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Went to NYC to the Big Bike show at the Javitz Center.
It wasn't very good. But they did had a few bikes from each
manufacturer sitting on the floor to try out. My wife tried
every one. Spent many hours looking and talked to many reps. Got some
good ideas on many different bikes. Money still comes into play.
Conversion is costly. So, still working on it. The best part of the
trip was going out to lunch. Got the skinny on the best burger in town.
A place called "Five Napkin Burger" Mmmmm good. Burgers were
$15 and so were Manhattans. Lunch for 4 was $220. I could have paid for
a custom lower seat. Oh well! That's life. Jack (note from Mama:
I'm glad you had fun and could talk out concepts about bikes ... but it
sounds like there still isn't a good, solid solution without pouring
money into the effort. We'll keep our eyes peeled for additional ideas.)
I had a Ridley and a Legacy 250, both
automatic. I thought I would be so much happier not having to worry
about shifting. I wanted a Trike though, so bought the new Harley
Davidson TriGlide. I am still learning to shift, but have since learned
to love it. It is so much safer in my book. With the auto tranny it is
go or stop. If you let go of the throttle it was supposed to put it in
neutral, but I never felt like it did. Let me tell you, having the
clutch to slow yourself down is WONDERFUL! I will never go back.
Did you take the MSF course? I learned to
shift there and that is when I realized I would be OK with having gears.
I have also found out on the Harley that I don't like the rear shifter.
I use the front only and that helped me. I just get confused going back
and forth. Could that be what is troubling you? Joan
(note from Mama: good points and clarification on how it eventually
worked out for you! Hmmm ... that heel/toe shifter question might be
part of the concern.)
I think they did stop making the VLX 600 in 2007. I have
a 2007 Honda Shadow VLX 600 Deluxe. They start with the Rebel and then
the 750. Good luck in finding one. Me
& My Shadow (note from Mama: a much loved bike and worth looking in
the ads for!)
After I bought my wonderful
motorcycle (600 miles since Thanksgiving -- wish it were more), I went
back to the dealer to look for a really good jacket and a couple of
other items. They had 2, count 'em TWO VRods on sale for $10,000! One
was black, one was orange. For all I know they are still there. They
were brand new, 2006 models. I personally didn't want one -- but Rich
salivated for awhile -- he still loves his Honda though. The VRods are
$20,000 normally. My motorcycle was $10,000 as a 2008, and came with
almost all of the improvements I wanted -- value about $6,000 more than
I paid. This dealer has used cycles for cheap, (a large dealership), and
dumps new but outdated cycles 50% off at times. They have GREAT public
relations as most Harley shops seem to. Anyway -- DO look for dealers
with older version new cycles, look for dealers who keep
"courtesy" used cycles or often trade up. Mine only had
360miles + thousands of dollars of improvements. Those deals are around
but it took me about 2 weeks of web and calling the dealers over and
over. TTFN, Trish (note from Mama:
hunting the dealerships, especially in this economy, makes a lot of
sense!)
Dear VTwin Mama,
Hello again and Happy Anniversary!! Have you seen the new HD IRON 883
yet?? I think I'm in love. Give us your thoughts, TY,
Karen Y.
Dear Karen,
So far I've only seen the press releases and pictures, as shown
below (click on the pics for bigger view). I know we're glad to see the
25.3" seat height on an 883! Readers who have seen this in person,
please chime in!
Mama
From Kelly Yahr at H-D:
I wanted to let you know that Harley-Davidson unveiled the new
Iron 883 - the latest Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycle. This
blacked-out, stripped-down Sportster starts at just $7,899, leaving
plenty of freedom for customization. Features of the bike are listed in
my signature below, along with a link to the Dark Custom site. You can
also see
the Iron 883 in action on the YouTube channel.
Dear VTwin Mama,
Here's another question for the biker symbolism column.... What exactly
does the ace of spades indicate in the motorcycle culture? Same goes for
the number 13. My days of studying sociology make me feel antiquated - I
have better things to do now, like ride! ; ) Thanks, and keep up the
great site - you've been a terrific wealth of info!
Anon
Dear Anon,
This is an interesting question, but I've never run across the
reference in the many books I have on motorcycle history. The ace of
spades is often considered the highest ranking card in a deck, so in one
"flavor," would be seen as the best of the best. In myth and
folklore, the card is also known as the death card, and was used in
several wars to symbolize the wearer's good luck and death to the enemy.
The popularity of motorcycles rose sharply following
WWII, so the "we defend our own" theme may have carried
through as many returning soldiers took to riding.
From the National Geographic site's trace of history on
both 13 and Friday, "The number 13 has been considered ominous and
foreboding."
That's the closest I could get to thinking through the
possible meanings. Readers, any more insights?!
Mama
WAIT! I used to do physical therapy
before I became an RN. Recovery may take awhile but it usually happens.
It takes a lot of work, he may need to see a pain specialist. He may
need to get involved with a GOOD personal trainer if his insurance won't
cover PT anymore. Tell him not to stop moving-it will only make things
worse in the long run. Massage therapy, especially deep tissue or
Rolfing may be very useful. Good luck to you both! TTFN,.
Trish (note from Mama: thank you for your
thoughts on physical recovery and time ... one then acknowledges that
mental recovery and healing is a very personal journey, no two of which
are alike.)
I know about the 13 ... the 13th letter in the alphabet
is "M" and stands for marijuana. Ride free,
Lady (note from Mama: oh, oh ... it's "reefer madness!" )
Thursday,
February 12 2009 Bike Models by seat height/cc
size/ and price!
Friday,
February 13
2007 H-D 883L For Sale in Ohio
Dear VTwin Mama,
I have a 2007 Harley 883L with Slicks 10" short shocks, wind
shield, a reach seat, and saddle bags. If you have someone short looking
for a low bike this is it. I'm in Mason, OH and willing to part with the
bike for $6,700. E-mail mrodriguez001@cinci.rr.com,
phone 513-237-8943. Thanks.
Manny
Dear VTwin Mama,
Hello All, my name is Mayra Valentin. I'm 28 years old from Puerto Rico.
Motorcycles have always been one of my passions but for some reason I
wasn't able to do so. Now I'm interested to start riding and I'm in the
process of buying a new motorcycle for me! I can't wait to start riding
and take a trip around my island. I would like to know if you girls know
if here in Puerto Rico there are clubs regarding this matter. I was
searching on the web and found this web page!! Awesome! I'm proud of you
girls!
Mayra V.
Dear Mayra,
We're so happy that you are entering the magical world of
motorcycle riding! One of my most favorite supporters of this site,
Maria Hernandez, is in San Juan. She started like you and now is an
instructor and has her own certified teaching school. Her Spanish
language site is En
Dos Ruedas P.R.
You will find an email contact and phone number and I
also see she has a page of club listings, in many cities and some are
just for women!
Mama
Dear VTwin Mama,
First of all I want to thank you for the years youve promoted my
business, Ace High Leathers. Your word stands tall in the womens
motorcycle community and having you behind me goes a long way.
Since I first showed up on your doorstep, Ace High has grown
.
A
LOT
. We have become a small business that specializes in not just
womens apparel but custom leather work in general. Weve made
everything from knife sheaths to back supports and more. Recently we
have been blessed at trying our hands at custom chopper seats which was
very exciting!
I would like to start sharing some of the unique
products which we have developed as many people cannot find someone who
can fit their bill. Featured in this letter is a custom back
support for a customer who has scoliosis. She needed something that was
going to provider her with more support than conventional supports but
looked good as well. Being that her spine has already moved to the right
we placed the thick leather supports exactly where she wanted it.
These support pieces where sandwiched between the inner and outer layers
of leather. Copying her old back support, we added the lacing
which allowed her to make adjustments as needed. We went crazy
with the color, which matched her bike. We have plans to make a back
side panel out of perforated leather for the summer time giving her skin
more air and less sweat.
Having her old support as a pattern, this insured that
she would receive the fit she wanted. It was fun making this support for
her as it allowed her to continue riding despite an uncomfortable back
situation. Thanks again Mama! Nanci Rogers,
Ace High Leathers
Dear Nanci,
Now that's what I call custom work at it's best! Readers, click
on the pictures below to see the details on what Nanci made from
scratch! Mama
I have some Ace and # 13 patches, if anyones
interested ... as well as Harley-Davidson ones. Contact me at Chevy_Dabomb@yahoo.com
Chevy Dabomb (note from Mama: fun! )
Dear VTwin Mama,
I've got a 1996 Vulcan 800. Put in a Jet kit, it's got aftermarket
pipes, replaced the spark plugs, cleaned the carb and still, when I
reach 60 or 65 miles on the highway, I can hear the engine not firing
properly, like there is either not enough gas or air going in it. It
takes off pretty good in lower gears. What would you suggest?
Axel
Dear Axel,
According to Mark Zimmerman's Essential
Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance, a source I refer to often,
high-speed misfires "generally come on over time and often just
mean that it's tune-up time. Common causes include worn or dirty spark
plugs, dirty air filters, and contaminated fuel filters. If the problem
occurred after an aftermarket exhaust system or air filter was
installed, the bike's jetting should be checked."
So, it looks like it's time to pull the fuel filter and
check the fuel lines. Crud caught in the filter is easy enough to spot,
but something could be trapped in a line as well, given the age of the
motorcycle.
If that still doesn't solve it, I'd get that bike a dyno
test, which should "catch" the hiccup you are experiencing and
allow a trained tech to noodle out the most likely causes. I'm thinking
the jetting because even though aftermarket companies do their best with
re-jet kits, that doesn't mean it's always 100% on the money and the
fine-tune can be a bear. Here's an article from J&P
Cycles on the subject. Mama
Dear VTwin Mama,
I'm 4'10: and I can sit on the Virago 250 flat foot, but I'm at the
little point of the seat. (near the tear drop tank) I was wondering if
there are seats that can fit for the Virago.
Kelcy
Dear Kelcy,
Instead of a new seat, I'd recommend that you start by exploring
a modification to the seat. In looking at pictures of the bike, I think
it might be possible to open up the seat, shave a bit of padding from
each side, which then effectively extends the narrowness of the front
the seat back a bit. If this is something that you're not willing to try
on your own, a local upholstery shop should be able to help you. So, go
out to the bike and squeeze that seat and see if you can feel the
padding extending to the sides and then considering carving a new angle
to the padding.
The other option, which keeps costs down from buying a
new seat, is to modify your boots. If they are good boots, meaning the
sole is stitched, not glued, to the upper leather, than a shoe repair
shop should be able to add to your boot bottoms. This then allows you to
shift back in your seat more, still be flat-footed. You may need to
consider a bit of both!
If you would still like to explore seats, I'd take a
look at this Accessories
International page for the Virago 250. It looks like there are some
real solutions for you, but jot down the ones you are interested in and
then call the toll-free number as you want to make it will fit your
bike's year. Mama
Thursday,
February 19 Bikers
for Babies, Pinebrook, NJ, June 14
Dear VTwin Mama,
My name is Amy and I work for the North Jersey Division of the March of
Dimes. On June 14, 2009 we will be hosting our 14th annual Bikers
for Babies event.
March of Dimes Bikers for Babies will
attract 1,000 motorcyclists in a fundraiser to help fight premature
birth and other threats to infant health.
Start Site: 45 Route 46 East,
Pine Brook
,
NJ
End Site: NJ State Fairgrounds,
Augusta
,
NJ
07822
Sign In/Registration: 9am 11am; $25 per rider pre-registration, $35
day of event
Riders take off at 11am; Estimated time
of arrival at Fairgrounds: 1pm at which time riders will be able to
enjoy food, entertainment, and vendors.
Thursday,
February 19 Leather
Vixens Run, Buffalo, WY, June 26-27
Dear VTwin Mama,
Hello...just wanted to inform you of our all women's run in Wyoming, in
June...if you could please post the website for us we would appreciate
it. June 26/27 2009: LeatherVixensrun.com.
Email me at XbikermomX@hotmail.com
for any questions. Thanks so much,
Lisa H.
Thursday,
February 19 Big
Bike Weekend, Redding, CA, October 9-11
Dear VTwin Mama,
The Motor Maids, Heels on Wheels, and Scooterville groups will be
hosting sub events during Big Bike Weekend. Motor Maids hosts the
poker run and Heels on Wheels and Scooterville does the rides. Our
website is www.bigbikeweekend.com
if you'd like to look.
Connie G.
Dear VTwin Mama,
We just got a 1987 Yamaha Virago and can not figure out how to get the
seat off. Please, how do we remove the old seat?
Mary D.
Dear Mary,
There were 3 engine sizes made that year: 535, 700, and 1100. We
know if it's the 1100, you pop the side covers off and you'll find a
screw/bolt on each side toward the front of the seat. My guess is it'll
be the same on the other ones.
Mama
Dear VTwin Mama,
Just a note to let you know that I have posted a new story to my Biker's
Haven web site. It is quite inspirational and uplifting ...the
strong human spirit, WOW!
Tink
Dear Tink,
Omigosh, it started off as a simple enough accident story, but I
wouldn't have dreamed how Part 1 ended and I was immediately humbled by
this man's convictions. You're right, WOW!
Mama
Thursday,
February 26 Tru/Anniversary Cabaret, Dayton,
OH, April 11
Dear VTwin Mama,
Uncontrollable Women MCC is holding the Tru/Anniversary Cabaret on April
11 at UAW Local 798, 313 S. Jefferson Street, Dayton, OH from 9pm to
2am. Mya H.
Dear VTwin Mama,
I took a riding safety course two summers ago and got my license. Then
last year I rode my husband's 2003 Kawi Z1000 to and from work pretty
regularly. I'm looking to purchase my own bike now, and I've been
looking at a 2004 Suzuki Intruder Volusia LTD. It's an 800cc. Do you
think that I'll be disappointed by the "downgrade" in engine
size? Jessa
Dear Jessa,
I doubt it, but the way to make sure is to see if you can get a
test ride on the Boulevard C50 (new name for that Volusia!). If not,
inquire about renting one for a day. The Z1000 (953cc) probably has more
aggressive gearing (check the specifications) in 1st and 2nd than the
Volusia (805cc) ... that's just about how fast you can hit 100mph in a
few seconds!
Mama
Hi Mama,
I have a Honda Helix scooter and a Kawasaki Vulcan 750. The tires on the
scooter (front and rear) lose most of their pressure over 3 or 4 weeks,
which is not the case with the motorcycle. Is that normal or do you
think there is something wrong with both tires on my scooter? Thanks,
Reneι
Dear Reneι ,
Oh dear, I'm not a scooter expert, but it does sound a bit fishy
to me. I did a bit of quick research and noted that many people
complained about aluminum rims (they pit) ... if the Helix has that, it
could be the source of the problem. Also, if the Helix sits a lot (while
you're riding the Kawi), it too could be an explanation. Last, but not
least, is the way that the tire is put on the rim ... if this is an
older bike, I'd be taking it to a tire expert to a look-see.
Mama
Dear VTwin Mama,
Every time I have to ride on grass where there are other bikers I drop
the bike. What am I doing wrong? Is there a special technique?
Barbara
Dear Barbara,
My guess is that with the proximity of other bikes and riders,
you are being especially cautious in handling the bike. This could
include that you're dropping your head and eyes to look at the ground
simply because it isn't hard pavement. When we look down, especially
when we go for a stop, we go where we are looking. Your head and eyes
should remain level at all times ... you can still scan the grass area
in front of you to see if there are any issues to handle. In addition,
especially on an uneven surface, make sure your stops are done with the
front wheel pointing straighforward. Otherwise, with a stop and the
wheel turned to one side or the other, you're adding a twist you don't
need!
Mama
Friday,
February 27 1,500 Mile Ride Fundraiser for
Breast Cancer Research
Dear Petra,
Some of you know that I'm participating in the Dirty Dozen - 1500 mile
off-road trip this August, which is also a fundraiser for Breast Cancer
and other Gynecological Cancers. I would ask you to please
consider donating to the CURE. If you normally donate something every
year... maybe you could donate through my donation page this year?
You
can read all about it here.
I have pledged to raise $2,000 before August of this
year. Can you help out? At this time, there is a small problem with my
donation page... which is simple to get around... if you try to fill in
the amount first... the page kicks you back to the info. page. If
you go ahead and fill in the credit card info first and then click
continue... it will put you back to the same page and then you can fill
in the amount of your donation. I have notified the web-people at First
Giving and hopefully soon, a person can just fill out the form in the
order it is presented (which is the donation amount is at the top of the
page.)...
Once again, fill in the amount last, after you have
filled in the other info and clicked on continue. Thanks so much for
supporting Cancer Research and myself.
S'miles, Jasmine
Friday,
February 27 Pink Ribbon Conga II Ride for
Breat Cancer Awareness
Hi Petra,
I am part of a breast cancer awareness ride, from
Florida
to
Vancouver Island
BC
this year. It is called the Pink
Ribbon Conga, and you may have heard the buzz about it on the Women
Who Ride forum. We would like to rally as much support as possible for
the cause and ride. Kristina
Dear VTwin Mama,
I have a Honda Shadow Spirit 750. I'm small and I deal with the height
of the bike okay but struggle to reach the levers with my small hands.
Ergonomic levers have helped but it is still difficult. Is there a way
to move the clutch and brake closer to the grip? Or make them easier to
pull? Anonymous
Dear Anon
We're specific fixes for certain make/models, but I don't believe
anything has come in about your bike. You may wish to visit
a specific Shadow Rider forum and pose the question there. At this
time my only idea is to bring it to an independent motorcycle shop and
see if they can heat up and bend the levers so that they curve in more.
Mama
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