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Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Anon, I'm wondering if the "lack" is tied to the current economy, in that companies are tightening their belts to survive. Readers, if you know of a good job/internship site, please give me a shout by email. Mama Wednesday, August 5 Hello VTwin Mama, I have problems (lots of problems) on hills. If I have to stop on a grade, I get all messed up when pulling out. Can't feel my clutch, can't get the hand brake and throttle controlled. I have dropped my bike twice due to this, and it seems like I can't control it until I am straight. I haven't ventured off from my home area (back roads) because of this. I love riding and I want to ride it more and further, but am very afraid of hurting someone or making a scene with other cars. I NEED help or I just need to sell my bike... Marsha, Newbie in Tennessee Dear Marsha, Hills are a pill when you're starting out, so fear not, there is no reason to sell up. You're right ... one can have the clutch friction zone and throttle under control on a flat grade but then struggle with an incline. So, a lot of it is how to coordinate our clutch and throttle while handling the brakes so we don't slide backward. On a flat grade I want you to practice this: your left foot planted on the ground and your right foot lightly pressed on the rear brake. Now get some clutch engagement with throttle and feel how you can get the bike to want to move forward but it can't because you've got the rear brake holding it in place. Find the balance point where you can then slowly remove the back brake pressure and smoothly move forward with your controlled clutch/throttle combo. Essentially this is exactly what you need on a hill stop. The rear brake will hold you in place and then you remove that pressure because you have the clutch/throttle at the ready to "take over" the hill grade. Once you've got a feel for that, head out on an early Sunday morning (least amount of traffic usually) and find yourself a parking lot with a gentle hill stop. That could be a shopping center, small business, etc. Just choose something without added problem like deep ditches to either side. Then practice. I'm betting you'll have it under control in no time! Mama
Hi everyone,
Warm regards and biker blessings to you all! Nanci Rogers, Owner, Ace High Leathers Tuesday, August 11 Hello VTwin Mama, I have a question in reference to a MSF course I recently attended. While I did pass the course and received a little certificate, I still need to test with the local Secretary of State today for my official M Class license status...and I know I am not ready. I don't believe I SHOULD have been given a passing grade in the class. The MSF class was taught by a reputable private agency (they're endorsed by MSF). Due to time constraints, I opted for the place, because they taught the typical 3-5 day class in two 10-hr days (turned into two 11+ hr days). The bike I was issued had a super choppy run in 1st gear (which I hear is typical), a need to very forcefully kick the thing down to first gear and down from second, and a friction point that was non-existent until a half a centimeter before the clutch was fully released. The class itself was a blur; very fast and chaotic...and probably shouldn't be a 2-day class. It was exhausting. There just wasn't enough time to practice what I had just learned, before moving onto the next exercise. I did terrible with the figure 8 (AKA not-even-close) and dropped the bike a couple times throughout the first day (thankfully not while moving). And I feel so so uncomfortable with tight right turns and that dastardly "figure 8." I wasn't the only one suffering, but somehow we all passed the class. I almost feel we all passed, simply because we paid the registration fee. (one student laid his bike out twice on day two...while it was moving). Is this normal for these classes? I can go back to the facility to practice, but I'm wondering if perhaps I should register elsewhere or take a couple hours of private lessons? On their behalf, I should confess I do feel very comfortable with upshift/downshift/normal turn left-right/break normally (sudden break with a little more practice) and the offset weave 90% of the time. I just don't feel consistent or confident. My goal is to develop into a safe and confident rider, not to cut corners. I know any MSF class will only get me so far. I feel I am close to having the skills to pass the SOS test, then spend hours practicing in a parking lot on my own, but need some advise as to how I should proceed to confidently get that M status. Thanks so much for all you do!! Very Very Thankful Dear Very Very Thankful, And while the learning curve was steep, it's apparent that you gained control of many of the basic skills, and since continued practice is available at no additional charge, I would take advantage of that. I'm also not surprised that left turns were more easily managed than the right turn. My theory is two-fold: 1) spatial tasks are thought to be set in the right side of the brain, which controls the left side of the body and since we have to look where we go, the left turn is easier; 2) in a left turn our right hand, which controls the touchy throttle, is extended outward, where as in a right turn the whole arm must be pulled in towards our body, thus "cramping" up our wrist while trying to keep the throttle under perfect use. Of course all of this becomes less noticeable with more practice. The dreaded figure 8 is just that ... one of the toughest drills to master and I can guarantee that most experienced riders wouldn't be able to do it ... mainly because in normal riding it's a skill rarely needed ... at most a rider could use the skill in a tighter U-turn, but most often you'll see riders with their feet down "walking" the bike around the tight turn. Some don't have the skill while most I suspect don't want an oopsie to occur, especially if there are a lot of other motorcycles around (it really isn't good etiquette to crash into a line of bikes that are parked!). The key is to trust that you can do it ... easier said than done ... but imagining a positive outcome really does make a difference. On the Ride Technique: Riding Course/Safety page, you'll find a number of links in the left hand column to previous letters that spell out some key techniques for handling the figure 8 and approaching test day. So, head back for some more practice. If you do opt to try the test today, remember that a flubbed figure 8 only costs so many points, and a pass will be awarded if everything else is under control. Remember ... see yourself calmly and smoothly riding the test course and toss out any negative thoughts! One reason to just go ahead and take the test today is that if the cost of taking it is not prohibitive to you, then you get a chance to work through their test, learn what level of jitters you have, and exactly where more practice is needed. Remember, it's all about learning, and you might surprise yourself! Mama Thursday, August 13 American Legion Poker Run, Tilton, NH, August 22 American Legion District #7 Poker Run Run starts with pancake breakfast at the American Legion Post #49 in Tilton, NH 7-9a.m.; registration 9-10a.m.; ride departs 10a.m.; last bike in 3:30p.m. The ride will start at Tilton-Northfield American Legion, proceed Route 140 to Alton American Legion, up Route 28 to Route 109 with a stop at Bucky's, then off to Route 25 to Meredith American Legion and finish at Laconia Post #1 American Legion where chicken BBQ will be served. All bikes welcome ... contact Geoff Dixey for more info at 524-2136 or dixeyconcrete@yahoo.com. Thursday, August 13 Milwaukee Rally, Milwaukee, WI, September 3-6 Take part in the Harley-Davidson Museum Custom Bike Show on Sunday, September 6th. The first 200 registrants will receive a H-D Tour Pack. every entry receives a Museum ticket. Entry proceeds benefit MDA. The Museum is open from 9a.m. to 6p.m. If you are visiting the Museum, take a moment in the Celebrate Women Riders exhibit, which includes a case of women's club patches, including the VTwin Mama patch! The Women's Ride is scheduled for Saturday, September 5th at 1p.m. Starts at the State Fair Park and is an escorted scenic drive though picturesque Wisconsin roads. Thursday, August 13 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Tom, Friday, August 14 Support the Ribbon Riders' Iron Butt Run for Breast Cancer Carmen, Karen, Lynne, Pam and Stacey are the Ribbon Riders and are doing an Iron Butt run from Orlando to Myrtle Beach and back on Saturday, September 5th (24 hours max). They are looking to generate $1000 for the 1,000 miles. That's a donation of a buck a mile. Ribbon Riders raise money to help breast cancer patients in central Florida with the immediate costs of breast cancer treatment .. medicine, co-pays, insurance premiums, transportation, even groceries. That's so women can focus on recovery. The Ribbon Riders are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your donations may be tax deductible. www.ribbonriders.org. Friday, August 14 Make a Wish Ride, Sacramento, CA, August 23 Hi VTwin Mama, Rich and I have rented motels for the night before at the start and day of at the end. It is a 58mile ride takes about 1-2 hours. We are traveling more than 100 miles one way to go so we thought we'd have some fun too. There are "codes" for getting discounts at the motels and they all have free hot breakfasts too! If anyone else is going, or might go, contact me via VTM and maybe we can meet. TTFN, Trish Hi VTwin Mama, If you don't mind I'd like to give you some background. Bought my first bike when I was 16 years old, a Suzuki 125. The fellow that I bought it from showed me how to shift and where the brake lever/clutch and brake pedal were and off I went. Talk about bold, I had no license, no safety course, no safety equipment and I loved riding that bike in the high speed lane on I-95 from NY to Massachusetts and back as often as I could. Even had a rear tire blow out (on I-95 of course) and handled it like nothing had happened. Two years later I joined the Navy and shipped out to San Diego. While there I moved up to a Kawasaki KZ550. This time I took the safety course (administered by the CA Highway Patrol) which was required by the military to ride on base. I also at least knew about safety equipment and occasionally wore a helmet. Just as I had with my 125, I rode with reckless abandon on I-5 from San Diego to San Fran, over to Las Vegas, anywhere there was road I was riding. I even rode down the coast of Baja by myself. It was also not uncommon to find me pulled over by highway patrol and being given a ticket for greatly exceeding the speed limit and riding without a MC endorsement (I had still not gotten my license). Needless to say, I was absolutely fearless. When I got back to New England I bought yet another motorcycle, this time a Yamaha 650 Special. As before, I continued to gleefully ride all the major interstates, major cities and any back road that lay before me, oblivious to any dangers. Sadly, the Yamaha was wrought with mechanical issues and when I lost the chain at 60 mph for a 2nd time I took it as an omen to give up riding. I quit riding with thousands of miles under my belt and a few close calls and very near misses, none of which rattled me. Fast forward 30 years... Life has brought me to the Midwest and the roads here just seem to beckon for two wheels. Being far from the ocean (I had returned to boating shortly after selling the Yamaha) I thought it was time for me to get that Harley I had dreamed of all those years ago and in June of 2008 I bought a Sportster 883. I thought I was ready to ride, having matured in those thirty years I even went all out with my safety gear- helmet, full leathers, and auxiliary lighting. But strangely I also carried with me a disproportionate amount of anxiety about riding a bike again. Perhaps it was due to being a newspaper photographer for those last thirty years, I was witness to too many motorcycle fatalities (many of which involved someone I knew in the community). Or maybe those words from well meaning friends and family, "motorcycles are dangerous!" just finally struck my consciousness. Needless to say I was fear shackled and the Sporty spent most of my free time sitting in the garage. Hoping to overcome this new sensation (anxiety and fear), I invited my best friend to take the safety course with me, after all if I was going to ride safely & legally the license was a must have. We both did well and my friend was hooked, but sadly the anxiety has persisted. It's not a fear of the bike, in fact last month I traded the Sporty for a much more comfortable (and believe it or not easier handling) Heritage Softail. I feel very comfortable with handling the bike, I'm not afraid of dropping it, I drive defensively and at appropriate speeds, I never go beyond what my skill set is capable of until I have practiced it long enough to become part of my skill set and I remain aware as humanly possible of my total surroundings, with particular attention to what lies ahead of me. Yet when I am not on the bike I am riddled with anxiety about riding. Even worse, I have anxiety about my friend riding (she is very much a thrill seeker and risk taker on any type of motor vehicle). I am hoping I am not beyond help, I don't want to live in fear (especially seeing as fear is a relatively new experience for me, and not a particularly pleasant one). And while I am still able to ride (I feel much more comfortable when I'm in a group ride) I feel as though I'm allowing the joy to be taken away by my anxiety. Thanks for listening VTwin Mama. WJ Dear WJ, Despite your many years and miles of riding in your younger days, the 30 year gap has essentially made you a new rider with only 1 year under your belt. I say this because you are a different person now in many ways. You are clearly stating that your core essential sense of fearlessness has morphed into a feeling of vulnerability, and while it may be a foreign feeling, it's an honest one. Life has taught you that we're not bullet-proof (go figure!). To me this suggests that you highly value many other "somethings" in your life that you wouldn't want to lose because some bozo driver crosses in front of you at the last second. And despite your best defensive riding efforts, you can't control the bozos in the world and you know it. So you think about it. You're ok when riding and sharing the adventure, but you fret when alone. If a tornado where to cross your path and take you for a no-return ride, one could say that that's just the breaks of bad luck. But in choosing to ride a motorcycle you have to actively acknowledge the risk and take responsibility for making the choice. This is basically adult-based thinking vs. youth-driven bravado. Is it just "newbie" jitters or something deeper? I'll put it this way: the next time you feel the anxiety, sit down in a quiet corner and contemplate it. Decide if you are willing to embrace the uncertainty and choose to ride or if it makes more sense to let go of this particular pathway for other adventures . Either way you come out the winner! Mama Saturday, August 22 Totally Cool Contest! The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is hosting a contest for a new slogan about women and motorcycling: The MSF Ride On! Write On! Contest. The goal of the contest is to generate ideas for a slogan that will be used primarily for women's shirts, as well as other items the MSF may choose to make available for sale. The message (up to 10 words) should reflect how essential it is to get started in motorcycling the right way - by taking the MSF RiderCourse - and how uplifting that accomplishment can be. "Riders, and particularly women riders, are very passionate about taking their first MSF RiderCourse; it's often the starting point for a lifelong adventure of fun, independence and camaraderie," said Dr. Sherry Williams director, quality assurance and research. "So we're inviting women to take a short break from riding and put some of that passion onto the keyboard, to share their ideas for a clever slogan that will inspire other women to find out more about motorcycling." The MSF Ride On! Write On! Contest is open only to women age 18 and over who are legal residents of the United States. Ten semi-finalist slogans will be selected by a panel of MSF associates and then posted online for public voting. The top three winners will receive gift certificate prizes from Whitehorse Gear: 1st Place is $599, 2nd Place is $400 and 3rd Place is $300. Entries must be submitted through the contest banner at www.msf-usa.org by 6:00 P.M. September 28, 2009. Winners will be posted on or after October 16, 2009. Rules and restrictions apply. See the MSF website for details. Saturday, August 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear David, This leads me to think that an '05 Boulevard with 35,000 miles has plenty of life in it, but I'd be drilling the current owner on maintenance frequency and hopefully a log could be produced. The Tramp conversion suggests you have the Boulevard C50 (a very nice all around motorcycle!) ... and in reading Lehman's FAQs, the drive train is not altered in the conversion, so that shaft drive remains in place. Unfortunately, places like Kelley Blue Book don't have value charts for conversions ... so a price check would have to be done by looking for similar bikes around the country to see what the going price is. Mama Saturday, August 22 Hi VTwin Mama, Dear Kim, Ok, first, let's look at my incredibly crude drawing of an S-curve (click on it for a larger view). It shows a two-lane road.
A rider should enter a curve from the outside portion of their lane. So, in a right curve, you begin in the left hand portion of your lane and in a left curve, the right hand portion of the lane. This is in green. Notice that the rider now has an entire lane to work with in terms of the lean, meaning that the lean starts and there is road (YOUR portion of it) to work with for any correction. If the rider takes the curve from the inside portion of the lane (in red) there are only two things that can happen. One, you have to lean so far and run the risk of overshooting into the opposing traffic lane because that's where the lean is taking you (with possible peg scrap) and if the rider can't quite make it without going into the opposing lane and you have to straighten the bike up from the lean, you'll catapult across your lane towards the far edge (think cliff). You'll also not be in position to be ready for the next curve. Now, why is it that you see people take any ol' which ever what ever line through a curve and make it? Well, one factor is speed. Enter any curve at 1/2 the posted speed and you can fudge it through. But try to take it at full speed and you'll always be fighting the physics of how bikes lean. Another important factor about speed is that you should enter at a speed you can handle (tighter curve, more lean, more practice/skill) so that you're not braking when in the curve. If you do have to brake a bit, then it's the smallest, lightest tap possible ... but honestly, the front brake will try to straighten the bike from the lean and the back brake can start a rear wheel skid. So braking is a real last minute omigosh ... enter at a speed you can handle on the correct line. I'll also mention that the head and eyes must be looking through the curve. In the green line your head and eyes are naturally looking through the curve correctly. Take the red line and you could fixate on the center line in a left curve (panic, panic) or fixate on the upcoming cliff edge (major panic). Once we fixate it's hard to tear our eyes away from the impending mess. Now, I will note that at first, taking a right curve means you're in the left edge of your lane near the center line, with other vehicles whooshing by you more closely. When I say take the outside position on your lane, I'm not suggesting you hug that very outer edge, but in relative closeness. So, out you go to give this some practice. I guarantee within a few hours you'll really note how much further along your skills are and how smoothly you can handle the twisty mountain roads. Mama Saturday, August 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Louise, Heel/toe shifters are packaged with a floorboard instead of the standard foot peg. Here is a picture and price. I also found this page showing the foot peg left in place but a heel shifter added. Although I'm not seeing any solutions for the rear brake pedal, by changing to a floorboard at least your foot would have more room to rest correctly. With this information you'll be able to have a decent conversation with your local dealer's parts and service departments. Readers with VLX 600s ... any other thoughts? Mama Saturday, August 22 Dear VTwin Mama, As a background, I started riding last year - took the BRC course in March '08, bought a Suzuki Boulevard 650 (Suzy Q) in April - loved her and rode her for a couple of months - she was a perfect first bike. I had to travel for work for about a month, and when I got back I couldn't wait to get back out on her. But rather than take the time to practice in a parking lot again, I just took off. I had a great ride, but on the way back I took a wrong turn and soon encountered a hairpin turn. (Those tight turns were the hardest thing for me in the course - just couldn't get the hang of looking where I wanted to go rather than where I was going....) Anyway, I slowed way down on the turn, was doing ok, but then glanced at the guard rail, and, of course, that's right where I went - and, OF COURSE - full speed, because I panicked and hit the throttle! Long story short, my right knee was messed up and the insurance company totaled my bike, BUT - I was lucky - it could have been so much worse. I made some bad judgments that day - should have practiced, should have stayed on known roads, and being so new, I should have ridden with someone. The good thing is that I wore the right gear - jeans, even though it was a hot day, good boots, my armored jacket, and helmet, of course. The accident didn't cure me of my desire to ride, mainly because I knew what my mistake was, and have gotten a lot of encouragement from friends and other riders that I can use that experience to become a better rider. That's what I'm counting on, but I'm having a really hard time getting past that feeling of panic and losing control. I know that with time and practice, I can overcome that feeling by just being in control more and more, but getting there is proving to be much harder than I thought it would. I bought another bike - found a good deal on a bike in the winter - a Suzuki Intruder Volusia 800 - and bought it, thinking that I would have been ready for a bigger bike before long anyway, so why not do it now. When I healed up enough, I took the course again in the spring, which helped a lot - got me over the jitters and gave me some confidence again - on the small bike used in the course. But I have not been able to do the same on my own bike. I have practiced in a parking lot (had someone ride it to the lot so I didn't have to ride on the streets), and finally did a short ride around town. The clutch engagement is not very smooth, so I have stalled it out a few times, dropping it twice, which really doesn't help me feel in control. I have given up a few times, said "I just can't do this. Maybe I just don't have what it takes, maybe the accident was proof of that." But I always come back to wanting to ride, and I start thinking, "maybe if I try this, or that...I CAN DO THIS!" I think this bike is maybe just too big and awkward for me to start over with or I've just psyched myself out - every time I get on it I get that fear in my belly again - like I'm gonna lay on the throttle and run into something, or lay it over in a turn. I'm thinking that if I get a small scooter - ride it around town a lot and just get really comfortable with that, then try again on a smaller bike and build up from there. What caught my eye on the 6 July post was that Erica has a Piaggio MP3 500 scooter. I would love to hear about her experience with that - I'm thinking about getting one myself. Anyway, I would appreciate any words of wisdom ... Teri Dear Teri, When it comes to difficulties becoming one with a motorcycle, I tend to advise that you stick with it a bit more and address any issues of mechanical problems. This brings up two points immediately: 1) all power can be removed from a bike by pulling in the clutch lever ... no matter how much throttle you've got going, the bike can't transfer that "call" to the rear drive without the clutch engaged. So in you're heading toward something you really don't want to encounter, pull in the clutch, make sure the motorcycle is upright, and gently squeeze the front brake (most new riders tend to really stomp on the rear brake in a panic, which sets up a rear wheel skid, so an upright front brake squeeze will get you stopped). 2) a not so smooth clutch engagement would frustrate even the best rider depending on what you mean exactly. I'm going to guess it's that the friction zone engages almost at the end of the lever travel. If this is the case, immediately call your local dealer's service department and ask them if that engage/disengage point can be moved to the middle of the lever travel. Clutch cables stretch and that might be why it's not a pain. If it's some other choppiness, I would spend a few $$ to have the service department check it out. Once that's handled, then it's back to the practice lot for duck walks and getting that friction zone under your complete command. Remember that the duck walk shouldn't be too slow or fast and by getting it mastered, your clutch hand will be ready to handle those turns and such. So, I'm not nixing the idea to get a smaller bike and work your way up, but honestly, a 250cc bike can get you in a jam just as much as a bigger bike ... because the motorcycle is waiting for your skilled commands. Let's see if Erica chimes in with her MP3 experiences (or any other reader with that bike). Mama Dear VTwin Mama, People ask me: so why did you get a motorcycle? What got you into it? It might be just me, but I have a hard time answering that question properly, so that they can understand' I don't want to toss off a careless, perfunctory answer just for the sake of answering. I've known for about 3 years now that I want to ride a motorcycle, and having saved up enough by this year, I took the leap of faith and bought a used Ninja 250. I didn't ride it for a full month even after I bought it, since I didn't want to kill myself or harm the bike, but signed up for a MSF class and waited to learn how to ride my bike (the wait nearly killed me with anticipation). Unfortunately, two days before the MSF class, I overstrained my shoulder and the stiffness in that shoulder proved to be my downfall by day 2 in the MSF class - I simply couldn't control the bike anymore with my left arm. The instructor told me to leave and come back after I lagged behind my classmates one time too many, which was a blow to my pride, albeit for the best. Even so, the short few hours I was on the motorcycle, speeding across the dismally grey parking lot were the best moments of my life! I was so glad when I realized motorcycling really was something I wanted to do, not just an adolescent whim; so I decided to take things one step at a time after my shoulder healed, and learn how to ride by myself before I decide whether to retake the MSF class. It hasn't been easy, since I live in a campus residential area, where the closest empty parking lot is many hills, intersections, busy streets, and weeks of experience away, so I've been practicing stopping and starting the bike without stalling it in the garage where I store it, as well as turning. I dropped my bike twice already (I'm so glad I bought a used bike!) -- once when I stalled the bike, and another time when I braked too hard and didn't straighten the handlebars. Still, I gained enough confidence to go out into the street (I go out at 4 am, when I know there won't be any cars or people out) once I overcame my braking and stalling issues. I just got back from my first successful venture beyond this neighborhood to a park a few minutes away, and tested out countersteering (press right, turn right; press left, turn left- it works!) and my shifting technique-- and my shifting is awful! Shifting up seems to be a matter of listening to the engine, but I have trouble downshifting- I pull in the clutch, shift down, and slowly release the clutch, but more often than not, the engine will rev loudly and the bike will lurch a little when I use the throttle - is this because I'm using the throttle too soon after downshifting? How can I downshift more smoothly? I was concerned and a little down lately because my practice rides until now have been filled with mistakes; I've stalled at intersections and while practicing braking; I've disregarded red lights and stop signs because I was too afraid of downshifting, braking, and starting back up (thankfully, I practice at times when no normal human would be awake); and invariably, my practice sessions would end with my right hand and arm cramping and hurting rather badly. It's been discouraging to learn on my own with only the internet for help (my friends who know how to ride are gone for the summer), but I'm getting a more positive outlook on my motorcycling future after tonight's rendezvous with the streets! (It helps that I stalled only once at an intersection) I think the best answer to the question of why I began motorcycling has to do with the feeling that I get when I ride. The powerful sense of freedom is gratifying, even if I don't know why I get that rush when I speed down the road. It feels like flight. I don't know if this answer is one that is universally shared among motorcyclists, but it seems like a good place to start and say: this is why I ride. All the best, Andy Dear Andy, I heartened to hear that you continue to work through the practice sessions. I know it feels like more steps back than forward, but there will come an AHA day where everything clicks and we won't be able to wipe the grin off of your face. Yes, it's easier to upshift because you can hear the revs ramping up. Downshifting is a learned skill and the high rev sound is because you've not bled of enough speed to be in the mid-section of the next gear down. The "lurch" can happen when you're at a certain speed and not in the mid-section of the right gear, whether too low or too high. For instance, try to take off in second gear and you'll feel the lurch and chug ... it's messy! Sport bikes can be a bit trickier because the gearing is different from a cruiser. And as I found out when I borrowed a BMW K75 years ago, the downshift from 3rd to 2nd really was tighter and faster. Try this: even letting the clutch out slowly after a downshift is not exactly right. Let it out to the engage point but when you feel the engine braking, pull the lever in again as the bike slows down, then let it out to the engage point, checking if you're now in the right range. It's not wrong to let the clutch all the way, but with tight gearing, that engine braking is very, very powerful. Again, let it out just to get the engine braking, pull it in, bleed off a bit more speed, engage again just a bit, and finally you'll be in the right section of that gear to use the throttle again. Gosh, if someone can explain that better, I'd love to hear from you! Mama Monday, August 24 Teri, bear with me because I'm going to make a short
story long, but if your patient I promise it will be relevant to your
concern over having too big of a bike. My husband introduced me to a 2007 VStar 650 Classic, pearl white. Still on the showroom floor with 5 miles on it. I fell in love with her as soon as I saw her on that showroom floor. The only problem ... I was scared to death of her. The thought of me driving that huge bike made my stomach twist. I bought her, brought her home then didn't want to ride her. I was scared of falling and it was just that simple. My husband was very patient with my fear (he bought a
Harley and was dying to open it up) and took me out around the
neighborhood to practice stopping, right turns from a stop, etc. Because
I took my time getting to know the bike I no longer fear her. Now I
really enjoy my bike and love it more then anything else I own - except
my wedding ring of course. I might even like it better then my teenagers
:-) I have 800 miles on her and look forward to the next 30k. Monday, August 24 Greetings from wild wonderful WV. I had written a few years ago, about my 1981 Hondamatic with Tow-Pac trike conversion. After riding it for several years, I have moved up to a Suzuki Boulevard trike and am really happy with it. I thought maybe Marsha would like to consider the EFM Auto Clutch - I had it installed on my Suzuki and can't say enough great things about it. It has really made riding more carefree for me; we have our share of hills in WV too. I have never stalled with it. It is really great in traffic too. If she goes on the EFM Auto Clutch site, she can get more info on it. I had to have the original clutch mailed to the business, and they re-worked it and mailed it back in just a few days. Hope this offers one more option to people out there who are having trouble with a clutch. I love your site, and check it every day. Ride safely, everyone! Jo in WV (note from Mama: thank you so much for offering an alternative solution!) Tuesday, August 25 Dear Readers, Cagers are used to seeing brake lights to clue them in that a vehicle in front of them is slowing down, for whatever reason. Often times a motorcycle rider will begin slowing down by letting off the throttle and downshifting only, thus letting the bike's engine bring the speed down. A cage driver doesn't perceive the small bleed off of speed as they are not used to gauging a bike's movement. It is always useful to tap the brake light when first starting to slow down and to do so a few times as you continue to slow down more. If you feel that a vehicle behind you isn't getting it, incorporate a big hand signal for a turn ... so that the brake light taps, turn signal, and hand movement snap them out of it to realize something is happening in front of them. It won't prevent all cagers from coming too close, as often times they are busy thinking only about getting to where they are going while talking or texting on a cell phone. But the brake tap is something everyone should remember to do. Mama Tuesday, August 25 Susan was wondering if moving to a larger bike would help with vibration. In many cases this would be true, but not with the ACE. My bike doesn't really smooth out until 75. I have a '96 1100 ACE, and as I understand it, all the ACE bikes vibrate. Shadow Warrior (note from Mama: an interesting observation to take into account.) Thursday, August 27 I too am only 4'11" tall, with a 25.5" inseam. I'm riding my Honda 600 VLX stock. My River Road double zipper field boots help me flat foot with no difficulty. But, in order to reach the foot controls, I had to scoot forward in the saddle. Every time I would start, I would slide back in the saddle. Starting on a hill was the worst. I was thinking of modifying my saddle, but I found a much more inexpensive solution. I ordered a lumbar roll off the internet and strapped it to my saddle. It helps keep me forward in the saddle so I can reach the controls with no problem. It also provides support to my back so I don't slump. It's been great. Rachel (note from Mama: I love this versatile idea!)
Thursday, August 27 I ride a 1998 Shadow ACE with a 110,000 miles on it, and before that I rode a VLX. To my knowledge I have never noticed a vibration. Sometimes if I am in the wrong gear for the speed I am riding, I will feel a little vibration in my foot boards. As soon as I put the bike in the right gear, I feel no vibration. Hope this helps. Bobbye, aka Hondiana (note from Mama: vibration can spring from many causes so it's helpful to learn about something another person figured out.) From Susan: Thursday, August 27 Dear Readers, Dear Randy, Even with this advice, should a 1% gang see you and your "family" repeatedly in an area, don't be surprised if they want to ask you about who the heck you are. My local Southern Cruisers group ran into this problem and had to have a meeting in a public area to talk it out. The dominant gang likes to control territory and will demand the right to "approve" your group ... this is no time for bravado unless you're looking for trouble. Mama Saturday, August 29 Dear VTwin Mama, That is a little too pricey for me, so I did some research. I found height elevating shoes and INSERTS at menstallshoes.com. I bought the E-Z Heel lifts, 2.5" taller stackable height inserts, put them in my old $100 Harley boots and now my boots have been transformed into Frey Daytona copies for only $120!!! I am 5'2" and ride a Yamaha FZR 600. I only needed one layer of the stackable insert and I am nearly flat foot on the ground. Shifting is a breeze. It has given me greater confidence in stopping and maneuvering the bike manually. I was so excited about this find that I just had to share! Becca Dear Becca, Saturday, August 29 I loved Jo's suggestion to try the EFM auto clutch. I was surprised so many men and women have problems with the clutch lever (including my wife). One question, though, how does it respond to downshifts at speed? Best regards, Andy S. (note from Mama: good point ... let's see if Jo writes back with her first-hand knowledge for guidance.) Regarding downshifting with the EFM auto-clutch ... it has been flawless. Whether upshifting or downshifting with this clutch, you have to keep the rpm's up. In other words, what I do, is blip the throttle quickly, let off, and immediately shift into the gear I want. I was told by the manufacturer, and by the mechanic who installed it for me, to be sure and keep the rpm's up. I will also say that I was lucky to have an excellent motorcycle mechanic nearby . Even he thought , in the beginning, that it might tend to free-wheel down hills, but I have not had that experience. It holds back more than I thought it would. I guess the reason I went to the auto clutch is that my old Hondamatic spoiled me. Also, since I'm not getting any younger, I wanted something that would help extend the years that I can ride. And I can't imagine riding without it now. Even if I eventually go to something bigger than my Boulevard, I still plan to have the auto-clutch installed. Hope this info helps. Like I said, make sure you have someone knowledgeable do the installation and test-ride it to see if any adjustments are needed. Happy riding! Be safe - it's a jungle out there! Jo in WV (note from Mama: thanks for the follow-up!) Monday, August 31 Dear VTwin Mama, Monday, August 31 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Craig, The alternator generates AC power, which then must be converted to DC to charge the battery. It's the rectifier that does the conversion and the regulator controls the current flow direction ... these days the two are packaged into one unit. The things you mention could be an indicator that something isn't right at the reg/rec and/or the battery. Your first checks should be for corrosion (a biggee) and tight connections at the battery, the reg/rec and alternator. At the same time you are looking for damaged wires (melted, pinched, bare spot). One site suggests you measure the battery voltage with the bike not running, then start it and rev it up a bit and the voltage should be a few volts higher. This shows if the regulator portion is working correctly. I do know that many service departments can test the unit for you if you pull it and bring it in. Typically this is just removing two wires and the mounting bolt. Give your local dealer's service department a call and see if that's possible. This is usually free ... which of course is a lot less than the $100 or so cost of a new unit. Honestly, hitting bumps and losing power suggests to me that something is loose. Or a corroded connection is sometimes making contact and other times not. It's rarer that the alternator goes out, but not out of the realm or reason that the battery is going (I'm guessing you routinely check it if it's an acid battery). Mama Continue to the rest of this week in September
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