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Friday, June 28 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Sharon, Thursday, June 27 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear bnb434, Also, Kelly Blue Book offers an online motorcycle value guide at http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.tp?kbb&&16&zmc. Or you could try The Motorcycle Blue Book at http://www.hapjones.com/MCBlueBook/. One other place to check out prices is to go to eBay, click on motorcycles in the left hand column, then choose HD, and then start scrolling (click below to start a search). VTwin Mama sisters -- what other methods are there for pricing out a used bike? Mama
Thursday, June 27 Dear VTwin Mama, Your one reader was correct when she pointed out that you don't "turn the wheel" - you press to turn a motorcycle. In order to have an effective press, you have to have some bend in your elbow when you are at rest on the bike. If you don't, then you will be over-reaching and become unstable. This will cause you to dump the bike, especially at low speed. Don't ride a bike that doesn't fit -- especially in the hand controls department. It is not unusual for women riders to be on tip-toe on many bikes, but there is NO reason for you not to be able to properly reach the controls. Dave Hembroff, Editor, SouthWestRider.com From No Name who turns out to be Cat and how she
resolved this for herself: Wednesday, June 26 Dear VTwin Mama, Tuesday, June 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Janice, Tuesday, June 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Monday, June 24 From Debbie, who was looking for insight to getting better at handling the road curves: Thanks for all the input. I added floor boards to my bike and what a difference that made. Now my feet are a little more under my body and not completely stretched out to reach the pegs. This made a remarkable difference as I now feel more balanced. Even my "zippy" husband was amazed. I couldn't believe the difference. The floorboards also eased knee pain from an old non motorcycle accident and helped low back pain. Debbie From Michele, who learned something reading all the "curve" input: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Sometimes we just need to hear it one more time.... Press into the curves. I too have been challenged by the curve monster. I couldn't figure out why I struggled, when so many people love the curves. I always tell myself, slow, look, lean and roll. But, I was forgetting the press. Instead I have been trying to muscle myself around each and every curve in the road. This weekend, we have put on about 300 miles, and each curve I had to remind myself to remember to press through the curve. It is so much easier to lean and look if you do it all right! One other item I found myself doing, was being in the wrong lane position. I couldn't figure out why right turns caused more stress then left. Well, most of the time, I'm in the second rider position, in the right portion of the lane. When making right turns or curves, I should be close to the center line. So, I have made a concentrated effort to be in the correct position of the lane for which ever way the road goes. Am I ready for the twisties of Deal's Gap? Not yet, but I will be soon if I continue the progress I've made this weekend. Thanks for the forum VTwin Mama! Michele From VTwin Mama, who learned something herself about curves this weekend: Who says you can't teach an 'ol, well you know, new tricks! I went for a ride this weekend around Lake Tahoe which requires bunches of riding in the mountains, so I took the opportunity (once again) to work on my curve riding skills. Here's what I learned -- somewhere along the line, when I spent a lot of time cruising real slow on back roads in order to enjoy the scenery, I got use to having the road right under me in direct vision, and because I was usually only going 35mph or so, there was no need to look further out. Well, that didn't do me a heck of a lot of good when I was in fact riding with others at higher speeds. I realized this weekend that my focus was still on the immediate road when I entered a curve instead of looking out at the far point of the whole curve, as Linda suggested. Once I started to look through the whole curve, I naturally rode it without wigging out on what my body was actually doing. Now, I agree, I have mastered the leaning and balance skills already, but now understand that I couldn't use these to their fullest because I was looking only slightly ahead at the road instead of "seeing" the whole thing. Wow, I must have gained at least 10mph in curves that had thrown me in a tither! Sometimes you just have to relearn stuff! Thanks everyone for sharing your input -- your insights can get someone to thinking more on an issue. And that is VTwin Mama cool! Mama Monday, June 24 Dear VTwin Mama, I feel this way, I drive my own bike, my hubby drives his own bike, we have SOLO seats. There is a reason for this. Especially for your man. You never know when some trashy woman is going to hop on the back, and if there ain't no place for her to sit, oh well........TOO F%&$*#G BAD. Makes me mad to hear this stuff Jo Ann Dear Jo Ann, Friday, June 21 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Jennifer, Friday, June 21 Dear VTwin Mama, A note from an MSF course instructor: In the basic MSF riding course we talk about the concept of separating and minimizing multiple hazards. It is addressed many times as we teach the students to apply a strategy to their riding at all times and the components that make up a good riding strategy. We also spend some time working through actual riding scenarios that we show them on video and everybody gets a chance to discuss what their particular strategy would be and hear some other ideas for ways of dealing with things. So I guess the answer would be yes, we do cover this subject, and of course we teach emergency skills such as swerving and emergency braking. Amy C. (note from Mama: Sharon will be pleased to know that she'll be instructed in these techniques when she takes her course in July and be able to address her specific concerns -- thanks for taking the time to explain!) Friday, June 21 Dear VTwin Mama, The ride was not at 25-30 MPH, even on the curves! There were probably about 700-1000 bikes on the run, and the average speed in the mountains was probably 40-50. I took the first couple of curves with my nerves intact, then started to psych myself out. But two things made me keep it all together. One, was this little "guardian angel" voice named Mike (my ABATE instructor) telling me "slow, look, lean, roll. Look through the curve. Don't panic, just look where you want to go." This kept my wits about me, even when on the inside I was afraid. The second thing that made me keep it all together, was the will to live, the will to trust what I had been taught and not overanalyze it, and knowing that no one else could help me. I had to trust myself. And you know what, I stopped once at the halfway mark, took a 20 minute break to get my breath back, then jumped back on and continued the ride. I finished the ride with flying colors. Kept up with the pack, (I was in the middle somewhere), didn't dump it, took the curves better than some of the other people I saw, and felt an overwhelming sense of pride in myself that I accomplished something like this, and rode sensibly right through my fears. I think sometimes, our minds start to churn and we do a lot of negative self-talk. Sometimes, you just have to put that *&!$ out of your mind while riding, and think only about what you have been taught. Those instructors know their stuff, and that's what we pay them for. So, in my case, I told myself to quit the negative, scared thoughts, listen to that voice in my head telling me the right way to do it, and trust that the information I had been taught by ABATE was correct. And you know what, the information from ABATE is correct and it got me through the ride! I think the key word is TRUST. Trust what you have learned, believe in yourself that you can let go of your fear and do what you were taught, and trust your bike, too. (I also say a little prayer to the man upstairs each time before I leave for a ride! Doesn't hurt!) I'm a brand new rider (less than 3 months), who dumped a big bike in a turn on gravel before I took the ABATE course. So I know the fear and the pain of going rubber side up. But you know what? I wouldn't have dumped the bike, if I had taken the ABATE class first. I dumped it because I didn't know what in the hell I was doing. I used my uninformed instinct, and it was wrong. It's hard to let go of those fears once you have them, but you can do it! You have to let go of the way you "think" it should be done, and listen to what you were taught. Sometimes, it's hard to trust other people's advice, and turn off your instinct. But when it's a matter of life or death, I prefer to listen to the experts. Stacie Carlson (note from Mama: such wise words that will no doubt help countless VTwin Mama sisters for a long time -- thanks for sharing!) Thursday, June 20 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Sharon, Thursday, June 20 I agree with changing handlebars, for sure. And I may be off base, but I think if she's "turning the wheels" she may need to check her technique too. She should be "pressing" down on the side she is turning to. It's more of a pivot than a turn. I was having turning problems too and was doing it wrong. Being short legged often equals short armed too! April I too have a 2002 Sporty. Did they make these darn handle bars for apes? It's the next thing I'm going to change about this bike! Tammy in Illinois I have changed handlebars on one of my bikes, but another thought on the subject would be just to get different risers to bring the existing handlebars closer to the rider which is what my husband did to his. Or maybe it only needs a little adjustment up or down from where it already is. Hugs.... Bootygrandma Wednesday, June 19 Another input on the whole "what to do about your kickstand sinking into the elements: I carry a plastic coaster (the kind you set drinks on) that is between 1/2 and 1/8 inches thick and a little bit bigger around than the top of a can of vegetables. Works like a charm! Fits in your pocket easily. I also have a bright pink plastic one (the same size, by the way) I purchased at the local Honda shop for $4.00 (dumb me). The bright plastic is easy to see and makes it more difficult to forget to pick up when you leave. Sherry (note from Mama: good point on having something that you'll remember to pick up again!) Tuesday, June 18 Input for Debbie who is trying to master riding curves: May I suggest an advanced rider course? I took a few laps around the track with the instructors at the one day Women's Conference and gained a bunch of curve help. I found out I was just doing it wrong, and it only took some constructive words from the instructor, a couple of more laps / figure 8's to get the idea, and now my technique is much improved. April (note from Mama: good point -- it is always helpful to have an experienced, certified person look at your technique and suggest improvements) I too am pretty new to riding, and the curves do sometimes get that chill up my spine. I do downshift and slow up a bit, and I am very comfortable with that. I also (as Debbie) believe in better safe then sorry. I think that having a little fear on the bike makes you a little more aware and a little more cautious and there is NOTHING wrong with that at all. Sharon, NY (note from Mama: nope, nothing wrong with listening to what your body is telling you, but when there is room for improvement, especially on a maneuver that must be used a lot, it's time to seek guidance!) I feel the same way. My boyfriend has been riding for many years and I am now going into my 5th season. I guess I just tried to keep up with him, then I decided to stay back and do the curves at my own pace. Once I ended up going through someone's front yard (they were sitting on their front porch) Ha-Ha! My first season I did have trouble with corners and curves, but with practice and experience you will be more comfortable-that's a promise. I just kept remembering what I was taught in MSF class. Start by going into the curve at a comfortable speed. Entry speed permits safe cornering and allows constant acceleration through the curve. Keep in your mind - SLOW, LOOK, LEAN, and ROLL. Always look through the curve to your planned path of travel and that is where you will go. I also started thinking of the Press left-lean left-go left (or right). This really helped me and now I feel much more comfortable in curves. I still don't fly through the curves as fast as him, but I don't have the jitters anymore. Hope that helps a little, ride safe. Linda (note from Mama: thanks for a reminder of the most important points taught in class. Also loved the front yard story -- it goes to show that learning can be embarrassing, but no thing worth learning is really ever easy.) Tuesday, June 18 For Marcelo who was looking for horsepower info on a VStar 650: From the International Star Riders Association
newsletter: There actually IS an equation for finding horse power, (OH NO!! not the MATH again!!) which is: HORSEPOWER = TORQUE x RPM/5,252 as a standard measurement regardless of where youre at. But!!! You think I could find the torque specks for the VStar? NOT best I could come up with was Maximum torque is at 3000 rpms) I could only follow reason when it came to size they DID tell me that a 1300cc bike (Yamaha) has 95 HP . So half that, to a 650cc would give you 47 ½ HP. Which doesnt sound like a lot considering your standard gas lawn mower has 3 to 6 HP (for the good ones). But compare that to: say a 440 High Performance Mopar engine which delivers 375 HP and is expected to move over 2 tons of car . Its quite a bit , especially when the bike is only a faction of that weight. But Marcelo is right, those specs are going to be played down in favor of the bikes comfort because it really isnt impressive numbers. Did I care how much HP and torque my first bike delivered when I first started riding?? Nope. I was too busy havin fun. HammerLady@ShinnySideUp.com (note from Mama: darn that math, but useful for future reference! And thanks for adding the comparisons -- this model seems quite tame!) Tuesday, June 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Monday, June 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear NM, I've changed every set of handlebars on every bike I've ever bought (and that's three bikes!) because they just didn't feel comfortable. And when the shit hits the fan, that bike needs to be in your immediate and complete control, no matter what maneuver you need to make. So, don't feel alone on this! One size does NOT fit all! Mama Monday, June 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Marcelo, Interesting, huh?! So, there's no answer. Bikes are rated by their cc and yours of course is a 650cc bike. Mama Marcelo's reply: Thank you for your prompt and instructive reply. As an engineer I understand the nuances of power measurement, but normally they are very small to take consideration. I don't understand why the automobile industry adopts the horse power measurement, and why Yamaha doesn't even publish acceleration rates, like time to speed up from 0 to 60 mph. My conclusion is, even being genuinely smooth and pleasurable to hide, the VStar 650 is not as fast as the competitor models. Marcelo Monday, June 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear FiggsterChick, Friday, June 14 Here's a ton of information on what to use to keep your bike's kickstand from sinking into the elements (in response to a request for info in the 6/12/02 newsletter): You can get them at CycleGear ... you can also get them at most warehouse type cycle accessory stores. The one I've been using is about 5yrs old and I'm still using the original string ... the string is long enough to go thru a hole in the heel and then up to your handle bars, so when you get on your bike you can just pull it up wrap the string and then stuff it where ever you want it. Great device it is too, don't leave home without it. I use it in the dirt, gravel and on too hot asphalt. Chewy (note from Mama: go to www.cyclegear.com to find store locations or download their catalog which is in Adobe Acrobat PDF format) I was reading your latest and oh so greatest newsletter and saw where some one is looking for a gadget to keep your kickstand from sinking into the asphalt and I have a suggestion. My Ole Man bought his at a Harley Dealership but I have seen them offered several different places. HD sells a round hard rubber disc that is small to throw on the ground and I am sure you can find these at almost any place that sells cycle accessories but I have a web site I go to and order stuff that sends out this awesome catalog full of goodies called Mr. B's...the Web site is www.mrbsaccessories.com is their catalog Vol.17on page 177 they have an item called the "BIG FOOT" Item # FOT-4183 and the price is $2.49 ea. or 2/$3.99. It looks just like the name says a "Big Foot" and it is to keep your kickstand from sinking into the pavement. I suggest everyone check this place out they have tons of goodies! I have ordered from them several times without any problem at all. Genioe/HrlyLady I personally carry a metal electrical box junction cover. The cover is flat and about 4" square and has a few holes in the corners meant for screws. I used one of these screw holes to attach a lanyard with an alligator clip on the end. The lanyard allows me to swing the metal cover around until it's in the right position - something that is almost impossible when you're riding alone! The alligator clip can attach to any readily accessible part of the bike for easy retrieval when you're ready to leave. Also keeps me from forgetting it! The metal cover costs about 37 cents at any hardware store and the lanyard was a give-away from a technical conference. The lanyard can easily be replaced by a long shoelace with an alligator clip attached to the end. The lanyard/shoe lace wraps around the metal cover and the whole thing slips easily into my jacket or vest pocket. Marge Winnersberger (note from Mama: wow, now that's using the ol' noggin!) A beer can (or Coke) which has been smashed, works perfectly well. Linda (note from Mama: and the material is usually close at hand!) Aerostitch sells one -- Aerostich CFSP (Carbon Fiber Sidestand Plate) CAT. NO. 1424 for $14.00: http://www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.store/411302728/Catalog/1090 Kathy Roach One hint I have is to get a few of the free AOL discs you get in the mail and glue them together with something like JBweld. Cool Idea and something different. It's a nice big round spot that won't sink in.... Joy (note from Mama: and a good use for these instead of throwing them away!) Hi, my name is Diana Land. I live in N.Hollywood, California . My husband and I manufacture anodized aluminum kickstand supports called BIKE BUDDY. We have two sizes: 3"round and a 3"x6" elliptical . The rounds retail for $7 and the elliptical for $10. Please call me if you want more information on the BIKE BUDDY at (818) 759-6050 or cell (818) 203 2853. Thanks. Diana (note from Mama: or reach them via email at bikebuddypro@yahoo.com) Use an old CD Rom....works great, flat, fits in your saddlebags or tankbag no problemo. AND...if you get lost in the wilderness, is reflective for signaling for help, LOL. Seriously, this was passed along to me by another biker, cannot remember who to give them credit. Deb (aka BlackShadow Woman) (note from Mama: a lovely dual purpose concept!) One of the oldest and most frequently used items for keeping your kickstand from sinking in the blacktop is a good old fashioned pop can. Pepsi, Coke, or whatever you like to drink....they all work great. Of course you need to flatten it first. hee hee Betty (Bootygrandma) Thursday, June 13 Here's a protective band for motorcyclists' shoes! http://www.shubandit.com/. Hope this helps. Sharkie I used to use shoe goo on my boots, then I found a boot shop that put extra leather on, I didn't like that look so I used a piece of garden hose to put around my shifter ... still didn't like that either. Now I have a heel toe shifter and don't think about it anymore but, would like to know if there is something out there too. Chewy (note from Mama: I happened across shoe goo at Kmart in the camping department!) Go to Women on Wheels web page on the net, hit their Links page, there is a vendor on there that sells just what she is looking for...will look them up and send the link, also someone else sends sponge cove to put over your shift lever to protect and not have to wear something on your shoe, could probably make one of these your self. Deb (note from Mama: that link you're talking about takes you straight to Shu-Band-It at http://www.shubandit.com/.) This site has a "shifter scuff eliminator" band that looks like it would work. I have not used it myself, but found the site while surfing one day. It's $13.95. http://www.rydewear.com/userssay.htm Lisa I don't know if they are still available but I got some "Shoe Bands" a while back off of eBay. My boyfriend rides his bike to work as often as he can so he doesn't want to mess up the toe of his work shoes. It fits over the shoe with a neoprene material over the toe and a thin band underneath and comes in a variety of colors - I got a couple black ones and a red one for myself. And if I remember correctly, they weren't very expensive. I've included the guys email address from the auction - it's all I could find left. cash4usf@hotmail.com Good luck and safe riding. VTwin Sister Laura Suggestion for the ol'
worn spot on the boot.... Either replace shifter with a heel-toe shifter
or cut a piece off an old sock and cover the toe while riding. Every time I go to my local Cycle Gear shop I see this product. I have not yet purchased it, but it is called Toe Guard (surprise, surprise ;o). http://www.mfiap.com/halo/toe.htm My shop sells it for $10 but this site sells it for $13, so may want to check on local prices. It is a little cover made out of neoprene (wet suit material) that goes over the gear shifter. Another (mostly) great product by MFI is the HALO Reflective Helmet Band. It is highly reflective band also made out of neoprene that slips on the helmet. The problem is after a few weeks it tends to slip off. At the end of a highway ride it ends up around your neck. :o7 Still looking for a way to keep it in place properly. Dawnise The clutch mark, especially on new boots, has ALWAYS been a problem. But like you said, after the boots get worn it really doesn't matter and after 20+ years of riding it has seemed like a badge of honor to me. Those who see it and KNOW what it is also know that you DRIVE that bike. The "problem" brought a smile to me and, hopefully, a happy quip to you. You are doing a great job for us ladies. Keep it on two wheels, God Bless, Darlene Bish, Undaunted M/C Nomad (note from Mama: yup, I like that badge of honor thing too, but let's face it, prices for boots have increased a lot in 20 years, so maybe now I'd want to protect a new pair also -- if I ever got any. Maybe. ; ) Here's a boot strap for motorcyclers; who knew? $13.95 with free shipping. A few cute t-shirts too. "Motorcycle riders eliminate shifter scuff marks with Shu-band-it 2 - New durable extra stretchable one size fits all compound and five new colors to choose from." http://www.rydewear.com/ or http://www.shubandit.com/ Two other suggestions: In regard to the worn out boot question. I once saw a fuzzy cover you can put over your shifter that helps prevent the wear and tear on the boot, but now for the life of me I cannot find the website or the name of the company. I know such things exists, but have long given up on keep my boots looking nice. As I told you before, I've been riding in the rain so much and the boots are so worn, that I just don't care. I've even started not caring about my jeans. I have the frazzled edges on the bottom, since I like to wear them long, looks good on the bike, but when walking tends to get a bit in the way. Then the knees are wearing out to the point of holes and to tell you the truth, I look like biker trash, but hey that's what its about right, no fashion statement here. Rain (she publishes Biker Ally magazine, go to www.bikerallymag.com) He could just re-dye the boots. It is not hard to do....about as hard as liquid shoe polish would be. The best type is an alcohol based dye.....it penetrates the leather better. Of course, you want to put a finish over it to protect it. Betty (Bootygrandma) Wednesday, June 12 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cindy, Wednesday, June 12 Dear VTwin Mama, Apparently the EZ Clutch (and other makes) make the clutch (and cable) have to be replaced more often, in some cases twice as often if a lot of around-town riding is done. For some people, replacing the clutch more often is a better deal than having a sore hand. It was something I was going to consider, but I took their advice and added the new levers from Custom Chrome. After riding them for some time now, I am thrilled. Yes, my clutch is a little stiff, but with the better reach, I have been able to build up strength slowly over time without the "strain" that I previously experienced. Not being spoiled by a softer clutch has also allowed me to ride my husband's Road King and Heritage with ease. J. Marie in Virginia Dear J. Marie, Tuesday, June 11 Dear VTwin Mama, I completed the MSF safety course in late July 2001 and have logged over 4300 miles on my bike but I am still uncomfortable in the curves, especially to the left and blind curves in either direction. Now, I don't crawl like a moped but I definitely don't fly like he does. I got tired of being a passenger and at the age of 47 with a grandchild I decided I was going to learn to ride myself. My husband has been riding for years and of course he just flies through the curves. He rides a BMW 1100RT and the only bike we could find for me ( I am vertically challenged with 26" inseam) is a Yamaha Star 650 Custom which I really love and can completely flatfoot. By the way, my husband actually bought the bike for me before I even took the course, he is a sweetie. Often I feel it is a difference in the style of bikes (His is a sport tourer and mine is a very low and long cruiser) plus my lack of experience that is causing uncomfortable feeling. We live in the foothills section of the NC mountains so every where I go there are curves and dips. Any suggestions on improving? Maybe I am a slow poke in the curves but I would rather be safe than sorry and I have told my husband such and also advised hem I am not going to go faster around the curves than I am comfortable. City traffic and highway traffic and speeds are not a problem for me so far. Thanks for any insight, Debbie Dear Debbie, Probably because many of us have driven cars a lot longer than we've been on our bikes. And without the metal "cage" around us, we naturally feel more vulnerable, especially if cars are coming at us from the opposite direction. At least that is how I feel! That being said, I'm very proud of you for speaking up on this subject and acknowledging your current limitation and that you'll not be pushed to ride faster around curves if it is not comfortable! There's no point in going fast if it's going to put a chill up your spine. Yucko! Unfortunately, the only cure is practice, more practice and then when you're good and tired of that, even more practice! Every year I find myself weirded out on left leaning curves so what I do is I start by taking them at speeds I know I can handle. Then, on roads that I know the curves well, having been on them many times, I add 5 mph the next time I go around it and practice picking up a little speed. One way that I gain more control is to bump down one notch in gears, so if I'm naturally flying about in 4th gear, I go down to 3rd gear and so forth. I find that I have better response from the throttle (tighter control easing off and adding on) and can use less brake pressure to give me that control. That way, if I feel panicky, in a lower gear I can back off the throttle and lose speed quicker and just tap the front or rear brake to maintain. Let's see if any VTwin Mama sisters have methods to add to learn how to go through curves that give us the jitters. Mama Tuesday, June 11 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Figgster, Tuesday, June 11 Dear VTwin Mama, Mama is on the right track with your bike running too rich and either needing timing done or the carburetors synchronized. The back fire results when un-burnt fuel ends up in the collectors and then ignites. While this is happening though, the spark plugs are getting very wet from too much fuel. Ill add my .02s worth with; should this happen again. (the backfire/no start) before you run your battery down trying to start it, remove the spark plugs and dry the tips before trying to start the bike and running the battery down with wet plugs. Which is the other reason it started the next day, the plugs had a chance to dry out. Not wanting to add insult to injury I would also add however, you most likely didnt need the new coils. They would of course run hot due to being unable to discharge the current sent to the plugs that were trying to fire under less than optimum conditions. On the bright side? One part you wont have to worry about going bad for a while. HammerLady@ShinnySideUp.com Dear HammerLady, One essential skill is to learn how to start the bike with a minimum (or no) choke on -- when you open the choke, you're just sending more gas than normal through the system, which can foul the plugs very quickly. And that will put you in a "foul" mood if you don't have a wrench so you can dry those darn things off! Sure, this is more of a cold weather concern, but one to take note of any way! Mama Monday, June 10 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Melissa, First, so if it ever happens again and there is no one around to help you pick it up, check the two links in the Links Archive that show you exact techniques to pick that old thing up again (hint, one is at a BMW site at http://ibmwr.org/otech/pickup.html and the other is at Motorradfahrerinnen, a German site but the instructions and pictures are in English at http://rover.mainz.netsurf.de/~uschla/bikefrauen.html. That way, you've mastered the weight by learning where the strong points on the bike are and how to use your body with the least amount of struggle -- you don't need a lot of weight or muscle for these techniques. You might even want to lay the bike down on a nice old sturdy rug (with the help of a friend) and practice. Master this and you'll never be afraid again! Second, and I've done this myself, at a dead stop with the bike turned off, and the front wheel pointing forward, lean the bike just a little bit to each side slowly to feel the weight of the bike and determine your best footing (feet planted a little bit forward, or directly to the side, or maybe even a little bit back) that allows you to control the lean. Just a little lean at first, then a little bit more. Talk to the bike as you do it (!) -- "so that's how your weight feels, that's not so bad." Again, the point is to face your fear and learn your limitations and strengths. By knowing these, you'll be better prepared for an unexpected lean in a slow turn or trying to maneuver it from a parking spot, etc. Then try this technique with the front wheel cocked slightly to each side and lean just a little again. Practice, practice, practice. If this whole things scares you a bit, have a friend stand straddled over the front wheel holding the center of the handlebars to aid you at first. Third, you didn't take that motorcycle course with this particular bike. Perhaps it's a good idea to take the course again, but this time with the beasty (or should I say, "nice bike, nice bike") if possible. Gain more confidence with the guidance of instructors who can work with you on specific techniques you are looking to master. And last, but not least, consider working with some free weights and simple arm strengthening exercises. This will tone up your muscles and provide a mental boost as well. You've got what it takes Melissa and we're behind you 100%. So get cracking and make that bike your friend. You can do it! Mama Friday, June 7 Dear VTwin Mama, Friday, June 7 New Chicago WOW chapter forming Dear VTwin Mama, Thursday, June 6 Dear VTwin Mama, Thursday, June 6 Dear VTwin Mama, I agree that I just don't want the responsibility of someone on the back and I really don't trust most people to ride on the back. Should they move wrong or make a move in the wrong direction at the wrong time, you could loose control of the bike and both could get seriously hurt. The people I would trust on the back are the ones that would never ride on the back because they are busy riding their own bike. I had a solo saddle put on my bike because it is comfortable and it eliminates the question of taking someone for a ride. Ride Safe and Alert 2B4W -- Ellen (Note from Mama -- a solo seat is soooo smart!) Way to go Barbara!! Absolutely a wonderful and valid point!! And a good way to tell some creaton they are not wanted on your bike without causing a scene. And we all know any woman that would do something like that in the first place is capable of causing a scene!! HrlyLady, aka Genie (Note from Mama -- Amen!) Wednesday, June 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cam, You've probably checked the most obvious causes (partially fouled spark plugs, drained the tank for any possible water condensation, or such related issues). Could it be a clogged fuel filter or maybe a small amount of dirt has settled into the bottom of the tank? Or perhaps the carburetor needs to be cleaned out (a small amount of gas additive could solve this). The reason I'm thinking along these lines is that the problem is intermittent so maybe something has settled in to react at low speeds and then unjams at higher speeds only to settle in again when you're cruising along comfortably. Let's see if any of the VTwin Mama sisters have more ideas. Mama Wednesday, June 5 Dear VTwin Mama, I went to a dealer who said the coil was very hot, so I parted with some dollars and fitted the new coil plus new plugs ( can you tell me the correct gap) I have set to the same settings of the old plugs I took out, I also looked at the points (can you tell me what the gap should be) they are set at .30mm. The bike is running but seems a little lumpy, backfires now and again but not a lot, and tick over is crap. If you can help -- my next door neighbor will hate you, as I wake the old fart up at 7am every morning -- some things in life can't get any better. mrpound Dear mrpound, Meanwhile, so what about the old fart next door, but remember, bikers aren't that happy when they have to listen to your bike backfire down the road in front of them, so get it tuned up! Mama Tuesday, June 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Sharon, Ok, not really. Actually, the first listing was for the Brothers of the Third Wheel (BTW) organization and if you hop on there, you'll find oodles of information and a email address, plus a chat room about trikes. Also, here is the link for Triker Don's Trike Outlet page. And then I hit the mother lode with Harley Trike.com (!) which led me to Trike Kits.com! Try these resources -- you should find someone to assist you further. Mama Tuesday, June 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear HH2002, Tuesday, June 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Once I get on the pavement, I have a blast! Have taken several long rides, and feel really comfortable. Have ridden on the interstate, in traffic, even in hail! The reason I'm writing now, besides thanking you for giving me the resources to select a good bike for me to start on, is that I am looking for women to ride with in my area. I found a couple of groups through you, and they seem really nice, but they are so far away! It will take me 2 hours to get to any of their meetings, each way! Can you put out the word for me that I would like to meet individual female riders to ride with that live closer to me? I live in Elizabeth, Colorado, which is close to Parker, or even Aurora. Perhaps someone else has experienced the same thing, that the meetings are too far for them, and would like to go together? I just want someone to ride with that won't take so long to get to. Thank you so much for the wonderful advice. I am now riding with confidence! And, I love my bike! Sadie McNasty (ada Stacie) Dear Sadie/Stacie, Women riders who live nearby Sadie/Stacie(!) can contact her via email at staciecarlson@yahoo.com. Also, did you hop onto the ShinnySideUp chat room? They have lots of women chatting from all over, so posting a message there might help you find riders in your specific area. You can find the link at the bottom of the home page or on the Links page. Kudos to you! I'm grinning from ear to ear for you! Mama Tuesday, June 4 Dear VTwin Mama, By the way, for those people who haven't taken the Basic course or the Experienced course, they have revamped each of those courses. I enjoyed it much more this time around, and I think the skills are more relevant to everyday riding. Thanks again for the support. The web site is great. Carrie Dear Carrie, Monday, June 3 Dear VTwin Mama, This is my third time taking the basic course -- I am much more confident and I expect to pass the riding test with flying colors tonight. Thanks for your support, and the support of all of the women that take the time to respond to those of us who are just learning. Keep up the good work! Carrie Dear Carrie, I'm also so proud of you for continuing to take the basic course till you have gained the riding confidence that you seek. Not everything we desire can be attained in one go, so you've shared a very important message -- if it's worth doing and your heart and desire are true to the task, keep at it till you get it right! There are no added points for passing tests without feeling you've really mastered something. Mama Monday, June 3 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Betty, Monday, June 3 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Barbara, Monday, June 3 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Barbara, |
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