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Monday, June 30 For Marlene who is wondering at what point she needs to challenge her riding level a little bit more: Congrats on the 340 miles that she has put on of course already, but here are my suggestions. When I am out riding by myself, I try to challenge myself a little more each time I go out. For me, it's a lot easier to try things on my own instead of around other people or in groups or whatever, but I will find a stretch of road and just practice swerving around imaginary potholes, or practicing the proper lines of the curves so that I don't enter the curve too sharp or too late. Sometimes I go slow, and sometimes I pick up the speed a little more. I also practice u-turns at the gas station or wherever, so that when the time comes for me to do it, I can without fear. You have to get to know your bike, and know its capabilities and limits so that in case of emergency you aren't totally freaked out by the bike. It's scary leaning hard into curves, but the more you lean and roll on the throttle the better, sharper and smoother your turn will be. Go get 'em girl! Just my advice for the day. – Terri in Baltimore (note from Mama: suggestions from the voice of experience are always helpful!) Monday, June 30 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear NN, 1. Change the oil and filter Some service manuals suggest more aggressive action -- please refer to your manual. If you wish, contact your local dealer to determine if they offer long-term storage and the associated "services," as well as getting your bike back in running condition. – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Monday, June 30 For Marecat whose trying to get out of first gear and has the general jitters: I started on the Rebel too last year, and I was the same way about shifting. Then my husband suggested I ride on the grass in an open field and when I did that, I was not afraid of the bike or shifting anymore. I guess I felt safer about falling on grass more than pavement if I were to fall. So I rode on the grass for about a month and did real well on the parking lot after that. – Kathy (note from Mama: how totally cool! As long as the grass field is relatively flat, I can see where this removes one of the "mental" blocks -- i.e.: falling on pavement.) Marecat, I would *love* to stand in that parking lot with you and tell your husband to go take a hike and start treating you with a little more respect. First of all, there's a huge difference between encouraging you to practice and pushing you past your limits. Second of all, no one has a right to "announce" to anyone else whether they will or will not get their license this year - except, perhaps, for the state license examiner. While there's no substitute for practice, doing so under a lot of pressure doesn't necessarily help at all. There's also nothing wrong with spending the next few months learning to balance, start, and stop, and waiting until you get to the MSF course to let them teach you the rest. Alternately, you could decide that you *can* already balance, and let the MSF course teach you the rest anyway. It's been my observation that spouses/significant others are *not* the best people to teach their partners to ride. Knowing how to do something doesn't mean you know how to teach it. I don't mean to come down on your husband here, but if his behavior were encouraging and supporting you, you wouldn't be posting here! Keep your spirits up, the rubber side down, and take a stand for your right to move at your own pace. You'll feel a lot more comfortable. Maybe there's someone on the ride-in list in your area you could hook up with for some practice time, rather than hubby? Just a few thoughts... – Kiara, who is a *firm* proponent of a woman's right to ride at her own pace, her own time, and on her own bike! (note from Mama: I agree that close friends/spouses/significant others are not always the best teachers as teaching is a fine art that requires certain skills that not everyone possesses! I always advocate contacting one of the woman's riding organizations for additional support -- the main clubs are listed at the bottom on my home page.) I too have been learning on my Rebel 250. Have only been riding since the end of April and am scheduled for the safety course July 7th. I have found this bike to be a great learning bike. Not too wide, not too heavy and pretty well balanced. With regard to shifting - is the difficulty with the the clutch, the shifter or the knowing when and actually doing it? I had my husband adjust the shifter as it was positioned at the tip of my toe. He also adjusted the clutch lever so it would not be so "stiff". This allows a smoother motion when pulling in the lever. I can now up and down shift "gracefully". It hard to operate controls when they are not aligned to your physical needs. As for practicing, I would take the bike out every night and drive around the little neighborhoods. As I got more comfortable I would drive an extra block. Little neighborhoods gave me practice with shifting and stopping at stop signs with no traffic and only 25 mph. Learning to use both brakes was the hardest for me as I had a mental block to remember the rear brake pedal. Each night I try to go a little farther than the day before. The real challenge was learning to drive it to work. LOTS OF HILLS! I had my husband follow me in the car on a Sunday to practice. It's almost 5 miles to work and I can do it with ease now. Keep practicing and and stay within YOUR comfort zone. Oh - try to relax and enjoy! (If you're local to me I would love a riding companion that didn't go zero-to-60 in 5 seconds!) – No Name (note from Mama: what an added neat idea to have someone follow in a car as you begin riding on main streets!) Monday, June 30 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Nichelle, If you have experience, then head to every local dealer in your area and begin gathering information. If you like the look of a bike, but the handlebars/foot controls, seat, etc. don't "fit" just right -- talk to the salesperson about modifications that could be made. Bike choice consists of many variables: what kind of riding do you want to do (local, day trips, longer trips), how much money you have (new versus exploring used bikes for sale), experience level, style preference, etc. It's impossible for me to gauge all these considerations and recommend any particular make/model of bike. You've simply got to do the research. If you check my Cool Links page, you'll find a number of sites that offer road test reviews for a wide range of bikes. This could be an added source of information. – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Monday, June 30 For Laura who is looking for a pink helmet and maybe could have one painted: I'd do a little research before painting a helmet. From what I understand, repainting a helmet will cause a faster breakdown of the materials that protect your head in the first place, so you're looking at a faster replacement cycle than the stock helmet (assuming that the helmet is being worn for protection, not just compliance). What I don't know is how much the paint job accelerates the process... Anyone else have any stats on that? – Kiara (note from Mama: I couldn't find any information on the Internet about this, but suggest that if Laura go this route, that she explore this issue with the custom paint house prior to having it done. Thanks for the pointer on a possible problem.) Friday, June 27 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Laura, Top Friday, June 27 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Sarah, On the flip side, power is power, and you can get yourself in "trouble" with a 250cc just as easily as anything else. It's the technique that's important. You don't specifically say how the bad spill happened, so, perhaps, it was due to a maneuver that caught you by surprise or required quicker reflexes than you were prepared to handle. Or not. Was it a routine thing that you've done time and time again and for some reason botched just that one time? In this case, you might benefit from Motorman's "Ride Like a Pro" video. It explains the "forces" of motion at work (especially at the lower speeds) while you're riding and this might clarify for you why the spill occurred. Knowledge is power, as they say! With this in mind, perhaps you might "gear down a notch" and go practice, practice, practice in an empty parking lot somewhere. Over and over and over. Away from distractions, and using the techniques that the course set up for practice, this might be the method to instill renewed confidence. I'm hoping I've given you a few ideas to consider to help you over the mental block. No one wants to break bones, but the only way you're going to get better at riding is by doing it. – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Friday, June 27 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Webhed, Top Friday, June 27 Dear VTwin Mama, My question is how much practice does it take to know the fine line of when to make that turn a little sharper, or take that curve a little faster, or that stop a little quicker? I'm 57 and I got my endorsement at 55 and I took the Motorcycle Ohio rider course, twice. I am now riding a Yamaha Virago 1100. It is a very well balanced, easy handling bike. So far I have been riding very safely and cautiously. I ride the speed limit for the most part. I have experienced what it's like to fall. I made a left turn onto a gravel road and the bike went out from under me before I knew what had happened. I've ridden as a passenger with my fiancé' for a few thousand miles over the last four years. I've watched and observed him, and the others we ride with. He rides a Gold Wing. His movements and theirs are flawless. How do they know that those bikes will hold at a high speed on sharp curves and never flinch. I'm hoping that I will be able to do that someday, but at the moment I am just to concerned that I might overbalance the bike and hurt my self. I'd sure appreciate your thoughts. – Marlene Dear Marlene, There is of course no set mileage or timeframe for when you should begin challenging yourself to ride a little over the speed limit, take a curve faster, or stop a little quicker. But, let's take a clue from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation: after their beginner course, they have a one-day experienced rider course where you ride your own bike. However, they require that you have six months or 3,000 miles of recent riding time under your belt before signing up. According to this "formula" -- you're 11.33% there (based on mileage)! The point I'm trying to make with this analogy is that you shouldn't burden yourself with the thought, "I need to be doing more, faster." And don't let anyone else goad you into taking on more than you can handle at the time. Listen to your gut feeling and respect the learning curve timeframe it is "telling" you. This will serve you well. – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Friday, June 27 Dear VTwin Mama, I have done this and the bike hasn't run right since. I have been told that it is burning too rich. I have called Dynojet company and they informed me to move the e-clip to the third groove. The bike ran better, but it still had hesitation on cruising speeds. I give it gas and it takes off. I have set the pilot valves at 3 turns out for front and rear cylinders according to Dynojet. I have contacted dealers, performance shops, etc. and there hasn't been anyone really to help me yet. Maybe you could help me with this problem or someone out there has an answer. I also been informed to put it on a Dyon tester, but through research have found that you can not get a true Dyon reading. – Alex in TX Dear Alex, Top Thursday, June 26 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Marecat, So, get out there and practice when the weather allows and keep working on the basics. You'll be in that much better position to go into the course with some confidence. DON'T GIVE UP! Now is the time to practice, practice, practice and get rid of some of those jitters -- on your terms and in your own good time -- that's the key! The course is designed to push you through lessons in quick order (isn't it 2 days?!) and you need to get a handle on a few things first. As to getting your license this year -- why worry?! If happens, great -- if not, there's plenty of time! You're a source of inspiration to every woman out who is going through the same thing -- so trust that your determination and willingness to try are going to see you through this period of learning! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Thursday, June 26 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Lisa, I suppose you could wrap your shifter with something but would be worried about it slipping (and not looking nice!), but the more normal solution is to protect your boot. Take a look at the Shu Bandit as an example. – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Thursday, June 26 Dear VTwin Mama, I took the MSF course the beginning of May. Have been practicing going around our neighborhood and down the road a ways...then decided I need more practice especially with curves, stopping and starting & stopping etc., so my hubby drove my Sporty over to a school parking lot (I wanted him to drive it cuz there is to much traffic to get there and I just don't feel that my skills are up there just yet). I was doing really quite good, did that a few times and now all of the sudden I am panicked and am so nervous that I just keep putting off getting back on and I know the longer I wait the anticipation is going to just get worse. When going around in an oval I am so scared the bike is going to down, it just feels so heavy. I know a few people have mentioned that the Sportsters are top heavy...I guess I just need to become one with the bike and give it more throttle on the curve but right now I am just nervous. I sure hope that there is still hope for me...I have always wanted to do this. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thank you for listening cuz I really have no one to talk to about this. I love the stories and am so thankful to have found your site, it sure is helpful to know we are not alone. – Hesitant Dear Hesitant, Because we all learn in different ways, and I've got a sense from your letter that you might be a "visual -- see it, do it" learner, I suggest that you would greatly benefit from Motorman's "Ride Like a Pro" video. While you've learned the basic techniques during your course, this is an excellent follow-up tool to continue your education on good riding techniques. My understanding is that he really explains the dynamics and forces that come into play during various maneuvers (like tight circles, etc.) -- and by gaining a greater understanding of what is actually happening, and how to work it, and you'll see him demonstrate what he's talking about, you'll renew your confidence in learning. Well, it's something to consider anyway. Many women have also reported that taking the course a second time was hugely beneficial -- as there is soooo much to take in the first time, that the second round is much more relaxed because you know what's coming up and can concentrate! I'm glad that the VTwin Mama site is already making a difference to you -- understanding that we are not alone is an important mental boost Practice is the key to skills, so don't give up. Take it one ride at a time and don't focus on how long it's taking to learn a skill -- everyone has a very unique, individual learning curve. Don't pysch yourself out -- with a little determination (grit your teeth and go grrrrrrr!) you CAN DO IT! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Thursday, June 26 For Diana who wants a jacket for summer riding: Aloha, Petra -- I just wanted to respond to Diana in N.C.'s inquiry about jackets to wear in the summer. I live in Hawaii where the weather is warm pretty much year round and when I started riding 12 years ago all the experienced riders encouraged me to wear a leather jacket every time I rode while learning. The thing about leather is if you fall down it can really save your hide. I've seen some pretty bad cases of road rash. Some of the jackets also have a lightweight removable lining - I have one like that so if it's cooler I can zip it in if needed. Take care. – Renee (note from Mama: point well taken!) Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 25 Dear VTwin Mama, A couple of years later he bought be a beautiful read 600 VLX Deluxe. I was scared to death. I could touch the ground flat footed but barely. I dropped it once when my shoes were wet and I put the kickstand down but my foot slipped off of it before it was down all the way and the bike fell. Talk about sad, anger, self-confidence being gone. Well, now we've two kids and no riding time. My husband has a 750 ACE and I've ridden it before but it's not short enough. However, a beautiful 750 ACE Deluxe (customized) became available so we bought it. I'm tippy toed on it - can't reach the brake pedal without stretching (they pedals were modified from the original) and can barely grab the clutch and hand brake. Talk about scared! We live in the country where most roads are gravel and if I slip when my feet are down at a stop sign I just know that bike is going down. I am getting a 2.5" lowering kit for it and risers for the handlebars. My question is this: Am I the only woman out there that is scared of the thought that the bike is too heavy to pick up; that I might need help backing it out of a space; that I can't turn it in tight spots? I've seen women on much bigger bikes and wonder how they can handle such a heavy bike when they need to do something other than just ride (i.e. turn in tight spots, back up etc.) – tmac5 Dear tmac5, First of all, there is a proven set of instructions that will help you learn how to pick up your bike should it ever decide to "take a nap" on its side. And here is the website: http://ibmwr.org/otech/pickup.html. Many women have written in that after reviewing the steps, they had someone help them lay their bike down on an old piece of carpet and practice this. Talk about boosting confidence. Now, backing a bike out of a space is a matter of pre-planning. You've got to learn to judge the space you are about to pull into so that you're never in a position to need help to get the bike out! So, if the angle is slightly sloping downwards, you always make a modified "Y" turn in front of the space and back it in. Then, when it's time to go, give it some gas and out you go! If the angle is slightly sloping upwards, then simply ease the bike in nose first, so when you're ready to leave, the bike will easily roll out the parking space. Tight turns and spots is a matter of practice. Check this previous letter where I discuss some techniques for getting use to the weight of a bike so that when you find yourself in tight spots, the weight of the bike will not "throw you for a loop" and you'll be in great shape to handle it! If others can learn these techniques, so can you. It's a matter of practice, so go to it! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 25 For Troubled in Missouri who went to reinstall a tire and now has rear-end shimmies: Just a thought . . . motorcycle tires must be put on in a definite direction. Was this rider sure that it was put back in the same manner it came off? I hope I am making sense, but if the tire is put on backwards, it will not feel right when riding it. – Bootygrandma (note from Mama: and the KISS principle slaps me in the face once again! Yes, it does make a difference and I appreciate you mentioning this.) Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 25 For Susan who is getting use to the concept of counter steering: The first time my instructor took me out on the road I had never heard about counter steering, I could get around corners but if I had to swerve around something on the road I had no clue. My instructor was a fabulous guy and explained things very well. Counter steering consists of just pushing on one side, pushing on the right curves you right, left curves left. The most fun way to practice is to find a section of road, straight & clear of cars, get up to about 30 or 40mph then casually zig zag around the road by pushing alternately on each side. Don't be stiff, go with the flow and have fun with it. Takes no time at all to get used to. My instructor had me zigging all over the street and flipping through roundabouts by the end of the first hour! Easy when you know how. Regards, – Marion, ShadowPuss (note from Mama: practice in a place that is clear of "obstacles" is always good advice, but you're right -- if someone has a death grip on the handlebars, it's not so easy to learn this technique! Sigh. Still, practice ultimately is the only way to learn.) Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 25 For D.F. who wanted to lower a VStar 650 for free: First of all, I currently ride a 1999 Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic. Second...yes, you can lower your V-Star for free. Since I am a whopping 5' tall, that was the first thing we did to make my bike fit me. The method is known as the Julio Slam. Basically it requires removing the seat, and moving the shock forward about an inch or so (follow the directions of course) and will allow you to lower the bike about 2 inches. You can find the directions at this web site: http://users.sptc.net/~wto/julio.html. I hope this helps you. It is not hard...just takes a little time. Hugs – Bootygrandma, aka Betty (note from Mama: well, that's egg on my face! Thanks for sharing this site. I'll be sure to add it to the top of my Lowering the Bike page!) Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Marion, Top Tuesday, June 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Linda, Top Tuesday, June 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear VTwin Mama, Also, after I bought my bike, my husband bought me a set of leather chaps (which I love) and a leather jacket (which I don't). The jacket weighs a ton. I can't lift my arms hardly and it is so uncomfortable. Isn't there something out there that would be protective yet attractive and light and comfortable. I have looked at some web sites for jackets but get confused as to the terminology used when describing them and they sort of look like jackets worn by motorcycle racers. I would also like something that is well vented (I guess). I love reading your website and very glad I subscribed to your weekly newsletter. Thanks, – Snoma Dear Claire, Diana, and
Snoma, Claire, as you can imagine, your body shape is not in the "mainstream," and just like I'm sure it's a challenge just for regular clothing (just like my long arms are a pain in the patoot), so it is for riding stuff. You might check for dealers who offer the Dainese line of clothing for Cordura jackets and pants. Also, I might suggest having a heart to heart talk with the gals over at Woman Biker by calling 1-(877)-WM-BIKER. If anyone knows woman and riding clothes, they do, and are highly recommended by the readers of the VTwin Mama site. They also offer several Cordura jackets which might interest you (just scroll down this page to see them). Now, the problem with lightweight summer riding jackets is that they are thin and don't offer much real protection, unless they are Kevlar based, and therefore have the "racer" style look that we don't all like necessarily. Still Diana, I can appreciate that wearing something is better than not for some level of protection. I would check the same links for Woman Biker to get an idea of what's available in the lighter weight gear that is vented and yet still looks sturdy. If I sound like a shrill pitch-person for Woman Biker, well, all I can say is that it's a great place online to begin your explorations! Snoma, those three links at the beginning of this letter have lots of great helmet reviews and will give you a better overall "look" at what's out there! Same advice on the jacket I'm afraid. The fact is that leather has a unique look and style and shape and cannot be duplicated by using another material. At least not that I've ever seen! I'd visit a local leather shop to help the process of defining exactly the weight and fit of a good motorcycle jacket for you. At the same time you can discuss what's up with grades of leather. There's some basics about leather on this site, but for some reason I had a hard time coming up with the right combination of words in the search engines to find the definitive site on the subject. Readers, any more thoughts on any of this?!?!?!? – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Tuesday, June 24 For Lou Ann who is looking for people to ride with in Oklahoma: About a women's riding site in OKC, (I live in Hinton, 50 miles West of OKC), there is one called Just Us Girls (J.U.G.S.) at 405-409-5742, www.jugsokc.org. They meet once a week, take rides around Oklahoma, etc. Hope this helps. – Snoma (note from Mama: thanks for the tip. Lou Ann could also check the riders map at I Ride My Own for more women riders in her area.) Share Your ThoughtsTop Tuesday, June 24 Yo Mama, Dear Catthistle, I'd hightail it down to the local dealer and have them open up their aftermarket product books (like J&P and Drag Specialties and Motherwell) and start looking for solutions. Readers, if you've ever heard of another way to handle this, please chime in! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Tuesday, June 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear New, Top Monday, June 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Leroy, Top Monday, June 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Harley Riding Babe, Top Monday, June 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear HedonsDog, Back firing is caused when fuel enters the system and is not burned (ignited) correctly. Some un-burnt fuel can get into the exhaust pipes. Then when the engine does fire, these un-burnt gasses are ignited in the exhaust pipe, causing the backfire. Therefore, I wouldn't change the gas octane level unless you can correlate the back firing to when you're fueling up the bike with gas that is not as good a quality. Contaminated fuel will also cause back firing. I would look for things like spark plugs that need changing (check my Spark Plugs page for yanking them, identifying possible problems, etc.) as this is a simple check. If the plugs are cruded up, then they can't ignite the gas completely. Also, check that the air filter is clean as a clogged air filter will start changing the running characteristics of a bike -- it will affect the gas to air ratio (less air, more gas) distributed by the carburetor, so adjusting the carb to compensate would be incorrect (as you are reacting to the symptom, rather than the cause). While checking, cleaning and changing the plugs and air filter might only be needed once a year, it is wholly dependent on the number of miles you are putting on your bike. If you've been running it a lot, or have encountered dustier, dirtier riding conditions lately, I'd start with these two checks. Since the bike is new, I highly doubt anything else has gone out of whack, but can't completely rule it out. Still, has this always been the case from the time you bought the bike? Then a slight adjustment to the air/gas mixture at the carb might be called for. Or a check of the ignition timing and fuel injector (if applicable) would be appropriate. A call to your local dealer to discuss the continuing problem would be wise, but I can guarantee they are going to ask if you have checked the plugs and filter. Remember the KISS principle and start there. – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Monday, June 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Troubled, So, the question is, did the service center recheck the balance of the wheel after the tube was in place? This would have been a normal step if they had been reinstalling the tire, but may not have been done as you were reinstalling it yourself. Just a thought to double check. Or, possibly a weight was dislodged or slipped its position when you went to reinstall the tire. You don't indicate whether you fixed the front of back tire -- simply that the back end feels like its shimmying. In reading both the procedures for front and rear tire removal and installation in the manuals I have available to me, there are so many steps involved that it is impossible for me to run through all the possible points were a slight change to procedure could have affected the re-installation. Did you follow the service manual for your bike? It sounds like you did, as you indicated you torqued things and that means you must have had the information available to know what torque pressures you needed. Still . . . So, I would call the service center, determine if the balance was rechecked and then describe the sensation you are getting and pick their brains. In the end, this may prove to be too complicated to troubleshoot over the phone. At this point, I would pay the money for them to check everything and ask if you can be present to see how it is done and compare their technique with the steps you took. It would be a useful learning lesson and ensure that the problem is solved. – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Monday, June 23 Bootygrandma’s
message said it all. She
has a friend who’s five feet tall, female,
and rides the Granddaddy Honda, the Wing. If
that doesn’t verify everything I originally said, en toto,
I don’t know what does. Top Thursday, June 19 Dear VTwin Mama, I was trying that look right, press right thing. I wasn't sure how they meant to press. I pressed DOWN and no results! Finally the only thing that got me through it is when I jerked my head as far as I could to the right and I made it around. Since then I have found that they mean to press (forward) on the right handlebar to go right. This was made clearer to me by Keith Code who runs the California Superbike schools and was advised to practice this until I could turn the bike in any direction on demand 100% of the time. I have guys telling me how to do everything on this bike and they have never even heard of counter steering. It's hard to listen to them when it contradicts what the MSF class says and others who have to know what they are talking about when they are training others as their business. I am so glad I found this website because now I don't feel like such a baby about it! We women are usually the "glue" that holds are families together so it's hard to just get out there when you are such a beginner at the risk of being put out of commission from not being properly trained before getting out there with all the other crazy drivers! I just can't get over the fascination with motorcycles and the will to ride though so I've got to go for it. Thanks for being there, Mama! – Susan Lynch, 45-year-old beginner in Ashdown, Arkansas on her first bike, a 600 Shadow Dear Susan, Leaving the safe confines of the parking lot to make your first voyages into the "real" world is a toughie, but ultimately has to be braved if one expects to actually get anywhere (literally and figuratively speaking!). My theory is that everyone has their favorite methods for learning the various riding skills needed. Listening to others is good -- but ultimately, practice is the key to determining how you will make your bike work for you. If a person has never taken a course or read a book on motorcycling techniques, then yes, the word counter steering is probably not in their vocabulary. Still, they have figured out for themselves what works to get the bike around a curve in the road. This is what I call the "error and trial" method -- as often times there is more error to begin with and the trials (and accompanying tribulations) are still to come! Stick with it sister -- you are not a baby, not alone, and we believe in you! Your letter is now forever logged onto the Jitters Page, where the next woman who finds it by accident will benefit from your message! Isn't that so cool?! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Thursday, June 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear D.F., Top Thursday, June 19 For No Name who was asking about the difference between a rigid and softail frame: Top Thursday, June 19 For Deborah whose bike doesn't run so great when she first sets out for a ride: What brand & octane of gasoline is she putting in her bike...I never had a problem running mine cold...and used either Sunoco 94 octane or Mobil 93 octane. – Claire (note from Mama: this is another important consideration -- crappy gas begets crappy riding.) Share Your ThoughtsTop Thursday, June 19 For Babystepper who is working through her "learning curve" jitters: This is me all over! At least you have the nerve to go on out of the driveway! I spend a lot of time pushing mine around the carport, starting it to keep the battery charged and moving it from side to side and around to remind me how the weight feels. I've had one guy supposedly training me that has caused me more barriers than anything from pushing me into trying to do more than I was ready for. I've decided he will be dismissed now and I can start over on my own at my own pace. I think he was making me more nervous than I was by myself! I passed my MSF class, came home and got my license and laughed all the way back to work because all I could think was "they will give anybody a license"! Then I got on my bike (after the MSF class), rode it around, parked, got off and forgot to put my kickstand down. My son had a kick out of that! I'm going back to the parking lot and down the streets around my neighborhood for as long as it takes to make me feel more comfortable which may be awhile. – Susan (note from Mama: Good for you Susan! Learning at your own pace is the only way to go. Reminds me of the first time I rode my bike to work and didn't realize I had chosen pavement to park on that was at an angle. Went to push out the kickstand and the bike starting tipping left and couldn't catch myself with my left leg, so over we went! Ah, memories!) Share Your ThoughtsTop Thursday, June 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Jett, At this point I'm assuming you have the bike in your possession: with the help of a trusted and strong friend (riding or non-riding), and the bike NOT running, have your friend straddled the front tire, plant their feet firmly, and grab hold of the center of the handlebars from the front. Then you climb on the bike and together tip the bike to a centered position (and you should push the kickstand up and away). How did that feel? Are your feet flat on the ground or a bit tippy toe? Understand your foot position on the ground so you know where you are in the future. With your friend still having a firm hold, tilt the bike a little to the left and then a little to the right. Get use to the feeling of the weight. Then tip just a little bit more, etc. Tip the bike slowly back and forth and continue to feel the weight of the bike and make friends with it (the beastie has feelings too you know!). Now, roll the bike a little forward (make sure it's in neutral, and still not running) with our friend pulling a bit and then roll backward, with your friend pushing the bike a bit. If you've practiced the tilting exercise above, you'll be ready to handle the feeling of the bike tipping a little left or right on the roll, if it should happen -- and you'll be ready to handle the weight because you know what it feels like, your feet position, etc.! Practice this until you are blue in the face or the beer in your fridge is calling to you. Then try these exercises on our own (preferably not after raiding the fridge for liquid courage). Afraid the bike will tip and fall over and you won't be able to pick it up? Then check my Cool Links page for a great site on how to properly pick the bike up. This will give you SO much confidence that you will cease to worry about if it happens, because if it does, then you know what to do. You might even want to tip the bike over (making sure the gas lever is shut off) onto a piece of scrap rug or carpet with the help of your friend and practice this technique. Sound a bit babyish? Hah! Good riding comes with practice, and any practice that helps you master and conquer a concern is good practice indeed. Now, go do it! And if necessary, take up free weights to build up your upper body strength. Really! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 18 For Nanette whose head itches when she's got her helmet on: Ahhhhh, the agony of helmet itch !!! I have found that wearing a satin scarf under my helmet works wonders. Also, the satin keeps my hair somewhat intact so when we stop I usually just have to run my fingers thru it.....not to mention the fashion statement that can be made...... ;o). A Polyester scarf also works too. I found a triangle scarf that worked great for me and bought some satin material and made a bunch of them. I did find that some scarves when folded are too slippery - so you need to test run a few. A regular bandana itches for whatever reason. Good Luck ! – Paula (note from Mama: satin, now there's an idea! I myself have a poly/silk scarf I use to great satisfaction.) I've not had this problem with a motorcycle helmet, but I have had it with a military Kevlar helmet back when I was in the service. Just simply sweating in it would cause a problem. Changing shampoos (and making *really* certain I had the stuff washed out completely) actually solved the problem - it seemed I was reacting to the stuff the shampoo was leaving in my hair. (Many shampoos are designed to leave product behind in your hair to create shine, body, etc - and some people don't deal well with those additives once they start sweating into them.) Try wearing a bandana around under a regular hat and see if you have the same problem. If you do, that'll rule out your helmet lining. If so, try getting a very gentle organic shampoo that is designed to rinse completely out, skip the conditioner, use the new stuff for a week, and then try it again. If it works, you're reacting to the soap residues from the shampoo. Good Luck! – Kiara (note from Mama: lots of good suggestions here, thanks!) Nanette didn't say what kind of hair she has, but a riding friend and I both have flat, thin, limp hair (i.e. permanent helmet head, lucky us) and we've discovered that just cramming your hair loose under the helmet works pretty good. I've found that the tighter the ponytail or braid, the itchier the head! Just make sure you get all the hair tucked in or it'll kill you to comb out. – Laura (note from Mama: every suggestion is a good one!) Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Big Dawg, Back on September 10th of last year, Ken wrote in to let me know that he has enjoyed riding the Ridley Sport (and he is 5'11" and 250 lbs.). And the Sport is a smaller model than the Autoglide. This suggests that the Autoglide might well meet your needs. I'd contact Ridley directly and ask for references. Sure, they are going to give you satisfied owners, but it would be a chance to ask current owners more questions! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 18 For Babystepper who is working through her "learning curve" jitters: Been there....done that! I would be glad to share stories and give encouragement to Babystepper. I totally understand...especially about the Monster. I certainly had (and still get) my share of the jitters plus I hate my driveway too! – Bootygrandma (note from Mama: I've passed your email address on to Babystepper should she wish to correspond. Thanks for reinforcing that she is not alone!) Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 18 For Pam who is considering a 250cc bike but is concerned about highway riding: For Pam considering the 250's, I beg to differ about highway speeds. I have an `88 Yamaha Virago Route 66 and it feels fine at highway speed (60-65 mph). The "whining" as you put it may not have that commanding low rumble, but it gets me there. (Remember, us beginners don't have the hindsight of the experts.) My main problem is that for smaller bikes there are very limited touring-type accessories available. I couldn't find saddlebags at all and am currently looking for a backrest bag that'll fit. It's my learner bike and I'm just getting to the point where I'm curious as to how I might deal with a heavier one. Maybe someday I'll get one of those sharp-lookin' new Guzzis. – Laura (note from Mama: I've read that other 250cc bike riders are quite satisfied with their riding abilities on the highway. There's an excellent Honda Rebel site that talks about this at http://www.surfmaine.com/rebel/. I even saw the pictures where a sidecar was added!) Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Inga, Top Wednesday, June 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Laura, You might try posing your question at the Official Virago Owners Club Forum and see what input you get there, because my surfing on the Internet yielded nothing useful. – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Diane, Top Tuesday, June 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Attila (not the Hun, I
presume!), Clutch cables stretch over time, until finally there is no more adjustment capability and you have to replace it. Follow the clutch cable from the lever down, down, down and see if you can see where it attaches to a rod or goes through a metal hole where there is adjustment nut. See it? Now, DON'T DO A GOSH DARN THING until you have acquired a copy of the repair/service manual for your bike! You've got to adjust this bottom connection point correctly in conjunction with the clutch lever adjustment point. So, lickety-split, go to your local dealer and a book. Or click on the link below and get a Haynes copy for $26.95 (1985-2001 model). If you end up determining that a new cable is necessary, then you have the manual to replace it as well! – Mama
Top Tuesday, June 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Deborah, It sounds like your bike could use some maintenance at the very least. Check your spark plugs (they should be changed out at least once a year) and the air filter (if it's clogged, this will alter the gas/air mixture to the carburetor). And it could be that the carburetor could use a good cleaning (there are products on the market to add to the gas tank to aid this). Or it could be that the gas/air ratio itself is too lean (a carburetor adjustment). If you're not into doing the checks yourself, call your local dealer and inquire about the costs for a complete tune-up. There can be so many inter-mixing variables, and a complete tune-up would make sure all points that affect the smooth running of a bike would be addressed. My guess is if you called or visited the dealer to discuss your problem with the service department, this would be their suggestion. – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Tuesday, June 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Mckenzie 101, Meanwhile, I called my local Honda dealer and described the problem. They indicated that there could be a number of seals or covers that could be causing the spray and that it would be best to ride the bike in for a closer look. By the by, it doesn't cost anything to ride your bike over and ask the service department to come out and take a quick look and talk to you about your problem. Really! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Tuesday, June 17 Back in '83 or '84 I bought an automatic motorcycle thinking I could never get the hang of shifting gears. Then, I took a motorcycle course and learned to shift. I had to sell that automatic and get a REAL bike, hee hee hee. Take a course, get comfortable riding. – Sandy (note from Mama: sounds like a good step to explore before deciding whether to go automatic or realize that gear shifting isn't a demonic device designed to screw us up!) Moto Guzzi made 1000cc automatic bikes back in the mid-1970s to mid-1980s. I see one on eBay every now and then (at least once every couple of weeks). They are called Converts (V1000 Convert - I think there were three different models produced, including a Police model). "Convert" is in reference to something about the engine, I think (my Guzzi book is at home!), not that these were converted to automatics. They were designed as automatics! I found this listing for a 1977 Convert for $3400/obo: http://www.la-wheels.com/listings/781/021_00001.htm |