't always better. They have MANY items that are competitive. Understand ONE VERY BIG POINT - most online dealers do NOT warehouse product like IP does. When they say they are the #1 accessory shop in the US, they mean it. That's based on inventory at any given time. Some are close, but not many... Thus, again - if you are having to wait 1-5 days for something to save 10-20%, that's cool. I know a lot of people that time is a valuable thing and paying retail or slightly higher than online is worth the amount vs having to wait and pay even shipping, etc... Again, not sure what the deal is, but you should be able to tell us exactly the product you bought, when you did and how much you paid. You also then need to tell me the retail listed in the TR catalog... Do that and we can compare apples to apples...

Was it the exact same sprocket? Did you look at the source code on the tag? Hint is that if it had a TR after source code, it was a TR product that was from them. If it had another source code, it came from somewhere else. Also, depending on things, prices get changed rather quickly in this industry. Running changes from what is published in books and on the net. I'm not making excuses, but the difference certainly wasn't 160% like the oil example. I would say that you need a part number or at least what the brand and style it was for me to check. But, realize one thing. These guys that say they shop at smaller shops and such are usually getting deals because they know someone there. Understand that also, IP has about everything you would need. If you want to save 10-15% on something and wait a few days to get it - fact is that most shops have to order the part you need and IF the distributor is 1 day out (Most are, but many items are from 2-4 days away), you still have to wait a full day. You go in on a Tuesday and by mid day Wednesday, you are lucky to have your part. At that stage, you've driven to and from twice and spent the time waiting. If it were me, I'd spend the money, support a board sponsor and have my part and riding the day you are waiting... That's worth an extra 10-20% even for me. But, truth be told, unless you know somebody, you aren't usually going to get a deal better than 10% off on a special order part like most cases will be at most shops. Try going to any local Columbus shop and order these items: -Renthal CR High Twin Wall. -Pro Taper 51 tooth rear sprocket for a KTM 350SXF -Shoei X12 Kagayama 3 -Icon Accelerant GSXR Jacket -Fox V3 Monster Carbon -AStar GP Tech Gloves All these items are typically non existent in any shop you go into. BUT, they are all in IP and they are all at retail from what I have seen via the websites. I can add more and get into even smaller, more exact and everyday used items that other shops don't even bother to carry. Try getting something as simple as numbers for your bike at a local shop. Hell, most don't carry anything other than the cheapest clutch and brake levers available and not the opens you really want. Sure, you can settle for less valuable items to get on the road and eventually buy what you really want vs settling. But, IP does carry what people want and what people need. I don't buy the fact that they gouge on purpose. I will say that there are MANY different vendors for different brands and that can easily lead to differences in prices. At a shop like Pony, it isn't uncommon to see two different prices on the same exact product. That's due to vendors or price changes and even though they are really good at making sure they are the same across the board, they sometimes have items priced differently... Point is simple. Buy what you want. Buy what you need and support whomever it is you feel is the best for YOU. But, understand that IP is no different than your little shop down the street. They have invested a SHIT pile of money in making their store what it is today. Fact is, most people I talk to are amazed when they give IP a chance. Again, saving up to 20% on a tire that cost you $200 is only $40. But, to wait 2 days, pay shipping possibly and then to pay to have it installed even if it is only $10, you saved $10-$30 on something you wasted at least a day to wait for and have installed when you could have been riding much sooner and not been sitting idle for so long... Sorry for the rant, but these topics drive me nuts when a lot of people have no idea what goes on behind the scene...

Do you honestly have examples of this? Seriously, why do you say such things?

$300!! Need it gone. Can deliver also as I know it is kinda big. This is an awesome table and if I had a baller garage, I would use it in there, but the garage I have is 10lbs of stuff shoved in a 5lb bag...

Few things to consider. One, Moto-Series is the one that IF there should or shouldn't be any compensation, it comes from them. Not NL. Moto-Series rents the track, holds the event and essentially is who you are getting services from. If the track had an issue (Not sure what track wouldn't have any water issues after these days of rain) and halted the track day, it is still Moto-Series that would issue any refunds or compensation. It doesn't matter if it was a discount or not. You still were a paying customer and thus, if anything was to be credited or paid back, would be a % based on what you paid anyways... However, there is something to consider. If you got in 4 sessions, I'd say that there isn't a single track day company that would probably credit any money back. That is at a point where it is a judgement call. At STT, I know we have done some credits before even though we clearly stated a certain amount of time or if any wheels roll, etc., there would be no discount. However, there were times when we did not. i think Moto-Series can go either way and be correct in their decision. I think he will do what is right one way or another. Also, Moto-Series and NL cannot plan when the issue pops up. Would it have been any better had it still been raining while the issue was being worked on vs. it being nicer than it had been? They cannot choose when and where issues occur... I think you all got a great deal on a track day, I think Moto-Series got you out there for 4 plus sessions (Someone please correct me if I am wrong), you got to ride a good bit and overall, the gamble was there for you to decide. I am willing to bet that had you looked at the weather, saw it was going to be pouring rain all or most the day and stayed home, you could have got a partial if not 100% credit. But, you decided to gamble and show up and then ride. I understand the track had an issue. Happens all the time at tracks everywhere and some great examples made. One year at STT, Thunder Valley was flooded and we had to cancel. Mid-Ohio is one of the best prepped tracks we have around. Shit happens... I think you all need to look at this from a business standpoint and see that you got seat time, had a choice and if anything, it is Moto-Series that you should communicate with. Talking on here isn't going to fix anything... As for staff and coaching, I agree that something needs to be done where the customer shouldn't have to find a coach to talk to. The idea that if you are not approached, you must be doing fine is silly and shows there may be a lack of experience in the coaching staff. Novice group of them all is the most important to reach and the staff needs to have experience to preach that ideal and to teach those needed lessons. They will get better and they will grow. Give it time. I think thoughts like that are something you all should talk about as the weather issue is only in one dude's hands and he ain't speaking much...

IP isn't pricing things at 160% - they charge what retail is from the distributor they buy from. Not sure why the difference is so much, though...

You are correct in that regard. I was saying it based on most trailer rims are generic in terms of bolt pattern and may have slightly different offsets. Most are within "spec" if you will and will not cause issue. I was referring to those steel wheels you typically see on all trailers...

I would pick the R1 of that group. The ZX10 was a horrible and ill handling beast back then. I agree with Nick. If mainly sport touring, look at a Busa or ZX14. I think you'd be happier in the long run and they are very well suited for street riding at a spirited pace. In that price range, it might be tough though... Nick can probably direct you better on that as I am not aware of what those should be priced at. Another consideration might be the FZ1 or something like a naked sport bike. Again, more sport tour and more ergo friendly. But, still has a solid performing motor...

I agree!

Pics of actual table: Uploaded with ImageShack.us Uploaded with ImageShack.us Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I have a Valter Moto Superbike Paddock Stand that is a fold up aluminum with steel supports and aluminum ramp. I honestly believe this is one of maybe only a few here in the States. It folds up nicely so you can store it in the garage or in your trailer for at the track. It is about 2 feet off the ground so, not so high you cannot work on the top portion of the bike. I will get pics, but it is in great shape and was over $700 new... Asking $350 OBO. Willing to entertain offers. You can google it and really, GP Tech was the only source here in the States... Here is a link for the catalog. Look at Page 87: http://www.gptechllc.com/VMCcatalogue2008.pdf Here is a stock pic - DOES NOT INCLUDE THE TRAYS SEEN HERE. I don't know why, but never got anything like those...: http://www.carpimoto.it/EN/Brand_Valter-Moto/Stands/8239_AR18--paddock-stand-Superbike-aluminum-ramp.htm This is an italian table and is very sturdy and awesome to use.

Here's some experience I have had with car tires on trailers... Now, we used much bigger trailers and such so, it may not apply, but the idea is that the sidewall on a car tire will not handle the stress a trailer puts on it. We thought the same thing where we had a car tire on a rim that fit. The side wall blew in no time. I think we got maybe 100 miles before it destroyed itself. I don't think it was that far. We went from Delaware to just east of Zanesville... Anyways, get a proper trailer tire. Offset isn't as important as the load rating... and ply design.

Looks good! One minor detail and certainly not a criticism, but maybe get the front rotor carrier painted black? That gold looks out of place to me...

I've watched as a friend has died in front of me after a race crash. Thought that I would never ride a bike again... I've also been around when guys have been killed at a few other tracks and it just is something you have to push away and out of your mind... As for the street, the deal is usually a rider that is riding above the ability they posses. I've used it a million times when coaching, but the idea is that there should be a reserve. Meaning, if you ride at 100% of your ability and something pops up, the reserve tank is empty and nothing is left to get you out of trouble or a situation that faces you. If you can educate yourself and get some training or teaching, that reserve gets bigger and bigger. I know people think I harp on the track day stuff, but I cn promise you that if you do track days to teach you how to use the bike you are riding and how to ride it properly, the reserve gets even bigger. Sure, there are going to be things like a person blowing a red light that cannot be avoided no matter who you are. But, the cases you mentioned are probably cases where ability was less than the situation needed. Many a rider crash can be shown to be strictly rider error. Again, the random red light runner is something that has no weight on what I am trying to say. In the end, get out, ride, learn, listen and above all, understand your machine, how it works and give it respect. Using your head and not allowing ego to take control can avoid a lot of issues out there on the street. But, if you see a post about a down rider, maybe read it to see what occurred, but if you do what I do, I simply avoid reading it all together. I know it is cold hearted, but if it stacks on your brain, it can lead to you leaving this great sport and that's a shame. Don't dwell on the crashes and the people. Move on, learn from it and continuously try and evolve as a rider.

Get into a catchers position and extend the arms out in front of you. If it feels good in this position, it fits fine. Standing is gonna suck, man. Especially with well made, higher end suits. They are articulated and designed to fit in the attack position - not while standing asking for autographs...

I have a fold up track table with aluminum ramp for ballers like you for sale, too! You need it!!!

ASAP? You going to Nelson this weekend? If not, just use vinyl over the white. That way, you can peel it off when you sell it or move up. Takes some time for sure, but use the MX stuff as it is thicker and will be easier to conform to the curves. Use pinstripe to outline to cover any little gaps that show white.

Why? Jet Black is bad ass! I had the GSXR painted gloss black and had the wheels painted and bought another set in black.

Negative. The RS comes with the forged black wheels.

That second ad is crazy!! $1400 plus for that motor? Insane...

Only really, really good looking and smart dudes, of course!!

Waiting on a few small pieces that put the tail together. As soon as I get those, it gets decals and assembled. Will post pics as soon as it is done.

UPDATED: Got everything decaled up. Not sold on the Monster and Motorex location, but easily can be moved/changed. Now, just need the damn bike. Hopefully here in a week or so... Uploaded with ImageShack.us Bottom of the tail: Uploaded with ImageShack.us Front angle: Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I'd be into doing that. If you are willing to split the gas, I'd go and get them... Let me know.