For Half-Pint and the subject of auto tranny bikes:
Has she checked out the 400cc Suzuki Burgman scooter? I'm 5'1" and handle this easily. I'd have the same small-hand problem re: clutch levers on a regular bike (did have problems in the MSF course but passed). But I can go all day with the Burgie. She also may want to check out www.burgmanusa.com, a site for Burgie enthusiasts. And let me tell you, this Burgie keeps up on group rides, does 80 mph with ease, and is a joy to ride. Ride safe and enjoy the ride, – Bryna (note from Mama: glad to hear your bike is still giving you miles of joy! Thanks for once again sharing this auto tranny bike for consideration.)
Saturday, March 5
Dear
VTwin Mama,
I just got my bike, very first one and yes its a tad big- its a Harley
Dynaglide Custom. I love it and am just going super slow till I understand
the bike and can ride it with confidence. I DO however seem to have one
strange little problem. I have dropped it and managed to pick it up twice.
I wasn't riding it either time. First one doesn't count - it slipped my
mind to remove it from gear after I got off it the VERY first time. (at
the Harley shop of course- eep - pride fault 101) . . . it won't slip my
mind again... needless to say.
The other time is the issue. I am in Wyoming and there IS a lot of ice here. It seems a lump of it just won't melt in front of my garage. No ice to speak of on the road etc right now.... just a nasty lump of it in front of where I park my bike in the garage. Now I'm not a little girl -- I CAN pick up the 600lb bike even BUT I can't seem to get it over these lumps and such to park it. I dropped the bike trying to push it from the front out of the garage. I have had almost as much trouble pushing it back in. I want to just sit on it and shove it back as I see other riders do but if there is the tiniest anything in the way it just isn't going to happen. Any ideas? – Parking Troubles
Dear
Parking Troubles,
Congrats on the new bike . . . yahoo! I would suggest that you look
into a bit of strength training for your legs and arms. Muscling a bike,
even on the smallest of inclines or distances, can be a chore for many. I
myself have engaged in some hand held weights for home use (got them at a
superstore sports section) and then followed instructions for building arm
and shoulders. At the same time, I added excercises for the legs (squats
and stuff) which make a huge difference! Give that a thought. An added
bonus . . . on longer distance rides, your body won't tire quite as
quickly because your body is more toned and able to handle the
"frozen" riding position better! –
Mama
Tuesday, March 15
Dear
VTwin Mama,
It is great to have a site like this. I'm 55 and I've had my mc license
for 7 years but have been bikeless for 4 years. My first bike was a Yamaha
Maxim 400. Now I'm looking at a 2004 Yamaha VStar 650. The thing is - it
has running boards. Are these just a place to rest your foot or do you use
them to brake & change gears? This is too stupid a question to ask the
dealer. Help! Also - they are forward, where my last bike had footpegs
straight under me. I'm 5'5" with long legs and a shorter body.
Thanks, – Bonni in B.C. Canada
Dear
Bonni,
Glad you like my site! Floorboards are typically only a footrest.
On the right side, you should see the separate pedal for the rear brake
and on the right side, the traditional shift mechanism. Now, it's true
that some floorboards do incorporate what's called a heel/toe shifter
(instead) and you'll recognize that because it will have a
"rocker" look. In this case, the heel part allows you to shift
"up" in gears by clicking down on the heel while the toe part is
used as normal (to shift down in gears). In this manner you're always
clicking in a downward motion (which takes a bit getting used to!).
Getting used to forward controls does take a bit of practice also, but only in terms of getting your legs/feet to relearn where they need to be when you need them! A bit of running around should get the job done. You'll need to discuss options with the dealer if you find you would need to pull those controls back a bit . . . some bikes have relocation kits, but many don't. – Mama