[TharkunRT]

ProviderEx, on Aug 25 2008, 03:31 PM, said:

has anyone actually read review of corbin on other sites? I am just wondering. cuz it seem this is going on across the board with corboin on MANY forums. I don't want to be banned for this. but it seems 100% of people on the net pretty much agree that corbin is just a simple step above the OEM seats. that is all that keeps them in business nothing more.
in fact their seat is the only thing that has kept them in business.

I am doing allot of reading regarding corbin, their policy, behavior and more. and so far it seems unless they Gave you a free thing to write a good review about. they are just simply one step above OEM. and lets face it no bike comes with a good seat.

and lets not forget Corbin started in 68. hell every0one who started than is still around. lol they were the first. that is why they are around. not due to quality and mike corbin is from what I undrestand a smart business man. hell MS is still in business and they suck heavy. lol hell bush is still resident and he sucks. lol

just cuz your in business doesn't mean your in good business.

in fact shady companies tend to prosper more than other due to being shady.
don't delete or ban me. lol I be good....

You can have any opinion and say anything you feel about Corbin, I could really care less if you or any one on this forum purchases any products from Corbin. I was asked for my opinion/experiences with the products, so I posted my review.

But your statement of "unless they gave you a free thing to write a good review about" is a personal attack upon myself and my integrity. This I will defend.

Just because I have not paid for the products I have been testing, does not invalidate what I have posted about the products. I have not received any negative comments from the owners that have purchased Corbin products because of my recommendations. At the present 98% the negative comments are all coming from members whom do not own or have never owned a Corbin product. Also most are based upon what a friend, or unhappy customer stated, or what one has read on the internet.

My comments are all from personal experiences and from my use of the products. Other than installing the products on my Spyder and providing transportation for Spydie and I to Sturgis, I'm the the one paying the bills. Each trip to the factory is 200 + miles, I have made trips to meet up with owners on the forum so they could see and make a decision about the products, one was able to save 10% on purchases because of my timing. I have had the opportunity to send time with the Corbin family, the factory, and the wizard team. So anything I post comes from my personal experiences, not from things I have heard, read, or half thought out assumptions.

When Mike Corbin made the offer of I being the Spyder product tester I agreed to do it, I felt that owners would benefit from my experiences from using the products, they would be able to see them in person and make an informed decision before making a purchase. After the past few days of the bickering here on the forum I question why I should invest my time, my money and the aggravation of being accused of being "bought out" by Corbin.

Quote

in fact shady companies tend to prosper more than other due to being shady

Comments like this is what makes forums so helpful, this of course is a proven fact because it is posted on the internet.

[Marc]

Tharkun#409, on Aug 26 2008, 06:55 AM, said:

After the past few days of the bickering here on the forum I question why I should invest my time, my money and the aggravation of being accused of being "bought out" by Corbin.

Don't let the negative folks get you down. Your input is always credible, backed with details and supporting reasoning. Not everyone will always agree, heck I don't always agree , but it would be boring if we all marched to the same drummer. It is too bad when folks are not able to challenge/question you logically...that some of the low blows come in. Unfortunately, boys will be boys...

[IdleUp]

Regarding the instructions - I'm not talking about what ever you can download on the Internet - I'm talking about the "Supplied" instructions shipped with the seat - they are trash!

Like I said, to each his own. If you like that 10 lb "thing" hanging on the front of your bike then fine. For me, all it does is take away from the intentional styling of the Spyder, it's too Goofy looking and for sure, way, way, too expensive which of course is the recognized "Brand" of Corbin seats & products.

If you guys that are happy with paying $1400 for a chunk of fiberglass that could not cost more than a few hundred dollars which don't work - than fine. Just keep this in mind, you can buy a whole darn scooter for less than they charge for this contraption, and get on the thing and ride it, and still have $400 left for fuel - am I getting my point across that Corbin is overcharging tenfold for their products!

[TharkunRT]

IdleUp, on Aug 26 2008, 04:48 AM, said:

Regarding the instructions - I'm not talking about what ever you can download on the Internet - I'm talking about the "Supplied" instructions shipped with the seat - they are trash!

Like I said, to each his own. If you like that 10 lb "thing" hanging on the front of your bike then fine. For me, all it does is take away from the intentional styling of the Spyder, it's too Goofy looking and for sure, way, way, too expensive which of course is the recognized "Brand" of Corbin seats & products.

If you guys that are happy with paying $1400 for a chunk of fiberglass that could not cost more than a few hundred dollars which don't work - than fine. Just keep this in mind, you can buy a whole darn scooter for less than they charge for this contraption, and get on the thing and ride it, and still have $400 left for fuel - am I getting my point across that Corbin is overcharging tenfold for their products!

So the fairing is not for you, guess you saved the $ 1,400. For those owners I have talked with and another one that was at the Walt Grey ride on Sunday, they are happy. Why do you feel the need to continue to dis-creidt us that are happy with the fairing.

When you have toured the factory and see what it takes to produce the product, then I will compare notes, till then it is just your opinion as to the production cost.

[sleepman]

Tharkun#409, on Aug 25 2008, 09:08 PM, said:

As I have stated when the "cost" became an issue from the start, I was asked to be the Corbin product tester. I did not ask how long this was to be, I have retained all of the stock parts as I do not know when the testing will end. Mr Corbin has never stated these products are mine to keep. :

As for the products, yes I enjoy the use of them, do I need them, would it be a big deal if they were asked to be returned tomorrow, not really. I was perfectly happy with my Spyder before, and if I really needed to purchase a smuggler, fender, fairing, I would do it with no hesitation.

Sorry Tharkun, I wasn't trying to call you out or make it look like you're reviews are no good because of getting to use something without cost. Every motorcycle review you'll ever read in a magazine is done by someone who got to ride the bike for free.

On th customer service issue I'll say that I've heard good and bad about Corbin. Of course I point out that on most internet forums you'll hear more bad then on just about any subject. No matter how big or small my business was I certainly wouldn't accept a return after someone had used it for 6k miles

I have companies that I'll sing the praises of because I've had nothing but good experiences and someone else will hate them.

Personally I won't by much more than grips from Kuryakyn because in my opinion most of their products are cheaply made and if you want bad instructions then Kuryakyn is the one to look at.

On the lighter side of things, Tharkun perhaps you can convince Mike Corbin that he needs an east coast product tester. I'm close enough to his Daytona store to be more than willing to help him out.

This post has been edited by sleepman: 26 August 2008 - 08:39 AM

[TharkunRT]

sleepman, on Aug 26 2008, 06:28 AM, said:

Sorry Tharkun, I wasn't trying to call you out or make it look like you're reviews are no good because of getting to use something without cost. Every motorcycle review you'll ever read in a magazine is done by someone who got to ride the bike for free.

No worries, I'm sure everyone has not read my posts about how I received the Corbin products for testing, it was a fair question.

[B1TTEN #509]

Let's get it PERFECTLY CLEAR. The reason everyone was standing around Tharkun's full dress Spyder asking questions at the Walt Gray ride is he is so darn handsome.

[IdleUp]

Tharkun#409, on Aug 26 2008, 08:00 AM, said:

So the fairing is not for you, guess you saved the $ 1,400. For those owners I have talked with and another one that was at the Walt Grey ride on Sunday, they are happy. Why do you feel the need to continue to dis-creidt us that are happy with the fairing.

When you have toured the factory and see what it takes to produce the product, then I will compare notes, till then it is just your opinion as to the production cost.

Don't get me wrong Tharkun I am not in any way trying to go against you in this thread - you've helped out numerous guys in this sport and were there to answer even my questions. Corbin made the bed now they have to lay in it - sooner or later these things have a way of surfacing.

I happen to be in Radio Control Models and have been designing fuselages all the way back for movies like the Towering Inferno & Capricorn One. There is at least 500 times the work and design in one of our model fuselages such as the Jet Ranger, Blackhawk BO-105, etc. fuselages and they sell from $99-$500. So I doubt if there is anything in the Corbin factory that would impress me or make me feel comfortable paying $1400+ for a spoiler with rusty brackets that does not work.

Don't take my word for it check out:

http://www.can-amtal...?showtopic=7490

[Marc]

IdleUp, on Aug 26 2008, 01:09 PM, said:

Don't take my word for it check out:

http://www.can-amtal...?showtopic=7490

Not sure that thread helps support your point unfortunately.

[TharkunRT]

IdleUp, on Aug 26 2008, 10:09 AM, said:

Don't get me wrong Tharkun I am not in any way trying to go against you in this thread - you've helped out numerous guys in this sport and were there to answer even my questions. Corbin made the bed now they have to lay in it - sooner or later these things have a way of surfacing.

With all respect Sir, I'm sorry, I can not agree with your statement above in respect to me.

At the present there has been two topics created about the Corbin Spyder Fairing, one positive and one negative. You have chosen to support the negative one and mine is invalidated because I have not purchased the products that I'm testing. So I take that as an attack on my reputation here on Spyder Talk and my integrity as a person.

If you truly believe that my comments, opinions, and experiences of using the faring is all positive because I have not purchased the items, then I take that personal. I can not be bought for the sake of 4 or 5 grand of products, now if the Corbin Company offered me a million or so dollars, that could be a different situation.

At the present time I have over $1,800 out of pocket expenses from the first visit to the Corbin factory. Between two road trips and a 17 day venture to Sturgis, and if I make the Gatlinburg event that will be another sizable expense. Because of this BRP, Corbin, and Spyder Talk have received a considerable amount of public attention during my travels.

You reference the post on the negative side and use that as more factual than mine, I don't feel the majority of the forum will agree, if so, then I am only wasting my time in making any further reviews on any products.

This post has been edited by Tharkun#409: 26 August 2008 - 11:42 PM

[bjt]

Tharkun#409, on Aug 27 2008, 12:20 AM, said:

With all respect Sir, I'm sorry, I can not agree with your statement above in respect to me.

At the present there has been two topics created about the Corbin Spyder Fairing, one positive and one negative. You have chosen to support the negative one and mine is invalidated because I have not purchased the products that I'm testing. So I take that as an attack on my reputation here on Spyder Talk and my integrity as a person.

If you truly believe that my comments, opinions, and experiences of using the faring is all positive because I have not purchased the items, then I take that personal. I can not be bought for the sake of 4 or 5 grand of products, now if the Corbin Company offered me a million or so dollars, that could be a different situation.

At the present time I have over $1,800 out of pocket expenses from the first visit to the Corbin factory. Between two road trips and a 17 day venture to Sturgis, and if I make the Gatlinburg event that will be another sizable expense. Because of this BRP, Corbin, and Spyder Talk have received a considerable amount of public attention during my travels.

You reference the post on the negative side and use that as more factual than mine, I don't feel the majority of the forum will agree, if so, then I am only wasting my time in making any further reviews on any products.

I don't want to get in on the wrong side of this but I just want to understand what you are saying. The only reason you went to Sturgis or will go to Gatlinburg is because of the Corbin accessories?

[Marc]

bjt, on Aug 27 2008, 09:46 AM, said:

I don't want to get in on the wrong side of this but I just want to understand what you are saying. The only reason you went to Sturgis or will go to Gatlinburg is because of the Corbin accessories?

I believe what Dennis is saying is that he had the opportunity to go to Sturgis because of his testing of the Corbin accessories. From the sounds of it, he enjoyed the heck out of the trip...but he also incurred a lot of expense as a result.

Let me give you some perspective since I was involved. We knew that Mike Corbin was making a lot of Spyder products and we wanted to get some early peaks at what he was working on. Dennis and I talked and since he is fairly close and had the time...he volunteered to visit the factory and take some pictures for a topic on here. All good stuff for our members. I hooked Dennis and Mike up and Dennis visited the factory. Dennis still plans to do that originally planned thread sometime, but he has gotten a little sidetracked

Mike is a nuts and bolts kind of guy and you all know that Dennis is the same. In their discussions, Mike told Dennis that they wanted some real-life experiences with their accessories on the Spyder and asked Dennis if he would be willing to help. Ironically, Dennis told me he initially warned Mike that he didn't think he would like the fairing going in...and did Mike still want someone with that perception as the tester? Mike said all the better, he wanted his opinions...even if he didn't like it.

Well, it turned out that he did like it and he liked what he saw at the Corbin factory and with the operation...and he has reported that. Mike asked Dennis what he thought about sending his Spyder to Sturgis. Dennis told me he had always wanted to go to Sturgis and decided it was a great idea. So off he went, the life of a semi-retired Spyder owner

[TharkunRT]

Thanks Marc

As Marc just posted, this Corbin testing began as simply as doing a short write up on the Corbin factory and Spyder products. As I believe I commented in my review, I was not impressed with the fairing from the pics online, not from the first pics of conception to the pics of it finished. Actually within the first 15 or so minutes of being introduced to Mike Corbin, I asked him what he had been thinking. (I will not post my exact words because of the PG13 thing ) Instead of kicking me out of his office, Mike then spent about 20 minutes explaining the design and the concept of it.

While having lunch with Mike one day while discussing Spydie and I making the Sturgis tour, Mike explained why he enjoyed working with me. His words were along this line " Dennis you are a nuts/bolts type of guy, you know more about the Spyder than anyone I have been involved with. I trust you to provide me with honest feedback, I know if you find issues or don't like something, you will not hesitate to inform me. I know I will hear what you think/feel without concern of being fired, since you are not even hired"

So this has been the relationship with Mike Corbin and the entire Wizard team. If I have a comment/suggestion they all listen, they evaluate what I have stated, and if it is decided I have a valid point/concern, then action is taken. A couple of examples, as I mentioned in my review of the Smuggler, I suggested a "backrest" for the snuggle, the Wizards attempted doing so, but in the end it was not feasible, so the design stayed with the "bump pad". I mentioned that a good percentage of forum members were changing out the stock foot pegs, this resulted in the Wizards adding some length to the mounting system to allow more clearance between the foot peg and saddlebag. A forum member and I talked by phone, he had noticed a minimal height difference in pics of 3 different saddlebags installation. I mentioned this to the Wizards, the issue has been resolved. I suggested the the Corbin webpage really needed to try and explain the difference between a fairing and windshield. The IT team created the animation of the wind/bugs that is now on the fairing pages.

My point is that I'm a simple Spyder owner in Tracy, I take time to visit and meet the Corbin team, and I know have some input on all Spyder products. So when I read posts that Corbin is just another multi million dollar company, and the only concern is making a profit, I tend to speak up and voice my opinions. My opinions do not come from something I read on the internet, heard from a dissatisfied customer, or a friend that had a bad experience with a Corbin product.

Because the Corbin team has been gracious enough to give up some space in the Corbin rig to transport Srydie, I'm am able to afford to make some tours that otherwise I would have not be able to do. Sturgis was the first, now that the Corbin team will be making the Gatlinburg event, I also will be able to attend. If plans do not change, I will also be making the Daytona event in October. Becasue of this opportunity I'm able to meet many of the forum members, other Spyder owners that appear at these events, and I'm having a great time, and doing something that I enjoy.

So as I have stated before I see this situation as a win win for all, since I have more public attention than most owners, BRP and Spyder Talk are receiving a considerable amount of exposure, more so than Spydie and I just traveling in our small world here in the valley. I have made contact a a couple of manufactures, which may help owners if these companies come out with products. One being Heilbars.com, which I belive has aquired an owners Spyder so they can began some work into making something that Spyder owners desire.

In ending this post, my point is that nothing is free in this life, the Corbin company does not pick up 100% of the expenses for me, I'm investing my time and funds in these tours, and local events. Why do I do it, because I believe in the Spyder, the forum, and yes the Corbin products and the company. I enjoy meeting Spyder owners, talking with them and offering them my opinions. Also I have made several new friends from my travels, so yes it is fun and a once in a lifetime experience in my opinion.

This post has been edited by Tharkun#409: 27 August 2008 - 12:03 PM

[TharkunRT]

B1TTEN #509, on Aug 26 2008, 08:48 AM, said:

Let's get it PERFECTLY CLEAR. The reason everyone was standing around Tharkun's full dress Spyder asking questions at the Walt Gray ride is he is so darn handsome.

[papasled]

IdleUp, on Aug 26 2008, 05:48 AM, said:

Regarding the instructions - I'm not talking about what ever you can download on the Internet - I'm talking about the "Supplied" instructions shipped with the seat - they are trash!

Well, on that point I will agree with you on quite a few products that I've purchased in the last few years. (mostly OEM/aftermarket accessories for our SkiDoos). I've found that the downloadable instructions are much clearer than the crud that comes with the parts !

I find myself more often than not going to the net for help rather than trying to decipher bad photocopies..

[TharkunRT]

papasled, on Aug 27 2008, 07:07 PM, said:

Well, on that point I will agree with you on quite a few products that I've purchased in the last few years. (mostly OEM/aftermarket accessories for our SkiDoos). I've found that the downloadable instructions are much clearer than the crud that comes with the parts !

I find myself more often than not going to the net for help rather than trying to decipher bad photocopies..

I'm finding it curious as to why out of over a dozen Corbin seats that I have been involved with the installation of, the included instructions have been in color and just as clear as the download file on the web page. But anything is possible, perhaps there were a few seats sent out with a different format of instructions.

[ProviderEx]

Tharkun#409, on Aug 26 2008, 05:55 AM, said:

You can have any opinion and say anything you feel about Corbin, I could really care less if you or any one on this forum purchases any products from Corbin. I was asked for my opinion/experiences with the products, so I posted my review.

But your statement of "unless they gave you a free thing to write a good review about" is a personal attack upon myself and my integrity. This I will defend.

Just because I have not paid for the products I have been testing, does not invalidate what I have posted about the products. I have not received any negative comments from the owners that have purchased Corbin products because of my recommendations. At the present 98% the negative comments are all coming from members whom do not own or have never owned a Corbin product. Also most are based upon what a friend, or unhappy customer stated, or what one has read on the internet.

My comments are all from personal experiences and from my use of the products. Other than installing the products on my Spyder and providing transportation for Spydie and I to Sturgis, I'm the the one paying the bills. Each trip to the factory is 200 + miles, I have made trips to meet up with owners on the forum so they could see and make a decision about the products, one was able to save 10% on purchases because of my timing. I have had the opportunity to send time with the Corbin family, the factory, and the wizard team. So anything I post comes from my personal experiences, not from things I have heard, read, or half thought out assumptions.

When Mike Corbin made the offer of I being the Spyder product tester I agreed to do it, I felt that owners would benefit from my experiences from using the products, they would be able to see them in person and make an informed decision before making a purchase. After the past few days of the bickering here on the forum I question why I should invest my time, my money and the aggravation of being accused of being "bought out" by Corbin.


Comments like this is what makes forums so helpful, this of course is a proven fact because it is posted on the internet.

Sorry about you thinking I was even talking to you.
I was simply stating what I have found on the internet. go look your self. (it is the same across the board, they give a free item get a good review than get bashed by 50 people that actually paid their outrageous prices) and guess what we are on the internet. most information found on line is actually quiet accurate this day and age. hell if it wasn't you wouldn't be here. that is like saying"well your information is on the internet " how does that give more or less credit to you and your post or experience.

I do not know you, nor do I know your personality. nor do I give you the benefit of doubt in being honest. call it like I see it and I don't see you.
you have tossed your share of low blows at me as well. but I have never taken them personally or PMed an admin over it.

You seem to want everyone to just LOVE corbin. The hell with that. you get upset the second someone says something against your statements and take them as a personal attack and I am just getting sick and tired of it.
You said you would not reply to other posts unless they are related to the original. you are just as much a kid as the rest of us mr. 409. try leading with your example and not your words.

Your smart, your healthy, your older than me, you have more experience in somethings. but sure as hell you are not my keeper nor do I have be a sheep and follow your word as if it's the bible.

you got them for free you wrote a great review, lets hope Mr. Corbin lets you keep them to thank you for your wonderful review and honesty

Sorry Marc. but he needs to heard this,

Don't ban me, I be good.

Get over it

[Marc]

ProviderEx, on Aug 28 2008, 12:28 PM, said:

Sorry Marc. but he needs to heard this,

Dude, I think you read a bit too much into things.

[ProviderEx]

Marc, on Aug 28 2008, 01:35 PM, said:

Dude, I think you read a bit too much into things.

lol, I think i've done gone crazy man. lol

[bjt]

Just when it seems this thread is going to die down, someone jumps in and posts a "fired-up" remark...