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Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
C, Tuesday, February 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, I never meant any harm when I got my Valkyrie, but darn proud was I! And I know Amy must be feeling the same. I believe we all have different riding habits, and the bikes we chose usually accommodate the habit. As long as we were riding short distances and around town (not on the 80 mph freeway) my little Yamaha 650 was a dream. I recommend the bike highly. But my skills improved, and we ventured further and further, and the 650 just couldn't keep up with the crowd, besides the fact I was pretty numb when we did get to point B! Not to mention the passing eighteen wheelers at 80 which blew me hither and yon! That doesn't happen anymore, the Valkyrie blows by the eighteen wheelers with ease, and the unstable feeling is gone. Please don't misread any of my ramble......we all have different habits, ride your own ride! But whatever you decide......be proud of yourself!!! I love this site, it keeps me sane! (somewhat) ;0) – Sparkle Dear
Sparkle, Monday, February 1 More for Being Patient who is looking at adding an engine guard to her bike: I have the engine guards on my VStar 1100. Have never come close to scraping them. They should not be a problem. Keep up the good work, Mama. – Liz in Phoenix (note from Mama: thanks for the added input and the kind words for me! ) Tuesday, February 1 Hi
Mama! Dear
David, Tuesday, February 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Rand, Tuesday, February 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, If the bike will not idle, it's been my experience that the pilot jet is fully or partially plugged. They can be a bit of a pain to get out as they're usually down a hole. This is important . . . make sure your screwdriver fits well!! It's brass, they're small, and they're usually tight. The idle circuit runs through the pilot jet. And lastly, the best carb cleaner I have ever found is a marine product called Powertune from the Mercury Marine line. I've tried quite a few, Tecumseh, Gunk, Wynns, and God knows how many others and none of them can touch this stuff. The only others I've found to be close are the Honda and Suzuki Carburetor and combustion chamber cleaner. Warning, don't leave the parts in the cleaner too long. I did and they came out looking like they'd been sandblasted! – No Name Dear
NN, Wednesday, February 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Billy, Here is a discussion thread from the Honda Rebel Online site (lots of info all around) on rejetting carbs: http://www.surfmaine.com/rebelforum/viewtopic.php?t=3288&highlight=carb+rejet. Good luck on your project! – Mama Wednesday, February 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, What made the weekend even better is that we drove up to Cleveland yesterday to go to the International Motorcycle Show. Talk about putting you in the mood to ride. It was awesome. One of the main reasons to go was to look for another bike for me. I will start my 2nd season this year on my Honda Shadow VLX. But this time next I hope to move up to either a Honda Aero 750 or possibly a Suzuki C50. I sat on the C50 I and I really loved it. It felt great and didn't seem to much different as far as weight. I know there will be more power in the C50. Over the past year I have read that a lot of ladies ride this bike. I was wondering if you and others could possibly give me input on their likes and dislikes about the bike. Has anyone had a lot of trouble with it? I really want to investigate this bike because it was pretty much love and first sight. – Donna in Ohio Dear
Donna, Wednesday, February 2 Hey
VTwin Babe, Dear
Rand, I tried an Internet searched for a site with used parts, but there were just too many hits. You might try eBay or check with the local dealer to see if they have a bulletin board you can post a message with the things you are looking for. You might also want to type in "Honda Aero 1100 discussion forum" in a search engine and seek out like-minded riders. This would broaden your search scope but to people with the same bike. – Mama For Rand or anyone who's looking for a motorcycle manual: Half Price Books is a great place to start looking. They're not located in every state (only 13 of them), but there are some great finds in their stores. I live in Fort Worth, TX and go there frequently. – Linda Scott (note from Mama: thanks for the heads up on this!) Monday, February 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Al, Monday, February 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, I so much want to train in a parking lot on my Shadow ACE 750. If you know of anyone willing to get me across the street, lol, to practice and work with me so I can take the test at DMV. Please let me know. I so much want to ride. – Maggy Dear
Maggy, Wednesday, February 9 For Al who is learning to use the front brake without rolling on the throttle: I just want to let you know your not alone. I do that to. I got my bike in October 2004. I don't have many miles on my bike yet, so I'm still a newbie. I think it's just going to take practice. I try to roll my hand a little forward when I go for the brake so I don't give it gas at the same time when I'm braking. Good luck. – Vivian, V-Star Rider (note from Mama: yes, practice is usually the key!) Wednesday, February 9 Hey
VTwin Mama, Dear
Karen, Wednesday, February 9 Dear
Mama, When is the Motorcycle world going to get it that there is a lot of $$$$ to be had from us Women? WE like to ride and we like to spend. What does not add up to them? Sorry got a little carried away so I will save the rest for them. Thank you and congratulations!! 5 Years. Just so you know, I pass out your website to almost every man rider that has a women in their life that rides or not. I of course pass it out to the women I meet as well. But, it is really nice when I get to pass it out to the men. I guess it is a way to let them know there are a lot of women riders out there so GET OUT OF OUR WAY! :) Just kidding but sometimes I feel like that. So, ok I am a bit disturbed by the information that Women Rider was dropped of the website and no annual issues or anything else. Have a great day, – Celeste Dear
Celeste, Yes, Woman Rider got dumped from the line-up of Ehlert Publishing. What a blow! So that all readers can understand . . . I saw the links were missing on the RiderReport site . . . and contacted the Managing Editor of the three remaining magazines. She forwarded that email to Genevieve, former editor of Woman Rider, who replied in essence that she fought for its survival and thinks the VTwin Mama site is great. As far as contacting some sort of "top dog" at the publishing firm, the site only offers up the contacts for each of the three magazines still being published. I would write to their main address at Ehlert Publising Group, Inc., 6420 Sycamore Lane, Suite 100, Maple Grove, MN 55369 or call 1-800-848-6247 and let them tell you where to direct your complaint. – Mama Wednesday, February 9 For Billy whose looking into changing pipes and asking about the necessity to re-jet the carb: Anytime a change is made regarding how the engine breathes (hi flo air filter, or exhaust being the most common) a change in fuel to air mix may be in order but you should not jump in with re jetting carb until you first read the spark plugs. They will tell you if the fuel to air mix is too lean. Make your modification and put in fresh plugs. Ride the bike a few hundred miles and then have a competent mechanic check the plugs. You may want to save the old plugs to have something to reference to. Respects, – George (note from Mama: this is an interesting bit of added information . . . very helpful! I've got a basic guide to reading fouled plugs that might be helpful to get started.) Wednesday, February 9 OK
Mama and all the other sisters, Dear
Jennifer, Wednesday, February 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Scott, Wednesday, February 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Added note after I inquired whether this letter was about reaching the whole body or the "reach" of having to stretch fingers to grasp the lever: Excellent question. using whole body or too wide of reach. While I know its the reach, I actually went out and sat on my bike. It is comfortable and seems easy to access the handle. The problem is with the reach. It isn't necessarily too much reach, it is rather that it is just at the full reach, each time I extend my fingers and pull back, I feel it right up into the chest. My main chest muscle on the left side has been extended and lifted to the surface due to implant after radical cancer mastectomy. But, I will also go down and try different bars because now I am thinking maybe if they were a little closer.. I also will pay close attention to the way I sit and reach. hmm. I will be having mastectomy again on the right side and I will need to be able to reach throttle and brake. Wow, you're good! Have me thinking in the right direction already! I will be waiting to hear from you. Thank you sooooo much sister! – Gypsy Dear
Gypsy, There are more "ergonomic" clutch levers available in the marketplace . . . basically meaning that the "pull" is tons easier. Here is a site I found that looks unique to me in terms of its solution (worth checking out). You might also want to check with ASV to see if their levers (brake and clutch) with pivoting set points might work with your bike (allows you to set the lever for small hands). Part of my problem with researching your question is that I'm not as familiar with aftermarket parts houses for BMW (or what OEM parts might be available . . . something to explore with the local dealer). Readers with BMW's . . . please help Gypsy out! As to the issue of your left leg . . . I just posted a letter from Bess, who asked about conversion solutions that would alter the shifter. I noted a number of sites that address this issue in great detail and even offer one-on-one counseling to determine what could work. Have a read through that and see if you find the sources that will help make a difference to you as well. – Mama Thursday, February 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Midnitemaniac, Thursday, February 10 Donna's letter hit home (about going to a bike show): We also went to the International Motorcycle Show over the weekend (Cleveland area). We always make a day of it: breakfast out, get to the show before they open to get in line for tickets and have the place to ourselves for a couple of hours (by 11am it's shoulder to shoulder), and then have dinner out after. I'm always too pooped to cook. Show weekend is always the height of our winter, motorcycle-wise. As we were leaving, my husband commented that the one bad thing about this show is that it makes you want to RIDE! We walked around for eight hours. We took breaks of course, but we were like kids in a candy store. We visited all the vendors and we sat on lots and lots of bikes. I've heard so many favorable reports about the Yamaha V-Stars on this site that I decided to spend some time checking them out. I couldn't pry myself off of the 650 Custom. I'm in love. Hopefully, after some time on my VLX, if I'm ready for another bike... well, it's just a dream for now, but who knows. This was my fourth time attending this event. The first time, I threw my leg over a few bikes just for fun. Each year after, I've had reasons to check out this bike, or compare that one, or whatever. As Mama has said many times, these shows are a golden opportunity to sit on and pour over many bikes, from all the big manufacturers, all in one place. And there are good deals to be found on gear and stuff. What a blast! – Linda C. (note from Mama: one of the most important qualities to retain throughout one’s life is the ability to play! And your “candy store” reference brought that out! I know that I avoided shows for awhile simply because I knew I couldn’t buy anything in the near future. What a mistake! The chance to daydream a little goes a long way to keeping us sane! And let’s face it, even if we’re not big time shoppers, a hot deal on a pair of summer gloves always makes me smile! Readers, one good source for upcoming shows is the Motorcycle Events site, with listings by state. Check it out!) Thursday, February 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jo, Thursday, February 10 More for Al who is learning to use the front brake without rolling on the throttle: The instructors at the MSF course were really good about this subject as well – keep your wrists down! That always makes you have to roll the throttle off in order to reach the brake lever. The one thing I have found negative about keeping my wrists down is that I may tend to have a ‘death grip’ on the grips, or my wrists get a little stiff from that position. Found an article that addressed that however – funny as it seems, gripping with your knees on the tank makes you relax your hands and arms. It works! I find that I can relax my hands enough to adjust position as needed to prevent any tiredness in my hands, fingers and arms, even on the longest rides! Of course, gripping with my knees only made sense to me – I used to ride dressage horses. – Amy in Washington. (note from Mama: now that's an interesting point about the knee grip relaxing your hands . . . but I do find that when I want a good sense of control, I do bring my knees in and hug the tank rather than letting them hang out! Thanks for sharing this!) Thursday, February 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Rhonda, Thursday, February 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Among the bikes I own, is Moto Guzzi Convert and a Honda 750A. I own them because they are so different. I would be a bit wary about recommending the Guzzi to a novice rider, they are a bit of lump. (Convert is from Torque CONVERTer- its Italian don't forget, although the torque converter is German) Suzuki also made an auto in the 70 ies it was I think 400 or 450 and was shaft drive, non of these bikes really caught on then, I would like to see autos make a come back, I like them. They are never in the wrong gear, however detractors would say they are never in the right gear. Each to his or her own. Keep up the good work of encouraging people onto bikes whatever the model. – Happy Daze, Auto Rob Dear
Rob, Anyway, then I hopped onto eBay to see any were for sale in the U.S. (no) but did find some other weird items (sticker sets, complete history book, repair manuals). Thanks for sharing another possible auto tranny selection! – Mama Thursday, February 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jean, So, it could be that the gas/air mix delivered to be sparked is wrong (carb needs to be readjusted, air filter cleaned or replaced (this is a biggee), did you change something in the exhaust and carb needs rejetting?, or are you leaving the choke open too long? Or is the choke stuck open?). Or, it could be a problem with the
plugs and spark system. First, check the spark plugs (they should be
changed at least once a year at the very minimum, check the gap (again),
replace the actual spark plug wires (yes, they get old too). Past that you
need a service manual and/or mechanic IMHO. Thursday, February 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
V, Chain vs. belt vs. shaft: it’s like
walking into a room full of Ford lovers when you’re Chevy all the way.
Look out! Each system requires maintenance, each system has it quirks.
Personally, I’m more use to a chain driven bike but loved the shaft
drive on my Honda Shadow 750. I have no opinion on belt drive, although
many swear by the chain to belt conversion. Friday, February 11 For Gypsy who is looking for an easier clutch for her BMW: Check out EZ Clutch for BMWs - I put it on both my R60 (1966) and my R75/6 (1975) and find that they really ease the work required to pull in the clutch. However, I do find that a side car does require more upper body strength to steer. (I have a Steib LS200 on the R60) Check with the IBMWR.org for more info. (Internet BMW Riders) – Drew (note from Mama: thank goodness I have readers who know what's going on! Thanks for sharing this!) Friday, February 11 For Jean whose Virago XV535 is dying after a few minutes of idle time: Please join Virago Tech. You would be amazed at the help you can get when everyone puts their heads together. And there are loads of places on the web for manuals, with excellent prices. I prefer the Clymer manuals for both of my Viragos. – Mary Martin-Gay (note from Mama: oh, this site looks good! It's at http://www.viragotech.com/. Thanks for chiming in with this suggestion!) The important clue here is the clicking fuel pump. If there was a problem with air filters & flooding, the pump would stop clicking. The fact that it is pumping away indicates a lack of fuel in the carbies. I would suggest a fuel blockage in the line from the tank to the pump. Overnight, a trickle sneaks past the blockage into the carbies, allowing it to start in the morning. After this small quantity of fuel burns off in a couple of minutes, the blockage prevents any more reaching the pump & carbies which stops the engine. Of course the pump is still trying to refill the float chambers in the carbies and sits there ticking away to itself. Try cleaning the fuel lines, or the filter in the tank. Maybe you're just nearly out of fuel?? Put a few litres in & see what happens. Good luck. – Smokey in Australia (note from Mama: I stand corrected on the clicking . . . thanks for setting me straight on this . . . I appreciate that you took the time to write in and help out!) Friday, February 11 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jeanne, Friday, February 11 For Celeste on the demise of Woman Rider magazine: If you are looking for a GOOD motorcycle magazine for women, check out Biker Ally. It is for women...by women. Hugs, – B (note from Mama: we definitely LOVE Biker Ally magazine, which can be found at http://www.bikerallymag.com. 6 issues per year and chock full of reviews, wrenching tips, personal stories and journeys and more! Rain, the editor, works hard to put together a comprehensive magazine that every woman rider should support!) Friday, February 11 Hey Mama, A little bit about myself, I have been riding for 31 years, started at age 12 with my father and that was all she wrote, I am addicted, been all over the USA and loved every minute of it, but always on the back. B.C. (before children) I wanted to get my own but then the rug rats came and I settled down to become a very dedicated mom, still rode when ever possible, but was more concerned with hockey games and wrestling matches. Now that my boys are men (well almost lol), my oldest is 18 and youngest is 15, I am single with no one to take me riding, and decided it was time to just do it. I took the local rider safety course and got my endorsement last summer, then started searching for my first bike. I have always ridden Harleys and for a while a Moto Guzzi, with their owners of course, but had no clue what to get for myself, I knew that the Honda Rebel 250 I used in class fit me well and I felt comfortable. I am 5'4 and weigh about 120, so size is an issue for me. I found a beautiful 2001 Yamaha Virago 250 with only 1082 miles for $2000, yep I bought it. I cannot tell you how much crap I have taken for getting this bike, I know that I will outgrow it quickly, but I love it. It has been sitting in my garage for the last four weeks, I go out and look at it, stroke it, sit on it, start it....just waiting for the first decent day to ride it. That day was yesterday, in Ohio winters suck, but once in a while you will get a fairly nice day, it was 47 degrees and dry, even thou there are piles of snow everywhere. I took off on my bike around my neighborhood and let me tell you, it was wonderful, my youngest was very proud of me and had to take pictures! He told me that at first he was really scared but then he saw me ride and thought hey she can do this, lol kids, gotta love 'em! I am attaching one of the pics he took of me yesterday. I will be taking out the bike again today as it is supposed to be even warmer, plan on riding over to a near parking lot and practicing the maneuvers we did in class before I go out on the road with all those cages and people that do not look out for us. I am so looking forward to having my knees in the breeze on a regular basis that I can hardly contain myself! Thanks again for a wonderful site, I will be checking in often when I am not out riding! – Melissa Dear
Melissa, Now, read this next letter from a great VTwin Mama sister who is ready to “graduate” from her Virago . . . it’s a letter of inspiration, reality, and can-do spirit. – Mama Friday, February 11 Hi
Petra (VTwin Mama's actual name!), Taking the step back to the Virago has taught me more than just developing riding skills and some basic confidence. It has made me realize that the VLX, as it is, does not fit me. I wanted some modifications anyway, like engine guards, saddle bags, and pull back risers. And I think I'll go ahead and get new pipes and have them rejet the carbs if necessary; might as well while I have it in the shop. But I digress. The point is, you don't KNOW what all you need until you have ridden a bike. I'm not saying I wouldn't have had any problems early on, I just think not knowing what I needed added some thorns to the problems I was sprouting. For instance, over the weekend when I rode the VLX back up the driveway, I went to put it neutral before turning it around manually, and my foot nearly got caught. No wonder I had to twist a bit to shift when I rode it before! And my boots are different now, which made a noticeable difference on the Virago, and now it has enhanced a problem on the VLX. I had already decided to have slightly flatter pegs put on the VLX (I just prefer flat to round), so we'll have the shift lever adjusted after that. Also, the "hand" reach, I now realize, is too far to be optimal, especially when I have to choke up on the grips to operate the calipers more easily. The bars have already been turned down some, and the calipers have been adjusted up a bit. I had thought about pullback risers, but I am now considering new handlebars. The current bars are stretched out wide (like a wide boy) and something that comes back and in a little, like a low buckhorn, would be better. The dealer we go to has lots of used bikes and I've been researching this. I will certainly be asking for guidance when I go to take the bike in and have all of these things taken care of, but I would like to pose a question to you and your readers in case someone out there has an answer. Dealer service departments have a lot of answers, but it has been our experience that they don't always have ALL the answers. So here goes: The grips on this bike are HUGE and I have short stubby hands. The VLX takes a 1 inch diameter handlebar, and although 7/8 inch diameter handlebars are readily available, everything attached to the handlebar on this bike is sized to fit a 1 inch bar. I'm wondering if it is possible to get 7/8 inch grips that attach to a 1 inch bar, i.e., grips that are or accommodate 1 inch in diameter where they connect, but the grip part is actually 7/8 inch diameter. Kind of like a downsizing of sorts. I'm betting no such animal exists, but you never know until you ask around. It seems to me that this would adversely affect throttle travel... isn't it supposed to be one-quarter of a turn??? I haven't found anything like this... anyone else know of anything? You know, it's really starting to grind my gears that everything motorcycle is geared to the size of big-man parts. I feel like Edith Ann in that giant rocking chair! – Linda C. Dear
Linda, You’ve come such a long way Linda
C., so let’s not stop now! Isn’t it just awful to gain experience just
so that you have to use it and find out that something isn’t working for
you! Sigh. Education. So highly overrated. Readers, I've had the privilege of listening to many riders over the years, and in the case of riders like Linda, to "watch" them grow in confidence and ability. I'm so proud of each and everyone of you . . . because just like me, we started from scratch and kept going! Letters that chronicle the struggle that occurs from time to time lets so many others know that they ARE NOT ALONE. This is a key message at the VTwin Mama site. Thank you Linda for continuing to explore and share your own journey . . . in this latest letter you have given hope to many others just starting out and to allow more experienced riders to relive their adventure in riding. Trust me, we've all been in your shoes at one time or another. Remember the letter where I counseled, "do not let the dream die inside of you"? You embody that vision . . . and I encourage everyone to keep talking it out. That's how we move forward! – Mama Friday, February 11 Dear
VTwin Mama, Why is it when your husband buys a bike for you that he is so protective? Yes I dumped it at the park, at the water treatment plant closed the gate on me, and I went to make the turn and I dropped it. But I feel really good when I'm on it and he finds nothing but problems. He got a 2005 Sportster in August of last year. I rode in the back till I decided I wanted my own. I was brought up riding with my father, but I never drove one. I'm really proud of what I accomplished in the 2 months that I have had it. Do your or any of the followers have any advance for a new beginner? – Leann Dear
Leann, Perhaps you might both benefit, while
waiting for your class to start, to get the Ride
Like a Pro for the Ladies video . . . an excellent way to watch
“lessons” together, talk about the techniques and then go out for
practice sessions . . . together! Instead of him sitting at the sidelines
(presumably tearing his hair out) . . . work on the stuff as a team . . .
less baldness in the end! Friday, February 11 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Joan, Teaching is a time-honored profession and NOT JUST ANYBODY makes for a good teacher. How about contacting Ridley and asking if they know of riding courses for auto tranny bikes?! Or, you can contact you local community college (where many of the safety courses are held) and inquire there. If they can’t accommodate you, be prepared to ask if any of the instructors provide private lessons. Last, but not least, check into local chapters of women's riding organizations to gather kindred spirits around you . . . just venting with other gals should help quite a bit and will make for life long friends! Check my Women's Sites page for groups. I’m thinking you would also benefit
from getting the Ride
Like a Pro for the Ladies video . . . while it’s geared (!) towards
bikes with manual transmissions, there are lots of practical lessons on
maneuvers that you would benefit from. Friday, February 11 Hello
Petra, Dear
Maria, Glad you’re enjoying your visits to my site . . . it’s nice to know that I can be of some help. Why not join my Opt In/Opt Out Rider’s List . . . I have one other listing for a gal in PR (yes, I know, big island, but hey, you never know!). And there’s also a listing on the Ride My Own Site for PR. At least diehards will know how to get a hold of you! Good luck on your beginning runs . . . what better way to enjoy the Island of Enchantment than on a motorcycle for the Adventure of a Lifetime! – Mama Friday, February 11 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Bryan, Friday, February 11 From Al who is thankful for input on the front brake/throttle roll issue: Thanks Mama and thanks to Amy in Washington and Vivian - V Star Rider for the tips on "Learning to use the front brake without rolling on the throttle." By the way, in my original message I mentioned that I "failed" the skills part of the MSF test(s). However, two weeks later I signed up for next available running of that class/course, which occurs in May '05. I plan to buy a bike and get some practice before then. Thanks again. – Al (note from Mama: you are welcome. I just posted a motorcycle skills test practice guide page site I found that might help you work through some of the skill test things.) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
M., Monday, February 14 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Carrol, Monday, February 14 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Denise, Monday, February 14 Dear Mama, After reading the horror stories on your site I did much investigation and want to recommend that other beginners do the same! I found a beginners class in Wichita, Kansas near where I live. They only accept five riders at a time an have a no fail policy (I was ecstatic, jumping for joy, thrilled, doing summersaults in the front yard--well you get the picture). After interviewing the instructors and being assured of no pressure with the offer of "even if we have to stay late for extra instruction," my fears evaporated faster than my bank balance after I went shopping for motorcycle gear. I just wanted to advise other new riders to investigate the classes you are enrolling in. This one is $200 and well worth every dime for the no pressure no fail policy! Will keep you updated after I pass, notice I said after, not if!! So ladies do your homework an find that perfect class. It is your money and no way should you let lousy instructors intimidate an belittle our lack of skill. After all, it took a while for us to become perfect women . . . why would riding be any different? And big hugs to Mama for this fantastic site!! – Purple Pony Gal in Kansas Dear
Purple Pony Gal, Your message is loud and clear . . . and while many would report that often times there is only one choice around for a riding class . . . we've also heard that it's worth going out a little farther to find the right instructors and course. Kudos to you for really digging into the set-up and satisfying your sensibilities. To say I'm sooooo excited for you would be an understatement . . . I'm just jazzing at your upcoming adventure . . . now, get some sleep so you're not too bleary eyed to learn! And look for the link on the home page in the left column . . . we've got a woman instructor who is gathering input on how you felt about your experience . . . she's trying to make things better for all women! – Mama Friday, February 18 For Jeanne who is trying to relocate her footboards: I have a Heritage with footboards too. Footboards rule. I wonder if you were able to get a lower profile seat if that might get you a little closer. I changed out my stock seat for an inexpensive La Pera low profile seat (I'm 5'5") and I can rest my feet and even kick out my heels at the end of the boards (like my version of forward pegs...lol) when I'm cruising. I don't know if this will help or not... Also, was the bike previously owned? I wonder if they made some changes and you need to get it back to the stock location? Aloha, – Renee (note from Mama: you've brought up some interesting points . . . thanks! ) Friday, February 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Wendy, Ok, let's get down to the nitty gritty. In order to come to a full stop and have both feet planted on the ground, I'm thinking you must have the front brake engaged. Could it be that you're envisioning that you need to "get up" and lean forward to make the bike go again? Perhaps an old habit from riding a bicycle (where one rises slightly in order to put that one foot on a pedal and push down)? I think a little practice away from traffic and other distractions will help. This could even be done on your side street (if you live on one). Ok, you're at a stop, feet on the ground, and you're ready to go. Keep your butt in the seat, shift into first (if you're in neutral), release the front brake, slowly engage the clutch and off you go. That seems simple enough, but maybe you would benefit from some visualization practice. Sit at your kitchen chair, close your eyes, and envision the correct sequence (without the butt lift) and keep doing this until you're smiling with glee that you've got it down pat (on the kitchen chair)! Now, with the bike in an empty parking lot (or even your side street), so the same. Practice until you've overcome the need to rise and lean. In all of this, ask yourself why you feel the need to rise up. My guess is if you examine this just a bit more, you'll figure out where this inclination came from. Then practice, practice, practice and you'll have it! – Mama Friday, February 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Barbara, Friday, February 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, I know the bike isn't for long distance, it's just for learning. One day I want to be riding a VStar. I feel like I have made the right decision for a new rider, don't you agree? Also, could you please direct me to some women in my area that would want to ride with me this spring . . . I live in the central part of Connecticut. I am excited and nervous but I just can't wait to get on the bike and leave all my worries behind. Thanks for the great newsletter. – Sandra Hatch Dear
Sandra, Now, check my Women's Site page for women's riding organization links, which will then lead you to their local state chapters. I've also have a couple of Connecticut women riders listed on my Let's Ride page and don't forget to visit the Ride My Own site map page with more women riders listed! Send out some emails and get connected! You're going to have a GREAT year! And thanks for mentioning that you like my weekly Newsletter. I do try to offer news you can use, cool links, best of the site, and other tidbits. Readers, this is a great way to support the time I put into this site (and get stuff that makes a difference to you as a rider)! – Mama Friday, February 18 For M. Wright on rolling the throttle while using the front brake: Absolutely Practice Practice. I have small hands and this was a problem for me, you'll get use to it, I mean breaking without gassing it. When I took the MSF course, my coach, a woman with small hands too, told me this. "The one important thing to remember is just because the engine revs is keep on the brake and clutch till you stop or can relax your hand off the throttle. What helped me was grabbing one finger at a time on the break lever (index, middle, ring, pinky) in a rolling motion instead of using all four a once. It's just as quick." Hope this might help. – Jennifer (note from Mama: every bit of coaching helps! One message might not get the point across, but another will . . . so, let's keep sharing! ) Friday, February 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Meralda, Friday, February 18 From Leann who is learning to ride and hubby dearest is trying his hardest to teach: Thank you mama! There is no empty Kmart or Wal-Mart stores around. I guess I just need to be patient. He did drive with me around the neighborhood. I would follow him and then he would follow me. And he said that I need to work on starting and stopping. But never driven a bike before it is very intimidating, for any new biker. It makes me feel better when he rides with me. That way I can learn. The day that I dropped my bike, I was shaken, and he asked me if I wanted him to take it back, to the open parking lot and I told him no, I have to get back on. And I did. He did draw a box and had me stop in the box and he drew x's on the park road and he had me swerving thru them. I guess I just have to have patience with myself and him. He told me if I didn't want him to go with me thru the neighborhood he wouldn't, and I told him that I did want him to go on his bike. If I find a open empty lot, do you suggest for him to take the bike over and I follow in the car, or he ride his bike and I ride mine, if not that far from the house? Also, he drove a bike when he was around 16, so he knows how to drive. Thank you for all the input. I really like this site. I've been reading a lot, and learning. – Leann (note from Mama: ok, it sounds like hubby dearest is making the most effort to check on your comfort level and ask you what YOU WANT. This is good. If an empty lot presents itself, and you're ok with riding over, then do so. Otherwise, say what you need! That's a key ingredient to successful learning. Have you seen the Jitters page yet? If you want to see other letters and understand how NOT ALONE YOU ARE, this is the page! Now, keep thinking about what YOU NEED, and keep being honest about. I predict ultimate success for you . . . there's nothing like a "can do" attitude! Glad to hear my site is helping a bit! ) Friday, February 18 Press Release from the AMA AMA'S 'JUSTICE FOR ALL' GAINS MOMENTUM, SUPPORT -- Individuals & organizations contribute time & money to campaign -- PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that its "Justice for All" campaign enters its second year with promising legislative momentum, as well as active participation and generous financial support from enthusiasts nationwide. Justice for All focuses on the inadequate sentencing of drivers who kill or seriously injure other motorists. The AMA hopes to get new laws passed in all 50 states to increase penalties for these drivers, and seeks to include motorcyclist-awareness instruction in each state's driver-education programs. The AMA has confirmed that 16 states -- including Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia -- are considering Justice for All-related legislation. Other states already have taken action. Pennsylvania increased penalties for careless driving resulting in injury or death; ABATE of Pennsylvania, backed by the AMA, was the driving force in getting the bill passed. The Washington (state) Road Riders Association worked for a law that makes it more likely that reckless motorists who injure or kill others will be charged with vehicular assault. The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association led a successful effort to include a motorcycle-awareness component in state driver-education classes; a similar law was enacted in Washington state. Massachusetts and Washington join Maine, New York, Virginia, and West Virginia in educating drivers to become more aware of motorcyclists, and comparable bills are being considered in five other states. Beyond legislative advocacy, others are contributing financial support to Justice for All. The Hey Dude! Foundation Trust donated $4,000 -- on top of $3,500 donated the year before -- raised through a charity golf tournament. The Floribama Riders, an AMA-chartered club of sport and touring motorcyclists, donated $400. George Kemmerer of Pennsylvania, whose son, Eric, was killed by a careless driver, contributed $4,000. Along with donations, the AMA is fielding a daily stream of calls, letters and e-mails from motorcyclists asking how to get involved in Justice for All. The AMA launched Justice for All in February of 2004, after a number of cases involving inadequate sentences made national and regional news. An Iowa driver crossed the center line and struck a group of six motorcyclists, killing three and seriously injuring two, and yet received only a $70 fine. An Oklahoma motorist ran over a motorcyclist who was slowing to make a right turn, pleaded guilty to negligent homicide, and was sentenced to 30 months probation and unspecified "acts of kindness." And in South Dakota, a U.S. congressman and former governor with a long history of traffic offenses sped through a stop sign at more than 70mph, colliding with and killing a motorcyclist. He was convicted of second-degree manslaughter and sentenced to only 100 days in jail. For more information about Justice for All, visit www.AMADirectlink.com/justice, e-mail justice@amadirectlink.com, or call the AMA's Terry Lee Cook at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1288. Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
John, Wednesday, February 23 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Biker Mama, Wednesday, February 23 For Wendy who is learning to pull away from stops correctly: Wendy, it’s the both feet on the ground problem. I had similar issues that involved too much usage of the front brake causing me to drop two different bikes at different times (both mine, at least – guess I had it in my mind that I could hold up and control a 400 – 800# bike with my feet & legs!). I have to continually remind myself to keep that right foot on the pedal / floorboard and only put down my left foot – keeping control of that back brake! I keep it there even after I have stopped now. Seems to me if you practice keeping that right foot up you won’t be able to (or want to) stand up. – Amy (note from Mama: there's nothing like first-hand experience to offer a method that works! Thanks for sharing!) |
