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2005 Wednesday, January 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, The dealership that is selling the Kawi is the very same that I'd have service it. They've been fabulous to my brother-in-laws, who've purchased bikes & sleds from them in the past. The next closest reputable Kawi service shop is over 50 miles away, so getting an "outside opinion" from a experienced mechanic isn't much of an option unless I can convince the dealership that a 100+ mile test drive is a must :D (think they'd go for it? hee-hee). I've called a few shops, and I keep getting the same answers...basically "Kawi's are good bikes, but I couldn't <endorse> this one without looking at it first...". Whatever I end up choosing, I'll definitely keep coming back to your site. So much fabulous information and camaraderie...I love it! Thanks for providing such a wonderful forum! Jenelle Dear
Jenelle, Monday, January 24 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Marisa, Tuesday, January 25 Dear
VTwin Mama, I put Progressive lowering springs in the front forks (lower about 2 inches) and 11" Progressive shocks in the rear (also about 2 inches) with a "White Brother's" relocation bracket for the rear shocks. The relocation bracket changes the angle of the shock so that you get about an additional half inch in the rear. We then ordered her a seat from "Le Pera." They were great! We explained to them what seat she wanted and what she needed. They made the seat, sent it to her uncovered so that she could put it on the bike and sit on it. This was done so that they could shave some foam if they had to. We liked it, sent it back, they covered it, sent it back. All for the regular price, with only a couple dollars extra spent on shipping. I think we used every kit possible, so one can pick and choose what they need now that they know what is available. The bike rides stiffer than a standard bike (Sportster), but not nearly as bad as a rigid chopper (for comparison). She loves it. Because she is so light the ride doesn't feel that bad. I ride a Heritage Softail with an air ride kit. When we compare notes after a ride the only bumps she has complained about are the same major bumps that I felt. She also says anything is better than looking at the back of my head, while I have all the fun of controlling the bike. I realize this was a little more money than some people care to spend, but here is our frame of mind. Once your riding a nice smooth ride is great, but let's be real, if you really like to ride, who cares. The fact that she feels so confident, because she is able to plant her feet on the ground, makes her want to ride. I offered to trade her bike in for a Dyna. She responded by telling me if I touch her bike she can't be responsible for what might happen to mine in the middle of the night. P.S. I learned about all these kits from talking to several dealers mechanics and parts personnel. Ron H. (Frustrated Backyard Mechanic) Dear
Ron, Wednesday, February 9 Hey
VTwin Mama, Dear
Karen, Wednesday, February 23 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
John, Friday, April 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, I am 5 foot 3 in. tall, and I am looking for a Crotch Rocket, but I don't know what type or size of bike I should get. Please help me out Thanks, Zeke from Colorado Dear
T and Zeke, Friday, April 29 Dear
VTwin Mama, After not riding for a GOOD 30 years, I am now taking the MSF course again and ready to go. I will be turning 51 this July and people have not been too encouraging except for my husband who says its time to get it all out and have fun this time of my life. Thanks again for the inspiration. Kathy H. Dear
Kathy, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Terry, Saturday, May 7 For Terry who at 5'2" was wondering if the V-30 Magna was going to be ok to ride: I used to think the same thing about bikes. I've been riding for 10 years altogether, and have graduated from a Honda Rebel 250, to a Shadow 500, a Yamaha Virago 750. My current ride is a Yamaha VStar 1100 Classic. My husband thought it would be a good idea for me to go up a bit as we are planning to take some out of state road trips this year, and I sure wasn't going to say no to a new bike! Initially I thought I had made a huge mistake. I'm 5 feet even, at around 130, and when I first sat on the bike I had to tippy toe, and thought "what I am getting myself into???" I wasn't comfy at all, but my husband reassured me that by the time we were done I would love it. He was right. I got a custom seat and drop kit, which lowered the kit about 5 or 6 inches total. Handle bar extenders make it much easier for me to reach. And the nice thing is I didn't need to add highway pegs . . . . I couldn't reach them anyway, he he he. When he suggested that we alter it, I thought it would cost a fortune. We paid around $200 total I believe, and I was able to put on all the parts myself (with my husband standing there monitoring me. And I am NOT a grease monkey). I love my bike, the way it handles and the way it feels. I also know that I can pick her up if I drop her (practiced that, see riding technique page at this site). And as far as engine size, it's just like a car: Just cuz you have an eight cylinder car doesn't mean you don't know how to drive it; you control the car, not the other way around. Now my ride is my customized beauty, special just for me. I hope this helps. Just remember: with some research you can modify your bike to fit YOUR needs. Good luck!! Julie : ) (note from Mama: sage advice from first-hand experience . . . the best kind!) Saturday, May 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Mike, If you're just getting started on your motorcycle adventure, seriously consider taking a riding course. They'll start you out on a 125cc or 250cc bike and that will give you a frame of reference for future shopping. Check with local dealers, the community college and Yellow Pages for possibilities. Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Kurt, Monday, May 30 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Gino, Friday, June 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Iselda, Tuesday, June 14 Dear
VTwin Mama, I would like to respond to all of those short gals out there looking to bring their handlebars closer to them. I too, recently went through this, as I am only 5' 1". I have a beautiful '04 royal purple Yamaha V-Star 1100. Started out at 48 years old last summer on a Honda Rebel - a great bike to learn on for the vertically challenged! Then I moved up to the Yamaha in January. I went to the Corbin seat factory in Hollister, California and had a custom seat made to bring me closer to the handlebars and lower to the ground. I spent about $600 for the seat, but soooo worth it. Next, the handlebar dilemma. I bought pullback risers that brought the handlebars back quite a bit, but found that the center of gravity for turning was off and made turning made more difficult. So, I started looking into handlebars. I found the perfect bars on the Flanders Company website. I bought the 1" bars, part number 650-08763 (Road Glide Style) with metric knurls. They have a 6" rise, 16" of pullback and 31.5" wide. They have many other options too. I had to only pay $129.95 for the bars. Love2Ride Dear
Love2Ride, Wednesday, June 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Cheryl, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Manuela, Friday, July 1 For Manuela who is looking for a cruiser style bike: First of all I'd like to say how great your site is. (thanks!) I found it when I was trying to figure out what type of bike to get myself. I used to have a Kawasaki EX500 13 years BC (before children). Anyway, I was looking at the Suzuki Volusia 800, which seemed to get great reviews everywhere, and your site gave me some great feedback from the woman's perspective. I've been itching to get another street bike since last September when my husband's friend came over with an old Honda CB900 Custom. It looked too high to ride, but my husband said just try going around the block. (We have dirt bikes, so it's not like I haven't ridden at all lately) I went around the neighborhood about 10 times, and I didn't want to get off! Well, guess what my husband got me for Mother's Day? A 2003 white and silver Volusia 800, mint condition with only 1900 miles on it. What a great bike! So easy to ride; much easier than the EX500 I learned on years ago. It's so well balanced, has great power, and I love the sound. It's a big solid bike, but it doesn't feel heavy. I'm 5'5'', and the bike fits me perfectly, with no modifications. What's great also, my husband, who is 6'3" also feels comfortable riding it, he loves the Volusia, too (this may become a problem, since he doesn't have a bike of his own). I've been riding to work whenever I get the chance, and a friend I work with tried my bike and she loved it too. She had a Kawasaki Vulcan 500 which she's had for a long time, and she was thinking about a bigger bike. Once she tried mine, she was sold, and she found a new leftover Volusia. Now Suzuki makes the C50 Boulevard, but it's really the same bike, with fuel injection. I say find one and sit on it to see how it feels. If you like it just sitting on it, you'll love riding it. I'm so happy with my bike. I just got leather saddlebags and I mounted them with Easybrackets. I did it all myself and they came out great. Now I won't need to carry a backpack everywhere. Once again, thanks for all the great info and a place to correspond with other women riders. Keep riding! Jennifer on Long Island, NY (note from Mama: I just saw this bike up close and it's ridden by a shorter woman and looks awesome! Thanks for the input and I've added the bike to my Motorcycles for Short Riders list.) Dear
VTwin Mama, The problem is I'm only 4'10" and weigh 93 pounds and I have no idea what or how to get started in finding a motorcycle that will fit my stature. I really love Harleys and that is really what I want. Do you have any suggestions on what kind I could look at and tell me what I need to do to see my dream come true and not get screwed in the process by some of these motorcycle dealerships out there!!! P.S. I am so thankful for your website! My husband hates motorcycles with a passion and doesn't want me to get one because he thinks I won't be able to handle myself. This site will help me in my battle with him and for that I am forever grateful. Anita Dear
Anita, Meanwhile, check my Motorcycles for Short Riders page. Here are listings of bikes by mfg. and how tall the rider is and any modifications they made so the bike fit them. You'll find a number of listings for your height. It's a good starting point, and will give you pointers on addressing your needs when you go to buy. For your weight, I'd recommend you immediately begin some strength training if you're already not doing something . . . strong arms and legs are a real plus! By the time you get through a riding class, you'll be that much stronger and able to handle a bike's weight with greater ease . . . and your confidence in yourself will soar! All of these are positive steps towards your goal, so go out and do them! Mama Friday, July 8 For Anita who at 4'10" is looking to get started despite her husband's reluctance: I will be also 38 years old this month and just got my endorsement in this spring. I'm 5'1" and weigh 100 lb (at most). I bought my bike, '85 Honda Rebel 250, two summers ago and had been practicing at a parking lot several times, but I never had a gut to take a test or ride on the public roads. But, practicing how to use clutch levers, to shift gears and to apply breaks were definitely advantages when I took a MSF course this. I also learned some tips to turn and basic techniques to avoid hazards on the roads. And finally, I got my endorsement. I strongly recommend you to take a riding course. Check out your local MSF classes at www.msf-usa.org. As for a starter bike, I was given a Suzuki GZ 250 at the MSF course. It was very similar to my Honda and very easy to maneuver. Both on Honda and Suzuki, I can reach the ground flat footed with room (I have approximately 28 inch inseam). They had a Kawasaki Eliminator 125 also. It looked slightly smaller than my Suzuki but it was a cool-looking cruiser. I had mounted on a Ninja 250 at a local dealership before but I could barely reach the ground with tiptoe. I did a little bit of research on bike types and decided to buy a 250 cruiser (Honda Rebel, Suzuki GZ, or Yamaha Virago). I bought a cheapest one I could find. I still like to mount on the bikes at dealerships anyway for my future research to see if I feel comfortable on them when I buy a bigger bike. Why don't you visit a couple of dealerships and mount on small bikes? Its free! You dont have to buy one there. You will come up with some ideas which models you would like. Then, look for something you can afford on ebay or www.cycletrader.com. Also, you can check the values of bikes at www.kbb.com, although the market prices seem to be more expensive than the values at KBB. I personally like the idea of buying an older bike as a starter since you don't have to worry about dropping it. I am not an expert but I hope my experience above gives you some ideas how to start to get your bike and endorsement. I did it. You can do it too! Good luck! Nagako (note from Mama: you've given Anita additional information that will be very helpful in getting her started on the road to riding. Thanks!) Dear
VTwin Mama, You had mentioned on your website about getting the rider's boots modified. Do you have any tips on how I can get this done? All I would need is a thicker sole (semi-platform) put on my boots to give me a couple extra inches. Not only would it give me more comfort on the bike, but also give me a better advantage in backing the bike when I need to. Would a shoe repair shop change the soles of my boots, or do you know of anyone else who has had their boots modified? I appreciate any suggestions you could give me. Thanks, Phoenix (I've been riding for 16 years) Dear
Phoenix, If you have some styrofoam around, cut a piece and temporarily tape it into place on your boot and see how your feet are shifted. Then you can go to the shoe repair shop with confidence on exactly how much heel you add within your comfort range. Mama Monday, July 11 More for Anita who at 4'10" is looking to get started despite her husband's reluctance: Hi Anita! I agree with the others about taking a MSF class . . . a great skill builder for sure. At 4'8" I share your height challenges. I am a little heavier than you are and have very strong arms and legs which helps a lot. I ride a 750 Yamaha Virago and LOVE it. I too wanted the Harley at first too, I still love them, but am happy riding "Vinnie" . . . who is a V-twin too. My hubby was was NOT thrilled about my MC passion and insisted that I was too short to ride. My Mom was the previous owner of my bike (she is 64!) and when I went into her garage he refused to let go of the bike when I sat on it. He was so mad when we drove out to an empty parking lot so I could ride it. My Mom rode it over and he wouldn't talk to me all 5 miles into town! However, once he saw that I could handle the bike well . . . then realized that I can ride it safely and proficiently, he was better with it. To make a long story short . . . he just bought his own Suzuki Intruder 1500LS so we can ride together! He figured he would rather ride with me than stay home! He was a rider 18 years ago himself and is happy back in the saddle. So take the course, show him you can safely handle a bike. I agree with building up your arm and leg muscles. I do not think I could handle my bike without that strength. You'll feel great too! Good luck, stay safe and learn to ride. Hugs! Mary (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your own journey so Anita can understand that she is NOT ALONE!) I just wanted to give Anita some encouragement. I too am 4'10" tall, but weigh much heavier.....(cough). I am 44 years old and also had 2 children. I have been riding for 16 years and here is a list of the bikes I have owned: Kawasaki 250 CSR, Honda CM250 Custom, HD Sportster Hugger, and now Heritage Softail Classic. Most definitely take the motorcycle safety course first, then start out on a small bike to get experience, then work your way up to the bike of your dreams. I hate hearing that your husband does not like motorcycles. Maybe you could convince him to take the safety course with you. Who knows, he may get hooked and it is a great sport to share together. Good luck to you both. Phoenix (note from Mama: I like the suggestion that she approach her hubby to see if he'll take a class with her. If anything, at least he would have a greater appreciation of what's involved and might not continue to be so critical about it. We often fear that which we do not know!) Tuesday, July 12 For Phoenix who was looking at adding more sole to her boots: Has she thought about changing her seat? I got a Corbin seat for my Sportster and I was amazed that it brought me down 2 inches. Angela Kosar (note from Mama: I'm not sure, but it's well worth noting that the reason some seats do this good of a job is that they also provide a narrower profile from side-to-side so that your legs aren't pushed out so far over the seat's edges. The Gunfighter model is most often noted in the Corbin line.) Monday, July 18 More for Anita who at 4'10" is looking to get started despite her husband's reluctance: I am 49 years old and only 4'11" and am a brand new rider. I first bought an '04 Suzuki Intruder 800. I could almost flat foot it and it only weighs 443 lbs. I kept dropping it when I stopped even after taking an MSF course so I decided to let my husband ride it until I gain more experience. I then decided I needed to start with something smaller and checked out all the different 250cc I could find. I finally settled on a Yamaha Virago 250. I can sit on it flat footed and it only weighs 302lbs and its a VTwin. So far I have rode it about 100 miles with no problems and I am gaining riding experience. When I am finished with it I will ride the Intruder 800 and my granddaughter will get the 250 and an MSF course for her graduation gift in 2 years. No Name (note from Mama: how very VTwin Mama sister smart and thanks for sharing!) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Shellie, 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!) Thursday, September 8 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Tracey, Dear
VTwin Mama, I'm reading everything I can get my hands on and here's the thing. I'm a single mom & public school teacher - son just started college, I just finished the masters . . . in other words, don't have a lot of money to play with. A friend has a KZ305 - just kicked a lot of work into it, and is selling it for $900. I sat on it, it's comfortable - feet are flat . . . but I have a old-time biker buddy (almost 60, been ridin' all his life) . . . he says forget the KZ - go newer and go Harley Sportster 883. (BTW, he'd prefer I stay on the back of his bike instead of me drivin' my own - but I'm not listening there! lol) I haven't had the course yet, so I'm not sure if it's something I'm going to get into or not (but I probably will). I don't want to go into debt yet and can afford the $900. Should I wait until AFTER the class? Should I take the experienced biker's advice? Is there ever a point at which a beginning rider knows what bike is right? There is a bike rally this weekend, and I'm going to go do some looking and talking to people. I'm SOOOOOO glad I found your site! and thanks for your time with it! Maybe in a few years I can volunteer as a mentor ; )! Jana Dear Jana, Then begin your shopping, including your friend's bike for sale (at that point they may let you take it up and down the street to test out). Yes, by all means, set your budget and stick with it. Decide what type of riding you'll be doing in the beginning and if you think a practice bike for 6 months is going to make sense. Also, depending on where you live, your riding season may be coming to a close in a few months for all practical purposes. Perhaps you would like to continue to save your money and meanwhile, look for bike shows in your area where you can see all makes/models under one roof. You'll find a good calendar of events at Motorcycle Events. A beginning rider should never be pushed to consider a certain bike. For instance, while I won't naysay the Sporty 883, the older models are more top heavy than the newer models, and many shorter women have noted that the high center of gravity is a real pain in the butt when handling turns and curves. For many riders, the first bike they get is the one helps them formulate exactly what they want in their dream bike . . . there is no shortcut to this . . . and no one can judge for you what bike is going to be the ultimate for you. Time and practice will get you there! Mama Thursday, September 22 For Jana who is just starting out and is beginning to explore a bike purchase: Congrats to Jana for embarking on a new adventure. I'm new too, am also short (5'2") and bought a bike to practice on. I have an Alphasport GV 250; it is only 25" off the ground, has PLENTY of power compared to other 250's and is a beautiful-looking bike if you like cruiser-styles. It looks like a much bigger bike , but I can flat-foot no prob. It doesn't vibrate the way the Rebel did in my MSF class, and has a fuel gauge which is one less thing to worry about. It carries 2 riders easily, too. I don't see myself out-growing it anytime soon. It's a lot cheaper than a Sportster too! Good luck, Joy (note from Mama: thanks for sharing the bike that makes sense for you with lots of added notes to help Jana!) Dear
VTwin Mama, I just finished the MSF course on the 19th of September then went down that next Tuesday to the DOT and got my license. I couldn't believe how unregulated the process was, maybe it's just Iowa, but I thought it was WAY to easy for a person with no experience at all to get a motorcycle license. Thankfully I have half a brain in my head and I'm not about to just buy the first bike that I come across and hit the streets tomorrow. However, all the bikes I've looked at have been intimidating to me. I'm 5'3" and 215lbs, so I'm short but no lightweight. I rode a Suzuki GZ250 during the MSF and hated it, the gas tank was much too fat for me. I liked the Rebels better but they didn't have any more, and of course no one wanted to trade. I made due with the GZ250 and passed fine. I also sat on a few of the Nighthawks and I found them too tall for me. I realized the type of bike I really want is a dual sport . . . a Yamaha XT225 looks right up my alley size wise. I know it doesn't have as much power as some of the other bikes, but I really like the size of it. I'm also looking at a Suzuki DZR250S (I think that model number is right, I would have to look.) Do you have any other readers that ride duals? What have their experiences been like? Tegan from Iowa Dear
Tegan, Ok, you've identified the specific class of bike you would like. Now I would expand my horizons by going to the Want Facts site, clicking on the Research New link, Motorcycles, Search by Feature, then click all the mfgs. you might be interested in, choose the On/Off Road category, and leave the rest of the choices alone. A list will come up of all sorts of bikes, from 200-650cc bikes . . . then you can look at specs, do comparisons of two bikes, etc. Excellent research tool! Narrow down your list and call dealers to see which bikes they have in stock for you to sit on. You may have to travel to another dealer a bit further down the road, but this in important, so if a particular model is 60 miles away, go! Because of your body frame to height ratio, the profile of the seat is truly important . . . the wider ones push your thighs out, making it harder for your feet to get firmly on the ground. Is a narrower profile seat available for a particular bike? Ask! As you noted, the positioning of the gas tank also had an impact on your comfort level, so keep it in mind. I am now going to direct you to my Women's Site page, where you will find listings for women-specific sites that concentrate solely on sporty bikes (as my site tends to be more on standard, cruising and touring bikes). Continue your research! And I'll now ask my readers who have dual experience to chime in! Mama Wednesday, September 28 For Tegan who is looking for her first bike and considering dual sport models: Glad to hear of another gal looking into dual sports! I also ride a cruiser (for about 2 years now) and got bit by the off-road bug last year. Hubby and I used to go jeeping a lot and I really wanted to get back out on those back roads! Being in Kansas the selection of dual sports in minimal, and even harder to find used ones. In my searches I also found that the seat height is extremely tall and there are not many mods available. My first choice was the Suzuki DRZ 400, as it is easy to lower, but has a small capacity gas tank. So I went with the Kawasaki KLR 650 -- it has a 6 gallon gas tank. You can get lowering links that will bring the rear down 2", and then you can loosen the front fork bolts to get the front down as well. I also had to spend the $$$ to get the Corbin dished seat for this bike. I'm 5'5" with boots. I've noticed as I ride the bike more the shocks are 'settling down'. When riding in town/pavement, I tend to put my left foot down and lean the bike at stops. I can get both feet down, but am on the 'balls' of my feet. So I'm careful out on dirt roads, etc. about where I stop and get on/off -- no inclines! I started by riding easy dirt roads around home before venturing farther afield. I have not done any solo riding yet as my comfort level is not there! I've put about 800 miles on it so far and love it! I also have been riding it to work -- at 65 mpg it is a real savings! So far I've not been successful in finding any classes, training, or information for riding on dirt. Remember your safety gear and helmet! Good luck Kansas Gal (note from Mama: thanks for sharing more thoughts on riding dual sports, especially for shorter gals! As to your own search for classes on dirt riding, why not try contacting Rick Shipman of Motorcycle Training Specialists in Wichita . . . he trained his daughter on a dirt bike, so I'm thinking he knows something about it! ) Monday, October 31 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
D. Nice, Now, on being a bigger gal . . . and you are NOT ALONE in this . . . you may find that larger thighs have a tendency to throw your legs out more when sitting on a bike (and thus shortening your leg reach to the ground) . . . so a narrower profile seat is going to be important. Even if a bike you fall in love with isn't perfect in that regard, definitely check with the dealer to see is a narrower profile seat is available. This can can tricky with the sport bikes, but something to note. Your overall height also poses a challenge . . . but fear not . . . guys are short too and you see them all the time on bikes, don't you?!?!?! I find an easy research tool to be the Want Facts site. Research New Motorcycles, and use the Search By Feature function. Here you can choose the type of bike (sport), the manufacturers you think you're interested in, and leave the other categories alone. For instance, I chose Kawi and Sport and the list came up with all the possible Ninjas. Then you can click on each on that's of interest, and you'll find the seat height listed, along with all sorts of other info. With a "short" list in mind . . . visit the dealer and take a look, sit on the bikes, discuss lowering, seat, and other options. Also, with this tool you may want to check into what the other big mfgs. have available! Also, take the time to visit my Motorcycles for Short Riders list . . . here you'll find bikes listed by the rider's height, the make/model, and any modifications they found necessary. This list is continually updated and is for real women by real women! I'm also going to add that there are several excellent women-specific sporty bike sites, which you can find by going to my Women's Sites page. Good luck on your hunt! Mama Monday, November 7 For Donna who was considering a Suzuki Boulevard C50: My husband I bought a pair of these, 2005 model, in October 2004. Over the past year we have put 1600 miles on these bikes, mostly in short rides around town. The stock seat is only good for about an hour or so before the butt pain kicks in. (However, the seat height, 26.5" is low enough for me to flat foot, and I am 5'2" tall). We recently replaced the stock seats with the Mustang Classic. The new seats took care of the butt pain, but do raise the seat height about an inch. I do find that the new seat has moved me further back in the saddle and I have more trouble reaching the handlebars. I'm looking at pullback risers that I think will solve this problem. We like the bikes. The '05 model has fuel injection which has improved the gas mileage over the reported mileage on the carbureted models--we are getting around 50 mpg. As far as accessories, I wanted removable saddlebags that would lock. My husband wanted a reasonably large capacity. We found the Krauser K4 side cases which are each about the size of the largest bag you can carry-on to a plane. Sharon (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your take on the C50 model. I've added your bike and notes to my Motorcycles for Short Riders list, and an added note about the Boulevard model numbers and how they correlate to the old model names!) Thursday, November 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Well, I'm happy to say I took your suggestion to take a MSF Safety class and was even able to talk my husband into going with me and the two of us both passed. We are in the process of looking for the perfect bikes and I just wanted to say thank you to you and all the others that gave me advice and encouragement. I look forward to sending you a picture of me and my first bike very soon! Thank you and keep up the great work and advice. Anita Martin Dear
Anita, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Alex, Since you're already getting some practice time in on a 125cc bike, I'm thinking it's not wrong to go ahead and get a mid-range bike for yourself, as long as you continue your practice sessions in a distraction-free area, etc. At your height (5'4") and weight (110 lbs.) however, there are more concerns than just a wide open throttle. The bigger bikes are heavier and you may find that you're going to have to lower that height with a lowering kit so that your feet are flat on the ground at a dead stop (helps with sense of control of the bike and ability to push that thing around while sitting on the bike). It all depends on the make/model you find to your liking. I must admit that I've never heard of a switch to limit the throttle, so am hoping that readers will chime in with their knowledge of this temporary modification and whether it's a good idea or not. Quite frankly I'm a bit concerned that you're being pushed into a direction that was not your original intent. It's not that the suggestion doesn't have merit, but it's YOUR RIDE, YOUR EXPERIENCE, and YOUR BUTT ON THE LINE. What does your gut tell you? Listen to it! And then proceed at YOUR PACE. I'll say it again . . . regaining confidence because you start out on too big of a bike is more difficult than starting out smaller, getting the confidence, and then moving up in size. If your gut screams 250cc bike, then hold out till you find one. There's no harm checking the bigger bikes out, but harm to your state-of-mind if it doesn't feel right for now. Mama Friday, November 11 Hey Mama, My question is this . . . I am 5'2" and about 160lbs. I rode an Eliminator 125 in the class and it handled like a dream. The Magna on the other hand feels like pushing around an elephant!! It handles great and is even easier to shift than the 125, but it is sooo heavy!! I am looking at bikes on e-bay and checking out the specs on the styles I like. I have noticed they are all around 500 lbs. (Vulcan 750, V-Star 650, Intruder Volusia). Should I be worried about moving around that much weight? I don't have any fear of the ride, but parking (having to walk it backwards, etc) scares me. What do you think?? Thanks for all the great advice!! Amy Dear
Amy, So, what to do?!?!?!? First, pushing around a bike while seated on it is much easier if your feet are firmly planted on the ground. If the bike you fall in love with doesn't allow this, then you need to make sure you can get a lowering kit or shorter shocks or a lower profile seat or take a closer look at your riding boots (with a little bit more sole on it) . . . or a combination of these things! Next, if you are not doing it already, it is wise to strengthen your arms and legs by doing simple exercises with free weights and lunges. I know, yucko, exercise, but it really does make a difference. Since you already have your hubby's Magna at hand, why not start your push practice now! Start by having your hubby straddle the front wheel and taking a grip on the handlebar. The bike should not be running and should be in gear so it can't roll on you. Now, lean that bike to the left and to the right. Get a feel of the weight . . . he'll be there to help! Now, with the bike in neutral, but still not running, start rolling the bike forward and back in a straight line on a flat grade and get use to it. Then roll it with a slight turn of the front wheel. Then ride it around the block and park it against the street curb like you would in a real parking situation. Practice is the key and more practice is the confidence builder. There is no shortcut! Now, this last suggestion may seem radical to you at first, but trust me, if there was ever a confidence builder on bike weight, this is it! The bike should be cold, low on gas, and the gas petcock in the off position. Get an old piece of carpet and lay the bike down on it's side. Then pick it up! The proper techniques to this are chronicled on several sites, and you'll find those links on my Pick Up The Bike page. Enlist hubby dearest to review the steps, look at the bike together, talk it out, and he'll be there on the other side. Practice, practice, practice. A small side note . . . start by laying the bike down on something that will keep it an an angle (like a plastic milk crate, etc.) so that the first times you try, you're only doing a slight angle pick-up, then increase the severity of the angle and keep working on it. When you are able to do this, you will KNOW you can handle the bike weight. Ta da! You are one with the bike and the fear has evaporated! When you get your own bike, repeat all the steps suggested! Knowledge is power and learning is good. Remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE and I know you CAN do it! Mama Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
Short Legged, It might be a long shot, but maybe the dealer has a lower profile seat in stock that they could temporarily put in place. Yikes, readers, any more ideas here?!?!?! Mama Tuesday, November 15 And Omigosh, VTM Wrote in to the Oprah Show! For Short Legged is who wondering on test riding bikes that are too tall: Hi Mama, been reading this site from Lakeland, Florida for a year now. I really appreciate the time and concern you give us ladies. (you are welcome!) I bought 2 new Suzuki's from the same dealership and wasn't offered to test either one. The salespeople do offer to let you try the used ones. So I haven't a clue either. I did the cheap hiker boots and it works. I took the MRA (MSF) course after I had been riding for 3 months and I felt much more confident, better balanced and more alert to trouble than before. I feel the book work was just as important. Yes, they pushed us along pretty fast, however that traffic in that real world is even faster and sometimes nasty to boot. The couple who taught the course were seriously dedicated to our safety and the responsibility we assume when we choose to ride. Mama, what can we do to get you on Oprah? You represent 3, maybe more, generations of cool ladies out here who love to ride their own. Peace, Patricia, 51 years young (note from Mama: thanks for sharing that the higher heeled boots did the trick, and yes, many dealerships won't let the new bikes out the door for insurance reasons. Sometimes it's helpful to rent a bike for a day when possible to get a feel for it. NOW FOR STUNNING NEWS: I hopped onto the Oprah site and submitted a "women in motorcycling" show idea, noting my own work, but also that Chicago has many chapters of women riding groups, etc. I emphasized the empowerment it brings to women, the joy at the achievement, a chance to get a real-life "peek behind the curtain," that we're the fastest growing segment of riding, and that we have something to say and share! Omigosh . . . I'm feeling QUITE BOLD! Let's see if we make the cut! They promise that every submission is read by the Producers. I'll keep you posted! Dear
VTwin
Mama, Until then, what mfg and model bike do you recommend for me to look for? I am 5 ft 4" with a 32" inseam standing flat foot. I am having a hard time searching for a bike in the SF area, do you have any recommendations? Ruby Dear
Ruby, Then search for a used one so that it doesn't drain your pocketbook and if you have "oopsies" you're not so worried about the paint job. Also, once you have some riding time in, you'll be in much better position to define what's really going to be important in choosing your dream bike (rather than vague ideas!). For an idea on the bigger bikes, take a look at my Motorcycles for Short Riders list, where bikes are listed by make/model, the rider's height, and the modifications these real women made so that the bike fit their needs! Don't forget to see if a motorcycle show is coming to your area this winter by typing in "motorcycle shows" in a search engine. It's a great way to see all bikes in one place! Or you can go online to places like Want Facts or PowerSports Network to research bikes in different power ranges and check things like seat height, etc. Happy shopping! P.S. you noted in your message to me that you would like your email address to remain private. This is an opportunity for me to remind readers that I NEVER share email information unless expressly given permission to do so. Mama Monday, November 28 Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
P., At 5'10 I have no problems with the bike and the owner I bought it from was 5'8". I'm guessing with your inseam that you're only about 5'2" and at tops 5'4". I did meet Anna at the WITW Summer Nationals in Atlantic City, NJ and she had the R1200C as well and was shorter than me, but I can't remember her exact height, but she handled that bike just fine. Maybe she'll be reading this posting and chime in! There is an excellent R1200 discussion forum at http://www.chromeheads.org/. Lots of subject matters . . . didn't see any posting specific to a rider's height. Lots of links to all things BMW R1200 as well! The Classic does have a seat height of 29.1" whereas the Intruder and Volusia (as the Boulevard series) are at 27.6." At your height, every inch counts. I'd double check into a lowering kit or shorter shocks for this bike with the local BMW dealer. Mama Monday, November 28 For Ruby who has been on the back of a Ducati Monster and wondering about riding one: Terri, being the Ducati expert says: Honda make a 250 VTR and a 250 Spada, both are copies of the larger Ducati's. Hyosung make the 250 Comet, also a copy of the Ducati Monster. This is normally what folks here buy new and used when they like Ducati's but want to start out on something smaller and cheaper. I did note however that when I was in the USA, Ducati Monsters in the used marketplace were not that expensive. The Monster has been made since the early 90's and so there are many well kept second hand ones around for sale. Our '94 model looks exactly the same as the latest model. Kevin in Australia (note from Mama: thanks to you and Terri for the input!) Monday, November 28
Mama, I have read some letters from so many ladies wanting to know about the VStars, especially the 650cc versions. I have ridden one a short distance (10 miles) and at the time I had a Vulcan 800N so I actually owned a bigger bike cc wise. But believe me, the 650 VStar has oomph to it. And it is easier to handle too. I am 5'8" tall but my height is from my waist up, and legs down, well I am short (wear 40 28 jeans). So being able to touch the ground I needed a low seat height. The Vulcan fit and the VStar does even better. Wife is 5'2" and the Star fits her too. So come Spring, maybe sooner, I will have a VStar 650 in my world. They are nice sounding and a set of Bubs pipes helps. Thanks much. Jim in West Virginia Dear
Jim, Tuesday, December 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, So today I bought a Mustang seat, an early Christmas present. It is the Wide solo touring seat with a backrest. What a difference it makes! I don't feel all the vibrations and the backrest gives me a lot more support. I was able to ride 250 miles today, on the interstate, at 80 mph without fatigue. I went to a Mustang dealer and tried a number of seats. I was worried that the extra padding would keep me from being able to stand flat-footed. We were able to find a seat that gave me the comfort I was looking for and still allow me to stand on the ground. But I think the best thing is the backrest. With my previous seat, it was just me and the solo seat. Nothing behind me at all. Not even a little rise in the back. So if anyone else is riding on a solo seat and feels like they're working too hard to stay on a higher speeds, they may want to consider a backrest. Karen Dear
Karen, Monday, December 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Dr. I, Dear VTwin Mama, The mid-controls banged my shins when I tried to move the bike and I couldn't reach the ground well enough to get around them. So I got the forward controls and soon discovered that the carburetor cover is quite large and it's very difficult to reach the controls around it. Then I got the Harley Reach Seat but I still am having a problem sliding back which means I am constantly pulling myself up to reach the controls around the cover. Here's my question . . . should I get the Progressive shocks to lower the bike and put the mid-controls back on? Or, should I get the Corbin Close Solo seat? I'm starting to think I moved up too soon w/ the bigger bike but I do love it. At the same time, I'm kind of starting to lose interest because the $$ is starting to add up and its frustrating not knowing which direction I should go. Can you or anyone on your site recommend anything for me? There's gotta be other smaller women out there that have had my problems. Thanks for any suggestions you can give. Pennie, Desperate female in Gainsville Dear Pennie, Readers, I sorely need your first-hand experience solutions on this one as I am perplexed as to what the best combination solution would be for the least amount of added $$. I did offer Pennie some thoughts in a personal email to her, but I feel like I'm fumbling with the right course of action. Mama Friday, December 30 Dear
VTwin Mama, While the mid-controls give what many feel is better control while riding, you are more likely to dump the bike while pushing it around with mid-controls. If you are riding in the city you are stopped at lights much of the time. Try replacing the Air Cleaner assembly with a different one. The Forcewinder is one that works great for shorter legged riders. It lifts the air cleaner up and forward for more knee clearance. If you can |
