Monday, March 5
Dear
VTwin Mama,
Hi there . . . although I'm neither a woman nor a v-twin rider , I do love to
ride! I have two artificial legs and just took up riding in 2002 at the age of
43. When I heard that Honda put out their Silverwing 600cc automatic scooter ,
I bought the first one I could find in the area. 85,000 miles and two cross
country trips later I still chomp at the bit and wait for the New England
snows to melt so I can get "back in the saddle again!"
I like your site and have learned much from the letters posted there. Keep up the good work! Shawn Annis
Dear
Shawn,
How wonderful and inspirational to hear from you and of course I'm
glad you're getting something out your visits to the VTwin Mama site! Send
in a picture of you and the bike sometime . . . we love putting a
face/smile/bike together with a reader's info! Mama
Wednesday, March 7
Hi
Petra,
Just been reading your
report about the Atlanta show, sounds like a blast.
In your note about the Piaggio MP3 you say that you still have to hold it up at stops . . . as far as I know that isn't exactly correct. My boyfriend works for our government's department for transport and he has ridden one of these. Apparently there is a button which you press when you're stopped which locks the tilt, so it stays upright without you having to put your feet down. This releases automatically as soon as you use the throttle, but you can also push it around locked which must make parking a bit easier. Incidentally he thought the ride was great, felt just like a 2-wheeler, but because the extra wheels and tilting mechanism makes it really heavy, the 250 version is pretty slow. Anyway, just thought I'd add to the info about this new bike, which seems to be generating a lot of interest. Cheers, Michelle
Dear
Michelle,
Thanks for chiming in with a clarification . . . I believe it was
mentioned to me, but there was so much information gathering that I got
that wrong, so I will correct my notes! Mama
Friday, March 9
Dear
VTwin Mama,
I'm sorry to be asking you such an inconsequential question, but I've
never had a bike before now. This new bike makes a click-click-click noise
when I push it, both backwards and forwards (it's automatic). Is that
anything to worry about? Thanks for your advice.
Mun
Dear
Mun,
Owning a new bike means never having to say you're sorry! Geez, now
I'm dating myself!
I'm not sure if the click sound is normal or not. Consider riding over to the dealer's service department for a heart-to-heart chat. If you're not sure, ask! Otherwise, I'm hoping auto tranny bike owners will chime in with sage advice! Mama
Friday, March 9
hey
Petra,
I'm not sure how much the Q link automatic bikes have been discussed here, but
I wanted to tell you I saw a man on a Legacy model tonight, and wow what a
cool looking cruiser!
He came up alongside me at a light, and waved. Then he rode with Rhonda and me
for several miles, in between us, so I was checking out the bike, and finally
remembered it's an automatic! I was hoping he'd turn off when we did, so I
could talk to him about it, but he finally went on his way. I may check out a
dealer in Orlando that sells them . . . would be PERFECT for mom who wants to
ride. Not a bad seat height, disc breaks on front and rear, and a built
in stereo system. All for around $3,000.
I wonder about their reliability, but I can tell you he kept right up to us,
on his 250cc. I was really impressed! And it was fun to have a third
rider since it was dark.
I had to try out a leather jacket I bought from a vendor at Daytona Bike Week. I'll take pics and put it on the message board, because I think it's a good jacket for those of us with blubber and big hips . . . it has a stretchy section on either side of the waist, so fits over the hips. Has reflective stripes in the back and front, and has Kevlar in it. Fits great!
And
it would look soooooooo cool on me on that Suzuki Boulevard M109 . . . lol.
Don't you know, my favorite dealer has a red one too! Can't wait until
you and Marty can try one, to see what you think, since you've been on
different bikes and can provide a more objective view.
I loved the way you finished your
report on the Atlanta show with that other pic of you on the 109 . . .
hahaha . . . very cute. Have a great weekend!
Kat
Dear
Kat,
The first thing to understand about that QLink Legacy is that the
original manufacturer is CFMoto and their V5 model. Exact same thing.
QLink did tell me that they are developing some add-ons like a backend
storage compartment. All previous chatter on these models have been
positive as far as I can remember and can be found on my Bike
Type: Auto Tranny pages.
I look forward to hearing more about that jacket you found and I'll keep you up-to-date when I finally take the M109R for a test spin! Mama
Oh
VTM,
I need the contents of my brain bucket examined. But in the meantime perhaps
you can direct me to where I may get advice concerning below:
1. Rider is 50 y.o. 5'11 180# woman who enjoys the handling of her Piaggio 125 (the Beverly model, which is not known in the states, but is like the 250 except for the engine size) on a Caribbean island which is flat, few intersections, and no twisties. Took MSF course last summer and has driven nothing but her maxi-scooter since, putting about 1,000 miles per month on it, but has not done emergency handling to be considered a seasoned motorcyclist. Being liquid cooled, dual injectors etc., "My Li'l Pony" has plenty of power to pass and cruises nicely at 60+m.p.h. She particularly enjoys a large/tall windshield and large wheels for leaning. Her headlamps are dual, off center (gets drivers' attention) and has running side lamps. Running board preferred over pegs. Scooter frame allows for denim skirt, splash-resistance and legs spared in a fall or side impact. Also extra balancing w/ knees shifting to center/other side. Auto trans. a real plus on commutes. Had a gash in tire but it stayed rigid--is this standard on all motorcycle tires now? Safety tires gotta have!!!
2. Looking for: A bike to drive around KC and open road/camping for a few weeks this summer, then store until next summer at which time she may want shipped overseas. She is most concerned about safe handling on all road conditions, wet, sandy, twisty. She does not anticipate mountainous terrain but some day, who knows. Expect one month travel this July then 11 months storage followed by year-round commuting beginning summer 08 (she does not own a car). Parts and service availability very important for years to come. Crateable for shipping later of course. She drives at night sometimes in the rain so ample and powerful lighting is a must. Pillion sometimes used in city/suburban areas, not x-cntry, but likes attractive/comfort there also. Don't need a ride that will impress drivers but will help command respect for my right to be on the road.
3. Currently considering: Yamaha V-Star Silverado. Suzuki Burgman 650 Exec. Honda Silver Wing.
4.
Concerns:
Love the look and equipment of the Siverado but
lacks some features of #1 supra. Also, is air cooled commuting in
the tropics a problem? Large/tall screen available? Hwy
bars suggested? When I see idiots who disregard laws and abuse
traffic on scooters, makes me want this serious-looking cruiser.
Suzuki is pricey but has some nice features. After market exhaust silencer makes one wonder if it has an annoying dirt bike whine. Also, their Boulevards are used by police here but salt air ruins them, e.g., Suzuki has bad lasting/repair reputation. Interesting clutch/transmission but is such high tech reliable/easy to find repair/parts? Does windshield go high enough to block wind/bugs/chickens from a 6-foot rider?
Honda has good reputation for reliability and parts but told the S-Wing handles like a small scooter on hwy. Wheels are smallish. Large screen available?
Thanks for all you're doing for us! BTW, good knowing we share the same vintage. I'm a Scorpio and really think this, our 50th year, is fabulous! Scooter Crone of the Caribbean
Dear
Scooter Crone of the Caribbean,
Congratulations on all your accumulated miles and experiences so
far! You don't have to have an emergency to be a seasoned rider, but with
more miles come an increased chance that you'll encounter something you'll
need to handle. Always ride defensively and take time to practice
quick-stop techniques and quick left/right moves around an obstacle.
It will serve you well.
Tires: I'm going to guess that your model has tubeless tires, which "because of their self-sealing construction, tend not to have catastrophic failures." If that bike does have tubes in the tires, the gash you sustained somehow did not puncture through to the tube. Both tube and tubeless tires are available on the market.
I took a look at your Piaggio Beverly 125 and I now understand what you mean about the larger wheels, higher windshield, and styling that you like.
Given that you would be riding a new scooter for such little time and dealing with proper storage before shipping it overseas (potentially), I wonder if it wouldn't be wiser to check into a rental of a bigger scooter for your current summer trip needs. Depending on where overseas you would be taking the bike will in part determine the availability of service/parts.
While much is to be admired about liquid-cooled bikes, an air-cooled bike will perform just fine and has less parts and weight. The main reason to consider liquid-cooled is if you anticipate a lot of traffic stop/start riding where an air-cooled bike is at a disadvantage for the obvious reason.
Salt is corrosive no matter what (just ask a US northern rider who deals with salt on the road during winter months or a US coastal rider!). Clean water rinses are a plus a good breathable cover can make a difference (a cover so the elements aren't eating away while it's stored, breathable so moisture doesn't get trapped under the cover).
I know the models you are considering have smaller tires, but I know Rhonda has been running around on her Burgman 650 with no problems. I highly doubt she would have chosen this bike if it had a whinny exhaust. In my pictures from a recent motorcycle show, I have a picture of me (I'm 5'10") on a Burgman and I see that I would be looking over the windshield but that it is high enough to keep the wind off of me from my head down. I also know that Rhonda has been out at higher speeds and don't recall her noting any problems.
In those same pictures you'll see me on a Piaggio MP3, with two wheels upfront and one in back. Handles like a two-wheeler, but more traction up front for those wet, sandy, twisty conditions you mentioned. I'm hearing though that it's currently only going to be available in a 250cc and 400cc version.
There is some chatter on my site about the Silver Wing . . . easiest to find it by going to the bottom of my Home Page and use the Google search tool specific for VTwin Mama. You'll find the pages with pictures and commentary.
I'm now going to toss open the discussion to mega-scooter riders for more input . . . it's time to chime in readers! Mama
For Scooter Crone who is looking at something bigger than her 250cc:
Thought I'd chime in with some comments about the Burgman 650. Regarding the whiney transmission, I would have to admit that the Burgman does not sound like a regular motorcycle. It has a sort of dieseling sound, not high pitched, but not that nice deep rumble either. The only things I've seen about exhaust modifications are people trying to get a richer sound out of it, or find one that looks cooler/sportier.
She was asking about windshields, and I can say there is a good company called Clearview which is making windshields for the Burgmans. They make a very tall touring shield for those who want them. The original shield is at exactly the right height to be annoying. I'm 5'9" but that shield seems to be the wrong height for almost everyone, and apparently most people replace them with taller ones. I cut mine down to make it sporty looking, but might eventually go with a larger one. The executive model has a control to let you raise the windshield at the push of a button. That's pretty cool and might eliminate the need for buying a larger one.
Regarding headlights for night riding . . . the Burgman has very good lights. They are good in normal mode, but if you hit the brights they are amazing. I was actually shocked the first time I hit them at how bright they are, and at the distance in front of me they lit up. I wish the lights on my car were that bright!
Oh, and about the small tires . . . they don't seem to impact handling except maybe in the wind. However, that is not too bad since it's a big heavy bike. At first I thought the small tires were impacting how hard I was coming down on pot holes and other bumps, but I adjusted the shocks on the back and that is no longer an issue.
I hope that gives Scooter Crone some helpful information. Oh, don't know if you mind a recommendation for another website, but there is a site called BurgmanUSA, which is a wealth of information on the Burgman. Rhonda (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your specific observations!)
Friday, March 16
For Rhonda who offered her commentary on the Burgman 650:
Many many thanks for taking time out to give your most helpful insights, Rhonda! Burgman is now on my short-short list. Can you believe I've got my eyes on a Beemer? I'd hafta see if I feel comfortable on such a beast in a large parking lot and around the block before I'd buy it. The Burgman may be all I need tho. xxox, Scooter Crone (note from Mama: shopping can be a joy when research is done!)
Wednesday, March 21
Dear
Readers,
I found an interesting commentary that ponders the question: what
truly is the difference between motorcycles and scooters . . . very
thought provoking! Mama
Friday, March 23
Hi
there,
I'm interested in doing a trip with my fiancι to Copper Canyon that would
require a dual-sport bike like a KLM or Honda 650. The problem is that I don't
know how to shift -- I have an automatic scooter.
I'm not interested in learning either -- I took an MSF class a few years ago and had a bad accident trying to incorporate shifting with the riding -- very traumatic. It took me two years before trying out scootering (on a little 50cc).
So, do you know of any dual-sport scooter or motorcycles that either have an automatic transmission (CVT) or an auto clutch (like the FJR)? Thank you, I Just Wanna Go On Vacation
Dear
I Just Wanna Go On Vacation,
I can appreciate that you're not into the shifting thing! The
pickings however are slim, and really none that are dual-sport. If you
take a look at my Auto
Tranny Model list, you'll see the bikes currently in production are
either small cc sizes or made for street riding (the FJR at 1298cc, but
that's a sport touring bike, i.e. sporty style but made for the paved
road). Then there are the scooters, but again, those aren't made for off
road.
Readers, have I missed a model?! Mama
Tuesday, March 27
Dear
VTwin Mama,
I love your site . . . so informative. [Thanks!] Thank
you for all the interesting news and updates. Here is my question. I presently
own a Burgman 650 and love it. I don't want to go to shifting again and prefer
automatic . . . however, I've been noticing new bikes coming out that have
automatic shifting. Can you explain that? Do you still shift? How is it
different? Also, do you know of any bigger more powerful scooters coming out? I
saw the Ridley, but the are too low to the ground. Thank you,
Jackie
Dear
Jackie,
Any information I have on automatic tranny models (including
electronic shift), currently in production, out of production but much
loved, and up and coming, can be found on my Auto
Tranny Models page.
It's all about gear ratios. If we only had one gear, say third, it would be a slow clumsy acceleration and a screaming noise at high speeds! So gears with different ratios are used. Of course, on a manual transmission, you need the clutch and shift to connect each gear to the drive output. On a auto tranny, two planetary gearsets create all the necessary ratios without any messy extra movement!
So, an electronic shift, from what I understand, still has the normal manual gear set-up, but instead of having to pull in a clutch lever and shift, the clutch lever is eliminated and replaced with highly technical (aka, I don't know) thingies. But one still has to shift, if even by just touching a button. Good news for those who like to control how close to redlining they come, bad for those who really want the bike to do it all.
So, for more cc than you currently have, you've got the Yamaha FJR1300 at 1298cc or the upcoming Victory Vision at about 800cc, which is supposed to be ready this fall. Mama