|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPECIAL DEALS Current Deals and Coupon Discounts at Online Shops!
B/G 2002
|
200 6Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Sheilah, Tuesday, February 7 For Sheilah and her view on "motor toe" scuffing: Regarding "motor toe", I like wearing that splotch on my left toe as well, but after a while, that "badge" gets out of hand. I have Harley riding boots, even though I don't ride a Harley, because they have a strap that secures my laces. And believe me these boots are NOT for walking (ouch) but fine for riding. I use black shoe polish to shine them up occasionally, and soon the scuff is back, but somewhat under control. Linda C. (note from Mama: that reminds me . . . I need to clean mine up and spray that leather waterproofing stuff on!) Friday, May 5 For LW who burned her calf on the exhaust pipe and wants to avoid that: I wear a "harness" style riding boot (mine are Harley) that comes to my knee and have found many benefits riding in this style of boot. Obviously it's much harder to get a pipe burn through that thick leather! I had the opportunity to test this theory when I had an oopsie and laid my bike down on the right side (at low speed thank goodness) in the parking lot at work! (Yes, you CAN pick up that 600lb bike yourself!) Other than a bruised toe (and a bruised ego) I was fine, and the bike only got some minor chrome scratches )-: I'm convinced those boots saved me. The damage to my foot and leg could have been much worse considering I landed under the pipes! Additionally, I've found that boots with laces and or zippers tend to leak if you get caught in the rain. These don't leak. Also, I've found that the "cowboy" style boots fit under the shifter better than the lace up "round toe" boots I had been wearing. I found I can actually ride better in them. Heather Oakes (note from Mama: thank goodness for reader response . . . I totally missed that solution, and a stylish one to "boot" ! ! ! ) For D. who is getting back into riding after many years: Hi D. Welcome back! Here I am at 53, 22 years later, kids in college, and now it's "MY" turn to ride again!!!!! Years ago I had a Kawasaki 440, now I have the Suzuki S50 and I love it. I am so very proud of myself that I am still able to get on a bike and just go, it is an experience of feeling so high in a natural way!!!!!!!!! However, I am having a hard time finding boots in a size five. I have tried online, many, many shoe stores, but can't seem to find anything that fits, also I have tried the kids department. I remember I had this problem years back, and what I did is get a pair of boys work boots. But I really would like to wear black leather motorcycle boots, can anyone help? Thanks, and D, good luck to you! Have fun and be safe, Hugs, Christine (note from Mama: thanks for letting D. know she isn't the only one reentering the world of motorcycle riding! As to the boots, I'm hoping other size 5s write in with what they like!) Wednesday, June 7 For Christine who is trying to find size 5 leather riding boots that fit: Hi. I have always worn a size 5 shoe, but I have found that I can wear a 6 in Harley boots, if I insert a thick insole. I have custom orthotics, which are exactly like thick insoles, so I put them into my favorite boots that have a 1 1/2 inch heel, and I am now 2 full inches taller!! and this really helps with flat footing my bike, since I am only 4'10". Linwebs in Oklahoma (note from Mama: interesting on all points!) Christine, the first thought that came to mind is Army Navy Surplus. I understand the frustration: my mom wears a size 3 and she found the right fit in Altama Combat Boots (ha-ha, my mama wears combat boots). Combat Boots like Altama and other brands come in black leather and nobody would know the diff. Jennifer (note from Mama: spectacular!) I certainly don't wear size 5, but I checked out my two favorite online shoe sites and they both had several styles of black leather motorcycle boots in size 5. Check these out. www.6pm.com (formerly Shoedini) and www.zappos.com (my favorite). Thanks, Tricia (note from Mama: aha!) Thursday, June 8 More for Christine who is trying to find size 5 leather riding boots that fit: I wear a size 5 and have
definitely had good luck with Harley-Davidson boots, either directly at a
dealership or through websites like www.bootbay.com
or www.shoebuy.com.
Shipping is free too. If I know the name of a particular boot,
searching eBay for my size is sometimes beneficial as well. Many
times the boots are being sold or auctioned brand new. Not all
styles are offered in size 5, but as my husband can attest to, I have no
shortage of boots. My personal favorites are the H-D Starter Switch
boots. Between lowering my bike and wearing just the right boot, my
riding comfort/confidence increased drastically. Friday, June 9 Even more for Christine who is trying to find size 5 leather riding boots that fit: I wear a size 5-1/2 shoe, so finding boots was a
challenge, other than finding Boys' sizes. I found lots of boots and
leather riding items (chaps, gloves, etc.) at a popular saddle shop here (Clippity
Clop Saddle Shop on Rt 82 for those in NE Ohio). I got my Harley boots
there, which have straps to secure the laces so that they won't get caught
on foot controls. Stuffing laces in your boot is painful after a while. I
think these stores are also called tack shops. I never would have guessed
they'd have gear for motorcycle riders! Dear VTwin Mama, Dear DeeTee, Monday, August 21 For Kristin who doesn't have a lot of money but needs to purchase riding gear: Don't forget about eBay! You can find some great deals on there from people who are selling used/no longer needed riding gear and parts. Even the eBay merchants' prices can sometimes be better than regular online merchants for the same products. Ride safe! Shakti AeroRider (note from Mama: thanks for the reminder!) When I first started riding, I found a leather jacket and boots on eBay. The jacket was new for $15 and the boots were Red Wing seconds, for $39. The 3/4 helmet was also new for $50. Since I wasn't sure I would like riding, I didn't want to spend a lot. Since then, I have resold the jacket, bought a Harley one which I couldn't live without, still wear the boots which are great, and still use the helmet when I wear one. Anyway, eBay is a great place to get riding stuff cheap if you watch. Ride safe, hugs, Penney from Iowa (note from Mama: sounds like it's well worth the research.) A great place to get riding gear inexpensively is New Enough. I have bought several different jackets from them and they are super. Orders are shipped quickly and exchanges of sizes - if necessary - are done quickly with no hassles. Superior company with great products. Dorathy Biddinger (note from Mama: interesting resource!) I am aghast at the line you wrote to the college girl inquiring about cheaper alternatives to high priced bike gear. You wrote "and you'll also see links to motorcycle aftermarket companies (like JP Cycles) for gloves, which are optional, but cheap enough..." My dear Petra gloves are NEVER optional, like over the ankle boots, they are of vital importance. (We won't get into a helmet debate). Why are gloves so important?. If you drop or fall off a slow moving bike your body will instinctively put out a hand or hands to protect the head and vital body parts. Always, without question. It's a completely reflex action. If you come off a bike at high speed the body will attempt to put a hand down, but because of the speed it may or may not be successful. If you are not wearing even short, rodeo style gloves, in a slow speed accident, chances are your palms will be lacerated, as will your fingertips and fingers. The fingers are very delicate, not being able to use your hand(s) for weeks because you were not wearing a pair of gloves seems completely pointless to me. You know I trail bike a lot, have you noticed every trail biker wears gloves? That's because we expect to fall, and we realize the palm and fingers are likely, 9 times out of 10, to make contact with the earth. If you had ever seen the palm and hand of a rider who has come off without gloves on . . . trust me, you would be saying gloves are VITAL not optional mate. In a high speed accident the hands are often being thrown about like weights on the end of a rope. They slam into the ground, they drag, they get stuck under a sliding body. But a pair of gloves will lessen the damage by quite a degree. Armored sports bike gloves will also protect the knuckles and wrist bones. (Not that I wear this style of glove myself, I just wear those tan colored rodeo gloves, but they have saved my hands trail biking countless times now.) I know guys and gals who have come off on the road without gloves, strangely enough they all wear them now, even in the summer. Additional note: It's best not to wear rings or jewelry on the fingers or wrists, even under the gloves. The rings and bracelets can get caught as you slide along and also cause damage. Heat transference being a major problem. Cheers, Kevin in Sydney (note from Mama: I stand corrected . . . thanks for pointing out the importance.) Friday, August 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Anon, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Minidiva, Ok readers who love cruising the Net . . . can you find
anything?!
Mama Monday, September 18 For Minidiva who is researching a pair of new boots: Just like everyone else, "Thank-you" for a great site. My day wouldn't be complete without reading your page. [thanks!] I'd like Minidiva to know that I ride with Ariat Boots (style #37129) and love them. They are what I had available at the time of my MSF class and found that they work great. They have the sole she's looking for, the leather she describes, and the heal is perfect. I ride a Sportster 883 Custom with forward controls and find the heel is just right for fitting on the pegs and staying put. In other words, I can relax and my feet won't slid off. Besides, they are the most comfortable shoes I own and that means I don't have to bring along another pair to change into to walk around in when we get to our destination. Another thing worth mentioning, they don't get the "mark" or "scuff" every one complains about from the shifter. Mine are the dark brown leather, but I know they come in black. I don't think she'll be disappointed with a pair of Ariats. Happy riding, Denise (note from Mama: thanks for sharing!) I can tell you what I did. Being 4'11" I needed to have a higher boot also to be flat footed. I don't see you wearing a "high heel." Don't do that! The heel can get stuck and down you will go. You may not get a sturdy balance when stopping in them either. Instead go for a regular thick soled motorcycle boot (mine are Harleys and not platformed). Buy a 1/2 size to a whole size larger. Fill it with two to three insoles with a heel riser on the inside to make you taller. You can find all the insoles at your local drug store. Really there is not much difference in look and the size larger does not interfere with riding or walking. As a matter of fact, my boots feel better than tennis shoes and my legs never tire walking around at events! Happy Riding, Kathy H. (note from Mama: thanks for bringing up this "internal" solution . . . I had forgotten that one!) Monday, September 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Terry, There are most definitely products on the market that
can be rubbed on windshields and face shields, then residue polished off,
that will arrest fogging concerns. It's imperative that you understand
what your shields are made of (usually a plastic composite). Home remedies
include taking a dab of dishwashing liquid, toothpaste, or Lemon Pledge
and rub in and buff. In all cases, the shields need to be cleaned first.
I'll add that manufacturers are also now making face shields with built-in
anti-fogging characteristics. This is something you may wish to explore
with the manufacturer of your helmet!
Mama Dear VTwin Mama, I did learn something though, how the littlest things such as riding gear can negatively affect riding skills. I have two pairs of Hi-Tec boots, one waterproof that I wear when riding, the other a pair I wear for work. Both are similar styles, but the other day when going to work, I felt like a bumbling beginner again, trying to shift, brake, etc. Finally I realized that my work boots just weren't sliding on the pegs the same way, were getting hung up on them in fact. When I came home I looked at the soles of both boots. There was a subtle difference in the grooves on the work pair which I assume are great for walking around on potentially slippery concrete all day, but not so great for moving around on a footpeg. Maybe some of the problems us newbies are having that create havoc can be addressed by looking at what we wear? Rhonda and I had this discussion yesterday, because she's been faithful about wearing gloves and a jacket when we ride, no matter how hot it's been. I ordered a different jacket, but for around town, I gave up and am just wearing a shirt. It was so awful hot yesterday, she finally decided to throw her jacket in the trunk (yeah it's really cute, the scooter trunk under the seat) and ride home without it. How safe can we be if we feel like we're passing out from all the gear? And I still can't find a pair of gloves that are comfortable, so have been being bad and not wearing them. I've always had an aversion to them, couldn't stand wearing them when I worked with horses either, because I lose my sense of touch. And of course MSF says fingerless gloves aren't much better than wearing nothing, so I don't know what to do. Oh, btw, the Airhawk cushion is awesome! It completely takes the pain away from my tailbone, and as I said before, puts me in a better seating position because of the slightly higher cushion (probably would be a problem for shorter riders though). I like the fact that it's easy to add or take out air; it's like blowing up a balloon. And so far my fat butt has not popped it, which was a valid concern! It's pricey, but having a pain-free ride is making it worth every penny. Rhonda says to say hello. She's having so much fun on that Burgman . . . shaved down the windshield the other day to make it sportier. She says she wants a little windshield like Bumblebee [VTwin Mama's BWM R1200C) has. I think the bigger class scooters are a great choice for someone looking at auto tranny bikes. She's much more daring on it, eager to go places. Yesterday we took a 50 mile round trip ride just to go for dinner (and then to Target, where we shopped for whatever we could fit in the two bikes. A multi-pack of toilet paper fits nicely in her scooter trunk!) Take care, Kat Dear Kat, I agree that overheating under gear is not a good situation as it is fatiguing and erodes concentration. This is always a difficult balance between safety and comfort, but as with all things, sometimes you start with one item, realize the deficiencies in the choice, and then have better clues on gauging the viability of what you're seeing out there in the marketplace. While I think that gloves with fingertips cut off are better than nothing at all, again, it's a choice. I'll simply add that whenever I'm at a dealer, rally, or even a ride, I keep my eyed peeled on gloves as it's such a personal fit (I hate material bunching up in my palm). It's like eyewear . . . you've got to try them on to find the right stuff! Yahoo to both you and Rhonda . . . you've come a long
way in accomplishments since you started and it's always fun to hear that
new(er) riders are getting to that more joyful portion of the riding
experience!
Mama For Kat who noted she is having a hard time finding gloves that fit and jacket comfort: I'm outside of DC so my summers are hot, humid and often have a quick sprinkle. I always ride w/gloves b/c sweaty palms don't grip, no matter what material your bars are covered with. Here's the 'heresy': in summer, I ride w/golf rain gloves. The Footjoy RainGrip Extra are designed to grip better when they are wet, and they grip amazingly well when dry. Unlike ordinary golf gloves, they are sold in pairs. They are light, breath well, & fit my small hands. They have a tiny slit at the base of the fingers; more ventilation, I guess. They aren't going to give me major lay-down protection, but only full leathers will do that. Any larger golf pro shop sells them. Do get the RainGrip Extra, though; they not only are the newer version, but also come in XS, S, Mm etc. instead of combined XS/S, M/L, etc. To address the 'only real bike gloves crowd': NO, I'm NOT advocating these instead of armored leather gloves. I've got those, too, but I can't stand them in 90 degree weather. This is my personal option instead of no gloves at all. Jem (note from Mama: interesting! I tried my sailing gloves in wet weather but found them too stiff in the palm, but I hate dye leaks in heavy rain, and will have to stop by the nearest sporting store and look closer at your suggestion!) It was great meeting you at the the Women and
Motorcycling conference. Tuesday, October 3 About wearing riding gloves not specifically designed for motorcyclists and neckwraps: Regarding gloves for small hands, be
careful what you choose if they're not intended for riding. I heard
somewhere that boys' baseball gloves were good, so I bought some. The fit
was terrific and they seemed okay until I went on a longer ride one day,
about 160 miles or so (this was April or May of '05). Vibration caused the
main seam on the palm to irritate a nerve. It caused a numb tingly raised
spot on my throttle hand that only seems to get worse. It gets better over
the winter (but doesn't completely go away), and then comes back once I
start riding again. I wear gel gloves to lessen the effect now. So look
gloves over carefully. Wednesday, December 20 Hi
Petra, Dear
Michelle, Chilly finger syndrome can sometimes be aided by adding thin liners under one's gloves and heated grips can be added to lots of different bikes . . . I know it makes a huge difference for me (they are best when they offer at least two "heat" settings). I also find that in really cold weather, I prefer a glove that doesn't separate my fingers, although I'll add that it's a weird sensation for some when pulling in hand controls. Mama |
| © 2006 VTwin Mama | Disclaimer |
