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Friday, March 29 Dear VTwin Mama, But Beth, if you read this, you will be nervous till the minute you actually head down the road on your new bike. Then after that initial shock of the new bike thing, you will be at ease. If all you have ever rode was dirt bikes, the biggest thing you will notice at first is the hefty feel of that baby. I think that a Heritage weighs in at around 700 + pounds, and that will feel very heavy at first. But once you get down the road, NO PROBLEM. All that weight will do after that is make you more confident, in wind, in rain, semi air blasts, and cruisin' the open highway at 65+ mph. That engine will sing and the air will sooth your soul. And the harmony from the pipes will let the world know you are free, and what a beautiful way to be free, on American Iron. (Milwaukee Iron). Hope Beth that you always ride free and with an angel on your shoulder. Take care, Jo Ann Falash Dear Jo Ann, Friday, March 29 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Barb, Friday, March 29 Dear VTwin Mama and Terri (who wanted more info on joining riding orgs), Motor Maids and Women On Wheelsฎ have several members in common. Many women enjoy the benefits of both organizations. As you mentioned, both groups provide many exciting activities while offering completely different group dynamics. As far as not being able to commute to participate with either group because of the distance involved, there is really only one solution. Perhaps you could pay them one visit, see how they do things and start your own chapter!! I have frequently seen this situation and have been able to assist a new rider in recruiting others to her new sport! Some have felt that they don' t know enough about motorcycling yet to charge off and do something so risky, but after learning just how much support they can get from Women On Wheelsฎ, they've given it a try. Barb Grueschow, President, Women on Wheels Friday, March 29 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Hope, Curves are always tough in the beginning, but you'll get the hang of it soon enough. Keep on motoring dear VTwin Mama sister -- we're behind (and beside) you all the way! Mama Thursday, March 28 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Chirsty, Thursday, March 28 Lots of input for Beth who is just getting started and is a little unsure of herself: Congrats on buying your Heritage. You will love it! As Mamma says, you've got the desire and the determination to succeed...and you will. I got a 2000 FatBoy for my first bike. Like you, I had a couple years of dirt biking with the kids and hubby. Yet I always wanted to take it out on the street. My husband and I always owned some kind of motorcycle but for some reason, I never rode them on the street on my own. I had no problem being the fender bunny for many years. After a while, I decided when I turned 50 it was time! I love my bike even though I thought it was too big when I first started. I also worried about cornering, stopping, stalling, etc. But that determination works wonders! Just remember...practice makes perfect! And I practice as much as I can! The first season of riding I put on 5000 miles and knew it was the right thing to do. Last season, I clocked 10,000 more miles in 8 different states and two countries! I replaced the seat, lowering it even more and never felt more confident than I am today. I can't wait for this year's riding season to begin. We already have plans to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, attend a State HOG Rally, take a weekend tour of Michigan, and participate in a National rally with HOG that crosses Canada into New York. I hope to see you in my travels. I'll be the one with the big grin! Chris I jumped right off after the motorcycle safety course (it's great by the way) and bought a used Wide-Glide. Problem...the bike had been lowered for a short gal and I couldn't handle it well cause the center of gravity had been seriously mucked up. I am 6' tall and weight 150, and if you can't get your legs down in a position to use the muscles you are in trouble at stops. I "gave" the bike to my husband who has a 30" inseam and he rode it while his "tarbaby" was frequently in the shop (a long, long story on screwing with the motor in your bike) and I got a 1200C that hadn't been screwed with. Needless to say, after 2 years on the 1200 I was ready for something bigger and got a FXR4 (screaming yellow!!!) and love it. Meanwhile, my husband found the wide-glide a little low, had it raised back up (it had only been lowered in the rear, hence part of the problem) and now we both use it when our favorite is in the shop. So, my main advice is not only do your feet need to touch the ground, but you have got to be able to unwind those 36" inseams for any leaverage also. Last, but not least, YOU GO GIRL! Remember your safety class training and keep your eyes on everything in your path and you will run with the wind also. Pat Boy can I relate to Beth's situation. I did not order my bike as she did and have to wait and wonder... I bought the bike first, took the Motorcycle Safety course (passed) and tried to ride my new Softail Standard, I dropped it a couple of times, nothing damaged but my pride. It seems right now a little heavy for me. I have had it lowered and have just ordered me a new 'low profile' Corbin seat that I hope will lower me some more. I am 5'4" and weigh around 160 lbs. In the meantime I bought a 1986 Honda Rebel 250, real cute. It is saving my life in that I am learning how to ride a bike and get my comfort level up where I want it. We just got back from Key West and I road it all over town with my Harley friends -- and kept up with them too! I have put about 400 miles on it so far and I love the little bike. I just wish I had bought it first then made my decision on the bike that would be best for me. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Softail and still plan on riding it as soon as I can. I am certainly not giving up on riding it. Beth's height will definitely be a benefit for her. Just sending my two cents worth in... love the site! HDChik I've been riding now for 2.5 years. I started out on a BMWR1100R, 525 pounds of bike with a very high center of gravity. I to took the rider course before riding my bike on the streets and was glad I did. I also thought the bike was to big for me! So I went to a local place that had rental bike and was willing to spend a little time with me in their parking lot. I paid for 2 hours of instruction on a BMW 650 the first hour and 750 the second hour and off I went on my R1100R. Like you, I was determined I was going to ride and I did. I now have a HD Softail Deuce and wish I had bought it in the first place (it would have saved me many bikes to get to what I really wanted). You will do just fine and love every minute on the bike (even if the nerves act up for awhile). You will find the your bike is much easier to handle than some of the lighter bikes with higher center of gravity. Guess I've said enough. Have fun and enjoy yourself. Ride safe 2B4W -- Ellen Wednesday, March 27 Dear VTwin Mama, My intense desire to ride...a dream since childhood is tempered by my lack of experience. After looking over several web sites for women riders and beginners, I'm wondering if I've made the right decision with respect to my bike choice. I've fallen in love with the look and feel of the bike...I'm now questioning if it's too much bike for me. Will I be able to turn? Will I ever get it out of parking lots and onto the street? I'm having a battle between my heart and my head. Is this OK? Is this normal? Is my intuition trying to tell me something? I need your help Mama! Beth Dear Beth, Take it from every VTwin Mama sister that visits this site -- this too shall pass, and soon you will be heading down the road with your knees to the breeze and other body parts flapping in the wind. As I mentioned in my email to you, you've got two important components of good riding -- the desire and the determination. Beyond that, you're on the right track -- signing up for a rider's course is the next best step. And with your height, you should have no problems getting your feet to rest flatfooted on the ground at a stop -- a major biggee control issue. So double check that out in regard to your choice of bikes -- it's important. Now, extend yourself and check out the Women on Wheels or Motor Maids organizations -- chock full of women who are willing to help get those pre-jitter riding bugaboos out of your head. This is your Mama talking, your VTwin Mama that is. Go for it! Mama Wednesday, March 27 Dear VTwin Mama, I recently participated in a safety and self defense seminar and although this very idea was brought up as a way of protecting yourself in a threatening situation...I feel I must inform readers of the downside of this method. By positioning sharp-edged keys between the fingers, you run a great risk of tearing up and gouging your own hand while using this method. In this seminar, we were told of a much better alternative - a device known as a "kubaton." It's a small, metal, cylindrical shaped object that attaches to the end of your key ring. The kubaton itself can be used on pressure points on the body, or to poke, gouge or gain leverage. With a bunch of sharp-edged keys dangling on one end, it also turns into a fierce weapon when flung at an attackers face. I personally have 2 of them...one I carry on my bike, the other I carry my keys on. It's small, lightweight, and can fit easily in any saddlebag, tankbag, or windshield bag. Inexpensive too - about $5 on the Internet. They come in several styles (and colors) - a flat edge, a pointed edge, or pointed-grip edge. There are many companies that sell them...just do a search on Yahoo! for "kubaton". Hope this helps. Linda K. Dear Linda, Tuesday, March 26 Dear VTwin Mama, My next question is about joining an organization like Motor Maids or Women on Wheels. Do most women only belong to one? Can you belong to two or is that unheard of? It seems like both of them have a lot of exciting things going on, but neither of them have a chapter near me, and as a beginner I can't drive out to meet them in different cities. What is the protocol in this situation? Your help is much appreciated. I have already contacted both organizations (WOW and Motor Maids), and now I just can't decide which one would be better, or if it was fine to join both. I think that WOW will have something closer to Baltimore, but you can still find out for me. I would appreciate it. So, I picked up my bike on Saturday and did some driveway practice. What a rush. I am so excited. I am like a little kid in a candy store. I have a huge smile on my face. Thanks for everything. I will talk to you soon. Tcool in Baltimore Dear Tcool (Terri), Good to hear from you. Let me see if I can add some insight to some of the questions you have shared. First, do most women belong to an organization such as the MMs or WOW. That is hard to say -- how do you define most. Joining an organization isn't for everyone. But more and more women seem to enjoy the networking one gains from being a part of an organization. I personally have gained friendships through the MMs that I would maintain even if I was no longer in the organization. There are several other benefits of being a part of a club. One is the support you have readily available. There are more women coming to the sport of motorcycling who have never had any experience with it. So being involved in an organization adds valuable support from others who have 'been there, done that." Another asset of belong to an organization is the organizational activities provide a varied assortment of destinations. I have been in every state (except HA) on a motorcycle and several of those I may not have gone to except that we had a MM event there to attend. Can you belong to two organizations -- yes, you can belong to as many organizations as you wish. We have many MM members who also belong to WOW, WITW, BMWMOA, GWRRA, etc. As to 'chapters' near Terri -- I know WOW as well as WITW have local chapters. The Motor Maid membership is divided instead by district. A district can be one or more states, or even an half a state. The district size can be intimidating for a new rider. In our districts though, the veteran riders will always try work with the limitations of a new rider. As the new rider develops in her experience, it will gradually become easier to venture out of her familiar turf. The more you ride the distance you ride becomes less of a factor. I hope this adds some insight or at least a different perspective. Thanks. Jan Barrett, President, Motor Maids Tuesday, March 26 Dear VTwin Mama, As for Hope... good luck with your 600 shadow. I really love mine! Insurance: I also have found that Progressive Insurance had the best quote -- I live in Indiana and my insurance was $190 for the year. Heads up, Spring is here! Shorty600 Dear Shorty600, Monday, March 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Otherwise, just wanted to say you have a great site here. Great info, interesting and inspirational. Going to highly recommend it in a women's m/c seminar I'll be doing in April. I also have been riding solo well over 20 years, the majority on an HD, as well as a patch-holder in a women's M/C. It so excites me to see more ladies and youth getting involved and enjoying the freedom. My husband and I have been in motorcycle rights for almost that many years and it is our "lifestyle." Thanks!!! Darlene (BJ) Dear Darlene (BJ), Monday, March 25 Since I work (civilian) in law enforcement, I wanted to respond about carrying a gun while riding. Where I work, it is a standard question for a cop to ask if you have any weapons. If you don't have a carry permit, you're going to lose your gun, I can almost guarantee it. Depending on which state, you could also be charged with carrying concealed/loaded, etc. Some areas will even book you into jail. A law enforcement officer MUST have probable cause to search your bike and person. They can't just look without your permission. The best way to stay clean is to give the police no reason to stop you, i.e. current registration, good tires, signals, lights etc. If you do get stopped, what you do is up to you. A polite respectful attitude is always a plus and should result in the same treatment from an officer. Remember though, there are other ways besides guns. Unless you're super strong, you'll either be dead or unable to get to the gun in time. Pepper spray is a must for women riding alone, but be sure you know how to use it! I personally carry my keys in such a way that the one with the sharpest edge is sticking out of my clenched fist. GO FOR THE EYES is my motto. Chris B in Markleeville Having a central check-in person is a big help to me. I give my family members an itinerary but also take time to call one designated person (usually Mom) nightly at a specified time; then other family members call her to check up on me. To keep from running up a huge phone bill, I call collect and state my name and current location, then Mom refuses the charges so she doesn't get stuck with the bill but still knows that I'm safe and where I'm at. (If I actually need to talk to someone, I carry a phone card for that purpose.) I also take along as many small pieces/parts and tools as I can safely carry, just in case. I rode from St. Louis to San Francisco and worried more about my bike getting stolen than I did my own safety. Most people think a woman biker is enough of a novelty to be interesting and are usually good to offer advice or help if needed. I can honestly say I never felt threatened or uneasy, but I did have company for at least part of my trip too. Good luck. Ride Free! Peaches I carry a cell phone and a AAA card where ever I travel. However, if you can POSSIBLY avoid it, riding solo on trips is not a good idea for guys or girls. Even my husband, who has been riding, fixing, and building Harley's for over 20 years, avoids riding alone. It is kind of like swimming...use the buddy system. Anything can (and does) happen, and it just makes sense to have a second set of wheels if you need to drive to a phone (bad cells happen), get parts, etc. Besides, two bikes riding tandem are easier for the other traffic to see. I ride locally alone, but would not dream of heading out on a trip away from home alone. Suzanne Hollingsworth Friday, March 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Hope, You are truly blessed that your husband is so supportive, but I also advocate contacting your local chapter of Women on Wheels or Motor Maids for additional support -- there is just something very wonderful about having women in your area to talk with! Keep in touch Hope -- we would love to hear more about your progress and whatever questions or experiences you would like to share. Mama Thursday, March 21 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Karen, Thursday, March 21 Dear VTwin Mama, Well what do you know -- a motorcycle is much cheaper than a car to get running and I lived in Vegas at the time so what the hell I bought one. Of course it was too big looking and the seat height was too high but it didn't cost much and I got every bit of good out of it. I'm 5'2" so finding a bike my size and still being able to touch the ground is not fun. Anyway, what do you think of a Yamaha V-Star Custom 650? I haven't been able to find out much information from women that ride on this particular bike and I was wondering why. I'm also thinking of the Honda Shadow 750 A.C.E. I have yet to find a dealership in Oklahoma that I like the salesmen. They just have to emphasize that I need something like a 250 and as I'm not greatly experienced, I am no novice. Any thoughts or suggestions would be nice. Amy Dear Amy, As far as working with reluctant dealers, we started a discussion on that which can be found in the Viewpoints archive, starting on March 12 with Kimberly asking a question about bike price negotiation. Just scroll down to find some useful hints and tips about dealers. Hope these suggestions give you a place to start looking for more information. Also, read the next letter for Judi's experiences with buying a bike. Mama Thursday, March 21 Dear VTwin Mama, We started checking out cycletrader.com, Ebay and dealers on the net that were within a day's drive. We had one all picked out at one out of state dealer, but then one showed up on Ebay that we couldn't pass up to bid on because of the low price and no reserve. Needless to say, I won the bid and I bought my brand new Indian Scout with only 9.7 miles from a guy who won it with a $20 raffle ticket !!! He even paid the sales tax on it so we didn't have to. Overall, we saved about $5000 and probably about $3000 over the cheapest price quoted us from negotiating with dealers (but we still would have had to pay about $1000 in sales tax). I know this doesn't always happen this way, I did luck out (and we are not the types that usually do !) I think the most important point is to shop around. We live in Central Florida and would have gone to Kentucky to get my bike if the price was right. Those dealers that are charging full list price, it's all about supply and demand. If they are selling a particular model like hotcakes, you are going to pay more. If not, or if it is a used bike you will pay less. Remember, your local dealer can always do the warranty work and service even if you don't get the bike from them. We have had no trouble getting serviced or in for service even though my ole man's bike was bought from another dealer that ended up going out of business. And we also weren't in a rush to buy, did our homework, checked around. Our wrench (mechanic) at the local dealership doesn't mind working on my bike even though I didn't buy there. You have to get a relationship going with whoever is going to work on your bike so they can tell when anything is acting up. For instance, this past Saturday I happened to stop in to pick up a helmet on order and talked to the mechanic and he ended up adjusting my throttle while I was there !! Nada, zilch, zero was the cost. So it is important to know your wrench! Well, those are my comments, Thank you Judi Shiver Dear Judi, Wednesday, March 20 Dear VTwin Mama, To start off, you might want to wear one of those red x's so you can concentrate on your riding skills first. Once you've mastered the route, your confidence in yourself will allow you to shed the x and rely on your quick responses. Then you can start changing your usual route, just for the fun of it, maybe even taking the long way or the scenic route. Once you get started you'll never look back. I wish you happy and safe riding. :-) Denny Dear VTwin Mama, As far as the ride itself goes, check out a good safe route beforehand. Try to avoid anything that you are currently uncomfortable with. I say currently, because each ride into the office will bring more confidence and less apprehension about certain traffic situations. I try to leave early to avoid the worst of the traffic. Also, if you just get on the road and enjoy the ride (of course, remember to ride defensively) it will be a piece of cake. Don't try to weave in and out of traffic like some of the more experienced riders do. Pick a good lane and ride steady. I am somewhat of an aggressive driver in a cage. But, on my bike, I am into smelling the roses and enjoying the ride. I'm never in such a big hurry that I have to do anything that would put me further in harms way. Take your time and you'll have no problems at all. Shadowlady See Shorty600, Tuesday, March 19 Here is more on the insurance question: Here in New Jersey, we pay about the highest car insurance rates around, but my bike costs just $350 a year. The type of motorcycle makes a huge difference, too - my V-Star is under $400, but my boyfriend (who is 42, has an excellent driving record and is an MSF instructor) just got a bill for $1,700 per year on a new Yamaha FZ1. OUCH!!! Nancy Wow, $190 (albeit US$) for a whole year! That's about half of what it costs me here in Vancouver, BC. Denny Tuesday, March 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Shorty600, Super congratulations on your new milestone -- it's a biggee! Mama Tuesday, March 19 I have full coverage on my 2001 Honda ACE 750 through Progressive. I pay $190 year. Maybe Florida is cheaper than some other places. Shadowlady (Note from Mama: I was surprised by the cost of coverage in Nevada -- someone said it's because we are a transient state and too many people come through without any insurance at all -- sigh, my coverage was actually cheaper in Chicago!) Check out Dairyland Insurance also. Cheryl Monday, March 18 Dear VTwin Mama, PS. I am all about wearing a "gypsy" style scarf. : ) Tcool Dear Tcool, So I went on the Internet and also found Markel American, which seems to have been in this business for over 30 years. That's probably worth checking out. Just as a side note, my local independent insurance office gives me an extra discount because I also insure my house and car through them. So that's another angle. Just like a car, or anything else that needs insurance, check around! The two sites I mentioned have quote calculators right there, a useful tool to use. Mama Monday, March 18 I found one way to hide "hair smush." I found some really nice hair pieces that are on a claw type hairclip. I just put my hair into a ponytail and clip the hair piece on. It looks like a long ponytail. I found one at a wig shop and another at a flea market. They come in a variety of colors, lengths, and styles. There is also the leather hair wraps for those that have longer hair. Most Harley dealers sell them. Nance' I have one more idea to add to the whole hair smush problem. .... When I take off my helmet, I not only have the flattest hair you ever did see, but to top it off, I have straight hairs sticking straight up! I'm not talking about the grey hairs that do this all of the time, but static. How about carrying around a small spritz bottle with water or a light hair spray, bending at the waist, dropping the head over and spritzing the hair. Fluff with fingers and you should be ready to go. I've actually never tried this, (weather here has not been too cooperative for the bike let alone the helmet yet) but I don't know why this wouldn't help the problem. Has anyone tried this, or am I just dreaming that this might work? Michele I have very straight bangs and longish hair. When I stop on a ride, I go to the bathroom and wash my face AND my bangs with soap & water (rinse well!) Not gorgeous, but gets rid of that flat look that so few of us wear well. I can wear a hat, but in Florida the heat with a hat just makes my head itchy and sweaty. I know that's the breaks of riding in Florida in the heat waves of summer, but I am a full face rider and willing to try to work with what I've got. April Friday, March 15 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Sharon, Friday, March 15 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Nancy, Friday, March 15 Dear VTwin Mama, Negotiating is tough and can be limited by two key issues, dealerships and timing/availability. The salesMAN in the first dealership was rude to me and quoted the MSRP plus delivery and set up fees. I told him I was prepared to purchase the bike immediately and could he do any better that that. The answer was no but he offered to match any better deal I got elsewhere. The three salesMEN in the second dealership ignored their only customer, me, and I walked out after spending 20 minutes looking at bikes and accessories. The third dealership greeted me immediately and took me seriously. I felt very comfortable at this shop, it seemed to have a strong business, and both customers and staff were friendly. I decided to buy the bike there but negotiations were limited because this was the only dealership I would consider working with at the end of the day. And this brings me to the second point, timing. I didn't have a lot of leverage because I was buying a 2002 bike in Sep01 and they only had one on the floor that early in the season. I couldn't get anything off the price of the bike but did get them to waive delivery and set up fees of $350. I also got 40% off any accessories I purchased that day and 20% off parts and accessories for the next 12 months. If I had waited until winter I probably would have gotten a better deal but the fall was spectacular for riding and I didn't put the bike away until 2nd week in December. Not bad for north of Boston! I should also mention that I sold my first bike, an '85 Honda Rebel 250, this past Sunday. After a test drive and some dickering, we agreed on a price. The woman came back on Monday to pay for the bike and I spontaneously decided to knock another $100 off the price. I guess I got sentimental thinking about my first bike, the thrill of learning to ride, and the thought of another woman on two wheels! Don't be afraid to make an offer, counter their offer and try to get some stuff thrown into the deal. The worst that can happen is the dealer will say "No"! Berti Dear Berti, Thursday, March 14 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cheryl, I gotta tell you that carrying a gun is a 50/50 thing with me. I did take one on a solo ride once and it made me more nervous to have it with me than any protection I thought it could afford me. If you do carry a weapon, for gosh sakes, make sure you know how to use it properly -- take a gun safety course. On each of my three major solo rides I trusted that 99.9 percent of the people in this world are good and the odds of meeting someone bad are slim. Still, the above checklist is a could place to start to ensure your best possible safety. Let's see what other measures VTwin Mama sisters would recommend. Your question is a valid concern and I'm glad you took the time to write in and ask. Mama Wednesday, March 13 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Shadowlady, Thank you for your input. Another resource is an article written on the About.com website, specifically talking about the art of buying a motorcycle. This may prove to be useful and was submitted by veteran VTwin Mama sister researcher April. The main address for Part I is: http://motorcycles.about.com/library/weekly/aa111201a.htm and Part II (which talks about buying from a dealer) is here: http://motorcycles.about.com/library/weekly/aa111201b.htm. Mama Wednesday, March 13 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Vikki, Tuesday, March 12 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Kimberly, Perhaps the stunned look on the salesman's face was due to your captivating combination of beauty, brains and chutzpah, or perhaps you inadvertently missed a step in the price haggle dance. Or, being a part of the five percent minority of rider-types (the women of course), he had never come across an actual live specimen of "woman-able-to-think-for-herself-when-it-comes-to-her-riding-needs! Of course, if the bike in question takes 6 months to 2 years to get delivery of, I doubt price is a question -- it's more of when will you actually ever see your bike! This was a biggee in the '90s with Harleys. Let's see what other VTwin Mama sisters might have to add to this, but if all fails, go to a bike shop away from home where you don't want any of their models, find a talkative salesman, and then ask! Also, consider joining the local chapter of one of the credible national women riding organizations and get local support. Check the VTwin Mama Link Section for more stuff. Mama Tuesday, March 12 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Sherry, Monday, March 11 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Betty, Monday, March 11 Dear VTwin Mama, My first thought was that I had ruined my brand new bike and my husband was going to kill me. I checked everything out and then remembered the reserve and was on my way. When I told my husband what happened, he asked me how many miles were on the trip meter when the bike stalled. I told him and from that point on we have kept track on the trip meter and headed for a gas station before the reserve would kick in. This way, we don't have to use the switch, but I do change to reserve when it gets close because I don't want to get caught on the highway and run out. My tank has a 1.3 gallon reserve. By the way , has anyone been next to your tank when you put it on reserve? You can actually hear the gas run into the main tank. It's pretty cool. Cindy Dear Cindy, Friday, March 8 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Undecided, As for the extra weight and higher seat, the greatest clue here is to make sure that when seated, your feet rest firmly on the ground. If you are even the slightest bit tippy toe, you are never going to be comfortable and in full control. To reduce seating height, etc. you can get your seat "shaved," you can lower the whole bike with a lowering kit or you can get riding boots with a little extra heel. Some combination of all of this will put you firmly in control of the bike. Then treat you and the bike just like you were learning to ride all over again. Get to an area with no traffic and distractions. Slowly start relearning your turns and stops and speed and shifting and everything! I can appreciate your concern about raw power. But my contention is, get thee to a credited motorcycle school in your area that will allow you to take your new bike (if you decide to purchase it) and work with it under the guidance of qualified instructors. Let's face it, whether you are on the 250 or the 1200, a throttle is a throttle and too much of it will get you in trouble either way! We're behind you 100 percent. Consider contacting your local chapter of Motor Maids or Women on Wheels for moral support by great women riders who are willing to help! And write to us again and let us know what you decided and how it's going! Mama Friday, March 8 Here it is sisters -- more hair smush insights! I take along my trusty Harley Girl Hat. It is squishy and it is stuffed in my windshield bag. So if the need arises, I can cover up the mop on top of my head. Also I carry along for long trips, a small bottle of conditioner, for when your going in for dinner etc. It helps with the snarls us longer haired girls get. Also when I am getting ready for a long days trip I braid my hair damp, then at the end of the day when hubby and I stop for the night or whatever, I undo the braid, fluff up my hair and you would not believe how nice that mop can look. Wavy and sexy you know the wind blown, bed head look. Jo Ann Falash Just an idea...here goes, Velcro in small one inch by one inch small squares of soft foam to the inside of your helmet, position them in different places. This will not effect the fit of the helmet but will keep it lifted somewhat off your hair....waddya think?.....Flyer2001....I'm from Omaha Nebraska,..23 years of riding and loving every single one...ride safe. HD Flyer What I have found to work for me is, I let it grow out some and layered it and had a good perm put in. I put a scrunchie around any I can while riding, even under the helmet, then when I get to a stop, I pull off the scrunchie, throw a little water on it and run a pick through it quickly. Pops right up and looks fresh. Has been a hair saver for me. Scrunchie keeps it form getting tangled, and water pops it back up. Msclean Friday, March 8 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Nance, Thursday, March 7 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Lois, Thursday, March 7 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Joyce, Wednesday, March 6 Dear VTwin Mama, About IDs: I put my expired drivers license in one of the small unused zippered pockets on my motorcycle jacket. As I never leave without the jacket, either on or off the bike, if I lose my wallet, which I have, I still have picture ID with me. Another tip, take a photo copy of all credit cards, front and back, that you are carrying. Leave them in a safe place at home or with someone you trust and can call, if you are on the road. Should you lose your wallet, you know exactly what cards you had with you. The lost card phone number will also be on the copies, making it easy to contact the credit card issuer immediately. just a girl . . . Dear girl(friend), Tuesday, March 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Annie, Tuesday, March 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Anyway, new riders -- make sure you check the ground when you stop. I didn't and was not on level ground. Oops, down I went. We were fine, my bike and I. When you stop make sure that your kickstand is down! I forgot -- right in front of this cute cafe with a huge picture window in front -- again by gas pumps -- was so proud of pulling in. Well, the kickstand didn't go all the way down and there I was in between the bike and the pumps. I really think new riders should be aware of these things I didn't have a clue on. Thanks! Georgia Dear Georgia, Pay attention out there. That is all. Mama Dear VTwin Mama, I would like to mention a GREAT packing tip I learned from a local thrift shop. They were having a semi-annual "bag sale" -- everything you can cram into a bag for $1. A dear little white haired lady who volunteers there passed along this little handy packing tip: When packing clothing, fold everything in half, from the top down, then roll the item all the way down, top to bottom. If you do this, you can get 27 pairs of jeans into a paper bag with this method!! No telling how many t-shirts, jeans and other various assorted items will fit into a saddlebag with this method!! My hubby and I keep a bag packed for our spur of the moment 'overniters' with all essential personal care items. I use the smaller bottles for shampoo, conditioner, etc. and just re-fill them as needed. My question is: What in the world do you do for your hair?! Us VTwin Mama's have to look our best, so of course I keep the chapstick/lipstick handy, but short of just keeping my helmet on at all times--what to do about the flat head look? I have long hair, but that flat top look is terribly un-becoming on me! Davey Dear Davey, Any words of wisdom out there VTwin Mamas? Mama Friday, March 1 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Chris, Friday, March 1 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Just a Girl, |
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