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From VTwin Mama, 
A look at the Canadian MSA riding section
Motorcycle awareness safety with clues on how cars
see/don't see riders Monday, October 9 For Debby who is working on getting braking under control: The MSF instructors teach us to ride with a bent wrist. If wrists
are locked (straight) it will both make for tired arms and can allow you
to reach your front brake with the throttle still engaged. Try this:
with the bike stopped, rest your right hand on the throttle and reach for
your front brake you should be able to reach it comfortably and pull
it in easily. That is your starting position for that hand; as you
roll on the throttle, just bend your wrist and do not adjust your grip
then when you are reaching for the front brake, you are also rolling off
your throttle. Of course, I would be pulling in the clutch as well
(which aids the bike in its initial slowing process) to begin downshifting
if necessary. Time, patience and practice you will get it! Monday, October 9 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Debby, Monday, October 9 Hi Petra, Dear Mich Not all motorcycles are created equal when it comes to
turn radius and handling. It has to do with the front end rake angle,
handlebar turn radius, and the bike's center of gravity (which is
typically higher on a sport-style bike). I also double-check the tire
condition and pressure as it does make a difference. Let's see if we get
any input from SV650 owners . . . meanwhile, you might want to hop onto
the UK SV650 Org site
. . . there you will find specific forums and riders with the same bike
and could post there to see what input you get!
Mama Monday, October 9 Hey VTwin Mama, I just have a few lessons and tips that I've learned
that I'd like to pass on: In closing, ride on ladies and ride on VTwin Mama!!! Midnight Rider in Opelika, Alabama Dear Midnight Rider, Monday, October 9 For Carolyn who is thinking of starting a motorcycle accident gathering site: Not to take away from Biker Haven at all, but have you tried Yahoo Groups? I didn't see any existing group, but there may be something to fit the bill, or you can absolutely start a group of your own. My condolences on the loss of your brother, Li in Florida (note from Mama: I decided to check Yahoo Groups but only found one site from a gal who was a motorcycle passenger involved in a horrible accident with a car: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/autoaccidentsurvivors/messages/1. I agree that Carolyn could start her own effort as well as check out the soon-to-launch Biker Haven or this other posting. To date I have not found any other gathering place online.) Monday, October 9 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Leslie, I always say that learning is good. Sometimes learning
simply shows us that we have more to learn! Whatever happens, take
advantage of every possibility to learn! YOU CAN DO IT . . . respect
yourself and the process and your dream of riding will be achieved!
Mama Monday, October 9 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Nathan, Monday, October 9 Dear VTwin Mama, I'm a passenger rider with my husband, but none the less, I love the feel of being on the road with him. I work in the health profession, therefore people tell me of illness, etc. and I have heard enough of how people are killed on motorcycles, whether their fault or others. Got to my psyche, so now I worry about bumps, turns, wind etc. I told my hubby I want to continue, but we thought 3 wheels would be safer. Looking for more safety on the road, less chance of going down due to slick road or hazards on the road, better braking,. Is an independent suspension trike safer, is a longer trike safer, which trike has the safest stats, safest from tip over/roll-overs. What about the difference in cornering maneuverability? I guess to put it in a nutshell, I would like to feel more secure than scooting along at 60mph on 2 wheels. Thank you, Betsy Dear Betsy, I was not able to find statistics that differentiate between trikes and two-wheel bikes . . . they are all counted the same. Some useful things to understand as concluded by a 2001 NHTSA report:
There is no doubt that one of the biggest safety issues revolves around our visibility on the road. Cars simply do not see us all the time. I have read accounts of loud-color bikes, riders with high visibility clothing, and/or loud pipes/horns still being overlooked. It's my personal conclusion that when a driver scans the road before making a move, they are brain-trained to see car shapes, not something smaller. Although a trike has a larger size profile, it's still the "wrong" shape and I'm not convinced that drivers see (or don't see) that style motorcycle any differently. Certainly with three wheels on the ground it makes sense that the balance portion of riding is removed. It's also harder to tip/roll over because of added wheel contact and weight. However, riding a trike requires just as much handling respect. Curves are no longer negotiated by a rider's lean but by steering the front end through the curve and must be practiced. Did you know that there are trike-specific riding courses? To begin exploration, visit the Trike Riders International site. Trkes are built using the front end of a regular motorcycle. As far as I can tell, they keep the front end brake system but retrofit the backend system to account for the two rear wheels and extra weight. I would suspect that the rear-wheel skid possibility is lessened (caused by jamming on the rear brake) but whether you are in a car, on a bike, or on a trike, brakes need to be eased on and jamming avoided whenever possible. I do not know what it would take to put a trike into a skid, but am hoping that trike riders will chime in. I have sent an email to a woman-owned conversion company in hopes of receiving feedback on suspension and bike size/length as applicable to safety. We'll see what input is provided. So, at this point I'm not sure that one could classify a
trike as a safer ride. So much in safety is about the rider's ability,
understanding of the handling characteristics, and putting in the miles
necessary to become one with the trike. Let's see what additional feedback
we get.
Mama Monday, October 9 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Joanne, 1) change the oil and filter For many, the off-season is a time to delve into other
things they love doing, but many report an onset of PMS (Parked Motorcycle
Syndrome). Visit my Education
Center page and explore the many excellent books available . . . I
especially love the "rider stories" books as a way to read about
riding and let the stories revive memories of things I've done but have
not thought about for awhile. Of course there are a number of educational
books as well if you're in the mood to learn more about something!
Mama Monday, October 9 Hello VTwin Mama, On his next day off, he said, 'lets go get your anniversary gift.' I figured we were going to the jewelry shop, when he stopped at the local Honda dealer and said 'pick out your anniversary gift!' We left with a Honda Shadow Aero 750cc, black and chrome. I cannot drive a stick shift car, have never driven a motorcycle, but was 'bit by the bug'. I immediately signed up for the motorcycle safety course, but the next class was full, and I would have to wait. My husband began to work with me in the backyard and I dropped it on me, lowsided to the right side. I had the adrenaline rush to get out from under it and was so frightened I had messed up my knees! I began to berate myself for being so foolish, after all the work I had to do to learn to walk again. I sank into a deep depression. One night my sis-in-law and a friend rode up on their Harleys. I was so tickled and got mine out and sat on it. Even though I could not ride, I realized I still wanted to ride. This weekend I take the course and of course I am terrified! I have never shrank from anything in life (even did a 'firewalk' once!) and will face this too. Again, thank you so very much for all the info your site has! I intend to dress out in my gear for class next week end and 'walked the bike' yesterday while hubby watched football! lol! : ) laluna Dear laluna, Perhaps you may wish to wear one of those bendable
sports ACE things to strengthen the support at your knees for added
confidence in knee strength? Just a thought. Now, I know you got depressed
on the initial oopsie, but oopsies are a rite of passage and you've passed
the first one! Learning is such a wonderful thing at any age . . . it
keeps us young in mind! Give the course your best efforts and you'll then
have some basic ideas of what the next steps will need to be. If you have
a friend with a clutch ATV, you might want to borrow that so you can get
some coordination control practice in before the course!
Mama Tuesday, October 10 For Betsy who is pondering trike vs. two-wheel safety: Darlene at TriWing Industries, a motorcycle trike conversion company, offered her personal insights on some trike points: 1) there is less chance of tip-over or roll-over? "Absolutely, I have never seen one turn over." 2) slick roads are less of a hazard on a trike? "I have driven in some very foul weather and I was much safer than the folks with me on two wheels." 3) braking is more "positive" on a trike? "Yes, you now have the same stopping power as an automobile and all you are braking for is a motorcycle. You can slide on slippery road just like any vehicle in specific conditions, but you have the advantage of not tipping over and getting more control over the the final result, rather than deciding, do the ditch or slide 'under' the vehicle in front of me." 4) independent suspension trikes are safer? "There are several types and they all seem to have their advantages and disadvantages. I prefer the solid axle type." 5) different make/model trikes are inherently safer? "I don't know if there is a study, most trikes are stable, but we don't recommend a trike having a cc lower than 1000 or you have clutch burn out." Darlene (note from Mama: ok, some useful input! I did some more research on those suspension systems, and found a page of explanation on the Lehman Trikes site, which I think you'll like as they show advantages and disadvantages of independent suspension and solid axel systems.) Tuesday, October 10 More for Muffin who wants to move in cc size, but how does four gear differ from five gear?: Question: how does a bike's gears define riding comfort? The ratios selected at the factory are a compromise . . . they can't gear them for every rider and situation so they gear them for the intended market. Such as sport bikes (high gears for speed), dirt bike (low gears for power at slower speed), cruisers are geared for around town or urban riding. I can talk about gear ratios because I have personal experience in this area. I had a older Sportster which was a four speed 1000cc model. I used to try and upshift into a imaginary fifth gear all the time. I put a larger sprocket on the mainshaft to get a little smoother cruising, it did a little. In 1991 Harley-Davidson brought out a five speed on the Sportys. I bought a 1200, cruising at 70 in fifth was heaven. the 883's were still buzzy in '91 but they were still chain drive and the 1200 went to the new smoother belt. all got belts in '93. As a rule on belt drive Sporty, the 1200's have a 29 tooth front drive pulley and a 61 tooth rear while the 883s use a 27/61 setup. With the 27 tooth, the 883s do not cruise as smooth a 1200 with a 29 front pulley at the same speeds. Putting a 29 on an 883 in stock trim causes you to rev the bike more and makes it slower on response, but to help it cruise smoother. You can fit a 55 tooth "International" pulley and belt. This helps both the 1200 an 883. The 55 tooth is what they put on bike in Europe and some other places since you can ride faster. Hopes this helps. Drifter (note from Mama: every bit helps and increases our knowledge!) VTwin Mama writes: As I keep delving into the subject, I keep running into the complexity of the subject! My basic observations at this point: 1) one can change ratios within the transmission (gearbox) itself or change things in the final drive gearing. By and large, as motorcycle manufacturers moved forward over the years in design, those changes of cruising comfort were made. 2) gear ratios within a motorcycle's transmission are chosen for the type of riding. From The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance, "A sportbike will also use a gearbox with closely spaced ratios to help the pilot keep the engine 'on the boil.' A touring bike will have wider spaced ratios, in part because a mildly tuned touring engine develops lots of torque over a fairly large range of rpm. A touring bike will also be somewhat over-geared in top gear, providing a relaxed pace and good gas mileage; of course, passing a truck may require a down shift or two to bring the revs up, that that's an acceptable trade-off for most of us." 3) so Muffin feels like she's wanting another gear to shift too because that older Honda Shadow 600 is geared a certain way. She can achieve the necessary speed, but it sounds like its wound out and has no place to go. This can sound annoying when cruising because the motorcycle doesn't sound like it's running "relaxed." 4) However, if one wants to take their current bike, they can also make modifications to the final drive sprockets (the front countershaft sprocket and/or the rear wheel sprocket). Again, from The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance: "If you increase the number of teeth on the rear sprocket or reduce the number of teeth on the countersharft sprocket, raising the overall ratio between the two sprockets, the gearing is 'lowered.' The engine will now turn faster for a given road speed. The acceleration will improve, but in most cases the top speed will drop. If we go the other way, that is, add teeth to the countershaft sprocket or remove teeth from the rear sprocket, lowering the ratio between the two gears, then we raise the gearing and the bike will go faster (in theory), but accelerate slower. Just remember, when dealing with gearing ratios, the higher the ratio number the lower the gearing. For example, a vehicle with a 5:1 final-drive ratio is geared lower than a vehicle with a 3:1 ratio." Yikes, did you get all of that?!?!?! So, what's the bottom line? Muffin wanted to know if moving from a 600cc bike with four gears to a 750cc bike with five gears would be that great of a difference (she didn't want to go much bigger because of bike weight issues although friends were advocating that an 1100cc bike would be the better leap). My conclusion at this point is that a 750 would deliver a more relaxed ride at top speeds without adding significant weight/size. If Muffin doesn't feel ready for something larger, the 750 or 800cc size would suit! Drifter Wednesday, October 11 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Bob, In 1994, the designation was VT1100C Shadow. The 2nd "C" could have been a typo or, in some cases, I note that instead of correctly identifying the "C" model, the title indicated the "cc," meaning cubic centimeters (1100, but it actually is 1099!). In 1995, Honda took the '94 model and morphed it into the VT1100C Shadow Spirit, and all specs remain the same exact that it went from 4 gears to 5 (pretty significant!). At the same time, Honda introduced the VT1100C2 Shadow Sabre, which had 5 gears, moved from a belt to a shaft drive, changed the front tire size, changes both brake specs, and changed the body (significant width difference and fuel capacity). Now I did some catalog searching, starting with the floorboard question. In the J&P Cycles metric catalog, I found Cobra front and passenger floorboards, but the callouts muddy up the year/model waters a bit (yikes!). Here I see the callout for 87-96 VT1100C, then 97-04 VT1100C1 Shadow Spirit, then 95-99 VT1100C2 Shadow ACE, and finally 00-04 VT1100C2 Shadow Sabre. Clearly they are calling out a product for your year/model. So, my suggestion is twofold. 1) You included the VIN number in your email (which I
did not repeat in this posting), but according to Honda's site, there is
an American Honda's Motorcycle Identification Guide, which I'm guessing
your local Honda dealer would have, so I would double-check your VIN
against Honda's guide as DMVs are notorious for describing motorcycles in
any way they wish (close, but not always perfect). Whew . . . that was fun! It still feels a bit muddy, but
hopefully I've gotten you a bit closer on looking for solutions.
Mama Friday, October 13 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Fair-Weather Rider, Motorcycles that will be ridden on certain days during the winter months do not necessarily need to be winterized. Normal maintenance guidelines remain in affect. One thing however is that while you won't be riding as frequently, and cold can sap the battery, you may wish to keep the bike on a trickle charger like the Battery Tender. Or alternatively, fire up the bike twice a week and let it run/warm-up for 10 minutes each time so that oil circulates and the battery gets a self-charge jolt. That will do the trick! I do not have a particular line of winter riding gear that comes to mind. I favor my jacket as it has an added zip-in liner and it's roomy enough to be able to layer thin long underwear, a long-sleeve turtleneck and a sweatshirt underneath. Gloves get tricky as the warmer ones can get bulky in the palm area, but if you go to the local sporting and retail stores, you can try on different ones that are thermal and see which ones suit you. For legs, most riders like chaps, but I wear a pair of workmen cloth bib overalls with a thermal lining (snowsuits/bibs have a poly, waterproof outer layer, so it's fine, just stay away from your exhaust pipes!). I wish you well on your newest practice sessions . . .
you'll get there . . . and the riding adventure will be that much sweeter
because you worked for it! It's a great source of pride!
Mama Friday, October 13 VTM, I stayed off the bike for several weeks b/c first, I had hurt my shoulder and foot in the crash (I am a runner and still will not be able to run on the foot for another month or so). I was very angry about getting hurt in such a low speed and embarrassing crash and b/c that crash was keeping me from doing a different activity that's very important to me. I was also staying off of it b/c I was so unsure of whether this is an activity I should be doing. My boyfriend lost confidence in my ability to do it and admitted to me that many of my friends and family have pulled him aside to tell him that this is something I can't do. That was very hard to hear. And so I vacillated a lot with deciding whether or not to continue with it. There was pressure to do it b/c my boyfriend saw no point in keeping his bike if I decided to sell mine and I knew this was something he really enjoyed and had invested a lot in. But then again, I was so scared for my safety and aware that I might just have been doing it for him. I finally told him I wasn't going to do it--I couldn't take the stress of it all. After making that decision and hearing him decide to sell both bikes, I couldn't sleep and couldn't think about anything else but the fact that his selling the bikes meant I would never get to ride again--an idea which I eventually realized that I hated. For so long I didn't know if I was doing it for him or me and I was finally given the opportunity to decide for myself. So on my own, I got into a second MSF class (for practice and b/c the first one was terrible in a number of ways). This past weekend I got back on for the first time since my crash and did a very low speed practice in a parking lot. I practiced very large figure eights and really concentrated on looking into turns (which is the reason for my crash). I did well and began to feel normal again on the bike. But, let me tell you, putting that bike back in gear the first time was something that I almost thought I couldn't do. But I had to do it (my boyfriend was watching =). And once I took off and relaxed, I began to enjoy it again. Believe me, I will be taking things slow. My 2nd MSF class is this weekend. I can't say I'm really looking forward to it (the last one was so hard on me mentally and physically), but I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work on skills and hopefully build up my confidence. When I took the first class I had never ridden before. Unfortunately, impatient and unsupportive teachers who hurried the class so some experienced rider could get to his work on time combined with a number of crashes and threats from the owner of the program that I would not pass the class if I didn't "hurry up and get it" made for an incredibly stressful weekend that I did not recover physically from for a couple weeks (sounds extreme...well, it was mid-August and I did a lot of picking the bike up). I DID pass, however, though barely. Anyway, I just wanted to share my story and reach out for support and to people with similar conflicts. Despite my desire to ride, my decision to keep the bike is not yet firm. That will depend in part on how this class goes and, after much practice, whether I feel confident in my own ability to control the bike in an emergency and, well, in pulling out of the driveway. Thanks for your site and for the time and energy you put into helping others. LauraN250 Dear LauraN250, I am especially pleased to hear that you're taking the course again so that you can work on your skills with instructors on hand. Hopefully you'll have a different set or have come to terms with the ones who pushed in an inappropriate manner. It is always sad when teachers don't "mesh" with a student, but your mission is clear! You want to continue giving it your best shot before making a final decision. While the original plan is for the two of you to ride side-by-side, if in the end you decide not to ride your own, that doesn't mean that the two of you can't then contemplate riding two-up on one bike. Plenty of couples enjoy riding this way, not just locally, but on day runs and longer tours. This might include selling the two bikes to purchase one that would suit you both as a riding couple. Don't rule it out! I wish you the best this weekend and will once again note
that many new riders benefit greatly from additional training tools like the
Ride Like a
Pro DVD to help them plan out more practice sessions. When I viewed this
DVD for the first time, I went out and did the skills practice (I had just
gotten my newest bike) . . . so even an experienced "old dog"
rider can improve! Fine-tuning skills throughout one's lifetime of riding is
always good!
Mama Friday, October 13 Dear Mama, I learned one big lesson. Get to the
registration early because if you are first in line for the ride at the
beginning you are first in line for the FOOD at the end! Dear Susan, Friday, October 13 Need a little lighthearted fun today?! Then hop onto my Humor Page and see some creative stuff/people bike loading pictures! Saturday, October 14 For Fair-Weather Rider who will continue to work on skills as winter descends: Hi Fair-Weather Rider . . . I bet that translates to, "I'll ride anytime, but I prefer 70 degrees and up." (me too) Anyway. I ride weather permitting, and mood, throughout the year. In the winter time, when riding gets infrequent, it wouldn't hurt to put a little Fuel Stabilizer in the tank whenever you fill up. Fuel gets stale faster than you think. Jennifer WV (note from Mama: me three! Good tip . . . think I'll get a bottle for my bike!) Saturday, October 14 Mama, Dear jojo, Saturday, October 14 Petra, Dear Susan, Fellow female riders, I need to know if anyone else out there has experienced this RELUCTANCE to hit the road, despite their love of riding. My area has lots of "twisties," and that adds to my worry -- I'm not that great at twisties, and the cage drivers around here are aggressive. I find myself OVER PLANNING every ride and then thinking it's not really worth the effort. I know that riding with others would probably help me with this problem -- but I'm not a "group joiner," and not great at keeping social obligations, so I don't really think this is an option for me. I've told myself in the past to just STOP THINKING ABOUT IT. To just hit the road, because I know I'll love it once I'm out there. But I feel limited in where I can go due to my being alone, and the "trickiness" of local roads. Any suggestions, short of what I've already told myself? Anyone else out there who has experienced this reluctance? Thanks! Helen Wheels Dear Helen, I have personally experienced the reluctance feeling you are now going through. The reasons have been many, from heavy work schedules and weather wimpiness to not wanting to ride solo all the time. My latest started years ago. My '76 HD Superglide wasn't really the best handling bike I ever had (it was my third and the most beautiful, but not the best balanced!). When I moved from NV to NC, I elected to sell the bike and seek out something else. My 2001 BMW R1200C is such a joy in handling that my riding has completed been re-invigorated. I still don't ride all the time, but I can hear her and the road calling me much more clearly! Despite your years as a solo rider, the inherent nature of your immediate riding area is forcing you to consider your skill level on a truly solo level. Just yesterday I was riding with Brooke, a newer rider, who noted that she would be happy just taking short putts in the area for the rest of her life. My comment was that she didn't yet have the "dance" down . . . that total oneness with a motorcycle, that once achieved, allows us to fully hear the call of the road and all its possibilities. My suggestion is to check into the MSF's Experienced RiderCourse. This is the course description: "You'll discuss with your peers how to balance the mental and physical aspects of safe riding, manage risk, increase visibility and optimize your lane position. The 'Experienced RiderCourse also covers protective gear, rider responsibility, motorcycle inspection and care, the effects of alcohol and other drugs on riding, and includes an optional skill evaluation and knowledge test. Using your own motorcycle, you'll put into practice the techniques of managing traction, stopping quickly, cornering and swerving." Now, doesn't that sound like it would be an interesting way to elevate your skill level? Say yes and you'll be on your way! Even it you took it years ago, take it again! Then take your newfound understanding and practice. I'm betting once your skills are polished, you'll be thinking in more positive terms about seeking out others with whom to share the joy. This doesn't mean you have to join a group or "overdo" the social aspect. But to rob yourself of forming new friendships, ones that can last a lifetime, seems shortsighted. Perhaps you will start with my Let's Ride page and see if a sister is in your area when you are ready. Mama Monday, October 16 Dear VTwin Mama, I know leather is the
protective layer for colder months, but what do you use in the warmer
months? With winter coming on, I'll spend it putting some things together
for spring . . . and a few pretties for the bike too. Dear Debby, Even as I write, many companies are incorporating Kevlar, or similar man-made fabrics into leather riding gear at key impact points. These fabrics are abrasion-resistant and offer more protection. You'll find in the "sporty" lineups of clothing, that this fabric is usually included. In addition, they often include slip-in pieces at key areas that are designed to "crush" on impact, thus buffering the hit (once used, they are then replaced). With Kevlar (or similar), design for warmer riding can
be something lighter weight and breathable, yet abrasion-resistant. There
are even jeans that use Kevlar! Keep shopping and you'll find those
choices!
Mama Monday, October 16 More for Betsy who is pondering trike vs. two-wheel safety: Way back in the old days (the 70's) we built and rode VW trikes exclusively. In fact, for many years my motorcycle license endorsement read "three-wheel motorcycle only." I really like trikes for their stability and ability to carry a lot of stuff. They are a good way to get in the wind and feel more substance on the road if two wheels isn't your thing for whatever reason. On the not-so-nice side, trikes handle like semi's. Since there is NO lean for cornering, the rider has to muscle the handlebars from side to side. The center of gravity is usually behind the rider, as well, so it's easy to misjudge braking and cornering distances and the overall feel. You're also going to have to park and maneuver in traffic more like a car. I understand that the MSF now has a safety course designed specifically for trikes and motorcycles with sidecars, and I would recommend looking into this. Overall, trikes can be a good thing, but having ridden both, I can't say that I ever bonded with my trikes the same as I have with my motorcycle, and I think it's due to the fact that you don't get your whole body into riding a trike. Trikes are amusing transportation, but not a passion. Kyri Comyn (note from Mama: thank you for sharing your first-hand experiences! Trike-specific courses from MSF providers are gaining ground, but it depends on the area. You can use the MSF locater page to make contact!) Monday, October 16 Input on Accident Scene Management: Free Spirit Chapter, Michigan's largest independent women's riding group (77 members), has supported ACM by participating in the annual Women In Motion ride for the past four years. Current members are instructors and all 11 of our Road Captains participate in mandatory refresher classes annually. The RC's carry confidential medical forms of each of our members in their saddlebags at all times along with Trauma Kits. We've used the forms on occasion, mostly for non-bike related emergencies. I can't say enough good things about the great work that Vicki and her crew are doing within the bike community!! Accidents are traumatic, but the bottom line for me is this; most of us ride with our best buds . . . when there is an accident, are you going to stand around screaming for help or will you be just a little prepared to possibly save your friend's life? Keep up the good work! Laura "Hopper" Reutter, FSC Lead Road Captain (note from Mama: how wonderful to hear from your group and the importance it places on rider safety and accident management! I've given your group a slot on my Women's Sites page and will note that the ACM link can always be found on my Rider Advoccy page, for future reference.) Monday, October 16 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Woody, Tuesday, October 17 For Helen who is battling reluctance despite her love of riding: I do
experience what you have described. I am a newbie . . . I started
riding last February . . . well, I started a month of great frustration
and practicing last Feb. I guess I started riding the 22nd of
April when I got my M Two bikes (upgraded) and nearly 4000 miles
later I find I have become an avid and passionate rider. I would have
NEVER guessed this was where Id be. But I do find that when I ride by
myself (about 4 times a week) I have an apprehension that goes away once
Im up and out on my bike. Sometimes it is excitement and sometimes it
is excitement combined with the knowledge that it is a bit risky. I have
found that though it is exhilarating, it is still quite draining, so I
have to take inventory before I ride. I have to ask myself am I reluctant
because I am alone or am I really not up to it. If something is
weighing heavily upon my mind or I am unusually tired, I choose not to go,
as much as I would like to. It is a
lot of effort and tiring even while it is a joyful experience. If I
determine that I am slow to get out because I am alone, then I set my
sights on my errand, which I have to do regardless of what vehicle I take.
If I am distracted because of other duties or problems or mood or I am
tired, then I usually take the car. Though
you say you are not a joiner," you may want to take a deep breath
and venture out to find one other person you can ride with on occasion in
order to ride more frequently. You may be surprised at how that actually
feels as opposed to how you think it will feel. If you let it, it could be
very nice. Tuesday, October 17 Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Debby, Tuesday, October 17 Dear VTwin Mama, My original problem was the bike was sputtering when I shifted into first gear from neutral. I took the gas tank off and checked the petcock, and it looked ok. The gas looked ok also. I put some dry gas (Iso Heet) and that seemed to get rid of most of the sputtering, but it still does so at low speeds/low gears (1st and 2nd). I also put some SeaFoam in the gas tank, but that didn't help much. I also noticed the bike was idling high (around 1500, sometimes as high as 2000 rpm). By the way, the bike is kept outside. A couple of months later, I took the carbs out and checked them because the bike was still sputtering at low speeds/low gears. I placed the carbs back in the bike, and after a few attempts, I was able to get the throttle cables back on. Now, the throttle doesn't spring back to the neutral position normally. It will return, but very slowly. So I assume that the cables need adjusting, because there is too much slack. Another issue is with the air intake tubes to the carbs. I'm not impressed with the fix that the mechanic did a year or so ago, where one of the intake tubes has sealant on it. I guess it was to cover the slight gap between the tube and the air box due to age of the air tube, I guess. This is starting to come undone. My questions are: 1. What else could be causing the sputtering at low speeds? The bike
may simply need some general maintenance/tune up. My main concern is getting the throttle cables correctly adjusted, so that I can ride the bike to a shop if I can't resolve the other issues. Thank you so very much for your time, Adrienne Dear Adrienne, Sputtering could also be spark plugs that need to be replaced and/or making sure the right ones are installed, and while you checked the petcock, there may be another fuel filter you are missing that could be clogged. Of course you should double-check that the air filter is clean and in good shape . . . otherwise it could be introducing dirt and other crap or be so clogged as to alter the air/gas mix to the carbs. Another thing to check is the tight connection of your exhaust pipes. Worn gaskets or a loose connection can introduce air into the system which is altering performance. Unfortunately, if this bike was recently power-washed, it's possible that an electronic component was drenched and can't dry out. This usually boils down to the CDI black box. The motorcycle could be idling high because it was "artificially" increased to overcome another problem, but by cleaning out the system partially with additives, it's running high now. Idle speed is a set-point and while an idle speed may creep up as mileage is added to a bike, I'm assuming there are many miles on this '83. I'd try a small idle screw adjustment to see if it easily brings down the idle speed. If it doesn't, you've got something else happening in the system. If everything mentioned earlier has been double-checked you could be looking at a carb synch problem, the need to rebuild the carbs, or other timing adjustment. I'm unclear about the air tube sealant situation you mention. Clearly a mechanic had concerns and made a fix. That the fix is coming undone raises questions. What was happening with the bike at that time that led the mechanic to do something there? It could explain the erratic idle speed you're experiencing now. Throttle adjustment is about free-play. There should be manufacturer's specifications in the service manual. Most systems employ a push-pull throttle system where the pull cable opens the throttle and the push cable closes it. So you would need to loosen the locknut near the throttle control, use the adjuster to decrease free-play and then tighten the locknut again. Because of the age of your bike, it's possible that you have a slide carburetor vs. the newer CV carbs. In a slide carb, the throttle cable is directly connected to the slide in the carb. It's unclear what you did when you say you checked the carbs and perhaps the slide is no longer moving freely. Slide carbs were popular through the early 80s, and I just don't have the source material to know what it is your bike has. I realize in all of this I'm fumbling around a bit, but my best advice is to check and double-check the basics first. It's not clear whether you just got this bike and the previous owner had it sitting around, which can open up a can of worms. If you've been running this bike just fine for awhile, outdoor storage could be introducing condensation-related problems, especially in an area where day/night temperatures shift widely. There is a discussion
thread going on at BikeZ for the 1981 CB650 which may prove useful.
Mama Wednesday, October 18 More for Helen who is battling reluctance despite her love of riding: Petra, I am regularly astonished at how often my 'but it's only happened to me' thoughts & experiences are reflected in your site! I started riding behind my husband in '73 & got my own bike in '83. But we when we moved in '86 he sold his bike and, while I kept mine, I rode infrequently. Mostly family's & kid's schedules didn't give me much alone time but the traffic was intimidating too. The less I rode, the less confident I became and I was so concerned about getting into a situation I couldn't handle or laying my bike down that I talked myself out of riding that day. Or the next. Then I had some health issues the last couple of years that precluded riding at all. My Doc & I worked through those & I now feel as healthy as I did in my 30s. (I'm 56.) Getting back on my bike became a goal to validate my return to being 'me'. With just us at home and his career in a different place, Gary had more free time & in May bought another bike so we began to ride together since I was apprehensive about going alone. My old '81 Suzuki is not mechanically reliable (she sometimes gets in a snit & cuts off at inopportune times) nor the best balanced or even lowest by today's standards & I layed her down several times getting back on the road. Fortunately I'm a bit of a stoic and I just wore long sleeve tees so I didn't have to explain the bruises! Then in August I bought a new bike. WOW! My Hyosung GV250 is an amazing sweetheart. I can easily flatfoot it and it is incredibly well-balanced. The other day, in a slight rain on a downhill turn leaving a gas station, I caught a bit of loose gravel and started to loose it, but I easily righted while I thinking, "On the the Suzuki, I'd be going down." I took a portion of the MSF Experienced Rider Course last month and it was excellent. My community college offers the full day ERC which includes some classroom & discussions but also a half day Intermediate Riders Course. It is the exercises portion and doesn't have a pass/fail format. It was limited to 12 participates w/two instructors. On your own bike, they evaluate what you are doing right as well as giving tips and corrections. Since this class focuses on low speed maneuvering and various turns, this will give you the tools and confidence to take on your twisties. This class I would recommend to everyone every four or five years just to remind you what you should be doing! For me, a new bike in which I am fully confident, the MSF class, and probably most important: giving myself permission to ride for a couple of hours without feeling guilty I'm depriving my family of my precious presence (giggle), has me back on the same roads that formerly intimidated me and I'm feeling great. Go. Just a few blocks at first. Then add a few more each day. Let the weather choose whether you ride first or do laundry! Jem (note from Mama: thank you for sharing the components of your reluctance . . . it's heartening to acknowledge that it can have many layers that don't always reveal themselves all at once!) Wednesday, October 18 Hi Mama, I am having a great time, but recently my left elbow has been hurting me. It hurts inside my elbow and I can hardly pick up anything with that arm -- and it is not just me, I talked to a fellow newbie and he is experiencing the same problem. Do you know what could be causing this? Beginner Biker Babe Dear Beginner Biker Babe, I admit that I'm scratching my head on the inside left elbow issue. If it was the handlebar positioning, one would expect that both arms would be feeling it. That then leaves the fact that it's our clutch arm. Because you are a relative new rider, one who has been practicing lots of techniques that are probably clutch "heavy," it wouldn't surprise me that the constant clutch action isn't setting up some sort of chain reaction in your arm. Remedies are to either use a squeeze ball to strengthen that hand, or, if that clutch lever feels like it's a lot of work to pull in or the lever requires a real stretch of fingers because of smaller hands, then it's time to modify the system. These clutch systems are often referred to as an ergonomic clutch like the ones offered by Avalon CycleWorks for HDs. The modification are often done at the clutch lever itself, but sometimes in the clutch basket itself. Previous letters on the subject can be found on my Working on the Bike: Clutch Lever pages. Readers, any other thoughts on what might be causing left elbow ache? Mama Wednesday, October 18 Input on that Hwy 33 to Lockwood (CA) video posted: I rode that road with another V-Twin Mama girl -- Gloria -- just a few weeks ago!! We had so much fun. We each got a room in Ojai and had a great time in the little town. They were going through the fires and the Lockwood road was closed but we still hit 33 and the Ojai Deer Lodge Inn where all the bikes go. The ride home was my first in pouring rain. It's about a 3 hour ride depending on stops. Gloria rides to work a lot and laughed at me not being prepared for the rain. It was 90 degrees when we left on Friday and by Sunday the rain came down. But . . . even being scared at first about the ride in the rain, I ended up loving it! We laughed at each other when we ate and left the restaurant with paper towels to dry the seats off -- we were soaked anyway, so it made no sense. I was a lot more aware than I ever thought I would be in rain . . . and no one really driving in it . . . so it was like having a good part of the road to ourselves. Enjoyable! Anyway, it was nice watching it from another persons ride! Kathy H. in So. California (note from Mama: how wonderful to get your first real rain ride in low traffic conditions! It sounds like a lovely stretch of road!) Thursday, October 19 Hi Petra/Mama, I was astounded to read the stories of the women on here whose struggles were/are so similar to what I endured. At the time, I felt like nobody could understand what I was going through, since the people in my course all seemed to pick it up without difficulty. My husband has been riding for many years and, although very supportive of me, couldn't really relate to my difficulties. I want to share my story to provide hope to others who are currently going through those same struggles. I took my course in the spring and it became apparent on our second day of parking-lot training that I was having great difficulty. My main issue was that I kept accidentally rolling on the throttle, which would send my bike tearing off in every which direction, causing me great anxiety and frustration. No matter how hard I focused, I could not seem to put together all the steps. One of the instructors gently informed me that I would have to be removed from the class if I couldn't get the hang of it. Well, that was it I was such a wreck that I had to remove myself from the class and go sit on the curb, where I proceeded to blubber like a baby, thinking that was forever the end of my adventure. It wasn't. The instructor was very kind and patient, saying that "some flowers bloom slower than others," and suggesting I come back for private lessons. I continued to do that every week for one hour for the next six or seven weeks before he felt I was competent enough to return to the class. My next step was to attempt to pass the "skills test" (the second part of a three-part process to obtain a motorcycle licence in British Columbia) before I could complete the course. This is a series of slow-riding maneuvers around a parking lot. I failed it the first time and returned the next week, only to fail it again. (My nerves got the best of me.) I was beginning to feel like the biggest loser ever and opted to quit the course (basically, the only thing I had left was two road rides, which I wasn't permitted to do until I passed the skills test). I told my husband that I really needed my own bike so that I could practise at my own pace without the pressure of a class. It took four months to find a bike that suited our budget and other requirements. I loved it instantly, but I was terrified of riding it. With my husband's support and encouragement, I was able to progress from three parking-lot practices to finally making it out on the road. Those first few times were terrifying. I was still having some throttle issues, and I was constantly stalling the bike because I kept popping the clutch. I had a few incidents where I almost wiped out, and I would be a nervous wreck by the time we got home. But you know what? Every time I got out there, I got better. I improved on a skill or learned something new and, little by little, my confidence grew. It truly was baby steps. Now, I'm at a point that I never thought I would reach, and I can only imagine how much more competent I will get. I have conquered my throttle issues and no longer stall the bike (even up until two weeks ago, I was still doing that in slow-riding situations or on hills). I have successfully managed every kind of riding from bumper-to-bumper traffic to steep, curvy mountain roads to freeway riding and I'm actually enjoying the experience now! I still have to re-do my skills test (this time, through the motor vehicles branch) and then do my road test to get my full licence, but these things no longer scare me. Now, I KNOW I can do it. So for anyone out there having doubts, I would encourage you to keep at it. For some of us, it just takes more practice than others. Like the saying goes, if I can do it, anyone can! Vikki in Aldergrove, B.C. Dear Vikki, Kudos to the instructor and your husband, who continued to assist you as you worked through the skills learning. As we have heard from previous letters, this is not always the case . . . but the bottom line is, if you're struggling, get the support you need, and if you need help figuring out where to turn, here is a place to ask on how to craft "next steps." We share and care because it makes a difference! Thanks Vikki for doing just that! Mama Thursday, October 19 Dear VTwin Mama, I have been learning to ride for 5 months now. I took the UK CBT test, which is compulsory here like your MSF test, and then took about 20 hrs worth of lessons with a view to taking the test for a licence a few weeks ago. I am doing this as a goal to reach before I am 50 next year . . . if I do, then great . . . if I don't then . . . hey ho, at least I did ride one on my own and actually owned one so... that would be a cool goal as well. Now my instructor said I can ride but need more confidence before taking the test and that they could really teach me no more and I was really paying just to practice. So here's the thing . . . I have bought a Suzuki Intruder . . . very nice (we are only allowed 125 cc here until we have a licence) and I am ok on it once I am out . . . still a bit hopeless with bends and find it hard to relax and trust myself not to c**k up. But before I go out I get very apprehensive and butterflies as big as bats!! I would like to do it, pass my test, and ride a bike for pleasure with confidence, but it bothers me that maybe I'm not cut out for it. I have had my new bike for two weeks and been out on it 4 times for a nice little spin. My lessons involved a lot of riding in all sorts of places and some pretty s**t weather too (this is the UK after all)! But now I am on my own and I have turned into a softy baby!! Will I hack it . . . any advice? We don't have a UK site like this, so looking across the water for some solidarity. It's a great site and I will continue to look at it from time to time. Thanks for listening . . . so to speak . . . take care. Sharon Southam Dear Sharon, I am fortunate that many readers outside of the U.S. have contributed input on non-US-centric information that will help now. If you go to my Useful Sites page, you'll see a subsection titled Outside of US and there you will find two UK sites I think will be helpful. How, you ask?! Well, you're on your own, but that doesn't mean you can't find a rider who would be willing to ride with you while you continue practicing your skills! Phooey on not hacking it . . . you've made it this far . . . so take a few more steps and you'll have that license before your 50th birthday! I have it on good authority that the UK Ride Out Club is the place to post your request for assistance! Just register (it's free!) and then post to the Rideouts and Social section. You'll note on their home page that say right up front that even someone with only a few hours of riding time can post and join in! There are also about 300 women riders who belong to the UK section of the Womens International Motorcycle Association. On this page you'll find contact info. DO IT! You may feel "soft" at the moment, but now is the time to straighten up and get in touch with riders! That feeling of apprehension before you ride . . . normal! That's right, it's normal, and even experienced riders get the nervous tummy syndrome some times. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. So take the step to get in touch with riders in your area and ask for what you need. Do not apologize . . . they have been where you are now and understand! Mama Thursday, October 19 Hi Mama, Dear Annie, Thursday,
October 19 Freebird sent in some updates for the Auto Tranny Models page . . . a few new entries in mid/mega scooters, a link to the DN-1 (in Japanese, but you can see a video), and some updates to the bikes no longer manufactured. Thanks Freebird, the input is much appreciated! Friday, October 20 For Beginner Biker Babe, whose left inside elbow is aching: Consider these two possibilities also: 1. Now that you are riding more and are aware of how useful your clutch is in all situations, are you keeping your fingers at the ready instead of relaxing your left hand? (This is analogous to a manual cager 'riding the clutch'.) This position will keep the tendons and muscles tensed in the left arm. Trivia: the only difference between tennis elbow & golfers elbow is pain on the outside vs inside of the elbow, both are tendonitis. Inside elbow pain is the most common complaint from new golfers. 2. Are you riding a wee off-balance? Take turns w/your friend and focus on how centered you are. Be certain you are not using either hand grip to support your position, a potential problem w/sport bikes & bicycles. While you are ferreting out the cause, ice your elbow when you get home and warm it up before you leave. A steaming hot washcloth followed by a few gentle stretches can help; once you have tendonitis, you need to treat & heal as well as prevent. Jem (note from Mama: very illuminating!) Friday, October 20 For Vikki who shared her learning journey with us: Seems for some of us , some things are more of a chore, huh? I just started out at this about 5 weeks ago . . . and the fear I had after dumping twice during my first 2 weeks about did me in, and also my husband. I also find the more I learn, the more confident I become. Got my learners permit today . . . passed, but failed the first from neglect to read the things I didn't use for now (passengers, night riding, and group riding). Now I'm half legal. More room to practice and get better . . . my goal. I look at my husband and he looks so nice and at ease on this bike . . . soon I will be also. I guess we aren't alone trying to get this right. Good thing we have VTM!!!! Debby (note from Mama: getting one's learners permit is a nice step . . . I think mentally it helps clarify for yourself that you intend to take learning to ride seriously! More practice will polish skills but remember that riding a motorcycle is a lifelong pursuit, and one that demands that we review our skills along the way and buff to a shine!) And now from Vikki: Also, thanks for the tip about the magazine in Surrey [Canadian women's riding magazine Sister Cycle]. How cool is that! I grew up in Surrey and it's only about 30 minutes away from where I live now. I'll be sure to check that out. As for other women riders, I was very fortunate to meet my "kindred spirit" in my motorcycle course. We are both the same age, have teenage children, and are working our way towards each owning a Harley. Although she mastered the skills MUCH faster than I did, completing the course and now being fully licensed, we have maintained contact every step of the way and I was finally able to do my first ride with her on my own bike about a month ago. It would be awesome to link up with some other female riders. Take care. Vikki (note from Mama: you are on such a joyful path! Glad the VTwin Mama site gets to play a role!) Friday, October 20 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Vikki, I consider this a convenience accessory, where speed is not the point, but the function is. They are designed with low gear ratios for an "ease" back motion. A trike is not a car . . . you are still only on three wheels. As this is a specialty item, there are not a lot of companies offering a do-it-yourself kit. I don't know if the trike conversion shops are designing their own or using a standard conversion offering. In looking at some basics, extra gears are added to the main and countershafts in the transmission (along with other stuff), and that gear ratio (number of teeth, etc.) probably determines the speed. One would imagine if different gears were chosen, a different speed could be achieved. If you bought that bike from a trike conversion shop, a call would clear up your options. If you bought this privately, you could search for a conversion shop in your area, but be aware that not all shops offer reverse installation services. You may wish to go to the Trike Riders International site . . . they have a message board with a Tech Info section, and I see evidence of reverse gear "chat." Mama Friday, October 20 Hello : ), Dear N., Most motorcycles can be lowered so that the seat height is not so daunting and at a stop, one's feet can contact the ground |
