Friday, October 17
Dear
VTwin Mama,
This is my second season riding and I had my first accident. I was riding
down Rte 31 (a two lane highway) near my home and a van was pulling out of
a driveway on my side of the road, I slowed down to make sure he saw me,
he was looking right at me so I proceeded, all of a sudden he pulled out
in front of me, I believe I swerved to avoid him and when I saw that I
might hit him, I stomped on the brakes and went down. I did not hit him,
it really rocked me.
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,
Boy, I hate to say it, but welcome to the "I didn't see that
motorcyclist" club -- where everyone is guaranteed anonymity but
virtue of the very fact that drivers DON'T SEE US! Until they hit us. Then
they don't think they shouldn't be held accountable.
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
Dear
VTwin Mama,
We are Nadine and Lara. We are 'biker birds' living in London,
United Kingdom, we love this site. I've been riding for a year and
have just had my first and I pray LAST motorbike accident.
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 so glad you found the VTwin Mama site and the Accident
Survivor Page -- a wonderful testament to the strength and courage
(and concern and questions) of women who have survived and are
contemplating the return to riding. It's not an easy assessment, and each
person has to find their own way and answers to the ultimate, "Will I
Ride Again?" question.
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
Friday, October 3
Dear
VTwin Mama,
What's the top sped of the Ridley AutoGlide motorcycle? Any info would be
helpful. Thanks. –
Mike
Dear
Mike,
According to the Ridley Motorcycle Company, the top speed of any of
their automatic transmission motorcycles models is 80-85 mph. – Mama
Tuesday, October 14
Dear
VTwin Mama,
I haven't rode a bike, but would like to purchase one soon and learn.
Could you recommend a good automatic bike to start with? Thanks for any
suggestions.–
Lola
Dear
Lola,
Hmmmm . . . there aren't a lot of choices in automatic transmission
motorcycles, other than the Ridley
(currently in production) and the out-of-production Honda Hondamatics and
Moto Guzzi's Convert which you can find used around the country by doing a
specific Internet search. I'm assuming you want something a little bit
more powerful than a putt-putt scooter.
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
Dear
VTwin Mama,
We just recently bought a Harley to ride together. We both got our permit
and took the rider safety course. My husband passed. I didn't finish the
course because I have never used a clutch before and couldn't get the hang
of it. I killed it so many times! The class was suppose to be for
beginners and clutch experience was not required. The instructors had no
time for me and did not make me feel welcome to come back the second day.
I was getting better by the end of the first day. I did fine with turns,
shifting and balance but, getting the initial clutch/throttle technique
down I suck at. I was so frustrated and upset with myself. I am not ready
to try again unless I get the clutching thing down. No one has been able
to tell me or give me anything that would help it make sense to me. Do you
have anything to help it "click"?
–
Kelly
Dear
Kelly,
Boy oh boy, we are hearing more and more about instructors that
don't seem to grasp the concept of beginning riders needing encouragement
and patience in learning some of the basic techniques -- and as you
pointed out, this class didn't require previous clutch experience. The
only remedy is to seek out a new class with different instructors.
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
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.)
Dear
VTwin Mama,
What a great site for a new female cyclist! Super info here!
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,
Ouchie to the confidence -- but a minor one -- so let's get this
behind you (literally!). Turning sharply to the left from the curb is the
key here. And I'd say no, no, no! While a more experienced rider can
navigate the combination of having to slow down, judge the distances and
added dips and groves at a curb correctly and make the turn outward, my
guess is that you were a) going to fast and b) too close to the curb and
c) partially caught an indent near the curb (thus forcing your wheel in a
straight line the wrong way!)..
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).
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!)
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)
Wednesday, October 22
Dear
VTwin Mama,
I'm not new to the two wheel scene as a passenger but I am as the rider.
I took my MSF course over Memorial Weekend this year and then
missed 7 weeks of practice due to the bike being in the shop for new
exhaust and then company where I didn't feel confident to ride with an
audience.
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,
Thank you so much for the wonderful, kind words about the VTwin
Mama site and what it means to you to have a place to go where you can
share your thoughts and insights and know you are in good company!
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
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!)