[Chain]

Thanks Conq.

[sheepofblue]

But I bet you will want to advance up one level. And since you currently do not have the Aerostitch I would go leather two piece not custom

Do you have any leather jacket now? If so you might also be able to get matching pants or have a zipper added (I think they always come with matching zippers so use the one off the pants and go to a good alteration place)

For the 600ish you are talking you could come close to getting a 2 piece speedmaster setup or similar.

[Chain]

I've only been on a track one time in my life (on a bike that is) and it was for the rider's school at MAM last year. I can't imagine I have any business out in session with the experienced guys.

[sheepofblue]

From MAM:
"This means you can receive your Amateur Motorcycle Road Racing License or a Certified Sport Rider Certificate from the Formula USA's Championship Cup Series on the spot (on the premisis) after completion of your class.*"

sounds like you are officially more qualified than the livestock that is starting in street and everyone predicts will advance up (unless everyone was buttering me up )

EDIT: In the end do what you think will make you happy. It will surely be fun and there is many years of life left to 'adjust' and improve

[Baketech]

Originally Posted by Chain

Hey abtech, Baketech (cause I know you've got a black 2-pc Vanson suit), et al...

I wear my 2pc on the street because of the touring convenience...but acknowledge that it does not offer the same level of protection as my 1pc track suit due to the zipper connection...
My take...?
Since you already have touring gear, get a 1pc for Sunday blasts and track days.....then add a Stich for long distance rides in the future...

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

Listen to the experts but the Vanson (while nice) does not have any armor.

[Baketech]

Regarding the Stich....

There is no denying the versatility of the Stich...I love mine, and even rode it on the track for a season....it's PGP (Purty Good Protection)...but won't take the place of a good set of leathers....

The reason has less to do with the abrasion resistance of the material, or the efficacy of the armor.....but more to do with the inherent design of the garment itself....

Here's why...your Stich is sized to fit over your clothes....blue jeans, cotton shirts etc. When riding on the track on a hot day, you will not wear your jeans....but rather shorts or UnderArmor. This makes the garment a bit loose fitting...and in the event of a tumble, the armor will not remain in place as well as it should....
This is not speculation...I have seen this happen....

A major factor in the effectiveness of a set of leathers is the "form fit" that keeps the armor in place while you are hitting yourself in the face with your own crotch....

Again...this is not an indictment of the Stich, as I am a user and fan. However, it's use beyond an introductory track day should be weighed with a great deal of caution....

Flame Away....

[sheepofblue]

Originally Posted by Baketech

Let me rephrase the Vanson listed on New Enough says it is Vanson armor compatible (so you can have armor). However the price listed is without armor if I read it correctly. This would further drive up the cost, a factor for Chain like the rest of us.

[Baketech]

Yeah...Vanson armor is ala carte because they offer different styles...

[abtech]

Originally Posted by Chain

What's discouraging about Z Custom is that you cannot browse their online catalog w/o ponying up $10.00 (refundable when you purchase a suit).

I think Barnacle Bill's the way to go for me.

The only thing you get with the catalog is pics of suits they have made in the past and an ordering (sizing) kit. Their website has all of the features explained and several examples to view. Call Debbie and spend 15 minutes on the phone, you won't be disappointed. If you want some special design, just print out a picture and comment it regarding the colors and layout.

[HondaGalToo]

If you're going to get into trackdays and do several after Grattan, then get one piece leathers. I have a 'stich and I love it for the street, but I have a set of 1-pc Vansons for track duty. Should you decide to go with a 2-piece, get a full circumference zipper, that's all one zipper. Although I've never seen or tried it, I can't imagine anything more tedious and frustrating than trying to hook up the three zippered 2 piece offering from Vanson. That would annoy the crap out of me. When I had a 2-piece Vanson, getting the one full circumference zipped, then zipping the jacket, was enough.

I've heard nothing but good things about Z-leathers, and Barnacle Bill. I'd try those first. If you want a custom Vanson now, there is no way you'll see it before June. Of course, I'm not sure about that, but it wouldn't surprise me. It's Spring. They turn suits around pretty quickly in the fall.

[WetShrub]

Out here the two names are Helimot and Zooni. Zooni used to work for Helimot and then broke away to start his own company. Great custom suits with plenty of armor. Super comfortable. You can even design your own suit on the Zooni web site.



http://www.helimot.com/catalog/suits/index.shtml -Helimot

http://www.jlindoleatherwear.com/indexi.html -Zooni

-Shrub

[CBRVFR]

I had Helimot quote on an identical suit to the BB one I bought, and it would have cost more than twice as much.. same with Vanson.

Bill also shipped the suit within 4 weeks during the height of the season.

[WetShrub]

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

I had Helimot quote on an identical suit to the BB one I bought, and it would have cost more than twice as much.. same with Vanson.

Bill also shipped the suit within 4 weeks during the height of the season.

Yeah, helimot isn't cheap. Zooni does the same work for like 1200 for a custom suit. Add extra for your name stitched on it or an aero-hump or something.

[FuTAnT]

I might also tempt you to try some Oz leathers.

www.tigerangel.com.au - they mostly do custom fit leathers. They are very thick, extremely well made, and I'm sure there's a few people on this board who can attest to their road sliding abilities. Small company, but make great leathers. I wouldn't want to be in anything else if I was skipping across the bitumen. I looked at Dainese, Alpine all that sort of stuff, and these leathers still seemed to come out on top.

[sheepofblue]

Originally Posted by FuTAnT

I might also tempt you to try some Oz leathers.

www.tigerangel.com.au - they mostly do custom fit leathers. They are very thick, extremely well made, and I'm sure there's a few people on this board who can attest to their road sliding abilities. Small company, but make great leathers. I wouldn't want to be in anything else if I was skipping across the bitumen. I looked at Dainese, Alpine all that sort of stuff, and these leathers still seemed to come out on top.

Custom and by June all the way from Aussie land.... maybe even possible since y'all are headed into winter right?

[ND4SPD]

Originally Posted by Chain

I've only been on a track one time in my life (on a bike that is) and it was for the rider's school at MAM last year. I can't imagine I have any business out in session with the experienced guys.

You'd be surprised. I thought the same thing, by the end of the first day I was ready to move into the Intermediate group. It may be intimidating to step in there because everyone's riding "fast". In reality they really aren't going much faster, they're just more experienced. IMHO, get your way into the intermediate group as soon as you can and hook up with somebody for a session or two, follow them around and see how they ride. You can learn an awful lot from someone that's been on that track and knows the lines.

[matt232]

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

Custom and by June all the way from Aussie land.... maybe even possible since y'all are headed into winter right?

Winter is on the way yer....Shoot them an email and find out what the ETA would be....

Also Tigerangel give discounts to most clubs so, throw a few names at them and you can pick up a 10% discount (Honda Riders Club of Australia should do it....but for Chain I think it would be more believable if he went with WIMA )

Also http://www.underdog-leathers.com/ (see USA distributor in the Contact Us page) have more competitive pricing that Tigerangel ($AU900 verses $AU1600), suits look a little cheaper but are just as good quality if you come off.

Tigerangel knocks up their suits here in Melbourne but Underdog gets their leathers made in India and shipped down here.

[luvtolean]

Originally Posted by Baketech

Regarding the Stich....

There is no denying the versatility of the Stich...I love mine, and even rode it on the track for a season....it's PGP (Purty Good Protection)...but won't take the place of a good set of leathers....

The reason has less to do with the abrasion resistance of the material, or the efficacy of the armor.....but more to do with the inherent design of the garment itself....

Here's why...your Stich is sized to fit over your clothes....blue jeans, cotton shirts etc. When riding on the track on a hot day, you will not wear your jeans....but rather shorts or UnderArmor. This makes the garment a bit loose fitting...and in the event of a tumble, the armor will not remain in place as well as it should....
This is not speculation...I have seen this happen....

A major factor in the effectiveness of a set of leathers is the "form fit" that keeps the armor in place while you are hitting yourself in the face with your own crotch....

Again...this is not an indictment of the Stich, as I am a user and fan. However, it's use beyond an introductory track day should be weighed with a great deal of caution....

Flame Away....

Very very good post. This is exactly the problem with a stitch on track. An aerostitch is skewed by design to be comfortable daily, on and off the bike, and protect you from the elements.

A good leather suit is not nearly as comfortable off the bike(it must be somewhat tight to do its job), and is focused purely on saving your life.

[ConqSoft]

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

You'd be surprised. I thought the same thing, by the end of the first day I was ready to move into the Intermediate group.

I thought you moved into the off-road group?

[Pete]

Originally Posted by abtech

Personally, I would avoid Syed

Elaborate, please. While I have no experience with Syed, several people I know are all "shits and giggles" over Syed.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Very very good post. This is exactly the problem with a stitch on track. An aerostitch is skewed by design to be comfortable daily, on and off the bike, and protect you from the elements.

What LTL meant/wanted to say: "TEXTILES SUCK!!!"