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Wednesday, January 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Anon, A very Happy New Year to you and all your readers! Charging problems like this can be damn difficult to cure on the first go-round. Because the voltage drops when rpm increases my guess would be that you have a open in the rotor windings. (Why the reader suspects the starter coil I've no idea, unless it's just a misprint). The theory here is that as engine rpm increases centrifugal force causes one of the rotor windings to separate and lose continuity. Unfortunately I don't have a V-Max manual handy so I'm not even sure how the charging system operates. If it uses a brush type of alternator (unlikely but Yamaha always liked those systems) you may just have a bad brush. What your reader needs to do is perform a full diagnostic check on the system, nit just a voltage check. I'd check the stator and rotor for resistance and continuity and also check the amperage and voltage output. They also need to check the regulator/rectifier for condition and leakage, particularly the rectifier diodes. A problem like this can also be caused by a loose or corroded connection or ground so I'd trace the current path before condemning any components unless they have proven to be bad. Lastly there are some very good re builders out there - RICKY STATOR comes to mind that can save you a ton of money over OEM parts. Take care, Mark Z. Wednesday, January 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Rebelone58, Friday, January 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Barbara Let's talk about gearing a bit. Each bike made has a certain amount of gears, typically 5, but early ones only had 4, and newer ones may have 6. Each gear within the "set" has a different gear ratio (the number of revolutions or "revs" or times it turns in relation to the next piece in the system). The lower gears are designed to turn more times, thus providing more torque, or "oomph," so that you can get the weight of the bike moving forward, while the higher gears provide less torque (the bike is already moving) but more speed range. So, that's why we shift ... so that the gear we choose gives us the right amount of oomph and speed to move forward as we move down the road. So think of each gear as operating within a range of speed, i.e. you wouldn't want to be cruising at 45mph in 1st gear ... yes, you could do it, but you're running the bike at the top end of that gear ratio and pushing that gear's ability to give you a smooth ride. One would shift to 2nd or even 3rd for a smooth, unstrained gear use. The answer to your question then is about the speed you're going uphill or downhill and its steepness grade. Let's imagine that we're going to go up and then down a fairly steep hill. We approach smoothly at 45mph in 3rd gear. Now we head up the hill and notice that when we give the throttle some gas to keep moving forward, it seems to want to bog down ... shift down to 2nd and the throttle is once again very responsive ... but it's really that we've shifted to a gear that is designed for more torque ... which is what we need to get that weight up the steep hill. Now we're at the top of the hill and still in 2nd and ready to begin the descent. Gravity is going to help move that weight, so if we stay in 2nd, we'll be in a gear ratio is no longer appropriate for a smooth, relaxed 45mph. Time to shift to 3rd. Why might we want to stay in 2nd? Let's imagine there is a sharp turn at the bottom of our hill ... we want a lot of control at the touch of our throttle and we'd like the engine (the gear we're in) to continue to help us brake the bike going down so we don't approach that turn with a lot of speed, sloppy throttle, or having to jam on the brakes to regain speed control. Gears naturally wear over time, but you've really got to abuse the system to do major damage in a short amount of time. If you have a tachometer along side your speedometer, you'll notice that you've got a red colored area ... keep out of it ... you're pushing the system to the extreme. If you don't have a tach, you'll learn over time to listen to the sound range of your gears, shift when you've come to the end of a gear's range, gauge the throttle responsiveness, and decide when you want to use a light application of the brakes instead of shifting. Some motorcycles now incorporate rev limiters. It is a device that detects when you would hit the red line area of your tachometer ... the danger zone, and automatically remove some power so you can't overdo the gear. Some people like it, others don't. Red line a lot and yes, eventually you'll prematurely wear or blow the engine. I'm hoping this overview will help you explore your shifting and handling of the bike with greater confidence ... experienced riders just know what gear to be in because they've put a lot of road miles on and have been in just about every combination of road conditions ... that can make it hard to accurately describe what they actually do in a given situation because instincts take over and then use all the possible combinations to take care of business. You to, one day, with continue practice, will join that group! Mama Monday, January 7 Cycle World Show, Atlanta, Jan 18-20, call for volunteers Dear Readers, Monday, January 7 Dear Readers, If you have a women's riding event, please contact me so I can share that information ... general events are not included in the schedule, but I will post an announcement here in advance and a month before the event again to help you get the word out! Mama Monday, January 7 Labor Day Rally, August 28 - September 1, Yreka, CA Dear VTwin Mama, This year I joined in partnership to put on a new rally in Northern CA Yreka. I want this to be a real rally that welcomes men & women. I have seen the increase in women only events which is great, but I want something that shows single women they can feel comfortable and fit in, in a coed situation. After all, this is what it is all about bikers, which means all of us together. So if you get a minute to check out my site www.shastasalutetoamerica.com I would welcome any suggestions you have. Ride safe and keep the shinny side up. Debbie, aka Wings2Fly Monday, January 7 Hi VTwin Mama, I just wanted to "thank you" for the site and I'll try to get my wife (owner/operator of her own 1100 V-Twin Shadow) to get on the site. She's not a newbie rider ... she's been at this for about 15 years and she's a very good rider! But as she and I get older, it maybe time for her to leave the 2-wheeler behind. She's had a medical problem just last year (GBS, which is Guillian Barre Syndrome) and we both think she may NOT be able to handle the 2-wheeler (mostly in certain road or parking lot areas) with her loss of some muscle control to her ankles. But I'm trying to get more info about a Trike conversion for MY Gold Wing and this will allow her to still drive "a" bike to work or on many of our long trips.:-) That's where your site came in handy. I saw a few websites, names of companies and some phone numbers that I'll be contacting about a Trike conversion from your site. I'm no rookie motorcyclist as I've been at this for about 35 years. Been around these trikes as well ... but wasn't sure if we'd ever get to a Trike. So, now I'm looking to convert this bike (if possible) or buy used. Just wanted to thank you for the site (and the needed info) and I'll look in from time to time or try to get the wife to come on board. Regards, Barry N. in York, PA Dear
Barry, Trikes are really coming into their own these days, as more and more people acknowledge that the reason that there are so many options in motorcycle types is because people have challenges that need to be addressed in order to keep them free and on the road! From two to three wheels, manual or auto transmissions, modifications to controls/set-up, to the huge range in engine cc sizes ... it's all about the same thing ... riding and keeping on riding! Any one out there that is pooh-poohing this concept needs a serious mind melt IMHO. I'm sorry to hear that your wife is facing a medical challenge, but glad to know that you're researching options for the future. I know one day I'll have to make choices about riding and am grateful for every person/company out there that is taking the time to come up with ideas that will keep the collective "us" going ... there are so many smart people, from the small fixes to the big concepts, that make our motorcycle riding world an enriching experience, just knowing that solutions are available when we'll need them! Mama Wednesday, January 9 Hear VTwin Mama Speak about the VTwin Mama Site! Dear Readers, Edition 9 is The Women's Show, where Ken interviews three woman and talks to then about their experiences! My middle segment is focused on the mission of this site, some background, opinions and viewpoints, and just great chat! I'd love for you to set aside an hour and listen ... it's a chance to hear me up close and personal. Don't forget to take a look at the other shows Ken has produced thus far ... could be other topics of interest to you! Ken is working on bigger things via radio in 2008 and I am so pleased with how the show turned out! http://www.bikerradiomagazine.com/index.html, then click on Shows, download the Edition (there are instructions), and play whenever you want! Mama Wednesday, January 9 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Jenny, I admit I'm a bit perplexed about the downshifting mph ranges the owner's manual suggested. I guess what happens when one becomes experienced is that you listen to the engine rather than looking at the speedometer. For instance, when you are at a dead stop and begin moving forward, you are most likely listening to the engine sound to clue you in for the next gear upshift, right? That's a natural thing as most of use are in tune with the sound, even before we begin riding ... we hear manual cars upshifting all the time around us! In downshifting it's a bit dicier but the main point is that we're looking to maintain control of the bike at all times ... this includes smoothness of the approach to a stop and being able to still quickly move away from a hazardous/icky situation should it arise as we move toward the stop and are at the stop. We could simply let gravity do the job as the bike has a certain weight and as we let off the throttle, the bike will slow down all by itself without any shifting or braking what so ever! However, this does not meet our control requirement! And it would be hard to calculate exactly when gravity would bring us to the stop, resulting in some yelling from fellow motorists! Slowing down is a combination of using all the controls and there is no exact science so we're back to control! If we simply used the brakes we would arrive at our stop still in the gear we started out in, leaving us vulnerable at the stop, or quickly downshifting at the stop to get back to first. Not ideal because if a vehicle comes in "hot" behind you, i.e. out of control, you want to be in some gear under conrol (remember to leave some escape room between you the vehicle in front of you) to quickly move away. In addition, most bikes are designed to downshift with some motion still happening, and there are some models that can really be hard to shift at a dead stop ... you literally have to rock the bike forward and backward to get that next lower gear to click in! Remember the sound we talked about before? Here's the deal on downshifting. So, I'm probably going to let off the throttle and bleed off a bit of speed with the brakes. Then I'm going to downshift once, but here I'll be letting that clutch out just to the edge of the friction zone (where the clutch starts engaging the system) and determine if I'm still too fast for that gear (I can feel and hear the action of that engage point) ... just right, let out the clutch fully so the gear begins slowing down the bike; too high and I'm going to bleed off more speed with the brakes before engaging that next lower gear. The throttle becomes my "fine tune" as I can add or subtract a little as needed. Gauging the distance to the stop then becomes the combo of a bit of braking and downshifting, approaching the last part of the stop in second gear (so I still have getaway power) and then with just a small amount of forward movement, going to first. On my bike I know I can click into first at a dead stop, so often that's what I do. Practice of course is the key to control, so finding a big empty parking lot is a good idea, or, if your neighborhood street is a safe environment, that would work also. Get up into third with a stop point you can clearly see, bleed off a bit with the brakes, downshift but use that clutch to feather the engagement, etc. One caveat ... brakes are always used gently ... in combination or just the front one when you're approaching a stop in a straight line. If you have to stop on a curve, a gentle use of the back brake only is best. Quick stops are best handled in a straight line. If you've put in your practice time, you'll have an idea of how quickly you can stop just using the brakes; you can also practice how quickly the bike can stop by braking and downshifting so that the engine aids in the stopping power. If you are in a curve of any kind, your first determination should be whether you have enough room to straighten up the bike and enough room in that pathway to stop upright rather than at a lean angle. Brakes should be never be grabbed at or jammed on. It can lock up the system, putting you into a skid. Is a skid ever good? Well, one could argue that if an object appears in front of you so quickly that your only choice is to lay the bike down or ram head first into the object ... the skid/laydown could potentially be less physically harmful, but that's a split second decision that no one can predict. Gears wear out just for the fact that it's a material subject to wear and tear. What wears out gears fastest is constantly running the bike at the top end of their range. Lack of maintenance can hurt also, as oil breaks down as it gets older, so don't neglect those oil/oil filter changes at the recommended intervals. So, unless you're racing around like a mad woman, your gear set will handle the normal range of riding just fine! Mama Wednesday, January 9 Dear VTwin Mama, I have a 2003 Nomad 1500 and when I bough it, it did the same a lot, specially on hot days. What I have done, I took the air filter chrome cover off (left side) and covered the intake with a plastic piece. I then drilled several holes on the bottom half ( 3:00 to 9:00) of the plastic half where the chrome cover mounts. So far I only had a slight ping when I use cheap gas. I also took the rear baffles off the stock exhaust, making the back pressure slightly less and it gave my bike a nice deep tone, not as loud as aftermarket pipes, but louder then stock. I take my wife on rides two up a lot, our combined weight is about 400 lbs. and going up almost any grade, the bike pulls nice in 5th gear, and picks up nicely as fast as I want to go. My bike is going on 63,000 miles. Total cost? $19.50 for a cutting tool to drill the baffles out! If anybody wants photos, email me at moco5997@msn.com and I will send them. Hope this helps some souls out there. Sincerely, Jesus in La Verne, CA Dear
Jesus, Wednesday, January 9 Dear VTwin Mama, EFM Auto Clutch: EFM makes auto clutches for street bikes and dirt bikes. Their website advertises a complete assembly for Harley-Davidson bikes for $895. (A bit less expensive than the Walters Mfg. solution, no?) Rekluse Auto Clutch: Rekluse makes auto clutches for dirt bikes, but you could probably install their product in a similar supermoto (motard) or dual-purpose bike for street use. There is also this company making an add-on auto shifter: This company also makes a similar product, plus others that may be of interest: Disabled Motorcycle Riders, Inc. Hope this info helps some more people enjoy motorcycling. Cheers! CJ Dear
CJ, Thursday, January 10 For Jenny who has questions about downshifting correctly: Down shifting? That gun is loaded for bear. That is a great question and really is a matter of all inputs, just like Petra has said. It also comes down to your own comfort level with your bike, bike size and conditions on the road. Is it wet of has rain just started to fall? That is THE most dangerous time to be looking for stopping power. It seems as if the road is actually more slick than if it were soaked. There is a reason for that... there is just enough moisture to get between rubber and the road but not always enough to squeeze out as if the road were really, really wet. It seems like that can't be the case when you look at science but it is my experience that tells me to slow down a little and keep distance from traffic in front of me. Never, EVER cheap out on tires. Buy the tires that reflect the way you ride. A good medium compound or a little tougher is a good choice for MOST riders and will hold up pretty well in most conditions. I use a Dunlop Qualifier on the rear and a Sport Elite on the front of my old Yamaha. I used to run Pirelli's but I am older now and no long have the same need for speed but I want control. The best way to learn to downshift is very much as Petra has suggested. Go out and try it. You might find a quick shot of gas as you down shift will rev the engine enough to catch up with the now faster turning lower gear. You master this little trick and you won't get that hard clunk and the engine seeming to over rev once you let the clutch back out. Can down shifting hurt the transmission? Possibly if you abuse the bike. It is, as stated by Petra, a balance of all controls first and fore most. The great part of this way of slowing is that the rear wheel always stays turning. Is that a good thing? YOU BETCHA! Think about the commercials that show a car's anti lock braes working...the tire sort of stutter stops and lets the driver stay in control and all the while... the wheels slow the car. Downshifting is the grand daddy of anti lock. Use the engine to assist in slowing on hills and in the wet and in corners ( ONLY WHEN YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THE PROCESS! ) and you will again experience the coolness that is control over your motorcycle! A motorcycle is an extension of all your skills and as you get more time in the saddle... you will get more skill. We all had to crawl before we could walk and walk before we could run and this is no different. This is a driving experience on so many levels and you won't get it in any car, anywhere, anytime. Period. Love the site, Petra. Ken, Biker Radio Magazine (note from Mama: thanks for expanding on the subject matter to include weather conditions and tires ... the first can be purposefully practiced as well and the second is well worth a lot of research time. I agree that the process takes many road miles and techniques should only be expanded on when the basics are first mastered.) Friday, January 11 XX Chromes: All Woman Bike Build; Green Bay, WI 4/19/08 Dear Readers, Friday, January 11 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Kristin, Monday, January 14 VTwin Mama Let's Ride Map Dear Readers, Monday, January 14 RedHead Gadgets would like your input Dear Readers, Monday, January 14 Hey VTwin Mama, Dear
Weasel, Given that dealers carrying this make of motorcycle are still a bit far flung, he noted that it was of extreme importance that you have the service support needed and that you're confident that they stand ready to assist. One good way to do this is have a heart to heart chat with the service manager to gauge your impressions. Otherwise, he noted that as a solo rider, the bike had plenty get up and go and even with his passenger, he did not want for power when it was needed (he specifically addressed highway passing power). The rider was about 5'8" and the it fit him to a tee ... even at my 5'10" I felt that the forward controls were well placed and comfortable. I will be attending the Cycle World Show in Atlanta this coming weekend, and in taking a look at the Exhibitor list, I see that Hyosung will be there with their bikes, so will be making a special effort to look more closely and address any problems they have had with engine design/reliability. So, I wouldn't rule out this bike as a new purchase because when you buy used, you can run into all sorts of "stuff" as well. The Yamis and Suzukis have proven track records, but even they produce a lemon bike on occasion, and once used, you're at the mercy of what the previous owners did in terms of riding and maintenance. I'd dig deeper into service support and gauge your thoughts then. Mama Monday, January 14 Hi VTwin Mama, Anyway, I have a question I'm hoping someone can answer. This question is related to downshifting in a way ... I recently tried out a Kawasaki Vulcan 500 and loved it for its low seat height, v-twin power and looks. Only issues I had with it were the forward controls, same as with other cruisers in this class (except the Suzuki S40, is a single cylinder). I'm 5'1" and had trouble using the shifter and rear brake because they were too much of a stretch for my legs. I've read about people moving the controls further forward, but can one just as easily move the controls backward? Something tells me no, because I haven't read any mention on it. If not, are there other things that can be done to mod the bike to make it more comfortable and safer for me to ride? Thank you! El from Maine Dear
El, We have fielded a few questions about bringing forward controls a bit further back, but I seem to recollect that manufacturers and aftermarket companies do not routinely offer ready-made assemblies to do this ... it's been a matter of going to an independent bike shop to see if they can construct something useful to either bring the whole mess back, or if the footpeg is ok, but the brake pedal and/or shifter is too long to reach from the footpeg, to create something shorter. I guess I would go back to the dealer and explore whether just the actual levers can be switched out as often times another model in the lineup will have a shorter lever that can be substituted. In looking at a close-up picture of that Vulcan, I can't see anything poking out from the center of the motorcycle that would push your leg/calf outwards, which can happen on some bike designs. So no help there on leg reach. Normally at this point I would advise that you look for a different seat, once design to move your sitting position more forward, but even here, I see that Corbin isn't offering a Vucan 500 solution. That means you would need to do more research on that and/or have that seat customized by adding more foam into it and then recovering the seat. I know that we've heard from shorter gals on this bike and am now hoping that they'll be chiming in with what they found! Mama Monday, January 14 Dear VTwin Mama, Happy New Year!
I read Breaking the Limit by Karen Larsen and I also think it's a
great book. Well written, and what an adventure! Just what I'd love to
do.
I wrote to you awhile ago when I got my Volusia 800, and I think your
site is great. I have another new bike now, so my husband Mike and
I can ride together. Last spring we bought a VStrom 650, and we
both love it. It's a little tall, that's why I wasn't comfortable
starting out with it, but after a couple seasons on the Volusia, I had
to get the VStrom, and it's a great handling bike. It looks big,
but it feels light and it turns so nice and feels so smooth. I
rode to Vermont three times last summer, and it was super.
I also want to tell you and your readers about the 2008 Alaska Ladies
ride tour that Alaska Rider Tours is running this Summer (June 27 - July
5). I read about it in Rider Magazine and checked it out at www.akrider.com.
It looks awesome, and what a great way to see Alaska, so I signed
up to go. Mike and I talked about us both taking one of their
other tours, but it would be too much money, so he'll stay home and take
care of the boys. Lucky me! They need a minimum of four riders to
run the trip, so if anyone out there is interested, go for it!
I had both bikes out today, not real long rides, but enough to give the
bikes some exercise. Not bad for January in New York.
Keep up the good work! Jennifer in Long Island, New York Dear Jennifer, I think Winter has been odd for many of us, but if the road is clear, the sun is shinning, and the temps aren't hideously low, I'm out and about in it! Of course, that's easier for me to say way down in Mobile, AL! The tour sounds terrific ... I've always fantasized about one that would allow me to really relax and enjoy the ride, with everything else taken care of! Many hugs to your hubby dearest who is staying home to take care of stuff while you enjoy an adventure of a lifetime. Soon you'll be able to share those adventures together! Mama Tuesday, January 15 Financial Support to Take a Motorcycle Course Dear Readers, Tuesday, January 15 VTwin Mama Reviews Two Books Dear Readers, Tuesday, January 15 Hi Mama, I had heard about a product made of leather that is attached somehow to the seat and makes a skirt type "thingie" that will protect your legs from getting too hot. However, I've searched the web and can't seem to find anything like that. Half the problem is I don't know what to call it when searching. If anyone knows what I'm talking about and can lead me in the right direction, I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks, Denise Dear Denise, Of course not, because as you said, without a proper name, it's a pill to find things. The most common names for the item you are looking for are a motorcycle heat deflector or a motorcycle heat shield. Typing in these words will quickly bring up products of interest, from the permanent fixtures to the removable. I'll simply add that you should read the fine print ... if you block that hot air flow from your thigh, you may also block the natural flow the bike needs to bleed off heat ... the biggest concern being in the Summer months in true stop and stop traffic (if it's decent enough stop and go you should be fine, but traffic jams of the worst kind mean you need to pull off the road so you don't damage the bike! Cool Thighs is the product most often mentioned, but again, a search on the words will lead you to many more products! Mama Wednesday, January 16 Women's Ride in Napoleon, OH, May 3-4 Hi Petra, May 3 & 4, 2008 THANK YOU - your site looks great, as always. We appreciate what you do!! Karen Huss, Marketing Director Wednesday, January 16 For Weasel who was wondering about the Hyosung 650 cruiser: LOVE MY HYOSUNG!!!! And my guy loves his! Wednesday, January 16 For Denise who was looking for a thingamajig, aka, a heat deflector/shield: Just wanted to let Denise know that Harley-Davidson does carry black/smoke heat shields that fit a Deluxe for approximately $79. Kuryakyn also offers clear and smoke versions that are approximately $59 - $69. Anon (note from Mama: thanks for some more specific directions to look in!) Thursday, January 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Tanya, Thursday, January 17 More for Denise who was looking for a thingamajig, aka, a heat deflector/shield: Good point about blocking air flow with an air cooled engine. That includes all Buells too, except the new 1125R. I have gotten burns on a hot day with my Lightning. Sarah (note from Mama: the message bears repeating as we definitely don't want our road conveyance devices, aka motorcycles, getting hurt. They have feelings too!) Dear Readers, This year I had my boyfriend Marty take a lot of pictures of me (5'10") on a whole lot of bikes, with my feet on the ground and then on the foot controls. My idea is this ... I'm going to assemble all the pictures on this site, along with the show pictures from last year and this year, by make/model ... in an effort to show what different height riders can expect in terms of reach to ground/hand/feet controls (along with notes). Why?!?!?! Because the Motorcycles for Short Riders list and the Women's Bike Reviews pages have really helped a lot of people research a bike of interest, but I think we can take it one step further! So, stay tuned ... it's going to be interesting putting it together! Mama Tuesday, January 22 Sisters in Spirit Announces Rally Dates Hi Petra, Dear
Linda, Tuesday, January 22 Hi Petra,
The clips will be ready to purchase and ship by February 15th from our RedHead Gadgets site. Mfg. pricing is
available with no set up fee or custom pricing to groups and
organizations that wish to resell, generating donations for
their non-profit. A portion of our retail sales will be also be donated to
help the cause. Dear
Vickie and Laurie, Tuesday, January 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Now to my question -- I do use the bike to commute (price of gas & all) ... just got a pair of heated gloves -- I'll go as long as it's 30 degrees or higher. How do I figure out how many additional electric dodads the bike can deal with? I'm looking at getting some more lights. Thank you so much for all you do. I have (and continue to) browse your site for info/support/help! Many Thanks, Gigi Dear Gigi, Each device on a motorcycle has a certain power (wattage) need and the motorcycle's overall power (wattage) availability is determined by the charging system. In your owner's manual it should show the alternator's output in watts ... if not, multiple the stated alternator amps and volts together to get watts. Most stock bikes will have quite a few extra watts ready to take on new additions, but if you add lots of stuff (heated gloves, heated grips, radio, comm systems, GPS, lights, etc.), then you're heading for problems as the bike wouldn't be able to keep everything running and leads to hard starts or overheated wiring. So, those gloves are probably a plug-in type, to a circuit that can handle a certain power load. Bike lights should be checked for their wattage draw. If you have the wattage numbers for the items you are adding, you can call the dealer's service department and ascertain if you're going over the limit in any way. Also, when you add those lights or anything else that isn't going to a plug-in, you'll need to consider the fuse to that circuit, because the fuse may blow otherwise. That's if you're wiring right into an already existing circuit. Otherwise you can create an independent circuit with its own fuse, but still need to think about the power draw to the overall bike. My guess would be that you're thinking of adding additional LED type lights, which don't draw much power or generate much heat. The note here would be is that if you're replacing existing lights, you may need to add a load balancer, as the originals drew more power and the LED system may not operate correctly without the load balancer. If you're just adding them to the system, you should be golden, but that's why it's important to read the product literature closely. Hopefully I've given you enough information so you know what you need to consider and ask about. Mama Tuesday, January 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Charlie, Tuesday, January 22 Action Alert Dear Readers, H.R. 1076 aims at ending health care discrimination for individuals participating in legal transportation and recreational activities-activities like motorcycling, snowmobiling, skiing, horseback riding, and all-terrain vehicle riding. This legislation addresses a loophole caused by a Department of Health and Human Services' rule making it possible for health care benefits to be denied to those who are injured while participating in these activities. Please take a moment to check out the AMA Action Alert page, where you'll find the easy way to contact your House Representative about this issue. Bobbye and Mama Thursday, January 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Judy, On my old, but not yet phased out Let's Ride list, I see some possibilities, so check that out! Mama For Judy looking for a women's riding group at/near Worcester/MA: I was on your web site and noticed someone was looking for a woman's
riding group from In response to Judy's question about female motorcycle organizations in Worcester, THANKS for your reply to her!!! I live in the Sturbridge area, so I'll be checking them out soon!! She might also want to contact Women on Wheels -- this is an excerpt of their reply to me when I emailed them: "I am the State Ambassador for MA WOW and am always delighted to welcome others who share my passion for motorcycling. We currently do not have a chapter in the Sturbridge area; however, we do have a number of members in the Boston Freedom Riders chapter from the Worcester/Rutland/Holden area. The Freedom Riders next meeting is February 13th at Moto Market in Acton. It would be great if you could join us there." C.S. (note from Mama: even more excellent news and a reminder that just because a group isn't headquartered exactly near you doesn't mean some members don't come from your area!) Monday, January 28 Hi there Petra, I have not written to you for so long (tho' I have been visiting your site regularly), but I found that I must today. As you know, put perhaps some of your readers do not, I had put together a web site specifically geared to those who have had accidents on their motorcycles and for those whose loved ones have mad motorcycle accidents. I started this a bit over a year ago in the hopes that it could bring those who are hurting and in need of understanding and support together with the one community, the motorcycling community, who can best understand the need of the rider to ride and the fear that non-riders have for their loved ones who do ride. Recently I have had several stories come in .... the site is finally being found by those who need it most. The people who come here come for comfort and to be heard ... not really for advice. They want to connect somehow with the riding community in order to heal and move on. In, after visiting the Biker's Haven site, some of your readers are moved to offer kind words of comfort and support, or share their own motorcycle story in order to help another feel less isolated and alone, I would encourage them to do so. It is a wonderful way the riding community can come together to show, yet again, how really wonderful we are. Petra, In the beginning when I first decided I would provide this for my fellow riders and their loved ones, you were on of several people who encouraged me and gave practical advice. Thank you so much .... and thank you again for taking the time to pass this request along to your readers. Always a Sister in Spirit, Tink Dear Tink, Monday, January 28 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Devyn, Monday, January 28 Dear VTwin Mama, In your discussions and show attendance have you had anyone talk about lowering the 2008 Street Glide (FLHX) and/or re-positioning or getting an extension to the stand to help those of us who are vertically challenged? I really like the way this bike handles and it makes my Deluxe feel like a kids toy now. Help please. I really want to get my upgrade for my 54th B-day next month so I can get use to it and be ready for our ride to Daytona in March. Of course I could go with the 2008 Deluxe but I was really looking for the Street Glide with all the "stuff" I want already on it as stock. Thanks. Sharon in Knoxville, TN Dear Sharon, Since the Street Glide falls under the Touring section, I looked closer at that seat ... I'm thinking some of that plushy side could be trimmed out ... go sit on the 2008 again and see if that seat is pushing your thighs out a bit before your legs can go down ... a local upholsterer should be able to trim it up for a happier fit. You may even want to check out what LePera or Corbin offers as some models are designed to be slimmer through the sides. It might also explain why you can't get your foot hooked under that sidestand, but the Harley dealer should be able to come up with aftermarket extenders to take care of that. Mama Monday, January 28 Dear VTwin Mama,
I want to introduce myself. I am the National Technical Support Manager
for American Lifan located in Dallas, Texas.
I am
sorry to hear the problems from this one rider who it seems purchased
their Lifan bike from an UN-Authorized reseller. She just paid good
money to learn a lesson that she could have avoided paying for. Lifan
motorcycles are only sold in the United States from the factory at
Lifans ONLY US Distributor located in Dallas, Texas. American Lifan has
around 400 dealers across the USA. We currently do not have any dealers
in California due to the high emission laws. We also do not sell Lifans
on the Internet. We also will not support Lifan products that have not
been purchased through on of our many authorized American Lifan Dealers.
Lifan Motorcycles are great bikes and when they are assembled correctly
and prepped at our Authorized dealers, they are pound for pound far
better than any other bike in its class. We can also boast we have the
best prices. American Lifan bikes are not of the cheap quality bikes
that you see from other Chinese or Korean manufacturers or at places
like Pep Boys, Tractor Supply, Flea Markets, Ebay, Internet or some
guy selling them on the side of the road.
Please let your readers understand, If you want to purchase a Vehicle,
ANY vehicle, ours, theirs, whomever.. DO NOT BUY IT ON THE INTERNET!!!
Go to an AUTHORIZED DEALER, meet the seller face to face, someplace you
can drive back to when you have a problem, need service, warranty work,
accessories, etc...
ANY vehicle you purchase on the INTERNET and have shipped to you, will
not have a VALID WARRANTY. NO Manufacturer is going to WARRANTY a
vehicle that is built, put together or serviced by a consumer. The
purpose of having dealers is to insure that the product is built
correctly, prepped, serviced by trained professionals to insure the best
quality of the product and to insure the integrity of the company
producing the product.
You hear the Internet is a great place to buy things... the trouble is,
ANYONE can make ANY CLAIM they wish on here and they don't have to worry
about backing it up, or if its true or not. It lets them sell things
without worry that you the consumer will come over to my place of
business and rough me up if I steal your money. It is YOUR MONEY, be
smart with it. Do business with honest to goodness REAL PEOPLE who
actually run businesses HONESTLY and that you can SHAKE their hands.
These are machines and machines break down.. If yours breaks down, who
is going to help you???
You do not save any money buying it on the web. If you want to buy a
Lifan product and I can say that you are making a very good choice in
doing so, you need to visit an Authorized American Lifan Dealer. I
invite you to visit our Official Website for more information.
Thanks again and keep up all you hard work on your website.. it pays
off. D. Moore, National Technical Support
Manager, American Lifan Industry Inc.
Dear D. Moore, Tuesday, January 29
I look at those candles on the cake and think of many things, including how the site has grown and how I have grown along with it. But mainly I think of every email that has come in over the years, an unlit candle as it were, with a person on the other end who is hoping that I or a reader will light for them so they could see their pathway more clearly. Some days it may feel like we could use a flashlight or even a spotlight to get to where we want to be, but other days it's just an acknowledgement that we are not alone that helps propel us through the next phase of our riding adventure. And each time we reach out, whether we are asking or answering the question/concern, we illuminate the common bond and make it a less dark and scary place to be. And for this I am thankful. Want to see my smiling face?!?!?! Well, hop over to the Photo Gallery, where I've uploaded some pictures from the Atlanta show! In addition, see my review of three gorgeous long-sleeve lightweight thermal T-shirts from Stylewarrior.com! Petra, aka VTwin Mama Wednesday, January 30 Dear VTwin Mama, I can see life insurance, but, health insurance?! I decided not to buy it. Now, that's crazy! I just can't sit around and do nothing! That's not me! I asked him, "What about a car? I have a Firebird." He just shook his head ... Tonya Dear Tonya, Wednesday, January 30 Even more for Denise who was looking for a thingamajig, aka, a heat deflector/shield: I am an owner of the "Cool Thighs" that VTwin Mama mentions. They have their good and bad points as do other "thingie's" that keep the heat off of our thighs. The Cool Thighs product does work, as advertised. They fold up nicely and get put in the saddle bag when not needed. The only problem with them, is they have to be straddling the tank of your bike to work, they don't work in the saddlebag. Go figure! They do a good job of keeping the heat away, better then the shields that Kuryakyn sells. I've had those, too. The reason I changed was I snapped one and broke it when the shield got caught one too many times in the top of my chaps when I dismounted the bike. HD is now providing the shields too, but are similar in appearance to the Kuryakyn ones. Good luck in your search, Denise. M.S. (note from Mama: thanks for sharing the pluses and minuses of products you tried!) Wednesday, January 30 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Anon, As to already converted bikes for sale, I'm not sure if Danny Johnson, the owner, can assist or not. Some people listing trikes for sale will call out the trike conversation type, while others only mention that later on in the ad. Mama Wednesday, January 30 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Drea, I always say a 250cc bike can get you into a lot of trouble if you don't take the time to master the throttle as it relates to the clutch lever. This is where power is engaged and disengaged and coordinating the two is really important. On any new bike, head to an empty parking lot and do controlled duckwalks (just enough power to move steadily forward without zooming up and down in speed, stalling, or having to pick up your feet. When you've got that the rest will work much more easily! I hoping that in these bikes you're looking at, that you've really considered your arm and leg reach to the controls as well as leg reach to ground. I'd go back and sit on all of them again and get it off the sidestand ... and do a bit of rolling back and forward and leaning slightly side to side. You'll be able to feel the balance/weight difference, which is also important. Meanwhile, you can always increase the power of those lesser cc bikes (should you get one of those) with a big air (hypercharger) kit, but truly it will not really ever match the natural 800cc. I learned on a 750 and unless you're really nervous coming out of the course, I'd be looking at 750 and 800cc bikes that fit your height or can be modified to do so. Good luck in your course ... we stand by to assist if you need us! Mama
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Dear
Readers,