Tuesday, March 24

Dear VTwin Mama,
I am a tall woman, (5'11") and need tall-sized gear!! I am always on the lookout for anything that will allow me to be protected and not look like a man! I know I am not the only one. I have finally gotten chaps, but I have to get them altered. My measurements are 29W 36+L. They are men's chaps and the long length only comes in a large waist. The legs are too big around.

Unfortunately, when I go to look at jackets, I have to get a XL for arm length. XL arm length also means XL body size and I look huge. I am tall. Tall does not always mean heavy.

I contacted one company and they were willing to make some textile pants extra long for a $100 charge on top of the $250 for the pants. I opted for the chaps. Price is a factor.

If you know of any vendors carrying tall sizes, please post them. Again, I know I am not the only one with this problem. Thanks for listening, – Michelle

Dear Michelle,
As a tall woman myself at 5'10" I too have struggled with the same issues. Now I'm heavier so XL or 1X does the trick ... but in my younger years I was quite skinny. Back then I lived in fairly close proximity to an excellent motorcycle leather company that catered to riders. I found a jacket (the Bon Jovi model, which was a men's jacket, but with all fringe details, was great) and a woman's vest (with those side laces for good adjustment). I never was a chaps fan and just stuck to jeans.

My current jacket is from Fox Creek Leather and what I found is the gentle elastic ribbing built into the waist at the sides, along with the Velcro adjusters allowed me to get the right shoulder/arm fit but not bulk up in the main body. Unfortunately they discontinued this jacket, but if you look at my review, that might help you search for something similar.

Oh to be a "medium-sized" person ... as many short and tall gals with lots of different body styles know all about. I know it's a pill to have to alter, but the Ace High Leather ad in the left column is worth exploring ... Nanci is a dedicated motorcycle leather worker and alterations are a snap and reasonably priced ... I've heard from a ton of folks that her reputation is growing because of the awesome work she does!

For lighter summertime wear, I have a Classy Rider jacket that I love because its airy but has those built-in armor pockets for the extra protection I seek.

I'm wondering if Draggin' Jeans wouldn't be a good choice for you ... jeans with sewn in Kevlar ... you could inquire about inseam before deciding on a purchase.

That's the most I have to share at this point ... it's definitely hit or miss, but I keep searching! – Mama

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Wednesday, May 27

Dear VTwin Mama,
I have been riding for about 3 yrs now and have logged nearly 2750 mile in that time. My problem is this: I'm a plus size gal(3x tees, sz28 jeans) and I'm having a hella time finding gear to fit. I've tried men's gear but body type differences make getting a good fit impossible (chest size vs. waist size, arm and shoulder length, ect.). I don't want to be confined to just a "fair weather" rider but lack the gear for any inclement weather. HELP!! – A Big Girl on a Bad Bike

Dear Big Girl,
Yup, when you're not "average" in size or height, this is a challenge. Take a look at the VTM Message Board subject and scroll through the topics ... you'll find some chatter, discussion, and possibilities of ideas there. You don't have to be a registered member to read the posts. You can also scroll through my Women's Gear page ... this is where I list companies, especially those that are owned by women in many cases, and hopefully you'll find more sources. When all else fails, I suggest that you consider looking at other sport gear sources for inclement weather ... if we're talking about rain, how about sailing equipment stores ... the hard core sailors always need weather proof stuff. – Mama

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Tuesday, June 2

Hi VTwin Mama,
I've been watching as your site has grown over the last 8 years and I will always be grateful for all your understanding and help when I was learning to ride.

I have recently launched my own motorcycle site, Cruiser Tales. The purpose is to publish riders' stories, whether about trips, rider friendly destinations, riding experience, learning, or even customizing and repairs. When I was learning, I looked for stuff like that to read, and wished there was more of it out there. People just don't want to be that up front about their not so glorious learning experiences ... but that's exactly what newer riders need to hear in order to learn!

I also have a T-shirt store now, Mad Dash Riot, with many designs geared for the female rider. Some include my own illustrations but many also go beyond the usual block type for something more visually appealing. My sizes range from kids and juniors to women's plus sizes 1 to 5X. – Linda C.

Dear Linda,
How wonderful to hear that a long time supporter of the VTwin Mama site has started her own repository of first-hand accounts that will help others. I encourage all VTM readers to visit and to submit a story to Cruiser Tales that will help the next person seeking assistance. There are so few sites geared towards women, and I for one, welcome the addition to the Internet!

And I just LOVE some of your T-shirt designs ... very vivid and colorful ... something women are always looking for! I know that VTM readers appreciate that you took the time to include a wider range of sizes as many of the bigger aftermarket stores really stick to the "average" size, whatever that means!

My best wishes on your new adventures! – Mama

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Wednesday, June 3

Hi VTwin Mama and VTM Sisters,
I would like to offer all the gals that come to my Cameleon Apparel site via the VTwin Mama site a discount. I'd like to do something to give back. So, it's 10% off the entire order (not valid with any other offer) ... just use Order Code VTM09 at checkout!.  

Also have you seen our new 2009 designs using the reflective and glowing inks? This is a nice addition to our main line of protective riding gear for women! – Kristina Jones, Owner, Cameleon Apparel

Dear Kristina,
We LOVE discounts! A lot ... and thanks! Readers, if you haven't visited Cameleon Apparel, this is a site you've got to look through ... as it offers real-world solutions in safety gear that doesn't forfeit fashion. And I adore the three levels of reflective gear in T-shirts ... if you're going to ride without a jacket, it's nice to have some extra visibility when needed! – Mama

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Monday, July 13

Hi Petra,
I have owned a bike shop near Detroit for 10 years www.mcleatherworks.com. I got tired of the industry not focusing on women so I started a brand “Rebel Girl” and recently received my R Trademark. Yes, I actually manufacture my apparel, jackets, skincare, patches, stickers, and more. I'd love for your readers to visit my line of apparel and take a look! – Cher Bell

Dear Cher,
Welcome to the VTwin Mama site ... it's nice to hear about a new(er) company catering to women riders of many sizes. I did a quick look and saw lots of cool stuff in sizes that range up to the 1X-3X size. Yahoo! Contact Cher toll free at 877-786-0013 if you have any questions! – Mama

Saturday, October 3

Dear VTwin Mama,
Try the Motoport website for summer weight and custom sizing Kevlar based gear. Pricey. – Anonymous

Dear Anon,
I just love these short and sweet messages sometimes! Here is an in-depth Motoport review by webBikeWorld (a site a really like for their clarity on products).  – Mama

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Thursday, November 12

Dear Mama,
Once again I’m amazed at how I’ve been able to help some one out and save them some money!  As you know I’m an affiliate of Fox Creek Leather which makes awesome apparel and accessories.  Fox Creek sends people to me who have “special needs” like alterations, adding embellishments and custom work.  It’s a great partnership.  

Recently I received a request for a jacket zipper extension for a gal who layers up in the winter and finds herself with a jacket that no longer fits.  I’ve made chap extensions before and again it was for a winter rider who also layers up but I had yet to make one for a jacket.  What struck me is how it did not take away from the jacket and how it wound up looking like it was part of the jacket design.  

The zipper extensions would work in any situation where a jacket, vest or chaps are too tight for whatever reason! They are affordable and certainly much cheaper than buying another piece or riding gear.  Chaps extensions are $40, Jackets are $30 and vests are also $30. Basically I need to know the length of the existing zipper and how wide they need the extension to be.  I’ve included a couple of photos for you to look at.

As always thanks so much for passing the word long regarding my business, over the years you’ve been a huge help in getting the word out on what I do. – Nanci Rogers, Ace High Leathers, www.acehighleathers.com, 530-905-0505.

Dear Nanci,
I love hearing from you as it usually means you're going to tell me about something interesting that helps women riders with their riding gear! Readers, I've posted the pictures on the Ace High Leathers review page for you to look at. – Mama

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Saturday, November 14

Hi VTwin Mama,
Colorful gift ideas ... crafted specifically to fit a woman's figure with foremost attention to detail, our women's motorcycle jackets are as tough as they are beautiful. So, if you've started looking for a special gift idea for her (or yourself) for the holidays, here's where to start! And for a limited time, you can save 10% and get free shipping on anything!

Here's an example ... our new Women's Embroidered Jacket.  It's available in S-XXXL starting at $335. Made from 1.2-1.4mm soft, buttery naked leather, mesh liner with front and rear venting provides cooling airflow, tasteful embroidery trim on front, back and sleeves in a choice of 4 colors (pink, white, purple, or red), two inside pockets: right with a snap closure, left with a zipper closure, zipper sides expand, removable full sleeve Thinsulate liner provides all season riding comfort, and antique nickel YKK hardware.

Just click on the picture to take a closer look! – Fox Creek Leather