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Friday, August 1 Women's Sportbike Rally, Fontana Dam, NC, August 22-24 Dear VTwin Mama, Friday, August 1 Dear Readers, My boyfriend Marty, a Suzuki Boulevard C90T rider, is a fan of Mocc's Place ... where the garage and mod shop sections offer easy-to-understand instructions for all sorts of things on Intruders and Boulevards. Marty noted there was a lever adjustment mod ... so if you've already adjusted the levers in as much as possible, this is a method to reduce the distance just a touch more. Is it possible that other makes/models use a similar system ... take a look ... one never knows! Mama Friday, August 1 From Manny who is wondering about lowering his H-D 883 Low for better fit at 5'2": I spoke with a Harley dealer about Progressive shocks for a 2007 883L and he said they should lower the bike a bit because they are not as stiff, so my personal 140 lbs will have more effect. With the stock shocks the bike is very stiff and bounces when I hit bumps on the road. I'm also not able to flat foot so I figure this will help. When I called the Progressive tech rep he said the shocks will provide a more comfortable ride but will not lower the bike. I see a lot of people lowering their bikes, even 883L and they only have 3.9 in clearance, mine bottoms out pulling out of the driveway so I wonder how they are dealing with the lower suspension. Manny (note from Mama: ok 883L riders, I need your input on this one!) Friday, August 1 Hi Mama, But then on the way back the temps dropped to the 60s and my rear tire started to drift. On one curve it started to drift out a bit much. I was afraid that if I touched the rear brake I would get high-sided, so I feathered the front brake to keep it leaned over and scrub a teeny bit of speed off. To my surprise, the front end bit in, and the bike over-steered for a while before the bike went where it pointed. Just like that I was in and then out of danger. Apparently, both tires were drifting at that point. What happened? I wasn't going very fast, slower than most moms late for a soccer game would drive, I dare say. Did the tires become under-inflated due to the temperature drop? (I didn't stop for dinner for the tires to cool.) Or were they over-inflated from a full day of riding? They're OEM Bridgestone BT-020. They feel really slippery in the wet. What's the proper way to recover from drifting while wet and dry? Thanks. Andy S. Dear Andy, In everything I've read on the subject, drift is more about speed, as it takes a considerable force to break the connection point of rubber to road (although less on wet pavement). Having ridden in the Sierra Nevada mountain range for seven years, where one routinely leaves the valley floor at one temperature and reaches the peaks that can be 30 degrees or more cooler, I find it difficult to believe that a tire could be so touchy on air pressure due to temp changes. Usually in a curve, one never touches the front brake for a slight speed adjustment, but if the rear tire was already drifting, touching that rear brake in fact could have brought back the lost traction in a not very pleasant way. Recovery from drifting is best left to the racing professionals ... i.e, if you're drifting on a regular basis, something else is not right. Since the Ninja is new, and I believe you when you say your speed was in fact not excessive, then I would gently suggest that the OEM tire might be the sore spot. I'd get on a Ninja-specific board and see what 650R riders prefer. If I had to guess, the Metzler name in tires is going to come up. Let's see if we get any other Ninja riders to chime in on this one. Mama Friday, August 1 From Cody7626 who got a 2002 H-D but it was sitting high: Hi Mama! I just wanted to give you an update to my original post. Since I have such limited riding experience (less than 50 hours road time), I have opted to sell the Harley for now. I have just purchased a used Honda VLX600 and what confidence it has already given me. We brought it home last week Thursday night, Friday I backed it out of the shop by myself and moved it so I could wash and polish it and I rode it both Saturday and Sunday totally by myself. My husband did not even ride with me. I am thinking that I will be back on a Harley eventually, but felt this was the smart way to start and get my motorcycle legs. I know, however, the things that I will insist on when I do make an upgrade. Thank you for all of your information. What a wonderful site! I will continue to visit. Cody7626 (note from Mama: I know it seems difficult to many that a first choice doesn't always end up being the right choice ... and there's no magic formula or crystal ball ... riders learn what works from them by doing parking lot practice and road time ... there is no substitute. Kudos to you Cody7626 for taking a new approach to your adventure in riding!) Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Candice, I'm guessing that your bike does not have a tachometer, otherwise you would be able to see that it's unlikely that you're red-lining the engine (approaching a rpm level that is considered bad for the engine over an extended period). In fact, in lots of cases now, a bike is outfitted with a rev limiter ... so that in any gear it is not possible to exceed a pre-set limit. This can be a pain for those who like to push the performance, but for most cruiser riders, shouldn't be a problem. Would you like to do a small experiment? On a straight road section, instead of shifting into 5th when you normally would, stay in 4th and bring your bike up to the speeds you would normally cruise at. As you will see, the bike can in fact run at those speeds in 4th gear, but it starts sounding strained. Now you've proven to yourself that your bike can handle being dropped from 5th to 4th for passing power! Mama Monday, August 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Elizabeth, On the VTX 1300R, I'd be looking to switch to passenger floorboards if the bike is still set up with foot pegs and there's no doubt that the addition of a backrest would help (if that change to a Mustang seat doesn't have one). The added support at the back and feet allows you to shift your weight, even ever so slightly, for those longer rides. Now, on the Rebel, I'm not sure how you want to invest to make that bike more comfortable for you. You've already got the gel seat. I'd be adding a highway bar (also called an engine guard) with incorporated highway pegs so you can shift your legs from one position to the other. You would also be surprised what the addition of a windshield will accomplish ... taking the wind off your chest, which can make you feel like you're stuck in one seat position. You may find rider floorboards, but at a bare minimum, you'll find ISO mini-wings, which give you a firmer foot rest. I'd also be double checking your reach to the handlebar controls ... if you're leaning to the controls, this can limit your body position shift ... the addition of a pullback riser can make a huge difference. A lot of these Rebel solutions can be found online at Accessories International. Of course you can always visit the local dealer's parts department and start noodling out ideas there as well. Or, visit a Rebel-specific forum to see what other Rebel lovers are doing! One added note ... underwear, incredibly, can add to the misery of the situation ... I've heard some riders switch to bicycle-rider-style underwear, so there is no leg hole seam digging in where the hind-end meets legs! Mama Monday, August 4 Hi VTwin Mama, My question to you is do you think I will have any trouble with the bike being the size I am? I know there are many variables involved so you may not be able to give a direct answer. Also if things are just a bit too uncomfortable, how easy is it to fix those issue? I know larger heels on boots would help with reaching the ground. Rgds, Peter Dear Peter, The Bonneville is calling out a 30.5" seat height, so there is a clue of sorts ... 1/2" does matter to a rider of shorter stature. Does the Thurxton have a possibility of a shorter shock that would lower the back end even 1/2 to 1"? Ask! You are right, I cannot address the reach to hand controls with absolute certainty. The question to the dealer then is whether a pullback riser could be added. In looking at the handlebar set-up, it looks like a simple clamp-in system, which would allow for the addition of a pullback riser, which is an inexpensive and simple addition to bring that handlebar back to you a bit if necessary. Since the local dealer doesn't have this model for you to sit on, I'd consider using Triumph's dealer locater feature and making some calls for a possible road trip if another dealer has it on the showroom floor. If this purchase can be delayed, then one could wait for a bike show to come to your area this winter so you could see it. Mama Monday, August 4 For Tobster who is trying to connect an iPod with a QLink Legacy: I too have that problem with my 2007 Qlink Legacy 250 I bought last week; FM radio works but no tunes from my flash drive. I did find a post elsewhere online that stated you should not use a MAC to format the flash drive, but rather a PC. I have tried formatting the playlist in different formats (wav, mp3, etc) to no avail. Yesterday I ordered a service manual for the Qlink Legacy 250. I expect there is some maintenance/troubleshooting for the USB in there. I will let you know what I find once I get my hands on it!! Happy motoring!! Arietta (note from Mama: apparently this problem has not been successfully solved in the last year, so if you find a solution, it will help a lot of people!) Monday, August 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cpl. O'Meara, I'd ask the local dealer about adding their H-D Jiffy Stand Extension Kit. And this page shows the H-D rear brake options, from full levers to replacement pads. In addition, one can check the J&P Cycle online catalog, as this company is one of the biggest Harley aftermarket shops. Mama Tuesday, August 5 Dear Readers, Jen at TwoCrazyChicksShoppe notes that they now have stainless steel jewelry, biker bags, exciting new T-shirts, rhinestone helmet patches, Swarovski sunglasses, and fun new sandals. Widowmaker Threadz introduced 4 new T-shirts for summer 2008 ... this site gives a portion of every sale directly to the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund. Vixxen is offering riding gear and accessories ... I really like the T-shirts ... original art design is placed lower on the body of the shirt and to one side ... very different! Fox Creek Leather is showing a very special Frogg Togg rain suit for women ... Women's Sweet T ... no more of that billowing extra material that can hamper your ride! Mama Tuesday, August 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Tired, Add to that thought that we actually use a lot of muscles to keep us upright on two wheels, constantly making minor adjustments to keep us from going down ... very different than a four-wheel cage where balance is not an issue. And then there is the speed ... we're basically in one big wind tunnel going down the road! The constant force of Mother Nature against our bodies never ceases ... Those are my top three thoughts ... chime in now with more ideas! Mama Tuesday, August 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Manny, Wednesday, August 6 Dear VTwin Mama, Now for another question. My husband and I both ride cruisers. We are interested in purchasing some good quality, hopefully certified, and comfortable safety gear. Have searched the net. However, would appreciate any suggestions you may have on how to choose a product out there. Thanks. And thanks again for your wonderful website. 2Forks Dear 2Forks, Thursday, August 7 Gathering 2009 Motorcycle Information Dear Readers, 2008 to 2009 changes will be shown on a special page ... once I have all 2009 information, I will redo all the charts to reflect the changes. I will also issue a mini report for each manufacturer as I pull together the information ... this is by no means a comprehensive overview ... just a snapshot on the parameters I report on in order to help people research a bike for fit/budget. Mama Thursday, August 7 Victory Mini Report Dear Readers, New Model: The Kingpin Low is being introduced this year, with a deliciously low seat height of 22.5" ... yes, you read that correctly! So, if you're looking for 1634cc of power but are height challenged and don't want to mess with lowering the bike ... take a look! Seat Heights: Everything has remained the same except for the above noted new model and Victory has dropped the Vegas Jackpot from 26.5" to 25.7". Again, for the height challenged rider, an almost inch drop can really make a difference! Weights: almost across the board you'll notice that the reported dry weight has dropped anywhere from 4 to 16 pounds. Not a lot ... just a note! Engine CC: The Hammer, Hammer S, and Vegas Jackpot, originally at 1634cc, now boast the 1731cc engine ... just like the Vision line-up. MSRP Prices: Half the models' pricing remains the same. The big news is that the starting MSRP for the Victory Hammer S went from $19,866 in 2008 down to $18,499 in 2009. Increases for the Hammer, Vegas, Vegas 8-Ball, Vegas Jackpot, and Vegas Low range from $200 to $500 starting MSRP. Other Notes: Victory is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special 10th Anniversary Edition of the Victory Vision ... only 100 models were made! Mama Thursday, August 7 Harley-Davidson Mini Report Dear Readers, New Model: The V-Rod Muscle was added to the VRSC line-up and the main thing I see is that they went to what's called a satin chrome straight shot exhaust ... very elegant! Here is the side-by-side comparison of the three 2009 "Rod" motorcycles for your review. Seat Heights: No big changes; on a few models there are a few 0.1 to 0.3 drops. Weights: The only big shifts I'm seeing are on the bigger, heavier cruisers/touring models (those already over 700 pounds) is an increase of 15 to 31 pounds. The biggest change was to the Softail Custom, moving from 703 to 765 pounds. Engine CC: I made some corrections to reported cu to calculated cc numbers. For instance, those 96 cu bikes, the bulk of the models, were updated from 1600cc to 1584cc. The VRSC line-up, which I had listed at 1300cc is actually 1250cc. MSRP Prices: A lot of models increased in starting MSRP price for 2009, anywhere from $50 to $1000 (most on the lower end of that range). A few notable decreases: 883 Low from $7,145 to 6,999; Dyna Street Bob from $13,795 to $12,999; Road King from $17,595 to $16,999; Softail Fat Boy from $17,195 to $15,999. Other Notes: Three models have been discontinued for 2009, including the Dyna Wide Glide, basic Sportster 883 (keeping the Low and Custom), and Sportster 1200 Roadster. Mama Saturday, August 9 August is Biker Poet Month Dear Readers, Of possible interest is Rubber Ride Down, A Biker Poet Anthology edited by Jose Gouveia and K. Peddlar Bridges.
And don't miss going to the Road Poet E Magazine site! Mama Saturday, August 9 Updated Women's Motorcycle Event Calendar Dear Readers, Monday, August 11 3 New Motorcycle Reviews Dear Readers, Monday, August 11 New Book About Touring South Africa Hi VTwin Mama, I
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Sincerely Dear Ben, Monday, August 11 The Latest News from Ace High Leathers Hi VTwin Mama, These half chaps are lined with vegetable tanned leather and the outer
shell is a stiffer leather allow the chap to stand on its own as well as
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us for more information Dear Nanci, Monday, August 11 Buell Mini Report Dear Readers, New Model: The1125R has a new sister ... the 1125CR. It's 2.7" longer in overall length, just a bit wider overall and has almost an inch more ground clearance (0.93"). The headlight innards are slightly different, a small difference in the final drive ratio spec, and doesn't come in Artic White like the 1125R. Everything else is the same. Seat Heights: The Lightning XB12S raised up 1/2" while the Lightning XB9SX dropped 1.3". Weights: The XB12S added 5 pounds ... Engine CC: No changes. MSRP Prices: All models stayed at 2008 pricing except the XB9SX, which went up $100 and the XB12S, which dropped to $9,995 for the black model and then the $10,495 2008 price for any translucid color. Other Notes: Nada! Mama Thursday, August 14 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Short Legged, Thursday, August 14 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear D., It does seem odd though that your hubby with passenger can take of just fine and then along the route the bike quits, but then starts up just fine again. The only thing that comes to mind would be something like a kickstand switch, but I'm not even sure if your make/model has one. That's a switch that doesn't allow you to shift into a gear if the kickstand is down (the bike just dies). Could it be possible that the passenger is somehow hitting the kickstand with his/her foot and the switch is deactivating so that the bike thinks the kickstand is no longer up all the way? Or perhaps the kickstand is already jiggling loose and the added weight of the passenger makes it "bounce" enough, perhaps on a bump, so that the switch kills the bike? Otherwise all I can think is that there is a wire running near/under the passenger portion of the bike that is shorting to ground on occasion, but would only happen when the weight is there and the bump/hit if the road positions/shifts the wire so that a bare spot is hitting the frame. It would do a temporary short until the passenger gets off, the wire is away from the frame, and thus the bike can start again. Any readers with more ideas?!?!?!?! Mama Thursday, August 14 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear ShirleyW, As I always say, taking a riding course really does help in these beginning stages. It shows you a number of things: 1) if you really do want to ride once you've gotten your first
taste of it The answers to these questions can be had about $125 depending on your area, so look at that link above and make contact with riding course(s) in your area. If you'll be learning on your own, find something used, 500cc and under, made for street riding, cheap, but running. Don't worry about the looks ... you need at least one bike to make mistakes on and to learn more about all the things mentioned above so that the second bike can really become that dream come true! Take the DMV written test that gives you permission to practice, head to an empty parking lot, and give it a whirl. There are books and DVDs that help you learn the basics along with any friend who stands at the ready to show you the basics. Mama Friday, August 15 Dear VTwin Mama, Realized I wanted to learn because it is fun and I really wanted to do this for myself. Well, I did pass the second time but not by much and went out and purchased myself a beautiful 2002 Honda Shadow VLX 600. It is much more stable than the Honda Rebel 250 that I rode in the class and the throttle is not as touchy, makes me more comfortable. I have been practicing in the church parking lot, duck walking, stop and go, shifting from first to second and back to first during a stop. Took it out for a spin around the block first time ever on the street, how stressful it was. Here I am going around the block just fine come up to the stop sign on a small incline and try to take off and stall, the car behind me starts blowing his horn and there are three vehicles coming down the road on my left and a car backing out onto the street to my right, which is where I want to turn and this guy is just blowing his horn at me. Due to the stress I of course stall the bike again which causes more stress not to mention that I am terrified to make that tight turn at the top of a hill into traffic. I hope it gets better. The Church parking lot is small and the closest large parking lot is about 7 miles down the road traveling at 55 miles per hour. I am simply not ready for that yet. My husband would probably help but he is working out of state, so I am on my own. I want to ride in the worst way, but the jitters have me reluctant to get out and try, especially after my first time out. Hope I can get over this and get out again soon. Shadow Rider Dear Shadow Rider, I want to congratulate you on everything you have achieved already ... it's quite a lot and we can see that the desire is there ... yahoo to you! Now let's address the issues you have on your next steps. Parking lot practice is always good, but yes, eventually we've got to head out into the real world. As I don't know what time of day you took that first spin in the neighborhood, by your description of all the traffic coming through, it might not have as ideal as possible. Consider a very early Sunday morning run when traffic is likely to be at its very lowest. This will allow you to navigate your area and not come across the cage crowder ... they of course don't get it and are always anxious to get to where they are going. I'm guessing with some breathing room you'll be able to get the rhythm you need to handle that to better satisfaction. Tight turns from a stop are always a skill that needs a lot of polish at first. By placing markers in the parking lot (tennis balls cut in half, cones, or even bright orange crackers that birds will then eat!) to lay out a tight intersection, you can concentrate on picking up both legs to the pegs together and smoothly, using your friction zone to regulate the speed, and working on your head and eyes looking fully through the turn for best results. The wiggle room will allow you to go out of bounds as you work on this and celebrate each time you get closer to the goal. Since hubby is working out of state, I wouldn't hesitate to see what women's riding organizations are in your area. Make a point of emailing and saying hi and attending the next meeting to introduce yourself in person. You may find a rider who is in position to assist you through the beginning things that will help your confidence level ... at the very least, you'll get a bigger rider circle for yourself to motivate you! Remember, these are gals who have been there and done that and are cheerleaders all the way around! Mama Friday, August 15 Even more for Pittysbad who is battling nasty ol' gravel and back-up techniques: Whew, can I relate to this thread! Not only do I live on a gravel driveway, so do all of our relatives and friends (the downside of living the country). If the scenery here wasn't so breathtaking and the twisty roads so fun to ride, I'd move just to avoid all of the country gravel roads! Our driveway is horrible. It's soft sandy dirt, with deep pockets of gravel that you can get stuck or slide in and steeply sloped soft shoulders. (My hubby and I have spent too much on motorcycles to work on it right now, lol.) It's narrow, sloped, and is crowded with two vehicles and two motorcycles. So I don't have a lot of room to manuever. My bike's a Honda 919; not too heavy but I'm not very strong either, and even with the suspension lowered and good boots I can just barely touch my heels to the ground. I have found that I really had to practice to be able to back it up on that gravel and turn it around smoothly. It's a wrestling match to get my bike to both move and stay upright. (But it's a great workout - better than going to the gym!) I can't count how many times I have almost dropped it when I get it backed up enough and start turning it around. I have thought a lot about the times that I have almost dropped it and what I might be doing wrong, and I realized that I was putting myself in the same situation almost every time. Here's what happens: I start into the backwards turn too slowly, and the bike gets stuck in the gravel or a rut. I give it a good rock and tug backwards to get moving again. It breaks free of the spot and moves too fast or in the wrong direction, and I panic and grab hard on the front brake (afraid that it will get away from me and roll backwards off the shoulder into the woods). This throws both me and the bike off balance, and my feet slip on the gravel. We nearly go over. Yikes! The best method that I have found is to do a very tight full-lock turn (the handlebars turned as far as they will go), with the bike leaned into the turn a little, so you can brace firmly with your foot. The front wheel will act as another brace and help you hold the bike steady. The front wheel can't twist unexpectedly and throw you off balance if it is slammed up against the tank (as it might in a wider turn, since it has a lot of "play" on gravel). There are no surprises that way - you know exactly where the bike will go. Then you just keep your foot planted on the ground, hold the handlebar firmly in the full-lock position, and let the bike pivot around your leg until it is facing the direction that it want it to go. It is much easier if you can maintain a steady slow speed and use momentum to keep it moving through the sticky spots, only letting it stop if it is on level ground. Use the back brake lightly if you need to slow or stop during this maneuver (or VERY light and smooth feathering of the front, if you can't put your foot on the rear brake while turning your bike). Remember: front brake + gravel + panic = bad. It took lots and lots of practice, patience, and confidence-building for me to learn to let it roll and trust my balance on that hard turn. I have found that practicing the manuever in a paved parking lot helps if the gravel is just too scary to face at first. Every day it gets a little easier, and now I can do it without really thinking about it. Don't let people rush you (or rush yourself) when it comes to situations that you are unsure of. Take as long as you need to, be proud that you are still trying and will succeed, and don't worry about how goofy you might look doing things in the way that you feel most comfortable with. Trust yourself to keep a cool head and use the things that you have learned to help you, and trust your bike (and your guardian angels) to take good care of you. It's great to see so many people who love wind, sun, and adventure as much as my hubby and I do. Safe riding, and keep two wheels down and the shiny side up! Hugs, Mairi (note from Mama: whew ... gravel is such a pill for any rider, so sharing a technique that has worked out is always appreciated ... will help the next person noodle out if that will work for them as well. ) Hi Petra, Dear Kelcy Tuesday, August 19 Petra, I am male, 5ft 4in, just hit 57 years (last week). I have shrapnel in a shoulder, some damaged muscles and am certainly not as fit as I was. But I had a hankering to get back on a bike and had been looking at an H-D FXDL. As a typical "bloke", I did not know enough or how to ask without feeling self conscious, about the changes that could be made. Being a bit short of leg length and lacking in muscle, I certainly didn't want to make an expensive mistake. Until I found your site. What an eye-opener! So, out with the self-doubt and in with positive reinforcement. That FXDL with Louise Miller looked pretty sensational. But my special thanks to Margie and "Bob". I have started discussions on a new H-D FXDB Best Regards, Andy W. Dear Andy, Over the years that I've been writing the VTwin Mama column, I've had a few say that I tend to "baby" my readers ... well, I think of it as empowering my readers ... giving them a place that they can relax in to, get info, ask questions, and move forward. There would be no need for this site if every motorcycle rider and dealership salesperson was/felt 100% approachable, but that's just not the case. Certainly great strides are being made, but until the questions stop flowing, I'll stay right here and help! Mama Tuesday, August 19 For Shadow Rider who is having some jitters moving beyond the parking lot for a number of reasons: Shadow Rider, I feel your pain & anxiety! I dropped the bike a total of 3 times at the MSF course - twice the first time I took it (and was asked to leave), once the second. I passed, just barely, and really wondered if I could actually ride a motorcycle. I bought a Rebel to practice on and everything seemed fine so, after a month, I bought a bigger bike. I got it home from the dealership okay, but dumped it in a turn the next day. My husband was panicked, the onlookers were panicked, but I was okay, physically. Mentally, I questioned whether I had done the right thing. I live 2 miles from work, and I rode the bike to work the following week. I fell over in the parking lot, as I turned to back into a parking space. One of my brand-new employees saw me and helped get the bike off my leg and helped me get the bike up. (Great first impression as a boss, eh?) Never told hubby as I knew he'd be worried about my abilities. The next weekend we took a ride and I got caught at a stop light. Had to decide whether to follow hubby through at a yellow light with traffic congested ahead - decided not to - forks weren't straight - toppled over - three nice guys helped me up - met hubby further up the road. I wrestled with whether to tell him or not but he saw me checking the bike for damage so I told him. He worries for my safety and I worried that he wouldn't let me go on nice long rides with him. The funny thing was I was feeling more confident about everything except turning at slow speeds, when I would uncontrollably tip over. Hubby noticed that my front wheel "flops" very quickly and wants to pull the bike over. He did some research and learned that bikes like ours with their long forks have this tendency. Knowing the bike's tendency I was able to control it. I spent time in a parking lot just "pushing left to go left; pushing right to go right". With the long rake you really have to push on the handlebars. I've ridden a few times now without tipping it over. I'm almost ready to contact the dealership to replace all the bits I've bent & scraped. Shadow Rider, if someone like me can do this I know you can too. Get to know your bike - learn its tendencies - keep practicing. You'll get there!! Good luck and keep the shiny side up. Amy K. (note from Mama: yes, the exact handling characteristics of a motorcycle are different for each make/model and I'm so glad you pointed out a specific example!) Hi Shadow Rider. You are doing great! Like Mama said, get some tennis balls and practice in the parking lot. Some people don't try to ride on the roads until they get their permit. I think it is awesome you did! As for the jerk in the cage, don't let him bother you! What could he do to you? He can't run you over, that is prison time! If he was smart, and obviously, he is NOT, he should have noticed that you were new to this and just went around you. Even experienced riders have problems out of jerks in cages. You will get there! Me&MyShadow. (note from Mama: I think someone once suggested a sign for the back of a jacket saying New Rider, Back Off ... but others said it might actually cause others to purposefully "go after" a new rider because there are meanies out there. Hmmm ...) In response to Shadow Rider's predicament: take the Rider's Edge program for new riders ( usually through a Harley Davidson dealership ). This is a much better way to go than the state sponsored courses. They are longer and have fewer students. I just finished my course tonight. I had never been on a bike before, and in 5 days have learned the skills necessary for operating a bike safely. I finished the riding skills portion yesterday, came home, geared up, and jumped on my Ninja 650R, and took a ride --with confidence and skill. There's still lots of practice needed, but solid core skills were taught in that class. It was an awesome learning experience. I would recommend it to everyone wanting to get on a bike. Good Luck !! Fellow Chick Biker. (note from Mama: many note that taking a second class can be very beneficial and I agree that not all courses are created quite equal, so it pays to shop around if the area has more than one offering or even if another offering seems awesome and you have to travel a bit for it.) Tuesday, August 19 For Short Legged who is wondering if another seat will lower the 1200L even more than the Sundowner: I am 5'3" and ride a 1200 Low. I read many forums recommending the Corbin Close Solo and so ordered one installed on my new bike. I was surprised, however, to discover it actually felt a little higher than the stock seat. I tried to contact Corbin twice via email to see if their experiences with this bike were different but they never responded. It may be that the Low's stock seat is already "low profile" so aftermarket "low profile" seats do not help much. I am not unhappy with the seat as it is comfortable and offers great support. Sorry I can't offer a seat recommendation. I am consider installing the 11" Progressive shocks. I've read they would offer a superior ride and would lower the bike by 3/4 inches as the stock shocks are 11.75". PatyJ. (note from Mama: recently I received direct contact from H-D and have now asked H-D if there is someone I can email these types of questions to as information tends to be sketchy and everyone is looking for the same specification call outs!) Tuesday, August 19 Dear VTwin Mama, I always do a low wave with two fingers pointed towards the road (easy to do even at high speeds), which, from what I have heard, means both "peace" and "keep two wheels on the road." I have heard that it started as Harley symbology, but here in the southern USA it is common among bikers of all types, especially people on sport bikes (what my hubby and I ride). If I am too busy to take my hands off of the handgrip or clutch I just nod or lift a finger in acknowledgement (safety first, of course). I love living in Tennessee, because ALL motorcyclists wave here, regardless of what type of bike they (and you) are on. My husband and I are fortunate enough to live only a few hours from the legendary Dragon's Tail (Deal's Gap), Blood Mountain, and the Ocoee River (among other fun and breathtakingly beautiful places). The mountains around us are full of twisty roller-coaster roads that make riding a true joy (and challenge). So we get a lot of bikers who travel here from all over the world (mostly to ride the Dragon). You see motorcyclists joy-riding and waving to each other around every bend - it's great! (My arm gets tired from all of the waving sometimes, but I don't mind a bit.) Here's a tribute that I wrote to the friendly wave (or nod) that motorcyclists give to one another. I thought that it would be nice to share here. To me, the motorcycle wave is the acknowledgement of an unwritten creed. It's a simple but profound gesture, that says so much more than it seems. ---------------------------------- We pass each other on the road, and you give me a friendly wave. I can't help smiling as I wave back, because I understand exactly what you mean. We are comrades, for we are the road-warriors, the adventurers, who share a common love of the wind, the sun, and the amazing machines that we ride. It doesn't matter what we do for a living, what "social class" we are in, if we are male or female, what we look like, or even what kind of bike we ride. On the road, we are equals, and we have ultimate respect for one another. We treasure the deep bond that we share with all of our two-wheeled brothers and sisters. We know that if one of us is broken down or in trouble, the other will help, for that's what comrades do. We must stick together, for people who don't ride can't truly understand what it is all about. We have doggedly battled harsh weather, frigid winds that threaten to blow us right over, hard blows from flying insects and road debris, and jaded and rude drivers who don't even notice the beautiful world beyond their car windows. We fight constantly to avoid the countless little hazards that people in their cars never even think about, for they are enough to put us and our baby in the ditch. We endure it all because we have a fierce love of the open road and naked sky. We fall in love all over again every time we climb onto the saddle, savoring that delicious tingling thrill of anticipation as we turn the key and start the engine. We love becoming one with the sleek beast purring away beneath us, and unleashing its fury as we open the throttle and roar down the road together. Like a bird freed from its cage, we soar, swoop, chase the wind, and laugh aloud from the sheer joy of it. The smell of exhaust is our perfume. Helmet hair and bug-spattered clothing are our personal style and our badge of honor. We spend more time polishing our bikes than we do polishing ourselves. We will happily squeeze out our last dime so we can keep enough gas in our tank to stay on the road. Our bike is our best friend and guardian angel, and we are the luckiest people in the world when sit upon its back. We feel sorry for the people trapped in their four-wheeled cages, who have never experienced the joy and power that we feel every time we ride. Keep waving to your brothers and sisters out there, let them know that you understand, and keep this beautiful tradition alive. Mairi Dear Mairi, Tuesday, August 19 Petra, Dear Eileen, Wednesday, August 20 Ovocycle Track Day, September 29, Kershaw, SC Dear VTwin Mama, Wednesday, August 20 Alabama Bikers for Babies, October 10-12, Huntsville, AL Dear VTwin Mama, Wednesday, August 20 Child Abuse Center Benefit, September 13, Ripley, TN Dear VTwin Mama, When:
Saturday, September 13 1st
rider goes out at 9:00am. Last
out at 12:30pm. Wednesday, August 20 Bikers for Babies, Complete Location/Schedule Dear Readers, Wednesday, August 20 For D. in Nova Scotia whose Vulcan 500 dies when a passenger is added to the ride: Hi there - I'm not sure if this could be a related problem or not but ... I have a 2000 Vulcan 500 which often loses power when there is about 120-150 miles on a tank of gas. Sometimes the engine just quits, other times it bucks a little to give me the warning. Based on the size of the tank, and the amount of gas I put in it when this *consistently* happens, I know there is still substantial gas remaining. I suspect a problem with the pick-up tube inside the tank. My cheap and immediate solution is to make sure I fill the tank between 100 and 120 miles. It's not ideal, but until the season is over, it works. Anonymous (note from Mama: yes, it appears that this 4 gallon tank usually runs about 40-50 miles/gal. Similar posts I found online from other Vulcan 500 owners, is to check for plugged atmospheric vent for either the carbs or the fuel tank. Part of this equation is how much of the tank is actually the reserve system ... you can ask the dealer or check the service manual ... if it's about 1 gallon of the overall 4 gallons, then you know you're looking at a possible reserve feed problem. Next time it happens ... quickly open the gas cap to bring the tank to atmospheric pressure ... if the problem clears up, it's most likely the cap (not unheard of, by the way) ... or again, something in the tank venting. Could it be that D.'s bike is doing something similar, and the passenger is just a coincidence? Possible.) Wednesday, August 20 Dear VTwin Mama, This year, unfortunately, I had an accident, which is why I am writing. The first day on the island we left the ferry enroute to Grand Falls. The weather was damp with intermittent rain. We were at an intersection, trying to cross to the entrance to our hotel. There was traffic and the road was damp. In short, there was gravel at the intersection that neither of us saw. I hit it on my turn. The rear of the bike went out and she slid sideways on her peg for about 20ft, struck a fissure in the road and went over. My foot got caught under the bike and my ankle broke. I slid about 10 ft. Thankfully almost no road rash, just a small amount on my left hand. Anyhow ... I've gone over the incident many times in my mind. I didn't panic ... applied no brake and the only action I took was to apply a small amount of throttle in a last ditch effort hoping for a clean bit of pavement. I have no idea if this would have worked, but the fissure in the road sorta made this a moot point anyhow! I was going slow when I hit the gravel and am amazed that the bike slid so far! My husband thinks I may have been better off if I had attempted to jump clear of the bike once she pegged out in the slide. I don't know and I'm looking for any tips for recovering from this type of slide. I am still on vacation, but no biking of course. My ankle is broken in 3 places so it will be 5 or 6 weeks before I can walk without crutches. Obviously I'm devastated, but I am trying to make the best of the situation ... part of which is trying to prevent this from ever happening again! I know avoiding gravel is the best option, but in the case when you miss it and end up in the situation that I did ... what can a rider do to recover from the slide? Any advice anyone can offer would be appreciated. We are not sure why we didn't see the gravel, but think it was a combination of the fact it was less visible due to the rain and that we were both concentrating on the traffic. Bev V. Dear Bev, As we all know, rainy conditions add an extra component to our overall safe riding handling procedures. I don't think it's possible to always see everything, regardless of the weather ... some stuff comes up so fast that we can only react to it, despite our best efforts to always be proactive. And it doesn't take much speed, especially on rain soaked grounds, to slide far ... you've got a lot of bike weight in motion in which ground friction takes a while to bring to a full stop. In the same thought, not all skids can be recovered from. If the rear tire had reached a section of no gravel pavement, the abrupt power reconnected to the rear tire could have high-sided you, meaning the bike rights itself but with such immediate force that it throws the rider off the opposite side. That's not pretty either. In looking at a picture of your bike, which you submitted for the Fit Chart section, I see you have an engine guard ... of sorts ... it's pretty narrow and holds your highway pegs on the outside edge, but doesn't really extend out past the bike at all. A wider engine guard would mean that when the bike started it's slide, it would have rested on that protruding guard, giving you more leg/foot clearance and more time to pull up your leg from the foot peg and consider ditching the bike. Even a number of seconds, as I'm sure you can recount, is important. A quick Internet search didn't cough one up for your year/make/model ('86 Honda VT750 Shadow) but I'd start going on the hunt for one. Or check with a local independent shop to see if one can be fabricated. Now the highway pegs would mount on the inside of the guard curve so you would still having another leg position for cruising, but extra protection for a slide. Mama Wednesday, August 20 For Amy K. on the Shadow and learning handling characteristics of a motorcycle: My second bike was a V-Star 650 which is similar to the Shadow and found that it was a bit much for me on the stopping part. I am 5'2" and 105 lbs and almost 50 years old. I dropped the bike twice and that was enough for me to go back to a trike. I have a lot more confidence in my abilities and stopping short in emergencies. My husband does not worry about me at all now. I have logged about 10,000 miles in the last 4 years and have loved every minute of it! The trike also allows me to ride a much bigger bike. I have a Valkyrie which is a big 6 cylinder 1000 lb bike. The trike attracts more attention than my husband's Valkyrie. If not for the trike, then I think that the correct bike for me would be a Buell Blast or a Rebel which would not keep up with my husband or have as comfortable of a ride. I have ridden my husband and friends on the trike, something that I would never attempt on a 2 wheel. Years ago a 650cc or 750cc bike was a big bike and fit a couple. Now I am amazed at the big bikes that women ride. I applaud those that can handle them, but in no way do I feel that I am not as cool or as capable on my trike! Vicki (note from Mama: we have had a number of "struggle" letters in which the rider tries another make/model, or as you did, moves to a trike. The moment of clarity is different in each situation, but thank you for letting Amy know that sometimes a change makes all the difference in riding joy!) Wednesday, August 20 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Anon, Thursday, August 21 More for D. in Nova Scotia whose Vulcan 500 dies when a passenger is added to the ride: I asked my honey/biker/mechanic what he thought... he looked at me a little cross-eyed and started spewing out possibilities. What you see below is what I could make of what sounded a little "greekish" to me in the beginning. After I asked him to slow down, explain that again, etc. I understood some of it - and it even made sense... but I didn't push the inquiry to get ALL the details - but it may give a start. He suggested that it could be several different issues - maybe even a combination. 1) It could be that when the passenger sits on the bike the
starter relay wire is being pinched. The result is that the battery eventually
looses all power. When the power is gone the bike shuts off.
When it shuts off, the passenger & hubby get off the bike, the wire is no
longer pinched. When the wire is no longer pinched the battery
regains power. It will start back up....and the cycle continues. ...in
other words, check the wires that may be affected by the weight in the back,
and act accordingly. Thursday, August 21 Dear VTwin Mama, I have a choice once off the hills to go right (curvy highway, many blind curves and straighter after about 10 miles-BUT pull-over areas so you can go slower, pull over frequently. Cars are more wary due to 15-30 mph curves and many side streets, or go left and the BIG highway, straight, pull overs galore but highly used, more aggressive drivers and since I'm the only one in the county that ever pulls over (LOL) people tend to panic if they see me as they think they will be trapped at 30-45 mph, Limit is 55, usually speed is 65-70mph except the many elderly which is part of why people are so fearful of being trapped. They usually are, for many, many miles. For hours. I go right. Scary as the curves are very sharp, blind, often crossed over by 'cages' and construction guys having a few. Although it seems like trial by fire since I'm having to do so much freaky stuff, (gravel collects at the lower intersections naturally) and seems so much nicer to learn in flat, regular city slow streets with lights and/or stop signs at least. On the other hand a co-worker rides a HD 883 low, mine is a HD 1200 low, she can't do hills even though she ridden to the Redwood run! So as scary as it is, and as hindering as it seems, I guess it's not that bad. It all adds up eventually. I just try to stay within my limits and try to expand them as I get comfortable and have the tools to manage the next step without mishap. Oh yeah-NEVER use the inclined down side to put your foot down as the stabilizer when stopped unless your bike is very light and small and you are strong and long legged enough. I also ride a bike and had to translate brake information and the idea of the difference between 20lbs and 563 lbs. Thanks again for all you're doing. TTFN, Trish Dear Trish, Friday, August 22 St. Jude's Benefit, September 28, New Egypt, NJ Dear VTwin Mama, This year the Assistant State Director for SIS, Louise (aka Scarlett) took over and she has done an incredible job of making certain that this years event puts the first one to shame. And I couldn't be more happy! We have lots of smaller vendors coming and two large clothing venders and we don't require a vendor fee ... we ask for a donation of their merchandise so that we can have FABULOUS door prizes. This year, like last, we will have door prizes like: a $50 gift certificate to Best Buy; several pieces of fine jewelry; nice T--shirts and hats from various vendors and dealerships; fine chocolate; dinner coupons at nice restaurants; a helmet; a pair of mesh riding pants. These are just a FEW of what we have to win. PLUS, our top winners in the bike show can win a Sirius Satellite Radio, a riding jacket or one of two $200 gift certificates to Trenton World Class Harley. Everyone has been super. I thought perhaps your readers would like to know about it. BTW....We also have two other opportunities to win a Sirius Radio...! We have live music provided by "Music by Nicole and Denise"....and they are FABULOUS!...... It will be held September 28, 2008 at the New Egypt Elks in New Egypt, NJ, 105 Lakewood Road. Information for vendors, donations, and all else, please email Scarlett at msscarlett1022@msn.com. Tink, NJ State Director, Sisters in Spirit Motorcycle Association for Women Friday, August 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Kelly, Friday, August 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Before I started riding, I had a lifelong fear of motorcycles (I used to be a very timid and shy person in general). I watched my brother flip a bike over a stone wall and into a tree when I was a little kid (surprisingly, he was OK, but the bike and the tree weren't). I grew up listening to my mother tell me that motorcycles were deathtraps - a coffin on two wheels - because my other brother had a horrible accident in which he got hit by a semi and got all tangled up in his bike as he went flying down the road. He was very badly injured, and broke most of the bones on the left side of his body. He had several skin grafts, a body cast, and a few hundred stitches to put him back together. When I was fourteen, I watched a drunk biker (no one that I knew, but the accident still left its mark on me) lose control, slide sideways, and wrap his bike around a tree at about 70 miles per hour, just a short distance from where I was standing. I actually felt the breeze from him going by me. The noise of him hitting that tree sounded like an explosion. I'll never forget that sound. I still hear it in my dreams sometimes, seventeen years later. He hit the tree head first and was killed on impact. When I was eighteen, I decided to be brave and face my fear. I had an acquaintance who had a motorcycle and he offered me a ride on it. I didn't know better than to get on the bike with him - he owned one so I assumed he knew how to control it (we aren't so wise when we're young, are we?). He was extremely inexperienced, foolish, and overconfident. He didn't know how to ride with a passenger, he didn't know how to lean or brake properly, and he yelled at me the whole time to stay still and not move because he was afraid that I would make him wreck. Talk about terrifying! I don't know how we kept that bike upright. I couldn't wait to get off and go find somewhere safe to break down and cry. My confidence was shattered. I had nightmares about that ride for several years. To me, motorcycles meant death. That belief lasted for another ten years. I shuddered every time I saw someone (especially another woman) riding one. Then I met my husband, and his motorcycle-loving family. Eventually, he talked me into climbing on the back of his brother's crotch rocket (my hubby didn't have his own bike at the time). The only reason I said yes to the ride was because I loved and trusted him so much. I knew that, while he loves to play hard on his bikes, he is extremely responsible and is aware of the risks that he takes every time he rides one. He doesn't go fast around traffic or where he might endanger someone. I had seen him take that rocket down the road in excess of a hundred miles per hour (during which time I was sweating with fear for him), and I was terrified of it. But, to my relief, he took it easy and we had a slow, pleasant little ride. I came back with a big smile that I was still alive and, amazingly, still in one piece. Poor him, he came back with bruises on his arms and sides from my fingers gripping him. Over time, I got the courage to go on longer and faster rides with him, until I actually looked forward to getting on the pillion seat (for the first year or so, I was too nervous to actually relax and enjoy the ride). My brother-in-law wanted to sell his 2003 Honda 919, after having a rather bad wreck on it. He had been drinking, and foolishly tried to ride his bike home. He hit some gravel on a tight curve and lost it. The bike was undamaged, except for some minor scratches on the side where it had slid up the road, and a crankcase that had to be replaced. My brother-in-law was hurt though, and spent a few days in the hospital for broken bones and severe road rash. After that, he was deathly afraid of the bike, and bought a slower cruiser for him and his wife to ride. Believe it or not, I desperately wanted this bike. I wanted to learn to ride it. Even though my brother-in-law, an experienced rider, was terrified of it. It was a personal challenge to me. Someone had labeled this particular bike as a deathtrap, and I was going to own it and conquer it. So we bought it for about half of its actual value, much to my husband's delight (he had been wanting to buy us a bike for a long time). The first time I sat on it in a parking lot and started the ignition, I was shaking so hard that my teeth were chattering. The old fear that I had buried for so long came rushing back. I wanted to cry, but I concentrated instead on listening to my husband's instructions, and before too long I was rolling. And guess what? It wasn't that bad! As a matter of fact, it was even sort of enjoyable. I sped up a little and tried leaning some little curves. By the time I worked my way up to second gear, the smile had started. I rode until my hands were numb from working the controls. I was grinning like an idiot (and so was my husband) by the time I finally got off the bike. I dropped it once (trying to learn how start on a hill), and scared myself so badly that I was tempted to give the whole thing up. But I kept at it, and before too long I fell hopelessly in love. (Both with riding, and with the bike itself, which is an extremely comfortable and fun bike for me.) Especially when my hubby bought a brand new 2008 Hayabusa (his dream bike), and took me for a death-defying ride on Blood Mountain (I rode pillion). We rounded those curves so fast and hard that I could have reached out and touched the pavement. I wasn't scared - it was exhilarating. I wanted to go faster, harder, and I didn't want to ever stop. We pushed that bike over 150 on a straightaway (which a 'Busa does effortlessly), and I laughed so hard that I couldn't see for the tears. Feeling all of that unbelievable speed and power beneath me lit a flame in my soul. Who knew I was a speed demon at heart? I knew that if we crashed at that speed, it was over. But we have lived a good life, we have absolute trust in one another, and we were doing what we loved. Whatever happened, we would face it together. Our marriage has improved a hundredfold (which I didn't even think was possible, since it was already perfect) because we have learned to work as a team and have so much fun riding that 'Busa together. It takes both of us to balance it on extreme curves at high speeds, and that has taught me a lot about courage and control. So of course, I am now working on building my own skill up to be able to ride at his level (he has a lot of experience under his belt, and rode for eight years until he finally felt confident enough to buy a 'Busa). I don't rush myself - I learn at my own pace and don't push beyond what I know I can handle, but I am definitely an eager student. My little 919 might not be a 'Busa, but it can keep up most of the time. It's a respectable bike, with its 1000 fuel-injected cc's. Plenty of power for a beginner to learn and play a little on, but still easy for me to handle. It's always funny when we pull up to a traffic light or gas station. You can tell which type of bike people like - old school classic like mine, or high-tech hypermachine like his - by which one they admire the most. Apparently the 919 is a local favorite around here in Tennessee - we have had a lot of offers to buy my bike from people who say they can't find one anywhere. It's a good all-around bike and I wouldn't trade it for the world, though I might trade it for a new 'Busa someday. I haven't had the courage to ride the 'Busa by myself yet (my hubby really wants me to, but knows as well as I do that I'm not ready for it), but I will someday. I sit on it sometimes when no one's looking (I could never admit, of course, that I make vroom-vroom noises while doing this), and pretend that I'm flying down the road on it. The feeling of sitting on a machine like that is hard to describe. All of that potential power and muscle lurking beneath you, just waiting to be unleashed. It's like sitting on a coiled spring, even with it turned off and the kickstand down. The 'Busa reminds me of a panther, sleek, purring, dark, deadly, and surprisingly graceful. It makes me smile and get an excited little shiver just to look at it. I don't know what the fierce attraction to fast bikes is. Maybe it's because I am taking control and gaining power over the thing that terrified me more than anything else in the world (and the 'Busa is the ultimate representation of my fear). Maybe it's because I am learning that I can ride my very own motorcycle, and that I won't actually don't fly right off of the curvy roads, which I was afraid of at first. Maybe it's because my husband loves them and that passion rubbed off on me. I can't get enough of motorcycles in general, and the freedom and sheer joy of riding them on the open road. Maybe I really am a speed demon at heart, and the fear was just the end result of a run of very bad luck. But I know one thing. The motorcycle-related tragedies that I have experienced have instilled a deep respect for these amazing machines and the people who learn to ride them. That drunk driver that I watched die is there in the corner of my mind every |
