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Tuesday, April 30 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Angela (SWBMM), It's not just you and those turns -- I remember lending my Honda Shadow 750 to an experienced rider who couldn't pass the state test on his Ducati -- it just goes to show you, not everything is black and white, so you go girl, and don't stop until your dream is realized. – Mama Monday, April 29 Input for that nasty 'ol reverse wind chill question! I read the question about the reverse wind chill, and 35.74 + 0.6125T -35.75V^0.16 + 0.4275TV^0.16 2) The correct answer is approximately 105 degrees F. Wind chill is an estimate as to how your body "feels" should you be naked outside in say cold weather. In the summertime, the fact that it is hot outside, and the wind is blowing means that you will "feel" a lot hotter than you really are. That is why "wind chill" is used predominantly in winter rather than summer. Originally this formula was used for battlefield preparation, but who needs to know the background information, anyway !: ) I hope this helps. – Tcool (Note from VTwin Mama -- yah hey it helps -- first I delete the exponents (expletive deleted here!), but given that sometimes riding in 100F feels like a battlefield, well . . . there you have it!) Just a quick input on one of the questions about "Is there a formula for reverse wind chill when riding a motorcycle on a 100+ degree day? If so, what is it called?" From a weather site I found: * The RealFeel Temperature is an index that describes what the temperature really feels like. ©2000 AccuWeather, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.accuweather.com/iwxpage/paws/realfeelfaq.htm No formula is given. http://abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/DailyNews/windchill010308.html Aha - here's why: "Accuweather has a patent pending on its method." Boy, the things you learn on the Internet - isn't it great! – April (Note from VTwin Mama -- too cool for feeling cool!) Monday, April 29 Dear VTwin Mama, I did a lot of research for my short-self (I am 5'3" with a decent 29" inseam) and had picked out one type of "chopper style" (lighter than the "fat boy" style) bike, but ended up with another "chopper style" but bigger bike. Yes, I have trouble backing it into parking spaces, as I need thicker soles and some more muscles. But I can handle it riding just fine. Thanks to your newsletters and website archives, I know I can review how to pick it back up by myself if I need to, safety tips, and cool products. I want to encourage women riders who want a bigger bike, have some time under their belt, and who feel ready, to take the leap! I'm no marathon rider, but I hope to be soon (again, I'm depending on VTwin Mama archives to help me there too.) – April Dear April, Friday, April 26 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Excited One, Yup, my second bike was a Honda Shadow 750 but at 5'10" I found that for longer rides, the leg room just wasn't there for me, even though I had highway pegs mounted on a set of crash bars. I find that for leg room, the best is to plan for the bike to have two leg positions, one regular for in-town riding and the other to stretch out a bit more for long rides. That way you can switch between the two and have less leg cramps. Of course a comfortable seat with some sort of way to support your back on longer hauls is good, and a windshield to cut down the sheer wind force, along with handlebars that don't force your arms to stretch out to a maximum are also important considerations. And always make sure that when the bike is at a stop, your feet are firmly planted on the ground for good control. You're doing just fine Excited One and I wish you the best of luck in your new adventure. Can I come over and play with your new bike when you get one?!?!?! – Mama Thursday, April 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Leslie, The National Weather Service offers this new formula: Wind chill temperature = 35.74 + 0.6215T - 35.75V + 0.4275TV In the formula, V is in the wind speed in statute miles per hour, and T is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. So if it's 100F and we're going 60mph then: 35.75 + .6215(100) - 35.75(60) + .4275(100)(60) = hmmmmm . . . 518F. Oops, that can't be right@! Scientifically-minded VTwin Mama sisters -- HELP!– Mama Thursday, April 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Woody, Wednesday, April 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Barbara, Let me know exactly when you'll be in the area and maybe we can meet up with a group from Carson City/Reno area! – Mama Wednesday, April 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Janinne, On the question of whether that 800 Vulcan is simply too much for you to handle -- highly doubtful in my mind. The 800s are great in-between bikes power-wise and you need some power to keep up for highway riding. Besides the bike seat height issue, check your arm position to the handlebars to see if they feel too wide for you and consider changing them out for something that would curve closer in and to your body. That's all I can think of now. – Mama Tuesday, April 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Collett, The biggee here is that when the bike is at rest, that your feet can be firmly planted on the ground, a huge balance and control issue you want to be concerned with. The bike's overall power range is only one thing to be cognizant of, and interestingly enough, even bikes marketed "for women" don't necessarily have the lowest seat height! You'll be gaining a lot of knowledge when you take the MSF course and I'm sure they'll be able to add their two cents worth. Meanwhile, the Links section also lists other sites with bike reviews, beginning biker sites and the such. Consider contacting one of the several excellent women's riding groups in your area for the much needed moral support which can make a difference in your getting started (links are at the bottom of this home page). You've got the right start -- now it's time to do more homework! – Mama Tuesday, April 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Barb, Consider contacting this woman who is the only women wrencher who wrote in to that section: Marguerite Fischer, who works at Harry's Machine Parts in Northboro Massachusetts and moonlights making Harley V-Twins faster in her garage at home in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Phone number is 508-485-8854. My guess is she might have some answers for you and she's in your general area (!) Any other sisters have any clues? – Mama Monday, April 22 This is for No Name who was looking for Harley Davidson mechanical training: April (our resident VTwin Mama research guru) did some research and came up with some possible sites to further explore: http://www.bikerinfo.com/ lists several schools which includes a link to http://www.amiwrench.com/ (not an easy site to navigate, try General Info and Job Placement - states Harley training specifically) I had a biker friend (lady) whose husband was going to AMI in Orlando to become a Harley mechanic. I don't think you have to go to a special Harley school, but he worked at a Harley dealership (counter / parts sales) while going to school, and had a series of tapes he borrowed from the dealership which were self paced tests to specialize on the various models as a Harley mechanic (I think these were called PHDs.) I couldn't find any online info on PHDs - maybe a Harley Mama that works at a Harley shop could help? http://www.harleyhelp.com/ from the site "I am Spyder and I am a Clean & Sober factory trained & authorized Harley-Davidson Service Technician. I have 4 degrees in H-D technology & procedures from the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (the only tech school authorized by H-D) and I have completed over 50 PHDs in that "field" So he says only MMI is H-D authorized. Maybe an e-mail to him would yield some good info? This looks like a great site for women Harley riders with some mechanical inclinations to get some free help! The only real Harley School I could find - it's in Canada! http://www.fairviewc.ab.ca/pages/calendar/trades/MotorcycleMechHDTech.html Based on this web posting from 1999 (not much discussion), I don't think there are a lot of schools for mx mechanics: http://www.racingschools.com/wwwboard/messages/648.html I believe if you go to one of the schools listed in the first link, they can assist you in becoming Harley certified. – April Dear April, Monday, April 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Husband decided to teach me one day, with him on back, on the dirt/sand/gravel roads out here where we live. Unfortunately, I didn't have much experience, and didn't have a clue about when to brake in gravel, turn in gravel, and many other things. Got about 2.5 miles down the road, went to make a turn at a very slow rate of speed in the dirt and gravel, bike slipped out from under us sideways, and I tried to use my left leg to hold up bike, and I felt too very loud and excruciating "pops" in my leg. Still hurts after 5 weeks now, but no insurance, so toughing it out. Got back on in my field and didn't dump, but was scared senseless because of weight. Took the ABATE (motorcycle safety course). Bikes were very small (250cc), still was scared stiff because of accident, but weight was way less scary. Passed the class, got my license. Now have nothing to ride that I feel safe on. Only street bike we have is the "monster" Shadow, and two dirt bikes that also weigh way to much for me to feel comfortable do anything on. (Do ride the dirt bikes, but still scared because of weight.) Mama, this has been my dream for over a decade, and now I feel it has been somewhat spoiled by a man pushing me to do something that I wasn't ready for and was not safe for me to be doing, and now I have a phobia I need to overcome. I don't have any women friends who ride. That's part of the reason I want to do this, is to find female friends that like the same lifestyle and have a similar personality as me. What type of bike do you suggest I get? I think I need something definitely with less weight, but that I won't get bored with too quickly. I am pretty cash poor right now, and financing is not an option. I am 5'7" tall and weigh about 175lb. I'm strong, but I'm 40 now and not as strong as I used to be. I have 36" inseam legs, but I like a low riding bike. I just want to have fun, realize my dream of independence in riding, meet some new friends, and go lots of places on my bike, and feel the wind in my face again. Really want to ride to Sturgis on my own bike this year. That's my goal. Can you help? – Sadie McNasty (aka Stacie) Dear Sadie, It's unfortunate that your hubby was on the back of the bike at that first session, 'cause quite frankly, only a very experienced person should ever have anyone on the back, but I know that his heart was in the right place. You're already taking some very good first steps by taking a riding course -- kudos to you! And as you and I have discussed, you've made contact with some of the women's riding groups to get in touch with women in your area for the moral support that will make a BIG difference in your overall adventure experience. Now it's up to you to shake off that poo-poo beginning and not let that big ol' bike get the better of you. With your height and strength, it should not prove to be the limitation -- basically practice and more of it will be the key to your success. But not on gravel and dirt! I myself putted over to an empty parking lot for practice to get my first practical time in, learning how the bike handled. Or, if you live in a busy area, your side street on an empty Sunday morning will do. Stop, start, 1st to 2nd gear, stop, start, wide turns, learning the characteristics of both the front and back brakes, with good protective gear on! Baby steps first Sadie! Then, check out the Archive section, Type of Bike to Ride, for clues on what bikes women prefer, if you're really set on getting a different model. Worth exploring. As for the Sturgis run, well, as I mentioned in my personal correspondence with you, I think it's doable, but you've got a lot on your plate to make that monumental of a ride. You mentioned that you've been there before so you know what I'm talking about. Definitely you need to get that beginning practice in first, then some local traffic practice and then some runs with people in your area for practice riding with a group. You've got three months before the Sturgis rally, so get cracking. And don't be afraid to say, "You know what -- the Sturgis rally might be too much for me this year as a solo rider," -- and mean it. As my hero Ann Landers always says, people can only take advantage of you if you let them. She's a wise old bird, so pay attention to this. As to hubby dearest -- you set the pace. He might be experienced, but he can't read your mind or your comfort level -- so you let HIM know. Any man who supports his wife's attempt to go solo is a keeper, but your mind will be more at ease if you speak up and say what you need to say. You go girl! We're behind you 100 percent. – Mama Friday, April 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Susan, Thursday, April 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Anu, Here are some basics -- make sure the clutch is in "neutral", the gas lever is in the "on" position, turn the key in the ignition to "on" and hit the start switch. If the bike you have is running at all, this should start it. Walter Kern writes a good basic beginning guide to motorcycles on his website (click on the underlined link). And, if you go to my Links section, you will find other websites for beginner bikers, like the online magazine Beginner Bikes. If any of the VTwin Mama sisters is interested in becoming an "email pal," contact Anu at buksi79@yahoo.co.in. – Mama Thursday, April 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Great site ! If any of you are in England, look me up, you would be most welcome. Kind Regards – Mark Chamberlin Dear Mark, Thursday, April 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Bruce, Wednesday, April 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Here is a website that may prove useful to anyone trying to learn basic motorcycle repair skills: http://www.dansmc.com. – Shadowlady Just got my Woman Rider magazine yesterday and they have a feature on females who wrench on their own bikes. From just checking/changing oil to actually building their own bike. Just though I would pass this on. – Sharon Dear No Name, Shadowlady and
Sharon, Wednesday, April 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Re-Newbie (CJ), Also, check out the Archive Section under the Type of Bike to Ride -- lots of women's opinions of many of the most popular bike models around. – Mama Tuesday, April 16 Women's club run by husbands? I was very surprised to hear your comments on this. I don't belong to a women's club but I would think if I was to join one (and I would, but none in my area) I would want the women running it. What's up with that? Thanks for giving me something to look into should I find a women's club to join. You didn't say how long the clubs been together, if it's new maybe these hubby's are just trying to lend a helping hand to get it going. If it's been around awhile I guess you'd be between a rock and a hard place, if you speak up your a trouble maker. In that case maybe you need to run for office and move the control back to the women. I for one would like to know how this works out for you. – Barbara (note from Mama: good point -- when joining anything, make sure you understand the rules.) From Shadowlady: Thanks for the input. I really felt that this particular chapter (of a National Woman's motorcycle club) was just poorly run. I did not renew my membership. The ladies in this particular chapter seem totally unwilling or unable to take control of this club. As a newbie, I did not wish to totally tick everyone off, but I did let it be known, that this was no Woman's club. One of the men told me, "If we left it up to the women, we'd never get anything done." That was my last meeting. Sometimes, women are their own worst enemies. Ride safe. Shadowlady (I'm sorry to hear that this women's club didn't work out for you. Please check the links at the bottom of this homepage to discover other groups that might have a chapter in your area, and also, the Shinny Side Up chat room might prove to be a good place for you to meet like-minded women in your area.) Monday, April 15 More input for Shadowlady who is wondering about women's leadership role in women's riding clubs: I believe that what Shadowlady is describing may be the culture of that particular group. I belong to two groups, a H.O.G Ladies of Harley group and a local chapter of Women on Wheels. Both of these groups are run by the women members. All decisions on activities and how money is spent are made by the women. We do enjoy the company of the men and include them in most of our activities but the decisions are ours to make. The group that Shadowlady describes sounds more like a men's group that plans some activities for women. It's up to the women to accept this or reject it. – Evil Twin (note from Mama: good point -- maybe it's time to take control back or . . . start a new one!) No, I don't think you're wrong in expecting women's riding groups to be run by women. Why do they need to have men dictate what women want? Men want something different out of riding and camaraderie than women. I belong to Ladies of Harley and we have our own rides. Men are welcome to join but are expected to ride at the back of the pack. Input is all from women, by women, and about women. If we want to ride to a shopping mall, we do! Look around if you're not happy with this group. There are many womens' groups that are exclusively about and for women. Good luck and happy trails! Ride safe and often! – Chris P. (note from Mama: good point -- women DO have different destinations in mind sometimes!) Sounds like a case of a husband sticking his nose where it doesn't belong again. I personally would not join a Women's Club that was run by men. It should be up to the women if the husbands can join in the activities. But I don't see how one could called themselves a Women"s Club and be run by men. – Chris P. (note from Mama: good point -- why call it a women's club if it's really a coed club?) I belong to Free Wheelin Canadian Women's Motorcycle Club. Check out our website www.freewheelin.ca. We are a fun bunch of ladies that do our own thing. Men are not involved in our club, except when invited to do so. We plan our own events and rides. The boys are allowed to join us on regular rides, but few do. They are not invited to any overnight events. I have found in the past that when a male does join our group for a ride, they often try to take the lead. It can be uncomfortable then, as the girls don't seem to have any hang-ups about positioning, we just like to ride together. The guys are invited to our party at Christmas and the BarBQ after the Fun Run. We have a lot of good times, and the men in our lives seem to respect what our club is all about. – Denny McArthur (note from Mama: good point -- respect is gained by taking a leadership role, which could be done in steps if necessary -- maybe the women all planning one event and proving to themselves, and the men, that they are perfectly capable!) Shadowlady, I also belong to a women's bike club and we women run the show. We meet in different places each month, Feb to Nov. The women choose the places, run the meetings, and encourage the women to show up without the men, although men are accepted. The men who do show up keep to the background. This is a women's club, if we wanted to have men running the show we would have joined a couples club. – Cheryl (note from Mama: good point -- it would be interesting to understand if Shadowlady's club started off with just the women and how this progressed to the men taking control.) On Shadowlady's note, no I do not think men (husband's) should dictate the rides or anything having to do with club. Why then is it called women's club? hello? I recently attended a rally for women riders. The husbands where invited to come, as long as they pay the same fee's as the member's. Which is ok. They got to eat & drink what was offered, just like us. When we had our national meetings....no husbands where allowed in these meetings. (no men at all where in there) They we welcome on our rides & all our parties, but not to these meetings & such. We made sure they knew where they could go & not go. We had women plan our rides & all our activities. I took my husband & he knew this was my deal. He had a great time also. But no, if this is a women's bike group/club, it should be for women. If it is going to be a coed, it needs to be specified. Thank you. – Veronica VanMadleghem "women in the wind" (note from Mama: good point -- it sounds like this group needs to re-clarify their intent, and then restructure or re-organzie.) I too belong to a women's motorcycle club. Yes, in the past we have had these problems. I did speak up once and made the remark to one of the husbands that when he started wearing a dress to the meetings that he could have a say in what went on. Well you know how that remark went over!!! I assume that they do not have voting rights in your women's club. I guess my advice would be to go to the coordinator of the group, express your concern and see if you get any results. Do it in a diplomatic way, my blunt remark didn't win me any new friends. – Wild Orchid (note from Mama: good point -- and good learning lesson. Go through the proper channels and express your viewpoint. Still, I LOVED the dress remark!) Friday, April 12 oops . . . . again Thursday, April 11 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Darrell, Thursday, April 11 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Dar, Thursday, April 11 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear NN, I checked the HD site and didn't find info. I went to my favorite search engines and all they coughed up were individual schools for a wide variety of areas. So my suggestion is to look in your local phone book under Motorcycles and check for local schools -- your Community College might offer a general course, but may have specific HD training. April, if you're reading this, time to put your excellent research skills to use and see what you can find out! – Mama Wednesday, April 10 Input for Shadowlady who is wondering about women's leadership role in women's riding clubs: In answer to the question regarding who runs the women's motorcycle clubs, my experience is with two Women on Wheels chapters that I attend. The women run the clubs! The men are there for support and frequently offer input, but the women are the actual members with the men being support members. Men do not hold any office....only the women members! LOL...and the women have no problem making this plain to all who attend the meetings.....in a cheerful manner that is. The men who attend have always been fun, but I have never seen any of them try to take over on anything. If it is a women's club.....the men must have an identification problem! Either tell them they must wear skirts to the meeting....OR....start a new club and don't tell the men where you are meeting...Hee Hee. Seriously speaking...my husband told me to tell you that when we rode with the WOW group, we had a great time. When we rode with his MEN's group, one of the guys caused us to have an almost accident in which my husband broke his leg and was out of work for over 5 months! Maybe a gal needs to run that group too? I wish there were a pat answer for the group that has "man trouble", but I am afraid there is none other than the fact that the gals need to assert themselves by reminding the guys that it is the Ladies club...and if the men want to be in charge, they have to start their own group. Good luck and hugs. – Betty (note from Mama: thanks to your hubby dearest for chiming in!) It's not a club if the men are dictating where your going to ride and when, etc. They would come in handy for wrenching though!!!!!!I would love to scoot around with other women occasionally but live in northern British Columbia and riding weather is short so gotta ride with anyone you can find. – Beth (note from Mama: ok BC-based riders reading this site -- say hi so Beth can find you!) Wednesday, April 10 Dear VTwin Mama, We went to a sporting goods store that carries back pack equipment and found quite a few of the items. Although we don't cook, with the stove we could use the coffee pot and heat soup, hot dogs, etc. I always keep extra bungees -- greatest invention there is. Add extra bags, self sealing like zip loc-they come in 2 gallon size now -- for damp towels, etc. It took a little practice to learn the art of packing, but all fits easily. After getting the items, she should try an overnighter close to home to see what works and what didn't. Good luck. – Glenda Dear Glenda, Tuesday, April 9 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Teazer, Tuesday, April 9 Motorcycle Show (Pittsburgh, PA) Dear VTwin Mama, Tuesday, April 9 Dear VTwin Mama, Tuesday, April 9 Dear VTwin Mama, I took the motorcycle safety class and it made me lose my jitters about riding again after such a long break, it is well worth the money in my opinion. Anyway, I am very happy with my Sportster although I know that in the years to come I will be thinking of 'upgrading', something that will be more comfortable on longer trips perhaps (of course after I am able to save some money!). I have the fever again and it feels so good!! Thanks for the advice. – Karen G. Dear Karen, Monday, April 8 I would add a flashlight and a mattress pad. A brand that is self inflating like Ther-0-Rest. And mostly a jug of wine to treat yourself around that campfire. – Cheryl (note from Mama: hmmm . . . wine and marshmallows . . . whadda ya know? Hi, Just for fun! .....invite along someone who has a shit-load of money. That way when you get to where your going you can just buy new! Then when it's time to move on, simply donate the camping good's to the camp ground for the C.N.S.S. "Campers Need Stuff Stockpile." Ok, unreal, maybe...but wouldn't it be lov-ily, if the truth be known, I make them pay for a room {with a view} of the bike's of course!..Could'nt resist..........Flyer...........Please forgive me Mama! – HDFlyer (note from Mama: innovative thinking and "out there" at the same time. Thanks for the chuckle) Various camp stores have towels that are like felt and dry in about 30 minutes. They are not big, but do the job. – Cindy (note from Mama: so very, very smart!) Don't forget the insect repellent! There are alot of very small sticks and roll ons. – Cerider (note from Mama: you're from a bug state, aren't you? I used to ride in Wisconsin and if the June bugs don't get you the State bird, the mosquito, will ; )Friday, April 5 oops . . . . Thursday, April 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Shadowlady, Wednesday, April 3 Input for Pam and her question about the correct height of a windshield: Looking through a windshield can distort your vision depending on which brand. I was taught you should be looking over the windshield not through it. Now do as I say not as I do as I am looking through my windshield. My biggest problem with this set up is when I ride in the rain. Rain builds up on the windshield, my helmet visor, and glasses making it hard to see. Now add in the blurring from the spray from the cars and it gets dangerous. With the windshield this high, wind does not blow the rain off my helmet visor. I plan on cutting down my windshield before my next ride to cure these problems. Now be careful not to cut the windshield to far as then you get wind buffeting on your helmet. There is a very fine line here. Riding is much more comfortable with a windshield. We need our creature comforts. – Cheryl Well, Sunday was the day to declare...100 mile trip curvy roads up the mountain top, about 5,000 ft. elevation...what a trip! I had to pull over quite a few times (due to the maniacs in the cars)....but my husband was patient with me....going around the corners...ya know they always post a lower mph...boy did I adhere!!! It was a blast....and as for the windshield...I haven't noticed any difference...it's a stock windshield from Honda...and it's too cute! Just perfect size for my VLX600. I just love it! what can I say!! Take care – Hope One needs to be able to sit in their saddle the way they ride and see over the top of their windshield. It is very difficult to see through a windshield in the fog and rain. I am talking from experience. Since she is only 5'1", I would suggest a 15" shield. Her best bet though is to discuss it with a good mechanic and parts person at her motorcycle shop. – Hondiana I bought my first bike last August - a 1996 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic - and the windshield is too tall. It is just over my eye level and I find myself hunching down to see through it or trying to look over it when the morning dew fogs it up. It is almost riding season here in Maine and one of my to do's is to see if a glass company can cut my shield about 5" shorter. Hopefully, if that's possible, the cost would be cheaper than buying a new one. I wanted to try riding without a shield, but I've been advised against that since I plan to ride long distances.... – Sharon Smith in Alton, Maine If you can't find a lower profile on the windshield have it cut so your eye level is just above the rim of the windshield. I am also 5' and my 2000 Fat Boy has the sport windshield kit #58278-95, which my husband had cut, my eye level is just above the rim if I'm sitting up straight. I also put 41/2 inch pull back handle bar risers to get the bars alittle closer for comfort.They both work great for me. So good luck with your new bike. Ride Safe. – Julie from LA I too ride a Hugger with a windshield. I had it shaved down by a custom plastic fabrication place. I now can see over it. I still get lots of protection from the wind and a clear view. I use trigger levers from Kuryaken (note from VTwin Mama -- they don't seem to have a website, but if you type this name into a search engine, lots of places that carry the items pop up). I have small hands and arthritis. Heated gloves really help in the cold weather. As Petra (that's VTwin Mama to the uninitiated!) pointed out, your handle bars can be swapped out. I put baby apes on mine (no cable changes necessary). I have my handle bars slightly tilted towards me. I hope this helps! – CJ Thanks to everyone who sent in responses about Pam's question on windshield height -- this should go along way to helping her understand the issues more fully. And the consensus is: Don't be looking through a windshield if at all possible. Modify, change out or alter so that you're looking over the darn thing. – Mama Wednesday, April 3 Rally Notice (Tallahassee, FL) Dear VTwin Mama, Wednesday, April 3 More input for Beth and her 2002 Heritage Classic Softail choice: You will do just fine on this bike (2002 Heritage Classic Softail). I am 5' and I ride a 2000 Fat Boy that I had lowered an inch. Both the Heritage and The Fat Boy are very well balanced bikes and as long as you can plant your feet and take the safety course you will be able to handle this bike. Don't be afraid to try it. Once you get out there and practice you will see how much fun it is to ride. Just check locally for the clubs that are available to join. You will love this bike. So go for it. – Julie C. in LA You go Girl! I am 5 feet tall and 110 lbs and I can ride one! You got me beat to hell on the height and saddle height also. No customizing needed on yours....ride free and proud.. you can do it. – Teazer More input for Chirsty and her V-Star choice: The V-Star is an excellent first bike. I started out riding a 74 Honda 350 Dual sport and then took the MSF class. Hubby's 2nd bike is an 87 Heritage and he encouraged me to ride it, but it felt like too much bike for me. I bought a used '98 650 V-Star Custom. I absolutely love it. It handles great and is very forgiving. I am so comfortable on it, too. It's a great ride around town (I live in Phoenix) and runs well on the freeway too. My plan is to ride this for a couple of thousand and then move up to the Heritage. I wanted to ride something that I felt I could control while getting some miles under my belt. It's so much easier to build up your confidence then to try and regain it ! I agree with Barb - I'm not a Yamaha rep either but they made a great bike in the V-Star line. – Pnlp (aka Paula) Please tell Christy that she has made an excellent choice. I bought my '99 650 V-Star Classic last summer and after making a number of modifications such as lowering it, adding floor boards, etc. (I am 5' tall), I think I have found the PERFECT bike! The weight difference between it and the little Honda or the Suzuki Savage I had previously owned was a little intimidating at first, but once I got on the road....I was amazed at the comfort and handling of this bike. I loved my other bikes, but I feel like I have moved up to a luxury model! My husband even commented that I seemed to handle the V-Star a lot better than either of the other bikes as well. Perhaps it is the wider tires? I know you will enjoy your new bike. – Bootygrandma (Betty) Tuesday, April 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Karen, Ok, that's my list. What else VTwin Mama sisters? – Mama |
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