I don\'t really like chest protectors,  Tuesday, 18 July 2006 I don\'t really care for chest protectors, but as far as they go, the Oneal is one of the better ones. I must admit I do feel much safer with it on, but when it\'s 100 degrees, it feels so confining. All in all, you can\'t go wrong with the Matrix. Give it a try, you won\'t be dissapointed.

 Huge improvement,  Monday, 17 July 2006 Man, I love this seat. The improvement is huge. For around $100 I have improved my riding a ton. I never realized how much I slid back in the seat, especially when I get tired. The Step Seat fixed that problem. I am always in the correct position, and it\'s much easier to slide up a little further to begin a turn. If you haven\'t tried one yet, borrow a buddies or pony up and spend the cash. It is worth every penny.

 Stay away,  Monday, 17 July 2006 Terrible clutch replacement. Didn\'t last 3 weeks, and I spent over $100 on it. Stick with stock, or event the Tusk stuff from Rocky Mountain.

 I think Erin should be the pit reporter for SX,  Sunday, 16 July 2006 Honestly, why is Erin not the SX reporter? I know she has the live gig with Clear Channel, but she is needed doing the reporting for Speed Channel. She is smart, is an industry insider, and hot. Get her on TV for the 2007 SX season!

 THE best 450 of 2006,  Sunday, 16 July 2006 The YZ is so far ahead of the competition in 2006, it isn\'t even a contest. Some magazines will always pick the Honda because of the amount of money the big H spends on advertising. For my money the YZ is THE best bike of 2006. It feels like a 250f. It\'s that light. The power might be a little latter in getting there than the CRF, but the ride characteristics of the YZ allow you to carry more speed everywhere.