Don't buy the Daytona Eclipse helmet

Out with the Daytona

After I arrived home following my mini Saddle Sore, I was greeted with a box containing my Daytona Eclipse modular helmet. Helmets Etc sent a large this time but it was still too large. I considered exchanging for a medium but just couldn't bring myself to do it. The helmet lacks adequate padding, once on & fastened - the interior padding was loose therefore moving on my head. The chin latch was metal on plastic (not too reassuring in a fall off). I now understand why this Chinese made Caberg knock off is $200 cheaper than the Caberg.

In with the HJC IS-Max

After some more research, I visited and purchased the HJC IS-Max modular helmet. The fit and finish is excellent, padding thick & removable for cleaning, helmet fit secure on my head, internal sunshield has great coverage and chin latch is metal on metal. I would highly recommend this helmet.

Joe's New RYDE

Congratulations to Joe who finally picked up his R 1200 RT from my garage. I had the honor of riding with Joe on his one day trip back to VA from Barrington. We left Barrington at approximately 7:30 A.M. and did not stop riding until about 10:30 A.M. when we had our first gas stop approximately 197 miles from Barrington. I finally figured out the true essence of sport touring today. The ability of the rider and the bike to cover extreme distances in a comfort and sporty fashion. Joe and I made extremely good time, while not breaking any laws......Please consider we lost time going through the toll booths....His RT and my ST 1300 ran flawlessly. Please see the pictures that were taken this morning, thanks to my wife. Joe rode all the way getting to VA at approximately 8:01 P.M. central time. I am guessing Joe should have his Saddle Sore 1000 in? I only rode about 459 miles which qualifies me for Iron Cheek, which is half of an Iron Butt award. Everyone enjoy this riding season..

Dream Realized

There were a few minor additions at 11pm, to make the ride more comfortable. Notice... Joe is still in his dress shirt and slacks. But the next morning....about 7ish... bright-eyed, excited, and dressed for the 45 degree temperature, Joe was in his glory! And you know who got to lead him out??? Sorry for the blurred video...I was little tired from the Elite gift!! Thanks again Joe! Ride safe.

Product Evaluation NITRO Winter Mittens

I bought two pair of the Nitro Winter Mittens, one for TTP and one for myself. I have had an opportunity to test them out today while riding the ST 1300. I paid $20 per pair, which is a very competitive price. Nitro an Vegas are low price point motorcycle gear apparel. The Nitro Mittens are textile with leather palms. It is made in Vietnam and workmanship appears to be ok thusfar. The sizes are true to size and I bought a pair of mittens that were XL. The interior of the mittens are cloth and very soft and supple. It is a three finger mitten. It feels odd wearing it. I will say that the weather was 45 degrees (F) when I left home, and my hands were very warm. In fact my hands began to sweat in the mittens, actually not a good thing. I did not have to turn on the heated grips at all. The downside of these mittens are that they seem to be made more for snowmobile riders than motorcycle riders. There is no protection other than the leather palms, no protection for the fingers. The mittens appear to be windproof and waterproof. The biggest problem with them is that you loss a great deal of hand dexterity with the mittens. It was difficult for me to operate the turn signals. Forget about the computer or any GPS, these mittens did not allow me to manipulate my hands even to feel comfortable controlling the motorcycle. These mittens would be perfect for a passenger! Anyway that is my short review. I rode with the mittens for approximately 130 miles, in a mixture of back roads and highways. Ride safe. Jp

Happy Easter 2009

I just want to wish each and everyone a Happy Easter. I trust that everyone has taken time to enjoy the family and reflect on the true meaning of Easter. God Bless, Jp

New Daytona Helmet

Well, my new D.O.T. approved Daytona Eclipse modular helmet (a.k.a knock off Caberg) arrived today. Unfortunately, they sent the wrong size. The helmet looks identical to the Caberg (modular, integrated pop down sun screen, etc.). However, it doesn't feel as solid as my Arai. But that's a $480 helmet vs $109 helmet. Padding is adequate but not thick as the Arai. I have a feeling this will be a noisy helmet but I wear ear plugs, have a high windscreen and listen to my tunes so this shouldn't matter. I'll always have the Arai if it doesn't work out.

Friends & Family Helmet Sale for Nolan

Greetings Nob'ers. This Saturday, April 11, 2009 @ 9:00 a.m. CIMA INTERNATIONAL is have their yearly Friends and Family Nolan Helmet Sale! You have to be there at 9:00 a.m. to take full advantage of the best buys. CIMA is located at 1585 Beverly Court, Aurora, IL 60502, their phone number is 630-671-9710. Enjoy it! It is an "Off da Hook" Sale! I will not be there this year. Plus I have too many helmets anyway. Ride safe, enjoy each and everyday! Jp