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Monday, March 2 Hello Petra, I was looking for women to ride with, and while there are several groups within my area, they did not seem to fit. I like the idea of riding, but when I ride, I prefer to ride alone. But when I ride in a group, I would like it to be for a purpose. Most of the groups I have seen focus on the idea of being on the road. And why not? We are riders. But, in the past few years, I have begun to feel a pull to do something more, to be something more. I realized that this was a way to leave a footprint in life. As you grow older, you begin to look back on your life and ask “Is this all there is?” I knew that I wanted to make a difference, and knew that I could. So I trademarked the name “Gray Lady Riders” and created the Gray Lady Riders website. Not just because I ride a motorcycle, but because I like the ride of life! I want to focus on the great and wonderful journey and never focus on my destination. The joy is in the ride! Please take a moment to visit and see what I am doing! – Sheilah S. Dear Sheilah, Monday, March 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Teresa, So, while not perfect, seat height can be a guideline. So the answer is the Softail Deluxe ... at 25.9" unladen (and 24.5" laden, meaning 180 pounds of rider on it), it's the lowest seating H-D. My more intuitive answer would be the Fat Boy ... which has been reported by so many to have the singular most wonderful balance while out on the road ... words like "magical" are often used to describe it's handling ... and beautiful handling has a lot to do with a low center of gravity (the Fat Boy's seat is 27.5 unladen and 25.4" laden). – Mama Monday, March 2 Annual Motorcycle Expo, Plymouth, CA, June 5-6 June 5-6, 2009: Motorcycle Demolition Derby, Stunt Shows, Burn-Out Contests, Live Music, Tattoo Contest, Workshops, Ride-in Bike Show, Vendors, Special Guests, Camping and camp parties, Women in Motorcycling Lifetime Achievement Awards, Pre-Expo Party BBQ and Bluegrass for Cancer Friday night, post-Expo Party in the campgrounds with live music, and so much more! Location: Amador County Fairgrounds, Plymouth, CA (Just 40 miles outside of Sacramento on scenic Highway 49!) Cost $15 for Expo (BBQ & Bluegrass on Friday Evening - TBD) Expo: Children Under 12 free. More info: Website or contact Lorett K. at 916-927-0232 or email: Lorett@realwomenride.com. Wednesday, March 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Prior to taking the course, I was a passenger on my husband's Harley Softail Classic and decided I would like to have my own bike. I then purchased a used 2006 Suzuki Boulevard and my husband began to teach me the handling, etc.. The training was going OK until I panicked in the parking lot trying to keep from going into a ditch on my head. I hit the front brake, skidded on wet dirt/grass and next I knew was on the pavement underneath the bike, lying on my right side. I had some minor injuries but basically was OK. I felt comfortable after the first day on the 250cc bike in class, and progressed to be able to pass the class. I took the class here in North Carolina in November 2008. I have not been back on "my" bike since the "crash" in October 2008, due to weather and time constraints. I had no trouble with the throttle and taking off on the course bike but was having a significant problem with the throttle and "taking off" on my bike prior to taking the class. I wanted to be able to ride a bike but not shift gears. I checked into Ridley bikes and initially was enthralled. My husband was very dubious. He was concerned about the maintenance, as well as cost. Other than the website, there were few owner accolades. Adding to his concern was the fact that there are very few certified dealers or repair facilities here in North Carolina. I am now considering taking a hit and trading in my Suzuki Boulevard for a Honda Rebel 250 or possibly a Suzuki Burghman. Initially, the purpose was for pleasure, now, I am looking at the economic factors for commuting 30 miles round trip daily. Your input would be appreciated. – Anonymous Dear Anon, It's called target fixation ... you know you don't want to go there, but in the panic of everything, you go where you look and it's quite common for new riders not to be able to turn their heads and eyes away from the very thing they are trying to avoid. So don't mentally beat yourself up about it. Having explained that a bit, I can appreciate that you still have some lingering memories of it all. While in the general economic climate sales of vehicles may not be so hot, bikes are regarded as gas-saving, so you might not have any problem selling the Boulevard. Still, I'd give it another shot, as you've not been back on it since your riding course. In a bigger open space with no goofy hazards anywhere nearby, start with the basics on your Boulevard. Remember the duck walk? You give it a bit of gas, let out the clutch only enough to get forward movement, and paddle your feet along the ground. If the bike bucks a bit, you don't have enough steady gas applied. Going to fast ... pull in the clutch lever some. Remember, the fastest way to remove power from a bike is to pull in the clutch lever! Duck walk, duck walk, duck walk ... until you can do a steady pace that's not too fast and not too slow ... and very measured. That shows you've got the combo of the throttle and clutch friction zone under control. Then proceed to the next lesson you learned in class. Do not force an artificial timeline on the practice sessions in terms of how far you feel you should improve, but you've also got to get on that bike several times a week at least, if even for 1/2 hour. You are teaching your brain to coordinate with your muscles ... and muscle memory in the hands, to control the handling characteristics of your bike in terms of the clutch lever and throttle, is a must. If after 10 fairly closely spaced sessions it's just not getting any better, than definitely regroup and make new decisions on your pathway. I urge you to join the VTwin Mama Message Board if you have not done so already. These folks stand by to listen to you vent it out and will show you that not only are you not alone, but that they care! – Mama Thursday, March 5 Congrats! Me too! I have been riding for about 3 1/2 years now. Same story, rode behind my husband on his 1500 Vulcan Classic and wanted to give it a try myself. I purchased a 800 Vulcan Classic and begin to practice on it. My husband has ridden for over 40 years and has lots of good advice. He went through the MSC with me and thankfully, I did pass also. After the class, I had a little more fear of the bigger bike. After many "rounds" on the parking lot of the baseball field, I finally hit the street and I've been going ever since. My husband lowered the bike for me and added a few safety features. I think the best one is the highway bars, and I love the floorboards. Be encouraged. My bike has been laid down with me. It happens. No injuries, just to my pride. It takes time, patience and practice. We live in south Arkansas and so we have riding weather most of the year, even in the winter. Don't be discouraged! When the weather is at least 50 degrees, I ride to work. It's a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. I never dreamed I could do this. But, I can, and so can you.– Nancy in Arkansas (note from Mama: what a wonderful inspirational note of encouragement!) Thursday, March 5 Hogs and Heroes Poker Run, Laurel, MD, September 12 The Hogs and Heroes Poker Run is an annual event held to raise money for the children of Police Officers and Firefighters killed din the line of duty. Old Glory Harley-Davidson, 11800 Laurel Bowie Road,
Laurel, MD Thursday, March 5 Harley's Angels Calendar Harley's Angels is a group of women motorcycle enthusiasts dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness, research, and education. Our primary fundraising project is the publication of a calendar featuring the women of "Harley's Angels." With one out of eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, it is no surprise that there are also several breast cancer survivors within our group. The calendar is tastefully designed featuring the women of Harley's Angels and our motorcycles. Our first calendar was published in 2003 and after five successful calendar years, you are likely to find our calendars anywhere from bike shops to grandmother's kitchen. We have donated $360,000 to two of Houston's finest research centers supporting Dr. Kent Osborne, Director of Baylor's BreastCenter, and Dr. Kelly Hunt, Chief Breast Surgeon, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Harley's Angels, Cruzin' to Cure, is a non-profit 501(c)3 volunteer organization. We would like to invite you to join us in the crusade to find a cure for breast cancer. If you would like to join us in this effort, please visit our website at www.harleysangels.org or contact any of the Harley's Angels volunteer members. Friday, March 6 Hi VTwin Mama, Now we all understand that there are certain times someone can wave and cannot wave. If it is traffic time, or you are making a turn through an intersection, we won't get mad. But all to often we see people on the road, just cruisin, and we wave to them, just to have them turn their head and look away. I'm the type of guy that remembers faces, bikes, helmets, jackets, and I will just pass the guy when he's on the side of the road, but some of the younger, immature riders of our area actually take great disrespect to that. I've also noticed that the majority of the time the ones who don't wave back are on a Harley. I wave to every rider, no matter what. Well, as long as the motor is between their legs, as opposed to a scooter. Heck I work with one of the biggest jerk riders around, and he thinks I'm a poor rider because I ride a Vulcan. Anyway, to sum it up, yes waving is optional, in some areas. In other areas, you better acknowledge the wave, or you could really piss someone off. A head nod is minimum in my book. We all seem to like the 45 degrees downward with two fingers stuck out. In our town the palm out parallel to the ground is sign to slow down due to authority figures. – Joel Dear Joel, When someone doesn't return a wave, I use to get a bit mad, but now I get it that not everyone sees all riders as a bigger community. I have also noted that sometimes we can miss a wave because of things like black leather arm/hand movement against a dark bike color, the rider is concentrating on something as only catches the wave at the last moment, or a head nod is there but not seen. I'll just keep waving and not take it personally ... because I wave to say acknowledge our collective road trip. And as you pointed out, safety first at all times. Here's my electronic wave to one and all! – Mama \\\\_ Sunday, March 15 H-D Garage Party, Concord, NC, March 18th at 7pm Good Morning Petra, Ladies Night Garage Party Hello VTwin Mama, Sunday, March 15 Motorcycle Mama's Ride, Maggie Valley, NC, July 23-26 Dear VTwin Mama, Sunday, March 15 Hi. I've noticed "scooter" people don't wave much, perhaps some Harley people too. I have missed waves and hoped the person understood that I was either looking at a possible hazard, turning a corner or just didn't "click." That was true especially when I was a very new rider - I had less room for niceties as I was still in the "Help, I'm on a crazy machine" stage. Waving IS nice to do and get. Richard noticed when he rode his BMW he got fewer waves than me (on a Harley), but not he has a Honda VTX (looks Harley) and he gets more waves! He always gets waves if I do when we're together. I go first, he takes up the rear usually. MOST people wave-but I have to consider not just the snob factor, but they may be new and nervous (even old guys) or preoccupied with something like the odometer, gas indicator, the roadside etc. The point about Australians is well pointed out too, some people may be wondering "why all the waves!" – TTFN, Trish (note from Mama: well put!) Each fourth Tuesday of the month Carla King co-hosts a really fun segment on motorcycle travel books, blogs, and discusses how-to tips for writing ... on the Side Stand Up show. The next one is Tuesday, March 24th. 5pm Pacific Time. Join the chat room. It's a blast! Tuesday, March 17 Hello VTwin Mama, I have a 90 front tire & a 150 back tire, gas tank is 4.5 gal. The modifications I want to make is lower the the bike by 1" (which I read you can go with a smaller front tire), fatter front tire and maybe a little wider in the back, maybe a 200 like the Fat Boys, and a 5.0 gas tank. Is this possible? And how expensive is it? Thank you, – Sheila in CA Dear Sheila, Yes, there are many ways to lower a bike or your position on it. Typically we counsel that changes to your seat height or boot heel height is preferable, because anytime you change something on the frame set-up, you're altering the original designed ride itself. What I'm talking about is looking at your seat and determining if some padding can be shaved from the sides or bottom to lower you ... if you need qualified assistance if noodling this out, contact Allen at Mean City Cycles (ad to the left) ... sure, he's an advertiser, but he's already helped a lot of VTwin Mama readers get their seat right. Also, check your footwear. You might find that a new boot with more sole will do the trick ... or if you already have a boot you love and the upper leather is stitched to the lower section, a shoe repair shop will be able to add some height to that boot. A smaller tire on the front will of course lower the bike, but most likely will impact the speedometer and odometer readings as a lot of bike systems use the front rim to pick-up speed info and translate it to miles. Follow the cable from your speedometer/odometer and then you'll know where it's getting its information from. The key to your tire change is the rim itself. A specific rim can only correctly support certain tire sizes. Since I'm a Metzler fan, I took a look on that site, but you can do it with any manufacturer, like Dunlop, Firestone, etc. All Metzler is showing is the 90 front and 150 back options, but if they had oversize options, it would have popped up. Go to other sites and do the same thing. Changing a rim isn't cheap ... you're looking at prices ranging from $400 - $900 depending on the style, and then you need to add the cost of the new tire. You also can't always go as fat as you want because of frame considerations. Personally, I would head to your local H-D dealer, preferably when the dealership isn't super busy (aka, weeknights vs. weekends) and see what the parts department has to say. Sorry, I don't know much about changing out gas tanks. In the H-D line-up of accessories for the 2009 version of your bike, I don't see options listed. My question is this ... 1/2 gallon is only going to get you about another 20 miles or so (based on 40 miles/gal). Since most riders like to stop and stretch between around 90 miles (1 1/2 hours), I can see that if you are getting 40 miles/gal, you would still really need to gas at every 90 mile stop, while others you are riding with, with bigger tanks, only have to gas every second time. Again, the parts department can open up their vast array of catalogs to show you what's possible. I don't know how much experience you have with talking to a parts department ... I know I found it intimidating the first few times ... but I just did it ... wrote down my info, was clear on what I was looking for, and learned that no matter who you are, they want to sell you something! – Mama Tuesday, March 17 Dear VTwin Mama and Caressa, I have put about 15,000 on my bike since adding the apes. It's probably a matter of set up as much as anything for me that determined my level of satisfaction with apes. Although not all inclusive, I have some thoughts for you if you are considering apes. First, they work best for me if their height is shoulder level or a little less than shoulder level. For me, I'm 53 years old, 6'0" tall, and about 250lbs. I have had several minor back and neck injuries in my life that may have had some lingering effects. High school football, being broadsided by a deputy sheriff, and landing on my head on a trampoline to name a few. Anyway, mini apes and 6" risers work best for me. Second, for me the clutch and brake levers are nearly parallel with the pavement, sticking nearly straight out from the bars. I got on the bike with the levers snug, stuck my fingers straight out and brought the levers up until they touched. Third. Bar tilt. Mine are just shy of being perpendicular to the pavement. Tilted back ever so slightly. Again, sitting on the bike with the bars snug, I just grabbed the bars and put them so my elbows were just slightly bent and comfortable. Note, do this before you adjust your levers. Fourth. I do not have monster hands. The stock grips work best for me. If I vary from these suggestions, my fingers go numb, my back starts to ache after as little as 10 miles, and my neck gets cramped. But when I set apes up using the above suggestions I have no problems. In fact, this is the only type bars and setup where I have no numbness in my fingers or hands. I have tried other types of bars and setups. Many. As for handling, I've had the apes so long it may be that I just am used to them. But still, I think proper set up will help there too. I have helped some friends set up their apes and these suggestions worked for them too. Some final thoughts. I also spent a lot of time finding a seat that was comfortable too. Mine is a Mustang pillow type. Sorta looks like the classic king and queen seat of the 60's. It's very similar to the stock seat on a FXSTC. It has more lumbar support than most. I also have my footpegs two inches lower and two inches wider than stock. I hope maybe these suggestions may be of some assistance. Best Regards, – Skipper Dear Skipper, Tuesday, March 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Frustrated, "I was able to remove the nut with a short socket set and some WD40 (a suggestion from one of your readers). I attached the battery tender and my Harley is up and running. I find your web site very helpful, thank you for your time. – No Longer Frustrated Tuesday, March 17 ABATE Spring Bike Show, Parkton, MD, May 17th ABATE of Maryland:
Baltimore Chapter Whatever you ride, join us for an open bike show! Anything you ride we want here! Trophies to be awarded for the following: American and foreign bikes of all types, with classes from stock to custom to vintage. Food, drink, music, raffles, vendors. Sunday, May 17th, 11am-4pm Hello to all. I am a H-Der and I wave to everyone on two wheels, even bicyclists. It really means that we share a zest for life that cagers don’t and celebrates the brotherhood of those that ride. It is kind of like a military salute although not required. If I wave at you and you don’t wave back I usually take that to mean you’re enjoying another sight maybe the flowers, the trees, the clouds or the magnificent sunsets when riding west, you know, all the reasons that make it better to ride than drive. Heaven forbid, maybe your concentrating on some noise or rattle that is emanating from your engine or some other location that shouldn’t be rattling. What is important is that I reached out to a brother and can also forgive a transgression once and a while. So for all of you folks out there, keep waving and enjoying the two wheeled brotherhood. Oh, and by the way, I once held my hand out for about 2 miles while passing a huge MC driving through the Hill Country of Texas. That was great! – Steve D. (note from Mama: I just love these letters about the biker wave ... and is there anything more beautiful in our motorcycling world than passing a large group and grinning from ear-to-ear?!?!?! ) Tuesday, March 24 Hi there VTwin Mama, I am looking for a bike for little people, lol, I checked out the Harley Sportster Low and the Harley Dyna Low ... both are ok and were made with short people in mind, seat height, reach... but I love the style of the Harley Rocker "C". It does appear long and the reach may be a little long as well. And I am told the combination of the different size tires might cause some maneuver problems. Do you have any suggestions other than the ones I have stated? Maybe a Rocker C style but made for a 4ft 11 person? Thanks. – Jan Dear Jan, Yup, that Rocker C is a beaut. But as all shorter riders know, fit does take some doing. If reach to the handlebar is the main issue, then inquire about having what's called a pullback riser installed. They come in a variety of configurations of how much it lifts up and then pulls back. It's just a small insert and easily added at very little cost. You'll want that done in such a way that you can turn the handlebar all the way to one side and still remain seated comfortably. One reliable way to get a sense of it is to sit on the bike and lift your arms into a good position without regard to the current setup ... that'll show you how much further back you need it. I've never heard that different size tires are a factor in maneuverability ... I chalk something like that up to practice, practice, practice! Any new motorcycle demands that the rider learn the specific handling characteristics and thus become one with the bike. This is best done in nearby empty parking lot with lots of room, starting with basic drills one would learn in an accredited motorcycle riding course. While we often note that a new rider shouldn't necessarily only consider one manufacturer of bikes at the start, as the first bike is rarely the dream bike (because it takes road miles to learn what's really going to make your heart sing), if you're determined to ride a Harley, then so be it. This site offers a number of charts, organized by seat height and engine cc size. You may wish to explore these to determine if there is some other make/model that might be of interest to take a look at. – Mama Tuesday, March 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Marie, Tuesday, March 24 Dear VTwin Mama, One person suggested that I put a piece of leather on the bottom of the frame in front because the front tire kicks up the nail and the rear tire gets it. The leather is supposed to stop the nail and deflect it. Have you ever heard of a flat tire curse? The least charge for changing was $89 ... the most was $125. It takes about one hour. Any suggestions beside rim change or in addition to?? Thanks in advance. TTFN, – Trish Dear Trish, Tuesday, March 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Unfortunately, when I go to look at jackets, I have to get a XL for arm length. XL arm length also means XL body size and I look huge. I am tall. Tall does not always mean heavy. I contacted one company and they were willing to make some textile pants extra long for a $100 charge on top of the $250 for the pants. I opted for the chaps. Price is a factor. If you know of any vendors carrying tall sizes, please post them. Again, I know I am not the only one with this problem. Thanks for listening, – Michelle Dear Michelle, My current jacket is from Fox Creek Leather and what I found is the gentle elastic ribbing built into the waist at the sides, along with the Velcro adjusters allowed me to get the right shoulder/arm fit but not bulk up in the main body. Unfortunately they discontinued this jacket, but if you look at my review, that might help you search for something similar. Oh to be a "medium-sized" person ... as many short and tall gals with lots of different body styles know all about. I know it's a pill to have to alter, but the Ace High Leather ad in the left column is worth exploring ... Nanci is a dedicated motorcycle leather worker and alterations are a snap and reasonably priced ... I've heard from a ton of folks that her reputation is growing because of the awesome work she does! For lighter summertime wear, I have a Classy Rider jacket that I love because its airy but has those built-in armor pockets for the extra protection I seek. I'm wondering if Draggin' Jeans wouldn't be a good choice for you ... jeans with sewn in Kevlar ... you could inquire about inseam before deciding on a purchase. That's the most I have to share at this point ... it's definitely hit or miss, but I keep searching! – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Needless to say, after putting 5,200 miles on it within 5 months, I moved up this year to a 2009 Dyna Low Rider, which again he lowered to my advantage. He used the same 10 1/2" shocks, lowered the front forks with new springs, and changed the seat to a LePera "silhouette solo" seat, and it is just awesome!! So please tell all those riders that are having difficulties not to give up. Surely, there is always someone that knows a little trick that just may be the answer. Please feel free to give my email to those in need. Truly, – Chrome Girl Dear Chrome Girl, Monday, March 30 Mama, Do you have a list of suppliers of boots who have thicker soles? I am telling you, I searched the Internet for sooooo long looking for boots with a thick sole----they just don't exist unless you want to buy hooker boots that probably aren't good to ride in. Any suggestions? My boots are already starting to come apart, and finding the repairman again to re-glue them is going to take more effort than it is worth. I almost can't ride my bike without them, although I am sure once I have had enough practice I am sure that stopping will be easier no matter how tall I am! For now, though, I need the taller boots because my bike has not only been lowered front and back, I also had some padding shaved out of the seat! You may think it is just as hard to be a taller woman, but believe me----a taller woman can alter men's stuff much easier than a short person (4'10 1/2") can find products (bikes, clothing and shoes!) to fit them. Any manufacturer you can suggest that offers a boot with a higher sole than normal would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for having such a wonderful site! – Bev Dear Bev, Since buying boots online can be a real hit/miss proposition for proper fit, if I see something I like, then I go to the specific boot manufacturer's site to see where the nearest brick and mortar store is. – Mama Monday, March 30 Dear VTwin Mama, She stated that after studying my website she really like the infamous tuxedo seat (my own bike) and wanted that seat on her Shadow but in magenta, not pink. Thus she and I started the long process of deciding what and how it was all going to look. It is difficult for some who have never seen my work to picture what exactly what is I do and what the limitations of my trade are or how what I do comes out looking just like what the customer wants. Well it’s called “a lot of emails and a lot of phone calls” plus how ever many samples its takes, but in the end when I turn out a set like what I did for Sherri, the numerous connections were worth the time. Production for this special set went flawlessly. The matching pocket purse was a surprise as she did not expect it. I now do follow up calls or emails to any customer who I do custom work for so that I know that everything went as planned. Here is what I got back from Sherri: Hi Nanci, Thank you for following up. Yes! I am very pleased with everything and it looks great. I have been getting lots of remarks, looks, and compliments. I even saw a man remove his sunglasses and start to touch my seat while I went into a store for a few moments. I am surprised that a lot of men really think its great. Thank you! Sherri Now, I have to admit that not everyone wants a tuxedo seat with a rose on the tank bib, but whether you want everything done in skulls, spiders, Betty Boop, Barbie or just very simple and clean looking, take the time to figure out what will make you feel good. Themes can be fun an compliment you and your bike. It can set you aside from the millions of other bikes produced just like yours and this can be the difference in your confidence as a new or veteran rider. Ride safe, – Nanci Rogers, Ace High Leathers
Dear Nanci, |
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