Moto-Brian

Playing Devil's Advocate here, but the fact is that there are always three sides to every story. The customer, the seller and the truth is most likely somewhere in between. The review seemed perfectly fine. I felt that there were some missing details as such like was there ever any measurements given by Hob, were there questions asked to make sure the spacing was correct by the seller, etc. I also think that people nowadays have pretty thin skin. I think it is POSSIBLE that Hob is taking what they said as yelling at him and I think they are taking what Hob stated as really bashing them. Truth be told in business and social media, you NEVER seem to get people creating threads about just how great the service they got was. However, if they do, it is a VERY small % when compared to the number of people that get on forums to complain. Not saying Hob is complaining... See what I mean? The company probably is a bang up company that does a really great job. They probably have hundreds upon hundreds of great and satisfied customers. But, as with ANY company, they screw up. And, when they do, most the time, people are going to rant on them in the social media. Now, if they get it fixed, they get it done right and make things right, then that's something that usually goes without note. Meaning, the customer doesn't usually get online, create a thread saying the issues were this and company XYZ came through and made everything right. They just move on. I also wouldn't ever expect that the stock bolts would have worked on a custom wheel. I also wouldn't expect that they wouldn't supply bolts had they not been able to use stockers... Anyways, sounds like a fairly minor issue overall. When doing things completely custom, one has to always count on shit not going right. After all, you are not using what the bike was designed for and are changing the bike way beyond what was intended. Custom work is just that - custom and typically never exact the first time... I think both sides have merit as to being a bit upset. But, as I mentioned above, we usually only get one side. We need to consider that sometimes, we tend to get a little creative on our story telling at times. Emotions were high and Hob was upset so, I am sure a bit of that came through. But, IF the company guy yelled at Hob for that review, I can see a bit of that. As stated before, if they fixed the issue, that's what matters. But, it is hard to fix something that a guy goes on the forums and posts stuff before putting it solely to bed. Why not contact the company about the bolts and spacers? If you did, what was the response? Or, did you want to move forward because you didn't want to wait anymore?

Wurd up, homo. How ya been?

100%. The AMB is a transponder needed for lap times to be recorded. Needed for WERA and Moto Series. The AMB he has is worth every penny as the new cost is crazy. Would work for YEARS to come and most likely, you would get your money back if you sold it later. The XT lap timer is great for using when looking at split times (What I use them mostly for) or if you have to qualify and can see where you sit on times. Not as accurate as the transponder, but so close, great to use. Jeff's price is crazy good and I would consider it, but like I said, I have three that are in the tool box. The great deal with Jeff's is the beacon and computer download module. The total package would be worth about $300 plus... Also used by a lot of guys for dick swinging contests at track days...

I didn't want to embarrass you, man. But, yeah... You were in my mind as the only guy I have ever had an issue with. So damn slow that I thought you were on a constant parade lap... I'm kidding, folks. NEVER had an issue with Crai... I mean KEITH. Like his avatar, he's smooth and consistent and predictable. Looks good and is not in the category I mention...

No offense at all, but going from supermoto on pavement and from MX based riding to road racing is a totally different environment not to mention riding style. A 600 is a big step and could easily be a tough transition. Not to say it can't be done - many have. But, most are older and having more experience. If I were to be taking a kid under my wing from SM to road race, I would suggest nothing larger than an SV. I personally would get his young butt on a bike and into USGPRU for the best chance at advancing in road racing. For fun? Start small and work up... I've seen PLENTY of SM riders go out and do OK, but usually they are older riders and have more seat time. Young pups from MX or SM find it tough as the body position change takes time and from what they know, they center themselves on the bike and move it under them. That doesn't work really well and can bite them hard. 600s from 2006 until now are probably a bit much. Older 600s are heavy and honestly, going to struggle on corner speed vs an SV or EX...

Ok, I am tired of these XT lap timers failing all the time. I am looking for something like an AIM system or basic AIM lap timer... WERA Classifieds are total crap now and have no idea where people are posting their race stuff now, but the site there is lame and VERY thin on stuff... Shoot me what you got! Again, not really interested in an XT unless stupid cheap as I have three in the tool box that have all got an issue that prevents them from working 100%...

My son who is 12 is wanting to road race. We have a supermoto we are going to build much like the OP started on. Once I feel he has a grasp on the fundamentals, I am moving him into a 125. We will work at track days to develop fundamentals and while he probably will not need to be in Novice group, I will have him in there to learn more obviously, but to also work on lines, body position and overall entry and exit speeds and skills. Point is simple. Track days are amazingly great to start out with. It doesn't matter if you are on a 125 or a 1000 ex-AMA race bike. I've seen guys in Intermediate with data acquisition components and full on AMA spec 600s running slow enough to be of a concern with the same topic. I've also been in enough Advanced groups and race day practices where we are combined with novices to know there are issues with closing speeds and top speeds that it would make you sick to your stomach. A LOT of close calls and erratic maneuvers needed to avoid. It's not just track days, dude...

Dude, come on. Track days are a mixed bag for sure, but it isn't like the people riding are so different in ability that he's going to have issue. First, he'd start in Novice group which in about any org is limited and monitored to the point that it doesn't matter what you are riding as you'll never get any issues to pop up concerning closing speeds and related. Of course, there's going to be some instances, but not a concern. Intermediate group is going to start to have issues and that group is by all means the toughest and certainly, a bit of a gamble. HOWEVER, the fact is that many of the guys that have 1000s are VERY under equipped to handle the bike. Straight line speed is different for sure, but the corners are going to separate the two. Advanced is Advanced. The riders in that group should have the ability to judge, to pass and to handle such differences. He wouldn't be in that group and if he advances and gets into that group, he'll be totally fine and to the point he'll probably piss off a lot of egos... An EX500 is as capable as an SV that seems to be fine in your mind. The total top speed may be slightly off between the two, but it is minimal and certainly not a concern if weighing them out together. The other aspect is that riding a smaller CC bike develops corner speed and honestly as seen by the numerous 600 and 10000 pilots at track days, many should have started out smaller and worked up. I personally would pick an EX500 over anything for a few reasons. When weighed against the Aprilia or even a somewhat exotic bike like an RS125, the cost of maintaining the bike is going to favor the EX. Again, if he is wanting to try it out, cost should be considered. If against an SV or Kaw 650, the idea is that the EX is still cheaper and honestly, if set-up well enough (many are out there and could be seen at a lot of LW races this season and previous), ccan provide more than enough training to advance later. Finally, compared to a 600. Sending a kid out as a 14 or 15 year old with zero road race experience is silly. The Jake Lewis and Gerloffs out there are rare and if a parent pushes their child into a bike that is beyond what they can handle, they will get hurt. I think he should run the USGPRU and get a 125 or similar and run with those guys. Track days in the Novice group and Intermediate group on a 125 would be fine to practice and work in. But again, if he wants to dabble and see, why spend a pile of money when he can find out what he has and what direction he should go with his son by an EX 500 or even a Ninja 250. Seen NUMEROUS 500s and even 250s (And supermotos) in Intermediate group with zero issues. Now, they get into Advanced and IF the rider isn't up to speed, can cause issues with the others. Pretty rare and typically, they are moved down to I group and are fine.

You obviously haven't watched Mullins race an EX500... He CREAMS guys on his lowly 500... The point is that the bike is a great and inexpensive solution to the OPs idea. If anyone thinks the Aprilia is a good choice obviously isnt concerned over limitations in top speed. If the OP wants an SV, I think that's a great choice, but entry level SVs are very pricey in comparison and really, as competitive as an EX as you'd get older generations or get a Superbike SV that has an undependable motor build... I would suggest Mullins' EX500 also...

OK, not to critique, but there needs to be a plan in place. A set of tracks that will be targeted and a process by which someone, somebody or some group will proceed. Getting signatures isn't going to hold water if it isn't a targeted idea. My proposal would be to target Grattan, Putnam and Mid-Ohio. I would get people to sign and list where they are from, race status, current racing organization, etc. I think that Moto Series has a GREAT opportunity to succeed in the wake of WERA's lacking grids in the region. I think that you need to give a description of the way MS does the events, what they offer and some quotes or recommendation letters from some of it's well known racers that run multiple series and may even be WERA licensed racers. The fact is that this has to be a benefit to the TRACKS. Not to anything else. Otherwise, it is like asking how many people would be in for a private track day, needing a set number of customers and when the internet polls come up, it appears to be easy to pull off, but when time comes to shell out money, drive, participate, etc., people drop like flies. The tracks are going to look at a signed petition and maybe feel that MS is worth a look, but in the end, unless there is money attached to that list, it doesn't weigh much. I am talking to a few people and will call Todd soon. I am trying to get some folks to call back and see if we can possibly get into some places, but there are going to be hurdles. Anyways, not trying to be Debbie Downer. I just think there needs to be a few more steps and maybe you'd get more signatures. I also think the process needs to include a description to what will be done in pursuing this with tracks.

Here's what I have done or would do... Call the guy up and tell him that you'd like to come and pick the bike up as you are wanting to keep the miles off it. 100 miles isn't exactly anything to a bike unless it is a rare piece and if so, he should understand. If it is a run of the mill thing, tell him you are willing to meet at a Wal-Mart near him vs his house for his piece of mind. I know I rarely meet anyone at my home when selling to out of state folks... As for insurance, tell him he can be at peace that Ohio allows you up to 30 days to get insurance on the bike and truth be told, it doesn't matter if you do or do not. It effects him not. Sounds like to me, you really just need to tell him you are planning on being in his area a set day and are willing to meet in a high traffic area so he and you feel comfortable... I've bought a bike or two with simply pictures. I was always willing to place a deposit, but always was willing to walk away if it was not as advertised. If it was not as advertised, you can bargain some dollars or tell him Ebay and PayPal will get a call from you to get your deposit back. Either way, you're out travel expenses. Better than a pile of metal that is useless... I say tell him straight up. It's the noble thing to do and being up front is better than anything else.

It all depends on what you are doing with the bike. If it is OEM stuff, springs will help, but getting a fork kit and a new shock are really going to be the ticket. If street riding, I'd say stick with springs, I guess... If track riding, you owe it to yourself to do suspension first before anything else. My suggestion is Reuben at 35 Motorsports (sponsor on here) as he does a good number of members' bikes on here.

AT&T will allow you to upgrade every new iPhone... I have upgraded every year they've had a new one come out with exception to the newest 4S. My 4 is fine and really, isn't that far off the S model... With the new OS, I am getting a better running phone. Still heads and shoulders above my BlackBerry no matter what. I am holding out until I can switch completely to Verizon when the 5 comes out. Oh, and it won't be June for the 5...

Kawasaki already has a bike that is gunning for the BMW. They call it a ZX10... If you shed weight, shorten the wheelbase and make it handle, it is already in existence. The ZX14R is a sport touring bike that is designed to be a top speed machine. Nothing more...

The funny thing is that Ducati uses engine horsepower. They do not incorporate the ram air they also incorporate as well as every other sportbike on the market. Point is simple. Weight to power is going to favor the Ducati for example IF - IF their numbers are accurate. The 197 from Kaw is probably motor also. I wouldn't be amazed if it were actually ground power, but I cannot seem to find info to show that. Even if the HP is to the wheel, remember the thing weighs in fairly porkly and has a wheelbase of an F350 Crew Cab... I like these kinds of bikes and feel it showcases what can be done. However, when I look at the new Duc, the BMW, the others, I am blown away at the size of the package and the weight to power ratios... All in all, it is what you want out of a bike. Some guys like straight line speed, some guys like the turns, and some like both. The best part is that there are different bikes for different wants.

Good one... These sport touring bikes will never defeat a pure sportbike, man. It is a LOT more than straight line speed ya know... If you think a ZX14R can beat a BMW or even something like it's evil sibling the new ZX10, you're delusional...

You do realize that it is actually further for them to travel than it is for me, right? About 5 hours from the Cleveland area... I'm 4-1/2 and know a lot of the guys are from east of Cleveland which is adding more miles and time. They tried it before with little success. That being said, I again think WERA is losing people. So, there are a bunch of possible customers that could be had. With WERA now adding Black Hawk Farms and truly making it damn near impossible for NC racers to attend w/o a deeper budget needed, MS getting a Grattan event or two would be great. But, I think focusing on one new track is what should be done and if I were to suggest a second, it would be Putnam over Grattan...

I think baby steps. Grattan is a haul for most people that would be racing MS... I'd say work on Mid-O and add to the two already in existence and work in Grattan later if needed... 4 at Nelson, 2 at Beaver and 2 at Mid-O would be stellar...

I sent him a PM. Do you have his email?

I really doubt WERA will be there unless they can piggy back onto an existing event. I really think a series needs to hit that track 2-3 times a season. The organization that clinches it, will reap the rewards... Moto Series anyone?

Translate that twisted. You been drinking or hanging with Rusty? No makey out what you are sayin'...

I tried Had nothing for him...

VERY light. More experts than anything. But, wouldn't matter as there isn't anyone that I know that could offer any competition to Jake...

Yup :10.6. Next closest guy was a second slower and not even remotely close as consistent as Jake was. His Horizon Award to give away. I think a clean sweep is coming.

Jake Lewis. Remember that name. He's going to be someone. He's FOOOOKING FAAAAAST! Kid is amazingly gifted and is as smooth as a seasoned veteran. It was an absolute pleasure to be on the same track with this kid. Just sayin' - keep the name registered for future reference.