For
sassy,
classy
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motorcyclists©
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Wednesday, September 1 For fwswayze who was looking to remove grips without damage: I have watched someone replace their handgrips on their cycle, a sport bike. He took an air hose that had a long small point on the end and blew air under the grip. This loosened the grip and allowed him to pull it off with no problems and did not damage the grip at the same time. He used the reverse method to put the new ones on. I hope this helps! Ladydruzer (note from Mama: now this is something I've not heard of, but if you have the equipment, it seems like a procedure less likely to incur damage.) Wednesday, September 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Judy, I can understand that it seems like people are out to judge you, but how about viewing it this way . . . they see a strong, determined woman on a motorcycle taking her first steps to being a full-fledged rider. They are in awe because they know that not everyone chooses this! Any oopsies they witness are simply watching a greater rider in the making! Adopt a big grin that says, "here I am, and I'm going to do it, despite my beginning mistakes." Then keep at it! Mama Wednesday, September 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, In June, for our 25th wedding anniversary, he bought me a Ridley automatic. The size is perfect for my small size and I don't have the clutch issue. It sounds throatier than our Harley and my husband has to shift through the gears like mad to keep me off his tail! I practiced all summer, got the bike broke in and got some experience. I am not sorry I took the safety class, I use that information every time I ride. I am just sorry they didn't have the time to deal with my clutch deficit! But--Look at me now, I took my skills test yesterday at the DMV and got my motorcycle endorsement . . . take that boys!!! Thanks to your great web site to keep me encouraged and to know everyone has a lot of the same issues as I do. Thanks to my husband who's been great support and bought me the bike!! Now when I get the biker's wave, I can wave back and say, Yes, I am a biker, too! Kelly Dear
Kelly, Wednesday, September 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Donna, Wednesday, September 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Samiam, Thursday, September 2 For Laurie who is looking for travel routes to Boise, ID and I said there was a site somewhere . . . Here's a link to California motorcycle trips via interesting roads. I'm a 53 single lady and recently bought a '03 Volusia. I rode a Virago 250 for 9 years and a 125 scooter for 10 years. This is mountain and desert road riding. NO dirt for me! I had no one to teach me so I taught myself! It took some getting used to the weight of the Vol but we are one with the machine now! Desertcricket, aka Linda (note from Mama: yes Linda, this is the CA site I was thinking of! Unfortunately, it only contains some NV road trips in addition, so we're still on the hunt for a good site that chronicles other rides throughout the US. Kudos to you on your own riding adventures and everything you have achieved . . . the Volusia sounds absolutely devine!) For Laurie, she may want to check out www.chromeroads.us. I don't know if Idaho is included but it's worth a shot. Also, for riders in/around/going to CT, there's a site (www.ride4ever.org) Hugs, Bryna (note from Mama: ok, Chrome Roads documents parts of NJ, PA and DE. And now we have something for CT! It looks like we could build a page here at VTwin Mama with other site links to get the whole country cataloged!) Thursday, September 2 For Samian who is looking to get the seat off a VLX: I have a VLX as well, but a 2001. Look at the back of the seat, there are 2 allen head screws (not directly in back, a little on the side) -- undo those screws and slide the seat back and up. This of course being if you have a stock seat. Good luck. Tara (note from Mama: thanks for the input!) Thursday, September 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Kim, Thursday, September 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Kathy, Thursday, September 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Charles, Thursday, September 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, If any of your readers have the opposite problem and find they aren't "touring" as much as riding around within 100mi or so of home, and want to trade an '03 or newer Road King or Electra Glide Classic for an outstanding cruiser, I'm open to trades and everybody saves sales tax. :-) If any of your readers are ready to move up from a Sportster, my wife's opinion is that this bike is far better balanced, and it's for sale for $17,000. Dave Williams Dear
Dave, Thursday, September 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, We are now trading in our Wide Glide for a new 2005 Ultra Classic. The passenger seat on this bike looks like it "may" solve my sore behind problem. My question to you is: Do you know anything about the Ultra Classics? The salesman assures me that I could ride all day and not be sore on this bike. I am hoping that this is correct, as we are getting the new bike next week . . . and I would really like to be able to go on touring rides with my husband. Thank you for any info you could give me on the Ultra Classic. Pat Dear
Pat, The fact is that seat comfort and overall body comfort can be due to many factors. If it's truly just your bum on the seat however, you may want to check into getting a gel seat pad which can be an added external pad that is strapped into place or one that is actually inserted under the seat covering (by shaving out part of the seat). There are many manufacturers for this solution. Mama Thursday, September 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Diane, Friday, September 3 For Laurie who is looking for travel routes to Boise, ID: VTwin Mama here with another suggestion! Have you checked out Road Runner Motorcycle Cruising & Touring magazine? Chock full of adventure routes and savvy no holds bared reviews -- published since 2001. If you click on the individual issues, you might find ones that cover various portions of the route you'll be traveling! http://www.rrmotorcycling.com. Friday, September 3 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
No Name, Friday, September 3 For Pat and her husband who are trading in the Wideglide for an Ultra Classic: My husband (boyfriend at the time), traded in his Wide Glide for an Ultra as well. What a difference!!! First we purchased a 2000 used Ultra Classic took it to Sturgis and back about 900 miles one way (we live in Southeast Wisconsin). We only took one day to go out to Sturgis and one day back!! My husband is a motorcycle mechanic and did not like that our Ultra was fuel injected. He prefers carbureted, so when we got home, we went to Lake Shore Harley and purchased our brand new 2001 Classic. In the summer of 2001 we took our Classic to Niagara Falls, up to Quebec, over to the East Coast of Maine and down through the states back home. Due to bad timing and a huge Soccer Tournament, we had to ride from Vermont home (appox. 1200 miles) in one day. The seat on the Ultra and Classic is very comfortable!!! My butt or legs didn't hurt from the seat, just needed to be stretched once in awhile from sitting in one position for so long. I now ride my own bike, but I do ride on the back of the Classic when we go on trips or poker runs. And I do not have any complaints on the seat... Keep in mind the seats might be a little hard when first purchased, they need to be broken in just like your favorite pair of shoes. Sue (note from Mama: thank you for sharing your take on the situation . . . it looks like there is hope for Pat's comfort yet!) Friday, September 3 For John whose bike has been backfiring since day one: Has John had the pipes on his bike bored out? If so, it may have to be rejetted. Just a thought. Tara (note from Mama: I did not think to ask if the bike had been modified in any way . . . and yes, new pipes or altered pipes could be causing this problem. Still, one would think the mechanic caught this, but then, one never knows!) Friday, September 3 For Carmine whose bike ran out of gas and now it's running rough: I suspect that accumulated crap that settles at the bottom of the petrol tank was sucked into the carbie when the tank went dry. You won't believe the crud that builds up as sediment inside your petrol tanks as the years go by. Dust, rust dirt, not to mention the stuff that actually comes with the petrol you hose in from the pumps. Four bits of advice: Don't let the tank run dry, install a filter between the petrol tap and the carbie, unscrew and clean petrol tap filter twice a year, and upend and clean out petrol tank twice a year. Kevin in Oz (note from Mama: point well taken and would explain the poor performance! Thanks for the tips on minimizing the potential problems.) Friday, September 3 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Robin, Saturday, September 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Michelle, Saturday, September 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jasmine, I am now assuming you have not ridden before. It would be to your benefit to take a motorcycle riding course where beginning skills could be tried on a small 250cc bike (or something similar). This would give you a feel for the power and handling characteristics and help you determine what you might want in the future. You might also benefit from visiting the Beginner Bikes site -- they have a page on getting started! Mama Saturday, September 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jasmine, Saturday, September 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Shannon, Bikes in the 125-150cc range are usually dirt bikes, although many are street legal if they have a horn, turn signals and a headlight. It's time to go shopping! Visit local dealers and have a salesperson show you around. One thing I'll note is that these type of bikes typically sit high as they are designed to have clearance going through brush and you'll need to explore whether they could be lowered. Mama Saturday, September 4 For Kim who is leaning towards buying a Honda Aero: I wrote to you a few years ago about my Honda Shadow 600 that I bought and how the handle bars hurt my back because of being so far away and me being so short (5 foot even). Well Kim's letter made me want to write again. My husband and I went to our first Honda Homecoming they have every year in Marysville Ohio at the Honda Plant, well they had several bikes you could try and they all had tags with specs on them and prices except one. Well I sat on that one and it was like it was made just for me!! The best fitting bike I had ever set on, of course I had no idea what it was since there was no tag. We left to look at some other things and while my husband was watching a motorcycle performer I went back to the bikes and found someone who had a book and found out the bike I had sat on was the 2004 Honda Aero 750. When we left that day I went to our local Honda dealer (this is my third trip there) and I bought the Aero. The best purchase I have made so far in regards of a motorcycle. I love it. It is a little heaver than my Shadow 600 but it feels lighter because of the center of gravity. It fits me so well, the seat is not quite as soft as the 600 but the back pain no longer bothers me from the handle bar problem and my hands don't go to sleep with this bike. I have very short arms and as soon as they have risers for this bike I will get some because that should make the handle bars perfect for my reach (stock ones are not bad though). I highly recommend the Aero. It has smooth shifting, my husband had to do some adjustments on the clutch so I could pull it easier and now it feels really good. I have had so many compliments on this bike already (have had it 4 weeks now) and I have put several hundred miles on it. I was not riding much because of the lack of comfort of the 600, now I am back to wanting to ride all the time again. Unfortunately summer weather in Ohio has not been to great for the 2nd year in a row, and I am hoping we have an extended summer so I can ride a lot more. So Kim, try out a few bikes if you are short because every little aspect makes a difference in the fit and comfort of a bike when you are short and have short arms and legs, and a bike that fits good make riding so much better. Try the Aero I love mine!!! Thanks for having a place for me to vent and brag!!!! Shelia (note from Mama: thanks for the input on this bike! Lots of good information here, which I'll be adding to my pages of bike opinions organized by make/model, but still haven't got together! And congrats on your own riding journey . . . bragging rights are definitely welcome here!) Saturday, September 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Gloria, Yes, you may turn out to be a naturally gifted rider as far as the mechanics are concerned, but then again, you might find that learning on a smaller bike to be a more pleasant experience. Many women report that they are glad they spent 6 months to a year on a 250-400cc bike first before choosing their dream bike in the cc range that met their needs. Others graduated to that next step in a matter of weeks. What will your comfort experience include? If possible, borrow a 250cc bike and get it to an empty parking lot for some beginning lessons under the guidance of your husband. Do not be dismayed if he turns out to be less than patient with your learning lessons . . . not everyone is cut out to be a teacher. That's why riding courses exist! Still, this would be a way to take some beginning steps and determined FOR YOURSELF what you think will work for you as you start out. If you decide to proceed with the purchase of a bigger bike right off the bat (I started on a Kawi 750 myself) then again, have hubby get that bike to a place where there is no traffic, no obstructions and room for you to breath. It would be helpful to pre-talk out with your husband what you hope to accomplish in each learning session so that you are not overwhelmed, as this can quickly put a damper on things. You might also want to consider getting the Ride Like a Pro for the Ladies video. This way you could watch riding practice in action and discuss the various techniques with your husband beforehand. This kind of open dialog will show him that you are excited about riding, but want to make sure that you are learning step by step, not just willy nilly. Have fun and go forth and ride . . . we look forward to giving you your own biker wave soon! Mama Sunday, September 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Janice, Sunday, September 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
No Name, Sunday, September 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
No Name, Perhaps you have not seen many women riders in your area, but trust me, they are around! Check my Cool Links page, and at the top, you'll find links to the top women's riding organizations and be able to find local chapters. This would be a good way to meet other women riders in your area and build a support group for yourself, a great step for women riders who are just starting out. Mama Sunday, September 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
tdean, I'm now sending you to a specific Concours Internet site, the Concours Owners Group, and it notes on one page: Got a technical question about the Concours? Ask The Concourier Technical Editor, Guy B. Young II. I think you'll find a quicker answer here! Mama Sunday, September 5 For Ladykruzer who talked about her jitters: When I read your post, it made me think of my SO. He is very good to me, and very encouraging, but he is also an excellent rider. He seems to have a knack for riding, and makes it look SO easy. Makes me feel like when I get on my bike I'm klutzy and awkward. I can't take turns as fast or as tight as he can, I can't swerve like he can. And when I lead, I feel badly cuz I'm keeping him from riding as fast as he feels comfortable. And now I'm more challenged because I just went from a Virago 750 to a V-Star 1100 (which is absolutely beautiful and I love her!!!). My new bike is much heavier, and I don't touch the ground as well yet (waiting for my drop kit to be delivered to help me out there). But when I express these thoughts to him, he tells me that he is proud that I'm doing so well on a bike that is so big (esp for lil old me at 5 feet tall). He said that he's happily surprised at how well I do ride the bike as he was worried that it might be too big for me. And he never tells me that I have to go faster, turn tighter, or snake the bike the way he can. Because he knows full well that exceeding one's comfort zone is a sure way to end up hurt. He knows that once I'm comfy that I'll be more daring. I've been practicing in a church parking lot near my home, getting used to turns and stops on my new baby. And the kicker of the situation? I've been riding for 15 years. So even though I have all this experience under my belt (including 5-6 hour road trips up north), a new bike is just that . . . New. You gotta get used to her, and she has to get used to you. So if your husband wants to go riding with his pals and go fast and such, let him. But gently remind him that you won't be riding AT ALL if you are laid up in a hospital from an accident from exceeding your comfort zone. Then ask him if wouldn't please help get you to a spot (parking lot, etc), where you can practice on your bike. Remind him that more you practice, the quicker you and he will be out riding together. And BTW, I've been on a crotch rocket, and I give you a LOT of credit to ride one. Only rode shotgun, but didn't like it at all. Don't like the speed I guess, or the implication that if you ride one you have to go fast. So kudos to you, you're one up on me sister. Keep it safe, keep it comfy, and good luck :) Julie (note from Mama: thank you for sharing such an honest accounting of your own journey in riding . . . it's always helpful to be reminded that we are not alone in our trials and tribulations, but with sincere effort and determination, most of us will become accomplished riders. Yahoo!) Sunday, September 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, I am not afraid to ride again but I am fearful of how long it may take me to do it. There are days that I feel like I could ride with my shoulder but my husband nixes my idea at every turn. He feels that I need a full healing before I ride again. In my head I know that he is right but with the rate I'm going , I may not get to ride again this year. I'm afraid that if I have to wait until next spring I may forget how or become apprehensive. I've wanted to ride and have my own bike most of my life (I'm 37), and finally made the decision to bite the bullet. Do you or any sister have advice about riding now so I won't forget or suck it up and wait? Renee in Toney, AL Dear
Renee, I can only tell you from experience that when I flew off a road at 70mph (into a soft bean field) and severely pulled a muscle connected to my collar bone, that I did NOT ride until I was fully healed, and yes, that was the next year. It's true that I had a lot more riding time/miles already than you do at this juncture, but ask yourself this: if you needed to once again handle an emergency situation, would you physically be ready/able to do so? I'm thinking that to risk re-injury at this point in your convalescence would be foolish to your overall goal of a lifetime of riding. My suggestion: why not take this time to learn more about your bike, it's maintenance, how it works, etc. by pouring over a service manual?! This way your lovely bike stills receive attention and you'll be so much more "in the know" about it! You might also want to get the Ride Like a Pro for the Ladies video as a review of slow turns and other useful maneuvers. If you watch it with your husband, you can open up a discussion on what went wrong, how to correctly do that which did you in, and be that much more prepared for when you are healed and fit to ride again. Turn that lemon experience into lemonade! Mama Sunday, September 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, I have been riding a very long time (>30 yrs) and feel capable of riding just about whatever I choose. BUT I feel most comfortable and confident on a mid-sized bike, which is why two of them are in my garage now. Some say you have to have a 1100 or bigger for a long trip. Hogwash. When I started out riding there WERE no 1100's for us to ride (I sound like somebody's parent, don't I?). I have a V-Star 650, and that little Yammie has carried my butt a long way - I have completed Ironbutt rides on it, and am leaving on it in 2 days for a Border-to-Border Ironbutt Association ride, Mexico to Canada and back. I am 5'3'' and rode many miles with the stock seat and no lowering kit. I had a custom seat built recently but more for vanity reasons - it's awesome! I am lucky enough to have a local custom seat builder who does beautiful work. I have Nelson-Rigg soft saddlebags, tankbag and tailpack, and you can go a long way with that. If a person doesn't mind staying close to the legal speed limit, a mid-size bike is plenty for traveling. It's those who run 90mph just because they can on their huge-bigger-is-better bikes that contribute to our ongoing image problem with the non-riding public. I think women just getting into motorcycling feel pressured to "size up" rather than be perceived as "weak," and this probably contributes to at least some of them not sticking with it and really enjoying it. (If the truth were known, this probably goes for some men, too. They don't have to ride 1100cc + to be "real men"). And then there's the safety issue, the most important. Please encourage women to feel comfortable with their own ride, that a goal of bigger-is-better may not be doing them any good. There. There's my two-cent's worth and change. All you sisters out there, ride safe! Theresa Dear
Theresa, Sunday, September 5 Hi
Mama, I gave the Black Shadow to my husband as a gift. I ride with his brother but wanted to enjoy my husband's company and the thrill of the ride. I really surprised him. He's also getting the safety class as a gift from me. I'm so excited now that we can enjoy this together. Our son has told me to go on and get a dealers license because he thinks I will eventually end up with a Harley and at least 4 or 5 more bikes between what I have and what I will end up with! Thanks again for the site. I learn something new every time I visit! Muffin Dear
Muffin, Sunday, September 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Melissa, Monday, September 6 For John whose bike has been backfiring since day one: Had the same problem with Sportster. This was when I just began to ride it. I felt like rocket woman as I backfired and flamed down the road. Very frustrating. Could be the intake valve, fuel mixture or leak in carburetor seat. Sometimes valve clearance goes away because valve bangs into seat and elongates, thereby, making valve clearance go away. Check for carburetor manifold air leaks; that will make it run lean and backfire. Look in your book or ask if this is a four-valve per cylinder engine. There are twice as many valves in some of the new engines and only one has to go bad. Sometimes the only way to check for slow valve leakage is to pull the head, leaving the valves in it, turning it up-side-down, pouring solvent into the valve pocket - to see if it leaks through. On the Sportster it took 40 minutes to leak through. That told me it was bad. Be sure they checked timing. Had bike to HD dealer, an independent and last independent, fixed the intake valve problem. Ran beautifully after that. Cecilia (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your first-hand experience. I shouldn't have been so quick to call John's bike a lemon maybe . . . and have to remind myself that not all mechanics are created equal!) Monday, September 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Vicki, Monday, September 6 For Jody who was looking for floorboards for her Honda VLX 600: Here is a set of floorboards made specifically for your bike by MC Enterprises USA. Hope this helps. Knight Bows (note from Mama: every little bit helps!) Monday, September 6 For Tracy who was wondering about riding with her kids as passengers: Hi there . . . good question about taking kids on bikes. For what it's worth, here's my two cents . . . I have 2 kids, a daughter who is now 6 and a son who is 8. For the longest time, the kids never got close to the bikes; the rumbling and loud noise scared them. Then, when they were about 5 and 7, they all of a sudden wanted to try riding. My SO and I took them on his bike, a Yamaha Road Star. It was perfect because I could sit pillion and one of the kids could sit between me and the driver. We took them one by one down the block, turned and came back. They loved it. But before they got too excited, we sat them down and explained a few things to them. First, we told them that every time they ride they MUST wear jeans, shoes, and a helmet. I have a few of them, one xs and one small. They didn't like that all that much, but they didn't have a choice. Second, we told them that when on the back, they can relax and enjoy the ride, but that doesn't mean they wiggle and squirm. We told them that doing something like that could make it hard for us to drive and we didn't want anyone to get hurt. We taught them the proper way to get on and off the bikes. But most of all, we taught them that being on a bike wasn't like riding on a toy electric bike, it was serious, like driving a car, and although it is great fun it's great responsibility as well. It's a year later, and the kids both love to ride. When it's nice they are always asking to take a drive. We don't drive long, maybe 20 min or so, and never freeway or above a 35-40 mph road (I'm mom, I'm paranoid, don't want to go too fast). But the thing I'm way proud of is hearing them tell their friends "my mom and stepdad ride motorcycles, we go too, but it's a lot of responsibility" in an oh-so-mature way. So to answer the question about kids on bikes . . . when they are ready, I think you'll know. I'm very proud of my kids, not cuz they ride like their mom, but because they understand that it's a fun thing that is to be taken seriously. And if they decide they want to drive when they are older, they will remember the lesson they learned and treat a bike with the respect it deserves. Good luck to Tracey, and have fun riding with your son . . . it can be awesome :) Julie (note from Mama: insisting upon following important riding rules is a key ingredient to letting the kids join you on the ride . . . but as you note, it's important that the individual child's ability to understand the serious nature of it all must also be gauged.) Monday, September 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jessica, Monday, September 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Robert, Unfortunately, I was only able to locate a set of floorboards that incorporate a heel/toe shifter, but not just a heel/toe shifter on its own. What does the dealer's part department have to say about this? Mama Monday, September 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Louise, Tuesday, September 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, 1. Will the rear tire, now a 180x70 but slightly smaller diameter from stock 150/80, hit inner fender? f it does, can a heavy duty (available) spring help or should I only go 1 1/2 down? 2. I will match front fork springs with stop at same measurement as rear, so can you suggest oil weight or is trial and error the only way? Will oil weight make noticeable difference? If so, how and what will the feeling /result be? 3. Kick stand shorting best method? How much /is there a direct ratio formula? 4. My riding style ...rarely aggressive mostly cruz or rare long highway trip 2/5 hrs on interstate, very smooth. I have riding 44 yrs and own several types....thanks. David, '95 Honda Magna VF750C Dear
David, Tuesday, September 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, However...I took my Sportster out in the parking lot of a local school, and was shocked at how jelly-gut/rubber-legged NERVOUS I was on it. It felt like it weighed a million pounds! (I'm 5'8" tall and weigh 123 lbs) To make matters worse, at a stop, flat-footed on the ground, my handlebars tilted and I dropped the bike on myself. The second time I went out to the parking lot, I was too scared to turn the handlebars far enough on a low-speed turn, and once again, dropped the my bike. I was so frustrated and angry at myself; I felt like such a loser. My husband then bought me a Suzuki Marauder 250 to practice on until I get good enough for the Harley, and it is indeed, as you have advised, a starter bike that does not scare the snot out of me, and I am doing MUCH better (I'm on low-speed roads now). I have since noted a lot of comments about the Sportster being top heavy. My husband says that I need a whole lot more upper-body strength and muscle. Are there any Harleys that are NOT top heavy that would be better for me to ride? I really only want to ride a Harley. If not, what intermediate bike should I be looking at for my next ride that has more of a Sportster feel...or should I just go straight onto the Sportster when I am super-comfortable with my Marauder riding? I just discovered your site last week, and it is just wonderful! Thank you so very much! Louise Dear
Louise, It's true that the Sporty is top heavy (high center of gravity) as compared to other bikes, but this in itself can be overcome. Like many women riders have noted, they found practice time on a smaller, used bike, especially coming straight from a riding course, to be a Godsend. The fact is that it will take months of practice to really learn and master the basic riding skills that will eventually translate into skilled riding. Boy, if I could recount all the oopsies I had in the beginning, I'd have to start a whole new website! Your dearest hubby, however, does have a point about upper body strength, but again, this is not just for the Sporty. At your height/weight it would be very beneficial to begin an exercise regiment to build those arm muscles. Visit the local sports shop to inquire after free weights (I got mine in a kit of three different weight ranges, 1lb, 3lb and 5lb). You'll find that building your leg strength is also useful. Although mastering riding techniques will lessen your need to strong arm the bike, there will always be those moments when you'll be glad that you've got a little bit more oomph in your both your arms and legs. For instance, long distance riding is much easier IMHO when your body is in overall better condition! Tons less fatigue. The riding course gave you some good ideas on how to proceed with your own practice sessions, but you might consider getting the Ride Like a Pro for the Ladies video. It shows a women rider on a big honking bike doing really slow maneuvers and the like with full explanations of the dynamics of what is happening as a synergy between you and the bike. Again, many readers of this site have written in and noted what a difference it made to their riding confidence. You may also want to scroll down my Cool Links page . . . there is an excellent site that shows you picture by picture the technique to properly pick up your bike should it decide to "take a nap," as I call it! So, take heart and become one with bike! You CAN do it! Mama Tuesday, September 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
DB, Tuesday, September 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, I rode down following my husband on his Roadstar Silverado. I was comfortable and confident and loving every minute of it. But this is not to say there was not a small incident with a very stupid turkey buzzard. We had only gone 17 miles when I saw that bird on the road. As my husband came up on it, he flew up on the guard rail. So, I slowed down just a little, kept to the right side of the lane and kept my eye on him. And sure enough he did exactly what I didn't want him to do. He takes off and is headed directly at me. I couldn't move over anymore more so all I did was honk my horn and waited for for the impact. He flew right into my left mirror and right into my left chest. That took my breath away for a second but when I looked back into my mirror he was still flying. It took me 3 miles to finally catch up with my husband and I told him I had to stop. So the first road I came to I stopped. I had to fix the mirror. He ask my what happened and I said a collision with that turkey buzzard. After a quick fix we were off and running again and the ride home was less eventful. I feel so good, because I reached my goal and it was the best time I've ever had. Thinking back to this time last year I was just a first year passenger. This year I'm a first year rider and survived the turkey buzzard. This was the first time I rode with my husband and even though he hasn't said much I think he is very proud of me. So, there you have it. Motorcycling couldn't get any better. Now I'm planning on next summers trips. Thanks, VTwin Mama for being there for a sister out there who rides. You have inspired us all. Donna Dear
Donna, So there you have it . . . someone with 25 years of riding experience who still had to make the very same important judgment call that would result in the best possible ending. Whew! Meeting your riding goals thus far is an inspiration to us all! Happy planning for next year! Mama Tuesday, September 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Richard, Tuesday, September 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Liz, Tuesday, September 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
5-Speed Challenged, Tuesday, September 7 For Renee who is injured and not quite healed but wants to ride: Her best bet is to not ride until her physician says shes recovered enough to do so. I recently went down on a long road that was 4 gravel when I attempted to make a relatively quick turn. I managed to only bruise my ribs badly. I was almost 2 hours away from home so I rode the bike home. (it only had scratches on the faring) It was a very painful endeavor. It probably prolonged my healing time as a result. I know all too well how strong the desire is to want to ride when you cant. Its not worth it! Teazer, another die-hard rider (note from Mama: good message here!) Wednesday, September 8 Hey Mama, Dear
Theresa, You are not alone in your point about women getting bikes that are on the high cc end of things too early on in the riding experience (or at any juncture). As it happens, this letter just came in today from my friend Kevin is Australia. So, let's get an international view on the subject: Gday
Petra, On a diff note; I have been doing some research...just out of curiosity...regarding women who drop their bikes when first learning to ride...or after returning to riding after an absence...I have talked with women Terri and I know who ride and many of the girls in the UK Bikers Room and some girls I chat to on Net who live a few hundred Kay's north of me. And something which I have long suspected to be true immediately became apparent. Bear with me mate. Every time I log onto your site I see a couple of new letters written by women who have dropped a bike in their first few days/weeks on the road. Most of them seem not to have done so because of a road hazard or defensive riding maneuver. How many times have they said they turned the handlebars and the bike fell over? Many times as we both know. So I started asking around in Oz and in UK...and things are diff in both those places. Several girls...(including my own Terri)...have NEVER dropped a bike, not ever never. More than eight out of a dozen girls in UK bike room said the same thing. Half a dozen or so Oz girls and UK girls admitted they had dropped bike when hitting oil or gravel or obstacle on road...or when slamming on brakes too hard to avoid a car driver. But the majority of them so surprised about women dropping bikes just by turning handlebars or riding around in car parks. "Don't they have [expletive deleted] riding schools?" This from Topsy and Louise, funny chicks. So of course I pointed out to all that yes, the majority of women on your site prob have attended a riding school. "So why they keep falling over then?" asked Jayne. I played my trump card...explained many of your women [U.S.] riding Harley's or huge cruisers as first bike. The result was the same from everyone I spoke to..."Why the h*** are they riding such bloody big bikes in their first six months to a year of riding?" Trace said; "I've been riding all my life Kev, I'm 43 next month, and I have never even considered riding a Harley or anything over 800cc. I'm only 5'3 for God's sake and skinny with it. I doubt I could even hold the b*st*rd up properly, much less chuck it around the way I do my CBR 600." And therein lies the prob with nearly all of the women who write and tell you they have dropped a bike for no apparent reason Petra...and Terri agrees with me...those ladies just buying bikes that are way too big and heavy for them. Not one girl in UK Bike room has a Harley. Those that have cruisers are below 900cc. Only Rocchic, that I know of, has a 1400cc anything...she has the Suzuki retro gsx. So there ya go...interesting and a bit of a worry maybe...American women riders seem hell bent on riding bikes that are way to big for them, and obviously don't suit them for learning...re-learning on. I have a feeling you may have realized this yourself already? [Hmmmm . . . ] Interested to know what you think... It passed the time for a week at work...lol. Later, Kevin Hi
Kevin, Wednesday, September 8 For Richard who was searching for a trike kit for his wife's Suzuki: For Richard who was after a 'Venture' trike kit. Maybe you really mean a 'Voyager' bolt-on trike conversion kit?? Try http://mtcvoyager.com. Good luck. Trixy (note from Mama: yes, Richard wrote back and noted he meant Voyager, so your website address is spot on! And if Richard goes to my Trike Page, he'll find a number of people who have written in about this conversion kit. As for actual road test info, if you type in "trike conversion road test," you'll come up with a few reviews, not on Suzuki, but they chronicle some important points to ponder.) Wednesday, September 8 For John who wrote in last April and is always on the lookout for VMax info: I noticed this page while searching on something else Vmax related. I would like to say have a look at our site at www.enhancetech.com.au for a new accessory called the SASY for the Vmax, for the VBoost actually. He might be interested and so might other people on this forum. Regards, Barry Sexton, Enhance Tech (note from Mama: isn't it amazing what the search engines will spit out from time to time?! Thanks for sharing your product, something for consideration.) Wednesday, September 8 Dear VTwin Mama, Like Louise, I have purchased a Harley Sportster as my first bike. I have been out practicing, in parking lots, six times for about an hour each time. The second time I dumped it in a panic because I accidentally went into the grass. Not to let this stop me, I continued to practice parking lot riding and was doing well. Yesterday I took it out on the road for the first time and dumped the bike again. I was right by our house, a 20 mile an hour road with no cars. I was at a stop sign, intending to turn left and just didn't feel experienced enough to know how fast to go while turning from a dead stop. I was nervous before I went and should have trusted my judgment and not gone out on the road. After yesterday I was questioning my ability to learn. Louise's letter made me feel so much better! I will learn to ride and will not continue to sit on the back of my husband's bike! I know everyone is different but do you have any idea what is a typical length of time to learn to ride before going on the |
