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Thursday, July 29 From Valerie whose long lashes were a problem with goggles: Thank you Jennifer for your suggestion. I will look around for that helmet when I get to a state that requires helmets. I did come up with a fix. I figured that the goggles were not very expensive and if I messed them up I could get some new ones so I bought some fun foam from my local craft store then very carefully took off the foam that came on the goggles and made a pattern. then glued the new foam to the goggles. I had to double the thickness and cut a few vent grooves in the foam so that it would breath some and it worked it gave me just a couple of millimeters of room so my lashes do not rub on the lenses anymore. No more Mascara smears YEA! – Valerie (note from Mama: this is so VTwin Mama sister smart!) Thursday, July 29 Dear
VTwin Mama, Upon leaving, we stopped by where they were parked to see their rides: A Vulcan (at least a 750 or larger...can't quite remember) and a Shadow, 600cc. Do you know what they were implying? Were they commenting on a specific sound they feel the Suzuki makes? Do Suzuki's sound noticeably different from any other bike? Or were they talkin' power? Are they just bike snobs? Ha ha....Love your site, Mama. – Itchin' to get out there, but waitin' on my friend who needs a ride too! Dear
Itchin', Thursday, July 29 Dear
VTwin Mama, While I'm writing I might as well add a tip I've discovered on making traveling/camping trips on your bike a little easier. To help pack lighter, I take along those Dove facial cloths. If you've never seen them you take one out of the pack and wet it- it lathers up, use it to wash those bug parts off ya and throw away! No wash rags to keep track of...wash/dry...or have rolling around wet in your luggage 'til you get home! All the best... – Oh those saddle bags can seem so small from VA Dear
Oh from VA, Wednesday, July 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Now I am faced with the huge choice of bikes. I was very interested in a Ninja 250 (thanks for the web page you sent), but after taking the class I am thinking more about a Rebel. Since it's impossible to get a test ride out of a dealer, I was wondering if you had any feedback on the handle/feel differences between a sport bike vs. a more classic street bike? I know from the web sites of each dealer that there is about a 4 inch difference in the seat height (since I'm 4'11 that matters), and a small difference in power. It seems possible that I am opening a big can of worms with this question, but since I could go for either bike I was looking for more of a breakdown of the +/-'s from someone with far more experience. Thank you again, – Andrea Dear
Andrea, Wednesday, July 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, I bought a Ninja 250. It’s GREAT! If
I had gotten anything bigger I would have dropped it by now. I have come
close, but thanks to the low weight (around 300lbs) and my ability to
touch the ground…I was able to catch myself and keep the Bike up. I know
I will out grow it over the next year… but I am so happy I started with
a smaller bike and I am able to learn the fundamentals and not be
intimidated by the size of my bike (on top of all the other intimidating
stuff i.e. traffic). I hear people saying I want something I can grow
into. Well the money I spent on a Bike I could grow out of is well worth
it. I am not scared of my
Bike or the power, so it is easier for me to focus on the …clutch,
shift, accelerate…part of the deal…:o)..ugggg
Thanks again, and I hope all is well
in your area soon! Dear
Rookie Rider, Wednesday, July 28 For Longing for Length on lowering a Kawi 250: You can also change the tire size in the rear to a 60 from an 80 and lower the bike about an inch and you can take the seat to an upholsterer and have 1.5 inches taken out of the seat i did this for my wife's 250 Ninja. – Danny (note from Mama: thanks for the reminder that a tire change can make a difference as well -- this is a point I keep forgetting, but now have on my Motorcycles for Short Riders page.) Wednesday, July 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jacque, Wednesday, July 28 For Sue whose husband died but she wants to ride the Goldwing and maybe convert it to an automatic: My heart goes out to her. She would like to see about converting their Gold Wing trike into an automatic: she may want to check out www.adaptivemotorcycling.com. The company has a product that I believe is called "Kliktronic" and is a thumb-switch electronic shifter. She still may need to use the clutch--the site isn't that clear--but it would eliminate the need for left foot shifting. Was designed with amputees in mind. It's not that cheap ($700+) but might offer her the opportunity to continue riding. I wish her and you all the best. Warmest regards, – Bryna (note from Mama: I hopped onto the site and it seems that this device removes the shifting task from the foot to the hand, so useful in some circumstances, but not automatic. Still, this is a useful reference. As a side note, although the site is only three pages, and two are focused on this device, the Contact page clearly welcomes special needs riders to contact Tim to ponder and noodle out possible modifications to a bike to accommodate the rider. Yahoo!) Wednesday, July 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Vivian, Wednesday, July 28 From Gina to Garry, both who were looking to lower a Honda 599: I have spoken to Chad at Bikes2nv.com and he says he can lower this bike. I have been told that this rear suspension has no linkage, but Chad assures me it does and can be lowered using this linkage or he can fabricate linkage. He is going to the Mid-Ohio races this weekend and promises to find out more information there by talking to race teams, owners and manufacturers. Bikes2nv phone number is 614-837-4009. I haven't purchased the 599 yet because without lowering the bike I won 't be able to ride it at 5'2". Good luck. – Gina (note from Mama: riders helping other riders -- thanks for the research!) Added note from 7/29: I have since learned from Bikes2nv.com that lowering a 599 is not possible. The shock preset can be changed, but there is no linkage as such and a shorter shock wouldn't make enough difference in my case to lower it enough. Maybe next year. In the mean time I am investigating the Suzuki Standard bikes. Thank you for your assistance. Tuesday, July 27 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Robbie, Tuesday, July 27 Dear
VTwin Mama, I have a friend and his girl friend that ride motorcycles such as the Yamaha R1 1000 (crotch rocket of course). I’ve always found these exciting but my fear kept me away from them, even though my friend said he’d teach me. I thought I’d take the safe route and took the Alberta Safety Council’s motorcycle course where you drive 125 and 250 cc motorcycles of which I successfully completed it with flying colors on June 13, 2004. This was a 3 day course where you are on the bikes almost 8 hours a day. Then it was time to purchase a bike. I wanted a sport bike but did not like the weight on the wrists as well did not like how the feet were angled for changing gears so “yesterday” I finally settled on the 2004 GSX-750F Katana (sport touring - $8600 CAD). It weighs around 468 lbs but I’m in very good shape and weigh a muscular 200 lbs (weight lift and do Taekwondo). Like others I was a little pressured to get a bigger bike as originally I was going to get the GSX-600F Katana but was told I’d grow out of it too fast. None the less I picked it up yesterday, Thursday, July 22, 2004. It was wheeled out into the parking lot and I barely got the feel for this (twice around the block) when we head instead of the highway home (25 minutes) to downtown traffic during rush hour. A little scared but I tried to remember the course and since the course really only deals with slow speeds I did not too bad and only stalled twice at one intersection. Having my friend with me definitely helped as a buffer for traffic. So we head on the highway home and pull into my drive way. My wife was very excited as she likes the looks of these bikes and made sure I got the matching jacket, helmet and gloves. She takes my picture on and off the bike and by this time I’m feeling good. I successfully drove it at slow speeds and highways speeds and I was feeling confident. Now my driveway is on an angle upwards, like many are, and I back the bike out slowly. Gravity is doing its job but I have the front brake working and things are going good “until” I get to the curb. I brush up against curb with the clutch box and this makes me loose my balance and I drop my bike. No matter how strong I was I could not stop this. When she goes she goes and sure enough some damage occurs. The curb scratches the backside of the fender under the seat, the clutch box has a scratch, there’s a crack in the side marker light and a couple of chips on the faring. PLUS I feel like a complete idiot as my neighbors probably seen this and the traffic around me. And now my confidence has gone down. 45 Kilometers only (28 miles) and I drop my bike. Thankfully my friend who got me to ride is also a body guy and he says it’s all cosmetic and easily fixed. He plans to scan my bike’s color at work next week and have it as good as new. None the less I’m going over this in my head and it eats at me. I know I can’t do anything about it but learn from it. Now I also have the jitters of dropping it again or maybe not paying attention and getting into more serious trouble. I can only take it one step at a time and think back on what I learned and what I’m going to learn. I wish the best to “anybody” who is driving a motorcycle for the first time and want you to know the words that I read from the women who wrote in speak true for me as well. Thanks. – Dereck in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada Dear
Dereck, Your words are powerful because they help us understand that ANY new rider faces many of the same challenges. And we feel the same ickies when things don't go exactly right! Chin up, motor on. And trust me that you'll find this to be an amusing story somewhere down the line in your riding experience. Take another look at the bottom of the drive. Perhaps a small section could be filled in a bit with concrete to eliminate the "dent" or something else can be planned logistically that will help. If that's not feasible, back the bike down (engine off so it doesn't scare you if you hit the throttle in neutral) to the "ick" area and have your wife stabilize you out by keeping your front end straight (she could straddle the front wheel with hands on handlebars). An extra pair of hands is always useful when learning to navigate something new. Can't think of any other ideas, but know that if you pre-plan this for your next go at it, you'll be tons more successful! – Mama Tuesday, July 27 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Laurie, Tuesday, July 27 Dear
VTwin Mama, I lived in NY so I didn't get a lot of riding time in when I had my bike but I got really good with it I now live in Florida and in the process of buying a 1998 Virago 1100. Someone in this group somewhere said they thought that the virago was top heavy. Anyone else out there ride a Virago 1100? A number of years ago I sat on one and feel in love. It seemed to be balanced very well. I was able to rock it between my legs with my hands very loosely on the handle bars. When I sat on the 1998 it did feel like it might be a bit top heavy. I have not rode it yet, actually I am so out of practice that I surprised myself. I have already told my husband that I intend to take classes because this bike is so much bigger than any other that I have rode. Can anyone give me some insight on the Virago 1100? – Bonnie Dear
Bonnie, Tuesday, July 27 For Buffalo, NY who is seeking an auto tranny bike, but in crotch rocket style: Honda makes a sporty with an automatic transmission. I don't remember the model but I saw it a few weeks ago. I too am looking for an automatic, but I would like to see the Ridley. I'm not much on the sporty look. – Charlotte in New Orleans (note from Mama: Well, Honda makes scooters that could be argued that they look sporty (or snappy at least), but the crotch rocket style (looks like you’re riding a horse and handing onto the mane for dear life) just isn’t there. Unless I'm missing something, which happens sometimes! Of course, the person riding the bike could have been shifting so smoothly that you didn’t realize it was a manual transmission! Look at the Ridleys by visiting their site: http://www.ridleymotorcycle.com and contact them for dealers or references.) Tuesday, July 27 Dear
VTwin Mama, I live in the wonderful island of Puerto Rico, and until now I had no reason to regret the fact that it is an ISLAND (no easy access to what sounds like the unending adventures on your highways, long roads, and specially other serious women interested in riding) ... As many 40 something girls, I am trying to get into riding, bought a 1988 Honda 650 to learn, fell and injured my left elbow (now recovered), and am debating if I should maybe go down to a scooter (150 or bigger) to get the basic riding skills or insist on the 650 (I haven't considered a smaller bike given that it would be very hard to sell later). I guess its normal to be scared after the fall, specially given that it was only my second time on the bike, (and it was due also for trying to learn around the hills and small roads of my area). I would very much appreciate your opinion. – Margo in PR Dear
Margo, And windy and curvy, which isn’t
very helpful to someone trying to learn! Yes, it’s normal to be scared
after your first fall, but not to worry . . . let’s noodle out an idea
to help! Given that it would be difficult to
sell the bike, my suggestion is this: there must be some area nearby that
has a relatively straight, open area. Do you work? Does the company have a
parking lot? Would they let you keep the bike there overnight so you could
hop on it and practice until such time that you’re ready to bring it
home? If so, then have someone get that bike over there and then begin
practice. You need a clear area with no obstacles so that practice is
productive. Tuesday, July 27 Dear
VTwin Mama, I do not drive a stick shift, so naturally, I had difficulty with shifting, which I believe I can overcome. My biggest problem, however, is that I had difficulty balancing the bike (even the light 250s). I HATE bicycles - I've ridden one as a kid, but never liked it and didn't feel comfortable on it. This is the main source of my frustration, since I'm very fit and athletic (tennis, swimming, taekwondo, soccer, you name it, for many years). I have a great sense of balance which I use daily, in training - so why the balancing part is so difficult to me??? I am also pretty strong, and not too short (5'7"). I'm 29 and it good shape, I learn quickly, so why can't I get into this? I do love speed/rush and motorcycles. We had a woman in our class in her 60s (props to her, btw!) who did fine, and I just chicken out. Felt very tense, the entire time of my incomplete class attendance. My question: anyone else had to go thorough similar? Anyone out there having difficulty balancing a bike at low speeds? Is there any hope for me at all, or should I just settle for riding in the back; please let me know, as I see there are many experienced woman riders in this forum. Is there anyone who gave up or almost gave up in the beginning? Are there people that are just not meant to ride? ANY feedback is appreciated, – Perplexed Dear
Perplexed, Kudos to you for all your achievements
to date. Your letter suggests a level of frustration of not being able to
conquer something right off the bat, but if you look a little closer,
you’ll see that your mastery in many sports has to do with your body
(and maybe a small sports equipment piece of some sort, i.e. a racket or
ball). A motorcycle is a whole different
animal and demands respect – it is a mechanical/electrical beast with a
lot of raw power with absolutely no ability to read your mind or desired
actions/reactions. It does what you tell it to do, and if you do it
incorrectly, it can hurt you. In addition, cages (aka cars) have
absolutely no respect for you or the bike which makes it highly dangerous
if you are not in the mood to pay strict attention to what you are doing
or more importantly, what others are doing. Yes, some people are not meant to ride, and others battle for longer amounts of time to achieve the harmony with a bike that meets their expectations. Examine your heart and trust your gut instinct on what you hope to achieve and then go for it. We are rooting for you! – Mama Tuesday, July 27 For Sue whose husband died but she wants to ride the Goldwing Trike by herself: Really sorry about your husband. Have you checked out the Goldwing Club in your area? Go to www.gwrra.org. You will find lots of helpful people there. You can ride that Wing! – Liz in Phoenix (note from Mama: thanks for the helpful site tip -- support from experienced Goldwing riders would be very useful.) Thursday, July 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Rookie Rider, Thursday, July 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Sue, The Goldwing Trike sounds juicy! Old dogs (harrumph) can learn new tricks best by finding a private instructor. Check with local dealers or locate the nearest riding/safety course and ask if anyone offers personal instruction. Or, visit my Cool Links page to locate women’s riding organizations. Contact a local chapter for support, guidance and sistership. Sounds like it might be just the ticket at this point in life. You’ll be able to share your new riding experience with others who also share and care. – Mama Thursday, July 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Andrea, Thursday, July 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, The bikes look cool, but in our area the sport riders are either dressed like they are going on the space shuttle or nearly naked. Just curious. – Megthered Dear
Megthered, I keep in mind that all the beginning years that I rode I lived in states without helmet laws and choose to ride without. This was a choice – and at the time, it was personal, lawful, and none of anybody’s business. Of course I did not understand that it was less likely that I would cause my own problem – rather, some idiot would do me in. And that’s why protective gear is always a good idea. And then there are days where a T-shirt will do (yes, pants and boots also!) and I make the conscious decision to take the risk. Sigh. There’s a fine line and we must each decide what’s right for us at the time. – MamaThursday, July 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Tara, Thursday, July 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
MD, Thursday, July 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Terri, Thursday, July 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Buffalo, NY, Wednesday, July 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Volusiaman, Wednesday, July 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, I do live in the hills and commute through a pass, and I am just starting to feel that I can manage stopping on hills. I've used several of the methods discussed, recently starting to use the rear brake as the light is changing, freeing my right hand for the throttle. I also find holding the clutch just short of the friction zone works well. As I gain confidence about rolling back a little, I am tending to use your method of giving it a little more throttle to compensate for this: key seems to be to act quickly and smoothly. I did have a situation in my early months, riding up a narrow incline toward the pass, when a guy in a SUV turned onto this side road right down the middle , looked right at me and proceeded to run me almost off the road. I swerved right to the edge, stayed upright, but killed the engine, leaving me holding up the bike on a steep hill. Also had to deal with heavy wind gusts that day, so I had to keep both feet on the ground. Ended up killing the engine two more times before I got up the hill. Bless the driver of the car behind me for her patience! Anyway, my thought is that if I ever had a rough uphill situation again, I might just pull out the choke to lower the chance of killing the engine, till I'm rolling again. Any thoughts about that idea? Thanks, – Suzanne Dear
Suzanne, Kudos to you for keeping presence of
mind in a difficult situation with the jerk! Hmmmm . . . my thought is
that if you pull out the choke, you stand a good chance of flooding the
spark plugs, especially if you try to restart the bike and forget to push
the chock back in. And once they are fouled, you’ll need to yank them or
let the bike sit till they dry out naturally. The only other option I can
suggest (if drivers around you allow it), is to let the bike slowly slide
backwards in a big U so you are facing back downhill. Not sure if this is
viable, but something to consider. Wednesday, July 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, My new baby is a 600 VLX and came equipped with saddle bags, extended mirrors, sissy bar, and the best sounding pipes I've ever heard. I'm so excited I'm not sure I will sleep tonight. I love your website and am learning a great deal from it. Thanks a bunch! – Carolyn Dear
Carolyn, Here’s my new electronic biker wave
(left hand of course) to salute your continuing journey (ok, ok, it’s
not a Rembrandt, but you get the “picture,” don’t you?!?!?!?!! O – Mama Wednesday, July 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Two years ago I got the fever again and Bought another 250 (Suzuki). It wasn't long before my husband had to have one too and came home from work one day with a Virago 1100. He pressured me for a long time to move up to a bigger bike, but I (at 4 feet 11 inches) had become comfortable with the 250. My husband is a private pilot and one of his pilot buddies came over one day with an offer I couldn't refuse, so he went home with my beautiful GZ 250. The very same day, we drove about 60 miles and came home with a used VLX 600 Shadow. I was sick. It was dirty, sported some cheap saddle bags, no windshield and was too tall for me to sit on flat footed. He took the bike to the basement where I didn't see it for about 3 weeks. Then, one day he rolled it out and asked me to sit on it. He had installed a lowering kit, front and rear, new bolt on saddle bags and a windshield. He had cleaned it up and it looked GOOD. Still not quite flat footed, I was able to raise it off the kickstand, so I took it around the block for a test drive. Hmmm, this is nice, I thought, so I asked him to roll out the Virago. For once I kept up through the gears. Within a couple of weeks, I had a nice new Travelcade saddle and some pipes and I suddenly felt ten feet tall. WOW! It sounds and looks great. And I look great on it. Admittedly, I have dropped it a few times. I haven't yet mastered tight maneuvers. My husband just replaces the pipes and we go at it again. To make a long story short, 4 of my husband's pilot buddies were inspired enough by the sight of a new V-twin Mama in town, that they have now bought bikes and join us on regular rides . Furthermore, we are currently teaching the 53 year old wife of one of the pilots to ride her new VT600. She is coming along nicely and she loves it. Thanks for the inspiration and for the informational web site. You'll never know how useful all the info has been to my husband while he tinkers with my bike. – Brenda from the heart of Georgia Dear
Brenda, Your story is just too fun! I read in dismay the loss of your beloved bike and the rat thing that took its place. What shock! What horror! What a B movie! There’s nothing like a new Sister in town to inspire others and it sounds like you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. Kudos to you for taking a leap of faith on trying something a little bit more powerful and giving it a chance. Send a group picture sometime, won’t you?! There’s nothing like 15 minutes of online fame (or is that exposure?!) to really cap off this mini adventure of yours! – Mama Wednesday, July 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Russ, Wednesday, July 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
SKM, Tuesday, July 20 Dear VTwin Mama, For Angela who lost a friend in a riding accident: My condolences to you, your husband, your friends husband and the fifth rider in your group. My wife brought your story to my attention and after reading it I can honestly say that I feel for all of you. Being a survivor of a motorcycle accident myself I can relate to your mixed emotions on riding again. You have probably heard the phrase "Getting back on the horse." Well, sometimes it is not as easy as it may seem. You undoubtedly have mixed emotions of the crash. Emotions of anger, sadness, confusion (How could this have happened?) and even guilt (Why her and not me or someone else?). Talking to someone will help. What you are going through is a normal reaction for a situation such as this. Even after you get back on the bike ( I'm assuming that you will, Right?) you will be faced with emotional challenges for a while. All of these can be conquered with the help of time, confidence and communications. I spent one year and eight months healing and rehabing from my accident with my main goal being that of returning to ride my police motorcycle. Even after being back to work for two months now I find myself questioning if I want to go for a ride or not some days. I feel my adrenalin start to flow when I get into rush hour traffic with my body tensing up, heart beating and my eyes checking out every conceivable threat on the road. This hyper defensive rush, as I call it, has started to subside the more that I ride. My advice would be not to lose your confidence. You are not an amateur rider. You have a few miles under your belt. Take your time and when it feels right you will get back on the horse again. When you do decide to get back on consider taking an Advanced Riders Course. I found this course a great confidence builder for my wife and myself. Do not feel guilty for taking this course or for not wanting to jump right out into heavy traffic right off the bat. For I have been riding for many years and have taken riders courses for police motor officers but I still found myself very hesitant and nervous the first few times out on my bike. If you still feel that you might not be able to do it give me a call and I will come out and ride with you folks. For the decision to ride is yours and yours only. When the time is right you will know. – Gary in WI at cobracop@yahoo.com (note from Mama: Jennifer, Gary's wife, first wrote to this site about her and Gary's accident on January 21, 2003 and has written moving letters chronicling the accident, progress, continuing concerns, as well as responses to other incoming letters from accident survivors. Gary, thank you for letting me know that you enjoy reading my site as well and for taking the time to offer your support to Angela. Your voice comes from first-hand experience but also, with some healing time already in place, you can see how time affects your decisions. These are valuable perspectives. Even if Angela doesn't contact you, know that this letter, posted on the Accident Survivor's page, may help someone else in the future. You are an inspiration to us all.) Tuesday, July 20 More for Carol who at 70 is enduring a hubby who thinks he knows best: Two feet down, one up, what ever -- YOU are an Inspiration to me! My partner remarked to me "there is not a gear low enough to keep up with you." Well, I was on my Rebel 250 ( I loved my Rebel) and yes he ticked me off. I told him that he hurt my feelings when he said that and I will not ride if I am not feeling well, tired, or upset. He tried to say something about my speed and I cut him off and said "You ride at your speed and I ride at mine." I did not ride any faster than I felt comfortable riding. He may want to fly around the corners and go on the main roads. So I said "If you want to ride with me, I call the shots." He looked at me funny then I said "when you go by yourself, you call the shots." I did not ride with him for a whole season. The next season he said "hey you want to go for a ride and you call the shots." Well that was three years ago, so not he remarks, "who takes lead?" You do what you do best and if he don't like it "tough beans". – Chromebroom, aka Jacque (note from Mama: a direct and honest statement of what you need/want is often necessary to get the point across. Thanks for letting Carol know that it's ok to put your foot down (literally!) and say what you really think so there is no doubt of your feelings!) Tuesday, July 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, We looked at two bikes this past weekend, the new 2004 Honda 750 Aero and the new 2004 Harley 883 Sportster Custom. She liked them both and is having a difficult time deciding what to look at next. Any information, suggestions, and/or recommendations would be welcome. Originally we had three items that her bike should have, shaft or belt drive, EFI and tubeless wheels. Neither of the two bikes mentioned above have all these items. I found this website thanks to Marina at www.wildguzzi.com. Marina is one of the few and the proud women Moto Guzzi riders. Thank you very much Marina. Thank You V-Twin Mama, – Mark Dear
Mark, If you haven't looked at the Suzuki Intruder 800, this might be a bike for your consideration, as well as the Yamaha VStar series, a much loved bike by many women riders (and available in different cc ranges). I really like the State 8 site for checking on motorcycle specifications, as they have a side-by-side comparison link that let's you look at two models next to each other (Yami, Kawi and Suzuki). Good luck in the continuing hunt! – Mama Tuesday, July 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Is there a lowering kit available for the 599 or CB600F4 -- 2004 Honda? My wife recently purchased one and would like it a little lower. – Garry Dear
Gina and Garry (unrelated to each other, but the letters came in two days
apart!), Monday, July 19 Hi
Petra, Dear
Kathy, Monday, July 19 For Valerie whose long lashes cause problems with riding goggles and such: My lashes aren't very long, but I always hated it when mine would brush against my sunglasses. This is a very expensive fix, but check out http://www.flipopen.com/ This is an awesome helmet from Italy and I absolutely love mine. Gone are the sunglasses and goggles! Plenty of room for lashes and no more sunglass vibration! Also perfect for anyone with corrective lenses. Check it out! It's a little pricey at $300-325. I had to drive an hour and a half to find a dealer who carries this helmet; only one dealer in Wisconsin. Wouldn't trade it for anything and would definitely buy another! – Jennifer (note from Mama: ah, a solution from first hand experience -- the best kind -- thank you!) Monday, July 19 For Carol who at 70 is enduring a hubby who thinks he knows best: This is for that awesome lady, Carol W. who is still riding at 70 years young and wants to know if there’s a “correct” way of starting out. Allow me to quote directly from what we coaches refer to around here as “The Big Book” which is the MSF RiderCoach Guide that we take our training from. On Exercise 2, the first time students actually ride across the range: “ Power walk (a.k.a. duck walk) until speed is stable”, translated: take a couple of steps as the bike move out. And then from our Policies and Procedures for Washington State: “Starts with Both Feet on the Ground: When beginning riders move from a stop, they should move in a straight line. This minimizes directional-control and balance problems. If one foot is on the ground and the other on a foot peg, the motorcycle leans slightly toward the foot that is down. This causes the motorcycle’s initial movement, to be slight turn in the direction of the lean. The rider must immediately make a steering correction to maintain the desired path and to regain balance. This correction is frequently too large, and the rider has difficulty from the beginning. Starting with both feet down helps keep the motorcycle’s initial movement balanced and in a straight line.” Now, with that said; IMHO, I would tell you that you’re not a beginning rider and after 12 years of starting out with your right foot up and it working for you without a problem of veering as you take off (which IS a safety issue), I’d tell hubby to get off your a** about it. And again and ALWAYS ‘ride your own ride’. – HammerLady (note from Mama: that's right! Well said and thanks for sharing official guidelines from the MSF. For those of you newer to the site, HammerLady hosts an open chat forum for riders at http://www.shinnysideup.com and is a frequent contributor of polished knowledge -- after all, she is an instructor!) Monday, July 19 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
D., Monday, July 19 From Sami who was battling gravel devils and got input from the VTM sisters: I have already begun some of the techniques I've read here. I don't "hood" my front brake anymore. Coming out of the lane, I keep my feet on the pegs-with my grip looser. Coming down the lane (it's downhill) I skim my feet above the large gravel. I use my clutch primarily, not the front brake. It will take time to get comfortable with this. And no... even with a pending "wheel tax", no hope for asphalt anytime soon. : ( Thanks to everyone for their help!! – Sami (note from Mama: on behalf of all the Sisters who wrote in with advice -- you are welcome and glad to hear you're forming your own battle plan to safely navigate!) Monday, July 19 Dear
VTwin Mama, I am from NH (Seacoast) and would love to find others to ride with, my bike is highway legal, but I do prefer non-highway travel, less major highways ex. rte 95 and the like.....I am comfortable at 55-60 for now.....I am married to a supportive guy that said "go for it last." He does not ride, I'm 46 and having fun with my "scooter" look them up on the Suzuki website. Hopefully your not all laughing at me cuz its a scooter -- I would love to get a "real " bike , could have but choose this one instead, being automatic, its easier for me for now : ) Hope to hear from others in NH ......thanks. – Diana Dear
Diana, I don't have the time right now to read through my Auto Tranny page, but I'm sure I've heard from people with your choice of bike, so scan through the postings and see. Meanwhile, I found this Scooter Club index on the Internet and there's one in NH! Check it out to meet like-minded riders! – Mama Tuesday, July 13 For Concerned Hubby who wants to help his wife have the best beginning riding experience possible: First of all, what a thoughtful sweetie you are!! I did the same thing on my VTX about two weeks before I was to take the course -- I just couldn't wait! No experience but anxious to try so my hubby and I took it to a parking lot and I was fine for a little bit but then I stalled it as I was doing a slow turn and BOOM down it went. I got out of the way and wasn't hurt other than my pride (nor was the bike WHEW!). I started thinking maybe I got too big of a bike and was afraid to go near it again. I stayed off it until I went to the course. Let me say, I learned so much (including confidence!) at the course and had so much fun that after a few days on that little 250cc bike I rode for the course, my bike didn't seem so big at all. I'd hold off on looking for a smaller bike until after she takes the class because she is likely to feel very differently afterward. Good luck! – Cathy (note from Mama: there is nothing like the shared experience and thanks for the sage advice on waiting till after the course to reassess the situation!) Tuesday, July 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, For example, we were coming back from the beach the other day. We had gone to visit my sis, and as we were leaving it looked like rain was going to hit us. Last year I was terrified of riding in the rain. I had never done this....What am I going to do I thought. This bike is going to skid and get away from me. Well, I got baptized on the way home from my Brother's house last year. Torrential downpours....Oh my God! You know what...it wasn't so bad. Yeah, I had to wring out my shirt when we stopped but, I made it. Yeah, the steel bridge was scary and yes those white lines are slippery. Thank you MSF for telling me that. But, I survived. So, my sis is terrified that it may rain...never mind that I am riding a motorcycle. I told her I would be fine. I don't choose to ride in the rain but, I could handle it. Amazing to get to that period. Anyway, we beat the rain. But, I rode my own ride. We took the highway to beat the rain. Every time I caught up to him, he would speed up. After a few times of this I said to myself, "you know what...He can ride as fast as he wants. I am riding my own ride. 55 feels comfy and that is what I am doing. I will get there. And I did. So, today with Chris. I was worried that these 2 boys on the V-Rods were going to be too aggressive for little ole me on my Heritage Softail. Well, I kept up for the most part. I didn't let them push me. I apologized for being a Weanie. You know what Chris said to me, "how long have you been riding?" "This is my third season", I replied. He said, "You ride pretty good". And I was riding my ride. What fun! So, Ladies....Ride Your Own Ride. Even when you are with people you have never ridden before. At the end of the day, Chris wanted to know all the things I had learned in the MSF. Oh yeah, I met his wife when we got to his house. She is thinking about riding her own too. We had a great conversation. And what a great day! I rode my own...I wasn't intimidated...and it felt good. And I felt respected. How much more could you ask for??? Thanks for the great site and the encouragement Petra! You do wonderful things for us women riders!!!!! – Shani in NH Dear
Shani, Tuesday, July 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, I am close to 70.....and my husband now is shouting at me that I start off wrong and will kill myself. I have always started off this way because of the safety course. He says it is something I made up......why would I make something up that has always been harder for me? Maybe, IT IS IN MY MIND. Can you tell me? I learned in safety course that before taking off, you put the bike in gear while holding the clutch and front brake, put your left foot back on the ground, put your right foot on the pedal next to the rear brake, and release clutch while giving gas. He says......this is dangerous......and I should put the bike in gear and once it is going put both feet up simultaneously. Please provide me the correct way of start off.........I've had this right foot method hard-wired into my brain all of these years...........but I want to do it the correct way. I HAVE never dropped the bike while riding it. Aloha, – Carol W. Dear
Carol, So, should we generalize that men are know-it-alls and feel the need to "instruct" or should we just understand that he is not keeping an open mind to your stellar safety record in starting off?! I'm sure that your years of marriage have gotten you to a place where humor is the best response, so maybe constructing a little "ditty" for this one would be appropriate. How about, "Back off ol' man, I'm a rebellious rider with a Rebel to boot." Or try, "Maybe you have to be rigid with that Softail, but by Rebel allows for greater freedom of choice." Or the more direct approach, "When I crash on a start-up, I'll ask for your advice." Hmmmm . . . Meanwhile, kudos to you for starting to ride at 58 and keeping it going at near 70. I'd be proud to give you a biker wave any time! You represent the best in women's spirits and we are happy to call you SISTER! – Mama Tuesday, July 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, Keep up the good work, because it sure brightens my day to read that there are so many others out there that have struggled in the same ways I have, and if I can make it at 58, they certainly will as well. It also saddens me when I read that one of our sisters have lost or sustained injuries of a family member, or friend, or even themselves in a motorcycle accident. My prayers are with them. Sincerely, – Marlene from Ohio Dear
Marlene, The sites that show bikes not quite flat on the ground I believe are illustrated in such a way to make the procedure more photographable. Still, when the bike takes a nap (or is lazy in gravel), the same set of rules apply. Rarely is a bike completely flat, as it will have encountered the tank or foot pegs, etc. I encourage you to begin to become one with the weight of the bike. Perhaps you've read before my thoughts on sitting on the bike (not running) and leaning it to the left and right to gauge the weight and get a real feel for it (have a partner straddle the front end to give you some measure of reassurance). See how much your leg can really hold and how far you can handle that thing. Then, get a piece of carpet and have hubby help you learn. I can guarantee you that he wouldn't want you stranded without help when this relatively simple technique is a real skill to have under your belt. So, gather some courage and something to lay the bike on, and get cracking. No, it won't be as easy to pick up as a bike with guards, but why not take the time to figure out what you ARE GOING TO DO if you need to do it. I'm sure between your husband and yourself, you'll find the best way yet -- for you! You will not believe the piece of mind it will bring. This is your Mama talking! – Mama Tuesday, July 13 More for Lucy who dropped her new bike on the first try out: Lucy have no fear and don't be upset over what you did. I have been riding since April, passed my MSF in mid June and was doing just fine until this past Sunday. I was walking my bike out of it's spot in the garage on the right side. When I came to a stop to put it down on the kickstand, guess what? The kickstand was not down. Guess where the bike went? Right down on the side of my car! The damage to the bike was a popped off windshield and a loose mirror. Once I got a neighbor to help me move it away from the car and pick it up, it was the car that lost! ($700 to fix) I was so angry and upset with myself for not checking that kickstand. Bike is fine, I am going to buy crashbars for it to make it easier to pick up. But I just keep telling myself not to keep upset over it. I thought my husband would be furious but for the first time he wasn't. He just told me that it was going to happen and to try to be more careful and keep my bike away from his. This coming from a man who has a temper and has never dropped his bike! We are all beginners, no matter how long we have been riding. We all have new experiences everytime we go out. And for heavens sake remember this one, NO ONE IS PERFECT!!! We all make mistakes. – Donna (note from Mama: and there you have it! It happens! Cool advice from hubby to stay clear of other bikes until you've "got it down to an art form" though!) Yes, I know the feeling of dropping a bike as well. I just recently up graded from a Rebel to a Shadow VLX-D, and the very first DAY I had it, I was at a stop sign, about to turn right, when the handle bars turned in and the bike went top heavy and over I went. I scuffed the muffler a little and broke the rear blinker. I was SO angry with myself. But I made myself get up, did a little bit of umm would you say temper dance, and got back on and rode around. I still get nervous at the same corner but am doing better with it now. It just takes practice and more practice!!! Good luck! – No Name (note from Mama: ah, an anonymous contribution to the oopsie stories! I like the little "dance" idea -- gets the icky out and the silly back in, as well as shaking it off so you can concentrate on the task at hand!) Monday, July 12 More for Angela who lost a friend in a riding accident: I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I was very moved by you sharing your story. That in its self takes courage to share with others what you are going thru at this point in time. Everyone grieves in his or her own way. I hope you can find someone, some way to help you deal with this. Maybe in time you can eventually get back on your bike, eventually in time maybe you can do a ride for her, in her memory. But you and time will be able to tell what is going to be best for you. Please know you and your friend are in many thoughts and prayers. – Tara (note from Mama: grief is indeed an individual journey -- thank you for letting Angela know that her timeframe in dealing with it is ok.) I read your story of what happen to you and your friend, and my heart goes out to you and her family, but Angela you have to re-read what you wrote and will see what I see in your story. As a much older Harley rider - I see you as a Hero. Because you were looking ahead and saw what was happening, you backed off your throttle and probably don't remember but I bet you tapped your brakes, at least enough to get the attention of your fellow riders who were with you. It could have been really bad for all of you, but your quick thinking and actions saved the rest of your group. You have to get back on her and not let this eat you up, because it can destroy you, there are enough of us out here to help you get thru this, go ahead and cry and throw things, but get back to what you love - your friend would have wanted it that way. You can call me anytime. I salute you, You are a true "Lady Rider" – Jacqi (note from Mama: thank you for pointing out that in fact a greater tragedy was averted by alert riding on the part of Angela and other riders in the group. It's easy to overlook what went right when on another level something went very wrong.) And from Angela: Last week Thursday the three riders who were with her (my husband, myself and a friend) rode our motorcycles and escorted her body to the cemetery. This was very healing. I know that I still need to process this event and I will take your suggestions and write. I also belong to a Women's Motorcycle club and have been talking to them about it. – Angela Kosar (note from Mama: Angela has been a long time participant of the VTwin Mama site. Your courage is inspiring Angela -- know that we value that and continue to keep you in our collective prayers.) Monday, July 12< |