Bit of an annoying general thread but I've never had Gilles before. I use a distributor who always does great prices for me. In his opinion Bonamici are the best and he also likes Lightech. And he says Gilles (which he does not have the rights to sell) are, surprise, surprise, rubbish. Says he had them snap on him when he raced etc. I like and have had both Bonamici and Lightech, wasn't so impressed with Ducabike. But now I'm considering Gilles VCR38GT's and not having had the brand before just seeking reassurance (or otherwise) that they produce quality products. Cheers.
Gilles have been around for over 20 years and I’m sure that’s not just on the reputation they built up in the early days when choice was limited. When looking at rear sets for my Panigale V4, I chose Spider and was fortunate to buy their race version through my dealer when they were very new to the market place. Most people who buy aftermarket rear sets will have their go to favourite and I’m no different. Wouldn’t touch Lightech with a barge pole (or Rizoma for that matter). Doesn’t mean that Lightech are crap, just not for me. Andy
They all differ from brand too brand but sticking with something tried and tested is always the best option. The Gilles gear is great quality I’m just not keen on its adjustability. LighTech are my go to brand and have been for years. Simple design and adjustment range. Particularly like the fit and finish and the hardware they use. All quality components
Everyone has their favourite. Most of the well known brands are generally pretty good. I’ve had a fair few different ones. “Best’ is pretty subjective really. I use Promach these days as they came highly recommended. I have to say, despite the fact they don’t look as fancy as a lot of the aforementioned... they’re probably the best put together I’ve experienced or seen. Properly solid kit.
I have some VCR38GT rearsets - selling them as I have sold the bike they were on but I can’t imagine them snapping. They are really heavily engineered and are much more solid than the stock kit on the Panigale.
I have lightech and Gilles on two of my bikes. Lightech is better made. Gilles look fancier. Both work well with tons of adjustment.
I fitted Gilles to my speed triple and my SP 2 and had no issues with them It’s all down to personal choice
I have gilles on my 916. Excellent quality. Gear lever fell off once. My fault. Shame I was on m25 and stuck in 2nd gear for 10miles when it did.
I had that happen to me going into the final corner at Jerez. What’s worse is Hickman was behind me. And naturally called me a wanker. for a considerable amount of time thereafter.
You’re spot on. I use it on everything now ! I got my own back on Pete not so long after. He was on a stock road bike which was on shagged slicks down to the cords and hammered brake pads. going in to pedrosas ( the corner off the really fast back straight ) he pulled up on the anchors and the pads were so low they came out of the caliper. Leaving him with no brakes. I’ve never seen anyone surf a motorcycle before. But it was epic laid it on its side and essentially surfing it before jumping off and tumbling in to the gravel. Top effort. He was back out in the next session as well lol.
Normally, I'dve threadlocked it. But the 1st Law of Sod says the moment you decide not to, as your only going up the road and back, the fecker falls off. At least you can buy spares from Calsport.
