Kemp

I can get behind this technology.

Wait, I mean, I really appreciate the engineering here, especially when it comes to Tracer seats.

BMW patents adjustable saddle

The rider I influenced was the one who I end up riding the most with. I got a Ninja 250 nearly 20 years ago, and he thought it was cool and followed suit a couple of years later. He's now a track veteran and regularly leaves me in the dust!

So, I've had a few weeks to try out my Scorpion EXO Tempest gloves, and thought I would report my findings:

So far, so good. The only nitpick I have is the weirdly-sized fingers, or maybe it's my weirdly-sized fingers; the fingertips extend a bit from the ends of my fingers. Otherwise, the fit was spot on. I followed their sizing chart and picked a XL, which is a size up from my normal L. I've not ridden in really cold weather yet, but have had a couple of rides down into the 50s and they worked just fine. They have the proper amount of insulation to work yet not feel bulky. There's very little insulation on the palm side, which works well with the heated grips. They've actually made me re-think purchasing hand guard extenders.

Overall, I'm pleased with the purchase, even with the weird fit on my hands. I would recommend them.

I went with @MightBeSasquatch's recommendation and ordered some Scorpion EXO Tempest gloves. I've yet to receive them, but I'll try to follow up with what I find out. I went with these primarily because the Cortech Scarabs were sold out, but I still think the Scorpions might fit the bill. Stay tuned.

2 hours ago, bwringer said:

As per standard procedure when I find gear I like, my order is the death knell for that particular line of gear or even the entire company. I'm not sure what happened to Olympia -- it's unclear whether the company is alive in some way or is just a twitching corpse. Availability is very spotty, but if you can find Olympia gear, it's great stuff for the money with accurate sizing.

I know you said you're reluctant to buy online, but Olympia does still have a web presence, if that helps: https://shop.olympiagloves.com/collections/mens-motorcycle-gloves

36 minutes ago, Clegg78 said:

I ended up settling on the Coretech Scarab 2.0  https://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/gloves/insulated_and_or_waterproof/cortech/scarab_2_winter_gloves.html 

When you mentioned those, I remembered I have a buddy that rides with those. Seems like I tried them on once, and they seemed really nice. He recently gave me his cast off Helds when he upgraded; maybe I should convince HIM that it's time for some new winter gloves. 😀

10 minutes ago, draco_1967 said:

How cold are the temperatures you want to ride in? 

Probably not too cold, mostly in the 40s/50s. If I get the hand guard extensions and use my heated grips, I'm hoping I can get away with some lighter weight gloves. I have considered the Hippo Hands, and may have to give them a second look.

1 hour ago, MightBeSasquatch said:

Scorpion EXO Tempest Gloves

I actually had these saved on a Revzilla wish list. Might have to give them a shot.

I'm needing a new set of gloves for the non-summer months. Since I already have heated grips and will be adding some handguard extensions, I'm needing some recommendations on new gloves.

I have a set of Tourmaster winter gloves that I've had for many years, and they aren't bad at keeping my hands warm, but they are so bulky that my fingers hurt after a good long ride. So, I'm hoping to find something that's somewhat insulated but not too bulky. Waterproofing is not necessary, but could be a plus.

So, what 'cha got?

So, Suzuki built a Ninja 1000? Interesting.

It looks promising. Not a fan of the face, but otherwise it's a nice looking bike. If it's as reliable as my old Bandit 1200, should be a solid ride for man miles.

I haven't been on 16 in a while, but a lot of the roads I like to ride have been getting some attention this year. Too many of them have had chip seal added, which I'm not a fan of, but once it's bedded it seems to be okay.

14 hours ago, Scoobydoo said:

News said Tomorrow will be 104° so I'll see how it does that hot. 

I would like a report back when you're riding in this weather. A lot of my riding is done in hot, humid southern summer conditions, and I would like to know how effective the venting is in these conditions.

@tktplz I've heard others refer to that by the same name! I need to ride it again soon. Hit it a couple of times last year, and it was my first long-ish ride on my new Tracer. No shortage of great roads in Arkansas, that's for sure!

On 5/29/2021 at 8:57 AM, fjrchuck said:

Thanks for the write-up!  I will be down that way end of September on my FJR and meeting my Texas riding bud, also on an FJR!!

Love riding the area, the scenery, the people and the roads are awesome.....

There are plenty of roads to choose from, too. Honestly, just about anything west of Highway 65 and north of Interstate 40 is worth your attention.

On 5/28/2021 at 7:54 PM, tktplz said:

Kemp also there is Hwy 341, Push Mountain which is worth a ride up and down right outside Norfork, AR by Mountain Home. Well worth your while to ride it. We, The VMax owners assoc have a meet in Mountain Home in early October. Really there are so many roads in that area. Hwy 125 going north out of Buck Creek Marina. There is a ferry there from AR to MO. 125 going north of of the Marina is excellent. Great surface on the road too. 3 to 5 years old. Pic of the Gas stop in Jasper, AR. Riding 74 and 123 the Mini Dragon in that area. Also 103, so many roads so little time. Retirement is around the corner and the roads are mine for the choosing. Me on the far right. 

 

This is a Gen1 Bored out to a 1327 CC with VGas carbs. Light weight wheels which also convert it to radial tires from the original bias ply. Frame braces. Plus an R1, Gen 2 VMax an FZ1 in the pic. We ride all kinds of bikes. But we are the Vmax Owners Assoc, South Central Divison. 

Yup. I've run Push Mountain several times, and it can be looped into the ride I did very easily. I just hadn't been on Hwy 9 in many years and wanted to get re-acquainted with that section of road. If you like Push, then you'll love the upper section of Highway 123; in my opinion, it's more demanding than Push Mountain by a wide margin!

Your bedside reading materials aren't books, they're maps.

2 minutes ago, Kevin R said:

Sounds like a nice day ride, Kemp. Arkansas/Ozarks is about the only part of the US that I still haven't ridden. I once lived in Quincy, IL and made a weekend trip down to southern MO and the great alphabet soup of roads there, but didn't get over the state line into AR. I figured I'd get there on the next trip but unfortunately my time in Quincy was shorter than expected and I never made it back down that way. Now I live on the left coast and would have to travel far to get there. Some day...

I would like to ride on the left coast sometime. Although, I have driven in LA, and have no desire to get caught up in that hot mess! The Pacific Coast Highway is a bucket list ride for me, and I know there's plenty more roads near there that would be a blast.

1 hour ago, texscottyd said:

@Kemp - Thanks for the write up!  Northwest Arkansas used to be an annual pilgrimage for me, but unfortunately I haven’t been up that way in several years.   This inspires me to get back up there this season...  it’s great riding, spectacular scenery, and friendly people.  

You should! I rarely travel out of state because of the time involved, and honestly I can be on some fun roads in just a few minutes, so why go anywhere else?

Having said that, now that I have the Tracer, I'm ready to see what other states have to offer.

Duckie, they do a pretty decent job of it. I think other states do try it, but I feel like Arkansas' approach is a prime example of how it should be done. I'm impressed that they not only publish routes but have gpx files that are free to use.

I was trying out a new lens the other day photographing a buddy on his Ninja on a favorite section of twisties, so I thought I would get a couple of my Tracer as well!

On 3/10/2021 at 11:18 AM, andz said:

Wash your hair or shave your head.

My head has been shaven for over 20 years, I have an X-Lite 802 that is more that 10 years old and it doesn't smell at all.

It doesn't always work that way. I've been clean headed for around 10 years, and last year my helmet got FUNKY. Washing the liner took care of it, so it didn't get in the EPS. I'll be interested to know how this thread ends.

If you make it to Arkansas and need some recommendations on roads, let me know. Mostly, anywhere west of Highway 65 and north of I-40 are great roads.

I've been considering  a trip to that area. Good to see it would be worth it!

1 hour ago, Gbritton21 said:

Congrats on the purchase. I’m just north of you in Jacksonville and purchased the same bike last week. It’s been amazing so far!!!

Glad to know there are other Arkansans here! I'm loving mine so far.