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Friday, February 28 Dear Readers, Thursday, February 27 CALL TO IMMEDIATE ACTION Dear Readers, It appears that Kawasaki originally brushed her off with a flat refusal to do anything, but after an initial letter writing barrage, they have agreed to at least review the information. The fact is that Dawn's sole transportation at this time is her bike. So, Dawn is requesting more help from all sisters -- letters written in to Kawasaki (non-hostile) supporting Dawn's right to have a bike that runs all the time and that Kawasaki needs to step in and do something about this. Dawn's entire story can be read at: http://stampedemrc.com/wingsnowheels.htm and includes a complete bike breakdown log. An "Instant Letter Generator" has been supplied for those people who hate writing but still want to send a message to Kawasaki: http://stampedemrc.com/savletter2.php I used this form to create the basic message -- then I copied and pasted it into my word processor to modify the letter to read exactly how I want it. Then I faxed it. So, take a few minutes to use that link to generate a letter or you can write/fax your own personal letter to: Mary Sola Let's see if we can't help Dawn out. I know that I have approximately 600 readers of my VTwin Mama Newsletter and at least 15,000 hits per month. We should be able to make an impact if everyone takes a moment in their busy schedules to do something about this. Mama Wednesday, February 26 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Thumper, Tuesday, February 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Lu Ann, Most systems come with some sort of manual for installation, repair and troubleshooting steps (although these can be quite elementary). Consider contacting the manufacturer's toll-free number to discuss this further (1-877-624-6869, 8am-5pm Pacific Standard time from Mon-Fri). They should be able to walk you through all the check points and interpret the long low beep sound you sometimes hear. This could be a significant indicator to them and speed along the analysis. If you've already tried speaking with them with no results, consider visiting a local electronics shop that could test the elements for you, although the cost relative to the price of the system might not be worth it. Last, but not least, did you purchase the Motorola radios with the system? MotoComm has a compatibility chart and I don't see that series radio listed. This might be another point to explore further JIC (just in case). My bet is still a poor connection point or small partial wire break. They wreak havoc and just a small wiggle one way or another causes make/break conditions. Mama Tuesday, February 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear NN, Monday, February 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear E., Monday, February 24 To Julia whose battery is dead: When my Kawasaki is parked in my garage all winter I keep Stabil in the gas tank and a Batterytender wired up to the battery. This is a trickle charge battery charger that only charges a small amount of current whenever the battery needs charging. I leave it on about 2 days a week, but it will not overcharge or damage your battery. The price is only about $25 and it is well worth it. Whenever we get a dry, relatively decent day I start the bike up in the driveway and let it run for 15 minutes, sit on it, admire it, polish it up a little, and back into the garage with the Batterytender! Blue skies & green lights! Vikki in Pittsburgh, PA (note from Mama: thanks for the info on this particular brand of battery charger!) Thursday, February 20 Dear VTwin Mama, I have gotten so much from this site. Everyone is so helpful, informative, entertaining and supportive. Being a beginning rider is more than a little intimidating but with the MSF course (highly recommend this to anyone) and my husband's unwavering support in all I do, along with VTwin Mama and all the ladies that have shared their stories, I am feeling more and more confident every time I ride. My question is: Were would I locate a repair/maintenance manual for this bike. Seems that this is considered a beginners bike (which is fine since I am a beginner) but, its all but impossible to find anything for a Virago smaller than 535. This is more than a bit frustrating. I appreciate any input. Thanks to everyone. Angie in Jacksonville, FL Dear Angie, Thursday, February 20 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear M&M, Wednesday, February 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Christina, For a look at what you're in for, check out the official site for Daytona Bike Week. There are virtual tours of the main drag, a diagram of the Loop ride and tons of other stuff. On the practical end, here are my top things about huge
bike events: I'm pretty sure there is more, but you can read up about trips and tips and group riding tips at this site from previous postings. Last, but most important, have the greatest time imaginable! You're going to love it! Mama Tuesday, February 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cindy, Monday, February 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cherilyn, Monday, February 17 For Sumer who is considering a HD 883 but has her doubts: I had the same dilemma when I wanted to trade in my Honda Shadow 750 for a HD of some sort. But luckily my hubbie bought a HD Sportster 1200 and so I was able to test drive it first. Let me tell ya, I was a little intimidated. It was quite top-heavy and the clutch was almost impossible. I just couldn't trust myself on it at all. So I decided on a 2003 HD Sportster 883 Hugger 4 months ago. A little lower so I don't feel like I'm tipping over all the time, the clutch is not nearly as bad, and not a drop of oil (knock on wood). I am thrilled with my choice of bike. It may only be a beginner's bike, but after riding it I don't think I would really want anything more. But you might want to take a weekend and rent a few bikes from a Harley dealer so you can try-before-you-buy. Good luck and see ya on the road! Brenda from GA (note from Mama: sparking wisdom here -- thanks for sharing!) Monday, February 17 For Julia who is trying to revive her Virago 535's dead battery: I have a Virago XV1100, but I think the 535s are similar. It stumped me at first because most bikes you remove the seat - but the seat doesn't come off my Virago. -- Remove the right side cover just under the seat. It
has three rubber plugs to hold it on - they pop off. Replace is everything in reverse. Just be careful to put that side cover on securely. I've lost one and had to replace it. I tried to recharge my battery - and it was holding a charge OK, but you really need a tip top battery to kick the motor over - particularly if you don't ride everyday. I had to get a new battery. Judith Symonds, Upper Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your specific instructions!) Friday, February 14 For Sumer who is considering a HD 883 but has her doubts: Last Summer I decided I was going to get my motorcycle license. I was lucky and got into a MSF Course in the Fall. The bike I had my heart set on was a Harley and my husband knew nothing else would please me. We were able to find a good deal on a 1996 Sportster Custom. It is beautiful, but I have only been able to ride it once and that was only for about 4 miles. I live in Wisconsin and it gets cold and nasty here quickly. I am looking forward to Spring so I can get rid of my first ride jitters!!! I don't know how tall or strong you are, but even at being the lightest bike Harley makes, it is still almost 500 pounds and heavier than the Yamaha V-Star or Honda Shadow. As far as doing well on long road trips, I haven't gotten that far, but I do see a lot of people on Sportsters at different events in the state and even Sturgis. I think any road trip is possible, a few more stops may have to be put into the plans, but I believe it can be achieved. Another thing I find with Harley seats or any seat is that it will take a little while to break in, since my bike is a 1996 and was ridden by a man first, my seat is very comfortable and soft. The clutch can be changed as well, or they make a easy clutch kit that can be installed, but like the seat, the clutch will loosen with use. There are definitely all sorts of bikes, but you need to get the one you really want and you feel comfortable on. My theory is that motorcycle manufacturers are similar to car manufacturers you have to take the good with the bad. There is a chance you can get a lemon or the bike of your dreams. Good Luck in your search, the 2003 100th Anniversary edition of the Harley's are lookin good!!!! Sue Phillips (note from Mama: thanks for writing in and giving your insights -- I agree!) Friday, February 14 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear No Name, Thursday, February 13 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Steph, That said, I think your safest bet is to call your local Yamaha dealer and pose the question about using the 535 clutch on a 750 or visit this forum to ask your question -- although most of the Virago forums I found originate in Europe and aren't always written in English (of course). You note that you can't "reach" the clutch. Is this the distance from your hand to the clutch (read this article on the J&P Cycles site to learn more about choosing a new handlebar to correct this) -- or did you mean that your hand is too small to wrap around the clutch lever (then finding alternative solutions could be difficult as the aftermarket companies don't support the discontinued Virago line). Sorry I can't be of more help here. As you might want to explore other manufacturers and models of bikes that fit you, I'd take a visit to the Short Biker site and click on the "sbl faq" link at the bottom of the page for an excellent list of bikes for shorter people and a chart of people by their height and the bike they chose). Or, visit MotorcycleEvents.com to check for a bike show somewhere in your area so you can see all makes and models in one place and do a little bit of comparison shopping. In regard to finding a bike, there are currently 417 posting under Yamaha Virago on eBay, so use the search link below and type in Yamaha Virago. Lots of parts, but there are some bikes for sale (easy to spot because the price is much higher than the parts!). Some VTwin Mama sisters have noted that this was one way to find a particular bike you're specifically interested in. Mama
Thursday, February 13 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Julia, VTwin Mama sister Bobbye recently told me about another site with books for motorcycles -- Motolit.com and they have a manual ($26.96). According to my local Yamaha dealer's service department, you can roll this bike with a shaft drive and pop the clutch into 2nd and get it started -- he says, "give it a try." As long as a bike has a clutch, this should work! Mama Wednesday, February 12 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Danny, Wednesday, February 12 Supporting Jennifer after terrible accident: Hi Jenn... just read JoAnn's note to you. I know JoAnn and am pretty familiar with all shes had to go through because of this accident. She sort of glossed over it, but it was a VERY serious and VERY scary one. She survived as well as she did partly because of her expertise and common sense. (Please dont let on to her that I was praising her common sense!) But I know shed NEVER, EVER be without a bike!! And shes right just get back on. Start slowly if it makes you relax a little more. Pretty soon, youll be back to normal. Although as far as JoAnn being normal, well, thats another subject!! J Barb (note from Mama: thanks for supporting Jennifer and telling us all about JoAnn!) Tuesday, February 11 Dear VTwin Mama, I would sign up with a MSF course, but in my state there are very few classes and only 12 lucky people can be in them once a month. So I would have to go with a private school. But when I went out on the website, I saw that I can do pretty much everything they teach in this one day class already. I can do all the basics, but I am concerned with how to handle traffic and all the big-time situations. So I guess my question is before I fork out $295 for a basic 1-day class, do I REALLY need it? I would love to just take their "advanced" class but I would suspect you have to go through the basic class first. So there goes almost $600. I am really disappointed with my state and would take a MSF class in a heartbeat, but I am forced to sign up with a private class. Spring is approaching fast and I am dying to get on my bike. But I am so nervous about leaving my neighborhood. What do you think I should do? Thanks for your help! Jackie Dear Jackie, I agree, this can be done without taking a course, because that's how I did it (not necessarily knowing any better!). I was only "forced" into a course later because I was in the military at the time and in order to ride my bike on base I had to take a 3-day course. Here's the main thing I got from it -- an expert watching my every move, correcting my body position and handling techniques and forcing me to maneuver with a lot of preciseness. No fudging or kinda doing it or saying "close enough." And all the reading and videos aren't going to do that for you. Still, logging 3000 miles isn't going to happen in the safe confines of a course area, even following the basic course. You're still going to need to get out into traffic. Sunday mornings usually have the least traffic -- so that's where I would start. Some VTwin Mama sisters have suggested that you map out routes by car first, paying particular attention to any trickier intersections, blind spots, where cars are normally parked, and such so that you have everything in mind first. I think that is very wise! Do you have any experienced rider friends who can tag along with you on your first rides out? If not, consider joining one of the several excellent women's riding groups now (some links are at the bottom of the VTwin Mama home page) and find out if there are some gals in your area who are willing to be your mentors. They've been there and done that, and would be a valuable resource for you over the long haul. Good luck and let us know what you decided and how it's going! We support you 100%! Mama Tuesday, February 11 Dear VTwin Mama, I've been dreaming of owning a Harley for quite some time now and want nothing else. The only bike I've ridden before was a Honda 250cc (that's when I got my license). I'm thinking for my first bike -- a 2003 HD Sportster 883. I have read loads of reviews on the Internet about this model, some good, some bad. Since the Sportster is the entry-level Harley, they are the cheapest and lightest in weight amongst the other Harley models. They are easy to handle as well, especially in corners. The downside is that the clutch lever is stiff, seat is not comfy for long road trips (but both can be replaced), vibration over 70mph (not a big deal) and oil leaking problems, therefore high maintenance. So, in the end, do you think its worth it, or should I consider getting another Harley model? Thanks. Sumer Dear Sumer, First, there is no such thing as a perfect bike. Like anything mechanical, they are prone to their little quirks and problems. Routine maintenance is necessary for any bike, including oil checks, oil changes, replacing spark plugs, general greasing, tire pressure checks, nut/bolt tightening, brake pad replacement and adjustment, etc. I'm surprised to hear about the 883's oil leak problem -- I could have sworn they fixed that! Second, determine what type of riding you are planning on. If it's just around town and for day trips, then you aren't too concerned about traveling at high speeds for long stretches, so any reported vibration above 70mph for the Sportster is only a nuisance. If you plan on longer road trips, you might want to explore more powerful Harley models that are designed for this, but your pocketbook will have a bigger dent in it. Of great importance is how the bike fits you. How comfortable are your arms and legs in relation to the handlebar and foot controls? Do you have to stretch or reach? Are you crunched up, especially in the legs, that will limit your movement (forcing your legs into one position all day is very hard on the body)? Can you hold the bike up without being on tippy toes (a definite no-no). Sit on the bike at your local dealer and check these things out. Since you're still in the shopping-around mode, go to MotorcycleEvents.com and see if there is a bike show in your neighborhood so that you can see ALL makes and models at the same time and make some comparisons -- especially since not all Harley dealers have every model on their showroom floor. It's worth your time! Mama Monday, February 10 Women On Wheels Ride-in to be held in Prescott, AZ July 7-9th, 2003. For more info, go to www.womenonwheels.org Women In The Wind 2003 Summer Nationals July 25-27 to be held at Golden Hotel in Golden Colorado. For more info go to http://witwrmc.tripod.com. The Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Party will be held in Milwaukee's Veteran's Park in downtown Milwaukee on Sunday, Aug. 31 with official Wisconsin celebrations running Aug. 28-30, 2003. For more information, please visit www.100thbirthdaybash.com. Monday, February 10 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Angela, Need to see and read up on tools? A good place to start is Dan's Motorcycle Tools site. If you're looking for something to carry with you as you
ride, then you need a compact set of tools. You can try Motorcycle parts and accessories - JC Whitney Personally, when riding just for the day, I carry duct tape, a master link for my chain, a few assorted screwdrivers, and a calling card so I can call for help. Hope this all helps you get started! Mama Monday, February 10 For Angela who is looking for ways to keep her hair in place: Go to your local sporting good store and ask for pre-wrap. It comes in a roll and is about three inches wide. Your cut off your desired length and roll it like a pretzel. It forms a long string. You then just cut to desired length, tie it and use it like a headband. I've seen women athletes using these to hold their hair back out of their eyes. Laurie (note from Mama: thanks for sharing this tip!) Friday, February 7 For Angela who is looking for ways to keep her hair in place: Thought I'd share my 'hair trick'. I bought a 'hair glove (way easier to use than trying to french braid all the time). My hair is mid back length, but short in the front and layered. I use the hair glove and while my hair is damp, coax it back smoothly. I do not use hair gels etc - they just seem to make it worse. Then I use a satin scarf....I have slept on satin pillowcases for years - your hair doesn't get as messed up that way. Anyhow, a satin scarf under my helmet keeps the helmet itches away and when I remove my helmet and scarf, all I have to do is 'ruffle' my hair and it seems to be ok. Good hair days to all! Paula I just put mine in a ponytail and wear a headband, it works for me. Toni Check out a Hair Scarf. This can be worn under a helmet or without helmet. I first bought mine in Sturgis. It wraps around your head like a do-rag, but the ends tie under the scarf part, the extra material can be wrapped around the long hair and then the straps (which are under the scarf part) can be tied around the extra material. Hold all the hair in place with or without a helmet. I loved this little thing, but couldn't find it anywhere. Then I talked with Susan of Dayton Thunderwear and she is now making them. I don't think she has them on her website, but drop her a line at daytonathunderwear.com and ask her about them. Rain Friday, February 7 For Jennifer who survived an accident and not sure about riding again: Hi, my name is JoAnn. My husband and I were on the way to Mike's Harley shop to see his brother that works there because that afternoon I won a trophy for my bike and I was going to show it to him. When I was coming to a stop in the left lane, and my husband was in the right lane next to me, a woman driver in an SUV hit me from behind. She had been drinking and talking on a cell phone. I was in the hospital for five days and still sometimes in a lot of plain. But three weeks after my accident I had my husband drive me down to the Yamaha shop and pick out a new bike. I could not ride it for a couple of months. But every day I would get myself out to the shed to wipe it down and just look at. I am riding now -- still can not go very far with out being in some pain. But I did not let the women take my love for riding away. I have been riding bikes for about 30 years and this it the second accident I have had. They say when you fall off a horse, just get back on it. I do not write much, but I hope this will help. JoAnn (note from Mama: plain and simple talk straight from the heart is the best medicine anyone can share. Thank you.) Thursday, February 6 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Kelley, Wednesday, February 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Sarah, Absolutely do not skimp on the helmet -- and a helmet is an absolute must. While you may be led into thinking a used helmet is ok, if it's endured a hard enough knock already, there may be internal cracks that you cannot see that might render it useless in another crash. Then, she needs clear goggles to protect her eyes if the helmet you choose does not have a built in face shield. Next -- riding boots. Used boots are ok, but at a very minimum they must protect the whole foot and ankle area. Better yet, for off-road zooming, protection up through the leg's calf area is a total need. For the rest of the clothing, full length pants and long-sleeve shirt and jacket are important. Road/dirt rash is NOT funny. While your daughter might see more experienced riders in short sleeves, this is not appropriate for beginners. Period. You might want to consider knee and elbow protection in the beginning practice rides as this is the point she is more liable to fall at any time -- and I do mean any time. Used gloves are ok, but are cheap enough to buy new. Fox gear is the main name is any of these items and you can find a local dealer by visiting their website. Call your nearest dealer to see if they have used items. Or, visit eBay and search for Fox gear there (a link for searching is below). Also, consider doing another search on the Internet for a forum that specifically caters to the exact type of riding she will be doing. You'll get lots more hints and tips there. Mama
Tuesday, February 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Megan, I did have one letter in response to that newsletter item from a former ER nurse who noted that the least of your worries when in an accident is having your $100 chaps or jacket cut open to allow paramedics access to put in IV lines or examine for possible pelvic breaks. It's a good point. Mama Tuesday, February 4 For Brenda who is looking for a bike and is height-challenged: I own a '97 Honda Shadow VLX and am only 5'2". It is perfect for me as it has a low seat height. You might consider this as an option. Nancy (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your own personal choice in bikes that works for you!) Monday, February 3 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Captain, Monday, February 3 For Jennifer whose accident has her in a quandary about riding again: Id like to suggest a method to help Jennifer and her husband begin getting back on bikes after that awful accident. I did this with myself and it works: I had passed the MSF school with a score of 94 and had my CA license to boot. I was ready to go! I bought my first bike, a used 1990 Kawi EX500, on a Thursday but had to wait until Saturday to take my first ride. Saturday morning my heart was pounding with anticipation and I had to calm myself down so I could do the pre-flight checks. There she was, my beautiful bike! My "E ticket" ride into wind and time. Slowly I rolled (just into the friction zone, remember those terms!) down the driveway. After checking both ways, I rolled the throttle a little bit. I bolted across the street and ran right into my neighbor's Ford Bronco! Fortunately, I had learned my swerving lessons in school well! I only broke my mirror, dented his fender and had several minor bruises. But I scared myself something awful. Every time I closed my eyes, I could see that damn Bronco fill my vision. I had myself so scared, that I began to get panicky even thinking about riding my bike. I began to seek advice on how to get back to riding again. I asked every rider and "Mama" that I met. The advice was consistent: just get on it and practice, practice, practice. While that was good advice alright, it didn't get me where I wanted to be. Then I remembered something we had done in MSF school! The Armchair 500! (I am guessing that we all learned this in class before we went out on the range for the first time.) I sat in a comfortable chair, took several deep, slow breaths, closed my eyes, and held out my arms to take hold of the imaginary handle bars and "rode". While riding in my "Armchair 500" I imagined myself riding successfully and confidently. I took myself on the graceful canyon roads here in Los Angeles, out to the straight hot desert and into the winding freshness of the mountains. After doing this a couple of times, the magic began to work! I could begin to practice my riding skills again in real life. I could go around the blocks near my home on Sunday mornings. Then I rode into Griffith Park where there is light traffic, sweet sweepers, stop signs and several lovely twisties. I am still a little jittery, but I am back in the saddle and remembering why I chose to ride in the first place! Kathleen (note from Mama: I agree -- imagining the positive outcome of something assists greatly in making it so -- much better than replaying negative thoughts over and over. Riding is mostly mental -- while we are enjoying the beautiful scenery and feeling the hum beneath us, we must constantly maintain a vigilance for the things in our surroundings that could cause problems. Being able to successfully marry the two opposing mental sides is a matter of time and practice and after an accident, it's no surprise that the vigilant side (looking for the bad) of the mental process is more dominant. Your idea retriggers the other side -- the beauty -- and this is a good suggestion as one way to help restore the desire to ride. Thank you for sharing.) |
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