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Thursday, July 31 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Donna, Thursday, July 31 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Michael, I don't recall that I've ever run across a site with motorcycle reviews written specifically by women for women, but one I do recommend otherwise is Leon's. Lots of useful info here. Mama Thursday, July 31 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Angela, I have always advocated that strengthening of arm and shoulder muscles through free-weight exercises, and also sit ups and such for the back and stomach, are an excellent way to help your body handle the almost rigid position it must maintain while riding a bike. It's worth considering. Mama Miami Motorcycle Show September 5-7 Miami, FL The Second Annual Miami International Motorcycle Show includes AMA seminar, National Bikers Rights, street bike stunts, custom bike contest, giveaways and more! Wednesday, July 30 Hey
VTwin Mama, Dear
Double D, Wednesday, July 30 Dear
VTwin Mama, I'm about to buy my first bike, a Virago 250 (the largest we can get here in Australia on our learners permit). I was wondering if you might have some advice about some modifications on a bike I saw today. It has had gear modifications to make it able to cruise easier at about 110 kph. I don't know anything technical about bikes (yet!) so I didn't ask for any other information. Any comments on this? Could it cause problems of any kind? If there are problems with the gears at some stage could it be more expensive or trickier for me to fix them or get them fixed? It also has an exhaust which makes it a little louder, a bit more like a Harley. Any comments or is this just personal opinion? I'm looking forward to getting lots of useful info on your site! Thanks again. Cheerio Aeron Dear
Aeron, Changing out a gear set in order to open the high end a bit is not totally uncommon in lower cc bikes, as some people like the smaller overall frame but want to go faster without winding out the last gear. As long as the new gears are from an established company (either the original manufacturer or a known after markets parts house), you should be ok with future fixes. Same with the pipes -- because pipe exhaust configuration can change the proper running of a bike, you'll simply want to note if you hear any backfires, smell gas or notice colorful exhaust fumes. In many cases, changing bike pipes requires additional attention to carb adjustment, jetting or fine tuning. Again, was the work done by the person selling the bike (and what is their expertise?) or a qualified mechanic. Are the original pipes still available to you and what would it take to return the bike back to running quieter? Perhaps this is something you can negotiate if the louder pipes are not to your complete liking. It doesn't hurt to ask! Mama Wednesday, July 30 Dear
VTwin Mama, Another friend of mine passed the MSF course (another MUST) but is too afraid to ride the motorcycle she inherited from her dad -- a late model Honda 750 ACE. Another bike just sitting around. I told her to get a used Rebel and ride for a few months to get comfortable, in the meantime put the ACE in the garage, start it up and sit on it everyday, go up and down the driveway when you can. I just bought a new (1985 Honda Sabre) bike that the guy I bought it from said he just wasn't riding it. Got a great deal, b/c the bike needs lots of work. I was crying the first day as it smoked and did all sorts of other troublesome things thinking "what have I gotten myself into?" as I rode it around town. Yesterday, the bike was beginning to make those "happy sounds" after about 100 miles of riding. Been online with the fabulous folks who know more about this bike than I do and have learned LOTS! The bike also has an appointment at a trusted mechanic next Saturday. Very happy to be back on two wheels again! If you have it, please ride and take care of it. It also keeps you safer as you build your skills. RZ Dear
RZ, Here is a previous letter on the subject and my thoughts on the minimum necessary steps in storing a bike. Mama Monday, July 28 To
VTwin Mama and all the Mamas out there, Dear
AA, Monday, July 28 For Michele whose goggles are fogging up: At various sports shops that have this stuff called CAT CRAP and use spread it on the lenses and they wont fog up. I used it on my goggles riding and skiing. Angela Kosar (note from Mama: weird name, but it's a legitimate product! Here's one site that sells it.) Some eye glass cleaners have anti-fog ingredients that might be beneficial....be sure and check if they are ok to use on plastic lenses if the goggles/glasses do have plastic lenses. My husband just told me that another method to prevent fogging is to put shaving cream on the glasses/goggles....smear it on real good, and then gently wipe off excess. He said this is good for at least one day of wear. Bootygrandma (note from Mama: hmmmm. . . shaving cream -- it isn't just for . . . shaving . . . any more!) Monday, July 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Bev, Monday, July 28 For Kris whose clutch hand is cramping up big time: Assuming that a visit to the doctor is involved regardless of my comments, you might want to take a serious look at your riding position -- including back, shoulders, neck, wrists, arms, and elbows. I am *not* giving medical advice here - but *am* relating personal experience. I have had a running battle with several repetitive strain injuries for the last 10 years, and what I've learned the most about them is that they are heavily dependent upon posture and body position. I just spent two hours at a local shop this morning picking out new handlebars for my VStar 650 Classic with the help of a wonderful mechanic because I can't ride for more than about 3 hours without ending up in pain. In my case, it's a type of pain that I recognize and know exactly how to stop -- I have to change the angle that I'm sitting at and change the dynamics of the way I use the clutch. There are a number of professionals out there who can help, if they understand the ergonomics involved in riding, from a good family doctor to a chiropractor or sports therapist. One of the most wonderful things about motorcycles is that you can CHANGE them to fit your build and riding style! Good luck chasing down the problem! Kiara (note from Mama: thanks for the first-hand information that can help Kris look at this in a different light.) Friday, July 25 Dear
VTwin Mama, Here is the Autocom web site which you say they don't have one: http://www.autocomamerica.com/index.asp Does the Baehr product have a web site? I've only been able to find http://www.challengermotors.co.nz/ and this doesn't do me a lot of good about seeing the product here in US. Thank you for your time. Ronnie Sellers Dear
Ronnie, The only Baehr site I could find is written in German (which I happen to understand) and the only US/Canadian dealer they show is National Cycle in Maywood, IL.. Challenger Motors, the site you found, is Baehr's dealer for Australia and New Zealand. This is the most information I could find for you. Mama Friday, July 25 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Michele, The only info I could find on Biker Chix indicates that these are sunglasses, not goggles, which are two different animals. One article I did read offered the tip that "Fogging of the lenses can be a problem when you're active. Some goggles are available with anti-fog coating. Others have side vents for additional ventilation." Readers -- any thoughts? Mama Thursday, July 24 For Mary who hit a curb with a bigger bike and so, now what?! : Curbs have a tendency of jumping out in front of you, especially if you have your eye on them. Good for you for getting back on and practice is the best remedy. The MSF course will help your skills a lot. I'm not sure why you came in contact [with the curb], but they teach you that the bike will go exactly where you're looking. Now for the bike, I used to ride a Low Rider and found it to be very top heavy. I don't know how tall you are but I'm only 5FT. What helped me was lowering the bike which gave my legs more leverage to balance the bike (not to mention lowering the center of gravity). Enjoy the bike and ride at your own skill level not the crowds. Indian Lady (note from Mama: thanks for sharing support and advice for Mary!) Thursday, July 24 For Judy who is learning how to stop and get going again on an up hill slope: VTwin Mama's description works for me. There might be one other consideration to work thru -- the "car-on-your-tail" thing. I ride to work on my Magna 750 regularly and have several uphill stops in heavy traffic. At least once every trip I get a driver who wants to play bumper pool or get as close as he (yes, usually guys) can get without actual contact. There are ways of "getting his attention" but that's not my point here. My thought is that getting the stopping/ starting-on-a-hill technique down is 75% of the trick, getting use to having cars around and especially behind you while stopped on the hill (and trying to get going again) is the other 25%. A bunch of years ago, I lived and rode in San Francisco. One approach I used during practice rides for myself and others is to is have a buddy in a car follow behind. Basically all they do is stay behind you at a reasonable distance. It sharpens your awareness of how it "feels" when cars are behind you and provides "cover" till you get the technique down. Since it appears there is a very supportive hubby, think about having him "cover you from the back" during practice when you're ready. Again, start on flat roads and after you are comfortable with the hand-hand/foot-foot coordination. Then move to the hill practice. I know Judy has some great country to ride in, so pick a favorite route and go for it. Regards, Linda and her Magna in Texas (note from Mama: how wise! I agree -- a good buddy mimicking traffic, especially someone is learning more difficult techniques to them, is an excellent way to get rid of some of the nerves.) Mama has the way of it. I had the same trouble, only mine was the same stoplight every time. I finally got to the point I could give it gas and hold the front brake at the same time (I have very long fingers) and keep the bike going. Keep practicing, it only gets easier. Traci (note from Mama: everybody eventually has to practice to learn it -- you're 100% right!) Wednesday, July 23 Dear
VTwin Mama, My husband felt I would out grow it by the end of the season, I kind of agreed. So I ended up with a HD Low Rider (1450cc) While practicing I hit a curb and feel now I am a little gun shy -- not so much of the power, but of the weight and size. I understand you started on a 750. I sat on one of those and the Low Rider fit me much better. I think I will be spending a lot of time at the Kmart parking lot. Do you have any suggestions? Mary Dear
Mary, I know it's a pain in the butt when your first "icky" happens, but trust me on this, it probably won't be your last. And I'm not saying that to scare you, but to let you know that stuff happens -- and riding a bike has no exemptions from this rule! So, the best thing to do is to put it in perspective and keep practicing. Kmart is a great idea -- you're on the right track. As to bike size and weight -- the fact is that you can do just about as much wrong on a 250cc bike as that Low Rider - so don't psych yourself out. It's simply not necessary! Riding is 10% skill and 90% mental -- so do yourself a favor and adopt the right, positive mental attitude NOW -- and remember that learning is a great thing -- it proves we are alive in our brains! Mama Wednesday, July 23 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
E., Tuesday, July 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Judy, It certainly sounds like you've got the basics down on how much gas (throttle) you need to give in relation to the amount of clutch lever you are letting out -- under flat street conditions. To handle getting going again when stopped on any kind of hill sloping up, you need a couple of things. First, think back on which brake control you were using to keep your bike from sliding back down the hill. Was it the front brake? The front and rear brakes? If you had the bike stopped on the up hill with the front brake engaged, then of course your right hand is busy holding you and the bike from sliding downhill! This makes it hard to quickly transfer your right hand from holding the brake to working the throttle without experiencing a little bit of reverse sliding -- a disconcerting feeling unless you've mastered the technique of quick transfer. This is perfectly acceptable -- once you know how much extra throttle you've got to give to compensate for the back slide and necessary oomph for forward motion again, it can be done this way. However, you may find it easier to hold the bike from sliding back down a hill using only the rear brake. This frees your right hand for instant throttle use. It's best to practice this technique on a flat surface. Come to a stop using your normal front/rear brake combo. Then, if necessary, place both feet down on the ground first, then get your balance on the left foot only, and then bring your right foot up to use the rear brake to hold position. Now, release the front brake. When you have more practice, you'll be able to come to a stop and just plant your left foot, while the right foot remains on the rear brake, so you no longer need the front brake. So, on hill stops, you are basically using the front brake to slow yourself down to the stop, but using the rear brake to keep your butt from sliding back down the hill! Make sense?!?!?! Second, all at the same time, you need to let out the clutch some, give it some more gas than usual (but don't gun it!), and release the rear brake. Voila -- you are going uphill from a dead stop! Again, practicing this sequence is best done on a flat surface to master the coordination. Do not by any means think that this is a particularly difficult maneuver to learn -- it's just that there are more hand/feet things to do in the right combination, so it takes a bit of extra practice to master it. You can do it! Mama Tuesday, July 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Sue, Tuesday, July 22 For Michele who is trying to get the throttle/clutch combo under control: Mama is right! Practice is the best....what I did was keeping practicing on the street in front of my house, the garage and the driveway. Turn the throttle a little more than you think is necessary to start and let the clutch out halfway (or maybe less) until you feel the bike start to move. Let off the throttle slowly when the bike starts to move. Sometimes, my bike got loud... : ) Whew! But, I loved the sound of that engine!!!!!!! Remember, you can always pull the clutch in to slow it down some. I learned this the best on a dirt bike. And I would highly recommend to everyone to practice some on a dirt bike, if you have the opportunity. They are light and if you drop them...hey, they can handle it and so can you. Not to mention, you get tremendous experience for other things that may come up...such as gravel, rocks, leaves and a sandy shoulder, etc. To practice, I use to just sit of the street bike for a half hour to an hour at a time just letting the bike move backward a couple of feet and moving forward a couple of feet. Then, I worked on the driveway. My driveway is on a hill. This was the best practice for when you come to a stop on a hill. If you feel the bike start to move backwards, give it some more gas. Eventually, you will be "slipping the clutch" a little bit more. With practice you will find the friction zone and realize how much gas you can give it. I found out that you can give it more gas than you think. Give it some time and practice and eventually it will come naturally. Happy Riding! SG in NH (note from Mama: thanks for this letter of support and some constructive ideas on the practice sessions!) When practicing out of traffic, listen to the sound of your engine, listen to how it sounds as you put gas on to when you just start to move, the engine sound will change as the gears kick in and clutch lets off. You will want to get to know the sound of how much gas you apply so you don't stall. This is how I figured it out anyway, hope it helps. MJ (note from Mama: another bit of sound advice!) Monday, July 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Rosann, I'm a big believer in having books to complete this type of project, so I took a look at Motorbooks and found two books of interest (the link is below: scroll down the left side to click on the Harley Davidson link, then choose the upper left link, complete selection, and you'll find them.). "How to Build the Ultimate V-Twin Motorcycle" by Tim Remus for $19.95 and his accompanying "Ultimate V-Twin Motorcycle Chassis," also for $19.95. These books chronicle the parts and steps necessary to build a Harley.
I will also note that there are Harley-style kit bikes available -- some examples can be found by clicking on this link. If this idea appeals to you, then use your search engine to find more kit bikes and compare style and pricing. Mama Monday, July 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Michele, Monday, July 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Over the years, she has had an opportunity to ride many other bikes - HD Road King & Softail, BMW K75, K1200RS (30 1/2" seat height,) R1200C, Honda ST1100, CRB900RR, 750 Nighthawk, 700 Sabre, Yamaha Road Star (1500 cc) and VStar 1100, Kawasaki Vulcan (1500 cc,) etc. She feels that she can ride any bike that she can pick up off the side stand - its not about strength, its about balance. That said, she is more comfortable with bikes that allow her to put her feet flat on the ground when the bike is stopped. VTwin Mama is absolutely right about practice - practice is the key to confidence on a motorcycle (isn't this true about almost anything?). Kathy (my wife) has ridden the open road, expressways, Deals Gap (US Hwy 129 in NC & Tenn - 318 curves in 11 miles plus elevation changes) and downtown in major cities and I have never felt like she was holding me up. When she first started on her Bridgestone, she was like many of the people who have written about the jitters - it took months of riding in parking lots, quiet neighborhoods, and sparsely traveled back roads, before she felt comfortable to just go out and ride. Please, if you are uncomfortable about riding somewhere, don't do it! Practice in circumstances where you are comfortable and your skills will improve to the point where you are comfortable doing more. Ride safe, John Geda Dear
John, Friday, July 18 Women
& Motorcycling Exhibit
Sturgis Museum During 2003 Rally Friday, July 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Kendra, Friday, July 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, Fortunately my fiancι was right behind me, but he didn't see me go down. He could only guess what I might have done wrong. He thinks that I am improving enough to get used to leaning on curves and turns that he thinks I might have over done it just enough to cause the bike to kick out from under me. I didn't get hurt too bad, a scraped knee and some pretty bruises. I was lucky again. I was not moving that fast, I was already in first gear, but I don't know how I ended up on the ground. There is no way to avoid the gravel road because our house is just 2 tenths of a mile down it. I'm getting a little paranoid about it because this is the second time it has happened in two years in the same place, only that was a left turn. I'm doing fine out on the open road, I'm comfortable and I thought I was doing much better before this happened. I'd appreciate any advice you or anyone else could give me under these circumstances. Thanks again for a really great web site. Marlene Dear
Marlene, Although you have slowed down and are in first gear when you enter the gravel area, do you also still have either or both of the brakes applied as you round into the gravel road? The application (or release) of brakes on gravel will have a tendency to kick the bike tire out from under you. It's just that unstable and even the smallest of brake use can cause your bike to "skitter" in the gravel. A "death grip" on the handlebar also lessens the bike's ability to negotiate gravel as you are forcing the bike to follow a hard, straight line when it fact it naturally needs to "wiggle" a bit to get through gravel. That's all I can think of now -- readers, any other words of advice? Mama Friday, July 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
JA, Friday, July 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Kris, There are clutch levers which are ergonomically easier to "work" and are made both for Harleys and metric bikes. Please read through my Working on the Bike -- Clutch Lever page for previous letters that review these products, as they may present the solution you are looking for. Mama Friday, July 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
No Name, Thursday, July 17 For Diana who is seeking a summer-riding jacket solution: There is a company out of Israel (talk about hot! yeah, but it's a dry heat) called Brosh that makes a jacket from a Dupont fabric with Kevlar reinforcements. I have one and also a Joe Rocket Phoenix. The Joe Rocket is pretty cool but a bit heavy and bulky even with only the built-in pads. The Brosh has removable pads and is super-light and really keeps you cool. Even the Israeli motorcycle cops wear them. I have only seen this jacket on-line, but they have their own site. No Name (note from Mama: thanks for bringing this alternative solution to our attention! The website is www.brosh.com.) Thursday, July 17 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Vivian, Did you happen to find my Handlebar/Foot Control page? Previous discussion on this subject is posted there, along with a link to a great article from J&P Cycle, an aftermarket parts company, about how to correctly measure your current bar so that you can better define the measurements of what handlebar will really work for you. This is as good a starting place as any. Mama Thursday, July 17 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Joker, Wednesday, July 16 For Bonnie who lost her first pin when the backing fell off: http://www.thesabregroup.com/pinkeepers.htm: the barrel portion goes around the sharp pointy bit and the part you screw in to the barrel secures it in place. Very nice! Anonymous (note from Mama: thanks!) Wednesday, July 16 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Deborah, If you need to slow down significantly (which will bring you to a stop), then concentrate on quickly gearing down (but make sure you practice this so that you know how the bike reacts while decelerating going from gear to gear: third to second can be a bit of an abrupt change) to let the transmission slow you down, in combination with the front brake. Application of the rear brake should be done cautiously and gently. My guess is that you've just been jamming on the rear brake a bit too much lately. If you need to build a bit of confidence back up, take your bike and a piece of chalk (or something easy to see) to an empty parking lot and "line out" a stop position (indicating a traffic light) and a mark farther away that approximates a quick stop distance you'd like to master. Then get up to speed and when you approach the first line, begin CAREFULLY trying different combinations of gearing down and front brake and back brake to bring you through a controlled slow down to final stop position. Don't worry if it takes you awhile to find the right combination that works for you -- this is a great skill to learn and will help you understand how your bike handles in a variety of situations. Mama Wednesday, July 16 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jim, Wednesday, July 16 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Tina, Tuesday, July 15 2nd
Annual NE Women's Motorcycle Rally
August 16th Concord, NH Tuesday, July 15 When I was first starting out, my husband felt that would be a good way for me to practice the cone maneuvers. We saved $ by buying large red plastic drink cups which we turned upside down to simulate the cones. Worked great...and saved $ for more important things like CHROME. Bootygrandma, aka Betty (note from Mama: thanks for the alternative suggestion!) Tuesday, July 15 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
MC, Tuesday, July 15 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Sidney, According to the Kelley Blue Book for Motorcycles, a 2002 Metro 2 in good condition has an approximate trade-in value of $865. Check the link to enter your own zip code, bike year, etc. to get the info you need. Armed with this information, you are in better position to visit your local Honda dealer and begin negotiations. Mama Tuesday, July 15 For Marion who wrote in with support for Susan who is learning counter steering: Thanks Marion. I wish everyone would come to my house and we can all work on this together! Especially all the ones with jitters - we wouldn't be pushing each other because we would all be in the same boat! Susan (note from Mama: one of the things I learned at the recent WOW ride-in is that some chapters offer a mentoring program. They match an experienced rider with a newer rider. It might be worth your time to contact the women's riding organizations in your area to explore the possibilities! See the links at the bottom of my home page to start your research!) Monday, July 14 Riding
for Miracles September
13th
Nashville Shores, Tennessee Monday, July 14 Sturgis
Rally -- Do You Need to Make Some Cash to Help Out on Costs? Monday, July 14 Reporting in with three parking lot practices and three long rides on city streets and backroads. No spills and 99% clean turns. Got several compliments from the husband on defensive strategies. I stayed within my comfort level and challenged myself when it felt safe. Riding is fun again! So, even though the second time through the MSF course was a grind, I'm glad I did it. As for changing to a smaller bike, it was a good move. I am riding and improving. I am reading the mail on your site with interest and getting a lot out of it. Thanks again for nudging me in the right direction. Regards, Sarah (note from Mama: such inspiration! You go girl -- nudge, nudge! Glad I could help a wee bit!) Monday, July 14 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jesse, As a secondary measure, have you tried visiting the dealer showroom to look at 350/400cc bikes to see how much bigger the frame actually is? You might be pleasantly surprised and a trade-in might be possible. I'd definitely do this as a second step. Mama Monday, July 14 For Getting Discouraged who is battling other people's perceptions of her beginning learning curve: Stick with it....it will come. When I was reading your letter...I thought this could have been written by me. I too, ride a 1200 Sportster and you are right, they are difficult to learn on. I flunked the MSF skills test the first time...(hit some cones) and came home and took that bike out for a ride to hide my disappointment. Next time I aced it. That was two years ago. I had the jitters and nervousness all last season and wondered if I could ever get over it. Yes, I went through tears and butterflies, you name it! I have a broken clutch handle and half a dozen broken lens covers to prove it. I eventually put some engine guards on it to keep the scratches down. The best thing I did for my confidence was rent a little Honda Rebel for the weekend. I rode it for 200 miles and it really helped. I know how you feel. Don't worry about what everyone else thinks...ride your own ride. It will come! I still get nervous sometimes but, it is getting better all the time. And I am still dreading getting caught in the rain. Seat time is the best answer. Good Luck and stick with it! And Mama....thanks for a great site! You can't believe how much this site has helped me with confidence and through the jitters. SG in NH (note from Mama: yes, seat time is the best, but you've offered some additional thoughts worth pondering! After 24 years of riding, I was still nervous heading out for a 700 mile one-way trip on July 6th -- I just hadn't done it in so long and I was sweating ALL the details, including the semi trucks, winds, seat fatigue and animal jitters. It just goes to show you . . . !) Wow....she should be proud of herself for hanging in there and getting it back up onto the road. As for the 10 bikes behind her....I wonder how many of them could have held the bike long enough to get back onto the road and not dumping it! Send her my way if you think I can help build her confidence. Bootygrandma (note from Mama: it IS tons better to make a lot of what is right rather than get stuck on what didn't go perfectly. Making mistakes is how we learn that we need to learn more!) Monday, July 14 For Maire who is back into riding and shared her story: My second bike was a 1996 Suzuki Savage. It is a great bike! You might want to pick up the Clymer manual (the same one that was written for the older Savages is the one I got...the only difference is that the newer Savages have one more gear). The only problem I encountered with it is it seems to be indigenous to the Savage is that if it does not seem to want to go into 1st gear...put it in neutral..release the clutch...then try again. It will go in just fine. Good luck with the Savage...You will love it.... Bootygrandma, aka Betty (note from Mama: thanks for the first hand account and tip on first gear! Maire can find Internet sites for service manuals on my Reading Sources page.) Monday, July 14 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Gail, This article is not specific to your make/model bike, but does give a rather scientific description about changing the gear sprocket ratios and the affect it can have on both the low and high ends of speed. Then, it's time to call your local dealer's service department to discuss whether another gear set is available for your bike and if will give you more satisfaction. Hold onto your wallet though -- it ain't necessarily going to be cheap! Mama Saturday, July 5 Sister
Cycle Magazine: a Canadian publication Saturday, July 5 For Judy who didn't finish the MSF course: You're not alone. I had to take the MSF course twice myself. The first time I took it it was in October, the very last class of the season. The motorcycles had been pretty beaten up by then. I had never ridden before so naturally I was scared. I got two male instructors, one was a retired gentleman from the military and the young one was a active military drill instructor quite full of himself. We did not hit it off very well and what was worse, I had an ill running Honda Nighthawk 250 that I could not control the throttle on. If I'd had any idea it was the bike and not me I would have asked for another bike. Needless to say I didn't pass the skills part of the test and the written part was no problem. I aced it. So in April of the following year, it was the very first class of the season. The bikes had been serviced over the winter, so everything was running just fine. I succeeded in passing the course, I lost a few points in the speed curve, but still passed. The instructors were a male and female that were out there to give all the help they could, to see that your learned everything. They were extremely helpful and would give you feedback and help with anything that they observed that was being done incorrectly. Instructors make a big difference in how you learn. Taking the class the second time was probably the best thing I ever did. I was so much more comfortable and confident in my skill level. Be persistent. You can do it. Marlene (note from Mama: for beginning riders it can be very difficult to judge if the instructor or bike is not "up to snuff." I wonder if MSF has an official position on this?) Saturday, July 5 For Red Sonia who isn't getting any respect on the dealer's showroom floor: I bought a new bike this spring. Went to one dealer who couldnt be bothered to get up off his keester or even make eye contact when I went in and inquired about 2 different bikes. As a result I took my business to another dealer who not only was attentive and respectful, but gave me a deal that was $1000 better than the first dealership. Not only that, but gave me a 10% discount on any add-ons or gear for 3 mos, and sent additional catalogs in the mail to me and special ordered gear for me without requiring full payment on ordering. Needless to say the deal was sealed the next day. All of this was worth the 80 mile drive I take to have warranty checks, etc. Look around, dont put up with snotty sales people. Let them know they lost your business and why. Gloria (note from Mama: what a sassy and smart lady to shop around and insist on getting the service you deserve! After all, it's a lot of money we are talking about. When will these less-than-responsive dealers get a clue?) Saturday, July 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, I
know, an approximate yearly mileage for a car is 12-15,000 miles/yr. What
is a rough estimate for a bike? I know some bikes are used for long rides,
others strictly joy rides. I just need a guideline as to how many miles is
too many miles. I hope to hear from you soon, and I look forward to the
day when I get to tell you about my days in MSF training, and my days on
the road. Thanks. for all that you do!!!!! So glad to have found you!
Laura
Dear
Laura, Every motorcycle has a specific set of routine maintenance items that should be done at specific mile "markers." Can the owner 1) show you his/her well worn service manual used to work on the bike? and 2) do they have a log of their work? At the very least, they should be able to point to the sparkplugs, battery, air filter, carburetor, cables, oil filter and oil level check and fill, tranny fluid level check and fill (if applicable), tires, chain (if applicable) and such. If they can't, then how did they take care of the bike? If the local dealer service handled it, then invoices should be available. You get the point here. Ask about how the bike has been ridden. Do you get the sense that they push the limits of the bike all the time, are more grandmotherly on Sunday rides, and if they did have it out on extended trips, what did they do along the way? If you see a bike for sale locally, you can always call the dealer yourself and ask about the life expectancy of the engine and transmission under "normal" riding conditions. You can also ask the owner to ride that bike to the local dealer for an inspection (which you would have to pay for, but might be worth the $$$). You can read this article from MotorcycleTips.com about buying a used bike -- it includes a link to the Kelly Blue Book for motorcycles which should give you an overall idea of the value of the bike (age, condition, make, model, etc.). Good luck in pursuing your new found dream of riding -- it's an adventure worth trying! Mama Saturday, July 5 For Diana who is seeking a summer-riding jacket solution: Well, tried the jacket today (a Joe Rocket Phoenix 2.0 Sport Jacket) and it truly got the acid test. 96 degrees and 47% humidity. We were to have heat warnings for part of the day -- heat index up to 105-110, and I can believe it. The jacket was THE BEST!!! I also dipped a 100% cotton bar towel in ice water and put it around my neck before putting the helmet on. The air blowing across it also added to the cooling effect. No trouble until stopping for any length of time, then just the ambient air temp was a pain. My next purchase is going to be matching Joe Rocket pants. I was wearing light weight leather chaps. Im also going to look into some summer weight boots. Please also consider buying one of the travel water bottles. I have to look into this. As soon as I got to my destination (about 50 miles), I stopped and chugged down about a 20 oz. glass of ice water. I think I was getting kind of dehydrated. Hope this helps. Best wishes. Gloria (note from Mama: thanks for the product review and your additional thoughts on handling higher temps and humidity!) Saturday, July 5 For Getting Discouraged who is battling other people's perceptions of her beginning learning curve: Dont let one little wide turn get you down. Most likely those guys riding behind you were thinking, Gee, I remember the time I did the same thing. Or worse. I belong to an international group of motorcycle riders (the Volusia owners league), and there are some VERY experienced riders in the group. Not all ride Vols, there are many different types of bikes, types of riders and types of experiences, but a couple of things that are universal are everyone has respect for each other and everyone is very supportive. Lots of anecdotes on this is what happened to me." Sure accidents happen, but if you really want to ride you just get the best and most training and experience you can, and do everything to minimize risks. Ride safe and ride often. Gloria (note from Mama: a great letter of support -- thank you!) Saturday, July 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Angela, To understand the current value of your bike, go to the Kelly Blue Book for motorcycles as a guide. That said, you might find in your calls what a shop is willing to give you in trade-in, but like cars, don't expect them to be generous. That's why a lot of people simply sell the bike themselves. Last, but not least, despite the fact that you may lose some money on selling or trading-in the bike, if you really can't stand it, then get rid of it! What's the point of riding something you really don't like?! You say you should have gotten a different model right off the bat -- well, exactly how were you supposed to know that without some experience under your belt?! So, don't beat yourself up on this point. But, do get on with it! Once you have some facts and figures to work with, you can begin planning your "attack." Perhaps financially this may take awhile, but at least you know what you are working towards! Mama Saturday, July 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, |