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Friday, December 19 She can reposition her turn signals to the forks or triple tree w/ a kit HD offers for this. We did it on my wife's Sportster as the signals were REALLY close to the tank (well, before we went with the buckhorn bars, anyway). The AMP goes underneath the clutch bracket where the turn signal normally mounts and results in the turn signal being lower and more inboard (closer to the tank). From her last letter, it sounds like she is concerned w/ the SWITCH being moved, which it isn't. Just the blinker lights themselves. Relocating them cuts down on glare at night if she decides on a windshield, to boot. Win-win! I don't understand, though, why control placement will affect whether she can use a White Brothers EZ Clutch, though... – Dave Williams (note from Mama: yup, I'm still scratching my head, but thanks for some clarifying notes on movement of other. . . thingys! Or is that thingies?!) Friday, December 19 For Amber who is looking at the VTX and Vulcan 800: I ride a 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Standard. I love It! It provides a smooth, comfortable ride, easy handling and great performance and reliability. And it's beautiful as well. The weight is just right, it's heavy but not too heavy, and the seat is sooooo comfortable for the rider, tho not as much for the passenger. We put a windshield on which I love. I do not have the need for speed, that's why I like the cruiser, but it has the ability to stay with anything out there that I care to stay with. I can hit the Interstate and ride along side the semi trucks at 70 or 80+ with no doubt that my bike will be responsive under any situation, be it passing, merging or just runnin' with the pack, then let off the throttle and downshift and immediately get the desired result. The only downfall is it has a 34 degree rake, only one other bike I know of matches it, so you can get the chopper flop goin' on but once you learn how to handle it there's no problem. As my husband always told me when I was learning to ride, "you have to be one with your bike". I am 5'1" and 115 pounds and I love my bike! If I were in the market to replace it for some reason, I'd buy the EXACT same bike all over again. – Rhonda (note from Mama: it's almost a crime to be sooooooo happy! NOT!!!!!!!!) Friday, December 19 For Cathy who is wondering if an 1100 is too big to begin on: There is much talk about what size bike to start with, and many people suggest smaller bikes. The advantage of smaller bikes is that it is easier to learn to ride and HANDLE your bike if it is a 250 or 500cc. For new riders, gaining confidence is half the battle...building skills is the other half. I chose a 800cc Vulcan Drifter. Now, at first, this bike was too big for me as a starter bike. However, I spent many hours riding and learning to handle the bike in a local Industrial Park (only one business so no traffic). When I did hit the street, I only rode streets that are not heavy traffic area's. As the months went by, I did become confident and was able to handle the bike just fine. Now one may say that a 800 is not a large bike; however, you put a kawi Vulcan 800 Drifter beside a 1200 Customer HD.... and the Drifter makes the HD look SMALL. It is a much larger bike in size. (cc is your power and quickness) It is now been a year and a half. I love my bike and do not plan to buy a bigger bike. My bike is big enough for me. So, by buying a "larger" bike, I don't have to buy a new one to learn how to ride and handle all over again. So, it really is up to you, your size, strength, endurance, and skill level. The big bikes do look nice, just be comfortable with what you buy and allow plenty of time to gain confidence and skill before hitting the street. The most important thing is to be safe..not stupid. "I love to ride". – Bonnie (note from Mama: that last sentence says it all. Whatever path you choose, if it ends up being frustrating, too much, or not enough -- step back, reassess the situation, and then correct! Sometimes only time will help with that! ) For Cathy and everyone
else trying to decide which bike is best: Wednesday, December 17 For Amber who is looking at the VTX and Vulcan 800: I test drove the 1300cc VTX in the Summer of 2002. At the time I was riding the Honda Shadow Sabre 1100cc. I loved the Sabre, but found it to be a little big for me (short legs!) and top heavy as well. When I test drove the VTX I fell in love with it because of the way it felt on the road and was very seriously considering purchasing it. Even though it had a bigger engine the center of gravity was lower than the Sabre and it felt like it could balance itself by itself! It maneuvered like a dream! So easily, in fact, that I scraped up the bottoms of the floorboards on some mild twisties and didn't even realize how far I was leaning with so little effort. It didn't ride like I expected a "big" bike would. It felt smaller but had a lot of power. It did vibrate a little more than the Sabre but the salesman said that it was made to do that to give it a retro feel as well as look (my eyes about rolled out of my head at that one! - beats me how true that actually is though). I didn't care for the look of the Retro and was waiting for the arrival of the newer style (the standard look - like the 1800cc). That one is set up somewhat differently; different handlebars and foot pegs. I sat on it and it felt different too. I didn't test drive it and am still looking for my next bike. I would recommend that YOU take them out for a test drive. Only you will know what will fit you best. Good luck! I plan to take my own advice and test drive a Volusia 800cc. However, I'm looking for the same information as Amber. Anyone who rides or has ridden one please let me know what you think. Thanks a bunch! – Jennifer (note from Mama: wow, lots of good info and sharing!) I have a 2003 Vulcan 800 Classic. I just got my license this past year, and this is my first bike. It's a great bike, it runs well, and is easy to handle. I'm 5'8", and I did add pullback risers to it to make my riding position more comfortable. I may also in the future change the handlebars at some point so I can sit back a couple of inches more, but it's ok as it is. Anyone with a Vulcan needs to know about VROC, the Vulcan Riders and Owners Club. They are an online group, with a website at www.vroc.org that includes a web forum. If you ever have a question about your Vulcan, they are the folks to ask. Happy Holidays! – Elaine (note from Mama: wow, lots more good stuff!) Wednesday, December 17 For Cathy who is wondering if an 1100 is too big to begin on: I hope Cathy starts with a smaller bike. Pavement is best viewed from a distance. I found the feeling of confidence that comes from practicing on a smaller bike translates well and it's worth the wait. Update on the Triumph peeling paint in the gas tank... apparently caused by additives in American gasoline. Sanding down to the steel just around the neck of the filler hole is the recommended treatment, so that's what I'm doing. The only caution is to keep the gas tank filled so the fumes prevent condensation and corrosion. Finally got a response from the Triumph rep. I'm looking forward to getting the bike back later this week. Thanks for the advice and encouragement. – Sarah (note from Mama: wow, who would have thunk on the gas additive -- I guess we learned something! And I love your "adage" about where to view the pavement from -- how very appropriate!) Tuesday, December 16 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Amber, What I did was to type in "woman review of the Kawasaki Vulcan 800" in Google and came up with a review by a gal on a Vulcan 800 Classic (and she posts an email) -- so that might be a source for "chat." And here is a review of the '02 Vulcan 800a on the Beginner Bike site (although I think this was written by a . . . man (shhhhh)). You might also want to hunt for a specific discussion forum for your "intended" bike model -- if you do end up getting it, this will be a great place for technical questions, questions on customizing, etc. – Mama Tuesday, December 16 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Cathy, Oops. That was rather . . . a result of eating too much of the raw cookie dough while I was making Xmas cookies tonight! Major sugar rush! Let's try again . . . the answer is . . . I don't know! Crap, that wasn't much better, was it?! The truth is, each rider comes into the sport with different levels of built in talent, know-how, just plain luck, and possibly even having a former life as a motorcycle racer (I don't have Shirley McLain's email, but telepathy may get you there!). For some, who quite clearly are starting out on the bottom of the ladder, they immediately know that easy does it, start off on a smaller bike, get some practice in, then check out a bigger bike in 6 months or a year. For others, a good mid-size cc bike is going to do it -- making sure that initial time on the bike is done is a safe, distraction-free zone, to begin running through the exact same lessons that you used in the class to get acclimated tot he 250cc. Then and only then hit the street -- and then only when there is very little traffic. The same thing can apply to a bigger cc bike, but with perhaps a few added precautions. One, do some "balance finding" exercises to make sure you have a real feel for the bike's weight (with the engine off and a pal holding onto the handlebar straddling the front tire, begin to lean, push and pull the bike to see what you can handle and understand how it feels). If getting the bike to a safe zone for practice is going to be too much, make sure you have a pal lined up to get the bike there and back until you are ready to tackle traffic, traffic signs and small children chasing their snowmen's head out into the street. Oops, the sugar rushed again. But you get my (snow) drift . . . right?! – Mama Monday, December 15 Dear
VTwin Mama, I read about this whole deal in my local issue of Full Throttle Magazine (Dec. 2003, Minnesota edition) They have a web site it's www.fullthrottleusa.com. If you all will help we need to write to : Christie
Todd Whitman, Administrator Let them know you oppose RULE ANPRM A2000-01, on dirt bikes, ATV's and motorcycles! Please, if not for your family, well then I'm sure you know a family happily wrenching in their garage together. Thanks for your support!!! P.S. Mama, you are awesome! This site is still one of my favorites!! – Snowed In and Sad in Minnesota Dear
Snowed In, Friday, December 12 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
No Name, As an alternative, you may want to hit Internet discussion forums specific to these models (just use a search engine and type in the bike name followed by the words discussion forum) and read through some messages and pose your question on reliability, maintenance, breakdowns, etc. People who have been there and done that would know quite a lot I would imagine. Now, let's see if the readers of this site chime in with their thoughts. – Mama Friday, December 12 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Nina, Friday, December 12 From Joan who wants to add an AMP EZ clutch thingy on an HD Dyna SuperGlide: The company who made it (AMP) said it would require moving the signals and they may hit the tank!!! I don't follow this -- does it come under the bar and maybe stick out enough to hit the tank in a short turn? Also, I don't want the signals out of reach! The other kind goes inside the bike and cannot be used with mid placed controls and I am so short I had to get mid range controls. I still have my Savage -- just moving up to a V-Twin soon! Thanks, – Joan (note from Mama: ok, at this point I'm all for going to the dealer's service department and let them point out on an actual bike what is going to happen. This should not too hard as they are well versed in the AMP product. Call ahead and explain your dilemma. Don't take no for an answer. They are there to SERVE YOU. Only other thing I can think of is to search for a discussion forum specific to your bike model and pose the question. Someone there should have a clue, as I am . . . well, in this instance . . . clueless.) Thursday, December 11 Dear
VTwin Mama, My options are a new tank or a treatment that leaves a porcelain-like coating on the inside of this one, which can't be guaranteed to cover completely. I am going to Triumph myself and ask why they will not cover this under the warranty. I wonder how much of my crash was caused by this hesitation of the throttle and not merely my newness to the sport. My dream bike has a tank full of sand. – Sarah Dear
Sarah, So don't let this set back throw you completely. Yes, Triumph owes you an explanation (it's in their interest to solve the production run problem or bigger problem if it's still the same process they are using) and let's face it, as far as coverage, well, if it digs into their profits, no company is open to admitting a mistake. That's just the way it is (but shouldn't be). Do as much as you can to solve the problem and recoup losses and then GET ON WITH THE TASK OF RIDING THAT BEAUTY! Now that you know the "notchy" feel and what is causing the carb to junk, add tank inspection to your list of "to do" things on a regular basis (as you noted the porcelain veneer fix may not be 100%). Isn't it a "beach" to find out that riding is more than actual skills, but begins to encompass an understanding of how the bike works?! This is often a blessing (when you're broke down on the side of the road, all these "lessons" help to ascertain the true nature of the problem) and a curse ('cause yes you actually have to take responsibility!). You'll never know the exact sequence of things for the crash, so keep piling your learning lessons in your brain -- that's the most you can do. – Mama Wednesday, December 10 For Faye who really, really, really wants a chopper: I am just a beginner rider myself, but my husband has been riding for years and last February he researched quite a few choppers. He ended up getting a 2003 Custom Bigdog Chopper and it is just beautiful! He loves it... and actually it sits low enough that (if it weren't for the 250 tire on the back) if I were a better rider it would fit me great too. I believe it is 25" off the ground. The problem with the fat tire is you don't have the reach with your legs to the ground because the outer primary is offset (so your right leg has to go around it for your foot to touch the ground). There are also some others like Vengence, BMC, Red Horse and Iron Horse just to name a few. Most of them have websites to check out. Also, Bigdog has really reasonable pricing (considering how custom the bikes are) and have been absolutely great to work with. Good luck in your research...will be anxious to hear what you come up with! – Kristie (note from Mama: wow, we truly benefit from your hubby's research -- thanks!) Wednesday, December 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Bob, For spark plug gaps, go to the NGK site, select Power Sports, select Motorcycles, and then start choosing your make/model/year. It will list the gap. – Mama Wednesday, December 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Joan, And congrats on the "new" bike! – Mama Tuesday, December 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Here's some safety/respect ploys and tricks I've had success with however...God knows we need 'em in a city where you've got drivers who've never rode a bicycle, even with training wheels... Yellow cabs have NEVER given me a hard time, but trucks and vans are at a disadvantage due to visibility. Forget about Gypsy cabs, as they are "hungry", un-professional and too short to be driving Lincolns and LTDs. I will avoid license plates snobbery, but everyone knows what colors to watch out for.....And, please, women from the suburbs, get off the cell phone! You can get a gold or platinum "hands free" type anywhere! Stop adding fuel to fire of public opinion against us women drivers!!!!! Okay, here's my rules: always wear lipstick, esp. if you don't have a pony-tail. Men have them but only wear chapstick, usually I also try to dress like cool women riders should.....i.e, leather pants, jackets, something with color, eg. a scarf, tied securely, and boots....Shorts and sandals belong at Daytona's bike week, not on city streets. My Buell has enough sound to be heard, versus the almost too quiet BMW's but I have also been known to stand on my pegs at busy 24 lane cross-streets, or when going through green lights on busy avenues at night.....It might not be the best for balance, but a tleast my Blast handles extremely well, I'm seen, and lastly, stop at late yellows, don't race it. People die like that A LOT...... Now I have a question for you; My bike will not start for the first time in 3 years... It rained hard, I was away, no cover, windy, etc.... the battery/lights/starter work, but she won't turn over.....Where is the spark plug? My mechanic hates my bike, swears at it when it's on the lift, etc......Needless to say I am handy, want to fix it myself, and can't find the 2001 manual, natch. Front and Back bearings are gone too, i.e.,"sealed" my ass...So I'm looking at a project at the tender age of 11,230 miles. Should I try that starter spray that goes into the K/S filter? (this was suggested by another rider who swears by KLR's only) Thanks for your time...Stay safe and warm... – Jenifer Dear
Jenifer, In past bike models, plug wires that led to spark plugs were easy to see, but for instance, on my friend's BMW, we had to flip through the manual to figure out what cover they were hidden under. Yuck. More work to get to the darn things. Sorry, but without the manual, I simply don't know where the darn things are, but it's a 99.9% best chance they are on the left side under a cover near the bottom front somewhere. – Mama Tuesday, December 9 For Melissa who doesn't know if she should start on a VLX or Rebel: I started out on a Rebel. I had never ridden before, and everyone I talked to said that the Rebel was the perfect starter bike. I have to admit, the small size and light weight of the Rebel was comforting because I felt like I could handle it right from the start. HOWEVER, after getting my license and "graduating" to riding in traffic, the small size and light weight actually bothered me. A lot. I was very fearful of traffic on that small bike. After about 4 months, I started looking around for a bigger bike. My roommate and I rented Harleys, and I was really surprised to find that the bigger, heavier bike was actually just as easy to ride and gave me much more confidence in traffic. I considered a Honda Shadow Sabre and a Harley Sportster, and finally ordered a Sportster 1200C, partly because Harleys hold resale value and because I was able to test drive the Harley. None of the Honda dealers in my vicinity would allow a test ride. I sold the Rebel recently for the same amount I paid for it, and I'm actually glad I started on the Rebel. But if money is a big consideration for Melissa, she may want to start out on the VLX. – Lisa in Florida (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your viewpoints -- you've added some new insights to this question. ) Tuesday, December 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
No Name, Now, let me also suggest that you get a repair manual for your bike (if you don't already have one). Check my Reading Sources page for links to sites that offer them. These are excellent guides to begin looking through to first get a general sense of things, then look at the scheduled maintenance lists to understand what should be done, and then to begin trying basics (these manuals include tool lists and pictures to help you get started). A little adventure is in order! – Mama Monday, December 8 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Faye, Now, I'm assuming you've heard of the premier chopper shop, West Coast Choppers, lead by the infamous Jesse James. For a gal's point of view, I'd contact Debbie Martin, owner of Elite Custom Motorcycles in Prescott, AZ at 928-778-5644. They are building custom choppers and I'm sure she would be a good source of info for your technical/pricing/reality check-type questions. And she's super nice (great to talk with and she hosted a free BBQ for us starved gals this summer at the WOW national ride-in). – Mama Monday, December 8 For jonnie who wants to purposefully backfire the bike: By God Petra (aka VTwin Mama), you've got more patience than me. As you pointed out -- the result of a badly tuned bike. A later letter from the lady with the 1400 explaining how to make a bike backfire. I await the day that the carbs are damaged beyond repair. A few years ago my stepson kickstarted his DT 175 trail bike, it backfired, blew back through the carb, shot the spark plug out of its hole and cracked the head. Yes, I can see that a bike that backfires on command would be popular! As we have the 600 Ducati, thought Jonnie might want to know that Conti Pipes have been the favored aftermarket pipe for all Ducati's for many years. Loud? Terri's two into one sounds like a bloody rocket launcher! Take care mate. Regards – K&T (Kevin and Terri downunder) (note from Mama: you really nailed together the thought of possible extensive damage by purposefully backfiring a bike; and it brings out the thought that a badly tuned bike is a real no-no for long term bike life!) I don't know if it will work on a bike or not, but my old Suburban backfires and belches constantly. It will until I turn the timing back down, rebuild the carburetor and fix the exhaust (the muffler doesn't muffle, too many loud backfires). If you want to let your bike get that messed up so that you can backfire it, let me know if it works, now I'm curious... – Traci in Kansas City, MO (note from Mama: I'm thinking jonnie is getting the point!) Friday, December 5 For Melissa who doesn't know if she should start on a VLX or Rebel: I'm 5'0" and could actually get my feet on the ground better on the VLX. I bought the VLX without having any riding experience at all. Now that I've been riding some, the VLX sometimes feels small out there on the road. I don't regret my choice at all after getting over the first beginner phase! – Susan (note from Mama: well done!) I know the prevailing opinion will probably be to just go for it and get the VLX since she'll soon grow out of the Rebel. I just couldn't keep quiet about this one. I was going to start on a Rebel, but then figured I could learn on the VLX and skip that whole upgrade process. I sat on an older Rebel and a VLX in the showroom. Our dealer, State 8, always has lots of used bikes in various makes/models on their showroom floor, so I got to sit on lots of bikes in one place. They all felt heavy. I didn't have the experience to really discern the difference, so I should have at least paid closer attention to the weight factor. (Weight is a factor in momentum/inertia and the rider must be in control at all times.) The newer VLX was better balanced than the old Rebel, which may account for the similar feel. I thought the Rebel was too small. I went for the VLX. Yeah, there was some pride involved too, I suppose. Then halfway through the next riding season I went back and got a Virago 250 and virtually started all over again. So much for pride. I have since discovered that everyone I know who rides, learned on a smaller bike. Even the guys who have been riding for years; there was some initial experience with a smaller, less powerful machine. Looking back, I should have gone for a Rebel. I don't think I would have had my accident, nor the ensuing devastating jitters, and I'd be out there going on longer rides with my husband instead of taking it so slow. (Sigh) If Melissa has never ridden a bike before, I vote for the Rebel. There. I said it and I'm not sorry. – Linda Carruth (note from Mama: you should never be sorry for sharing clear, level-headed thinking that comes from experience. You have shared your honest opinion that will help other women who may feel "pushed" into a bigger bike right away give more credence to their gut instinct to start out smaller. That's good!) Friday, December 5 For Spanky who got some jitters starting in her learning curve: I basically had the same problem. I had never driven a stick (actually tried it twice and gave up). I failed my first MSF class, and then after more practice, passed the second one. In addition, I am not physically coordinated, but for some reason I wanted to learn to ride a heavy machine, out on the road in traffic, that's balanced on two wheels and requires the precise coordinated effort of both hands and feet. Hmmmmm! So in learning to ride a motorcycle, I spent lots of time in a parking lot, as you suggested to her, but it was dragged out a bit. And repeated. I kept riding around that lot in first gear, getting a feel for the throttle, which took a while, and practicing smooth controlled stops. We worked on stops for quite a while, making sure I was utilizing both brakes. Then I moved on to weaving around arrows in the lot as if they were cones, and then turns. Going into a turn from being stopped, as if at a stop sign, naturally followed. Then, and only then, did I learn to shift. Up. Then down. Down was more awkward. Downshifting when stopping---adding the left foot motion to what the other appendages were doing--- was something I had to repeat A LOT. I too wished there were more automatic bike choices until someone pointed out that in shifting, you are really controlling, DRIVING that bike. I understand the concepts now, but it wasn't so clear in the beginning. Even with all the confidence problems and such that I have had, I would not feel comfortable going to an "automatic" bike. But that's just me, on the other side of that initial learning curve. – Linda Carruth (note from Mama: your candid look at the trials and tribulations of learning to ride when not naturally gifted with coordination -- that's about 99.9% of us out here! -- is refreshing. It makes you really wonder what the heck we thought we were doing! And look at us now!) Wednesday, December 3 Dear
VTwin Mama, I've considered selling the Rebel and buying a Ridley just because it's automatic and looks easier to ride. I feel too big for the compact version and feel like the full size is too large to learn on, so my dilemma is -- I don't know what to do next. I'm thinking of taking the beginner class again to see if I do better this time. The first time I had never been on anything with 2 wheels since 10 years old on a bicycle with foot brakes. I'm 55 years old and would love to be on my own bike riding. I'm just to the point that I don't know what to do next...HELP – Spanky Dear
Spanky, Riding a motorcycle takes courage, conviction and a dollop of liking how you look in leather (fringe, optional). Since you haven't been on anything with 2 wheels for a number of years, I applaud your attempt to ride. It's great that you took a class because now you have a sense of what is needed to be a good rider. Still, we've noted on this site in the past that the MSF course is a SAFETY course, not a LEARN TO RIDE course. Check your Yellow Pages for possible other courses that are specifically geared to teach you to ride (including the local dealers). Still, you have now been exposed to the "teachings" and since you already have a 250cc bike, wouldn't it be possible to start practicing in an empty lot someplace, away from distractions, till you begin to master the hand/foot coordination and other techniques you'll need? Even if you have to wait till Spring 2004. In the meantime, we strongly advocate that you sit at your kitchen table, pretend you are on your bike, and visual/practice the sequence of steps to properly start, up shift, down shift and stop the bike with full control. The more you "play" practice, the more ready you'll be for the real thing! And don't think I just dreamed this up -- this has been discussed on this site many times (check the jitters section if you don't believe me!). Since your hubby seems to be a willing accomplice, let him help you with this! That way you'll develop a "language" together so when you go out for practice you won't be second guessing what the other is saying. Then, when you've mastered your hand/feet and simple maneuvers, go take that course again! This does not mean I do not support your idea of getting a Ridley, but honestly, there are sooooo many choices in bike style with a manual trannie that I would hate to see you lose the opportunity for further exploration just 'cause you didn't get the "clutch thing" right away. It takes time to get to be a good rider -- so don't beat yourself up is you're just like everybody else! And that Rebel is a great place to start! – Mama Tuesday, December 2 For jonnie who wants to purposefully backfire the bike: I wanted to put my two cents in for Jonnie who wants to have her (?) bike 'BackFire' on command. You could well be right in that they are looking for the 'rumble' of pipes... however... I saw the question just as it was because amongst other things? I have an awful ornery streak. There have been occasions over the years, where I've had a not too friendly crowd of 'looky Lou’s' watch me, while I get ready to get on my bike at one place or another. Sometimes, just sometimes mind you, if some of the comments I hear from the group aren't supportive? I've used the backfire to make 'em jump out of their shoes, just as my little gift to them for their kind thoughts. This method has worked with both bikes I've had, my first; Honda CMX450C (Rebel 450) and my current bike Suzuki VS1400GL (Intruder). I don't know if works with every bike, especially ones with EFI, but for carbed bikes, here's the trick. Turn on the key, but leave the engine cut off switch in the OFF position. Hit the start button for about 6 cranks, then quickly turn on the engine cut off and hit the start button again. This should ignite the fuel that was pumped in during the first cranking and POW! I don't recommend doing this often because it IS really hard on bike...and there have been a couple of times I thought I might blow the pipes right off the bike, but that ornery streak just wins out once in a while... ya know? – HammerLady@ShinnySideUp.com (note from Mama: good grief! who knew? well, you did!!!!) Tuesday, December 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Lolly, So, I back tracked my thinking and went with the KISS principle. Meaning, I hopped onto Harley's site, chose U.S., put the mouse over Products, clicked on Shop For Your Bike option, put in the year, then the model and then GO. Now you'll see 29 options for bags and pouches for your specific bike, including a few handlebar and windshield pouch options. Hopefully this will get you what you are looking for. The only other thing I can suggest is that you measure the distance between your desired "attachment" points and the max size of the actual pouch you would want, and then shop till you Internet drop at the many online aftermarket catalog companies. Readers, any more thoughts?– Mama Tuesday, December 2 For Melissa who doesn't know if she should start on a VLX or Rebel: I went through the exact same debate when I went to purchase my very first bike. Not ever having ridden my own before, my husband tried to get me to buy the Rebel. I sat on the Rebel and on the VLX and felt that I would outgrow the Rebel too fast. Against my hubby's advice I bought the VLX and never regretted it. I loved it. I'm 5'4" with a 30" inseam. It was perfect. However, I outgrew IT by the end of the riding season! I bought a Sabre 1100 the next Spring which brought the horsepower I needed for the long road trips on interstates, but I have missed my VLX ever since! Welcome to the wonderful world of motorcycles! Enjoy and stay safe! – Jennifer (note from Mama: nothing like "been there, done that" advice!) I agree with Mama about going with the one that feels the most comfy. But I want to add that I know a lot of gals who bought small bikes to learn on and then wished they would've gotten a bigger one pretty quickly. Just because it's smaller doesn't mean it's easier to ride for beginners! – Starla (note from Mama: good point at the end!) Monday, December 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Now that I'm riding both bikes, the Bonneville feels big and the Blast feels small, but I expect that will change with familiarity. I now think part of the problem with the Bonneville was not the clutch after all but the sticky throttle, and I'm going to have it looked into. It shouldn't be notchy like that, Bob says, and we don't think it was when I first got the bike. Does anyone else have experience with a notchy throttle? Regards, – Sarah Dear
Sarah, As to your question about a "notchy" throttle. I did a quick read through of this wonderful page that explains how a carbureator works ('cause essentially that is what the throttle is controlling) -- and one thing that caught my eye (and that I now remember) is that bikes that have sat around for a bit (and if I recall correctly, the Bonnie was hanging out while you rode the Blast for awhile) can sometimes get gummed up a bit in the carb, so adding a carb cleaner to the fuel tank is a good way to work that out. That might account for what you are experiencing. Of course, if it is the throttle control itself, that might also be a matter of removing and thoroughly cleaning. Bikes do get dirty and gritty and grime works its way into the smallest of openings. Hmmmm . . . that's all I can think of right now. – Mama Monday, December 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Susie, Monday, December 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, The Autoglide has a low center of gravity, is well balanced and with the footboards, standard or the optional forward controls it can easily accommodate any height or leg length. It can be a bit pricey for some but the fun of just letting loose with the throttle and no shifting makes it well worth it. I'm ashamed to say I'm fairly heavy but the Autoglide at 700cc has such power you would think it was a much larger bike. I don't feel I will outgrow it's strength or performance any time soon. – Anne Dear
Anne, |
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