Part Review: CBR600 F4i Windscreens - Puig vs. Zero Gravity

Buy Puig windscreens at Amazon.com.

Introduction

It was less than 48 hours until we were supposed to be at the track and I needed a new windscreen. Okay, I wanted a new windscreen. Mine was scratched and old and, although I'm typically not one for vanity, the track day was mostly made up of Ducatis and I was bringing a Honda. I stopped at my local dealership to pick up a windscreen. (Normally I would order one online, but time was short.) They said they could order me a Zero Gravity windscreen and it would arrive the following morning, in time for my track day. Being familiar with Zero Gravity's product, I gave them the green light and headed to another dealership to cover my bases—just in case the "following morning" was actually next week. The alternate dealership had a Puig Racing windscreen in stock. Figuring a windscreen in hand was worth two the morning of the track day, I purchased the Puig as well.

I admit I wasn't familiar with Puig products, but seeing the windscreen in person before buying it put me at ease. The windscreen seemed well made, robust, and I liked the "bubble" form of the Racing series. I'm not a small person by any means and when you're on a 5-year-old 600 constantly going up against liter-bikes on the straightaway, any aerodynamic advantage—whether perceived or real—can help.

Puig (tinted) vs. Zero Gravity (clear):

Impression

Both were roughly $70 and both were easy to install. Each seem of good quality. However, I immediatly noticed a difference in material thickness betwen the two as can be seen below.

The Puig is clearly thicker:

Additionally, I liked the "bubble" on the Puig Racing windscreen. In all fairness, Zero Gravity does offer three different styles: the SR, Double Bubble, and Sport Touring. The "Double Bubble" is akin to Puig's Racing series and the "SR" is akin to Puig's "Standard" series. Given that the Puig screen is made with thicker material and you get the "bubble" for the same price as Zero Gravity's standard SR model, I was happier with my Puig purchase.

Installation

Installation was simple, straightforward, and the same on both screens.

Use

Figuring the Zero Gravity would be very similar to my stock windscreen, I used the Puig at the track. Overall, it performed very well...how can a windscreen really perform badly unless it cracks or flies off? I really liked the racing bubble profile. I'm sure it was a total placebo, but I couldn't attribute making time on 1000cc Ducatis on the straightaway to anything else as I know it wasn't rider skill.

It's worth noting that I have no long-term results yet. I don't know how each responds to prolonged sun exposure, repeated cleaning, abuse at track days, or a crash. I will update my review when I start getting that kind of data.

Conclusion

If I had to return one of the windscreens, I would return the Zero Gravity. Of course I will continue to use both and log future observations.

Gear Review: Helimot Gloves

Quality:	+	+	+	+	-	(4 out of 5)
Functionality:	+	+	+	+	+	(5 out of 5)
Appearance:	+	+	+	-	-	(3 out of 5)
Value:	+	+	+	-	-	(3 out of 5)
Overall:	+	+	+	+	-	(4 out of 5)
Pros:	Extremely comfortable Custom tailored fit Quality Workmanship Kangaroo Locally made (for me anyway)
Cons:	Not cheap Styling might not be for everyone

Introduction

I knew I needed a new pair of gloves soon, but I really hadn't given any thought to what I was going to get. My multiple pairs were getting too worn, coming unstitched, soaked by sweat at the track only to dry hard in the sun too many times, etc.

I wasn't really putting off buying new gloves, but gloves didn't really excite me. I'm pretty sure this was due to the fact that I've never had a pair I really liked. I've never experienced the comfort of what a motorcycle glove could and should be. Mine typically start to bunch in the palm, cut off circulation to my pinky finger, have one or two fingers that are too long, etc. Even "good" gloves (which I'm pretty sure just means "expensive") haven't been any better. However, as a disclaimer, I've never owned any really good/expensive gloves.

Well, a couple weekends ago, I found myself at a silent auction raising money for a local fire department which helps quite a few motorcyclists in need. Staring me in the face was a nice looking pair of gloves from a brand I had heard was pretty good. I placed my $130 bid and left for the day. I got the call last Monday that I had won the gloves. I was really excited; new gloves on the cheap! The gloves on which I bid were sent to me and all I had to do was go to the local shop and exchange them for something my size. Luckily for me, the Helimot shop is literally walking distance from my house...so off I went.

Impression

Glove at first sight! When I slipped into my new gloves at the shop, it was a life-changing event. Motorcycle gloves can be comfortable! (In fact, I'm typing in them right now.) Nothing poked my hand; nothing felt rough or hard; it was all smooth and soft; and, most importantly, the gloves barely limited my digital dexterity. The only things a bit off were the thumbs and two fingers—I have short fingers and they were too long. I was told to go break them in with a few rides and bring them back to be tailored to my finger length. I was in shock! Now, the alterations do cost $7 a finger, but considering I got a $200+ pair of gloves for $130, the few bucks for alterations seemed like a good deal.

The best gloves I've ever owned:

The palms are soft and flexible kangaroo hide without superfluous material and the seams are in out-of-the-way places. Compare the palm of the Helimot glove above with an old glove of mine below. The glove below has all sorts of who-knows-what going on. All that material and all that stitching kept bunching up to make a horribly uncomfortable and sometimes painful lump. The Helimot gloves don't do that. But what about safety? The entire palms of the Helimot gloves are two layers thick, and yet they still retain the flexibility you need in a motorcycle glove.

Old, bad glove:

Although they may not look it, the Helimot gloves offer superior protection throughout. The padding on top is thick, yet flexible and, despite it not having carbon fiber knuckle protectors, I suspect these would do a better job at protecting one's hands in an accident. The soft padding does give the glove a sort of "Darth Vader" look which some may not like. I happen to really like the styling of the glove. And believe me, you will get over your style concerns if you try them on. To visually highlight what I mean, compare the inside of the old glove with the Helimot.

Old glove:

Hand heaven:

Use

I'm a few rides in and they're still great. I'm going to bring them in for the alterations soon; they should be even better when I get them back.

Conclusion

Good gloves are worth the money, as long as you are actually spending your money on good gloves. The Helimot gloves I got were less expensive than top-of-the-line gloves from more mainstream brands and far more comfortable. Even after the custom alterations, the price will still be comparable. Not all expensive gloves are good, but these are thus far.

Part Review: Gilles Rearsets 2001 CBR600 F4i

Quality:	+	+	+	+	-	(4 out of 5)
Functionality:	+	+	+	+	-	(4 out of 5)
Appearance:	+	+	+	+	+	(5 out of 5)
Value:	+	+	+	-	-	(3 out of 5)
Overall:	+	+	+	+	-	(4 out of 5)
Pros:	Solves stock F4i rearset "problem" Great feel, good grip, smooth shifting Excellent craftsmanship Are they not hot? Replacement parts sold individually
Cons:	Not cheap Not cheap at all

Buy Gilles rearsets at Amazon.com.

Introduction

Anyone who owns a Honda CBR600 F4i knows the bike, save the seat, is extremely comfortable given its above average handling capabilities. That comfort comes at a cost though; for any aggressive riding, the foot pegs are far too low.

Seen here, the stock F4i rearsets are too low:

This can lead to a serious medical condition known as Toeis Nomoreis. If Toeis Nomoreis is allowed to progress, the cost in footwear alone can be exorbitant.

A bad case of Toeis Nomoreis:

The only thing that could solve my problem was a pair of aftermarket rearsets. I took lugnut's advice, read his review and ordered some Gilles rearsets.

Impression

Wow! lugnut was right. The rearsets continued to impress me from the time I got the box until long after I hit the road. Lucky for lugnut everything he reported was dead on, as I know where he lives. I liked the black ones lugnut chose, but I went with the "titanium" color to match my bike.

Right side:

Left side:

Installation

Installation was simple and straightforward. Unlike with lugnut's R6, the F4i rearsets did not require any creative shift linkages. However, when purchasing the rearsets, I had to explicitly decide between standard or inverted shifting.

Use

Having sat on lugnut's bike when he had his Vortex rearsets, I was worried about grip on an aftermarket foot peg. I was pleasantly surprised with the Gilles pegs. Fantastic grip, smooth shifting and, best of all, my Toeis Nomoreis has been cured.

Conclusion

True, they are expensive, but find me some quality aftermarket rearsets that aren't. Given the price, I could have lived without them if my stock rearsets weren't so low. But, due to the problems with my boots, these were a necessity. For the F4i, I think the Gilles rearsets represent a good solution for riders encountering similar issues.