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Thursday, September 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Marsha, So, it's time to find help and a mentor. Why not check for VTwin Mama sisters in your area by going to my Let's Ride page . . . you could email and ask if they know of private instructors or if they themselves are in position to assist. Also, go to my Women's Sites page, find the women's riding organizations, hop onto their links, look for local chapters, and introduce yourself. Even if a chapter is not physically close to you, make contact any way. Believe me, these women understand where you are right now and can offer support. To help you plan out practice sessions, consider getting the Ride Like A Pro for the Ladies DVD . . . it will help enormously. Mention the VTwin Mama site and get $5 off the shipping/handling cost. Cone weaving, box turns, picking up the bike, etc. are explained in full detail and the basics for head and eye position are emphasized . . . it really makes that much of a difference! Now, off you go to make contact and move forward. You have the bike, you have the desire, and soon you will have the skills . . . Mama Thursday, September 1 To Gripgyrl who was searching for a custom fuel tank: Try the Drag Specialties online store http://www.dragspecialties.com/fatbook/index.shtml . They have a number of aftermarket gas tanks that might work also. Most are listed for Harleys, but some list for custom use as well. GMC Retz (note from Mama: thanks for sharing this source!) Thursday, September 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, I do not have a lot of funds to spend . . . around $7-8,000 is all. I need something big enough to handle the interstate commute, driving around in town, and be my main source of transportation until the snow flies. There are a lot of bikes for sale around our area. I am 5'5 and weigh around 125.Where do I start? Cat Woman Dear
Cat Woman, Given your riding needs, my suggestion is that you look at bikes that are at least 650cc as a starting point. I would sit down with the list of bikes for sale and circle anything that also falls within your price range. Then I would cross-reference those bikes . . . you can use the Want Facts site to seek basic info on bikes (cc power, picture, suggested value) also check my Motorcycles for Short Riders page to see if the bike make/model is listed, the height of the rider, and if any modifications were made. Some bike models include the Suzuki Savage and Intruder, Yamaha VStars, Kawasaki Vulcan, Shadow, Aero and Spirit, and Moto Guzzi's Breva. I'll simply add that some of these models fall within your price range brand new . . . something you may wish to consider. Mama Thursday, September 1 For Pam who is working through jitters and gear shifting: Are you kidding I dont think I could ever tell anyone what gear Im in been riding a year and a half now (big grin!) and still double check myself at stops and high speed by doing that extra tap or lift on the gear shift at least 1/3 of the time! Ive been told not to worry about it & just do it if you arent sure, so I do. Sure beats trying to start out in 2nd or 3rd gear on a 800 plus pound beast! I can usually tell when Im in 5th on the interstate when the RPMs are right for the speed Im traveling but the lower gears? Come on! I go by the MPH not the gear lever and how the bike sounds, of course. To this day, I still find
myself occasionally shifting up when I mean to shift down and vice versa.
She lets m Thursday, September 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, I was a nervous wreck during my instruction and I failed the test. Mainly for the braking part of the test. I didn't feel comfortable through the entire course. It simply was moving along to quick for me. Several students had experience riding and knew all about clutching etc. I, too, was in tears. My husband felt so bad that he took me out to dinner to cheer me up and encouraged me to give it another go. Never one to give up, I retook the rider ed course for yet another weekend. I was doing such an excellent job. The instructors barely gave me any advice because I was mastering the maneuvers with ease (well it was my second time 'round-plus I was practicing on my bike). One of the instructors even mentioned to the group that I was really smooth around the curving part. Then came time for the skills test. I was confident, but then all of a sudden I got nervous -- really nervous. I put my foot down twice on the figure 8 and went out of bounds. (during practice I had done it perfect!). Then I over stopped the distance during the braking part. I just got so nervous with the test part! How could I ride with such ease for 2 days and freeze up during the skills test??!! Tears again and frustration because I knew that overall I was more proficient than some of the guys who passed the skills portion. I would say that out of 11 students 4-5 failed. My husband felt so bad for me. Tears of frustrated for yet another entire weekend of hard work and long hours-just to fail again. Again he took me out to dinner, bought me a bouquet of flowers (I joked - I am only failing to get a nice dinner out of you! lol) If I really thought that I wasn't cut of for riding I would admit it, but the fact that I did so well on the last class (one of the better students) but froze during testing makes me think I should give it another try. I can't imagine sitting through yet another long weekend. I want to take a scooter to pass the test. Has anyone in NJ taken a scooter to the skills test? I hear it's fairly common. I just don't know what to do at this point. It's reassuring to know that I am not alone. Thanks for listening! Donna . . . 2 Timer! Dear
Donna, Ok, let's recap . . . the first time you took the course you LEARNED the basics of using a clutch. The second time you LEARNED and gained confidence in basic skills. Now, I'm not going to poo-poo your idea of using a scooter to pass the license test. Actually, that's exactly what I did back in 1979, having no clue that riding courses where even offered. So, I got my license on a 50cc putt-putt bike, but was saved because I was in the military, and in order to ride onto a base, I had to take their three day riding course on my full size Kawi 750. Enough said! But ask yourself this . . . is this how you really want to obtain your license? Wouldn't the congrats dinner be that much sweeter if you got the "M" by actually riding a clutch bike?! Remember, what you do here will set the tone for all future riding, so think it through carefully. The overall point is to LEARN! So, either borrow or buy a smaller bike to practice on and take the DMV test, or practice and ask the riding course if you can just take the skills test again (some do allow it). I would advise against taking the scooter shortcut, but if you do decide to go that route, ok, then get your license, and then get the Sporty or other beastie (if you buy a smaller bike) to a distraction free parking lot, set up the course with cones or tennis balls cut in half, and practice, practice, practice the drills you went through in the course. Mama Monday, September 5 Sponsorship Needed! Dear
VTwin Mama, Please visit my website www.rideafrica.co.uk and pass the details on to anyone you think may me interested. Paula Johnson Monday, September 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Bluzjamer, Monday, September 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Karla, I will also note that I learned from VTM sister Phoenix, who is 4'10" tall, that she found that by having boots with bigger platform soles that not only allow her feet to reach the ground, but also so her legs can dig her feet into the ground for more traction, has really made a difference. Now she can push her HD Heritage Softail Classic around with greater ease. Just something to consider if your feet are just reaching the ground, but not allowing for more traction. On that note, you might also want to check into lowering the bike or getting a lower profile seat to help. Mama Monday, September 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, I went to a dealer and drooled over a Yamaha XVS1100 Classic they had there. I sat on it, it felt right, feet flat on the ground and I could see myself riding this massive beast. Even the weight didn't bother me (I'm 5ft 2', 110 pounds), price was kind of within budget. Yummo! Then I went to a private sale and sat on and rode a Virago 250. The test ride up the road and back again was quite fast enough and quite scary enough too! I'll leave the XVS1100 until another year I think. I'll be using my little black chariot on my postal route and somehow I know that 1100 is overkill for the job....Lol! Still I've got the fire in my blood now and can't wait to purchase my first big bike after I've gotten confidence on my little one. I spent ages on your site reading about bikes and stuff before I went out and bought. This is a great resource that doesn't make us novices feel silly for going small. I didn't have anyone else to "help" me in my purchase and maybe that's a blessing as I only bought what I truly felt comfortable on rather than what my (or anyone else's) ego felt comfortable on. Reading about others experiences with 250 bikes gave me the confidence to purchase one knowing it will serve me well. Claire Dear
Claire, Monday, September 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, I bought my Honda 250 Rebel yesterday, and spent quite a while just having it off, but in neutral so I could get used to the feel. Then when I tried to start it, it wouldn't. Seems I somehow killed the battery: probably by leaving the key on, duh! Neighbor jump started it for me, and I just spent my first harrowing hour riding . . . never even got out of first gear, lol! Didn't drop it, but dragged my feet and screamed a lot :-) ! Neighbor was helping me. Now I'm trying to get my shaking under control! Hey, I'm 57, 5'1", and though it fits me great, never rode before. So scary, but I will conquer it! At any rate, thank you for this site, and will peruse it often! Bobbie Dear
Bobbie, Still, I admit that I started out just like you did and I'll never forget that first time putting the bike into gear and trying to get going. Can we count how many times I killed the engine before managing to move forward a few feet! So onward. I'm glad my site is already proving to be a source of information that you'll be able to use as you progress on your riding adventure! Mama Tuesday, September 6 To Cat Woman who will be returning from overseas duty and wants a bike: Definitely go with a new bike. You have the funds for it . . . there are several you can get new for that price. The advantages are you have a warranty, you know how the bike has been cared for and ridden since you are the only rider and you don't get stuck with someone else's headaches. I started out with a Kawasaki 800 Vulcan. Great bike. But I found I was more comfortable and and could handle a sport bike better and easier. I am 5'1" and 108 lbs so I went with a 2006 Kawasaki ZZR600. It's just now getting broken in and with every ride out on the open road the gas mileage gets better. It doesn't have 1000 miles yet and I am already getting 61mpg. Sweet bike. Smooth, responsive, "flickable" (nice for parking lots and tight places), very handleable for any maneuvering and positive neutral finder (once you've had it you'll never be without it). It only weighs 377 lbs! But I ride at 70mph on the interstate with semis and I am just as stable as with the 500 lb cruiser. And I have all the power I need to pass or keep pace with traffic. It's a high horsepower bike, tho, so use good sense and be respectful of that throttle! Good Luck! Rhonda from Springfield (note from Mama: thanks for adding extra thoughts on the reasons to buy a new bike when funds are available and for sharing why your current bike is proving to be such a winner!) Tuesday, September 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, I started on a 250 and I'm glad I did cause it taught me how to fall . . . LOL. Not because I couldn't ride, but it was because I couldn't reach. It was too tall. It didn't' t stop me nor scare me, I rode that bike everywhere, even to Key West from Ft. Lauderdale. After 1 year I upgraded to a 650 VSTAR Classic and I couldn't be happier. I'm 4'11 and I handle that bike like I was born on it. I had it lowered and took a lot of the foam out of the seat which gave me @ least 5 inchs. Needless to say, I'm flat footed with my knees bent while sitting on my bike. I have people pull up to me all the time and say "Isn't that bike to big for you?" Wow it just makes my day, only cause it's not. So, ladies don't let your height scare you cause you are not short, you are PETITE. Take your time and do what is comfortable for you and BE SAFE.. P.S. I haven't dropped this one yet . . . LOL Desiree Dear
Desiree, Tuesday, September 6 Dear VTwin Mama, Shellie wrote in on Aug. 22 about the Pacific Coast. We have a friend who is even shorter than we are, and she has been riding a stock PC for years quite comfortably. She just added a Virago to her stable and likes it pretty well. Continuing on the subject of short people, I sold my Suzuki SV650 to a very happy kid from Georgia. The aftermarket seat makers just couldn't get their act together and Suzuki's lower seat was not to be had even by their dealers. Great bike, but edgy/torquey, and turned out not to be my cup of tea. I finally test-rode a 2005 Sportster 1200 and loved it, except for the air cleaner cover poking my knee. Still madly in love with my Bonneville. We're very sad because the Buell Ulysses has a 35" seat. With all our lowering tricks (shocks, seat, forks) we could get it down to 32", still 1/2" taller than we can tiptoe on. Keep up the good work. Sarah (note from Mama: you're just a shopping Mama, aren't you! Well, looking at lots of bikes really does hone our understanding of what will and won't work . . . and even gets us jazzed about the "dream" bike! I know that I saw my current bike, the 2001 BMW R1200C "Bumblebee", on a huge wall poster in a dealership . . . and fell in love right then and there. Several years down the road, and I now own that which I slobbered over all that time!) Tuesday, September 6 Hi
Petra (that's VTwin Mama's real name!), I'm a 1 year newbie on my Honda Shadow 600. I'm 52 years young and am in love with life and riding! I've had my "adventures" (that's what my boyfriend calls them) like riding into, around and out of a long ditch but keeping myself upright and back onto the Blue Ridge Parkway or performing a very quick kiss of the pavement when I locked up my front brake (thank goodness for good jackets and helmets!). All learning experiences, to be sure. The Certified Safety Course and especially your site gave me the confidence to get through those long talks with myself while trying to justify why I should or shouldn't get back on my bike after an 'adventure'. Thank you and to all who share and persevere out here. We're AWESOME! All this good stuff brings me to my question.... I'm comfortable and confident enough to do the low wave to other bikers when we pass on the road. I've come across a situation a couple of times in the last months where another rider passes me on my right side, either in another lane or exiting from a highway. They acknowledge me with the hand-wave but is there a good way to acknowledge them? I can't take my hand off the throttle on a highway. Perhaps a silly question but since it's happened more than once, I thought I would ask. Heather in Asheville, NC Dear
Heather, Tuesday, September 6 To Marsha who has lost her confidence after a less than awesome riding course experience: Mama is right! DO NOT LET ANYONE ELSE DICTATE YOUR LIFE!! Not every instructor is cut out to be one . . . I had one in my class that should have spent his time in the coffee shop . . . all he did was get frustrated with us and criticize. I have nothing but respect for the other instructor (we had 2). He was wonderful! If you made a mistake he explained and demonstrated how to correct it and when you did a good job you got an exuberant thumbs up and I know he truly meant it. I know it breaks your spirit when you are new and unsure of yourself. But find support in those who have been there. I have been. I dropped my first bike more than once. And I have since practiced and reached a level that I outgrew what I was riding and have since upgraded. And you can too. Only you can decide what's right for you. "Your altitude is determined by your attitude". So get back at it and don't give up. You will be glad in the end. The accomplishment and reward will make the result that much sweeter. And one day you will be on Mama's site helping someone else because you've been there. Rhonda from Springfield (note from Mama: the cornerstone of this site is riders sharing and caring. And the main message we impart time and time again is that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Thanks for giving Marsha your vote of confidence!) Tuesday, September 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, I was thinking about the VTX 1300 - but I sat on one and WOW was that heavy. I could barely get it off of the kickstand. I'm so worried about dropping a bike (never have so far). I'm only 5'3". I'm not worried that I can't ride it, I'm worried I won't be able to move the bike around to park, etc. How do these tiny women ride these big 700 lbs bikes? MsLeah2U Dear
MsLeah2U, With your riding time, you already know how important it is to pre-gauge your situation when parking. For newbies, let's review: if the slot is slightly uphill, then ride into the slot so gravity will help you roll it back when you're leaving. Downhill, turn in front of the slot and back in so you've got the throttle to power you back up. Parking slot slanted so the bike has to lean deeply to the left on the kickstand, take a u-turn and park on the other side! And let's not forget that excellent piece of advice from a VTM sister who make an excellent observation that when you cock the wheel to the right it's tons easier to get the bike off the kickstand (which I tried with my bike and voila! what a difference!). The other thing to share is that you want to double check your leg/foot position at a dead stop. Are your feet simply reaching the ground for balance, or do you have enough reach so that your legs can actually help power a duck walk, etc.? Lowering the bike or getting a lower profile seat or shaving the current seat would give you some leeway in oomph if that's the situation! I would also learn to pick up a bike the right way (if you haven't already learned this) so that you gain confidence in handling a situation where the bike takes a nap (not that you've done this yet, but again, the clue here is confidence!). Go to my Pick Up Bike page and you'll find links to sites that show you step by step. If you get the bigger beastie, consider practicing this! And it goes without saying, the bigger beastie means you really should go to an empty parking lot and put yourself through the beginner drills with the new bike. Setting up cones or tennis balls cut in half and practicing weaves, u-turns, etc. will immediately help you become one with the bike at slow speeds . . . where the bike's size and weight could become an issue if you've not taken the time to get those down pat. Even after 26 years of riding, I took my newest beastie and did the drills . . . very illuminating. So, think this all over and re-review your thoughts. As you noted, it CAN be done . . . and I think part of that is a pure desire to ride a certain bike! Mama Wednesday, September 7 Hey
Mama, Having never failed at anything in my life, I was dejected! My problem had everything to do with friction control, so I did as suggested: sit at the kitchen table and practice pulling in the clutch, giving some throttle and shifting. I then went to my garage and practiced this over and over again on my brand new Sportster 1200 custom. Well, on the second attempt, I was able to pass my riding class and go my motorcycle endorsement. This was in October, so I spent as much time on the bike over the next year polishing my skills and taking some adventure rides. Last June 20th, I was with some friends who live at the end of a 500 yard gravel driveway. I am not clear as to exactly what happened, but I know I lost control, probably grabbed the front brake and, because I had a throttle-rocker on that side, must have relaxed my hand onto it and, the next thing I knew, I was in an ambulance with a type three concussion (out for over 20 minutes). Yes, I had a helmet on and I'm sure it saved my life, as I took out 25' of fence with my head. I spent three days in the hospital with a brain bleed, but was determined to 'get back on the horse'. My bike was totaled, so I took my insurance money and traded up to a Heritage Softail Classic. I LOVE this bike! The difference between sitting on this bike and on my Sportster is like the difference between sitting on a spindly bar-stool and a Barcalounger. The bike has a much lower center of gravity, handles easily, and is very comfortable to ride. I only put about 100 miles on it from November to now and I'd like some help/feedback regarding my issue. Although I wanted to 'get right back on the horse', I am now facing some anxiety about doing so. I think it took awhile to realize just how badly injured I was. I had been comfortable with riding alone, but now am feeling unable to ride unless my boyfriend is nearby. His schedule hasn't allowed for any time off, so we haven't been out at all this summer. I'd rather not ride with anyone else, as I don't have any close rider friends who are aware of what happened. I've read all of the 'jitters' posts, but can't seem to get it together. Is it unusual to get a 'post-traumatic stress' reaction so long after the fact? (It's been a year.) Do you have any recommendations for me? Thanks so much for all that you do for us. Colorado Goddess Dear
Colorado Goddess, One is counseling . . . and let me note right here that I am not a trained professional, but you've got conflicting statements . . . you say you want to ride, but you've really made sure you can't (no rides alone, boyfriend needs to be around despite impenetrable schedule, won't ride with anybody else, etc.) . . . do you sort of see what I see? So, I think you need to decide which door you're going to open so you can move forward. If you can do that on your own , good, otherwise really consider talking to a professional who understands stress syndrome. My personal favorite idea is that you contact women's riding organizations, find the closest local chapters possible, say hi, tell them your story, and see if you can find a mentor. There is nothing in your bad experience to hide . . . in fact, there is everything to gain . . . from getting it off your chest, to working on your skills and mastering your new beasite. And it's women-to-women, so lots of sharing and caring (ok, men can do that to, but it's different). I wish you well on your upcoming journey. Mama Wednesday, September 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, If the bike has fallen to the left (i.e. the right footpeg is sticking up in the air and the left footpeg is down on the ground) 1. Hit kill switch Hopefully, the bike will stand up! I've only tried this with my tiny bike, but I'd like to hear if it works for others. Good luck! Karli Dear
Karli, Wednesday, September 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, What is the difference between having forward mounted pegs as compared to having them directly beneath you? Forward mounted pegs are often felt by many people to be more comfortable, apart from that they have no advantage over pegs mounted beneath you. They do present a DISADVANTAGE because when you encounter a rough section of road, or corrugations on a dirt track you cannot stand up and remove your weight from the seat of the bike. It's a fact that pegs mounted in a position where you are able to stand up and remove some weight from the bike, and bend your knees to absorb some rough patches of road, will always be better in terms of controlling the bike as it moves under you. It's why ALL trail bikes and off road bikes have the pegs where they do, and why you see so many dirt bikers spending a lot of time standing up. Now I know most of you are reading this and thinking, hey I don't ride on dirt tracks. But all of you will encounter rough tarred roads or an obstruction at some time or another, and it's just something else to be aware of when purchasing a bike. In OZ our roads are horrendous, it's just a fact. If you try to stand up with forward mounted pegs you just end up pushing yourself further back in the seat, unless your arms are strong enough to lift you using the handlebars, and that's not a position you can hold for more than a few seconds anyway. I admit that pegs underneath me means after about two or three hours non-stop in the saddle I get cramp in my legs. That's probably old age and numerous off road accidents. The VLX 600 Honda I rode those two months in the USA never gave me any comfort problems at all. In fact it was THE most comfortable bike I have ever toured on. Having said that I was ok with pegs under me for many years previously. Ride safe. Kevin in Sydney Dear
Kevin, Quite frankly, I'd love it if bikes had three sets of pegs, under you for all the reasons you note, forward so that legs can unkink on longer riders, and highway pegs for some serious leg out action when the beautiful scenery is going by, but you've got 300 miles more of it before you're where you need to be! In my mind, I'm mostly looking at peg position in relationship to my overall body position. I prefer to ride a bike that seats me like I'm sitting straight up in a kitchen chair (must be something about my Mama yelling at me all those years!) . . . as this provides me with the most stress-free riding. And as any experienced rider knows, take a 500 mile run in one day and you'll quickly figure out what could be improved on the bike to minimize misery! For myself, I loved the forward controls for my longer legs, but it tended to throw my back into a curve and cup my chest in so I was one big air scoop (hey, no windshield!). And that's all I have to say about it! Readers, what say thee? Mama Wednesday, September 7 Hi
Petra! Anyway, I am having a wonderful time on my new bike, every weekend, and try to get a short ride in every other day or so. I've found that other bikers are very friendly, great people, no matter what KIND of bike you ride. My MSF instructors were having a new class last weekend, so I rode right up on my new bike on their lunch break, and they were happy to see me, both had a big grin. They told the class I was new, and had only just taken the class. Out of 12 students in this class, 9 were women! The worst thing I have to bitch about is gravel. I am in Iowa, and live 1 mile down a gravel road, so getting in and out is tough, and slow. And as soon as the road gets slightly passable, they come along a dump new gravel and tree sap. Even the businesses here have gravel parking lots! I know, I'm really in the boonies! Yesterday I got totally stuck at a Dairy Queen. Pulled right up and around to back it in, and the gravel was so big and loose, the front turned around clear to the tank, and I could not move it! I was trying to keep from dropping it (haven't yet) and there was no way I could back it up. Luckily, my husband was with me and helped. Other than that, it is so much fun, I can't believe it, and I get so many thumbs up. I do notice that women riding pillion stare a lot, hope it's because they're thinking "I wonder". Thanks so much, Petra, you're a peach! Penney from Iowa Dear
Penney, Have you ever noticed that when you're a passenger in a car (I know, far and few times between, but it probably does happen now and again!) that you've got all this delicious time to really look around as you go flying by and that you get to notice all sorts of things you otherwise you wouldn't see! So, that gal riding pillion (and yes, men do ride pillion too) has time to look around and observe . . . and if they are staring, it's maybe because they do want to ride their own, or they really like looking at bikes, or the decision of what to get for lunch is sooooo overwhelming that they've gone into a dreamlike zen state and just happen to be glancing towards you! Smile, nod, wave, and if appropriate say hi, how's your ride going?! After all, they are riders too! Mama Thursday, September 8 For Penney who has to deal with gravel on a regular basis: Just so Penney knows, I am in Southwest Minnesota and I have 2.5 miles of gravel to go in and out on. I can feel her pain. But even though it was the gravel that got the worst of me originally, I have to say that I am really starting to get the hang of the gravel. It really is like you said VTwin Mama, give it some wiggle room. Dare I almost say, the challenge is "fun." And if I could have a dollar for every time I wanted to jump out in front of the road grader and tell him not fix the road, my path is finally just the way I like it, I could have a shinny new bike!!!!!!! It might be just a rumor, but I hear that Indiana has all paved roads! : ) So if Penney is anywhere near the Northwest corner of Iowa, I could meet up with her sometime. Thanks again Mama for all the encouragement!! The Suzuki 650 GL Savage is building my confidence like a charm. By the way, I took my cocky husband and his big Road King Custom to the training parking lot to practice (just like you suggested), and he couldn't do much of the skills. We practiced until both of us could do them well and now I feel much better. Still am going to leave that Volusia parked until next year. This is my "building my skills and confidence" time. And that really seems to be the key, doesn't it? Not everybody can get on a bike and just go..... Thanks for keepin' us all on the road!!! Heidi in MN, aka angeleyes1213 (note from Mama: I am sooooo proud of you and thanks for letting Penney know that continued practice on gravel does help! Kudos to your hubby for going to the practice lot with you, realizing that his skills could be honed, and then working on them with you . . . that's a big hug to him!) Thursday, September 8 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Finally Legal, Thursday, September 8 For Carol who shared lots of details about her beginning bike riding experiences: I LOVE, LOVE your site! (thanks, thanks!) It is AWESOME, chock full of great information and great women sharing tips and experiences. I have found so many great tips and info on here and I love hearing experiences of other woman riders, it lets me know I am not alone! This is in response to Carol sharing what she learned on her first bike. All I can say is YOU GO GIRL! Her letter makes me proud to be a woman rider, we definitely need more of them. Here I am at 32 kicking myself because I thought I was too "old" to learn how to ride. My boyfriend has 22 years of riding experience so you can imagine how I felt! However, needless to say, I am doing great and I can't wait to get home every day after work and go riding. I loved Carol's message, it is so great to see other women riding and having the same experience, especially when it comes to dropping the bike. I dropped mine three times, the third time was because I forgot to put the kickstand down!! How bad is that?! Rode 800 miles to Massachusetts one weekend, made it no problem, only to forget the kickstand. Boy, did I feel dumb! Carol - I'm so glad you told your boyfriend how it's gonna be. Riding next to someone is just not right and he should know that. Especially with a new rider. They may not be nervous about it, but she is right, what happens when a car is coming at you and you have to move? I know people like that and they make me nervous, my boyfriend won't let me ride with them and you know what, I agree, I don't want to accidentally lose my life or get hurt because other people can't "ride nice." Thanks for letting me "talk." Keep up the great work, Mama and I wish Carol and every other woman rider nothing but lots more happy years riding! Doreen from NJ (note from Mama: maybe the bike mfgs. need to add a kickstand alert feature! Let's face it, stuff happens! Glad to hear though that by and large, things are going well for you, that this site is helping, and for sharing your support with Carol. We are NOT ALONE, and the sooner we realize that, the better off we are! We move more quickly from kicking ourselves to crafting really funny stories to be shared somewhere down the line!) Thursday, September 8 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Tracey, Thursday, September 8 Hello
VTwin Mama, Dear
Dorathy, Thursday, September 8 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jodie, Friday, September 9 Hello
VTwin Mama, Now that I have bought the bike I would like to do stuff to it so I need your assistance in the following matters: 1)I have done about 300Kms on the bike and would like to
add a hypercharger to it. Are the Kms done enough or should I wait to get
the first service done at the 1000Kms mark and then proceed. Any help will be much appreciated. Puneet Kukreja Dear
Puneet, Friday, September 9 For Kevin who shared his opinion on forward controls: I just had to chime in with my 2 cents here both my Honda Magna 750 (now sold & happy with a new owner that rides every day!) and my Honda Valkyrie have upright peg positions with the pegs mounted directly under the rider. The difference in the height and length of the bike makes all the difference as to whether they are comfortable or not. The Magna was pure misery; I used the highways pegs at all times except when braking or shifting & even then I was trying to shift and brake with my heels rather than to move my feet back to those uncomfortable pegs! The Valkyrie is completely different I can easily go an hour or two without using the highway pegs at all. Ran into a situation last night that made me very glad I wasnt using those highway pegs! I was traveling approximately 70 mph in moderate traffic after dark and went through some construction I hadnt been through in a week. There was a new segment of road that had the top layer of asphalt removed and the pavement underneath was grooved in preparation for laying new asphalt. The drop at the beginning of this segment was bad enough and took me by surprise, the grooves were deep and the bike began reacting with that characteristic wobble, then the bump back up to regular pavement came and nearly unseated me with the bike jerking over to the right about a foot. I quickly brought my weight up out of the seat and allowed the bike to stabilize (they really do prefer to be traveling in a straight line & will correct themselves with little or no help from their riders laws of physics, just hard for us riders to accept and allow them that self correction!) but if I had had my feet up on those highway pegs, this might have had a different ending with me trying to hold it steady with hands alone. I love that my highway pegs give my legs room to stretch, but I doubt I will use them very much after dark anymore; I prefer to have my feet under me when I need to react quickly like that! Amy in Washington (note from Mama: thanks for sharing a first -hand experience where it really did help that you could quickly shift your weight off the seat . . . guess I really never thought about it with my bikes that had forward controls . . . and just wrestled everything with my arms!) Friday, September 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Keith, "You reap what you sow. This guy's bike is obviously running a little lean, but again we need to know a little more. When does the sneezing noise occur? If it happens when he's decelerating it's most likely too small a pilot jet, and the fact that he's 3.5 turns out on the screw would bear that out. If it happens when he accelerates the needle jet, the needle, the pilot jet or even the slide spring may be wrong. Also the shims are meant to go under the needle clip, not on top of the needle, placing them on the top of the needle won't do much good, (of course he might have them in the right place and is just doesn't know up from down.) The problem he's going to have (outside of believing all the dopey stuff he's reads in chat rooms), is that the modification he's performed may not respond to over the counter jet kits. As you surmise the kits, regardless of who makes them, are designed with a specific application in mind. For instance an aftermarket pipe, K&N air filter and modified are box. Not to many of the jetting guys I've run into formulate their kits with what essentially amounts to a broken pipe in mind. In this instance the guy is going to have to "suck it and see" as my friend Ade Crieghton, of the IOM likes to say (Isle of Man that is). He's just going to have to buy an assortment of pilot jets and try them out one at a time until he gets a result he can live with. BTW this is the way we used to do it in the dark days of yore. Of course back then you could only buy a Bates Megaphone or a Dunstall Power Pipe (designed by Gordon Blair at the University of Edinburgh) for a British or Jap bike and drag pipes for your HD. If you were bucks up though you could get something from MCM. Back then we used to call them Blooie pipes. Oh well, time marches on." So, I hope this helps Keith . . . Mama Friday, September 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Found your site by accident and come back every day for more! How wonderful to find other women who had the same sick feeling in their stomachs before riding, shaking in our boots, wondering just what the hell we got ourselves into, and worst of all, thinking we are too old! Just as you've said, practice makes the difference. I put 500 miles on a Honda Rebel then switched to a VStar 650 Classic. Big change in handling but I finally got the hang of it. Now fall is coming - just when I'm ready to rock and roll! I can always look forward to Christmas and my wish list for more chrome! Lynn from WNY Dear
Lynn, Friday, September 9 For Heidi and gravel road handling: Thanks to Heidi from MN on her comments on gravel roads. Unfortunately, I am located in SE Iowa, or would love to meet with her. For all you riders who live in the boonies, Wal-Mart has a great product for gravel grime and tree sap removal, just spray it on and wipe it off, can be used on the entire bike, leaves it gloriously clean! It's called "Pig Spit." Works like a charm! Penney from Iowa (note from Mama: you've GOT to be kidding . . . right?!?!?! Ok, not, so for those who want to read more about this product, here's the manufacturer's web page!) Friday, September 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Leslie, Friday, September 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Stephanie, Winter riding gloves are a pain in the butt to get right IMHO. The problem stems from the fact that many are so bulky in the palm when you curl your hand to grip controls. Also is the question about whether to get them with individual fingers or just the thumb separate. Yup, then there is the closure issue. I find this almost impossible to shop for online, so I'm always checking out selections at rallies, bike shops, ski stores, outdoor stores and even the local Wal-Mart and such. You never know where that perfect pair is going to materialize! Still, you could hop onto my Riding Gear: Boots and Gloves pages for previous postings on the subject. Well, bottom line is I would LOVE to share my own pair's name, but I'm muddling through with less than perfect gloves and really don't much winter riding any more, so it's not been a high priority on my list of things to solve. Readers, time to share your favorite pair . . . . please be specific! Now, for a note of fun: when I first conceived the notion of the VTwin Mama site, I pitched the idea to another site looking for fun things to add to their site . . . if you read the original column, you'll see that my leading question (in hopes of getting audience participation) was about finding that perfect pair of winter riding gloves! Talk about your "way back" machine of memories! It was written in October 2000, so basically for 5 years I've been on the hunt! Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Vicki, Tuesday, September 13 For Puneet who was looking at hypercharger kits for a VStar 1100: The Maxair Predator is the way to go . . . just my opinion. Karen (note from Mama: opinions are good to share! Here's Maxair's website . . . they are in Boulder, CO, but products are offered through a number of venues as well!) Tuesday, September 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
S., I'm thinking that you would greatly benefit by finding a mentor or two to help you sort out the challenges you are facing. As I know that I have a number of Chicago gals who read this site regularly, I asked your permission to post your email address, so that these women can get in contact with you. It's slockhart@vnuinc.com. Please also consider getting in contact with local women's riding organizations. For instance, I recently heard from Candy who oversees the Chicago Chrome Kitten Cruisers chapter of Women on Wheels. Why not email, say hi, let them know what's going on, and see what support might be available! Mama Tuesday, September 13 For Stephanie who is looking for input on colder weather riding gloves: I ride in the winter whenever it's 40 degrees or above and the best pair of gloves I've found aren't even riding gloves. They're those stretchy Isotoner gloves with the leather palms you see in all the department stores. They have a warm fleece lining and they aren't bulky at all, and they're long enough to fully cover your wrist. Diane (note from Mama: I love Isotoners and didn't even think about them as riding gloves . . . what a great suggestion!) Ah yes, the oh so elusive warm bike gauntlets for winter riding. I ride year round and despite what people think, it does get cold in Sydney in the winter. Hell, it snows up in the Blue Mountains and down south in Victoria! I have yet to find ANY motorcycle specific gloves that really keep your hands warm hour after hour. (Although I think you can buy electrically heated or battery operated ones now?) I discovered years ago that a good pair of ski gauntlets, for extreme winter conditions do the best job of all. They are not cheap (made of gore tex) but keep your hands quite warm for long periods and have the benefit of being of waterproof to boot. Some bike shops do carry a motorcycle version of these gloves now, however they always seem to be more expensive than the bloody ski shops. Obviously ski gloves do not have a lot of protection in the event that you fall off the bike. It's six of this and half a dozen of the other. I worry less about falling off than I do about frostbite! You might also look at heated hand grips for your bike. Pioneered by BMW and now available for most other brands of bikes. You can also buy heated vests and boots now. Do some web searching by typing something like "Winter motorcycle gear" and I am sure you will find a whole lot of new ideas. Winter bike gear improves all the time. I know guys who ride in Northern Europe in the winter. They wear special face masks, ski-mobile suits and heated boots. The Swedish Army actually trains their motorcyclists to operate in the winter months with all of the above clothes and spiked tires for traction. A cheapie answer to warm winter bike pants is the Russian Army's down filled combat pants, white obviously, or black and white camo, but they are warm and you can often find them for sale on the web in Russian Army surplus stores. There's tons of stuff for winter riding on UK and European websites. Kevin (note from Mama: thanks for sharing!) Tuesday, September 13 Greetings Mama, Dear
Patti, I had the chance to ride a 1986 750 BMW over the last few years, courtesy of VTM sister Cindy. What caught my attention was the excellent handling in curves and the reliability of the bike even in the nastiest hot weather (Arizona in August!). What I didn't like was how my feet were cocked back on the controls (I'm 5'10" and it really cramped my thighs). Still, having visited the BMW dealer to have some work done on that bike, I happened to see a huge wall poster of a cruiser style BMW and thought that if I ever had the money, that's what I wanted. So, flash forward to this year . I had forgotten about that picture, but was checking the want ads, and didn't recognize the BMW model listed, so researched it on the Internet, and voila!, there it was! I immediately called the seller and out we went for an hour ride (he on another of his bikes). Omigosh . . . pure poetry in motion. The boxer engine sits so low (so a low Center of Gravity) that she ate up curves like she was born to ride them (which the old Harley really struggled with and I hated it)! Then there's the German engine and the fact that they've really been honing this technology for some time now. The bike is only 482 pounds, so easy for me to move around when necessary, but also did struggle a little bit last Saturday in higher wind conditions (the wheel rim design is more solid in nature). I like having the ABS brake system available and the previous owner had already added many features like the engine guard and highway leg rest top, fog lights, small windshield, and pillion seating. I'm considering changing the windshield to a higher, wider model that is available. At this point I've gotten use to my feet position to the controls (I feel like I'm sitting on my kitchen chair which I love as it keeps my back straight for tons less stress) and still have to look if I can move the shifter control "up" a bit for more room between the peg and control, but even that's not really too much of an issue . . . just different! I did 550 miles in one day and have to say that while I was tired overall, my arms, legs, and back were not fatigued and sore. Very cruising happy and the bike just purrs at higher speeds so I never feel like that 1170cc is straining to handle the 70-80mph range. On another note, the bike only had 2500 miles on it because the previous owner kept going oversees for his job . . . so I got a 2001 bike in beautiful condition and low mileage! I paid $9990, which was over NADA suggested pricing, but the low mileage and extras convinced me it was an excellent deal. I still say that the BMW tank looks like the alien popping out of that character's stomach from the movie Alien (like it's barfing out of the bike frame!) but the ride is soooo sweet that I'm going to be in love for a very long time! Is this bike my dream bike? Well, I've come to learn that I love just about any bike as long as I'm riding! Mama Thursday, September 15 Dear
VTwin Mama, This is Ruth from Tallahassee. I am practicing every day and feel somewhat better when riding, however, I am still waiting for the Scared Crapless Phase to end and the Wow This Is Great Fun Phase to begin! I am sure that it will. I am retaking the MSF course in November, as I failed the first time. I wanted to ask if anyone has trouble with their foot getting hung up between the clutch and the foot peg? I bought a pair of boots with about an inch of tread for traction and the extra height but it seems as though between the upper and lower they are so fat at the toe. Are there any boots that you recommend or is there an extension that fits on the toe for the purpose of moving the shift up? A friend says he uses the sole that protrudes from the shoe to lift up but mine doesn't have any. I have a 650 V Star Classic which has a heel toe shifter so it may not be a problem on it. However, I discovered very quickly that the Yamaha had to much power and was far too nice (it is new) to dump so I also bought a used 250 Honda Rebel which is more my size for learning. Again, thanks for this site and also all the great links you provide. Again, hoping the hurricane changes its mind and just fades away. Ruth, aka Namoo2 on Delphi forum Dear
Ruth, As to the distance between the clutch shifter and foot peg . . . take a closer look as to how that shifter is actually mounted to the bike. You most likely will find some sort of screw holding it on to the "shaft" part coming out from the bike. This can be loosened, the shifter removed and repositioned at a higher angle and then retightened. Voila, thicker boot problem solved! Mama Thursday, September 15 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Trish, Thursday, September 15 Dear
VTwin Mama, I took the MSF course in the summer of 2003. I rode a 1983 Yamaha Virago 500 until I dropped it as I started through a stop sign at a "very busy" T-stop to make a really tight left turn. This scared me and it was hard to get back on the bike. Several months went by and in 2004 my husband and I attended the motorcycle show in DC. There I saw a Honda 750 Aero Shadow. In April of that year I bought it (I wanted it, but was still fearful). I was excited when we brought it home and I started riding it. I didn't have it long when I dropped it after two different rides in our gravel driveway. Needless to say I have been afraid to get back on my Shadow for a year. But the year did not go without a motorcycle; my wonderful husband could see my fear of this bike and bought me a used Honda Rebel 250 and I have been practicing on it. Since last Sunday I have graduated back to my Shadow and I have been doing great and getting all kinds of assistance from this website - especially the curves. Today we went out and I even rode on the Interstate, made left and right turns, rode in curves, etc. On the way home I took the lead and decided to make the left turn at that dreaded T-stop. This time I made it through the Stop sign, but ran into a deep ditch. I was not hurt and neither was my bike (just my ego because I was so proud of myself for what I have accomplished in just a week). My husband and a very kind man made sure I was okay and then got the bike out of the ditch (I am definitely not ready to ride solo because I wouldn't have been able to get that darn bike out by myself). I got right back on because I realize from this website that I am not alone out there and mistakes are made. I will get right back on tomorrow morning and face that left hand turn again. This time I will angle the bike towards the lane I want to go in and keep my eyes way ahead of me. I don't remember the entire sequence of events, but I believe what happened was I went too wide and I took my eyes off where I wanted the bike to go so naturally I went into the ditch. I was trying to stop the bike, but instead of putting on the front and back brakes to stop before I hit the gravel shoulder, I was rolling the throttle and by then the gravel and ditch just sucked me in. I know this was a lesson learned and I hope that someone else out there learns something from my mistake. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Hope I haven't been too long winded, but I wanted to share my story. By the way I am 49. BB, aka Little Rosie Dear
BB, If you need help planning out your sessions and further understanding the dynamics of how the bike and you need to become one, then get Ride Like a Pro for the Ladies . . . an excellent instructional DVD loved by many women . . . mention you heard it at the VTwin Mama site and you'll get $5 off the shipping/handling cost! I used it to learn the handling characteristics of my newest bike, and by putting myself through the paces, gained a heightened understanding of how my bike handles. Now, out you go to practice! Mama Thursday, September 15 Hi
Petra (that's VTwin Mama's real name!), You mentioned preparing for the storm, and since weather disasters are in the news lately and also since I sometimes think about moving to California, I was wondering what you and other riders do to secure the bike if you know something's coming at you--especially situations of very high winds (tornados, hurricanes) and what about earthquakes?! I try to imagine what I would do and I think of using tie-downs attached to the garage walls or just laying the bike out on the ground ahead of time if possible. I'd love to hear what others do. Thanks, Laura Dear
Laura, In my case, knowing it was Category One hurricane, the bike simply went into the garage. I know I would still stay home during a Category Two, but would pad the bike with all my old comforters and blankets and duct tape them around the bike, but leave the bike standing on its kickstand with the wheel all the way to the left. In a Category Three or higher, I'd pad the bike and get the heck out of there! I'd have to take the car because I have two doggies! Certainly bolts sunk into the garage floor would help and I could see that a tie down to a garage wall might help (and helps slow down bike theft to boot!). As my bike only has a side kickstand, I don't have the option of going to a centerstand position, but I'm guessing that that wouldn't help anything. I'd be leery of laying the bike down (gas drained and on padding) unless it really seemed to be the only option, like the bike is out in the open with no protecting walls. Ok, readers, what are your thoughts?!?!?!?! Mama Thursday, September 15 Dear
VTwin Mama, 3 months ago I brought it out of hiding and began the parking lot thing again. I rode it around the parking lot 3 times then hit the road. I loved riding but hated being blown all over the road on a 250, so after 478 miles of riding (woo hoo), I traded it in on a 2006 Suzuki Boulevard C50 (805 cc) brand new, had 2 miles on it............WOW!! Awesome bike, big but felt comfortable. I'm 5'10, 150 lbs and it fits perfectly. I took it to the parking lot, did about an hour of riding then took to the streets. AWESOME, from being blown around on a 250, semi's now passed me on the other side of the road with "barely a puff of wind." I live in Missouri in an area where every where you go, you have to drive to get there, and curvy, curvy, hills. I immediately set to the curves to test my skills. I took two breaks and when my bike was no longer at 2 miles but at 72 miles . . . it happened. I came upon a curve at 60 mph (posted speed is 45), I was going too fast, I dropped down to 50, wasn't enough, didn't lean . . . I kept going. I don't know exactly what happened next, all I know is I hit the ditch, kept it up, came flying out of the ditch, still kept it up (on grass), drove another 20 feet of which I don't know what happened, all I know is I was going down, my foot board caught the ground and there we went, I let go when we were both down (we, meaning me and my buddy the bike). I was sore, down the whole left side, and my left elbow was scrapped and "slightly" bleeding. I made it, my bike lived through it without a scrape. Ok, the purpose to the story, which I'm sure you've heard before . . . I then became scared. I was scared before, but now . . . whew am I scared. I got back on and rode another 72 miles that day before calling it quits, so you can say I definitely "got back into the saddle". But, I'm not riding the same. I was scared of curves before . . . now I go so slow it's ridiculous, nothing to take me out of 5th gear or anything but . . . sloooooow and shaky. My right turns which I was beginning to master, now are wide and ridiculous. Now all of a sudden I don't know how to lean, when to lean, where to take the curve and when, and how to make right turns. I came home that night, parked it, polished it. The next day I went out and polished it again as my tears shed over my buddy that I let down (literally). It's been 3 days and I haven't been back on it again although we have visited. Any advice, suggestions, or just plain thoughts? My Buddy and Me Dear
My Buddy and Me, And now for the lesson. You don't steer a bike around a curve, but it sounds like that's what you tried to do when that ditch curve came up fast and hard. Yes, you and the bike need to lean together, but the "commands" you give the bike so it can do it properly are quite specific. It's officially called counter-steering and is a technique that can be practiced in an empty parking lot to begin with. You ride the bike in a straight line (first gear is fast enough) and then lightly press your left hand/palm into the handlebar end. Notice how the bike wants to go left from your center line? You can achieve the same effect going to the left by lightly "pulling" on the right handlebar end. The harder you press or pull, the quicker and more decidedly the bike wants to follow that pathway. Now try going right off the center line . . . that's right, press with the right hand or pull with the left hand . . . eventually you'll really use a combination of both hands, but start by understanding the reaction with one hand only. That's it . . . that's the secret! Three additional points to mention . . . one, it helps to have your knees tucked in to the bike instead of hanging out in the breeze (more sense of control and you can actually use your knees to help steer a bike around a curve by pressing the right knee into the bike for a left curve, so a counter-kneeing!!). Two, if you start going around a curve and you feel like you're going down on that side, use the back brake (never, ever the front brak |
