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Friday, November 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, I took up riding this year. I received a beginner bike '83 Yamaha Virago, nothing real special, but a bike none the less. I even took the riders safety course, got my endorsement 2 days later and then bam, 3 days after that...I took a corner too fast, hit the shoulder and ended up high siding it. Scared me to death, I think mostly because I saw it coming so I let my body relax. The result was a broken tibia being held together by a plate and 5 screws. It has only been 6 months since the accident and I have ridden the bike around the block. I loved riding, had ridden over 300 miles before the broken leg, but now I am a little nervous. I would really like to share more and get other ladies experiences of accidents and getting back on the bike. Thanks so much, Beginner Rider Dear
Beginner Rider, It is nice when we find a place with people that have been were we've been and know how we are feeling. I'm glad the VTwin Mama site has begun to provide some level of support (the Accident Survivor's page is a good place to start for those who are not aware of it) for what you are going through. While it does happen on occasion that someone reading this site will contact me and offer an email address so the original writer has someone to communicate more in depth with, might I suggest that you also consider contacting the local chapters of women's riding groups in your area. These women offer a wealth of experience and friendship and face-to-face support. Check my Cool Links page (at the top) and you'll see the logos of the major riding groups in the U.S. Mama Friday, November 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
jonnie, The backfire on a bike indicates it is in bad need of a tune-up. You do not wish to replicate this and harm your bike and I haven't the vaguest idea of how you badly tune your bike to sometimes backfire. Ick. Modifying and/or changing the pipes however, is perfectly fun! You may be able to remove baffles in your current pipes so that when you crack the throttle (quickly pull back on the throttle grip for a short second), you will roar the exhaust pipes. However, removing baffles may change the bike's engine performance. Proceed with caution and discuss with your dealer's service department. Then step over to the parts department and start looking at alternative pipes that are designed for your bike. Many makes other than Harley now offer pipes that resemble the HD growl/howl/roar that should satisfy your need for noise! Mama Friday, November 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Gary, Friday, November 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Wanted to let Yamaha owners know that for spec questions - like what kind of oil filter and where is it, as well as spark plug gapping - the owner's manual contains all that info. I find the Repair Manual to be over my head on many issues, but the owner's manual is written for the rider, not the mechanic. It often shows how to change the oil, too. Alice Dear
Alice, Wednesday, November 26 For Cindy who missed an easy curve (note -- everyone should read this): I was just reading Cindy's account of how she was doing great on her first ride away from the parking lot until she goofed on an easy curve. I believe that the primary reason for this kind of mistake is simply fatigue! This was Cindy's first ride and must have been much longer and more tiring mentally than her previous work in the parking lot. Even though she must have felt exhilarated by the ride, she may have exhausted her ability to be attentive. I had a very similar thing happen over the past weekend on my way home from Louisiana (toward the end of a seven hour ride). Since getting my license and then my Moto Guzzi California Stone, I've ridden solo from Texas to New York, to New Mexico, and to Missouri. Even though I had some long days, I didn't really have any real problems or goof-ups. However, my boyfriend rode pillion with me to Louisiana over the weekend. This was our first longer trip together on the Stone. On the way there, we had lots of breaks, but we took few on the way home (Cold and rainy! Just get me home!). Just about forty miles from home, I pulled off for a final gas stop, stopped at the end of the off ramp, realized the left to get on the street was pretty sharp, and started to turn. A loud noise from above on the overpass distracted me (I thought maybe I missed some traffic to the left), and by the time I glanced down the road and back ahead, I was off course for my turn. I could have leaned, rolled on the throttle, and still made the turn, but with Ron on the back, I realized it just wasn't happening. As soon as I realized I wasn't going to make the turn, I picked a nice spot on the opposite shoulder to pull to a stop on. I regrouped, we took a good rest at the gas station, and made the rest of the trip without difficulty. I realized afterwards that the cold and wet, in addition to Ron's extra weight on the back (the passenger business makes everything more difficult!), made me more fatigued more quickly than I get riding in a warm, dry, solo situation. I'm also thinking now that if you get that feeling that you're not going to make a simple curve, if there's a safe "out" (like stopping in a controlled manner on the shoulder instead of doing the turn), there's no shame in taking it. Better an under-control straight stop than an out-of-control curve. In fact, this also happened to me in my MSF class last December! We were doing small circles around and around to the right and suddenly, I just wasn't going to go around anymore! I still remember watching the circle peeling off to the right, and thinking "Hey, wow! I don't seem to be going around it! Where am I off to?" I pulled off the circle in a straight line. After stopping and reorienting, I rejoined my classmates on the circle. Of course, the immediate problem often has to do with not looking where you want the bike to go (or not counter steering properly or whatever), but I think that a lot of the time, the ultimate reason is simple fatigue. Just thought I'd add my two cents. Thanks, as always, for the site! Marina (note from Mama: kudos to you for handling a potentially icky situation by using your brain and sharing your fatigue theory which is really a great point. How many times have each of us over reached our endurance? By the by, not to embarrass Ron or anything, but what a great guy you have -- a big hug from every VTwin Mama sister who has been there and done that! It takes talent, experience and trust to ride well without handlebars to hang on to!) Wednesday, November 26 Dear
VTwin Mama, On with my question -- both my husband and son are fine with being a passenger on my bike. I've never carried a passenger before, but I am eager to show other woman that they can ride a motorcycle with your hubby ridin' bitch. I am very confident in my riding skills that I can handle this, even though my husband outweighs me by about 50 pounds, and my son is significantly lighter then me. How do you tell a passenger to mount? Do I tell them to have their arms around my waist? When I take a passenger, do I mount first or should they get on first. My son is not able to get on the bike even on the front. Where should the passenger be on the seat? Should they be toward the back or close to me? Abbi Dear
Abbi, Ok, I exaggerate a bit, but quite frankly, I wanted to give you something that seemed nice and structured, with instructions for both the rider AND the passenger. So check out this page and I think your questions will be answered, with some spare thoughts to boot. Let us know how your first ride "with passenger" went! Mama Wednesday, November 26 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Marge, Wednesday, November 26 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Melissa, Then, go sit on that Shadow (yum, yum) and note the differences (even just sitting on it in the showroom). Or, go sit on it right now, before the course, and pay attention to these things -- then compare to the 250 -- and then back again! Too much difference right off the bat (especially if the riding portion of the course proved to be a bit more of a challenge than you had anticipated)? Then consider a used 250 to get some more practice time in before moving up in size. Or position the purchase of a new Rebel with the condition of trade-in down the line. Many women report that they are so glad they started with a smaller bike to get some more practice time in, so know that if you decide this route, you are in excellent company! Can't wait to give you a biker wave on the road! Mama Tuesday, November 25 Dear
VTwin Mama, I quit being a motorcycle guru about 20 years ago, I did work on all types for 18 years. Male mechanics forget that a woman that rides might not have a passenger -- they want their freedom and solo women aren't as heavy as a man and require less travel with shocks and forks. She then told me she had injured her hand and was trying to build the strength back up and could I do anything with her clutch. I suggested setting it up with a hydraulic master and slave, it's just plumbing :-) If I figure this out are there any folks out there that are looking for the same? I'm reasonably sure I can do this, if for one then why not for all :-) Thx Big George Lathbury (www.glathburyfab.com, glathbur@bellsouth.net) Dear
George, Tuesday, November 25 For Shorty who is looking for a fanny pack that convert to a purse: Saw on your site lady inquiring about fanny packs (we call them bum bags) that you can convert into purse. Black Wolf backpack and camping company has small flat bags that can be slipped onto a belt or attached with straps. We actually went to a camera shop and bought a couple of small camera bags, they can be threaded onto your belt or you can slide a strap through the loop on the bag. Instant bum bag/purse. K&T downunder (note from Mama: this is an Australian company and I'm not aware that they are offering their stuff in the U.S. yet, but worth taking a look for our Australian/New Zealand readers, of which there are many!) Won't do any harm to a twelve volt bike battery. Attach leads to bike first, then negative to car, then positive to car. Start car, let it idle for about thirty seconds then start the bike. It doesn't charge the bike battery, it just gives it enough extra voltage to kick the engine over. Remove the red from car, then the black when finished. Terri has to start the Duke like this frequently because the battery goes flat over the weeks she doesn't ride it. Why I HAVE to take it for runs every now and again! (heh,heh). K&T downunder (note from Mama: thanks for sharing!) Tuesday, November 25 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Judy, Friday, November 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Thanks for this wonderful site! Every day I can't wait to get home from work to see what everyone has to say. This is my favorite site! Hopeful this site will get me through the long sad winter months of no riding. I am already looking forward for spring and adding new toys to my bike (like a radio and CB). Just
spent a fortune on porcelain crowns on my front teeth, now I need to
invest in a full face helmet to protect my investment! Anyone have
any favorite? Dear
Shorty, Too bad I couldn't find a fanny pack that converts to a purse with strap. I know with my fp I just elongate the strap and sling it over my shoulder if I want it to be more "purse" like. Help sisters! Tell me if you know where to get something like this 'cause the search engines just spit out garbage (the words are too common, ie leather, fanny pack, purse strap). As to helmets, well that's a subject that could get us going for a long time and quite frankly, what fits and works and just is the cat's meow for one person doesn't mean it will be for the next (it's the same thing with shaved heads -- it doesn't work for everyone! What I would suggest however, is to hit one of the many concentrated sources for helmets, starting with my specific Riding Gear - Helmets page (just scroll for underlined parts which are links), which includes the DMOZ directory link for every manufacturer of helmets. Some of those links are to articles about proper fit, etc. and what to consider. That would be a great place to start. Mama Friday, November 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jen, True confession: I did once jump a bike battery from a car battery just like you would do car to car and I am not aware it did any permanent damage. However, it was a real challenge to get those huge cable clamps on those itsy bitsy bike battery terminals and the whole time I was wondering what I was going to end up frying if one of the clamps came loose and hit something it wasn't supposed to (ie, the frame of the bike and fry the electrical wiring, etc). Given the cost of car batteries these days (not to mention motorcycle batteries), I prefer to take the safe route unless under extreme duress. Now, some bikes have built in, plug in chargers and some people have mentioned that they like the "battery tenders" that you can find online at places such as J&P Cycles. I have no personal experience with them, and am not comfortable leaving something plugged in and unattended. Heck, I won't even leave a trickle charger in my open garage on overnight. So, my recommendation is to get a good trickle charger, remove the battery from the bike when it's clearly not going to be in use, try to preplan your next ride (heck the weather reports are at least accurate to within 36 hours!) and trickle the day before. Mama Thursday, November 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Alice, Thursday, November 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
BJ, Thursday, November 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Wizzerd, Friday, November 14 Dear
VTwin Mama, My friend is pretty certain that it was an original Harley part, however it may have been done through a dealership and have been customized just for them. I went to my local Harley dealership and they questioned their NZ distributor with no luck so I reach out to you lot. Has anyone heard of these devices, or maybe seen it at a rally? As I'm sure you can all understand, my partner would much rather have a bike she can ride, than a trike (nothing against trikes of course). MJ Dear
MJ, Friday, November 14 For SE Wright who had questions about the service manual for her "new" bike: The Savage manual will say up to a certain year 1988 I think, but it will work for the 1989 also. There were no major differences in the bikes. At some point along the way they went from a 4 speed to a 5 speed. But anyway, I have a 1997 Savage that I use the Clymer manual for, and although it does not say for my year, it has been invaluable! Volley (note from Mama: thanks for sharing!) Friday, November 14 For Gary who goofed up a curve and thinks he has equilibrium concerns: A couple of reinforcements of what you told Gary about turning and one other possibility, (outside the realm of something is actually wrong with his equilibrium.) Gary Im glad yours was a live and learn crash, I join you and VTM in the ranks with the left turn blues. (my crash was a lefty too!) As VTM suggested , take a class under the trained eye of an instructor that can assess what is going on and can offer some corrections. That would be the best way. Okay, with that said .. Id be the last to tell you Im an expert at armchair coaching, but there were some tell tale things that you said that are flags of certain corrections needed. But without seeing it, Im only speculating. But since you asked :) What you described as getting a rising sense of not being in control and it was all I could do to avoid going over the centerline suggests youre not looking through the turn but at the ground (as VTM said) just ahead of the bike. Fighting to keep the bike off the centerline, says youre looking at the centerline, not well ahead through the turn. That mantra of the bike goes where you look is so true. Keeping head and eyes up, looking as far ahead through the turn as you can, should give you an in control, good feeling in turns. The issue of spatial disorientation is completely within the realm of technique. If as you are leaned over, in a turn, if your head is tipped/leaned over with the rest of you, it does affect your equilibrium. Try walking around with your head tipped to one side or the other, and youll find out real quick how your balance is affected. Same thing while riding. Keeping your head and eyes level with the horizon helps maintain balance. Take a look at road racers hot in a turn, leaned over, knee to the ground. But their head is up and level to the ground. Thats an extreme example, but you get the idea. Again, finding a riders course where an instructor can pick these things out as you are doing them and help with corrections is the best suggestion. Good luck and kudos to you for searching for the answer. HammerLady@ShinnysideUp.com (note from Mama: boy, that thing with walking with your head tilted really hammered (!) the concept home -- thanks for putting it in terms that anyone can understand.) Thursday, November 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, Taking curves well (this was a very wide hwy type rode), nothing real hard. Ok the problem came on my way home, just cruising along, taking a pretty wide curve and its like the bike would not turn for me. I went off onto shoulder and finally somehow got it back on the road, but was so fearful. Did I not lean, maybe just froze up? Elbows locked? I know it wasn't the bike lol but it really has me fearful it will happen again. Have you heard anyone having this problem? I realize I'm new and it was my first ride. But if it happens again I'd like to know what I'm doing wrong to correct before its too late. Can you tell it shook me up? lol Cindy Dear
Cindy, Ok, let's think of what might have happened. First real ride, 18 wheelers whizzing by, starting to relax, and then . . . boom . . . no response to a fairly easy curve. Where were your eyes? Bikes tend to follow where your eyes are looking. If they were intent on the road directly below or in front of you, that's a no, no, no. You must look "through" the far end of the curve. What where your hands doing? Any pushing or pulling on the handlebars? What were you thinking? Newer riders need to really concentrate on technique and not let minds wander despite the beauty of the ride or how well they've been doing. Boom . . . a little meandering of the mind . . . and you're in trouble. Concentrate till something is second nature (and then never wander too far from the task at hand no matter how long you've been riding!). Ok, what to do. Read this letter. It's about counter steering and how Marion practiced the technique in order to master curves. Nothing like a first hand account to tell how she did it. You need to do it. Then apply it on a real road. Now, don't beat yourself up. It could have been better, but it could have been worse. Remember, life is all about continuous learning, so get out there and do some more of it! Mama Thursday, November 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
MJ, Thursday, November 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
SE, Wednesday, November 12 Dear
VTwin Mama, I still can't get a clear picture in my mind of exactly what happened, but I went over to the right and parted company with the bike ,which slid along for a way before going over on the left side and doing most of the damage there. The only experience I have ever had that compares to what I felt in that instant is the spatial disorientation my flight instructor used to induce deliberately so that I would learn to recognize it and hopefully be able to take action. The only thing to get your sense of equilibrium back is to get straight and level using the attitude indicator and other instruments in the cockpit. It takes some practice and some few moments to be able to do that, but in a plane there is a whole lot more time and distance available than on a bike. I have had trouble with left turns a lot since I started back riding, but just figured it was due to some innate klutziness that I could overcome with time and practice. It wasn't until got into it deep enough the other day to start getting the idea that it was a little more involved. I took my first road trips and began to notice that I was having to really bear down and concentrate on curves to the left and at speed, even in a modest left curve, I would start getting a rising sense of not being in control, At moderate speeds in left turns it was all I could do to avoid going over the centerline, trying to straighten it out . . . or shoot too wide. I am strongly suspicious that I , unknowingly, have developed some glitch in my equilibrium mechanism that only appears when I'm trying to effect a left turn on a bike. I never had such a problem in planes, being able to make steep left turns easily. This has probably crept up on me in just the last few years. Peculiar as it can be, but I don't know what can be done about it. I know I can't afford any more crashes trying to figure it out by experimentation. If you can supply any insight, I would appreciate all your help. Gary Dear
Gary, Otherwise, you're talking to a gal that has a naturally built in fear of left hand curves -- but that's because I missed the left hand portion of an S-curve many years ago, bit my front tire into gravel and then flew through the air to land (rather rudely) in a bean field and soft dirt. Bent the bike up a bit, trashed a muscle near my collarbone which eventually healed and wounded my pride some what. So, the fear is still there, although I make a deliberate effort to overcome it. Most of my problem lies in some idiotic need to look down at the ground. This probably comes from my days as a gymnast when it was useful to look down at the 4" wide balance beam to make sure I was going to stay on it! But it's wrong, wrong, wrong on a bike. We've had a number of past discussions on taking curves, with instructive commentary on counter steering techniques, looking far into the curve, etc. If you didn't find my Riding Techniques -- Curves/Turns page, now is the time to read up a bit. Also, may I be so bold as to offer this suggestion -- consider taking/re-taking a motorcycle riding safety course -- perhaps intermediate level -- to work on your lean to curve ratio technique under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor. You've not been riding for many, many years and brushing up is not a bad idea. Or, check out Motorman's Ride Like a Pro video for an instructive view on things. You may just be pushing or pulling (or not) something slightly off beat that you won't recognize until you re-review appropriate methods. Mama Wednesday, November 12 Note from VTwin Mama If you're looking for an emergency roadside kit, Dee S. brought the new BIKERMATE from Secure Defense Systems, Inc. to my attention. Check it out by clicking here! Tuesday, November 11 Here's how I solved my hair smush problem. I cut my hair sooooo short! I nearly shaved my head, as you suggest : ) It's clippered over the ears and in the back at the hair line, then the top is cut so it will spike, styling spritz or no. Then when I reach the destination I simply go in the little girls room (the little boys won't let me play in their room) and wet it, paper towel it, run my fingers through and voila! No more smush! It looks great for riding or any other time and the upkeep is so minimal. I not only have a happenin' style but it looks fabulous as well. Everyone I know says they would love to wear their hair like mine but they don't have the nerve. Believe me...once you experience the ease of care you'll be spoiled and never go back to long hair. And no "tools" need be carried or packed. If you're like me, I don't want any more stuff weighing me down than necessary! Thanks so much, Mama, for a wonderful web site! I read it every day! We're all out there doing the same thing...having a great time and learning with every ride, along with a little help from our friends . . . and YOU! Rhonda (note from Mama: I have to admit that at the height of my skydiving years, I clipped my hair ultra short and it was ultra cute and easy to ignore and still look great. So I think this is not a completely off the wall suggestion for someone who is truly hating the hair futz thing!) Tuesday, November 11 Dear
VTwin Mama, I think I made the right decision to practice on a smaller bike. Cornering doesn't scare me now and handling the heavier bike was fine. Honestly, I am amazed at women who go straight from the basic course to a really big bike. By the way, some of the Harley shops are letting people test-ride the new Sportster now. Regards, Sarah Dear
Sarah, Tuesday, November 11 Dear
VTwin Mama, It's "Spock" as in Star Trek (Spock was a Vulcan...get it!?) Everyone who knows me including the guys at the bike shop where we buy accessories, parts, oil etc. know who Spock is. My husband rides a 2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200R that's green. Betcha can't guess 'her' name! ;) Rhonda Dear
Rhonda, Hey, no booing or hissing out there! And if you don't get the reference, well, you're just a young 'un then! Ok, how that green monster on Sesame Street -- what's his name? The one in the garbage can all the time! Ohhhhhh, maybe it's the Christmas time Grinch from Dr. Suess! Now that's green! I confess that I never named any of my bikes -- I meant to, but nothing stuck. Basically, it's "good girl" when she starts and "what the f**k" when she doesn't! How terribly unromantic. Mama Monday, November 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, It is so different riding it, like night and day. I am still very careful and cautious, because it has so much more power, but I feel grown-up on it. I am still riding the small roads out around my house, and am working on taking it into the small town I live near, but I will eventually. My goal is to ride it down into a popular biker ride in this area called Red Rock Canyon, which has a fairly steep, curvy road down and of course up. But I know I will. Another future goal of mine is to ride it to church in a town about 25 miles away, my daughters say they will not acknowledge me in my leathers and flat hair. ( I am trying to decide how to fix my hair once I get there). I really enjoy reading this site, because I get so much encouragement from other newbie riders, and I know it is O.K. to take my time and learn to ride safely. What I really hate is that cold weather is beginning to show up and I am a weenie when it comes to cold, but hope to take my bike out a few times before it gets really bad. Keep up the good work, Petra. Snoma in Oklahoma Dear
Snoma, By the by . . . God does not care about flat hair. And He is the one that matters so tell your daughters to suck it in and honor their mother. Or have them read the VTwin Mama hair smush page for more ideas! Mama Monday, November 10 A couple of responses to Friday's "helmet" letter: It doesn't take a law for me to wear a helmet. I have a brain that tells me what to do. Red Sue (note from Mama: which are more protected with a helmet than without!) Just a quick observation regarding the oft quoted medical costs associated with not wearing helmets: Fact: If you have a bad "get off" wearing a helmet, you may survive. If you have a bad "get off" without a helmet, you probably will not survive. If you survive you may be badly injured and run up quite a large medical bill. If you do not survive you are obviously dead, and therefore have no medical bills at all. I have never seen the connection between rising medical costs and people who don't wear helmets. I believe there are just many people who have a phobic dislike of seeing motorcyclists not wearing helmets. How many car drivers would now be alive if they had been wearing helmets when they had that bad crash -- Millions I expect. I'd really like to see cage drivers with helmets, after all, it would be for their own good! And to Phil at Honda America, who believes that most people are generally stupid when it comes to expressions of freedom: There are plenty of countries in the world where people think just like you Phil. Perhaps you might be happier in say, Iraq? Kevin down under who has had a helmet exemption for many years (note from Mama: as I said, this issue definitely brings out strong opinions -- thanks for sharing yours!) Monday, November 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, When riding avoid using any lip product that is glossy or flavored. The gloss will make you lick your lips and dry them out, not to mention catch any stray hairs. Any flavored gloss attracts bugs (even at 55 miles per hour) as well as most contain alcohol that will also dry your lips. After arriving at your destination make sure, you use a cleaning cloth to remove any road grime before applying you lip color. Avoid any of the 8 hour, semi permanent lips colors, as they will cause your lips to crack. Use a moisturizing lip color. Mary Kay has several wonderful products, a Triple Lip Enhancer, which lessens moisture loss, reduces the fine lines in your lips, and exfoliates. The Mary Kay Lip Balm has been proven to moisturized and protect for up to 6hours. Lastly, there is the Satin Lips, which is an overnight protector. See these and others at www.marykay.com/dshellhouse. The hell with the Pink Caddie -- I am shootin for the Pink Harley (aka Darlene (Dee) Shellhouse) Dear
Dee, Friday, November 7 From
the Associated Press (AP) Wires (and brought to my attention by VTwin Mama
sister Hondiana: In the 2 years before Louisiana's 1999 repeal, an average of 26 motorcyclists died in crashes, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. In the 2 years after repeal, the average was 55 motorcyclists killed. In Kentucky, there were 24 motorcyclists on average killed in the 2 years before the 1998 repeal and an average of 38 motorcyclists in the 2 years after the repeal. Supporters of helmet laws say the government should punish states that don't require helmets, since the public often ends up paying medical costs for those injured in motorcycle accidents. 20 state and the District of Columbia require motorcyclists to wear helmets. Illinois has no helmet law. Rebuttal
from Phil Bohi at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.: But then let's consider reality: Not wearing a lid does not make you any more likely to be involved in an accident. It just makes it much more likely that the outcome of an accident will be worse. It's just common sense. But there are worse things than death. Imagine crashing while riding buck-naked. Ok, don't imagine that...... Having been in many crashes, and looking at my helmets afterwards, I can only imagine what damage my melon would have sustained. Then I look at my leathers........ouch. I support helmet laws because I believe people are generally stupid when it comes to "expression of freedom." I support safety training, tiered licenses (as in the UK and Japan) and insurance requirements. I don't want to pay for other peoples ignorance, or short-sightedness regarding the health of the industry and future of motorcycling. I just don't want my beloved sport to get jacked up for me, other riders, and future generations. Note from Mama: this is a super-charged issue but I thought you would like to see this latest "volley" of words. Thursday, November 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, The bike I want to get is the Victory Vegas. I rode my brother's Vegas around the block a few times and felt fine. The major difference of course, to the bike I rode in the course, is the weight. I really want this bike. Do you think it's smart to buy a 1500 for my first bike? I'm dreading your answer. That is, if it's yes. Gambling on Vegas? Dear
Gambling, Guess what?! It's ok! Now, let's do a reality check. Let's say you get the 1500. What steps are you planning to take to acclimate yourself to the new bike? Hop on dirt/gravel country road and zoom, zoom right off the bat at 70mph? Me thinks not! Perhaps your brother would be kind enough to bring his bike to an empty parking lot and let you have a crack at practice time. This way you could begin to learn the bike, how it's additional weight reacts to your handling, etc. and take baby steps with him right there helping at any juncture you need it. Or, if you're gung-ho, get the bike, find a close, safe place to practice, and begin your MSF course maneuvers with the bigger bike. Slow steps, easy steps, and pay attention to every nuance of how the bike is handling, how you're feeling about the bike, etc. Then, zoom, zoom! Many women report that getting a "between" bike in cc range and weight (from the MSF's 250 bike to the one they really want) is a great step if the finances can handle it -- look locally for a used bike to spend some time on, then "graduate" to your dream bike. Mama Thursday, November 6 For In Search of Leather who is looking for red/white handlebar fringe: Try http://www.ironbraid.com/ -- they specialize in custom braiding of levers. I'm sure they have a color combination that will suit her needs. L.K. in Riverside, IL (note from Mama: thank you!) Thursday, November 6 From Angela whose really brand new bike started backfiring: Yes, you were right, I brought it over to the dealer and it was a fouled plug. A note to the newbies -- I laid my bike down the 1st time I got on it and that's the only thing they came up with. Being a new rider and hubby having a Goldwing that seems to Never have problems (knocking on wood), we were puzzled and non the less frustrated. Thanks a lot and I love your site. Seems all my questions are always found and answered here. Angela (note from Mama: I should have just replied: KISS. Fouled spark plug. Otherwise, visit dealer. !!!!! Meanwhile, glad it was something simple and not a lemon gremlin. Here's to your next couple of gazillion miles!) Wednesday, November 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, And also wanted to say, and maybe give some encouragement to some of your short lady riders -- I am only 4'11". I ride a Heritage Softail Classic, lowering my bike and putting a bare bones seat, and about a 1 1/2 inch heel on my boots, I only have one problem with my bike , and that is backing up. Some places I do alright, others forget it, most of the time I have my boyfriend with me to back it in for me. I guess the weight of it just scares me when trying to back in. One day I will get it. Anyway, hope ya can help me out on looking for the fringed lever covers. In Search of Leather Dear
ISOL, I just hate it when an Internet search just bogs me down with irrelevant crap. And that's what happened when I tried to find the fringe color you were looking for. Unless someone reading this has a clue, my guess is that your best bet is to visit a leather workshop and request it custom. I'm sure that would be doable! Just bring a picture along of what cover you like (and maybe the bike for measurement purposes!). As for your backing up thing -- well, we all need help sometimes and should realize that that's why other people are around -- to help! We should just let them while we keep learning and trying on our own. It's the best of both worlds! Mama Wednesday, November 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Angela, With bikes (and most things mechanical/electrical), the KISS (keep it simple stupid) principle applies. So, it you really need to, check first the most obvious things on your own. Faulty gas lever (not opening correctly to allow full gas flow), low gas level (and water condensation in tank so it's sucking gas/water mix), fouled spark plugs (you wouldn't believe how easy this can happen), clogged gas filter (who knows?), crap in carb (add a little carb cleaner to the gas), lose connection at exhaust pipe(s) (will goof you up quick-like also), carb set wrong (too much or too little gas in relation to the air), air filter clogged (did you go through a dust/dirt storm in those 100 miles?!). As you can see, many things are inter-related and could be causing the problem, but right now, I'm concerned that a brand new bike is burping. Head to the dealer. Mama Tuesday, November 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
SE, So, I did some searching and wee-hee, my normal sources didn't have it! So, I backtracked and found it at Amazon bookstore online. Here's the direct link! Good price and may be eligible for shipping super saver rate. Mama
Tuesday, November 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Hakim, http://www.repairmanuals.com/motorcycles/1990/69/4/3524/250 Meanwhile, if your battery is leaking, the only thing to do is get a new one immediately. This is a dangerous situation as there is acid inside the battery which will eat away at whatever it drips on. There is no fix -- just get a new one! Mama Tuesday, November 4 I am also on the short size 4 ft 9 in tall. I started with the Honda 600 VLX SHADOW, my husband took the side covers off, this helped me reach the ground. Now I ride a 750 Magna, with the side covers off (we made leather side covers), the seat cut down and installed a lowering kit. Actually the Magna fits me better than the Shadow due to the pegs not being forward pegs (which is on most cruisers now days), this helps a lot. If I hadn't found the Magna, I was looking at an Intruder, they are a narrow bike. From one shorty to another "Don't give up!" Your ride is out there, just keeping sitting on all bikes! Look at the shocks to see how much they can be lowered, check out the pegs if they are forward pegs or not, most seats can be cut down, and ask about lowering kits. GOOD LUCK! Shorty on a 750 Magna in Indiana (note from Mama: again, direct advice from one who is "there" is the best!) Tuesday, November 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Linda, Meanwhile, it would be advisable to get yourself a service/repair manual for upcoming future maintenance and stuff -- here's a direct link and only costs $20.97 plus shipping!
Mama Tuesday, November 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Denise, Now, for damage control to the "look." The basic thought is containment, containment, containment -- not only for looks, but to keep the snarls at bay. Take a quick look at some of the products available that might help -- click on the link below and type in "hair" in the search engine at the upper left corner.
See the hair glove? The bandana? The scrunchies? These all will help mold your hair into such a way that when the helmet comes off, the look is polished. Mia, the gal that tends to my hair (when I remember to get it trimmed) says that there is nothing but nothing to do except accept our hair fate and tame it into submission so that when the helmet comes off, you aren't futzing. A quick check in your bike's rear view mirror will confirm you look your sparkly best There are a gazillion products offered, so obviously I cannot list all the sites here. Mama Monday, November 3 It's not just seat height that determines whether or not you can touch the ground. The width of the bike and seat are other factors that must be taken into consideration. Anyway...there's one other change I made on my bike that may be useful to other riders of small stature. I replaced the standard clutch and brake levers with a set of Custom Chrome Ergonomic levers. The curvature of the levers make it easier to grab them (I can reach around them with more than just the tips of my fingers) and reduce the amount of effort needed to pull in the clutch and brake. There's less stress on my hands and I can ride longer. As Martha Stewart would say, "it's a good thing!" Pat (note from Mama: thanks for your added comments on this!) Monday, November 3 For Tabitha who thinks maybe a chopper will fit her 4'9" frame: Unless you just have your heart set on Milwaukee Iron, consider another possibility. I sat on a Suzuki 1500 LC the other day and it was easier to stand up than my 750 Shadow. This is because the fuel tank is actually under the seat rather than in the apparent tank which houses other stuff. Having the fuel down under the seat really lowers the center of mass and will really help you at stops. The stock seat height is a bit high for you at 27.5" or so, but a custom seat and the low CG might be just the ticket to put you on a big road burner comfortably. Gary in Tuscaloosa (note from Mama: more input is good, but that seat height is a lot to overcome.) Monday, November 3 For Kelly looking for a Rebel 250 heel/toe shifter: Kelly, I bought (and had customized) a '85 in the Philippines; had a custom shifter/boards made. My size-9's -or 12's are a good match for the geometry. This assumes you also have boards, otherwise, you're out; mine won't fit. [They used the original collar-clamp, added flat-bar and welded on some long studs for the rubber-gripper-tube-like- things, topped w/chrome: viola. Heel-Toe.] Art aka honico@hotmail.com (note from Mama: thanks for sharing a custom solution!) |
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