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For Mary who is trying to discourage cats from hanging around her bike in a carport: As a cat fanatic (I have three), one thing I do know is, they HATE the smell of citrus! My one cat makes a face so hilarious that I have to laugh out loud! May I suggest putting orange peels near your bike's seat where the cats like to chew. I found this a very effective method to keep my cats away from the Christmas tree! It's a cheap and easy solution. Good luck! – Lisa G. (note from Mama: only a cat owner would know this helpful hint . . . thanks for taking the time to share it!) If you place mothballs on your seat they will stay away! I don't know if this is an old wife's tale, but it has worked for me in keeping cats off my vehicles (place the mothballs on the bumpers). Enjoy the ride, – Tracy (note from Mama: hmmmm . . . maybe some in a mesh bag hanging over both sides of the seat?! Sounds like a winner!) Monday, January 3 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Diane,
Monday, January 3 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Ann, Wednesday, January 5 Dear
VTwin Mama,
– Elisabeth Smith, Owner Dear
Elisabeth, Wednesday, January 5 More for Mary who is trying to discourage cats from hanging around her bike in a carport: I'm making an assumption that the cats she references are feral (wild) cats, based on the fact that a) she didn't mention talking to any owners about the problem, and b) she mentioned feeding them. There are two excellent non-profit organizations that specialize in feral cats and their behavior. If anyone would have logical, do-able suggestions for this situation, it's these folks! They are based in MD and CA but have resources for other locations. They also advocate spay/neuter to keep feral colony cat numbers under control - which is important whether you're losing your motorcycle seat or not! :) Alley Cat Allies Alley Cat Rescue Best regards, – Tracey Cramer (note from Mama: thank you for sending in humane alternatives to the cat thing!) I would not suggest moth balls actually in contact with the seat. They have a very strong odor and it will linger on things they touch. Maybe put them in an old butter container and set it on the seat? Or on the floor around the bike. Put holes in the container and lids, place the moth balls inside and and put on the lid. This will also keep the animals from eating them. I have heard they can harm the animals. I have used this method, with some success, to keep cats out of my flower beds. Of course you can smell more moth ball than flower, but you have to make your choices. – Angela in Jacksonville, FL (note from Mama: thanks for straightening me out on my suggestion for the moth balls in a net bag, which you note could be less than safe. I like the closed contained with holes.) A full cover may not be the best solution. My husband did the same thing when the cat scratched his $800 Corbin seat. The cat still climbed under it and clawed some more plus, he enjoyed sleeping there. We put the cat on the back porch and kicked him out of the garage. No more scratching! – Vickie Button in Texas (note from Mama: yup, I can see where some cats would be extremely resourceful in getting under the cover and benefiting even more! Yikes!) Mary...have you spoken to the neighbors about the cat? If not or if they don't seem to care...I would take actions into my own hands. The cat may be suddenly "MIA" or call the dog pound to pick it up. I have the same problem with cats getting into my garage. One day, the doors are going to be closed with a cat trapped inside and the cat will be going for a ride to the pound. The owners are not going to pay for a new paint job or any other damages over a cat. Don't get me wrong...I love animals. I have two in-house dogs of my own. But, I wouldn't let them vandalize private property continuously. Note: A cover "might" work...but my neighbor's cat scratched his bike through the cover!?!?! Good luck! – Sandy Reece in Winston Salem, NC (note from Mama: double yikes! Contacting the local animal control agency would be something to start with, and they may have good suggestions as well!) Wednesday, January 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, The dealership that is selling the Kawi is the very same that I'd have service it. They've been fabulous to my brother-in-laws, who've purchased bikes & sleds from them in the past. The next closest reputable Kawi service shop is over 50 miles away, so getting an "outside opinion" from a experienced mechanic isn't much of an option unless I can convince the dealership that a 100+ mile test drive is a must :D (think they'd go for it? hee-hee). I've called a few shops, and I keep getting the same answers...basically "Kawi's are good bikes, but I couldn't <endorse> this one without looking at it first...". Whatever I end up choosing, I'll definitely keep coming back to your site. So much fabulous information and camaraderie...I love it! Thanks for providing such a wonderful forum! – Jenelle Dear
Jenelle, Wednesday, January 5 For Diane who is looking for input on raingear: I have Harley Davidson rain gear that I purchased in 2002. I commute 32 miles a day in Northern California. My rain gear is the Overpass Rain Jacket and pants. They will keep you totally dry. They are fully lined and seam sealed and have a helmet-friendly hood. The pants have stirrups and articulated knees and have a heat-resistant shield on the pants legs. They go up to a size 4XL. I ride a 2002 Honda Shadow Ace 750cc and have been riding for 35 years. I recently discovered this site and love it. Thanks VTwin Mama for providing a forum for female riders. Back when I started riding, very few women were even riding. I just moved to California three years ago and am enjoying the ability to ride year round. – Candace (note from Mama: this raingear sounds excellent, and while HD gear can be a bit pricey, many have noted that you get what you pay for. And when it comes to comfort riding in rain, getting wet is just yucky and I prefer a premium price with a good return policy from a reputable company. Glad you found the VTwin Mama site and are enjoying your time visiting, and thanks for sharing! It's the cornerstone of this site and what makes it work best!) Wednesday, January 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Robin, Or, check with the local dealer for your VTX, as they probably know every trike converter shop within 100 miles of where you are. It's a simple enough phone call to mine their knowledge. I would have done a local Internet search, but you didn't mention a city/state, so I would also hop onto Google and do a "1300 VTX Trike Conversion Directory for city/state" and see what you come up with. Sorry to hear that you broke your knee. Ouch. Readers with any more specific hints should chime in now! – Mama Thursday, January 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Rod, The same thing happened when I entered "1998 XVS 650 review" in Google . . . lots of sites with written reviews and real-life opinions. Readers, if you have input on either of these two bikes, now is the time to chime in! – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
v45magna, If this doesn't feel right, how about checking for listings for riders in your area? You submitted a listing for my Let's Ride page, and while my site doesn't have any listings, I checked the Ride My Own site on the Riders Map page for Canada, and there are a number of listings. Or, gather a new support system by re-checking the local riding chapters at dealerships and women's riding organizations. This could be a gentle way to re-enter the riding world . . . maybe by attending a chapter meeting and saying hi. And even if you're not ready to get back on the bike, chapters host events that maybe you would like to provide support for . . . they could always use the help. The only way I know how to get that loving feeling back is to immerse yourself one way or the other and see if it still is something you wish to participate in. Believe it or not, it may turn out that you're ready for a new phase in your life, down a different pathway. I was a skydiver for many years, but eventually it just didn't meet my needs any more. That's when I got back into serious riding time. Some years I ride more, some years I ride less. I keep my mind open to the possibilities of life and trust that if I keep searching, I'll find my way. – Mama Monday, January 10 For Rod who seeks opinions on the Marauder: I have a '98 Marauder VZ800 and I absolutely LOVE it. I can't think of anything negative to say about it. It now has about 1200 miles on it (had 280 when I bought it in late October) and it has never given me a speck of trouble. The only bad thing I have ever found on it was the stock seat is like a brick. I replaced mine with a gel seat and have ridden it all day long sometimes, in total comfort. There is a Marauder group on the net at www.migcruisers.com where there are many others who feel the same way. The only complaint, besides the seat, that I have heard is that at super higway speeds (over 65) it is not as smooth, but you can change the sprocket size if you ride at that speed often and it makes the ride smooth at those speeds (easy to do). I have driven mine at 65 and it does not feel any different to me. I have ridden on mountains and flat lands with no problems. My husband is about 5'9" and his only complaint is that it is a little low to the ground for him. He likes to stretch out. I'm 5'5" and I flatfoot the ground, so it's great for me. You can raise the bike up or put forward controls on if that is an issue. The bike only weighs about 475 pounds so it is very easy to handle. We both have ridden on it (combined weight close to 400). No problems there. My dream bike is a Harley Heritage Softtail classic, but if I had to replace it and could not get the Harley, I would get another Marauder. – Debbie T. in Baltimore, MD (note from Mama: thanks for providing Rod with some input from first-hand knowledge!) If a dealer is telling you a 650cc motorcycle cannot handle an onboard pillion...then he's full of crap Rod and should go back to selling cars mate. I am assuming you and your pillion are not each the size of the Hulk? When I started riding 750cc was a huge engined bike. I never had a problem taking a passenger on long or short trips. I cannot believe a 20 year old 750 Kawa is more powerful than a modern 650cc bike? Mine was a twin cylinder. What you might want to consider is which of the two bikes seems more comfortable? Which has the better seat, which has more seat space etc. Which one can carry gear like saddlebags and a rack more easily? People used to have no trouble riding around the world on 500cc Triumphs and Norton Commandos, where folks today get the idea that a 650cc bike is too small I have no idea. Any modern 650 is well capable of breaking the speed limit. Abnormally low as it is here in Oz. 110 kph max for our American friends interest. I would suggest taking both bikes for a test ride with your pillion Rod. That seems like the best shot. And if the dealer gets fussy and says you can't test each of them.. Go to another shop mate...it's your money after all. Also, is the Maruder a "grey import" model Rod? If yes, if they were not officially imported by the original bike manufacturer...steer well clear of it. I don't give a toss what dealers selling them tell you...Getting parts for "grey imports" can often be a nightmare.Good luck. – Kevin in Sydney (note from Mama: thanks for addressing the "spiel" the dealer was putting out . . . very useful knowledge on many levels!) Monday, January 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Troubled, Tuesday, January 11 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
thumperjb, However, if your "new" position also requires an "in" or "out" component (meaning you want your hands spread out less or more), then new handlebars are called for. An excellent guide and article on how to measure can be found at the aftermarket house J&P Cycle . . . the link is on my Working on the Bike: Hand/Foot Control page. Now, J&P is more a Harley aftermarket house (although they do offer some metric solutions), but many aftermarket companies can be found on my Aftermarket page. Hop onto these sites and take a look. Alternatively, with the new measurements in hand, you can engage in a constructive conversation with the parts department at your local dealer. – Mama Tuesday, January 11 For v45magna who is looking to get back into riding after great personal loss: My sympathies. Twice in his life my husband has put away motorcycles because he suddenly felt the road wasn't safe, and both times he came back after years of not riding. And when I lost the two people who knew me best, there was no joy in anything for a long time. Your mind and your heart are busy with other concerns right now, too busy to find riding relaxing, and someday you'll be ready to get back in your motorcycle mind and ride again. – Sarah (note from Mama: you speak from great experience and I always appreciate that you share your thoughts on such a personal subject. I've heard from v45magna, who shared she went to a motorcycle show in her area and enjoyed it. That sounded like a good start to re-immersing into the lifestyle.) Tuesday, January 11 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Pete, Tuesday, January 11 More for Diane who is looking for input on raingear: My Frogg Toggs were good except for the "V" in your crotch in very heavy rain. The rain puddled and eventually soaked through. Also, regarding hot pipes - I got a very good suggestion from a salesperson on how to protect your Frogg Toggs and your pipes. Cut a long patch about six inches wide from an ironing board cover and sew it on the inner part of the leg. My personal favorite rain gear, though a bit pricey, is from Harley Davidson. The pants are made for a woman and fit great. They also have attached gators that fit in a little pocket inside each leg so you can still wear the pants even if you don't need to wear the gators. They also have reflective piping that keeps you visible. – Marge (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your view on this. We've heard about the ironing board cover pieces before, as an excellent solution to keep any pants legs from overheating and/or burning on the exhaust pipe. Some have suggested to attach Velcro straps instead of sewing it on. Just a thought.) Tuesday, January 11 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
NN, Tuesday, January 11 For Rod who seeks opinions on several bike models: There is more to a bike's power than displacement alone. Get all the specs and talk to people who ride. – Sarah (note from Mama: this response brought a thought to mind: why not contact the local rider's groups for those make bikes and talk with members . . . some may have the specific model, but I'm thinking the entire product line is largely discussed in general.) Wednesday, January 12 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Sarah, Wednesday, January 12 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Diane, For No Name who is wondering why one clutch lever is harder to operate than another: Dear hard clutch pullers, hey, don't forget to lube the clutch cable, it will make big difference in the feel and pull of your clutch. You should be able to pick up a bottle at any good two wheel store/shop for a few bucks. It simple to use just pull in the clutch and insert the long metal tip and squeeze it in and work the lever a few times - your done!!! – From the Garage (note from Mama: Sometimes I do miss an obvious point, don't I?! Thanks for the reminder!) Read with interest your many comments on clutch assist products. I have found that good lubrication may be the best solution for this common complaint on bikes that do not have hydraulic slave cylinders on the clutch. I use Super Lube by Permatex. It is a synthetic with Teflon. It comes in a aerosol can. I remove the cable at the lever and add a couple of quick squirts while holding the cable upright then I add two to four drops of Marvel Mystery Oil to the cable and allow time for the oil to run down the cable sheath. I do this every 5,000 miles. I suggest trying this even on a new machine before you alter the factory setup. If you wash the bike often you may need more frequent lubrication. Car washes and power washing is especially hard on clutch cables as well as wheel bearings, electrical components etc. Ride safe and free. With respect – George (note from Mama: thanks for the extended heads-up and learning lesson, or reminder for some of us (me) forgetting things! Where do I put my brain sometimes?!) Wednesday, January 19 Ridley for Sale Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Debra, Wednesday, January 19 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Durangojane, Thursday, January 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
PurplePonyGal, You have brought up an important and relevant point about this site: how I generate enough money to keep the site running. This is done in a number of ways. First is the VTwin Mama logo wear, with its Tshirts, caps, headbands, sweatshirts, key rings, coffee mugs and pins, as well as the weekly Newsletter. And I've also identified that potential Canadian buyers can do so through the PayPal system (currencies are converted and forwarded). I've also added true MasterCard and VISA credit card processing in the last few months, as well as an upgraded shopping cart system. You'll also see the Google ads sprinkled around the site. When readers see these and click on them for more information, the VTwin Mama site is credited . . . pennies . . . but they add up! Last, but not least, are the advertisers. Some are straight up contracts for placement, while others are done as affiliate programs. When readers click on a link, explore the site for things that they may wish to purchase, and make a purchase, a percentage comes to VTwin Mama. In response to your call for an advertiser list, I have created a new page on the site: the Advertisers on VTwin Mama page. This is an alphabetical listing with descriptions and the links. I appreciate your suggestion! Readers, every bit helps! I can report that at the end of 2003, I made a profit that allowed me to go out and have a beer! This year, I think it might extend to two! Yes, it's true . . . in four years I've not been able to draw a "salary" for my work, but am immensely pleased that the funds generated pay all the bills and allow me to carry an inventory of logo wear. And then there is the "other" reward . . . .letters like this that let me know that my work is of value and that it makes a difference. My heart sings! – Mama Thursday, January 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Robin, If you have not done so already, a great idea is to get the service/maintenance manual for your bike. Lots of helpful hints and tips, as well as a troubleshooting guide and tons more! Check my Education Center page for Internet sites that offer these . . . usually $20 for the aftermarket version and about $70 for the factory authorized service manual. – Mama Thursday, January 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, I have decided recently that I want to ride up front again after 13+ years of either not riding or riding as a passenger, I am a lousy passenger btw. I have found the bike I want: a Vento Rebellian, relatively unheard of bike but the few people I have spoke to love theirs. I am taking my safety course this weekend, weather permitting. Even though I used to ride before, I am nervous. I never rode a bike with a hand clutch before or for that matter one that had an electronic ignition (you mean I don't have to jump up and down till my brain hemorrhages to get the darn thing started: cool!!) LOL I am approaching the whole thing as if I never rode before, but really my biggest hurtle is going to be shifting. I can't even drive a standard!!! Well, except for a three speed shift on the column. Any advice you can give me would be great. – TechKnowMama Dear
TechKnowMama, Basically, with the clutch lever pulled in (your left hand), your left foot is going to push the gear lever down one notch, then you're going to ease out the clutch lever slowly until you feel power begin to move the bike forward. Pull in the clutch lever and the power is removed! Remember, you can ALWAYS remove the "power" from the bike by pulling in the clutch lever, whether or not you've done anything with the foot lever. So, if you're in first, then the sequence to go to second is to once again pull in the clutch lever, click with your foot one up (to go to second) and ease out the clutch lever to give power to the bike again. Same thing if you're feeling icky. Just pull in the clutch lever and power is removed! Now, sit at the kitchen table, close your eyes, and visualize these steps and see yourself doing well. It's important to keep a positive attitude and if, in class, you feel yourself getting "brain tangled," stop, review the steps you're supposed to take, take a deep breath and try it again. Easy does it! Now, should it happen that you don't pass this first course, don't think you're alone. YOU ARE NOT. There are lots of letters on this site from women who took a second and even a third try at it. The point is that it's a LEARNING experience . . . so make sure you learn . . . and if you need more learning . . . then so be it. Keep your end goal in mind: to ride a bike with skill and confidence. Any steps necessary to accomplish that goal are OK! – Mama Thursday, January 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Joshua, Thursday, January 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
s/ilonggakano, So, now we throw this question out to the readers to see if there is anyone who can provide input. – Mama Friday, January 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Whaaalaa! I found the Trivoli iPal ( you can look it up under that on the net). It is 6 in. tall 3in w. and 3in deep. It has an unbelievable sound quality and so small I could put it in a camera bag and mount it on the handlebar. It is a wonderful little radio, and I just thought a few others might be as spoiled as I am and want it all! Happy riding, Luv to all! – Sparkle Dear
Sparkle, Friday, January 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Karry, Monday, January 24 VTwin Mama is Selling Her Bike! That's right . . . my 1976 HD Superglide is up for sale. She was a straight up 1200 bike, but was customized to a 80cuin . . . and the paint job is a one-of-a-kind custom . . . snakes and skulls and a beautiful tank with a rider going down the road. Deep black/purple that catches the sun and just pops! I've no idea what the current odometer reading is because it hasn't worked in years, but it stopped at abound 25,000 and I estimate it's probably got about 35,000 on it now. I'm in Carson City, NV. The Kelly Blue Book for Motorcycles suggests the average price is $7260 in excellent condition, but mine needs some chrome work and new pipes, so I'm asking $6000 obo. You can see a decent enough picture on my About page (top two pics in left column). Contact me at vtwinmama@vtwinmama.com or call 775-884-2611. – Mama Monday, January 24 Dear
VTwin Mama, We are planning some bike trips for this spring/summer. In the interest of time, and so that we might experience a variety of terrain (we live in the panhandle of Florida, usually warm weather, but very flat!) we thought it might be fun to ride the Harleys to Jacksonville, then put them on an Amtrak train and head to the Boston area then ride from there up to Nova Scotia. I am wondering if any of your readers have done this sort of thing (not the trip necessarily, but the train part). In reading the find print in Amtrak's material, motorcycles are required to have a 5" clearance. Until mine was lowered, the stock clearance was 5.1 inches so this may be a problem. Anyway, I would appreciate any feedback you or your readers might have. Thanks so much! – LR in PC Dear
LR, Of course, you could also revisit the method you used to lower the bike. Perhaps it was just new shocks? Perhaps the modification could be "undone" to meet regulations and then reinstalled when you're at your destination. Just a thought. – Mama Monday, January 24 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
No Name, Monday, January 24 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Marisa, Tuesday, January 25 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Amy, Tuesday, January 25 Dear
VTwin Mama, I put Progressive lowering springs in the front forks (lower about 2 inches) and 11" Progressive shocks in the rear (also about 2 inches) with a "White Brother's" relocation bracket for the rear shocks. The relocation bracket changes the angle of the shock so that you get about an additional half inch in the rear. We then ordered her a seat from "Le Pera." They were great! We explained to them what seat she wanted and what she needed. They made the seat, sent it to her uncovered so that she could put it on the bike and sit on it. This was done so that they could shave some foam if they had to. We liked it, sent it back, they covered it, sent it back. All for the regular price, with only a couple dollars extra spent on shipping. I think we used every kit possible, so one can pick and choose what they need now that they know what is available. The bike rides stiffer than a standard bike (Sportster), but not nearly as bad as a rigid chopper (for comparison). She loves it. Because she is so light the ride doesn't feel that bad. I ride a Heritage Softail with an air ride kit. When we compare notes after a ride the only bumps she has complained about are the same major bumps that I felt. She also says anything is better than looking at the back of my head, while I have all the fun of controlling the bike. I realize this was a little more money than some people care to spend, but here is our frame of mind. Once your riding a nice smooth ride is great, but let's be real, if you really like to ride, who cares. The fact that she feels so confident, because she is able to plant her feet on the ground, makes her want to ride. I offered to trade her bike in for a Dyna. She responded by telling me if I touch her bike she can't be responsible for what might happen to mine in the middle of the night. P.S. I learned about all these kits from talking to several dealers mechanics and parts personnel. – Ron H. (Frustrated Backyard Mechanic) Dear
Ron, Wednesday, January 26 Dear
VTwin Mama, I want to purchase an engine guard for my bike. I love the Lindby guards, but have heard horror stories about these guards hitting the ground in a tight leaning turn. Has anyone else heard anything about engine guards being a problem when doing a tight turn? I am also looking at Baron guards and Cobra guards as well as MC Enterprises. Any help, comments, experience on guards would be appreciated. – Being Patient in Massachusetts Dear
Being Patient, Wednesday, January 26 Dear
VTwin Mama, Imagine my astonishment when I was at Lowe's a couple of weeks ago and a woman came roaring up on her Yamaha R-6, no helmet, and parked in the striped zone next to a handicapped space. It certainly is the perfect size for a sport bike. I felt like a coward for not saying something . . . would the message have gotten through? Other than that, I'm proud of us. Cheers, – Sarah Dear
Sarah, I consider the striped zone in parking lots to be a gray area issue. My understanding is that it is fairly well accepted that a bike can be parked there for short durations, although I don't typically use it (I park the bike in such a way that it's easy to see my bike in a traditional spot so that cars don't go gunning into the spot thinking it's empty!). Let's see if we get some more feedback from other readers on this. I'm glad to hear that you're seeing more women riders out on the road and that this appears to be translating to better service in your estimation. Our numbers still hover in the 10% range of all riders currently registered . . . but by gosh, we're an IMPORTANT 10% I think! – Mama Wednesday, January 26 Dear
VTwin Mama, I am now customizing my bike, and am considering purchasing ape hangers (I love the old school, hard core look they offer). I recently went to a bike shop where they allowed me to place them on top of my stock bars, so that I could get a better understanding of how they would feel. My concern is because I am still a "newbee" that I will have a difficult time turning. Also, I realize that I could have some numbing in my hands and arms because of circulation issues. Can anyone give me advice (or opinion) about ape hangers, so that I can decide if this is something I would like to purchase? – Caressa Dear
Caressa, I suspect that part of the reason is that you're not significantly shifting your body's center of gravity (COG), which is generally at your hips, from the bike's COG, which is genrally where the engine is. And really, if you're using proper countersteering techniques (you don't "steer" a bike through a curve, you use your COG and your palm pushes on that side of the handlebar for the direction you wish to go in), it's just readjusting to the different height of where your hands are. Since you are newer to riding, here is an interesting article from a high performance riding school on the subject of countersteering and other things you should be considering. Still, I admit, that I did not get the opportunity for a longer haul to see how I would feel with my arms in the air for hours on end! I tried searching the Internet for articles on the realities of riding with ape hangers, but couldn't find anything. What I did see was a blurb that you DO want to be careful not to get ape hangers that force you to stretch to reach . . . you want a comfortable hand placement without having to shift your whole body. So, definitely you should check that you can pull in and release both the clutch and brake lever without having to struggle with it. Readers with first-hand ape hanger experience should chime in now! Or, maybe you have a riding friend who has this modification and you could ask more about it and share it here!– Mama Wednesday, January 26 Dear
VTwin Mama, ANYWAY, someone stole my jacket and I want to purchase another one real bad. They had a web site but I can't remember how to get into it. Does anyone know? I can't get to any rallies now as I am down in New Zealand for 2 years, but please, does anyone know the company I'm talking about? They had the bitchinest Indian kinda jackets . . . expensive, but so so cool. Please, anyone email me here in New Zealand cause I want one real, real bad. gokiwi68@hotmail.com. – Kiwi/Nanci Dear
Kiwi/Nanci, Wednesday, January 26 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
TL, And, on my Type of Bike to Ride page, you'll find two articles comparing the 250cc bikes (look in the left hand column for the links) for a beginning look at what some critics say. Readers with this bike are encouraged to chime in!– Mama Thursday, January 27 For Sarah who questioned a rider parking in the striped zone next to a handicapped parking spot: (and the Ann Lander's wet noodle award to me for missing the point and just being . . . well, wrong! Yes, it happens!) Oh, Mama! Unless you have had to deal with a handicapped person, I can understand why you think it is ok to park in the striped areas next to a handicapped parking space. I can tell you from experience that trying to get a passenger from the front seat into a wheelchair and back again is next to impossible when the striped area is blocked. I have left several nasty notes on windshields for people who unknowingly parked and blocked access to the passenger seat. I hope you never have to experience helping a handicapped person, but please be aware that others do. They need the striped areas to maneuver their loved ones in and out of their car. Awareness is for everyone, whether they are riding a motorcycle or driving their family car. I still love your site and visit often. – Carol Kennedy (note from Mama: thanks for not ditching me and the site (!) for such a whopping mistake!) Hi Petra- Sarah's comment and your reply about parking stuck a chord. While the area at the end of an aisle, where no cars will fit, seems to be a popular inconsequential place for motorcycle parking, I would consider the striped area next to a handicapped spot to be completely off limits. Handicapped parking spaces would be useless for many if it were not for the extra space provided between them. That space is intended to accommodate a handicapped person's transfer from a wheelchair to the vehicle and back. Normally, wheelchairs don't fit very well between cars in parking lots. In addition, it is almost an insult to block a handicapped person's access area with, of all things, a motorcycle! And on another note, please forgive me for bringing this up, but riding a motorcycle is still a dangerous sport. It is an activity that could, God forbid, lead to a severe handicap. Please ladies, I know we all want to flaunt our independence, but let's not do it inappropriately. – Linda C. (note from Mama: thus, Sarah would have been well within in rights to bring this up to the offending rider, and I for one, will keep this in mind for the future when I see wrong doers.) Hi Petra, you must be swamped to not notice that Sarah says Yamaha R-6 lady parked in the HANDICAPPED space!! That striping is to allow people with wheelchairs and scooters to maneuver these aids in and out of the vehicle. The said vehicle may be equipped with a side lift, absolutely necessitating that side stripping! Parking in the striped zone of a handicapped spot renders the spot USELESS to many disabled folk. It's not included in the grey zone of parking lot striping. It's strictly off limits, and the owner of any vehicle parking there should have their vehicle towed away! Anyways, time to get back to work! – Marina (note from Mama: good point . . . it's important to distinguish between handicapped striping and general lot striping. A pox on me!) Thursday, January 27 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Judy, As such, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Many women report that upon taking up the adventure of riding, finding the right bike for the beginning journey takes some doing. Many are ready to hop onto a bigger bike and work with the weight/handling issue, understanding that they'll be heading to an empty parking lot for practice sessions without obstacles or nasty drivers to contend with until a comfort level on handling is attained. Others prefer to spend 6 months to a year on a 250cc bike for initial practice sessions (many also heading to an empty parking lot for practice first). In the case of choosing a smaller bike, if you feel you'll want to move up in time, you may wish to seek out used bikes at less expensive prices and then sell up when you're ready to handle a bigger beastie. Now, as to the "wider" issue . . . you should note that there are many options on seats . . . and that narrower "footprints" are available . . . thus eliminating the affect a wider seat has on pushing your legs out and impacting your leg reach to the ground. On your next round of shopping, explore this with the salesperson. Corbin is a manufacturer who provides good solutions. In the same light, handlebars and foot controls that feel too far away or spread out, etc. can be altered to meet your specific needs. Many readers counsel that these modifications can be haggled for in the total price of the bike instead of trying to alter it after the initial purchase (and possibly paying more for the changes). You might enjoy attending a motorcycle show in your area to see many make/models in one setting. Check the Motorcycle Events site to see if there is a winter show near you. – Mama Thursday, January 27 For Being Patient who is looking at adding an engine guard to her bike: This one made me laugh. I just got an engine guard for my V-Star 1100 and the furthest thought from my mind was scraping in a lean! Wow, if I am leaning that far, look out! Unless she plans to go into racing, it's probably not an issue. Have fun! – Barbara in Queen Creek (note from Mama: my Harley has an engine guard and I have to admit that I too never gave it a thought and don't see myself ever leaning so far as to scrap. Perhaps a stock bike that rides low and maybe will be lowered in addition would be a candidate for more careful consideration of how far the engine guard is going to ride off the ground. Hmmmm . . . ) Thursday, January 27 Hello Mama, Dear
Lowrider Mama, Yes, it is in my plans to move to the Carolinas later this year, although it now appears I may end up in northern Georgia. It all boils down to where my parents decide to choose their final roosting spot (they are 73 years young) and then I'll join them wherever they are! I am blessed to have the most wonderful parents, who in the six years we spent in the same town out here in Nevada, got a chance to get to know each other as adults. I consider it one of my most important life choices. And the extended riding season will be GREAT! – Mama Friday, January 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Bess, In addition, check my Disabilities/Medical page for more sites that offer other links and even a link to Tim who runs the Adaptive Motorcycling site and is willing to help you noodle out solutions, one-on-one. There are caring, sharing people out there for you! I sincerely hope that you find a solution that meets your specific needs and look forward to hearing from you once again to let us know how it's going. – Mama Friday, January 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Here's the problem I hope you can help me with. I have small hands and the reach out to the clutch lever is becoming more and more difficult because of arthritic pain. I've heard of ergonomic levers but really don't know what they will do for me. So......how do I get the clutch lever closer to the grip and easier to pull? What can I do to the battery to eliminate the box digging into my left thigh? Thanks for any help you can provide, V/R – Carmela Catherman in Severn, MD Dear
Carmela, In its essence, the word ergonomic means (according to Webster's) "an applied science concerned with the characteristics of people that need to be considered in designing and arranging things that they use in order that people and things will interact most effectively and safely." For motorcycle clutch levers, it usually boils down to an easier pull lever to accommodate those people that don't have the hand strength to pull in a standard clutch. Unfortunately, these designs do not always incorporate a smaller "footprint," meaning that they don't take into account a smaller hand that simply does haven't the same range to reach out and grasp the lever. To date, the only company I have ever found that offers a clutch lever with an adjustable reach is ASV Inventions. According to the site, "ASV levers are designed to be a universal fit. Our universal clutch levers include a perch so they fit all makes, models and years of motorcycles and ATV's." This would be worth checking out for your bike. As to the battery box, according to Josh in the service department at my local Harley dealer, the only option is too modify the oil tank and then the battery box can be modified. For earlier models (pre 2003), there appears to be a set of pre-designed solutions, but not for your bike (yet). This may never come to fruition for your year. Josh notes that you could have this customized, but would be in the neighborhood of $2000 because of all the labor involved. This sounds pretty pricey. I have another thought, but warn that you should call your local dealer's service department to make sure it has no negative impact. How about fabricating a soft cover for the battery case? Perhaps a quilted material that offers a little "squish" factor" instead of the chrome case digging directly into your thigh. Again, you want to make sure that you're not doing something negative (trapping heat?), etc. That's about all I can think of. – Mama Friday, January 28 More on the issue of parking in the striped zone next to a handicapped spot: Thank you. You've done a great job with reminding the female motorcyclists not to park in those handicapped areas. Let's all remember to spread the word to males and other motorists. Some handicapped people are able to travel alone and don't have a person to help. What may seem to be a small inconvenience to an able bodied person can be a huge obstacle to someone with physical disabilities. – Kris Kennedy (note from Mama: thank you for sharing your thoughts and encouraging riders to remind others that this is a big no-no.) |
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