|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 (September through December) Monday, September 1 For Nicole who found the Rebel hand and foot controls difficult for a "petite" to handle in class: When I was doing my shopping around, I checked out Hyosung cruisers.
They have 2 models, the Avitar GV650, and Aquila GV250. I
loved the feel of the Avitar very tapered tank, 27 seat. Also,
and this is huge - the shifter actually
had 2 inches of front-to-back adjustment! This is totally
separate from rotating the shifter up for foot clearance! This larger bike
actually was closer to the ground and closer for me than the 250.
Be sure in your trials at different dealers to sit on
different-sized bikes they might feel better to you than the small
engine sizes. Dear VTwin Mama, You should see me riding up on my trike and taking my stool down and getting off and then getting on and pulling my step stool up!! LOL Just can't put too much stress on this leg and knee. My trike is an older style and taller one!!! I enjoy reading your site still!!! Lots of us short people out there but I noticed even the real short ones frequently have 30" inseam!! Not 25" as mine!!! I am just a freak!! Could I ride a Ninja? Just wondered. Might pick up a used one sometime for fun! But actually the doctor is trying to keep me on the trike!! Best to you and stay safe! Joan J. in Hillsville, VA Dear Joan, Although I have not been on an MP3, this is a woman's review on the WomenRidersNow site. You are right ... currently I have makes/models basic information organized by seat height and engine cc size ... I'll consider adding a chart by weight when I've finished collecting the 2009 information. I think that there are an infinite number of body set-ups in terms of torso and leg length ... and it all has to be considered. A 25"inseam is certainly one of the shorter ones I've heard from and poses challenges, especially on the sports-style bikes, which sit the highest off the ground as a stock set-up. Would be impossible to fit on a Ninja ... it depends on how badly you would want that! Mama Tuesday, September 2 Hey There Mama, I am 5'2" and recently got a 2006 Suzuki S40 Boulevard. It's 650cc, single engine, but it's a small bike (350 lbs) so that's a decent amount of power. But the best part is that it's nice and low to the ground! I can sit flat-footed, even with my knees bent a little, and it's very comfortable. It's quite similar to the Honda Rebel, but I find it more comfy--the tank is tapered and rounded at the bottom rather than squared off, so it doesn't poke you in the thighs. I realize everyone has different tastes but I found it to be just perfect. It's a beautiful cruiser style bike and it has that tough, chrome, hang-with-the-big-boys look--in a smaller size! So if you're a little shorter, considering purchasing a bike, and want one that fits you, definitely check out this line! Peace on the road, Amanda Dear Amanda, Monday, September 15 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Marianne, Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the Ninja 1400 and how you modified it for fit ... these notes will go into my Motorcycles for Short Riders list ... a great place to get a snapshot on how a certain make/model works for different riders! I also appreciate that you've noted that the Ninja 1400 is not for the newer rider. Sport bikes are geared to be fast off the line, which can really take one by surprise if you're not ready for it. This also alters the learning curve experience because a lot of early riding is to master basic skills at lower speeds, especially those pesky slow turn moves. Having a good grasp of the friction zone and throttle combo is an absolute must! Mama Dear VTwin Mama, I've looked into the HD Sportster 1200L which I can sit on
flat footed with slight knee bend, but found it to be heavy lifting off
the kick stand. I'm a H-D girl all the way and would prefer to go with
them as my bike ... am I crazy to consider such a heavy bike as my first?
This seems to be the lightest HD made. Dear Anon, Yes, the Sportys, both the 883 and 1200, are the lightest off all H-D models (if you don't count Buell, which is owned by Harley), at under 600 lbs. Would you like to know a trick that reduces the effort of getting a bike off its kick stand by as much as 70% or better? Then I will tell you! Motorcycles are typically parked with their front wheel turned to the left. Turn the wheel to the right. Then take it off its kick stand! Try it with your boyfriend's bike and/or head back to the dealer to try it for yourself. Voila! A mini miracle! Mama Thursday, September 18 For Anon who is considering a H-D Sporty 1200L or other H-D as her first bike: I was a passenger on a Harley for many years and then decided to take classes and get my own bike. I also felt that the Sportster was too heavy for me. I am 5'9" without a lot of upper body strength. I decided to purchase a Honda Shadow VLX 600. It is a very pretty bike and very easy to handle. There is a great deal of chrome accents on it that makes it look like a Harley, but without high cost. In fact, I have had people say that they were surprised that it was a Honda. It has a lot of power and was very easy to learn to ride. I hope this helps you decide on your bike. Have fun!!! Petunia (note from Mama: I think it's useful to keep an open mind ... a new bike can be a lot of pressure on a new rider ... now you're worrying not only about yourself and working on skills, but the condition of chrome and paint.) I bought a Rebel 250 first but it was awkward to me. You'll see a photo in the Fit Charts now. Maybe I have long legs? My next bike is an HD XL1200L which I love (so far). I found a few things helpful for kickstand issues-especially as I too am a newbie. I exercise regularly-so I upped the leg exercises weights on the leg machines. I also practice one legged balance exercises with my eyes closed to improve my sense of balance. When I get on, I carefully at first practice shifting the motorcycle gently side to side, occasionally going a little further keeping aware there IS a point of no recovery. This serves as an exercise AND to help me get a grip on the weight and balance of the bike itself. The 1200 is about 8-10 lbs lighter (weird huh?) than the 883. Many people get 883-but then want a 1200. I decided to skip the 883 step especially since the 1200 is slightly lighter. (Just makes me feel better I guess) I live on an inclide that slants in the street forward upwards, and downward to the left-so it was hard to get it off the K-stand-but I can do it alone now, thanks to the exercises and also to this idea that I am the boss of my k-stand. At least in the driveway LOL. TTFN, Trish (note from Mama: thanks for sharing that exercise makes a big difference in your overall experience!) Thursday, September 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Buubi27, If you take a look at the Honda Fit Chart page, you will see that riders shorter than you are riding stock set-up Rebels. The Rebel is in fact designed to ride with two people if desired, so your weight is not an issue. What I will point out is that our inseam measurement varies with body size, so checking your leg reach to ground while sitting on a bike is important. Small differences to be flat footed can be most easily handled by the type of riding boot you have/choose. I'd look for any used, cheap, but running bike available in your area ... take a look at my Motorcycle Engine CC chart for other models to consider! Mama Dear VTwin Mama, It was great, but I dumped it maneuvering parking lots 3 times in 3 weeks because it was top heavy and seemed really long - mostly I think it was because the seat was too high (my legs are too short). Then I dreaded stopping and maneuvering, which wrecked the fun. So I was intrigued by the Piaggio MP3 with the two wheels in front and traded in the Burgman and it has been an absolute nightmare! The seat is three inches higher, you don't lock the wheels until you are almost stopped - my hands are too small to be braking and pushing the button - balance is still a huge issue because my feet barely touch - so in traffic, four-way stops any stop and go is crazy!! On the road, it is fun, but not as responsive as a 2-wheel. So, I dropped down to a 250 Rebel and it is like riding a toy - no power, no fun. I have sat on, but not ridden a 600 Shadow and it seems bulky, heavy for my little frame. I sat on a Harley Nightster and it felt great, but is it too much (power, weight - weighs 545 versus Yamaha V-star 513...which would only work if the seat was lowered - how low can it be lowered and it still has the wide bulky gas tank). All scooters seem to have really high seats, otherwise they would be my preference (does a lower seat scooter exist?). An ideal bike for me would be around 400-600cc, 24" high seat with handle bars that still allow me to sit up (short arms, too). Does it exist? I know my age also limits my agility, confidence, and balance - but I think that I have - maybe - 20 years before I should consider a trike... what do you think? Thanks so much, Jan S. Dear Jan, First I want to point out that just about any motorcycle seat height can be wrangled into submission for a shorter rider ... read the intro section of my Motorcycles for Short Riders page ... these are the discussion tools you will use when talking with a dealer's salesperson. Lowering the suspension ... usually 1" is good but no more than 2" is recommended. At the same time you'll want to bring the front forks down to keep every as level as possible to the original design. And keep in mind that just about any handlebar can be moved closer to you for the right fit by adding a pullback riser ... this is an inexpensive modification and a salesperson should be able to discuss this. On this same page you'll find the abbreviated list of how certain height women made a bike fit them! The lowest seat height of all stock motorcycles is 24.5". A list, organized by seat height can be found at my Motorcycle Seat Height chart page. Here you will also see the engine cc and bike's weight and can quickly print the page and then highlight the ones you would like to look at. If you would prefer, you could organize your thoughts around the Motorcycle Engine CC chart page, which lists bikes by ascending cc size. What's leaping out at me right away? The Honda Shadow VLX and VLX Deluxe, but you're noting that it looks bulky to you in the front end. How about a Ridley with its automatic transmission like a scooter? 24.5" seat height, rides beautifully, and about 480 lbs ... but a higher price than the metric bikes. How about the Buell Blast (sport style) at 492cc, 25.5" seat with the lower seat option, and 380 lbs. I'd also check the Suzuki Boulevard S40 ... getting lots of reports that smaller women really like the sleek front end and very narrow seat ... 700cc, 375 lbs, 27.6" seat height that can be lowered. I'm hoping these lists will help you noodle out your next look-sees! Mama Friday, September 19 For Jan who has ridden a lot of motorcycles but still looking for the best fit overall: I agree that the Buell Blast might be the perfect bike for Jan. It's in the engine and seat height size range she is looking for. It is my go-to-work bike and is very peppy in rush hour traffic. Too buzzy on the interstate, though. If Jan test rides the Blast and feels it is underpowered, she might consider the Buell Lightning XB12Scg. It is low enough for my husband to flatfoot with his shorter inseam, so it would be no problem for her at 5'. Only comes in 1200cc new, but the 900cc can be found used if you look hard. The 2006 models are proving to be the sturdiest. I still love my Lightning Long and had a great time spring break riding it all through the Georgia mountains. However, I've asked my dealer to find me a CG and will trade when she does. Cheers, Sarah (note from Mama: aha! Thanks for mentioning the XB12Scg ... I see now that I didn't call out the 4 variations from the 2008 line-up, thus missing that the cg version is 2" lower in seat height. Yikes! Readers, the Buell 2008-2008 comparison chart has been updated to reflect better information!) About Jan's quest for a bike that is comfortable and fits. I just wanted to let her know that the Ridley really is a great bike. I have a used 2003 Auto-Glide for sale...only 3,600 miles on it and at a fraction of the price of a new one ($11,000). If she or anyone else is interested, I'm in Suffolk, VA and will consider delivery within a reasonable distance, with a delivery charge added. Please email VTwin Mama and she'll put you in touch with me. I am 5'1" and going to buy a touring trike ... that is the only reason I would be selling my Ridley. Joan (note from Mama: got and will pass on messages from people who may be interested! ) Thursday, September 25 For Joan in VA who was considering the Piaggio MP3: I did a lot of research on the MP3 and I was very interested in buying the 500cc version. I went to a local store and was disappointed to see how high the seat height is and how heavy the bike is. I am 5"2" tall and I have no chance of flat footing on the bike. That is okay in most circumstances, but since backing it up is required from time to time, it became an issue for me. In order to back it up, I had to get off seat. That put me in an awkward position and made the 538 lbs. much more difficult to move then a well balanced motorcycle. I would still love to get one and as soon as they add a reverse (like the Spyder Can Am), I probably will. If you get one and conquer the reverse, I would love to hear how. Cheers, Renee' (note from Mama: you bring up some good points to ponder about the seat height and moving the bike around, as eventually we all do have to park! I didn't realize the Can Am had a reverse gear ... interesting!) Thursday, October 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Hi. I just passed my motorcycle safety course and I am so excited about looking for my first motorcycle. My husband rides a Harley Fatboy, and that is way too big for me. I am 5'3" and 120 pounds. I would appreciate some guidance in what might make a good one for me. We like to take long rides now with me as a passenger. Thank you for your assistance. Cheryl I am a 48 year old former woman Marine who wants her own bike! Problem ... I am only 5' tall. What would you suggest? Anonymous Dear Laura, Cheryl, and Anon, There are a lot of specifications that any bike model will call out, but I stick to the basics: Engine: described in cc, it tells you how much general power oomph to expect. If you haven't taken a riding course, consider getting my Learning To Ride A Motorcycle article ($3.95) and checking out courses offered that I list on that same page. They'll start you out on a 125cc or 250cc bike or a 492cc if it's a Harley-Davidson course. That gives you some clues how much you think you can handle on your own for the 1st year. If you know you would like to start on a smaller 250cc or move right into the mid-range, then my Motorcycle Engine CC chart can be used ... print it out and highlight bikes of interest! Style: some people are absolutely certain they want a cruiser or a sport style ... if you're not sure, keep an open mind, especially for the first bike that is rarely the "dream" bike ... dream bikes are typically the second or third because it takes a lot of road miles to really understand what's going to be the absolute cats meow! Note: sport style typically have a higher seat height than a cruiser and bikes can only be lowered so much without having a major impact on handling. Seat Height: shorter riders need to consider this carefully because new riders benefit greatly from having their feet fully flat footed on the ground at a stop. However, some modifications can be made to a motorcycle whose seat height might be a bit of a challenge ... look at the top of my Motorcycles For Short Riders List page so that you have a knowledge base in talking with a dealer's salesperson. An inseam measurement is a good thing to know ... consider that even on a narrow seat, legs have to push out a bit at the thigh before the leg will stretch down ... shave 2-3" off your inseam measurement for a guideline. If you would like, you can then start with my Motorcycle Seat Height chart to narrow down possibilities. Weight: smaller bikes weigh less and it can be a concern no matter what size you are. When you narrow down your list to go shopping, sit on bikes, take them off the kickstand and lean the bike a bit from side to side to feel what your leg can hold. At the same time, turn that handlebar all the way to one side and check that you can still reach the hand controls without shifting your body in the seat! Budget: there are lots of bikes we would all love to have, but $$ do figure into the equation, so while you're looking at the charts you'll need to determine if a new bike is in the budget or if a certain bike you're falling in love with is available on the used market. Ok ... you've got your short list ... now check back at the Short Riders List for some modification clues in your height range ... once again, we're arming you with info so you can talk the talk when shopping. At the same time, you can take a gander through the entire list for gals your height and freshen your view on a model not on your short list ... amend the list to your liking. Then head to the Fit Charts and see if we've got pictures of riders sitting on their bikes ... it's a great visual clue, but a newer initiative, so not all models have a lot of pictures yet. You'll also want to check to see if a woman's motorcycle review has come in on the models you're considering ... again, more clues! Then shop, shop, shop! Take a notebook along and jot down thoughts. Consider checking to see if a motorcycle show is coming to your area this fall/winter ... it's a great way to see all the makes/models in one setting and really get a belly full of information! 13 shows are coming in from Cycle World starting in late October. Mama Tuesday, October 21 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Fatima, Please take a look at my October 2nd letter in which I outline a step-by-step process that you can use to help guide you as begin your adventure in riding! Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Anon, Now the answer depends on other factors ... have you taken a riding course (good idea) ... that will get you on a 250cc bike for starters so you can gauge how comfortable you are with the power and weight and give you clues on getting the Silverado. If you have been to a dealer showroom you might want to go back and double check your own leg reach to foot controls and the ground and your arm reach to the hand controls ... you want nothing to stretched out or cramped ... and you should be able to turn the handlebar all the way to one side and still sit solid in the seat. I'm hoping this answers your biggest questions, but as always, write back if you have other factors of concern. Mama Monday, November 3 Dear VTwin Mama, I also wanted a bike that I could share with my b/f who is 5'11" so I don't want a short bike cuz it would be uncomfortable for him. Any suggestions? Pepper K. Dear Pepper, There is no doubt that sport-style bikes start out with higher seats as compared to the cruisers. If you take a look at my Motorcycle Seat Height chart, sport-style section, you'll see the bikes in order of seat height. The lowest in the mid-range engine cc size you're considering is 30.3" Seat heights for a model rarely change from year to year. The two Katanas you note are only 0.2" difference, so no real advantage either way. Most riders get riding boots with a good sole for traction (to push the bike while seated for parking purposes). Choose something with 2" on the bottom and you should be ok or close to it. The other modifications are putting in shorter shock(s) or shaving some of the padding out to drop a bit closer to the ground. This does not affect the reach to foot controls ... that remains the same. Can a 5'6" and 5'11" rider be comfortable on the same bike? Well, possibly as it's really about his inseam as well. If you both sit on a bike and the leg reach to foot controls and arm reach to hand controls works for you both, then it's only a matter of making sure you can touch ground with comfort. Just remember that sport bikes don't have a 2nd place to rest feet on a longer ride unless you count the passenger footpegs and I wouldn't call that the safest travel position. Winter is coming in, and with it comes the motorcycle shows ... a chance to check out lots of makes/models under one roof ... just a thought! Mama Wednesday, November 5 Dear VTwin Mama, So...many thanks to all the writers on your site for helping make another biker-mama. Looking forward to some fun next summer! A Canadian Rose Dear Canadian Rose, Just about any motorcycle-related topic has been addressed at one time or another and triggers a search engine slot. So we celebrate that fact and welcome you to the fold. I'm glad you're already finding info that confirms what you had in mind but also is showing you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Mama Friday, December 5 Hi VTwin Mama, Sorry got carried away there. Hope this helps. Cheers, Derek Dear Derek, "The Honda VFR400 series of motorcycles were a related series of 399 cc V4-engined motorcycles, which were essentially scaled-down versions of the larger VFR models of the day. They were mainly developed for, and sold in, the Japanese domestic market, in part due to the restrictive motorcycle drivers' license restrictions in Japan at the time. Outside of Japan, the VFR400R (NC30) was officially imported to the United Kingdom for four years, but with a price tag of £5899 (similar to that of the 1000cc bikes of the time and actually more than Honda's own VFR750F), failed to sell well. This model was also officially imported (in very limited numbers) and sold in Austria, France and Germany for a few years. Although mainly produced for the Japanese domestic market, VFR400s have been popular as grey imports in other markets (especially the United Kingdom, and also for racing purposes in the United States) in the "mini" superbike segment." Very interesting reading! I had to chuckle at the "not strictly V-twin, but V4" comment ... as the VTwin Mama site was created in 2001 when I was still riding my '76 HD Superglide. Now I ride a 2001 BMW R1200C cruiser. Some of my loyal readers commented (in jest) that I had to rename my site Opposed Twin Mama ... as that BMW has the Boxer engine (jutting out from the lower sides rather than inline with the frame of the bike). What a hoot! And so we motor on, sharing all sorts of knowledge, including the bikes that capture our attention and passion ... as that's what the riding lifestyle is all about! Mama Monday, December 8 Dear VTwin Mama, I am a 50yr old plus size lady who just finished the motorcycle safety course and loved it. Now I am looking at many bikes to buy. Do you have any good suggestions? I am 5'4". Is now the time to buy? Thanks, Karen Dear Gena and Karen, The time of year to buy a motorcycle is an interesting question. Usually there is very little wiggle room in the base price of a motorcycle ... but if you're buying new, that's the time to get all additions and modifications made and built into the price ... it's reported that one can bargain on these points as a condition of the sale and it's cheaper than making the changes later. Examples would be lowering the bike, moving the handlebar, changing out a seat, adding a highway bar, or choosing saddlebags. A lot of this is might be that the cost of the item remains standard but the install charge is waived (which can be quite pricey at $80/hour ... know what the dealer's service department's hourly rate is!). Or perhaps the first two checkups/oil changes will be thrown in at no cost?! Don't be timid ... talk it out! A point of interest this year's end is the economy, which isn't just about the U.S., but quite worldwide. The manufacturers have announced their model changes and additions and new prices for 2009, which can be found on my 2008-2009 Motorcycle Comparison page. So, with your short list in hand, you can now check if there is a significant increase (relative to your spending budget) that you need to be aware of. Typically the dealers would already be bringing in the '09 models but I'm just not sure they'll be pre-ordering as many given that the economy has slowed down and might stay that way for the near future. Your best bet is to visit a dealer knowing both the MSRP for '08 and '09. If the dealer is looking to clear the showroom floor of the '08s, then you'll see some sale tags. This may be augmented with some holiday sales in general. No matter where you live, if you won't be riding that new motorcycle much or at all until spring, but you want to take advantage of a sale price, then you've got to have your game plan together on proper storage. Perhaps the dealer will store it in their nice warm building until you're ready for pick-up/delivery at no extra cost? At the very least you'll want their tips on storage as related to the battery, gas in the tank, keeping corrosion down, and not developing a flat spot on the tires. Batteries and tires cost money to replace, gas that starts turning to turpentine can muck up the fuel system, and you most certainly don't want to see rust spots starting. Ok, ready, set, go! If you find yourself seriously eyeing one or two models, and simply can't decide, then we look forward to hearing from you again and we'll talk it out some more! Mama Dear VTwin Mama, I've been reading just about everything on your site (great site by the way) about bikes that can be modified for short people. However, I don't see any reference to bikes that are made specifically for them. Like 3/4 size models. Sure my wife could try and drive a full size bike but she would in no way be comfortable. Do you know of REAL bikes that are made for SMALL people. She would need a bike that has a seat height of 20", with enough power to keep up with the real world. Anybody? Keep in mind, she's small...like a 10 year old small. Got it? not just short.... She's Small!!!! Tiny hands and tiny toes. Just like the song!!! Thanks, Jack Dear Jack, I have a number of listings from 4'10" riders on my Motorcycles For Short Riders list (and slightly shorter and taller) ... from Harleys that could be modified successfully to several Yamaha and Suzuki models. Mods include shorter shocks, lowering kits, different seats, and pullback risers to get the handlebar in proper position. At that height you almost have to bank on some sort of modification. The clutch and brake lever action proves to be a bit trickier, with most people noting that they had a qualified person heat and bend the lever so tiny hands can get fingers to the lever for the pull. While I have a number of companies that cater to customizing for women, most are in the chopper style, which does not appeal to all riders. You'll find those on my Women's Site page. I have heard that ROAR Motorcycles, a dealership in Daytona Beach, FL, is getting ready to bring out their own bike for women. I'd get in contact to learn more! Mama For Jack, whose wife is 4'10" and tiny/light, so finding the right bike is a challenge: Maybe she could consider a Ridley trike. It would be the size of a regular Ridley (not a three-quarter), but she wouldn't have to worry about her feet touching the ground. Actually, any trike would work for her, but maybe modifications to the brake and clutch levers would be necessary. Cathy in Maryland, owner of two Suzuki/Lehman trikes (note from Mama: I agree that a trike would take away the leg to ground reach issue ... but some arm strengthening exercises might be in order because as we know, one steers a trike and that takes some arm power and practice.) Hi, I am 4'10" and ride a Heritage Softail. My inseam is 24". The only difference between me and your wife is that I am heavier, and probably older. I learned to ride at the age of 57. I took the MSF class, and they provided a bike on which others had their knees up against the handlebars ... I was tip-toeing. It was a Honda Rebel 250, a neat little bike. I dropped the bike twice during the class ... was petrified I would drop it during the test, since they told me if you did that, you would automatically fail the course. I passed. Everyone told me I needed to start on a small bike to feel comfortable. My hubby talked me into a VStar 650. It had enough power, I could ride with our HOG chapter friends, even on the interstate. And I was able to ride it for over a year without wanting to move up to something bigger. I had it lowered 1 1/2 inches, front and back. and then I still tiptoed, but I was able to handle that bike just fine. It was very balanced, and easy to hold up. You can see me on both my bikes on the motorcycle fit charts. Linda (note from Mama: good point to look at the Fit Charts ... my bad ... this is exactly the reason I compiled and keep adding pictures ... so someone can envision themselves on a particular bike!) From Jack who is looking for a bike that will fit his very tiny wife: Thanks for the info on the Ridley. It's a bike to investigate further. By the way, I did check out the "Motorcycle fit chart" on your site. If you remember from my letter, I stated that my wife has sat on many popular bikes and all were much too big for her (even lowered models). We tried out a few trikes. One was a 250 Yamaha. Imagine a skinny 10 year old child with unusually short legs sitting on a trike, that's my wife. Sure, she won't tip over on a trike, but, the extensions on the handlebars would have to be so long that when she turns a corner, she would be running next to the bike to hold onto the bars. (if you can imagine). We also looked at a V-star 650 that was lowered and had a custom seat made for a smaller person. Close, but she still couldn't touch the ground on one side. Linda, you wrote that the only difference between you and my wife is that your heavier and older (She's 46). If your heavier, you probably have wider hips. Therefore I imagine that your legs are further apart. My wife's hips are 22" her waist is 20" No kids. Skinny hips. Her legs can just about wrap around a split rail fence section. Can you picture that? I think she's a 2 or 0. So, what she really needs is a 3/4 (or smaller) size bike. I know it might be too small to be seen by some motorists, however, if she's riding with our group, we would be all around her. Also, price is a consideration. If I could afford it, I would take a ride out to York (to the Harley factory) and ask them to fit my wife for a Ultra Classic. And $75,000 later, she would be riding. And so, now we have the whole winter to browse around and do our research. Which sucks, because I want to be riding. I'm thinking of buying an enclosed trailer and heading south real soon (at least for a couple weeks). Thanks again, Jack in NJ (note from Mama: I'm out of ideas on actual bikes ... but I will note that Cycle World's International Motorcycle Show is coming to New York City (Javits Center in Manhattan) in January ... this would be an opportunity to see all makes/models under one roof and talk with not only the area dealers but the manufacturer reps.)
|
| © 2008 VTwin Mama | Disclaimer |
