Motorcyclists - What are you wearing?

[Biscotti]

Wow, awesome. I need to get one! Hopefully I'll take the BRC sometime mid summer.

 

[bwong337]

Originally Posted by mlyngard

Ya can't beat an air-cooled Duc V-twin, especially a 12 year old design like the Monster, but I'd say the Sport Classic trumps the old Monster design. sexy stuff. Like all Ducati air and oil cooled motors, you'll have high service costs and need to watch clutch wear, belt changes and the usual Duc items.

I have a 1994 Ducati Monster 900. The original. The V-twin has plenty of torque and the riding position is very comfy. I got mine at 16k miles last November. I'm at 19k miles right now. No issues to report. I haven't done the 18k valve adjustment yet, but from what I read, after the 12k, it's not really needed. Most of the time the service dept just opens it up and confirms that the valves are at the correct location. An updated version ducati monster would be the street fighter. My co worker has one, and boy is it pretty. The Monster's more of a classic, and the street fighter is more of a modern take on an older design. The ducati v-twin sound is hard to beat. It's distinctive: low throaty rumble, but smooth at the same time! The Sport above isn't going to be as comfy as a monster, as it has clip on handle bars. I sit pretty upright on my monster.

 

[chroMe]

xpost:

velocette helmet which I wear on warm days when I'm feeling lucky.

 

[otc]

Man I just gotta take a class and get licensed.

Unfortunately I am still registered in MN (living in chicago). This is good because the good class in minneapolis is like half the price of the good class in chicago...it is bad because that requires me to be in MN to take the class and tests.

 

[JonB27]

^^^ Thanks for the input. I test rode the Street Fighter and really like it performance wise, but I like the look of the monster a lot better. Just trying to decide between the 796 or the 1100, I won't be tracking it, so I don't think I'll need the extra power. When I bought my R6 I was planning on getting out to the track once in a while but just got too busy with work and didn't make it out. So now I want a bike that is more comfortable but can still perform well in the canyons.

 

[kiya]

Originally Posted by chroMe

xpost:

velocette helmet which I wear on warm days when I'm feeling lucky.

I love that helmet, but like you said yourself, only wear it on days where you feel lucky.

 

[bwong337]

If you want a good performer in the mountains, go for the lighter bike.
What do you plan on doing with your bike? If it's 100% mountain riding, i'd recommend a supermoto (Suzuki DRZ-400sm). If it's for commuting and the occasional mountain riding, the monster's a great pick.

 

[Flambeur]

My current kit:

blacked out fullface
black armored carbolex jacket or leather
514 selvedge
red wings engineer boots or old coach paratrooper boots or john varvatos/converse boots

 

[steviecakes]

any recommendations for gloves that are protective in the event of a fall but don't look like they just came off the racetrack? I'm taking the MSF course this summer. Can't wait

 

[kiya]

Dianese makes some smaller lightweight gloves which look good and are extremely protective.

 

[CharlieAngel]

Originally Posted by steviecakes

any recommendations for gloves that are protective in the event of a fall but don't look like they just came off the racetrack? I'm taking the MSF course this summer. Can't wait

A pair of leather gardening gloves would never be confused with racing gloves. And don't scoff, that's probably what they're going to loan you at the MSF course.

 

[kiya]

I've had these for about two years and love them: http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1...815537-691-S_G

 

[JonB27]

Originally Posted by bwong337

If you want a good performer in the mountains, go for the lighter bike.
What do you plan on doing with your bike? If it's 100% mountain riding, i'd recommend a supermoto (Suzuki DRZ-400sm). If it's for commuting and the occasional mountain riding, the monster's a great pick.

I want to use it in the city, occasional canyon riding and the occasional trip down the coast... I'm almost convinced on getting the Monster, just waiting for the 796 to hit the dealer, I want to test it against the 1100.

^I have those same Dainese gloves and would recommend them.

 

[emptym]

Originally Posted by steviecakes

any recommendations for gloves that are protective in the event of a fall but don't look like they just came off the racetrack? I'm taking the MSF course this summer. Can't wait
These US army surplus gloves have been my favorite everyday pair for the past 8 yrs:

The snaps are very helpful for keeping the key handy and the gloves together:

 

[ACDoyle]

Does anyone have a Kakadu Nelson Jacket, I am looking to buy either the small or x-small but I have not been able to find actual measurements and emails to retailers have not been answered

Thanks