Wednesday, June 1
Dear
VTwin Mama,
Your site is wonderful, I've been feeling rather freakish at motorcycle
shops when I've been out looking at my options because I'm only 5'0".
I live in a heavy traffic area and am not comfortable shifting (I took the
MSF and failed the riding portion). I looked at Ridleys, but the
pricing is too high. I am interested in Scooters, but need
one that is at least highway worthy at around 250CCs. On the models
I've checked out at 4 different large stores, my feet are swinging in the
air when I sit on them. Have you heard of any models that might
be appropriate for a shorty like me? Thanks, –
Miss Griss
Dear
Miss Griss,
I asked Bryna, an advocate for scooter riding at the VTwin Mama
site, to answer your question:
"I'm 5'1" and can pretty much flat foot (at least always with one leg, firm balls-of-toes or better with the other) the Suzuki Burgman 400. It's a 383 cc scooter that more than goes highway speeds (had mine up to 85 with ease) and keeps up with the HOG's and Victory's we usually ride with. Great pick-up, as you'd expect from a scoot, fully automatic and it has a very low center of gravity so it takes curves beautifully. And I'm planning to ride my 400 from outside of Philadelphia, PA to Tennessee in late June, plenty of comfort and storage space.
Suzuki also makes a 650 Burgie but frankly, I think a person has to be about 5'5" to flat foot it. I've tried but it can't be lowered so I've got the 400 for now (till a Ridley is a possibility . . . light years from now).
Hope this helps! By the way, most motorcycle riders happily wave at me or return my wave. As most will tell you, it's not what you ride but that you ride. :-) (Plus, when they see the scoot in action, it can change their mind.) Hugs," – Bryna
Monday, June 6
For Joshua who was searching for a crotch rocket style auto tranny bike:
If anyone is looking for a more crotch-rocket style bike with an auto tranny, the Burgman 400 Type S is a good option. While it is still technically a maxi scooter, it has a rear spoiler (instead of a passenger backrest), a short sport bike windscreen and is sold in bright red. Anyone would have to do a double-take to know it was not a sport bike. The price is not bad either. Hope this helps. Thanks, – Melissa J. (note from Mama: thanks for sharing this alternative . . . so many bikes are blurring so many lines of style and function . . . so it's best to keep an open mind . . . especially on the mega scoots!)
Hi Mama,
I'm making fantastic progress on my new Lehman Trike (Suzuki Boulevard C50
800cc). It's only been a week and 2 days but I've got the clutch/throttle
dance down pretty well. I'm comfortable in city traffic and up to 60 mph
so far. Now I'm working on my swerving and quick stops in a parking lot to
get a feel for what I can safely handle.
I have a question about shifting gears, as this is my first bike with 5 gears. (My Honda C70 had only 3). I understand that it isn't good for the bike if I ride in too low a gear (overreving), but is there any harm to the bike from being in too high a gear, for example when slowing from about 50 down to say 30 mph for traffic but still in motion?
I am having a bit of trouble hearing the engine differences when in 3rd, 4th and 5th (I wear a full helmet, and the wind at higher speeds is new to me).
Btw, this trike is the only factory-direct trike I believe...Suzuki & Lehman teamed up and it retains it's full year warranty on the bike, in addition to the 2 year trike warranty. Normally trike kits void the bike warranty. Also, I insured it through Foremost because they offer 2 year full-replacement coverage for collision/theft.
Anyway, this is some serious fun, I'll tell you. It's very empowering to tame such a beast and especially to be able to pull away from traffic! Thanks for a cool site, – SM Trykster
Dear
SM Trykster,
I'm an soooo excited to hear that you're working on learning the
handling characteristics of your trike and making such great progress!
I don't believe there is any harm in staying in a higher gear while slowing down significantly, but have you noticed that when you go to hit the gas again that the bike doesn't have as quick a response to speeding up again? It's a more sluggish response. That's because you're not in the optimal gear to get going again and the power transfer from the clutch to the transmission's mainshaft is not developing the correct torque for quick response.
As you're having so much fun learning, why not go out to a low traffic area/time and experiment. Get up to your fifty mph and then stay in that gear, slow down to 30mph, and then hit your throttle. Note the feeling of how your bike powers up again. Now, try that same thing, but before you throttle up again from the slower speed, click down one gear and then throttle up. Do you note a difference in your bike's response?!
Not to worry, before you know it, you're continual practice and riding will have you shifting up and down to keep that bike in it's best torque range (not over revving, but not sluggish revving either!). That, dearest sister, is part of the learning experience!– Mama
For SM Trykster who is learning to downshift properly with five gears:
I'm with you have had my "Tramp" on the road for about 2 weeks now and having a blast. My dealer here in San Diego Area (San Marcos) by the name of Rix Eden At Dusk to Dawn Motorcycles (a little plug there) said that to remember that it's just like shifting a car so you would not want to be in too high of a rev for too long.
On another note I had written to you Mama about a problem I had with my clutch burning out after about 4 miles . . . well it turned out that it was my fault as I did not understand how a motorcycle clutch worked. I had started out in 3rd gear on a very steep incline and thought I was in first and was also riding the clutch during my starts and stops. So it just goes to show you knowledge is power. In the wind, – tinyski (note from Mama: thanks for saying hi to SM and sharing your own mistake! I'm glad you and the dealer figured out what happened, and while it cost some money to right the wrong, you learned a valuable lesson and that's sometimes how it goes.)
Saturday, May 28
For tinyski who noted how she burned out her clutch by using it incorrectly:
Regarding tinyski's problem of riding the clutch during starts and stops... Tell me more! I'm afraid I might be doing this.
I've been easing the clutch out at starts and I'm still pretty nervous about killing the engine in city traffic, so I tend to not let it out completely till I get into second gear. I'm also reaching for it on stops and I've been using the engine to slow as I shift down rather than the brakes, which means I'm on the clutch quite a bit stopping.
What're the mechanics of a clutch wearing out, btw? Also, when shifting gears, is it important to completely close (open?) the clutch to the hand grip or is a 1/2 or 3/4 grab ok?
Btw, my new Mustang seat has arrived for my Tramp Trike, and will be installed this weekend. Hubby had his first numb butt experience yesterday, so it will be a welcome change. Still would like to have a big saddle designed for him but he insists the 12-in. Mustang will be ok. Enjoy the Tramp, tinyski! – SM Trykster (note from Mama: tinyski noted she was doing steep incline starts in 3rd gear instead of 1st . . . thus causing the clutch burnout. Yes, the more you use the clutch, the quicker it will wear. When you pull in the clutch lever, of course you are disengaging the clutch from the drive system and letting it out is what then engages the clutch so that power can be transferred to make the bike go! Notice that your clutch lever engages/disengages the system somewhere in the midpoint of the pull of the lever. When you don't fully let out the clutch lever you may not be fully engaging the clutch to the drive system, causing it to slip because the mating slots and tabs to the drive plates are not aligned.
This is called slipping the clutch and is used to keep the bike moving forward at very low speeds, think 0-3 mph, and riders use it when large riding formations are inching forward and they don't want to put their foot down all the time with the bike at a full stop. They let out the clutch lever just enough to get a small amount of power than pull it back in again just a small amount to stop moving forward, then slip it back out, etc.. Still, the consequences of wear are there and should be used judiciously!
With practice will come your confidence to fully let out the clutch in first and hopefully you're fully pulling in the clutch lever when you shift to 2nd! Yes, you can downshift to bleed off speed, but really, it's important to learn how to use both the front and back brake in tandem along with downshifting for maximum control and handling. )
Dear
VTwin Mama,
I am a new rider who took a MSF class and did well. I just purchased a '03
Vulcan 500. I have been riding only for several days after my course in my
neighborhood. My problem is that I am having problems with my braking
techniques. What I find myself doing is using the front brake and not the
back brake together. The last time I practiced I dumped my bike riding up
and down my carport, which I think I used the back brakes only. I came out
ok but I bent my shift lever. Now I have the jitters. –
Sylvia
Dear
Sylvia,
New riders can get the jitters pretty easily . . . just realize
that you're NOT ALONE on that!
I suggest you take that bike to a bigger practice parking lot than your carport . . . you need room to breath without obstructions and distractions (like a school parking lot on weekends). If necessary, have a family member or friend ride that bike there. Set up a "stop" cone at a convenient place. Then practice. Start farther down (straight line) and go into first gear and practice a controlled stop to the cone. Try with just the front brake, then try with the combo. Remember, light application of the brakes . . . you never want to "jam" on either brake, and never, ever, ever jam on the rear brake. That will put your bike into a skid that is truly nasty.
Then try second gear. Practice, practice, practice. This is the only way you'll get the coordination of braking and down shifting your gears together to find the control you're looking for. By going to a safe practice zone, you eliminate traffic signs and other "stuff" to consider. Make sure you bring water, take frequent breaks, have somehow encourage your small steps towards learning the skill! You CAN DO IT! – Mama
Sunday, June 5
For Sylvia who is learning to coordinate the use of her brakes:
I too have learned some important lessons out there on the road and as well, took the Safety Course. Somehow the instructor on the course knew I was a cyclist and commented on how much I used my front brake on the motorcycle - I guess you bring what you know. He encouraged me to use my back brake instead. So . . . for the duration of the course I used my back brake only, as instructed.
Then, after passing the course and moving up to a 750 Virago, I found myself in a situation on a REAL road where I had to brake NOW (missed my turn) and applied the back brake HARD….well…now I know what "fishtailing" means. As soon as that swerving feeling started to happen I released all and used my front brake. Major difference. Now, because of experience, I use the both. Mostly the front for time to time slowing down, but both brakes for full stops. Hope this helps. – Kathy (note from Mama: there is no more sickening feeling than a self-induced fishtail/rear tire slide . . . it's a hard lesson learned, but boy, it sure sticks with you! Yes, front brake for small slow down needs and both brakes together for faster, more complete stops, but still, no jamming on either if at all possible.)
Monday, June 6
Hello
VTwin Mama,
Your site is absolutely incredible. (thanks!) I
actually got goose bumps reading the last mail from Amy
about dropping her bike coming down her driveway, getting the courage
to regain the saddle and realizing this truly is a lifelong learning.
Reading that made me humble. I so "am" with the thoughts of her.
I haven't dropped my Harley but I laid my Virago down in a parking lot . .
. I remember it all in slow motion . . . never back your bike uphill on
gravel . . . yikes! I have had an accident with my Harley, my fault, came
out clean, thankfully and with more knowledge and respect for the road.
But, I have a situation I would like to convey: I purchased my Harley independently 2 months ago, which included a set of forward controls - really bright and shiny chrome things. My husband was ooohing and aaahing like crazy about these things. I was comfortable with my mid controls but he talked me into having the forward controls installed because my custom Super Glide would look so much better . . . blah, blah, blah . . . and so it happened. Forward controls installed.
LADIES, TAKE NOTE: (Actually, everyone, take note!!!)
Choosing to have forward controls can be a nightmare. How FORWARD are these controls? How is your seat in relation to these controls AND are you comfortable having your leg straight out in front of you, hitting the air whatchamacallit thingie? I spent money $$$ I can't tell you, to buy these fancy forward controls and then to have them installed (not knowing any of these obstacles) only to have to pay double $$$ to undo the process and have my mid controls re-installed. The shop that did it (totally male staffed) said "tell her to get used to them!!!"
The "bucket" of the seat was too far back and the controls were too far forward. The combination was ineffective for a 5 foot 9 inch "me" but perfect for my 6 foot husband who absolutely loves them as did every other guy that saw those beauts…but it's not me and it doesn't work and I'm the one riding it.
Having those controls threw me off balance, too. I had to hoist myself forward on the seat to reach my rear brake as well as shift. How scary is that? Turning onto a street was quite the experience, so when my husband of 27 years saw me teetering on a turn with controls I can't reach, he took the liberty to tell me afterwards, I am not ready to ride a Harley, Ladies, we do have a challenge on our hands! – Kathy
Dear
Kathy,
What a nightmare on those forward controls, but glad you're
sticking to your guns and making sure that the bike works for you! And no,
being a Harley rider does not mean you've got to have forward controls! I
admit that I loved mine on my last bike, a Harley, but now with the new
bike, a 2001 BMW R1200C Phoenix, I'm just as happy with mid-controls,
although I wouldn't have chosen a standard BMW with those controls that
make your legs cock backwards (talk about leg cramps at 5'10"!). To
each her own! If hubby keeps tut-tutting about the controls, just tell him
there are two choices: either you can ride safely or not at all . . . I'm
guessing he'll agree the first choice is the wisest one! There is no wrath
like . . . a woman on a bike that doesn't meet her needs! –
Mama