Rizla Suzuki MotoGP was joined at Valencia by Andy Ibbott. Andy is one of the most respected motorcycling journalists in Britain. He has recently had published Performance Riding Techniques, a book dedicated to the skills required for track riding. He is also race coach to former 125cc World Champion Thomas Luthi and an active trainer and Director of the California Superbike School (www.superbikeschool.co.uk). Here is his opinion on riding the Rizla Suzuki GSV-R.

First of all my kind hearted thanks to Paul Denning and the whole team at Rizla Suzuki Moto GP for the opportunity to ride John Hopkins bike.

In the past I have ridden three 500cc 2-stroke GP bikes so when I managed to secure a ride on the Rizla Suzuki I was surprised with the kick of adrenaline that went with it. In fact, every time I thought of the ride the heart beat got faster.

In the end I had to have a word with myself; “Ibbott, it will be as wild or tame as your right hand makes it so sort yourself out!” Indeed.

On the day of the test I was informed that I would get five laps of Valencia, a track I have not ridden on before, although done plenty of scooter laps on it with Thomas Luthi and Sandro Cortese as a part of their coaching for the GPs. But riding a 240bhp monster is another entirely different matter.

Looking out of the pit box was a ‘Thumbs up’ from the mechanics that it was time. With ear plugs well and truly in place (yes, it is THAT loud) the walk from the back of the garage to the bike has to be one of the longest, yet shortest in history.

Say the word protection around any person in the general public and many people flash back to a moment in the back seat of a Buick.  Mention it to a motorcyclist and the perspective is quite different.  In both cases the concept is the same, steer away from unwanted consequences, but the execution is quite different.  In the case of the rider, some sort of leather suit is advisable.  As for the back seat rendezvous… all queries will be forwarded directly to the boss’s email. 

In order to keep yours truly from harm, I contacted my friends at Spidi and Hein Gericke and asked that they both send over a set of their newest offerings in cowhide.  Spidi sent their Varitek Wind suit and Hein Gericke shipped out their only leather option, the Celtic suit.  In both cases riders can climb aboard their bike knowing that if the crap hits the fan, they will slide unwillingly across the pavement in relative safety.  But despite similar approaches to a common theme these leather suits are both quite different and those differences are what makes them a viable option for various riders and riding styles. 

Cost: How much is this going to hurt my wallet?

For most riders one of the first questions asked when buying a new suit is, “How much does it cost?”  This is a valid approach to purchases and both of these suits do offer relative value when compared with the current market of leather apparel.  Hein Gericke is a name most often associated with nylon riding gear and the Celtic is their first foray into one piece leather suits.  At a cost of $799 it is a much more affordable option, but the value is not a sign of lack of quality.  Take a look at the list of features and the Celtic becomes a more attractive option for the rider with a tighter budget. 

Yes the Varitek Wind is a more costly option, but with names like Colin Edwards, Sete Gibernau and Yukio Kagayama putting their trust in the Italian brand it is difficult not to consider the Spidi suit.  The price of $1099 is a considerable amount more than the Celtic, but the Spidi has more race inspired input from some of the best racers in the world.  They both might share similar construction and protective features, but when a rider buys a set of Spidi leathers, they are also buying race proven technology.  Make no mistake, both of these suits are high quality, but for an extra $300 a rider can buy the same kit worn by professional racers in MotoGP, World Superbike and AMA Superbike. 

For the past two years I have been neglecting one particular piece of equipment in my motorcycling arsenal.  But strangely enough, I cannot imagine what I would do without it.  They have been kicked out of the way, left in the corner, ran over by my truck and all other sorts of maltreatment. And yet, despite every attempt on my part to break them, this set of Handy Industries Motorcycle Stands have not failed.

It is important in the life of a racer/trackday addict that they have a good set of stands for their motorcycle. This pair will not disappoint. They may not have the bells and whistles of the more expensive competition, but what they lack in flash appeal they make up for in value and durability.  Constructed of steel, abuse is obviously part of their expectations.  These stands might not be the lightest most trick stands in the catalog, but they have suited my needs quite well.  The only real qualms I have is the fact that the paint is starting to peel and as we all know, eventually steel rusts.  

Most underrated piece of equipment

I know that I have ignored them but if they were gone I would miss them.  If you are a budget conscious racer or track day artist, Handy Industries has a stand to suit your needs. Visit www.handindustries.com for more details.

GOOD
+ Price
+ Almost impossible to destroy
+ Every racer or trackday participant needs a set of bike stands.

BAD
- Make sure they fit your bike before ordering
- Front stand does not allow for fork removal

UGLY
* $77.00 for the front, $83.00 for the rear with specials for buying both