Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > Question from a Yank for the Brits

[DucHoleshot]

All,

Hope all is well in the UK! I’m from San Diego, California, ride a 749 dark (stock except for racing clutch, Termi exhaust, chip, etc.) and have a couple of questions on Frank Thomas riding gear. Frank Thomas is only carried by one regional motorcycle group of stores here in the States. And there is virtually nothing on the web as far as customer write-ups. I was also told that Frank Thomas is a local London-based (or at least a UK-based) manufacturer.

I’m getting some new skins (maybe the UK’s nickname for leathers like us Yanks?). They seem to fit me well and the price is soooo much lower than Spidi or Dianese. Any input on the quality and “word on the street” of this brand of leather riding gear? For me, safety first, style second. Is this a bad brand or are you guys/gals wearing Frank Thomas leathers?

On a side note, my regular riding buddies are a Brit and a Frenchy (yes, they actually get along!). The Brit (he’s from Newcastle) has a Duc Supersport and a sick looking MV Agusta Brutale and the Frenchy (family from Nice) has a Monster. I’ve traveled quite a bit in Europe and really enjoy it over there. Hope to one day rent a motorcycle for a road trip sometime.

Thanks in advance for any input on the Frank Thomas leather riding gear you can provide, much appreciated!

Ride safe,
Holeshot

[Martinp]

Hi and welcome Coke no ice please.

From what I recall I havent heard bad things about Frank Thomas but that said I have never 'tested' any of their gear.

BTW nice bike but get a hugger for the back wheel!!!

[Gaz 748]

He has no need for a hugger, he lives in California

Never tried Frank Thomas, not my style it`s` a bit old school

Welcome to the DSC mad house DucHoleshot

[DucatiD]

HI there

To give you a Yank related comparison, Frank Thomas is at the K Mart or JC Penny end of the UK Motorcycle clothing range. Personally I would buy the Ducati Dianese range after all with a bike as nice as yours you don't wnat to spoil it with cheap looking 'skins'.
Say Hi to San Diego for me, I used to live out there and I miss the sunshine, is Ortego Highway still a great ride?

[NBs996]

FT is in my experience good solid reliable gear which is built for a purpose rather than a look. Currently i've not got any FT stuff cos i couldn't find any that matched my bike, but have bought it in the past and would buy again.

Never heard the term 'skins' used over 'ere... we just call them leathers!

I love the 749 in that colour

[KeefyB]

Yep,Frank Thomas are on the 'cheap 'n cheerfull' side,but the gear is ok,..not great,..just ok.
The UK dealers usually have a big sale in the winter,keep an eye on the web for news of that.A good place to start is Infinity m/cs.
www.infinitymotorcycles.com
And the FT website,
http://www.frank-thomas.co.uk/
BTW,my choice of 'skins' or leathers is Joe Rocket,....are'nt they an American brand?

[YMFB]

Years ago I had some FT boots, they didnt wear out but slowly deterioated and went rusty! I think that they suffer a bit from brand image and most Ducati riders in the UK have that near the fore front of their minds.

Probably the most popular brand in the UK at moment is Alpinestars, thats not from anything scientific just an observation. Try looking for the ride magazine website as they do a good product testing in real conditions.

Nice bike, welcome, mines a Busch please and have a nice day.

[DucHoleshot]

Thanks all for the FT riding gear input, much appreciated.

And Gaz 748 - you are correct, I don’t have much need for a hugger since I live in a place that only rains about 10 – 15 days per year. Martinp - I did think about getting a hugger when I first bought the 749 but I only ride every couple of weekends and I never ride if there is a chance of rain so minimal debris gets on the bike. Plus a wash it at least every other time I take it out.

DucatiD – yes, Ortega is a great ride. There are a couple of other really good rides as well, not sure if you ever had the chance to take or not. Palomar Mountain and Banner Grade. Palomar mountain, in particular, is the most technical road I’ve ridden. A guy (he rides rice burners, not pasta rockets but his vids are good) in our local area has video footage of the local canyon rides which is pretty cool to check out, particularly if one hasn’t ridden the route and wants a peak at the tricky corners. Check out the technical ride of Palomar Mountain Episode 21, it might bring back some of your San Diego area riding memories.

http://www.ridebehindvideos.com/videos.html

Ride safe all,
Holeshot

[rcgbob44]

If you live in a place where the sun shines most of the time go and get yourself some decent leathers, Bates, A`stars, Dainese etc, personally I dont like FT gear, its a bit cheap and cheerful in a world of quality leathers.

Nice bike but get the red top coat applied, that matt undercoat is very cheap!