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2006 (January through April) Thursday, January 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Tom, Wednesday, January 11 Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
Jax, Monday, January 16 Hi
VTwin Mama, Dear
Aussie Mary, Monday, January 16 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Lebeka, This looks a fun sport bike, but the seat height is high at 31.9" but the weight, at 354 lbs. is on the "light side" in this size cc bike. As I'm thinking you most likely sat on this bike in the dealer's showroom, you know how much "tippy toe" you actually were. As with all new bike purchases, it's best to negotiate with the dealer up front. They will know if a lowering kit is available, or possibly shorter shocks, or maybe a narrower seat so your legs aren't thrust sideways as much, and in all cases, how much this will really lower the bike. You can get these type modifications taken care of as part of the purchase price (and is usually cheaper than doing it afterwards). The aftermarket companies don't come out immediately with products for the newest bikes . . . this can take up to a year or so until you'll find things other than the manufacturer will have. Bikes that are lower to begin with usually have seat heights in the 26" to 30" range . . . and you may wish to continue your search, depending on what the dealer has to say. Although we do have "sporty" riders visit this site, you may also want to check my Women's Sites page for women riding sites that are specifically oriented towards the sport-style bike. I think it's going to be worth your time at this stage of research. There is also a chance that there will be a motorcycle show in your area during this winter season . . . one place to check is Motorcycle Events. Then you could see all sorts of bikes in one place for comparison. Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
No Name, While most that popped up where in the 125cc to 250cc range, I'll note that the Suzuki Boulevard S40 showed up for $4399, 650cc, and a seat height of only 27.6" (which is pretty low). This is a nice mid-range cruiser! Otherwise, if you wanted a bigger cc engine bike that costs more than you have (if it was new), you would need to search for used ones. A good place to start would be to double check my Motorcycles for Short Riders page, where bikes are listed by mfg/model and the riders' height and any modifications they made, and yes, there are riders in the 4'10" and 4'11" range! Still, these bigger cruiser/touring bikes might still be more than you are willing to spend, but if you fall in love with a particular bigger bike, then you simply need to save more and delay your dream for a bit . . . but well worth it if there is something that catches your eye and you've just gotta have it! Mama Tuesday, February 7 For No Name who is 4' 10.5" and looking for a bike under $6,000: The Honda Shadow VLX (600cc) has a seat height of 25.6", is an inch lower than the Rebel, and has a MSRP of $5399. VLX stands for Vtwin, Lowered, eXtended rake. I'm just under 5'3" and my knees are bent and my feet flat. The handlebars were a bit far out for my short reach, but new handlebars fixed that. Affordably. Linda C. (note from Mama: perfect!) Thursday, February 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Linda, Friday, February 10 For No Name who is 4' 10.5" and looking for a bike under $6,000: I am a male, 68,125 lbs., 4' 10" tall. I have a 1999 Honda VLX (600cc) Deluxe. $3400 in 2004. I installed a lowering kit from scootworks and set the monoshock at its lowest position, and rides smooth with my light weight. Removed side covers and made new ones out of leather, removed and made a narrower and lower seat. Seat height is 23.5" I also installed Honda's standard pullback risers. This bike is impressive and keeps up with the big boys. JB (note from Mama: so that's the second nod to the VLX . .. I'm convinced!) Monday, February 13 For No Name who is 4' 10.5" and looking for a bike under $6,000: I am 4'10" tall and always thought it was out of the question for me to ride my own bike, but after reading the posts on this website and with the encouragement of my hubby, I took the MSF class and learned to ride at the age of 56. I just bought a Yamaha VStar 650 and had it lowered. Although it is a bit larger than the 125 that I rode in the MSF course, after 3 months riding "my" bike, I am now used to it and I am sure that it is the perfect bike for me. It is well balanced, so it doesn't seem heavy at all, looks really cool (my friends say it looks like a Harley Softail). And, most importantly, it has enough power to ride on the highway and I won't be wanting another bike for a while. Check out the Yamaha VStar 650. The new ones are $6000 but you can get a used bike for less. Linda in Oklahoma (note from Mama: congrats on the new bike that is proving to be the right pathway for you! Yummy!) Tuesday, February 14 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
ninjababe, Dear
VTwin Mama, I am only 4' 8" and weigh 105 pounds. Is it realistic for me to ride a Sportster in a year and how can I modify it to my height? Are there any women out there in northern California (Marin County) that ride and would put up with someone still learning? I am very grateful for your web site will taking the riding course. I was about to give up and found your site and said I can do this and so far I have. Janine Dear
Janine, At your height, you've got a real challenge ahead of you as you move up from your Rebel. There is no reason you couldn't ride a Sporty in a year, but even the Low models pose problems in that HD most likely won't offer lowering options (they built this bike to address height challenged riders). I think you would be better served in the next year to open up your vista view on bike manufacturers. Start by visiting my Motorcycles for Short Riders page to see listings by mfg/model, the rider's height, and the modifications they made. On that page are also the top ways to lower a bike, which is a list you should keep in mind when shopping so you can have a good conversation with salespeople. Women riders can be found on my Let's Ride page and if you visit my Women's Sites page, you'll find listings for national level women's riding organizations. Whether you'll find a mentor to help you in your beginning stages is largely a factor of the specific women in these groups. Definitely make contact, say hi, tell them who you are, and what you're looking for. At the very least, you will open up your circle of friends who will be there for you! I'm soooo glad you haven't given up, and proud that the VTwin Mama site played a role in that. Enjoy the course, keep working on your skills, contact those women, and do the research necessary to find the bike that will work for you. YOU CAN DO IT! Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Now I am planning to do some touring. It is very hard to find a touring bike for a short person. Yamaha has a new line of bikes for 2006 that might have a potential. The Stratoliner is a gorgeous bike, good balance, 1800 +cc's, and under 800 lbs. Since I am again in Montana this winter, it is too cold to test drive. I wondered if any short riders out there have ridden the bike. Any information on it would help me a lot. Thanks. Carolyn Dear
Carolyn, Meanwhile, it's interesting to note that the bigger bikes often times have lower seat heights than the mid-range bikes, and there's a higher probability that lowering options will be more available (kits, shorter shocks, different narrower seat set-ups, etc.). That Stratoliner has a seat height of 28.9" and I'd check with the dealer on getting that bike right for you. Depending on the research you've done already on alternative touring choices, one search tool I use is the Want Facts site. Click on Research, New Motorcycles, Search by Feature, use the radio buttons to choose the manufacturers you would consider and then click the touring radio button and leave everything else alone. It will bring up the list and you'll be able to do some seat height checking fairly quickly (and then make calls to check on lowering options). Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Sammantha, Recently Genevieve Schmitt, a long time supporter of women riders with top-level industry credentials, started another woman's riding site called Women Riders Now. I took a look at her "Your First Motorcycle - What to Consider" article. She chronicles a number of scenarios and offers her tips and suggestions, and although she strongly advocates taking a riding course first (as most people do), I find that the bike size suggestions also apply to those riders who will be learning on their own with a permit. So, this is a good place to start for bikes to consider. Then, you need to visit dealers, sit on bikes, and pay attention to your foot-to-ground contact and reach to hand and foot controls. Even if you'll be buying used, this is still a good step. You can also do a search for a motorcycle show in your area as many are held over the winter months . . . the Motorcycle Events site is a good place to look for them. At those shows you'll be able to see most makes/models under one roof and take notes! Mama Friday, February 24 For Sammantha who is 5' tall and seeking her first bike to learn on: I found this informative site a couple of days ago; it's an additional resource that might be helpful.. It's called the Short Biker List. You can read about other women who have tried different bikes they feel are good for short riders. There is also a list of bike recommendations, which can help guide you as you visit dealers and try on various bikes. Sharon in Chicago (note from Mama: it's been awhile since I've visited that site and am so glad you are pointing it out! From the home page, click on the SBL FAQ link at the bottom scroll section, and you'll get to the lead in page and the link to the actual list!) Dear
VTwin Mama, I purchased my 883 thinking that because it's the smallest hog, that it would be easy to handle, this after having driven the Blast in class. Wrong. This bike has a very, very tall seat requiring several modifications for the shorter rider. This bike is extremely top heavy, making a new rider really challenge those Riders Edge skills to the max. If you purchased a 2004 model or earlier, this bike takes a long time to warm up, so do not start and attempt to enter traffic right away; has an extremely difficult clutch made for a STRONG hand and will rattle your teeth while heading down the highway because the engine is not rubber mounted. Prior to 2004, this bike also has an extremely small gas tank - so if you're riding with the big dawgs, you're going to have to stop to gas up a lot more. How did we wind up purchasing the 883? Well, let's start with other women riders have them that we know and the majority of the articles for the Sportster features woman riders. In fact, in this months Enthusiast magazine someone writes in with the same complaint . . . that Harley continues to push the image of the Sporty as a woman's ride. The magazine continues to show woman riding Sporty's on the cover and in it's several years of publication has only shown a guy on one 4 times. Add to that the mindset when you leave class is to purchase the small guy and the dealerships do not lead woman to the bigger bikes. The last time I spoke to a gentleman at the dealership about my 883, they suggested I buy the new lowered version, the 1200 or the V-Rod. What you find out after purchasing the small guy is that all of the other women you talk to that own one, want to sell their "small guy" and buy one of the big dogs - because of all of the issues mentioned above. The Sportster is not a "bad" bike; it's wonderful. It's sleek, it's sporty and can kick it given the right tweaks, it's just not a good beginner bike. Seems it should be a simple thing to get women more interested in riding if they can get over the mental block about size and avoid the Sportster. All a woman's fears about size go out the window after they ride a Sportster. The Sporty is a quick way to end a new riders desire to ride - almost did mine. The whole thought of not being able to handle a big bike is reinforced when they realize they can't seem to handle the Sporty. This bike can hide the fact that one motorcycle is not like the next . . . and just because a Sporty is hard to ride . . . does not mean an Ultra Glide is harder . . . but most would think that if they start with the Sportster. With woman being the fastest growing segment of riders now, education is key to longevity on 2 wheels. Bikes cannot be made gender specific and no one bike is best for any gender because of our physical size differences. My personal suggestion (and if I could afford to go there now) for the shorter rider and for a new rider would be the Heritage Standard sans bags and windshields. The new Heritage is low, balanced, and easy to maneuver. The 2006 clutch is a easy pull in. Gas tank will allow you to continue riding. Perhaps getting newbies past the "size" issue is the biggest thing here. Perhaps there should be more feature articles on women riding the big dawgs. Until I took my rider's edge I was thinking a smaller bike would be better. Bigger is heavier, but the difference in riding and the confidence of feeling in control . . . you only get that from a big bike. Now having said that, the changes that I have made thus far to my 883 Sportster and the Steps to Sportster Happiness: 1.
New pull back handlebars (2003 came with
the mini drag bars) Dear
NN, I invite you to translate your excellent information into a more formal bike review, which I just recently added to my site . . . Motorcycle Reviews by Women Riders. As I have now listed your bike/height/modifications into my Motorcycles for Short Riders list, it simply awaits a formal review submission to link to the review section, and the impact of your message will be much more visible! Mama Thursday, March 2 In response to No Name who chronicled her experiences with a Sporty as a first bike: I would think its main plus is cost. If I remember correctly, a Sporty is about half the cost of a Softail. If you drop it and break it, you haven't lost as much financially. For someone starting out in motorcycling and not positive they will stay with it, the cheaper bike also makes sense. In addition, some of us can keep a Sportster from falling all the way to the ground (in a stopped situation) or can, at least, slow its descent, whereas very few of us can muscle a 700+ lb. bike. There's no doubt the center of gravity on a Sportster makes it top-heavy and more difficult to ride. It's not the ideal bike for a new rider! But, economically, it might be the only option if the rider wants a H-D. There is also the Buell Blast which is $4,000+ and is very light. I would probably recommend buying a used Softail and getting a clutch assist installed. Penny (note from Mama: yes, for many, the cost of a bike is one of the main factors that must be taken into consideration. I know I don't have unlimited funds and I prefer to pay cash for my bike purchases. However, if a bike erodes a rider's confidence in herself, and actually causes her to question whether she should be riding at all, and maybe even causes her to quit altogether, then whatever the price is, it's too high. I'll continue to advocate that a first bike should be chosen with price and cc range in mind that allows the new rider to proceed with a sense of assurance. The cost of "confidence" is a higher price to pay IMHO, as compared to the extra work to buy a super cheap used model for practice and then move up to the dream bike. And the "dream" can be more readily defined once a rider has some miles under her belt! This "gotta have" mentality for a first [insert make/model here] bike may work for some. It could be that my view is slightly skewed because the VTwin Mama site has listened to soooo many women who have started out "too big, too top heavy, and/or too overall weight heavy" and I have heard the consequences of it.) Friday, March 3 More in response to No Name who chronicled her experiences with a Sporty as a first bike: I just sold my 2005 Sporty and bought the '06 Softail Deluxe. I find the Deluxe to be much more at ease with balance for my 4'11" frame of 120lbs. However, if I hadn't had the Sportster, I don't think I would have been able to ride so well on the Deluxe. Some of the best of riders I know have had or do ride Sportsters and I have been told by men that "if I can ride the Sportster, I can ride almost anything." I remembered being told that by guys at a run . . . it is a state of mind, but it is also physical. Now if I had a choice to do it all over again . . . the Deluxe would be it for me. But only because I know the difference of the ride now. I did drop the Sporty because I felt unbalanced on it in a lot of scenarios and had a helluva time picking it up (even Skert's way), AND...ugghghghg I hate saying this: I dropped my Deluxe (fool I was had my handlebars turned in a stop-had nothing to do with balance) . . . and it was a breeze to pick up Skert's way! The Deluxe is 200 lbs more than the Sporty, but rides lighter. For me mentally, it made all the difference. If you ask, do I miss my Sporty? -- I say yes, it was easier to get in and out of situations and turning, etc. But would I go back -- no. I lost on money doing it this way. I got bored with it and wanted to use my bike for long distance travel. Hence, the Deluxe. Not so well planned. But like anything new there is a learning curve and patience has to be there while trying to achieve it. I really enjoy the Deluxe now. If you feel comfortable in yourself knowing you will move up one day---SOON, choose the larger one. Its more worth the bang of your buck and you will achieve success if you go at your own pace. Just a few thoughts for you to consider. Kathy H. (note from Mama: I'm glad we're getting more Sporty commentary as it will definitely help a new reader trying to noodle out if they want to start on one!) Monday, March 6 Even more about Sportys as a first bike choice: I have to chime in here . . . I could not agree more with the responses women have had on the Sportster. I too rode a Sportster as my first bike. I still have the bike and love her but, this is definitely not a good first bike for women. It is very top heavy . . . I always had to turn the front wheel in order to lift her off of the kickstand with an "oomph." I dropped her many times. Sometimes, due to newbie errors and sometimes due to weight. OK . . . most of it was probably newbie errors but, it is still a very top heavy bike and that does not help the newbie. I would like to point out what most of my oopsies were due to. The brakes on this bike are very responsive and I tended to drop her a lot at stops. I finally realized what it was after about a year's worth of clutch levers and tail lights. Every time I would come to a stop, I was hitting the front brake just a little too hard. Hence, the front forks would depress just enough to put me off balance and down we went. I finally figured out that I needed to use more of the rear brake coming to a stop and lightly touch the front brake when I was almost at a stop. Alas! No more oopsies. I remember pulling into one of our local HD dealers and the guy at the parts counter saying, "Man, why do they put you women on those Sportsters . . . they are the hardest bikes to ride." He said, "you should try the Softtail, you will not believe the difference." Well, the size and the weight of that thing just scared the you know what out of me. I finally broke down though. Ladies, I have to tell you, this is the easiest bike to ride. Oh the size and weight may seem daunting at first but, when you ride this bike it just feels lighter. And if you do get a little off balance at a stop, you have more margin because of the low center of gravity. This bike is like riding on a big sofa down the road. I just love it! I wish I had rode this bike a lot sooner. I will say one thing for the Sporty . . . it is true that it is easier to handle around parking lots and a lot more nimble. But, when it comes to balance and comfort, the Softtail has it all the way IMHO. The one thing I would like to add; had I not rode the Sporty, small maneuvers in parking lots and "slow races" in stop and go traffic would have been harder to learn on the Softtail. I am glad I rented that 250 Rebel a few weekends. This would be my recommendation: ride the 250 for awhile then, go for the Softtail. Mama, as always I love your site! You are invaluable to all of us women riders. Regards, Shani in NH In 2001, I returned to riding after a 20 year hiatus and started out by buying a used 2000 Honda 600 VLX. Im just under 5 and weigh 104 lbs. I choose the Honda because it was a great buy and it had one of the lowest seat heights available at the time. Although I was never flat footed, the bike had a low center of gravity and was easy to balance even when I could only put one foot firmly on the ground. The problem was I could barely reach the foot pegs and even after adding 4 pullback risers to bring the handlebar closer to me, my shoulders ached after a short time from pulling myself forward constantly. I felt unstable on the VLX that first year and went back to riding a 250 the next season. A friend
kept telling me to try out a Sportster, he said the hugger would be
perfect for me. In 2003 I
took a hugger out for a demo ride at Americade and was immediately
convinced this was the bike for me. I
bought one later that year. Yes,
I did have to change the seat to one with a lower profile in order to get
my feet closer to the ground, and the addition of an EZ clutch was a must,
but the slim frame, mid By the way, I just bought a new Sportster, the 1200L. And, the friend who encouraged me to try the Sportster in the first place bought my Hugger for his wife. Were both looking forward to a great riding season!
Best of luck to No Name. Patti Women must ride larger motorcycles
before being convinced to buy a Sportster. Most men seem to think
that the Sportster, being the smallest HD makes, is the only way for a
woman to go. That is why I gave up asking the extremely well intentioned
men that I know for bike choice advice. If you had met me when
the Sportster was all I knew you would have heard someone speak nothing
but love for her motorcycle because it was a Harley, it was paid for and
it was mine! I had no clue what I was missing until I bought my V-Rod! Im embarrassed for having spent
all of that energy riding a Sportster. My first words after
getting off my brand new V-Rod after riding an 883 Sportster for 3 years: (note from Mama: lots of input on Sporty riding and I'm glad the pluses and minuses are being chronicled by women who have been on these bikes!) Hello
VTwin Mama, I ride the Buell Blast now with a seat height of 27.5". When I sit on it I would guess it probably goes down to a 26.5" and it is the most comfortable seating position for me. The seat on long rides has much to be desired but this is why I am moving up to a bike that can take me further with more comfort. I have to face a lot of traffic every day so I need to be able to have my feet flat on the ground and be able to comfortably walk the bike through traffic. I know the Low Rider is considerably wider then the Buell Blast so I have to be lower to the ground then on the Buell to be able to reach. The biggest thing thing that bothers me when I sit on a Low Rider is how wide it is between my legs. I am 5' 1 1/2. Any suggestions for a good seat? I will probable have the bike lowered also but for now I want to get the best seat I can find and see the difference that would make for me first. Another question I have is I am about 115 lbs. Will they be adjusting the suspension for my weight and what difference will this make? I was reading the bikes are mostly set up for a 185 lb person. Thank you for any advice you may have. Electa Dear
Electa, To help you talk with more confidence about the bike's suspension settings, here are basics from the CarTest Software site (but this is definitely about motorcycles!): "The primary job of a motorcycle's suspension is to separate the chassis from the effects of bumps and other surface irregularities while simultaneously keeping the tires in contact with the road. Suspension systems have two theoretical components, springing and damping. The spring controls how much force is required to compress the suspension and the damping controls how quickly the compression and subsequent decompression occurs. The Preload adjustment determines the spring force. More preload, more required force to compress the spring. Less preload, less required force to compress the spring. Compression damping controls the speed at which the spring is allowed to compress for a given force applied. More compression damping, the slower the spring can compress. Less compression damping, the faster it can respond. Rebound damping controls the speed at which the spring can rebound following compression. Again, more rebound damping means a slower spring decompression, less rebound damping means faster decompression. Determining the optimum suspension settings for your bike is as much art as science and has to do with your physical characteristics and riding style as well as the physics of the motorcycle's design." So take that knowledge and explore what setting changes can be made to the Dyna Low Rider, or if components should be changed out for your weight (shocks, springs, etc.). The dealer should be able to address this, and if not, find another dealer! There is a 2006 Dyna Low Rider review by a woman on my Motorcycle Reviews: Harley Davidson page, and although she is taller, you might like to read this. Mama Hello
VTwin Mama, Dear
Mike, I'm assuming your wife is a new rider and over time I've certainly heard enough to be of the opinion that a functional used 250cc bike is the way to start (for many) . . . it takes away the "jitter" component of scratching a new bike up (if oopsies happen) and nixes the depreciation of riding a new bike off the lot. Some dealers do offer a program for trade-in though, knowing that new riders on little bikes often are ready for a bigger bike sooner than expected, so I'd check into their policy. There are lots of bigger bikes for women at 5'2" with modifications, as can be seen on my Motorcycles for Short Riders list page, so it's something to consider (in the grander scheme of things). As to lowering a 250cc bike, well, what shoes/boots is your wife wearing? She might want to look at riding boots with a bit more heel to get her flat footed. Lots of women review their footwear to make up leg-to-ground distance. Also, I'd be looking at the seats, as some are wider and force a rider's legs out (before going down), so a less expensive route could be to get a new seat as part of the deal (or have an upholstery shop shave the seat down at the sides). Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, I learned to ride last year and bought an '05 Honda CBR 600 F4I. I bought a sport bike because my boyfriend had one and loves his (learned a valuable lesson about that) as I don't enjoy this bike. It is really too tall for me and I don't feel comfortable. I had it professionally lowered but due to the suspension they could only lower this bike 1" and it isn't enough. I am considering selling it and buying a cruiser. I like the Honda Shadow Sabre and I was wondering if any ladies have rode this bike and their thoughts on it as I didn't see it listed in the bikes for short riders. Thank you. Miranda Dear
Miranda, I find that in researching bikes, it's useful to type in the make/model of a bike with the added words "road tests" into a search engine to pull up reviews (but rarely are they reviews by women, but still useful to read through of course). Right off the bat, I see that the CBR has a seat height of 31.7" and the Sabre is at 27.2", a big difference. I also hopped onto a specifications site and compared the Sabre to the Spirit 750 (which have some listings on my Motorcycles for Short Riders page) and note that the Sabre is 0.8" higher in seat height, so the 750 notes could provide a general guideline. The big differences between a 2006 Sabre and 2006 Spirit (1099cc each) are the Spirit has a 1.5" higher seat height, is just 21 lbs. lighter, a 0.4" difference in wheelbase, a different front tire size and a rear drum brake (rather than a disc on the Sabre). So, let's see if we get any "riding reality" input! Mama Wednesday, March 8 For Mike and his wife who are considering a Hyosung GV 250 for her to start on: I was looking into a Hyosung for myself in the future. There is a website called www.korider.com and it is all about the Korean bikes. The guys there are friendly and fairly knowledgeable about the bike. Wanda, aka V45 (note from Mama: hee, hee, I really need to check my own Useful Sites page on occasion, as I have that site listed there . . . am so glad you wrote in!) Thursday, March 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Angie, So, to get started, I did a search on the Want Facts site (the link sequence is Research New, Motorcycles, Search by Feature), chose Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha, and limited the search between 400cc and 1000cc. Doing this, you'll find a wonderful selection of mid-range sporty bikes for consideration. With this list you can now check seat heights, power range, cost, etc. This will also help you look at want ads or check with dealers for used ones! Sporty bikes are a challenge for shorter riders, in that they offer less lowering options due to their stock suspension systems. Still, it's not completely impossible. I do have some sport bikes listed on my Motorcycles for Short Riders page. with the rider's height and the modifications they made. You may wish to extend your research by visiting women's sites specific to sporty bikes. There are several listed on my Women's Sites page and I think you'll find these useful in that they also have discussion forums, etc. Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, What I'm curious about is the notion of a bike being "top heavy." My bike has the peanut tank that sits up higher and people often comment to me that that makes the bike more difficult to manage. So, I'm considering replacing the peanut tank with the wide capacity tank that is usually used on the Sportster 1200's. The tank would sit a little lower and be more "spread out," supposedly lowering the center of gravity a bit. Do you have any thoughts on the benefits of doing this? P.S. I am practicing the skills-building on an '02 Buell Blast - a great bike, but much lighter than the Sportster. Lisa Montano in Martinez, GA Dear
Lisa, Your bike's dry weight is 553 lbs and the center of gravity (COG) is a point somewhere at the engine level, where the heaviest concentration of mass is. Your bike holds 3.3 gallons of gas, and gas weighs about 6.5 lbs per gallon (there were varying numbers, but I'm using this average), so the gas weight when full is about 21.5 lbs. By lowering the bike, you lowered the center of gravity, because the overall bike and engine are now lower to the ground. If the new tank sits lower, than the weight of the tank and the gas therein, would lower the COG, but would it really be a discernable amount? I'm not convinced (but readers may give me an Ann Lander's "wet noodle" on this one). IMHO, COG mainly has to do with higher speed curve and tight turn handling at slow speeds. The bike wants to go straight and by "commanding" it to go around a turn or curve, it naturally pivots around it's COG (basic physics, omigosh!). The higher this is, the more work it takes for the bike to do that. That can be handled by learning your counter-steering techniques (high speed) and back brake feathering and friction zone control (tight turns). Yes, with a higher COG, when you lean the bike and hold the weight by your leg, it may feel like you're not as much in control. Your main concern appears to be the overall weight of the bike. That Blast is 193 pounds lighter than the Sporty, and since you are in the skills building mode, that's a significant change to the experience. What's your overall physical strength? This could be improved if you don't work out regularly (squats and such for leg strength so your legs can more easily hold the bike weight at a lean/stop and with greater confidence and arm strength so you can "muscle" the bike around a lot easier). Ugh, exercise. Yes, it makes a difference. Don't forget tummy muscles . . . they hold the back/spine in place and you'll notice the difference on long rides. For my money, I see you continuing to practice on the Blast, considering strengthening exercises, doing some "get to know the weight of the Sporty stuff (like sitting on the bike and leaning it gently from side-to-side and rolling it forward and back to feel the weight and get to know your limits, etc.), and then hopping onto the Sporty for basic beginning practice sessions. Mama has spoken! Ok, ok, Mama has written, but I think you've got some more food for thought on which to chew. Mama Tuesday, March 14 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Shadehunter, Tuesday, March 14 For Lisa who is searching for ways to make her Sporty more manageable: I have to respond here to this issue as I went through the same. Unless you want to do long distance riding, don't put the money into a new tank. It will still be top heavy either way. The Sportsters are just built that way, frame and all. I was told if I could ride the Sportster, I could ride anything . . . I believe that -- you should too. At stops or stopping, try extending both legs out away from the bike so that you have more balance and control at a stop. Also keep those forks straight. I found that if I turned my handlebars the slightest when stopping I would get off balance. When you get used to this movement, start practicing stopping with your left foot down (for your inclines, etc.) It took me a long time to feel comfortable doing this but once accomplished you can ride the Sporty anywhere. If you get the Sporty into a gliding motion (of sorts) and lean the bike just ever so slightly to the left when stopping you will have control of it at stops with the one leg down routine. Again, keep the handlebars straight. Now . . . where did I get this information? Hmmmm . . . Mama! That's who. I dropped my Sporty a few times but was determined to accomplish riding that bike and I think I did by coming into this site and reading about others with my problem. As Mama says, "you're not alone . . . practice . . . practice . . . practice." Kathy H. (note from Mama: as you've noted, practice is the key to finding the methods to overcome challenges and I'm glad you've re-shared your techniques!) Maybe this is what you were getting at or maybe you'll
disagree, but I'd say ride the heck out the Blast and then take steps to
move up, if possible. I had several people tell me that when I was going
to be moving up to the bigger bike, I should stay with it and not go back
and forth between bikes. Being new, and trying to become one with a bike,
it's just easier to become "one" with only one (bike, that is).
Then when the smiles come, along with the eagerness to go out and just
ride, then get the bigger bike to a parking lot and go. And don't look
back. Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Electa, In reviewing my Motorcycle for Short Riders List page, I can see three listings that indicated you might want to explore lowering the bike (it's good to bargain this directly into the purchase price) and consider changing to a Corbin Close Solo seat. Let's see if any readers provide a more in-depth report for the Motorcycle Reviews by Women page. Mama Wednesday, March 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, I am amazed at how much more comfortable and reassured I feel when I go to stop and can put both feet FLAT on the ground. I have only been able to ride about 20 miles on it as our weather took a turn for the worse but I can't wait to get out and "feel the wind in my face." I just wanted to write in to say that any new rider who is trying to decide what bike to buy should always go with her gut feeling and what is the most comfortable for YOU and don't let outside influences be a factor. My boyfriend rides sport bikes and so I listened to his influence and I liked the way his looked, but being a new rider I wasn't ready for that nor did it fit me correctly. He even says I look much more comfortable and that the new one is MY bike. This site has given me loads of encouragement and helpful information. I wondered if at 31 I was a little old to begin riding but many of the other ladies have been a great inspiration. I am still nervous as I am still very new to riding but I feel much more confident now with a bike that fits me and I know with lots of practice, practice, practice that I can become a great rider. Thank you for your site. Miranda Dear
Miranda, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Christine, Tuesday, March 28 For Christine and the reach issue to foot controls on a S50 Boulevard: If the S50 is giving you the trouble of reaching the pegs, try the S40. It's 2" narrower and that will help. I work at a Suzuki/Kawa shop and had the same troubles with the wife . . . depending on your size (she is 4'11"ish) the S50 just made her spread her legs too much which shortens your reach to the controls . . . Anonymous (note from Mama: at 655cc, that S40 is still a good mid-range bike . . . thanks for sharing a possibility.) Dear
VTwin Mama, Anyway, I just found your site and I have been looking for some guidance. I have a Low Rider - which I love - but am now looking for a touring bike. I narrowed it down to a Street Glide or a Road King but what I have found is that I cannot seem to back up these bikes when they are on any kind of an incline (although when I'm on flat ground I'm fine), and it is very frustrating since I really have my heart set on one of these bikes but am attempting to be responsible since I, obviously, don't want to find myself in an unsafe situation where I can't move the bike back. The reason I am having trouble, I'm sure, is because my heels don't sit flat on the ground so I have little leg or knee leverage. So, I was wondering if you or any of your readers have any advice with regard to either tricks to help back up these kind of bikes, (since I am sure I am not the only one who has ever had to deal with this issue), or any ideas for lowering these bikes beyond the standard Harley lowering kits or any other ideas I might not be considering. Thanks very much, in advance. Brad Dear
Brad, I cannot think of anything to help backing up a bike when you can't dig your feet into the pavement fully. Many just learn tippy-toe methods and pay strict attention to the parking position so that they always park up on an incline so that gravity can help roll the bike back again. Readers, what am I missing here?!?!?! Mama Thursday, March 30 For Brad, a shorter rider looking at touring bikes and concerned about backing up: Please tell Brad he doesnt have to be able to back his bike up hills! As you said, all he needs to do is be careful/aware of how he parks. My Valkyrie is 800 pounds plus or minus and no way can I back her up a hill. The only way I can move her uphill FORWARD without starting her is by compressing and releasing the front forks and rocking (with the front brake to hold her on each forward rock). Thats a trick an old motorcycle cop showed me some time back. But backwards! not gonna happen. Ive been riding her for over a year now with only that first ride mishap with the front brake. Never had another problem with this baby and she is heavier than my husbands bike! Remember, Goldwings havent always had that reverse gear and several of the guys I ride with that own them know all about parking to pull forward. Amy in Washington (note from Mama: so it's in the proper planning!) Practice helps; you develop a strength for that. It used to take me several tries to back the VLX up uphill over a bump in our driveway. Now I can do it no problem. It also helps to plan your parking. Mama mentions parking uphill so the incline assists in backing out, but the opposite also applies. So, all lots not being equal, when your only available parking space in pointing downhill, back the bike in so that the engine will pull you out of it. I avoid situations where I have to back up uphill because when I do have to, it takes every bit of strength I can muster. Linda C. (note from Mama: yup, it's the proper planning, but I'm going to add that in general, if someone finds them in a real parking bind, asking for assistance is not completely out of the question.) Monday, April 10 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Short Stuff/Christie, First, will you or have you taken a riding course? I truly believe that it helps define a new rider's first bike in that taking a course more clearly defines the actual realities of what you'll be able to handle as a new rider and give you many more clues about how a bike needs to fit (feet to ground is important, but so is arm/leg reach to controls). The MSF typically starts you off on a 125cc or 250cc bike while Riders Edge uses the Buell Blast (492cc) in many instances. You can find links to these national level courses on my Learning to Ride a Motorcycle page. This doesn't mean you can't learn to ride on your own, or with the help of a friend . . . I did! But the first bike choice becomes more of a wild card as you have nothing to gauge it against. And in this letter you're comparing a 250cc bike with a mid-range 500cc bike which can be a big difference for someone just starting out. There are plenty of other 250cc bikes to consider other than that Ninja, like the Honda Rebel, Honda Nighthawk, Suzuki GZ250 and Yamaha Virago 250. At your height it can be a challenge finding a bike that fits right off the bat and the modifications you noted are typical solutions. You don't mention how many dealers you have visited to sit on various bikes, but I'd be visiting every dealer in a 60 mile radius and doing just that! Bring along a notebook and jot down thoughts and discuss lowering options as part of the sale price (that might include a lower profile seat, lowering kit, etc.). Look at bikes up to the cc range you think you're in the market for. Do this even if your intention is to buy a used bike from a private seller. If you do decide to go for the GS500, make sure you understand how much you can shave off that seat. Some of those sport bikes have molded seats with no padding or are already very padding "light." On the boots, you need to make sure that the heel choice allows your feet to rest/hook on the pegs and still have a decent foot angle to comfortably operate the clutch and back brake. Ok, hopefully this is some food for thought for you to noodle out your next shopping steps! Mama Tuesday, April 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Jennifer, This Cycle Wearable's site page appears to offer a number of seat and suspension lowering options. I'd print out the page and visit the local dealer's parts and service departments to talk it over. The other reason to talk it over is that lowering a bike by a huge measure could set up other problems, such as foot peg scrap on curves or decreased comfort handling road bumps, etc. Looking at a picture online, I see a body cover that already looks like it's just above the ground level . . . so what's going to happen there? You might want to check in with the sporty women motorcycle sites that are available on the Internet (if you haven't found them already!) . . . these links can be found on my Women's Sites page. Several have discussion posting areas that you could further explore the question with women who specialize in the sporty bikes. I wish you the best in your shopping adventure! Mama Friday, April 21 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Harley Diva, Tuesday, April 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Dorathy, Tuesday, April 25 Dear VTwin Mama, So far, in six weeks and 650 miles of riding I've found 2 drawbacks: lean angle to the left and lean angle to the right. I'm starting to grind the stand on left turns and the bolts holding the exhaust balancing tube on right turns, and I'm not a particular aggressive, or heavy, rider. Probably opt for Progressive shocks about an inch longer than stock or slip on V&H exhausts + (carb jet kit and high flow air cleaner). Anonymous Dear Anon, |
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