Moto-Brian

Ok, for track use and track days - MY $0.02...: Shorty or long on the brakes - it is a feel thing. Some guys like short (myself) because it is solid in feel - two fingers and you can pull hard and make the biggest amount of input in the shortest time. I like them that way because they feel more solid to me and I have more control... A LOT of other guys like the longer ones on the brake side. As far as the clutch side - MOST prefer the long levers. It allows more fingers and more control. Clutch control is essential when you are riding hard as the clutch can be used as a braking device and feathering it out and controlling the slide or controlling the engine (even with a slipper) is needed. Shorty levers do not allow such smooth control... For street? I think either is fine and either is pure preference. I still think a short clutch is awkward and feels strange. Of course, it is like asking which oil is best... All are going to be vastly based on opinion...

Nate- There's not a damn thing wrong with that damper. The right (as you are looking at it from the seated position) knob usually has a plastic cap on it for protection. You can get that from Ohlins or Scotts, I am sure. You'll want that as I think it is sensitive to dirt and such... Overall, it is scuffed and looks a little worn, but it works and is the best choice for top mounts in my opinion. I have a GP V4 on my new bike, but have my Scotts in reserve...

Yeah. It's why we choose top mounts. I can tell you that if a top mount damper gets destroyed, you have MUCH bigger concerns as the bike is going to be basically a pop can.

You can get all the candy you want with a simple paper clip with these. Free candy is yummie!

Sign up for a Pro School at Grattan and once you complete the day, you get a cert that is recognized via WERA. You then are considered a Provisional Novice and need to make two weekends w/o a crash... Then, you are a Novice racer...

Scotts dampers are made by Ohlins. They all say Ohlins on the front face... So, buying a Scotts? You're buying an Ohlins... Oh, and top mount dampers are MUCH safer than traditional side or front mounted dampers. Top mount requires a bike to be flipped upside down and impacted SEVERLY to get destroyed. They get scrapped like seen in the pics, but not damaged beyond use. Hence, the reason why a lot of racers run them... Typical dampers get their rods bent usually...

You cannot touch a Scotts damper with mount kit for $360 or less new... They are well over that in total...

It's a great track, but why drive 5 hours plus when you can drive 2-1/2 to 3 hours and go to Bluegrass which is all weekend dates...?

There's nothing wrong with the damper. There shouldn't be any leaking around that area as the seal is internal and between the halves. I've seen a LOT worse and working fine... You can also send it off to Scotts/Ohlins and have them freshen it up (suggested). But, for $200, I think you should look around a bit more. That seems a little high in that condition. I see $250 for pretty damn good looking units. Of course, w/o mounts, but the unit is pretty much universal and the mount makes it dedicated to whatever bike... I have a Scotts in excellent shape and all you'd need is a mount bracket. But, I am not willing to sell it, but you'd be looking at $250 or $300 for one in my condition... If you offer the guy $175 shipped, I'd jump on it if he agrees. You need the plastic cap and that's really it...

The way the schedule is to be read is that if it says nothing, it is a full schedule weekend. Meaning, it will state "Max time", "LED", "Twilight", etc. if it is NOT a typical three group event. Most times, three groups at Mid-Ohio are during the week, but Monte has added a couple of weekend dates due to customer requests like yourself. Also note that Bluegrass is primarily weekend events and will be three group deals. The discounts and such can be viewed at time of check out. You can go in and see prices before you commit. The Femmoto stuff is a HUGE deal and a great incentive for the ladies to get some track time.

Negative. Wish I could, though... Anyways, if you see them and want them, let me know. You can go to the Pony and either give the money to Justin or Nick and they can get them to you. Otherwise, I will be in there this coming Tuesday morning... Let me know so I can get the box and tool...

You still wanting the suit?

You get my PM? I'll make ya a hell of a deal for both items!

If you're going to Pony, go to the SHIFT section. Ask for Justin or Nick or someone and tell them I said it was ok for you to try the boots on. They are on the manequin and you should be able to pull one off w/o much fuss and w/o removing the guy from the bike... They fit the same as the Vertigos as I was going to buy them for this year, but just can't get past the plastic cables...

sold!!

SICK!! How much for rearsets powdercoated black?

Come on, dude, I saw you and him talking and you TRYIN' to get some tips on how to be cool... I think it was when you were struting around in a pin stripe suit...

The funny thing is I am not drinking and this is normal thought and processing... I know, strange, but fun nonetheless...

Was there a dressing room mirror near by? Hmmmm...

Yes, his jacket was VERY pimptastic...

I guess it was a guy on here. Not sure who exactly (ok, I do, but I like making fun of people), but he was really fond of Justin for some reason and had some artsy Oakley rimless glasses on. He saw me and kept making comments how great I was and how he was wanting me to teach him how to be as fast as Justin. I told him Justin was surrounded by the Fast Force and couldn't be taught the same skills... So, look for a short haired dude with rimless Oakleys. He's fond of dem cycle riders... :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

You gonna wear a Sparx lid for 2009? Sexy beast stud, you...

Guys, I know you think I'm a hard ass at times. I just try and make sure people who may come to a site and want to find out info become informed as to what really happens. There are a lot of people that "think" they know what goes on out there in this industry. I KNOW what goes on for the most part. The reason for such a bold comment? I've worked in this industry for over 15 years. Not just as a dealership guy, either. Everything from shop sales and management to Sports Marketing for some top athletes in our sports... The info sometimes gets all out of whack because one person says one thing and another person means another. You can find better deals on the internet. You can take a price from one site and call another and get a better price. Calling, traveling to, asking a dealer, etc is NOT advertising a price. That's legwork that can net you better pricing. Hell, I can get dealer cost to below dealer cost on about anything. I can also hook up buddies I know looking for something for 10% over dealer cost if I feel it is worth the effort and that they will be grateful. The thing is that I am referring to here is that advertised prices are controlled. Sites and companies telling you to call is a grey area. At that point, it is as if you are actually in their store and asking for a price. That makes it tough to police. Dealers can literally sell something at $1 that has a Retail Standards Agreement claiming only retail pricing may be advertised (Magazines, radio, newspapers, internet, etc). What occurs INSIDE the shop is not controllable at all. Emails for better pricing is a bad thing and can be controlled and policed (happens quite often). So, in the end, what I try and convey is that while I support places like STG and others, they follow the rules a lot and have a stake of their business on the line should they try and go against the companies they sell. There are shops and companies that advertise lower prices and know it will result in getting in trouble, but do it anyways in an effort to sell a grouping of product quickly. But, local shops - Cincy, CBus, Indianapolis, Tampa, wherever you live - need support to stay alive. In the current economic state we as a country are in, these dealerships are getting shit on quite a bit. Shops like HNW, Pony, Clinton COunty, etc that are playing by the rules, have a decent staff, carry decent amounts of accessories NEED our support. If you don't support them, they will go away and then the ability to get things right now will be gone. The little shit like levers, bulbs, plugs, batteries, etc that you don't typically wait and buy online will have to be bought elsewhere and you will have to miss that dirt ride or that trip because of a few broken parts that need to be ordered or that you need to drive and hour one way to pick up... Sorry for the rant - buy what and where you want. Just try and support local shops where you live or where you frequent your business. Buy online for whatever you want, but still try and support the locals.

I don't think there is any issue with buying online at all. In fact, I support it. The problem I have is that people go into a shop and try stuff on and then they go online and order "thinking" they save $200. That means if it is a CURRENT (nobody seems to know what that means) AStar suit, it would have to be a $2k suit marked down 10%. That's not going to happen unless you are buying a top of the line AStar suit they have... Which most companies other than Moto Liberty and STG would carry in stock - you'd have to wait... I also have no problems going and supporting your local shop once in a while and trying stuff one you want. Now, if you surf the net and find NON CURRENT items or those that do not get much attention (levers, exhausts, rearsets, etc., etc.) then yes, buy where it is cheaper. I just don't get the fact that a guy looking for a $500 jacket that IS NOT ADVERTISED ANY LOWER THAN RETAIL. If you have a "hook up" then that means you know someone - not having to email for a promo code for a discount or buying at bulk off a website that is doing a group buy type of thing. What I am refering to here is that AStar I believe states that you cannot advertise lower than retail for their product. Again, I will find out 100% today and see. That means, you aren't going to find it cheaper. But, if you want to wait, save 7.25% tax and get it after you could from Pony or call and talk to someone there and make friends with them and get a discount AFTER SUPPORTING the shop more than once, you might save more and get it today. The guys at Pony know it happens and I know it happens (fitting room and then buying on the net). The thing is, distributors and manufacturers know this, as well and have set standards in place to keep it as equal as they can... 'Nuff said. Buy what you want and where you want. Just realize that internet isn't always the best deal - even though you think it is. Take Ebay. They sell stuff higher than retail once fees, shipping and such are mixed in. Why? People think they get a deal and buy all day long...

On current popular items, that is false. You might save 10%, but getting today and wearing it right now instead of waiting and hoping it is right, etc. is worth something. To me, at least... Now, sure, saving $120 on a $1200 suit is killer and I understand. However, on most items like a $400 helmet and saving $40 to wait and have it shipped is pointless when I can go to a shop like Pony and get it today. If they say they need you to call or email to get a better deal, that will last only for a while until their competitors blow the whistle and they have to get it fixed. Bob's is like that and they get slapped all the time.