[Ducati] track-days

Fri Dec 14 17:44:07 EST 2007

Excellent advice there Mark, from a guy who certainly has been there on a
track.

Your mention of body armour slipping around in loose leathers brought up a
thought. Do you use the body armour that comes with a suit, or a separate
system?  Have to admit, I have used the stuff that came with the suit, and
found at times that the lining and all on a hot day (like in New Mexico)
makes it tough to get off and on as things got sweaty when the fit was good.
Then I started using things like Bohn's armour, and using that to supplement
or even replace the armour that comes in the suit. These (Bohns) under
leather suits provide an extra layer of protection for the rubbing factor,
plus keep the armour securely in place because of the tight spandex fit of
the shirt/pants. Further, there are mesh versions for slightly better
circulation on those really hot days. Also, for the cold days, there are
some one piece suits of Goretex that can go over the armour suit and under
the leathers to provide extra warmth. By choosing and using different types
of Bohn (or other makes) armour, you can start with somewhat loose leathers
and then work up to a more efficient armour than the suit alone provides,
and in case the personal growth that Rich Roberts refers to should happen to
occur, you can simply reduce the Bohn armour and just use what the suit
provides as needed.

One of my favourite rigs is a mesh Dainese armour suit for the top, compleat
with very good back protector, that fits under my Darian light jacket.
Provides great protection and still maintains some coolness to not die
during Texas hot and humid summers. Not the perfect gear for track perhaps,
but usable, depending on the organization requirements.

Peter

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark Hatten" <hatman at columbus.rr.com>
To: "Ducati Owners Group" <ducati at ducati.net>
Sent: Friday, December 14, 2007 3:39 PM
Subject: Re: [Ducati] track-days

> If your leathers are going to be for track-work only, you want them to fit
> as snugly as possible.  Loose leathers, aside from flapping about at
speed,
> are dangerous for a variety of reasons.  One, the loose fit can allow the
> body armor to shift and move during a crash, lessening the protection.
Two,
> loose leather can fold over when sliding, creating a "hot spot" and
burning
> through the leather quickly.  Three, lose leathers shift on your body
during
> a slide, abrading your skin.  And four, with so many leathers now
featuring
> fabric stretch panels in the forearms, inner elbows, armpits, etc., loose
> leathers can allow those areas to shift and make contact with the track,
> where they will disintegrate immediately.  I've seen some *ugly* roadrash
> from leathers that were too large and allowed some or all of the above to
> happen.
>
> While you don't need to go for the Moto GP "painted on" look, your
leathers
> should fit very snugly.  If you want them to fit well while tucked in on
the
> bike, do not expect them to feel comfortable when you're standing in the
> pits.  If you've ever wondered why riders walk hunched over in their
> leathers, it's because they're made to fit while on the bike, not standing
> up.  Trying to stand fully upright in a set of properly-fitted racing
> leathers tends to cause immediate discomfort in a very personal area.
>
> You want your leathers as snug as possible without squeezing the breath
out
> of you or restricting your movement on the bike.
>
> This is a good time of year to buy leathers, as most of the manufacturers
> are closing out their 2007 lines.  You can often find great deals on less
> popular colors or sizes that differ from the norm.  If you're of fairly
> average build as far as height to weight does, you will be able to find an
> off-the-race suit that fits well.  I would recommend trying them on,
> however, as they all fit differently.
>
> Mark Hatten
> Wounded Duc -- Used Ducati Parts Online
> Home of the "Loud Clutches Save Lives" T-Shirts
> www.woundedduc.net
> (Note the URL change!)
> AMA Pro #352
> AHRMA #52 (#1 for 2007)
> "Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something
salty" -
> Peter Egan
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Rich Roberts" <bigredxrunner at yahoo.com>
> To: "Ducati Owners Group" <ducati at ducati.net>
> Sent: Friday, December 14, 2007 3:00 PM
> Subject: Re: [Ducati] track-days
>
>
> > Sure do but for almost the price of a rental/deposit you can get close
to
> > a quality used suit. I have never had to rent but you are right most do
> > rent, I guess it depends on how often you might be doing track days, if
> > once in a great while renting is the smart thing to do. Still I think
most
> > serious/safe riders will at some point look at a quality suit for all
> > riding. Whether one or two piece. Nothing quite protects as well as
> > leather I think and that after owning 2 Aerostitches. If touring a
> > synthetic is the smart choice but for spirited sportriding leather suit
is
> > just smart, one that fits. FIt is a diffcult issue for many, Whne you
are
> > twentysomething maybe not, but for many of us getting well beyond 30
years
> > of riding experience it is nice to be able to afford something custom, I
> > prefer loose enough to breath. Nothing worse than a too tight suit when
> > trying to move around on bike or sinply to breath so I like a little
loose
> > if not quite baggy, whether that is as good
> > protection as tight I could not say. Also like em baggy enough to wear
> > cycling shorts underneath. Rich
> >
>
>
>
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