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2006 (May through July) Tuesday, May 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Short Rider, Tuesday, May 9 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Qbunny, It's true that the VTwin Mama site does tend to get more input from readers interested in, and involved with, standard and cruiser style bikes. If you visit my Women's Sites page, you'll find links to women-specific sporty bike sites that I think you're going to enjoy visiting as well! The choosing of one's first bike is a balance of many things. Start too small and you can quickly outgrow it; start too big, and there is a chance you'll be overwhelmed and lose confidence, which is harder to regain once lost. I have no magic formula that will predict the exact right choice for you and neither does anyone else. What I do know is that you are thinking human being, and if your gut tells you to start smaller, than listen to it! So what if in three weeks or 3 months you find you're ready to move up. Buy a used, inexpensive bike, get your practice time in, and turn around and sell it. Between the course and your "little bike" practice, you will be in much better position to formulate what actually constitutes your "dream" bike. And despite what anyone says, this is YOUR experience, YOUR adventure, YOUR ride. There would be no reason to "be mad" about starting smaller . . . it's all about learning and YOU need to define for YOURSELF how that learning will proceed. Heck, race car drivers don't hop into a fast car and head for the track when they start out . . . nope, they're in Mom or Dad's family car to get their driver's license and move forward from there! Ok, ok, some of them are on junior racing tracks, but you get my drift. So, in the sporty style, from what I could find, you're looking at the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and 500R and then there is the Suzuki GS500F. As you move up in engine displacement (cc) the seat height goes higher and although one or two inches doesn't seem like a lot, at your height, it makes all the difference in your ability to be centered on the bike and have your feet reach the ground and be firmly planted. Typically shorter riders need to explore options, such as lowering kits, shorter shocks or taking a closer look at their the heel on their riding boots. Of course it doesn't follow that just because ultimately you want to ride a sporty bike, that you have to get your initial practice time on one. You open up your options if you include standard style bikes in the 250-500cc range, and there may be more available on the local market that meet your "buy cheap and resell" financial realities. Now, riders are pretty protective of their bikes, but has your boyfriend offered to let you try his Ninja 600 once you've got your license? Would he be willing to take that bike to a big empty parking lot and let you get some initial practice in? If you think he's going to be totally nervous about it, don't go down that pathway (his trepidation is going to make you a wreck before you even give it some gas and let out the clutch the first time!). Finish your course, visit dealers, and sit on bikes,
checking your foot-to-ground contact and reach to foot and hand controls.
Ask about lowering options. Take notes. Some dealers offer smaller new
bikes with a turn-around trade-in option because they know a rider who
starts out small may quickly move up. Ask. With this beginning
understanding, then you can check what's on the used market, look up bikes
and specifications, and balance those against what you saw at the dealer.
Happy shopping! –
Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Georgia, The other classic British bikes I found are Norton and
BSA. Before buying anything vintage it would be helpful to know if a
service manual is available, where parts might be purchased, if there is a
support/discussion forum online, and if there is a mechanic nearby that
can help if needed! –
Mama Monday, May 15 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Happy,
Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Dottie,
Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Stephanie, I'll also point out that if you go to my Women's Sites page, you'll find women-specific sites based on sports bikes (where mine is more standard and cruiser styles). One big question that you'll have to decide on is how much power you think you'll be able to handle as a new rider. The riding course is going to help you noodle that out as it will give you beginning clues. Then, as a college student, you may need to balance that against available $$. I encourage visits to area dealers to look at new bikes, sit on them, talk it out, and once you've narrowed it down, then you can do a hunt for a used bike if that makes more sense for you. Happy shopping! – Mama Monday, May 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Breezy, To get you started, that CBR125 has a seat height of 776mm and the DT125 sits at 915mm. In looking at this UKBike.com site page, you'll see all the trail bikes 125cc and under for consideration, including pictures to narrow down the search for the look you seek. Then you can type in "model name specifications" into a search engine and do some seat height comparison. For instance, I looked up the Honda XR125L and the seat height is 820mm. One way to make up feet-to-ground contact is to take a
closer look at your riding boots. If you have a good pair that you like,
then sometimes it's possible for a shoe repair shop to add some more heel
to the boots, or you may need to get a new pair that has more heel. I hope
these thoughts and link help you noodle out your next steps!
–
Mama Thursday, May 25 Dear VTwin Mama, THEN, I took it for an unintentional ride into the neighbor's garden through their yard and $1,500 later, 24 stitches later, a MSC later (another $200), I am driving a slightly binged up Harley 1200C. Ho hum. TODAY, after basically uneventful riding for about two weeks now, I was backing up to my curb in front of my house and down went Betty on her left side. I felt flustered first, thinking dear hubby would drive up and see the BRAND NEW CLUTCH HANDLE SCRATCHED, the gasket cover scratched MORE . . . and blah . . . Well, fortunately, my neighbor across the street had just driven up. I asked her to help me, I got the bike up with her help . . . but with these suggestions, I think I can do it on my own. I am only 5'3" and weigh 120. Is this bike just too powerful and big for me???? It is very powerful, but what does a professional think? – Harley Mamma Dear Harley Mamma, Yup, you accidentally goosed the throttle, didn't you, when you ended up in the neighbor's garden?!?! I'll repeat this message for all new riders: if you accidentally goose the throttle, the quickest way to remove power from the bike is to pull in the clutch lever. Your right hand can still be jamming on the throttle, but the bike won't be rocketing through space any more! I call it LEFT HAND: TROUBLE . . . a handy little phrase to repeat to yourself . . . if there's too much speed, use your LEFT HAND to pull in the clutch lever and ease you out of additional TROUBLE. Now, onto the back-up curb drop. I know that when you see other riders do it flawlessly, it looks like no real thought or effort is going into doing it. But don't be deceived! Every rider worth their salt knows that even this seemingly easy task has it's possible oopsie pitfalls. Number one, when possible, position your bike in front of the slot that you can back-up as straight as possible. Then, take a second to shift to neutral so that you don't have to split your concentration between keeping the clutch pulled in and negotiating the back-up. Honestly, it makes a difference! Then back-up with your head pointed forward . . . if you need to sneak a peak at the back-up angle, do so by stopping the roll-back first, look, adjust, head forward, roll-back. The problem with looking back while you're backing up is that the handlebars seem to magically turn on their own and often into full bar lock position (all the way cocked to one side or the other) . . . a perfect recipe for a bike nap possibility! Dropping a motorcycle is no fun, but dings are badges of learning honor. And yes, there are time-tested techniques to picking up your own bike, which can be found on my Riding Techniques: Pick Up Bike page. Great confidence builder if you practice in your driveway or garage! No bike is too powerful and big for a rider if that's the bike they truly wish to ride. A motorcycle is counting on you to "become one" with it, and to learn the specific handling characteristics so that you can motor along with skill and confidence. Does a bike have feelings . . . you betcha' . . . but it doesn't mind learning dings, it just doesn't want to go down because the rider hasn't taken the time to practice and learn how to give it proper commands. Question: newer riders find it highly imperative that their feet be firmly contacting the ground at a stop . . . are you flat-footed at a stop with this bike? If not, look into lowering options, with general suggestions chronicled on my Motorcycles for Short Riders page. I'm not totally against learning to ride in one's neighborhood, but the problem is that there are additional obstacles that are added to the equation, just like being on the road. Go find yourself a big, flat, as obstacle-free as possible parking lot nearby, ascertain when it's pretty much empty, and put yourself through the paces there! If needed, have hubby ride your Sportster over there! If you feel you're already confident (in the most part),
then proceed and realize that some lessons are learned the hard way . . .
just make sure you learn from them by figuring out what you did wrong, so
that you don't lose confidence or form a bad habit. Onward, forward! –
Mama Friday, May 26 Dear VTwin Mama, I've fallen in love with bikes. But I'm 5 feet tall and only 100lbs. I'm not looking for a roadster but more of a street bike. Does anyone have any ideas on a bike that I might be able to fit on? – Lilone Dear Dragonfly and Lilone, Ok, that's not exactly true! Let's review some basic principles in choosing the first motorcycle. To start with, the first bike is a pill to choose because you have little to judge anything against. That's why I advocate lots of research and then consideration of a dinged up, but running, inexpensive used bike to get your beginning ya-yas out on. There's less worry about oopsie drops. Also, a "dream bike" is more easily assessed with some practice and real road time! Many women like starting out on a 250cc bike as it's size and power are not so overwhelming. The downside is that you may quickly get your skills together and then have to turn around and sell it to get the next one. The upside is that starting on a smaller bike is less likely to erode your confidence, and confidence once lost is a bear to get back. My Type of Bike to Ride page has links to articles about smaller bikes. Next, take a look at my Motorcycles for Short Riders page. This list is built from actual input from women riders . . . and lists their bike make/model, the rider's height, and modifications made (if necessary) to make it fit. Truly illuminating! In some cases you'll see the red links to more detailed reviews . . . by women! And all of this is valuable information so that when you go shopping, and fall in love with a particular bike, you can talk out "fit options" with clarity! Now, whether you will buy used or new, it's helpful to visit the dealers and sit on motorcycles! It's fun! And don't be a wimp at this stage. Walk into a dealership, nab a salesperson, sit on bikes (off the kickstand so you can see how well your feet reach the ground) and pay attention to your arm/leg reach to controls. Take notes. If you're bringing along a man on your shopping trips, make it clear to the salesperson that the bike is for you, and make it clear to the man accompanying you that they are not to hijack the conversation. This is about YOU. Want to do some online pre-research before shopping?! There are lots of sites with specifications and comparisons . . . I happen to use the WantFacts site myself. Click on Research New, Motorcycles, By Feature and then you'll see ways to sort your search. Can you start out a more powerful bike right off the bat? Yes. Dragonfly, you're taking a course so you'll be able to take that training and use it to take your first bike choice to a practice zone near your home and run through all the drills again. Lilone, you don't mention this, but consider taking a course, or, if you'll be learning on your own, then there are lots of books and DVDs to show you how to practice. So, you see now that I haven't named any specific makes/models. My crystal ball is still in the wizard fix-it shop! But there are plenty of letters archived on my Short Riders pages . . . with input on specific models . . . but you'll need to comfy and start reading! I wish you both the best in your new adventure! –
Mama Friday, May 26 Dear VTwin Mama, When I was 17 I had a Yamaha Virago 125 which I loved to bits, but unfortunately had to sell after about a year. Now, after a few years of not riding I would really like to get back to it. I have some cash for a bike and I'd like to get something bigger. I really like the idea of the Virago 535 and there are plenty around second hand for a decent price. However I've been told that because I'm really small (5'2", 7 1/2 stone [105 lbs]) this bike would be too heavy for me to handle and that I should stick with something much lighter like a 250. These seem so small though and I think I'd be wanting more power pretty soon. Do you think the 535 would be too heavy for me, and if so can you recommend any lighter cruisers? Thanks so much, – Michelle Dear Michelle, This motorcycle is about 182 kg (400 lbs) and has a seat height of 720mm (28.3"). Sure, a Virago 250 is 137kg (302 lbs) and 686mm (27"), but what's a few kgs and mms among friends? And that's the point . . . making friends with your bike. You like the idea of that Virago 535, then check it out! Now, some clues. First, have you sat on one of the bikes yet? You'll want to check your leg to ground contact and arm/leg reach to controls. If you're sitting a bit high and really want to be flat-footed at a stop, then you can investigate the availability of lower profile seats, lowering kits, shock adjustments, shorter shocks and more heel on your riding boot! If the hand controls are stretching your arms, then you can easily incorporate what's called a pullback riser to bring the controls closer to you. I highly doubt the leg controls will be a reach problem. Then, identify a big open and empty parking lot near your home. Sod it all, you've been on a bike before so you know the basics. Get the bike there. Practice. Practice. Practice. Then plan out a simple local road ride during the lightest traffic day/time. Fly with the wind but look where you're going! Everyone has an opinion, and now you've heard mine. The
most important opinion though is yours! –
Mama Sunday, May 28 To Stephanie who is researching choices for her first bike: I too am 5'4" and never rode a bike before. I got a 2001 Suzuki SV650S. Stock bike, the balls of my feet touch, enough to feel in control. I am getting lowering links put on. $65 which will lower it 2-4" which will be plenty. It is 650cc but you are in control of the power. It is SUPER light and really easy to ride. Everyone tried scaring me and telling me it has too much power -- it has power (and not meant to ride in your yard) but it is easy to control and only goes fast when you want it too (and will be nice when I am ready). I would highly recommend this bike!!! Comfortable, light, powerful if you want it to be, and looks GREAT -- what every girl needs in a bike! – Katie White (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your notes on this bike choice!) Monday, May 29 In response to No Name who chronicled her experiences with a Sporty as a first bike: I’ll completely agree the Fat Boy is easier to handle than the Sporty. (I have a '91 XLH), and when I’m out in another state, if I rent, I tend to get the Fat Boy. On the “Sportster is a girl’s bike thing," I totally don’t care. Sportys have a great heritage as a racing bike (the first bike to do 200mph back in the 70s was a tricked out Sporty), and they look like they just rolled out of the 50s. I also agree they’re high, and take a while to warm up. Every spring, I put my 15 year old Harley in the driveway next to my 60 year old BSA, and it’s grandma that gets running first. But they are cool looking. I’m planning on putting straight bars on mine, and getting rid of as many extras as legally possible . . . the stripped down look, I think is very old school and very cool. – Anonymous (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your views and noting that this motorcycle actually goes back in history!) Tuesday, May 30 Dear VTwin Mama, I got my first bike when I was 5 and quit when I was 16. I got back on at 32. At 32, I started out with a 450 Honda Rebel. It was fine in town, but riding with bigger bikes on the interstate . . . let's just say it was not so much fun. I went on up to the Yamaha 650 V-Star Custom. This bike has been great for me. I'm only 5' 3. The bike is low to begin with. But, there is a way to lower it almost 3 inches and it only takes about 30 minutes. Under the seat, there is a bolt that attaches the shock. There is only one shock on the bike and it is positioned so that if you move the bolt forward on the bike it will lower the bike. Just redrill the hole and put the bolt back in. It didn't affect the ride at all. I can sit on my bike with my knees bent now. This gives me more control if I'm backing it up or sitting on an incline. As for the 1100, I have ridden my Dad's and it is a really nice ride. It is comfortable and with lowering blocks . . . it will still fit the shorter person. – Chelle Dear Chelle, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear D., Yes, many courses use a 250cc bike for learning. However, if the basics of bike control (clutch, throttle, front and back brakes) are still familiar to you, there is no reason you can't take your Rebel 450 to a big empty parking lot (well-paved, few obstacles) and get some basic practice in. Examples would be a local school, church, or even a big chain store during low/no traffic times. Have someone ride that motorcycle over there and put in some hours! Even if all you do is straightline drills with controlled stops, your coordination will return and you'll be able to enter that class with more confidence. So, is the motorcycle too big? That depends. If this refers to power, then no, not really. Do some basic practice (if you want), take the course, and then go to (or return to) a safe practice zone and do the course drills over and over till you feel you are ready to take a simple and well-planned short road ride. If the "too big" is about physical size and weight, then there are things to consider. Even now, without any power to the bike, you can get on and roll the bike back and forth, lean the bike side-to-side, and duck walk the bike around and start getting a feel for the weight. One big question is whether your feet reach the ground comfortably and if not, you may wish to address that now. If you're flat footed, then you're golden! If not, and it's just the tiniest of tippy toe, then take a look at your riding boots (or choose riding boots) with a heel that will flat foot you. Since this bike was only manufactured in '86 and '87 (according to my online research) it could be more difficult to find other solutions, but one can always consider have the local upholstery shop open up the seat and shave out some of the padding to lower you. Ok, off you go to consider the steps that make sense to
you! –
Mama Thursday, June 1 Hey Everyone, David rode her the 21 miles home from the dealership and then I took over. I’ve been practicing my little heart out on the Rebel (500 miles in a month), read two great books and am re-viewing a video for lady riders who ride bigger bikes ( for me at 5’1’’ this 650cc is much bigger). When I got on the V-Star I practiced
with the clutch, just like at MSF . . . and though I really wondered if I
could handle a heavier bike, that wonder disappeared as she (Stella . . .
Italian for starlike) and I made our way through our neighborhood! We have
figure-eight roads and lots of cul-de-sacs where I practiced with the
Rebel before taking her into traffic, so it was perfect for me and “
Stella." It was like flying a plane! What a great bike. Louder than I
had thought but not obnoxiously so; she took me through corners much more
handily than the Rebel and got me off the mark in a much more efficient
manner as well. I feel as though I am in the bike instead of on top of the
bike, as some of you have experienced since you have had a larger bike for
some time. I really liked the Rebel for getting
started. I don’t think I would have even tried to ride if I had had to
try on the size bike I have now (and I don’t think I would have done so
well while practicing had I not taken the MSF course), but BOY! I am happy
with the V-Star. I am so glad that I learned to do
this. It is amazing! Dear Susan, Dear VTwin Mama, I enjoy riding with him, but I have a bit of a control complex. I love to drive and I have a fast sports car, so I'm a bit like a fish out of water when I'm riding and not in control of the bike. I notice that I am not as relaxed as I should be and I'm sure that he feels that as well. He really wants me to get my own bike, but I'm very nervous about it. I'm going to take a course this summer to determine if I even want to ride. I don't even drive a car stick-shift, so I'm a bit nervous about the coordination of clutch, gas, gears, brakes, etc. Hubby really would like me to get a Harley because they have so much better value. However, the most comfortable bike I have sat on so far is a Suzuki Boulevard S50. It has been the only brand new stock bike I have been able to sit on with my feet flat in tennis shoes. Do you have any good advice for me in this decision? Should I just take the course, then go around and try out different bikes? I really don't know exactly where to start. – thndrmtnmnypnny Dear thndrmtnmnypnny, If possible, get back on a bicycle to learn/relearn balance issues, borrow a stick shift car for coordination understanding, and have hubby show you the motorcycle controls. You can even sit on his bike (not running!) and then run through pretend drills (it won't hurt the bike to pull in and push on hand and foot controls and will give you a feel for things before the course). Take a look at my Motorcycles for Short Riders list for input from readers on the bike they ride, their height, and the modifications they made so the bike fits. It's great that you've found one that you can flat foot on, but that shouldn't limit you as there are standard alterations that can be made, Harley or otherwise! As to value . . . well, all motorcycles lose value right off the lot, and long term value is based not only on the make/model, but how it was rode, etc. If you want a snapshot, look at the NADA Motorcycle Guide and look up the S50 (it use to be called an Intruder 800) and your hubby's Harley, but five and ten years old, and see what on average they are going for. Have a great time planning out your next steps . . .
it's an adventure well worth checking out! –
Mama Friday, June 2 Dear VTwin Mama, I have always wanted a sports bike and was really disappointed. I saw that the Ninja 250s were lowered, perhaps he was wrong? I would be perfectly happy riding another sports bike that fit my height range but these two, plus a few others were recommended for me as a beginner. I am 5'1" and have short legs. Please help, I really really want a sports bike and am crushed by his response. I also tried what I think is a Honda Shadow 500, that needed about an inch or two for flat foot, which is what I am looking for. – Victoria Wong Dear Victoria, Now, that's not to say it's going to be easy. The fact is that typically the sport bikes sit higher to begin with and at your height, it's not a shoe-in! Read my Lowering the Bike pages and you'll find previous letters from Ninja and other sport bike riders. Also, just to let you know, there are women-specific sporty riding sites with their own discussion forums that you might like . . . hop onto my Women's Sites page to find these! While there are many search tools, I use Want Facts . . . click on Research New, Motorcycles, By Feature, then choose and define what you would consider and it will pull up a list of all bikes within your parameters! Good tool before you go shopping again! That dealer you mentioned could use a wake up call. Do
your research and then visit other dealers, but this time with more
knowledge. When you do purchase a bike, call or stop by the first dealer
and let them know they lost the sale because of their total unwillingness
to discuss how you could own your very own motorcycle that fits! –
Mama Tuesday, June 6 For D. who is getting back into riding after many years: Hi D. Welcome back! Here I am at 53, 22 years later, kids in college, and now it's "MY" turn to ride again!!!!! Years ago I had a Kawasaki 440, now I have the Suzuki S50 and I love it. I am so very proud of myself that I am still able to get on a bike and just go, it is an experience of feeling so high in a natural way!!!!!!!!! However, I am having a hard time finding boots in a size five. I have tried online, many, many shoe stores, but can't seem to find anything that fits, also I have tried the kids department. I remember I had this problem years back, and what I did is get a pair of boys work boots. But I really would like to wear black leather motorcycle boots, can anyone help? Thanks, and D, good luck to you! Have fun and be safe, – Hugs, Christine (note from Mama: thanks for letting D. know she isn't the only one reentering the world of motorcycle riding! As to the boots, I'm hoping other size 5s write in with what they like!) Tuesday, June 6 For thndrmtnmnpnny who is 5' and looking for a motorcycle: Hi my name is Christine. First I would like to say that I have purchased a (S50) Suzuki, I am just five feet, LOL, and I have very short legs. I have shopped around to every dealer looking for the perfect bike just for me, I have also went back to the same dealers several times to make sure I didn't miss anything. What I really wanted was the Shadow Deluxe, but the foot controls were extended too far forward, the bike was just to wide between my short legs, so after almost giving up, I found the Suzuki S50. When I sat on it, I said this is it, this is my bike, I love everything about it, it has a lot of power at 805 cc's. I have rode it for two hours straight and felt that I could have went another two hours, it is a great bike. I dressed it up with floppy saddle bags and tassels on the handle bars, looks beautiful. Buying a bike is a very personal decision, you really must feel good about it when you sit on a bike you will know right away if it is for you. So good luck to you and have fun!!! Blessings. – Christine (note from Mama: yes, shorter riders have more challenges on bike fit . . . thanks for sharing how you proceeded and what fit you. My Motorcycles for Short Riders page chronicles a list of bikes by make/model, the rider's height and the modifications they made! Also, I'll repeat that I'd love to get more detailed motorcycle reviews from all my readers for my Motorcycle Reviews pages . . . truly a way to help another person considering a certain motorcycle get the inside scoop from a woman!) Friday, June 9 Hi VTwin Mama, Anyway, I wanted to submit my modifications (or lack thereof) for the '06 Softail Deluxe to help other short riders. I'm 5'2". I didn't have to do anything to the bike. I just wear my "traditional" biker/engineer boots (I don't know the official name for them) with the 2" heels . . . you know, the kind that make you look like Frankenstein. I may get the seat foam whittled down a bit in front, so I have more flat footed "Flintstone power" for pushing the bike backwards into parking spaces and such. I am so happy!!! This is the very first bike I've ever owned (I've been riding for about 23 years . . . . on and off with raising kids and all) that I didn't have to modify the bike so I could ride it!! Harley seems to be designing bikes with girls in mind now!! (Of course, don't tell THAT to any guy who owns a Softail Deluxe) LOL Thanks for your site. I refer all my girlfriends there, and guy friends who want to buy a bike for their woman. :) Take Care! – Claudia Dear Claudia, Saturday, June 10 More for Mike and his wife who are considering a Hyosung GV 250 for her to start on: JUST DO IT! I am a 50 year old woman and the Hyosung Alpha 250 is the best gift my husband has ever given me. I was scared to death for the first couple of months, but kept at it, a little further each time. I also didn’t pressure myself with a calendar goal. I did this at MY pace with some gentle encouragement from my husband. I have ridden all the 250’s out there, Virago, Rebel, etc. The Alpha 250 has better balance, better shifting and MUCH better rides at speeds over 45 mph. I’ve taken it to 65 on some highways and never got the “shakes & vibrations” of the other models. I recently got my license on this bike and, while I took a few lessons, the ability to sit flat-footed was a huge help in my early months of practice. I’m 5’ 3”. I’m considering getting a larger bike as the torque on my beloved Alpha doesn’t allow me to keep up with my Harley-riding friends as quickly from a stoplight as I’d like. I know I can sell my bike in a heartbeat, but I really don’t think I will. It’s so much fun to pack up the saddle bags & head off for a 100 mile smile. Motorcycle riding has changed my life; I only wish I had started earlier. Ride & have fun. – Judy (note from Mama: thank you for sharing your views on the 250cc bikes and congrats on your own awesome pathway on learning to ride . . . you have much to be proud of!) Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Carole, For instance, a too wide seat can be replaced with a narrower profile seat or if you like the style, be opened up and some side stuff shaved out so your thighs aren't pushed out so far and legs can drop to the ground with greater ease! Many bikes can be retrofitted with more ergonomic clutch lever blades (they curve in more so the finger wrap reach isn't so much), but that takes the dealer to open up the aftermarket catalogs to begin the hunt. And for some bikes, there are easy-pull clutch levers that reduce the force needed to pull the lever in, which doesn't make up for finger reach, but you wouldn't struggle with the pull. So, don't give up hope! Read the page I pointed out to
expand your solution options! –
Mama Thursday, June 15 For Carole who took the advance course on her 750 and is now looking to move up: I am 5'3" and I ride a 1200C Sporty and it feels just right! Mine is a 2003, before they increased the gas tank size, so it seems very manageable for me. – Anonymous (note from Mama: thanks for sharing!) Tuesday, June 20 From Carole who is looking to move up in motorcycle size: First, thanks to Mama for an incredible website and for all the information and insight she gives to all us women! I only wish that I'd had the courage 20 years ago to venture into the 800 cruiser bike. I've been riding for 30 years, but up
until last year I didn't think that I could handle anything over a 500cc.
Last spring I bought a wonderful 1995 Yamaha Virago 750. It now has over
20,000 miles and is still going strong. It wasn't until I was 50 that I
felt comfortable going on the interstate with my Yamaha 750. Thanks also to Mama and everyone's suggestions, that many modifications can be made to the bike. I'm buying a used 2004 Honda VTX 1300S, and may want to get the clutch changed. The nice thing about buying a slightly used bike is that chances are it's already been dressed up! I've had 2 sales and finance people condescend to me and didn't seem to want to help me. After calling several dealers to find if they had any used bikes, only 1 person was personable. Guess which dealer is getting my money! Just because I am a woman, my money is still the same - I don't get it. I sat on a bike and thought it fit good, but the clutch was really hard. One of the guys said, you need to exercise with a ball to strengthen my grip. Ticked me off, and I'm considering writing a letter to the owner telling him my money is going elsewhere. So, to every woman out there, don't be intimidated by the engine size. Just make sure that you can sit comfortably on the bike, with your feet firmly planted on the ground. It's important to note that an older bike will "settle" a little lower. I see more and more women riding, and I hope someday to maybe meet up with you! Of interest to everyone, I found a magazine that is very nice - Motorcycle Cruiser. The August issue has a review on the Kawasaki's 900 and a really nice article on buying a used bike. – Carole in Springfield, IL (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your continuing adventures in buying your next bike!) Thursday, June 22 Dear VTwin Mama, I had so much fun I putted around and learned a lot. I drove into a store parking lot and parked . . . it was a blast If I didn't keep reading your site I might have given up because I am 4'9' and weigh 107. I started to feel like the Rebel was to much for me and I should be a passenger, but after yesterday I truly feel I am meant to be in control. When I started on this venture of motorcycle riding my husband was so unhappy about it, but now he is going to get his license and keeps taking off on my Rebel. We have been married for ten years and I feel this is something we can do together and keep are marriage together for another 40 years. Thanks for being there through my fear. – Janine Dear Janine, Thursday, June 22 Hi VTwin Mama, I am purchasing a 2003 Moto Guzzi Breva 750ie and I am just now getting my license!! Is that crazy or what? But the reason why I am getting it is because it's my motivation tool. I'm into sports bikes. I know I can ride the Choppers but it's not what I want. So I checked out first a Cagiva sports bike because it sporty and low to the ground an it looks good but when I sat on it I was disappointed, it was uncomfortable to me and that was only the 125cc!! Then the salesman said, "How about the choppers" I said, "nope." Then he showed me this 2003 Moto Guzzi Breva V750ie and he told me to hop on and I said, hmmm . . . ok, so I did and Oh how my heart melted. I said, "this is the one," quietly in my head because you know, I don't want the salesman to see that I was too happy, then he would think he got me . . . but I don't think I did a good job of it : ) But did get a deal for safety clothes and the mottorrad (motorcycle) for a reasonable price. He then went on taking his time to explain to me best in his mixed Englisch/Deutsch (English/German) that Moto Guzzi are concentrated on women and beginner riders as well as pro riders and it's smooth and easy to ride and he told me why settle for the 125's that cost as much as the Moto Guzzi Breva 750. I think to myself he must know what he is talking about because he himself has a Moto Guzzi, only it's a 1100. Mama, I'm only 5'2", ok with boots, I may be 1/2 inch more. They have the lady seats for us little women as well and I sat on many rides without the stand seeing if I am able to handle the weight on a stop and so far it's the Moto Guzzi, they can lower a bit in the front and back. It's quite up too you. Did I mention Moto Guzzi It isn't heavy at all, so . . . I'm not able to reach the ground with both feet but I am able to sit on the ride like it was nothing with one foot on the ground with my arms crossed talking to the salesman. My Peugot Jet force Scooter 50cc feels heavier then the Moto; none of my girlfriends can control the Jet force with a 2nd person hanging on they say it's hard to handle, but too me it's easy . . . so imagine how I felt when I sat on that Moto. I'm telling you the Moto Guzzi is totally awesome. The price is not expensive. I live in Germany where prices are high as it is, but in Euros the Moto Guzzi isn't expensive. I am able to reach the handle, the tank isn't overgrown and I feel good!! I hope this helps. I have a picture of me on the Moto so if anyone wonders what a 5'2" woman looks like on a Moto they can check it out. – Jessica (Pini) in Germany Dear Jessica, Thursday, July 6 Dear VTwin Mama, I started on a Ninja 250, no big deal, cheap, low, easy, slow bike: ) Then a friend taught me how to ride his 800 cruiser. I was amazed at the difference and that I could do it. You see, I had held myself back because I listened to my boyfriend and every one else's opinion instead of my gut feelings. If you go to a sport bike go small first. It is a huge difference between the cruisers and rockets. I now have a 2003 Kawasaki 636, a 2006 Suzuki SV 650S , a 2001 GSXR 1000 and a 900 Buell. I am a bike mechanic and see lots of opportunities to buy used bikes lol. Anyways, the point is I'm 5'2" and barely 150 pounds. I live in the hills of Arkansas which are known for some of the scariest wicked corner riding roads in the U.S. and I'm sporting 1000's and upper weight 600's . It's all about you and what you are comfortable with . Start small and work your way up cause VTwin Mama is right . . . it is way too hard to overcome being shell shocked after you have picked something you are not ready for. and just enjoy yourself . The true key to being an excellent rider is knowing yourself and knowing your boundaries and where to stop. Don't ever do anything you are not ready for, just follow that women's intuition because, trust me, it has saved me many of times on the Interstate, race track, and even my back yard. HAPPY RIDING LADIES! – Angela Dear Angela, Saturday, July 8 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear NinjaBaby, The front brake is classic learning for a new rider . . . each bike has it's handling characteristics and the only way to learn them is to practice. As I'm not sure why you're grabbing too much front brake, I'd double check the position on the handlebar relative to your hand/wrist too see if a minor rotation of the lever will allow you to more easily squeeze the lever without jamming on it. Yes, when things go right, it's big grins and I'll glad for you, but there are no shortcuts to becoming one with a motorcycle. Don't get discouraged, get busy modifying the bike so it's a joy to learn! – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, I am now a new owner of a 2006 Harley Sportster XL883L, with a custom 10" shorties shocks from Lick's Custom [Clarksburg, MA]. I can pretty much flatfoot about 90% of the time. It all depends on the pavement grading. I been riding for 25 years since I was 16. I previously owned Kawasaki KZ400, Honda 450 Hawk, Honda XL100 (all tippy toe on one leg only) and Yamaha Virago 250 (flatfooted with Harley boot on) which I still owned along with my Harley. The Virago 250 is a great bike for short and new riders, as long as you don't need a big toy to boost your eagle. Once again thank you, keep up the good work. Hope you ladies don't mind some of us are really enjoying your sites too. – David, Friends from Canada Dear David, Sunday, July 16 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Lucy, Monday, July 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Keith, You might be able to lower the Silverwing but beware . . . older bikes usually equals less options (i.e. lowering kits, shorter shocks, etc.). – Mama Wednesday, July 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Kyle, Friday, July 21 Dear VTwin Mama, Well for starters, for me, the best motorcycle I found is the Suzuki S50 Boulevard, 805cc, lots of power. Also got it for a excellent price: 2005 new left over for $5,700 and I waited till the end of the season last summer to buy it. Being that I am also barely 5 ft with extra short legs, I did the seat over myself, shaved the top and sides down, and also added a little extra support for the lower back area. When my feet touch ground they are completely flat, and I am wearing a flat bottom motorcycle boot (I felt for me a boot with a heel height of more then an inch could be dangerous). When I now come to a full stop up hill, I have the confidence I am in control of my bike, and that is such a great feeling. I am now looking into finding folks to ride with. Love to all and safe riding. – Christine!!!!!!! Dear Christine, Saturday, July 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear G-Belle, Although you were born into a riding family, it doesn't necessarily translate that you've been a solo rider yourself. If this is the case, then a good place to start is with a riding course, which starts you out on a 125 or 250cc motorcycle and teaches you beginning skills, but in most states will qualify you for your "M" license upon successful completion. If you have your learning permit or "M" and wish to proceed, let's noodle out some motorcycle size thoughts. I'm assuming that the Kawi 250 you mention is the Ninja 250R, which has a seat height of 29.3" and a dry weight of 304 pounds. Move up to the Ninja 500 and you are looking at 30.5" and 388 pounds and the 650 is 30.9" and 392 pounds. Yes, when you move up to a midrange (500-900cc) motorcycle, the weight goes up, and for sports-style bikes, so does the seat height (usually). As you can see, going up to the 650 is a seat height difference of 1.6", which at your height, could make or break your comfort level (feet flat on the ground at a stop or going tippy toe). If this is the case, then you need to talk with the sales staff about lowering options. It seems that 80 pounds or so shouldn't make too much of a difference, but for a new(er) rider, it is something to ponder. Again, one big consideration in confidence is whether your feet are flat on the ground at a stop, which also aids your ability to walk that bike around for parking situations, well-balanced hill stops, etc. Go to the local dealer and sit on bikes and push models back and forth with your feet (while sitting!) and lean side to side to get a feel. Whatever you decide, treat that motorcycle with respect and get it to a big empty parking lot and practice drills. If you are need, check my Education Center page for books and DVDs that can help work through basics and/or polish skills. Becoming one with a new motorcycle means taking it slow, learning the specific handling characteristics of that bike, and then going on the road. If you've got your license, you may wish to check into an advanced course which puts you through the paces, but on your own motorcycle! – Mama Tuesday, July 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Marion, There are 67 pounds separating your current bike and the Aero. Yes, a heavier bike, or one with a lower center of gravity (where the greatest mass of the bike is, the engine), tends to get pushed around less. I've found on my own bike that the solid rim with cutout construction doesn't help (your VLX probably has spoked rims which lets more air pass through). As you note, there becomes a point of balance in choosing between more cruising weight and still being able to manhandle the beastie! Even though you know your husband's bike is not one you would ultimately choose (and is about 180 pounds heavier than yours), why not try it! If needed (because of new rider concerns), I'd have hubby dearest take it out to a low traffic straight shot road on a windy day (you can follow in the car) and then you can hop on (he follows in the car) and see how the weight feels comparatively. Then I would check with dealers on their test ride policies and rental possibilities for bikes that meet your ideal of a balanced choice. Time it for a windy day unless there is a road section that always is blowing at a certain time of the day (like the valleys in Nevada in the afternoon). Between these suggestions I'm thinking you'll have your answer whether it's time to move up in size! – Mama |
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