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Tuesday, October 28 For Donna who is concerned about correct lane changing in a group: I don't know where you are from, but your local Motorcycle Safety Program is probably the best source of information about how to pass (with a group of bikes) safely. I have attached the Missouri website (http://www.mmsp.org/) for your information. It sure helped me get prepared for large group riding. – Traci (note from Mama: thanks for the input!) Tuesday, October 28 I’m 4’11’’ and ¾” just a bit taller than you….not often I can say thatJ Yes, there are motorcycles that you will be able to ride. However, most will require some adjustments. I’ve had a Honda Nighthawk 250—the seat height was a bit too high but because it was light weight I was able to ride it without any significant adjustment—just be sure the rear shock is set to the lowest point. I also had a Honda VLX 600. Loved this bike in terms of seat height (just 25 inches) but wide handlebars and reach were a bit much. I bought a Lazy Rider bag that helped to push me forward in the seat so I could reach the handlebars with a little more ease. Later I changed the risers to 4” pullback risers which helped me to reach the handlebars with a bit more ease. On long rides I still had a lot of shoulder pain from the stretching required to reach the handlebar. A friend kept telling me to try a Harley Hugger. I wasn’t interested in a larger bike or a Harley per se. But, I did a test ride and found that the Hugger, although the seat height was slightly higher, seemed to fit me much better. I purchased my Hugger in late July. It’s a bit heavier than any of the bikes I previously owned and has required a few amenities. Here’s what I’ve added---an AMF power clutch (the Harley clutch was so hard that after 50 miles or so I felt as if I wouldn’t be able to shift another time before I got home), a LePera Silhouette seat (this is a low profile seat that moves the rider position forward) and a White Bros. lowering kit (lowers the rear shock position by 1”, you can also lower both the front and rear with Progressive Shocks). The Hugger has been eliminated from the ’04 Harley lineup but you might want to check out an older model. The Harley low rider is another option but it is a big bike for a beginner and is still wide for us shorties. If you want to ride you’ll find a bike that’s comfortable for you but it may take some time and patience. The Suzuki Savage is another very low, narrow and light option that you might want to consider. Good luck! – Pat (note from Mama: shorties unite! And ride!) Tuesday, October 28 For Tabitha who thinks maybe a chopper will fit her 4'9" frame: Many of the current batch of choppers are built on Softail frames which, although they LOOK like rigid (or hardtail) frames, have the suspension cleverly hidden in front of the swingarm. :-) – Dave Williams, Laura's husband (note from Mama: oh dreary me . . . I was kinda knocking the chopper without thinking and researching it farther -- thanks for catching my snafu.) Thursday, October 23 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Tabitha, Of all the Harley models, the Low Rider, Night Train and Springer Softail have the lowest seat height on the factory model (25.2", but that's assuming a 180 lb load (person)). Have a lowering kit installed will probably shave off 1.5 to 2" and put on a different seat (I'm thinking a Corbin) and maybe lose another 1 to 2" -- but is that going to be enough for you? Measure the seat height of that Yami you modified and compare. As you noted, the width of the bike at your butt is of concern, that's why although the Heritage Softail Classic and Fat Boy are relatively low seats (25.5 and 25.4 inches respectively), these models are fatter. A narrower custom seat would help. Still, at 4' 9" -- you are definitely sweating every fraction of an inch in height and width. If you think there's a chance, check for a motorcycle show in your area by logging on to MotorcycleEvent -- or visit a showroom with your new found info and start yakking at someone remotely qualified -- get the service manager involved in this conversation for sure! Choppers?! Are you nuts?! Ok, maybe you are, but usually choppers are rigid frames (think, ah, no shocks in the rear to absorb the bumps in the road, ouch) and are hugely pricey (hey, maybe you're rich and this is not a concern, and if you can afford a custom chopper, you can afford to have them make it to your every exacting specification -- that's the point!). I wanna be the first to see a picture if you go this route! – Mama Thursday, October 23 From Lynn who jumped the curb when hitting the throttle and brake at the same time: I sure appreciate all the great tips. I have already begun trying to keep my wrist lower on the throttle and can see how that would help prevent this problem. I will continue working on ingraining this into my 'muscle memory' and automated instinct. Interesting that during my MSF class, they had us do the figure 8 exercises while feathering the clutch and using the front brake. But after the tips here, I will try to avoid the front brake while turning. I did order the Video that was suggested also and will provide a review once it arrives if others are interested. I've also found a lot of good tips in the book "Proficient Motorcycling", available from Amazon. Happy to say I've gotten back on the bike and out for my first longer ride (150 miles or so). It was exhilarating! I was fortunate to have someone accompany me this time and it really boosted my confidence. I now know that I can ride beyond the parking lot and even on some twisty, windy roads though am taking it slow and at my own speed. More parking lot practice is also in store for me. Thanks for this excellent web site! – Lynn (note from Mama: feathering the clutch lever with the left hand while alternately using the right hand to give the bike a little gas or brake is vastly different than using the throttle and front brake at the same time with the same hand (with the clutch fully engaged). Glad to hear you are consulting a number of sources to continue learning and picking up tips -- which still leaves you with the "real-life" lessons that unfortunately are unavoidable -- as you found out! Still, the ups and downs of learning are well worth it when you have a longer ride and confidence booster -- yahoo! Well worth the learning curve!) Wednesday, October 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, But I got back at it in August and have been doing great (by my standards). Before I had to quit I had ridden about 4 weekends, getting in some good practice but it seemed like every time I went out I discovered something I needed to put extra effort into, like better stops or better take offs or leaning more etc. Two of my biggest fears were dropping the bike (which I have done more than once and always vowed to never let it happen again...but it did) and being in what in my mind were tight spots (at the gas station parking lot, pulling out of a parking space with little room to maneuver) but my husband told me anytime I was uncomfortable with any of those situations to "do the Albatross walk." He said "What do Albatross do when they come in for a landing on water?" It worked great for me and has helped me gain immense confidence. If I feel uncomfortable with a situation I just "walk the walk." I have even seen big guys do it. Maybe the Albatross walk will help others. Also I realized that if I'm uneasy with pulling out of a spot I can always just back up until I'm comfortable and then go (I have no problem with doing a full lock and backing up). And don't hurry! Ride your own ride and if the person you are riding with cares they will wait for you. I have truly enjoyed your site and have felt comfort in hearing others address issues so similar to some of mine. Keep up the good work! Your positive words work wonders! – Rhonda Dear
Rhonda, As one "walker" to another (!) -- I agree -- although I call it "duck walking a bike," the thought is the same -- you are using the limbs that God (or evolution) gave you to help steady things out! That's why big guys, experienced gals, beginners and everyone else uses the technique when appropriate -- better to look like a duck than having to start quacking when you cause a bigger problem trying to look "not Albatross." Ha ha. Sigh. – Mama Wednesday, October 22 For Michele who is being challenged by the MSF course again: Just wanted to encourage you to feel good about even taking the class a second time. I also scored fewer points the second time, but there were so many factors involved in that. The point is not so much how I scored on the test but what I got out of the class. I just spent two months preparing for a dance performance, and it occurs to me that with any kind of physical training, having an instructor watch my performance uncovers habits and movements I'm not aware of. I got some good tips from my instructor for things I needed to work on. I was disappointed in my second test performance because I thought I would perform better, but it just made me more determined to improve. You sound determined and I'll bet you'll write in about a confidence-building ride real soon. – Sarah (note from Mama: I'm a thinkin' that Michele is just going to keep getting better too!) Wednesday, October 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, In
my lifetime I have been a U.S. border Patrolman on the Mexican border
(1966-67); a Military Policeman (Saigon 1968-69); a city policeman, an
offshore oil driller, and I have spent the last 25 years in the coal
business routinely going over 2000 feet deep in the ground to investigate
some really severe geological hazards. Some
few years ago I built from blueprints an experimental airplane and flew
it. I can tell you all more about having the "jitters" -- about
something than I imagine you would like to hear. I can also assure you of
this: in comparing the two activities -- a motorcycle is far more
difficult to master than an airplane, unless you want to get into really
high performance categories. Even then, things are happening at a
much more spread out sequence of events' unless its a combat dogfight or
something. I
find the motorcycle much more demanding in physical co-ordination and far
more so in maintaining total situational awareness than flying a
routine airplane. It is entirely appropriate and natural to view these
machines with a certain amount of trepidation ,and if we ever get to the
point where we don't have at least a little tingle at the prospect of
blasting off on one ,we probably ought to quit it before we get in
trouble. The key to it is small steps, one building block at a time. It is like learning to shoot a pistol. It is much better to go out and shoot 10 rounds every day for 50 days than to carry 500 rounds to the range and use them all in one day. All that happens is the last 480 or so are wasted in reinforcing a bad experience and no skill results. There is a website that you might find useful. It has helped me – http://www.ridelikeapro.com. – Gary in Tuscaloosa Dear
Gary, And thanks for the reminder on the Ride Like a Pro video -- we've bally-whoed it here on this site a few times, but once more won't hurt! – Mama Wednesday, October 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Now
she can quit worrying about hanging on and just ride the thing. :-) Dear
Dave, Tuesday, October 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, "The primary reason the class is there is to learn how to ride a motorcycle SAFELY. We are not there to promote motorcycling or even teach you to ride a motorcycle. We are there to coach people on how to ride SAFELY. That’s why it’s called a “motorcycle SAFETY class” not beginning motorcycle riding 101. However the class is taught in such a way that it allows someone that has never ridden before to learn how to ride, as well as correcting some bad riding habits along the way of the already skilled rider. But the focus remains SAFETY." Hmmmmmm. That was a bit unsettling for me to hear. I haven't ever really ridden a motorcycle before (the only experience I have is riding my friend's 70cc dirt bike when we were both kids), so I was really hoping that the RidersEdge course would help start me out on a bike. Now that I'm aware that "motorcycling 101" is not the intent of the course, I'm beginning to wonder if I should perhaps buy a bike to practice on before taking the course? I could practice in parking lots but couldn't ride on the street until I passed the course and got my certification for my license. My plan was to get a used Yamaha V-Star 650 after I had my license. Maybe I need to reverse my planning? Thanks. – Steph Moore in New Mexico Dear
Steph, I think the main point to remember is that if you go into the course expecting to have your license in hand "for sure," you could be disappointed. So, how lucky are you feeling? Are you totally nervous and thinking the bike is going to chew you up and spit you out some? Or, are you fairly confident that the little beastie can be tamed with a little effort (and previous knowledge)? Let this be your guide! If finances are not an issue, picking up a little 250cc bike locally and practicing in empty parking lots is a grand idea. Also, check the Yellow Pages and with the local dealers to see if any offer a true "learn to ride" course. Or thinking in reverse, what is the cost of taking the safety course twice (if the first time isn't a charm) -- vs. buying a little putt-putt that you can sell later? – Mama Tuesday, October 21 For Lynn who jumped the curb trying to brake and throttle at the same time: I had the same problem and what I do is that I keep my wrist low and reach for the brake - if I had my wrist high I can very easily roll on the throttle but when I have my wrist low there is no leverage to roll on the throttle. That is what works for me. – Ambitious Angela (note from Mama: I'm actually trying the high/low wrist thing right at my computer and can see how this would alter the roll/non-roll of the throttle) Tuesday, October 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Angela, Tuesday, October 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Michele, Monday, October 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, July 22, I'd had my new Honda Magna 3 weeks. On our way to work some idiot car driver tried to cut thru 2 lanes of traffic without checking to see if it was clear. It wasn't and he didn't see me coming up the inside lane. You should have seen the look on his face when he realized his mistake and saw me hurtling towards his passenger side-door at 30mph. On impact my female bits were thrown forward onto the bike's tank, I broke my pelvis in 4 places, fractured both hips and my labia swelled to the size of a very large cucumber. As for my pillion passenger Lara, she flew 10-20 feet in the air and over his car, breaking her back when she landed. We were damn lucky. Lara's got a compressed back and thankfully won't be paralyzed. I've got a stainless steel plate holding my pelvis together and my fractured hips have healed quite nicely thank-you. We'll be back to full health just in time for Christmas. The accident really shook me up and has made me doubt whether or not I will go back on a motorbike. However after finding your website and seeing that there are other female riders out there with the same passion for motorbikes. I feel inspired and more confident about getting back on a motorbike. Sadly I won't be riding my Honda Magna as she suffered a painfully cruel death at the hands of the evil destroyer. If it weren't for the Magna I don't think I'd be here telling you about my accident, she saved me. The Magna is a great bike and I'm gutted I won't be able to replace the one I lost. But that's ok, I'm alive and well. I also still have my Suzuki Savage LS 650! I didn't get chance to sell her and I hope that she'll provide me with the protection needed for riding the mean streets of London. Ride safe Sisters. – Nadine and Lara Dear
Nadine and Lara, I am glad to hear that despite your horrific medical blows, that modern medicine and a bit of luck are keeping each of you together in one piece and functioning. After looking at the picture of your Magna, with a crushed front end, I agree -- that bike did a lot to absorb the impact and so we'll observe a moment of silence for that beautiful hunk of metal. (shhhhh) Meanwhile, heal fast and discuss your future riding possibilities one step at a time. Lara may feel differently than you, you may feel differently after taking the Savage out for a test go/see, and both your "decisions" may change from day to day for quite some time to come. It's only natural. – Mama Monday, October 20 For Lynn who jumped the curb trying to brake and throttle at the same time: When I first began riding, I had a similar problem that you are experiencing. I would reach for the brake and when I squeezed, I would also roll on the throttle (however usually when this happened my hand was also covering the clutch so I was able to nullify the affects of doing this). It just so happened that I had this happen during the MSF class and my instructor immediately told me why it was happening: I was grabbing the throttle too high so when I would squeeze the brake, the palm of my hand would roll on the throttle. Keep your wrist lower than your knuckles on the throttle, and when you reach for the brake, your hand will naturally roll the throttle forward which will prevent there from being anything to roll back when you squeeze. Hope this helps, good luck. – Amy (note from Mama: now this sounds like something that can easily be followed and mastered!) Never, ever, EVER hit the front brake when you’re in a turn. Never, ever, EVER. Did I say NEVER yet? It’s an almost guaranteed way to drop the bike under the circumstances you mentioned. You need to adjust your speed before the turn…You might want to consider “Ride Like A Pro” – the Motorman’s video set. It does a nice job of elaborating on what the MSF course covers. If you don’t develop the habit of using your front brake in a turn like that, you won’t do it at a speed that could really send you flying. Congrats on getting up, dusting yourself off, and getting back on the horse! – Ki (note from Mama: I agree, much better to slow to an appropriate speed before ever beginning a turn -- thanks for the stern warning and reminder!) Monday, October 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Donna, The problem with "rules" is that what works for a small group of six riders may not be practical for a group of 20. Same goes for coming up on heavier traffic, traffic obstacles (work zones), etc. In my experience, we never used the tailgunner as anything other to ensure the group was in tact and to assist with any problems. The lead always signaled a move, then riders followed in order when they deemed it was safe for them on an individual basis (but still maintaining the formation). The tendency in heavier traffic was to break up a bit, but ultimately the group regrouped and the drag (last rider) was able to signal the lead that all was well. Still, I can see your point on safety in this particular style of lane change. However, you are asking an existing group to modify their procedure, and while one would hope that they would be open to discussion on the subject, they may feel that as the "new kids" you're not in position to dictate to them. So, what are your options. 1) don't ride with the group if it really gives you the willies -- your safety always comes first 2) ride with the group under their ruling until such time you have built up the necessary camaraderie and proven your group riding skills to initiate a possible change sometime in the future 3) one of you lead a ride and the other act as tail and ask the group to try your lane change thought -- after all, you've put forth the effort to coordinate a really cool ride! – Mama Monday, October 20 For Speedy who noted that test ride opportunities are far and few between: At least 3 HD dealers in the Phoenix area have rentals. Before I bought my Sportster, I rented one for a day just to see if it was something I'd really want to buy. It was, and I did. The one day rental was approx $150 and well worth it! Each dealer has a variety of bikes from the Hugger to the big cruisers. There is also a non-Harley motorcycle rental place in town as well. Look around! – Barbara Crumley in Queen Creek, AZ (note from Mama: I think renting is an excellent alternative, and if you're really going to drop $15-20k on a bike, what's a hundred or so to really check it out -- besides, it's a much better indicator than a short test ride around the block!) Monday, October 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Nick, Monday, October 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Shorty, Then, use State 8's site (New Vehicles) to find spec pages on all Hondas, Yamahas and Kawasaki models, including seat height and other pertinent bits of stuff. Also useful, hit my lowering kit page as a beginning indicator if there is a lowering kit solution for a bike you're interested in. Now, armed with some beginning facts, visit the showrooms and start taking to the sales people! As many shorter riders who have visited this site have told me, "Where there is a will, there is a way!" It's just not written in stone, but a little bit of digging will get you to your goal (as price, power, type of riding, etc. are part of the decision making process on what kind of bike is going to meet your overall needs). – Mama Friday, October 17 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Buy and Learn, When you take the course, you'll get the feel of that 250cc bike's power and be able to better determine what your thoughts are on more power (as compared to being on the 1800cc bike). Just because your feet reach the ground and you can muscle that bike around, doesn't mean you're ready for the big power bikes (meaning practice is still your key and over confidence is not something to rely on!). Trust YOUR gut instinct on this cause hubby can't gauge how you are TRULY feeling. This is important! So, like ANY new rider, one baby step at a time and if you do decide to try a bigger beastie sooner than later, get thee to an empty parking lot somewhere where there are no obstacles to get in your way as you begin to put you and the bike through the beginning paces to ensure you have mastered the basics of smooth starts, stops and basic curves. Then, and only then, begin practice on roads with light, light traffic -- cause no matter who you are, what size you are, how skilled you are -- there are idiots in cars out there who don't give a damn if they don't see you. Hmmmm . . . . . . and then practice some more. Practice for the rest of your life, cause the learning never ends and never should. – Mama Friday, October 17 Dear
VTwin Mama, I was wearing hiking boots and one of my boots came off. Thank God for the jacket I was wearing and my helmet. (what the hell are the people in PA thinking of wearing no helmet!). I got right back on the bike and rode it. The bike has a little damage ($1,000) - still trying to understand what I could of done differently. Does anyone have an experience to share with me? – Black and blue VTwin Mama Angela Dear
Angela, Ok, here's my two cents (and believe me, there's 98 cents of valid opinion floating out there on this one): this is why I have straight pipes, because even if I think someone sees me, I crack the throttle a little, roar the pipes, and watch their reaction. More times than not, I can see the "jump" in their face when they realize they didn't see me at all. Assume nobody sees you ever and ride accordingly. When you thought the van driver saw you, you were gauging that most likely from your experience in a car (two car drivers catching each others eyes) -- not a bike to car. And to add insult to injury, I know that I've missed seeing a bike on occasion (in the 24 years that I've been riding) while in my own car. Especially if they start out tucked away behind some other traffic and then move up in the pack where I don't expect to see them. It happens. That's why you always need to assume the worst. Now, extend the question and ask yourself what you would do if a deer or other animal leapt out in front of you suddenly. This is where the need to make a quick judgment call comes in. I'd rather go down in a controlled motion than slam into an 800 lb. animal broadside or a moving vehicle. I truly believe if you had thought in that split second that you could have actually swerved somewhere useful (ie, less dangerous than going down or hitting the truck), you would have. It would be helpful to review in your mind or revisit the spot to see. While we never want to be in this situation, when we are, it's helpful to maximize the learning from it rather than trying to push it out of our minds. It's a rare opportunity to understand more about how your bike handled, how your mind reacted, and what your instincts commanded you to do. Then fine tune your techniques if necessary. Congrats on making it through with minor damage to the bike and climbing right back on the beastie. Let's see what 98 cents worth comes in! – Mama Thursday, October 16 For Michele who is being challenged by the MSF course again: Don't think of yourself as a loser. Think of yourself lucky that you were able to take the course again and find out where your strengths and weaknesses lie. From what I can tell you have your license already, so think of this as a learning curve. If you failed on the figure eight skill, practice your tight turns, if you failed on the entrance ramp skill, practice some curves. Once most people pass the test, they think they are done learning, and never stop to think if they have really mastered these skills or not. If you don't have your license yet because I misunderstood, you're doing great. Some days are better than others. – Terri in Baltimore (note from Mama: Amen to everything you said!) Thursday, October 16 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Speedy, Tuesday, October 14 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Michele, Let's look at the bigger picture. I'm soooo happy to hear that you are much more relaxed than ever before -- this is an important indicator that you are progressing along. Second, you know yourself best -- and the great accomplishments in skill level that you have already achieved. Nobody can take that away from you! Riders, even experienced ones, are "tested" everyday on their skills just by riding around and handling the extraordinary challenges placed in front of them all the time. You are part of that! So, now it's up to you to assign the true value (beyond being bummed) of what not passing the course means to you, and then to come up with a battle plan to continue your riding education. What did you better (or worse) the second time around in the course according to your instructors? How can you use that knowledge? What means and methods do you think you need to become a more accomplished rider (reading books, reviewing videos on riding, finding a private instructor, more scheduled practice time, etc.)? I think if you sit down and clearly define what your "perfect" learning situation would be, and then go for it, you'll find a way to become the type of rider you want to be. For every "failure" there are important lessons that came out of it that can be used to help shape the next positive go at it. Find and accentuate all the positives (and put the negatives in their proper place) and keep trying. You can do it! – Mama Tuesday, October 14 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
SE, Tuesday, October 14 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Lola, Of course, there are a lot more options if you choose to explore manual transmission bikes with a clutch lever. Then, you would greatly benefit from taking a riding course in your area to learn the basics in riding and safety (check the Yellow Pages under Motorcycles for listings). – Mama Monday, October 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, I just got my license last weekend and my first bike. I bought a Yamaha VStar Classic 1100 from some friends. Its a great bike--real stable and smooth, but quite a bit bigger and heavier than the ones we used in the MSF class last weekend. A 130 lb female had ridden this bike before me so although its big, I felt I could learn to ride it. I took it to a parking lot a couple of times today to practice maneuvering this bigger bike. I really got the hang of it and things were going well, I was able to do some quick stops, figure 8’s etc. but then…. I was practicing parking against a curb. I wanted to gently curve the bike around and than back into a space. However, this is where things went awry. As I was heading toward the curve and turning sharply to the left, I applied the front brake and apparently somehow hit the throttle at the same time. I inadvertently zoomed right over the curb and wiped out the bike. My instinct fortunately was to immediately roll away from the bike so no big injury (a cut and swollen lip but I’ll live through it). I managed to get the bike back up but couldn’t budge it over the rut it was in and back down to the lot. Mostly what was hurt was my confidence, as I had to call a friend to come and help me get the bike back down over the curb into the lot. The crash bar was also bent in and prevented good access to the shift lever. Fortunately we were able to bend it out a bit and I got home safely. And finally my question to you….any ideas on how I might have hit the brake and the throttle at the same time? Even more pertinent, do you have any tips on how to prevent this from happening in the future? Is this common, as I have not been able to find any info about this with a Google search? Oh and in case anyone is interested in how a 5’2” gal could pick up a 650 lb bike….check out this site with instructions that worked: http://www.pinkribbonrides.com/dropped.html. Thanks much, – Lynn Dear
Lynn, Let's pretend you were trying to park in a slot and bikes were all around. The correct thing to do is to slow down and stop a little short of the slot you are aiming for (A). Then you slip the clutch just a little (and the tiniest amount of throttle if you have to) to give you forward momentum and make a soft curve turn into the road (B). Then get into neutral, straighten your front wheel and angle back into the slot (C). The whole time in B and C your feet are "duck" walking the bike.
Even if there is a straight shot at parking at a curb, keeping the front tire away from the curb (at least a half bike's length) is a really, really good idea. Then do the same soft curve turn and back in. Slowly, slowly -- what's the hurry? Now, why did you goose the throttle when you were going for the brake? Well, in an unfamiliar move, that may have started catching you off balance, the natural thing to do is to grip the ends of the handlebar and of course our wrists naturally roll back (rather then up). Unfortunately, on the right side, that end is the throttle and even the slightest wrist roll back would have jumped that big 1100 forward even while your attention was focused on using the front brake. Small steps with that big bike Lynn! Get the basics down, giving yourself plenty of room to maneuver, and then gradually added more sophisticated, coordinated moves that involve all controls at once. Yes, it can be done the way you describe, but I can guarantee you that after riding 24 years, I still prefer to handle my bike near obstacles (ie. curbs) with the greatest of care and respect. Too much to go wrong too fast. And like I said, what's the hurry?! – Mama (P.S. I love the site you noted for learning how to pick up a dropped bike -- totally cool and USEFUL! I'll add it to my Cool Links list and the Riding Techniques -- Pick Up Bike page). Monday, October 13 For Linda who is conquering her jitters one step at a time: First of all, it is natural to have these and is only a manifestation of mature knowledge that you are doing something that can have some really serious consequences if you don't do it right. I should know , because I have just bought my first bike since 1975,a Honda 750 Shadow ACE. My last rides were all handshift -foot clutch Harleys, which I built from the frame up. I thought it would be easier to start again than it has proven to be, so I have had some difficulties of my own, not the least of which have been getting past the jitters at the prospect of messing up and dumping the monster on top of me. As a matter of fact, I did that very thing the first day and wound up lying there in the yard feeling like a fool wondering if this was such a smart thing for a guy a year shy of 60 to be doing. That was a month ago and the jitters are still there, but giving way more and more to anticipation of the next trip out. You are doing exactly the right thing, taking small confidence building steps, one at the time. It is exactly the approach I have been taking and it works. Hang with it and you will be shopping for a big road burner before you know it. – Gary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (note from Mama: you brave soul! Congrats on getting back "in the game" and giving riding another whirl in your lifetime. What agony . . . what fun . . . what learning . . . what living!) Saturday, October 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, I like the discussion on some types of bikes for short riders. Like some of your other recent correspondents I also have fibromyalgia and arthritis. My son and husband both think I am nuts. It helps to know that other women have the same kind of thoughts and the same desire for fun even if in pain! – Sandra, Port Dover, Ontario Dear
Sandra, Saturday, October 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Although I’ve only been certified for 3 months as a RiderCoach, I’ve worked with the program for over a year, seeing well over 500 students go through the class. I’ve also seen every reason under the sun for people taking the class. People that have gone out and bought $25K bikes and discovered they really don’t know how to ride them or they can’t pass the DMV test on their big bike to get their endorsement so they figure they’ll do it the ‘easy way’. To women whose husbands have gone out and bought their wives a bike (usually WAY to big to start out on) and thought it would be fun if they she learned to ride, even though she really has no desire to do so, but is there to please him. And then those that really have the desire to learn to ride. For whatever reason the students are there, the classes I’ve been involved with has given each student equal and ample opportunity to learn each skill before moving on to the next. The national MSF Safety program wasn’t just thrown together overnight, it was designed and developed through years of research and testing. The program was based on a study done by a Professor at Cal State named Harry Hurt. He studied what causes motorcycle crashes and what could be done to reduce them. Then standards were designed to be met over the course of the class because we ARE issuing passing cards for Motorcycle Endorsements allowing people to ride out on the street. The main reason however is safety. I sometimes think that gets lost in the conversation. The primary reason the class is there is to learn how to ride a motorcycle SAFELY. We are not there to promote motorcycling or even teach you to ride a motorcycle. We are there to coach people on how to ride SAFELY. That’s why it’s called a “motorcycle SAFETY class” not beginning motorcycle riding 101. However the class is taught in such a way that it allows someone that has never ridden before to learn how to ride, as well as correcting some bad riding habits along the way of the already skilled rider. But the focus remains SAFETY. Maximum amount of student allowed on a range at one time is 12. Ratio of students to RiderCoaches 6:1. Two RiderCoaches overlooking 12 people riding around on motorcycles in an enclosed area. If one student is struggling to learn a basic control, should the other 11 students been held back while one RiderCoach gives one on one until that one student gets it? Should the RiderCoaches be patient while this student begins to pose a safety hazard to themselves and the other 11 students because they don’t have good control of their bike and just wait until they crash before counseling them out? Remember, the MSF is there to promote safety, not how to ride. Different people learn at different rates. I’ve seen some students come back 3 and 4 times before they pass. Most times it’s on the second time after some practice at home with the offending issue they struggled with during their first class. As a RiderCoach (and the others I’ve worked with) we encourage, give positive reinforcement, coach corrections gently. Carrots have always worked better than sticks. However, we can’t MAKE a student learn. We can’t MAKE a student put to use the safety practices we teach. We can only facilitate the learning. It is the students responsibility to learn. As RiderCoaches we are also held to very high standards by the MSF, both on the range and off. Again, The primary standard is safety. Even on our own time we are held to these standards by practicing safe riding habits at all times and setting the example. On the range it is the safety of our students that becomes primary. This does not excuse bad behavior or a non-supportive environment presented by a few instructors….and I’ve seen that too. If you feel like you’ve been un-fairly singled out, report it to the people those Instructors work for. A hostile learning environment is not tolerated by the MSF nor the States Motorcycle Safety Programs. Then find and take a class from a different Sponsor or Instructors. Keep at it, practice and know that we really ARE on your side. P.S. I had a student go through the class last year. She passed and practiced and is now a good friend and riding buddy. She told me one time “you pour every ounce of yourself into your students” And I do. I come home emotionally drained because I want my students….ALL of my students to pass because I want them to feel the joy and the freedom of being in the wind as I do. I don’t work a 40 hour work week then give up one night a week and my week-ends for the money. It’s a labor of love. I have even given up my evenings and week-ends after class to privately coach non-passing students before they take the class again… for free. (and yes… 99% of them are women) Having to tell a student they aren’t meeting standard and counseling them out, telling them to come back and try again is the second hardest part of this job. It’s heartbreaking for me. First hardest part is watching a student crash, sometimes having to call 911, KNOWING that it could have been prevented had they been dismissed when it was plain that they just weren’t getting it. – HammerLady at ShinnySideUp Dear
HammerLady, To me this means someone is going to teach me how to ride a motorcycle. While this certainly happens to some degree, as you noted, the emphasis is on the safety, not getting a new rider proficient in actually riding a bike, unless they happen to be a quick study or a natural rider. So, new riders beware when you sign up for a riding course -- make sure you understand what the course is offering and what you can expect. It's worth a few minutes of your time to contact the local course provider and review the intent of the class. That way there are no surprises. I think HammerLady's letter is a great source of knowledge about this issue, so I'm going to post a link to this letter at the top of the Safety Course pages so other new riders can benefit from the wisdom contained in it. Voila! Once again we've achieved the mission of the VTwin Mama site -- to share knowledge to help others. – Mama Friday, October 3 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Mike, Friday, October 3 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jozi, If you don't know what a banjo bolt looks like, go to this site and scroll down to the second picture: it shows a banjo bolt for a brake line: http://www.blackbook.org/2002/11/021116.php. This should at least help you figure out what you're looking for. Hope this helps. – Mama Friday, October 3 Even more input for Claire who is looking for riding gear to fit her shorter, stockier frame: I have one pair of Joe Rocket textile pants and are great for winter: around $120. Also a summer pair of Zero - 60 textile pant: $125. I wear both pair in their weather zone. They seem long but when you sit they seem to be perfect in length. Both have padding in the knees and the hips. Great pant. I also got a closeout pair of Honda winter/racing pants for 35$ at a rally. Could not help my self, they were soooo cheap. Sometimes I do not wear jeans underneath the pants just a pair of spandex shorts. They are both great!! – Joy (note from Mama: thanks for the added input!) As far as the larger sized stuff -- Lane-Bryant's affiliate (one of a gazillion) -- king size (men's stuff) has bike jackets. They're not the greatest, but they are large and black and leather. http://www.kingsize.com. – Susan (note from Mama: thanks for the added input!) Friday, October 3 Dear
VTwin Mama, My husband and I just got back from our first motorcycle vacation and he did it for me :) I am newly unemployed as my job has been eliminated due to restructuring. So I planned a weeks vacation. We live in Hampton NJ and we rode up thru Scranton, PA to the beautiful Rte 6 and went West. We saw the Grand Canyon of PA (it gave me perspective, I was able to hike to the bottom and back in 1 hour)- beautiful and then west to whatever, thru the Allegheny Forest to the border of Ohio, then we went South to the border of Maryland (just to ride over the Mountains!) East to York and tour the HD Factory and then home. It was fun, I got to see things I never knew existed, like this Dam that produces hydro-electricity, bridges connecting land between lakes and mountains. I am so hooked on riding. This season completes my second year riding. My only hope that that in my new job I can get vacation to ride. On a second note, I am really pissed off about the motorcycle emission shit, specifically because they do NOTHING TO REGULATE SNOWMOBILES that are really pollution pigs. I remember last year going into Yellowstone Park in February where the park attendant was wearing a mask due to heavy fumes caused by the snowmobiles. Why do they pick on them and leave us alone?!?! I may be trading my 2001 HD sport for a new '04 -- they look so much like the Dyna's, they are too cute! Oops, can't use the word cute when referring to a motorcycle. – Happy Hog Mama, Angela Dear
Angela, As to the inequity of snowmobile vs. motorcycle emission standards, it's up to us "little people" to make our voices heard. Consider contacting your local legislators and state representatives to discover their position on the issues -- there even may be a chance to get involved! – Mama Friday, October 3 For SE Wright who is looking for a slim profile motorcycle: For SE Wright who is searching for a motorcycle that is light-weight and has a narrow tank. Go to a Suzuki dealer and sit on an Intruder 800. I bought a new one this past November, rode it out to Colorado last month (4500 mi.) and also did the Ironbutt Saddlesore 1000. I have almost 23,000 miles on her and she is perfect for the highway. – Cindy (note from Mama: every time I see someone on this bike I am impressed with its sleek design without sacrifice of power!) Thursday, October 2 For Kelly who is trying to master the initial clutch lever/throttle control sequence effectively: Having never driven a stick shift, I had a little trouble with this in the beginning, too. "A little clutch, a little throttle" just wasn't getting it for me. I eventually realized (nobody told me this) that the bike usually has a little bit of idle. I found if I let the clutch out just to the friction zone, with no throttle, it would start to go. THEN I used the throttle. If I didn't give it any gas it would stall out of course, but I learned more quickly from that than stalling at the get go. In the safety classes they have you "rock the baby" as some call it: letting the clutch out to the friction zone so the bike starts to move forward slightly (feet still on the ground) and then pulling the clutch in as you rock back on your heels. Trouble is, they don't let you do it long enough. This is also good practice for clutch control and learning that reflex to cut power to the back wheel. I'm almost ashamed to say it, but I sometimes do this before I leave the driveway. It helps me relax my nerves and get me back into that clutch/throttle groove. – Linda Carruth (note from Mama: there is no shame in continuing to practice a technique that is helping you to master the skills you need to become a proficient rider. That's SMART! Thanks for providing a better perspective on this issue.) Thursday, October 2 For Linda who is conquering her jitters one step at a time: Wow, this is so similar to what I went through! My hubby has been riding for 20 years, and even lost his right leg in a cycling accident. When we decided to get him a bike for our anniversary, he wanted me to ride too. Before I knew it, he had me signed up for a MSF course...(I told him I'd TRY it and then see where we go from there.) The night of my first class he snuck out and bought a brand new VLX for me. I did okay my first day at the course, but it was pitching down cold rain all day long! The second day it was less rainy, but still pretty wet, and for some reason I got all tense and panicky. I thought I did a lousy job, but I passed. Then came the problems with my VLX. Aside from being much larger and heavier than the little course bikes, there was something wrong with the carburetor. When I stopped and then began to roll on the throttle it would die and I would have to use every ounce of my strength to keep from dropping it! This happened over and over, and dang it! I didn't have this problem with the course bike! My husband finally rode it and said, "Wow, something is not right with this bike!" DUH! The guys at the shop thought it might've been paint chips in the carburetor, but they never did find out what was wrong, but it ran more smoothly after they worked on it. Then when my husband said let's go for a ride, I got sick. I knew the bike was fixed and yet I'd go all clammy-cold and nervous, and do everything I could to keep from riding. This went on for several months, and began to be an "issue" between us. Luckily a neighbor intervened. He knew I liked Starbucks Coffee and there was a shop just a few miles from where we lived. He suggested we go there every Saturday morning have a cup, and then ride home. My husband rolled his eyes, and was rather derisive, but he agreed to it. Those little successful rides helped me gain confidence, and the neighbor would keep hubby off my back about taking longer rides. Finally I stood up to him and told him to join a club for long rides. He did, and then a funny thing happened. I stopped being so nervous when I was putting my gear on, I rode my bike to work, and was reinforced by my co-workers, and then I decided to go to hubby's club as a guest. I had a great time, and have gone on some longer runs with the club, including some twisty mountain roads. This Friday I am going to my first big festival up in Porterville, CA. It will be three hours plus pit stops to get there- we'll be going through some of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains! I am really looking forward to it! Linda is doing the right thing in doing lots of little runs. I found it helped to have a definite destination, like going to Starbucks, or a cafe, or school, then going home. Oddly, being in traffic was kind of fun, as it was slow, and predictable with all the traffic lights, (sucking in car/bus exhaust was not all that fun) but I had time to check to make sure my down-shifting had made it all the way to first gear, and then think through my next moves. The freeway still makes me nervous, but when the club goes out we try to use the scenic back roads, because, after all that IS why they're called cruisers right? ;) Best of luck to Linda, and keep practicing! – Kerry (note from Mama: and once again we realize that we are NOT ALONE! And it does make a difference to say so -- thanks for sharing Kerry! And kudos to you and your accomplishments -- have a great ride this weekend and remember to follow your gut instincts on what you can and cannot handle -- it will serve you well.) Thursday, October 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, I have a 1987 Yamaha Riva 200 for trade -- it is in very good condition with 16,000 kms. on it. The only thing is the seat has a couple of rips in the grooves and I had to put black tape on them. I can reupholster the seat but would it take away from the value, or at that age with a trade, would it matter? I would like a private deal but then I would have to sell the scooter and I could use the money on a trade-in instead. Any help would be appreciated. – SE Wright Dear
SE Wright, The thin look that seems to have captured your imagination is probably going to be difficult to find at many manufacturers in bike sizes that are big enough to handle road cruising (although we've had input from women who ride 250cc bikes on the highway and don't have any problems) -- because they are designed to be heavy enough to handle road and weather conditions (think wind) and sport larger motors which require bigger frames and bigger gas tanks so you're not at the gas pump all the time. And there is no such thing as "women's style" bikes -- although I'll acknowledge that some manufacturers seem to want to push women towards one style or another -- you'll find women on bikes from the smallest to the most powerful. Rather, bikes are usually purchased for a specific purpose in mind: getting to work, local day trips, cruising weekends, or extended road trips. This dictates what size/style of bike is most likely to appeal to someone. I'm note sure that any bike could be considered "easy" -- although a lightweight bike is probably "easier" to maneuver and handle overall, etc., and a scooter (for just around town) is "easiest" of all (no clutch, etc.) I think it's safe to say that in general, selling a bike privately is almost always going to get you more money, but the only reason to replace the seat is if you think you can recoup that investment in the actual asking price. Meanwhile, there is no harm in approaching local dealers to ascertain the possible trade-in value. In either case, you can more correctly value your bike by visiting the Kelley Blue Book for Motorcycles so you'll be in position of knowledge. – Mama Thursday, October 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Louise, Did I miss the point of your question? – Mama Wednesday, October 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Kelly, Unfortunately, practice is the key to mastering a smooth use of the clutch and throttle combination. Basically, the clutch lever simply engages and disengages the gears in the transmission so that forward movement is possible. However, if you don't give it some gas, and let the clutch lever out, it will simply "clunk" and die. So, the point is to slowly let the clutch lever out while giving it a little gas. Each bike's clutch/throttle relation is different, so there is no fast and simple "rule" as to how much clutch lever to let out and how much gas to give. It's a matter of feel and practice. Any chance that you have family, friends or neighbors with a small 250cc bike handy? Then the thing to do is have someone get that to an empty parking lot somewhere nearby and begin practicing without an instructor breathing down your neck. No? Then consider renting a small bike (check for Honda Rebel 250 or Yamaha Virago 250) for a day or two when you know that practice time is possible. Also, if finances allow, check the local paper for used 250cc bikes -- you might even be able to wiggle out a rental from the seller. A last resort might be to contact the local riding groups in your area to see if any of the members might have such a bike around -- you never know! My guess is that the clutch/throttle sequence will click with just a few hours of quiet, non-stressed practice. Then head back to the classroom with renewed confidence because YOU CAN DO IT! – Mama Wednesday, October 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, |
