Dear VTwin Mama,
Another new rider here, at age 45! I have found your site so encouraging
to a beginner, thank you. I started out buying a 1200C Sportster, with a
promise from my SO that he would help me learn to ride. Well...due to a
terminal illness, he will not be able to do that. So, my next step was to
store the Harley and get a Yamaha 250cc Virago as a starter bike. I love
it! My problem seems to be that when I use the front brake, I sometimes
unintentionally roll on the throttle as I am squeezing the brake. This
scares the fire out of me and I put the bike up again! Any suggestions?
Thanks! –
Joyce
Dear Joyce,
Oh my gosh . . . another new rider. Will it ever stop?!?!?!
And at her age. What will people think ; )
WHO CARES ! ! ! ! We're here sister and glad you found us! And boy, do I hear you on that whole throttle thing -- I scared myself good a few times in the beginning, and I was in neutral! It just goes to show you, practice is your friend.
But seriously (or something closely approximating it), with the bike off, practice squeezing the brake while you roll your wrist back and downwards. This will pull the palm of that hand in a backward motion which is the de-throttle (if that's a word) movement. It's not an exaggerated movement, but rather concentrating on what the rest of your hand is doing while you're squeezing. Oh, that sounded slightly steamy.
And then practice with the bike (in neutral first), as I assume you actually would like to go somewhere at some point in time! Tons of luck and if any VTwin Mama sisters have anything to say, well . . . let 'er rip! – Mama (P.S. Sorry to hear about your SO's illness -- my heartfelt sympathy.)
Tuesday, May 7
Dear VTwin Mama,
Just a quick note for Joyce who is rolling the throttle
when reaching for or using the front brake. One thing you might try Joyce is
to adjust the brake lever/master cylinder assembly, so it's more of a down
reach than a straight out. I've done this and because you squeeze 'up' more
than 'back' it helps prevent the rolling of the throttle when pulling. As
always, if you do this... take the bike to a safe area to practice before
going out on the road and get used to having the lever being 'somewhere else'.
Best of Luck. –
HammerLady@ShinnySideUp.com
(note from Mama: smart, smart, smart!)
Dear VTwin Mama,
About Joyce and her question on hit the brake lever
without reving the throttle: Just wanted to update you wonderful
ladies -- I got my braking problem solved...thanks for the suggestions
which I used...and decided this was the day to learn to ride! I got on my
little Yamaha 250 and went up and down the driveway millions of times, got
my courage up and away I went!!! I drove 21 miles, including city
(small), highway (wouldn't get over 45mph) and curvy country roads.
Curves come natural to me, corners need work, but I am soooo EXCITED!!! Can't wait for the MSF course so I can feel more confident with stopping. Thanks for your support!!! I am now officially a VTwin Mama! – Joyce
Dear Joyce,
I am so sincerely proud of you! I
know what a big step this was, and I'm glad in some small way we were able
to help your confidence level. It's good that you're working with the
smaller of the two bikes first, and when you get to the MSF course with a
250 as well, you'll soar.
Yes, you're officially a VTwin Mama -- so you just keep trying and remember, despite the minor ickies that will still happen from time to time, you know that practice and resolve to learn are the keys to your ultimate success.
Any new riders reading this, take heart and understand that "talking it out" does have it's benefits and we're here to listen!
And here's a message from Beckie to Joyce: Good for you learning to ride at age 45! I too am a "late bloomer," learning to kayak, rollerblade, scuba dive, drive a snow mobile, and relearning to ride a motorcycle. My son thinks I'm having a "mid-life crisis!" Silly boy! Congratulations, Beckie M. – Mama
Monday, May 20
Dear VTwin Mama,
I need to learn how to operate 99 vstar custom. I don't have user manual.
I'm picking up the bike this weekend and want to be able to test drive the
beast without looking foolish! Thanks. –
Newbie
Dear Newbie,
Hopefully my personal response to you last Friday
was of some help. Here's what I wrote:
All American bikes are essentially the same! The key has a slot, usually on the left side. The gas cock is usually there also and has three positions, on -- off -- reserve. Check that it is on. Check that the bike is in neutral (usually an indicator light on a control panel will show this when you turn the key, or, climb on the bike before its running and if its in neutral you'll be able to easily move the bike forward or backward a bit. If it is in gear, it ain't going nowhere). Then hit a start switch which could be on the right side handlebar control set or in the center somewhere.
Take a deep breath when approaching the bike and ask the owner to go over the controls with you and any other points of interest (oil dipstick check, etc.). There is no shame in walking up to a strange bike and verbally reviewing all of these things -- it shows respect. Just don't do it an apologetic way -- but simply indicate that you're not familiar with this model and you would like to make sure before you start the test ride!
Good luck and happy hunting. – Mama