Friday, June 28, 2013

Iron Butt Rally 2013


The 2013 edition of the Iron Butt Association's bi-annual Iron Butt Rally will kick-off on July 1st. The world's most determined (and sleep-deprived) motorcyclists will depart from the "northeast" the USA (rumor has it Pittsburgh or thereabouts) on an 11-day test of rider and machine that will take some of them to the four corners of the continental USA and perhaps beyond (a few are usually baited to Alaska) in search of valuable points.  Top finishers typically average over 1,000 miles per day.  The IBA's daily rally reports by Bob Higdon are a must-read!  

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Friday, June 21, 2013

Product Review: Dainese TRQ-Tour Gore-Tex boots

Below is my slightly edited review of the Dainese TRQ-Tour Gore-Tex boots, recently posted on Revzilla's website. Click the first link for product images and description.


Fine Italian leather footwear is always appropriate for the office.



5 / 5
5 / 5
Great SPORT-touring boot
June 6, 2013
Customer avatar
From Newark
State:DE
Rider Type:Road Warrior
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Bang for the Buck 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Style 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Comfort 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Protection & Durability 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Air Flow 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Features 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Fit
Small
Slightly Small
Large
Footbed
Narrow
Narrow
Wide
Have only had these about a month, but after about 1,000 miles I feel I know enough to review them preliminarily.
Sizing/fit: I'm a US 7.5 in non-motorcycle footwear; usually a Euro size 40 in m/c boots, like the 2 pairs of Rev'It! Fusions I've worn out. I have a narrow foot and high-arches. I tried a 40 in the TRQ Tour G-T but it was too small; the 41 fit very snug at first but has broken in to fit very well and feel fine, although time will tell if my heaviest winter socks will work with it. Be aware that this is a fairly narrow boot; duck-footed riders should look elsewhere.
Waterproofness/Breathability: I've had a few 3-5 hr. rides in moderate rain (no gully-washers yet) and my feet have remained bone-dry. The Gore-Tex membrane breathes well enough, though I'm not sure if it's any better than other similar, proprietary membranes I've had in other boots -- difficult to compare as my feet don't sweat much even in high humidity and I always wear wicking-fabric socks.
Construction/Quality Control: Top-notch with high level of detail, as you should demand at this price-point. I inspected these boots in detail and found only one niggle: an inside seam near top edge sewn slightly off-kilter, causing the liner to form a small raised crease. Though it looks like it could cause an annoying rub, I haven't felt it at all, so "no harm no foul." Note: I always wear tall socks.
Protection: Haven't "auditioned" this feature and no plans to do so. However, if appearances mean anything, these boots at least give me confidence that my feet, ankles and lower legs are well-protected.
General comments: I guess I'm doing it wrong, but as I age (52 now) I'm becoming more of a SPORT-touring rider and less of a sport-TOURING rider. These boots are great for my current needs: a waterproof boot that's quick & easy to don/doff ('cuz I also commute regularly) while being very protective, but not as stiff as a track-level boot. I've walked around some rally/meet/RTE sites without pain or difficulty, but I wouldn't recommend these boots for extended off-bike use (take along some slip-on hikers or Chaco sandals instead). The boot is stiffer than more touring-oriented boots, which took me a while to get used to -- at first I missed a few shifts and generally felt like a klutz, but I've grown accustomed and all is OK now. The outsole is a harder compound and not as grippy (particularly when wet) than any of my previous boots, but is improving a bit as miles add up; I expect the harder sole will last longer, though, which is important at this price-point as it's not replaceable. The plastic shifter-patch still looks brand new, BTW. After the first good exposure to rain, the boots began squeaking when walking around (either doesn't do it on the bike or I can't hear it); I'm guessing a little road crud must've gotten in the plastic ankle joints. I may try flushing the joints out with water or something safe for the plastic and leather.
Rides: 2003 Kawasaki ZR-7S
Yes, I recommend this product.

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