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2005 Wednesday, January 12 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Diane, Dear
VTwin Mama, I want to purchase an engine guard for my bike. I love the Lindby guards, but have heard horror stories about these guards hitting the ground in a tight leaning turn. Has anyone else heard anything about engine guards being a problem when doing a tight turn? I am also looking at Baron guards and Cobra guards as well as MC Enterprises. Any help, comments, experience on guards would be appreciated. – Being Patient in Massachusetts Dear
Being Patient, Thursday, January 27 For Being Patient who is looking at adding an engine guard to her bike: This one made me laugh. I just got an engine guard for my V-Star 1100 and the furthest thought from my mind was scraping in a lean! Wow, if I am leaning that far, look out! Unless she plans to go into racing, it's probably not an issue. Have fun! – Barbara in Queen Creek (note from Mama: my Harley has an engine guard and I have to admit that I too never gave it a thought and don't see myself ever leaning so far as to scrap. Perhaps a stock bike that rides low and maybe will be lowered in addition would be a candidate for more careful consideration of how far the engine guard is going to ride off the ground. Hmmmm . . . ) Monday, February 1 More for Being Patient who is looking at adding an engine guard to her bike: I have the engine guards on my VStar 1100. Have never come close to scraping them. They should not be a problem. Keep up the good work, Mama. – Liz in Phoenix (note from Mama: thanks for the added input and the kind words for me! ) Sunday, April 24 Dear
VTwin Mama, Someone suggested a different seat. The factory seat was very uncomfortable. After trying two other seats and sending them back for one reason or another, I found the perfect seat and it looks really cool on my Sportster too. I got it in the Corbin Catalog. It's called a Close Gunfighter Seat. Not cheap ($429.99) but when it comes to riding you can't put a price on being confident with your ride. It was so worth every cent. Not only did it put my feet flatter on the ground because it sits deep, but it also prevents me from sliding. It moved me a little more closer to the handlebars too because it's more narrow between the legs. Now I am thrilled with riding my bike. I have only had it out 3 times and have gone 300 miles. So, if you're on the short side like me and want to a better ride you might want to check it out. Good Luck, Ride Safe, Have Fun! – Debbie in Maryland Dear
Debbie, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Lissa, Sunday, May 1 For Lissa whose fork bag is slipping and resting on the fender: Just a thought, you could try getting a strip of leather and make another strap to go up to the bottom triple tree. You can get leather strips at a local craft store in a matching color. – Jennifer (note from Mama: a possibility . . . thanks for the suggestion as my mind drew a big ol' blank!) Monday, May 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, I'm most concerned about hubby's seat . . . if he's aching, we won't be going anywhere. The dealer, who's great, and a custom seat expert, suggested that the biggest passenger seat available is the Mustang wide touring seat (mine 16" and hubby's 12") both with contoured backrests for approx. $720. Then for another $300 we can have gel seats installed inside. I'm not fully convinced this is the best option out there. I understand the seat must fit the bike's hardware and that options may be limited in this manner, however I was hoping for a big saddle-like seat for hubby, maybe with armrests. Remember this is a trike with a whole lotta room back there if I can find a creative and willing custom seat expert. I'm willing to spend up to $1500 on the passenger seat if need be. I just can't see hubby's rump being comfortable on 12 inches of anything, gel or not. Any suggestions? Hate to spend $700+ and then just have to redo it all. Thanks. – SM Trykster Dear
SM Trykster, My suggestion is to go straight to the source: Lehman's headquarters! Why not email them at sales@lehmantrikes.com and ask for possible solutions. Their site didn't show any seats, but they may know of custom seat companies that are knowledgeable in handling requests like yours. – Mama Wednesday, May 11 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Brenda, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Gripgyrl, Ok, my first search looked promising, but lo and behold, the mfgs. listed were in China! Me thinks you weren't prepared to go THAT far!!!! Drats, modified search showed me how prevalent this subject is to Harley bikes, but clearly that's not the solution. Wait, I've got something! How about contacting the Independent Gas Tank Co.? While they specialize in aftermarket stretch bikes, the word Harley is not bantered about and they clearly state, "We know you take pride in your bike and as you will see we take pride in our work." Once you enter the site you'll see the email address where you can query further! My only other suggestion is to search for independent shops in your area (think non-dealership) . . . many do custom paint jobs and may be in position to also craft a custom tank for you. – Mama Monday, May 23 Hi
VTwin Mama, Dear
Joey, Sit on the bike on a flat, level surface (and off the side kickstand and centered). Hold a piece of string about chin level and have your helper take the other end in a horizontal line past the handlebar and then measure the distance between the center of your handlebar to the height of the stretched out string. You don't want your windshield to be higher than that. At the same time, look at the width considerations. Do you want something narrow just to cut the wind at the chest, or something broader? Get a sense of that. An added note: if the wind pressure on your hands is something you wish to address, there are curved cover shields that can be added separately. Now, hop onto my Aftermarket Page for companies on the Internet that offer stuff. You could also visit the dealer's parts department and have them check for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket solutions. Good luck in your hunt! – Mama Wednesday, May 25 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Sylvia, Ok, I think I may have found something in the Dennis Kirk catalog . . . they've got amazing solutions for metric bikes. Click on Metric bikes, choose Luggage and Cargo Carrying category, and choose your year/make/model. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, as I couldn't find anything else! As an afterthought, why not contact Corbin directly . . . although they don't show luggage racks in their catalog, they should know who does in conjunction with their solo seats (maybe!). – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Love your site! – Vanessa Dear
Vanessa, On question #1: everything I looked at kept pointing to the Saddlemen line of saddlebags. Here is their fitment page. This may be an acceptable solution. On question #2: I'm asking readers with experience with the Triumph models you note to chime in now! If you haven't seen my Motorcycles for Short Riders list, you may want to take a look at other bikes that women of your height like. – Mama Thursday, May 26 For Vanessa who is looking for saddlebags for her bike: I have found LOTS of good stuff on eBay. New and used. A lady in our chapter (Free Spirit Chapter, Michigan, Women on Wheels; had to do a plug ; )) got some really nice hard, locking saddlebags, which retailed for $800-900, for $375. They are VERY nice, I tried to find a pair myself but was too impatient to wait. You may want to try that avenue. Good luck with it! – Julie (note from Mama: thanks for the added search thought. I agree that eBay is a great source for all sorts of parts and pieces and even whole bikes!) Hey
Mama, Dear
tinyski, Tuesday, June 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, One other issue . . . while having the seat installed, they discovered a tranny leak. Turns out it's a Lehman issue, they've had three of these same trikes come in this week with the same issue. Lehman knows about it. Apparently there was too much silicone used and it broke the seal. Required a new seal, a sleeve, and an aviator gasket sealant. It was a huge job . . . had to remove the back end to get at it. Needless to say, hubby and I were stuck out in the boonies for 3 days. But all's fixed and the new seat is getting rave reviews from hubby on the back. Jury's still out on my end. P.S. to tinyski re: glare of the speedo. I have the same prob and use a smoke shield on my helmet to cut the reflection. Regards, – SM Trykster Dear
SMT, Saturday, June 11 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Ken, Wednesday, June 29 Dear
VTwin Mama, I went out with my friend Denise in early evening traffic this week and realized why I was having such a good time. She was blocking for me! I thanked her and let her know I realized this and hoped I didn't make it harder on her having to deal with my being slower. Her response (so great) 'they shouldn't be going that fast anyway'. What a great friend. She said I was progressing and to work on pushing my boundaries just a little bit more each time I go out. I am trying to do that on my own. Working on being comfortable at 20, then, 25 and 25-30mph on busier streets, but still quite early in the day. Going above 30-35mph is still intimidating right now. I want to get more comfortable in busier times of the day and more people will probably be available to ride with me if I can ride later than 6 or 7AM! But it is a great way to get the day started! Hence my first question. Riding clubs seem to be more focused on people with experience which I completely understand and appreciate for safety reasons. I am looking forward to being ready for that. One mile at a time right now. So how do you get more experience and push your boundaries a little more each time without overdoing it? Having people block for me would be helpful as I progress and work on getting more comfortable with going faster. Are there are clubs or an organization you recommend who cater to helping very new people and goldmine if you know of any in the Chicago area? I also heard about a course called SRTT (Street Rider Technical Training) which I am not sure how advanced the riders skills are expected to be. I have asked the school who offers the class and awaiting their feedback on this question. First hand experience with this course would be even better from anyone who can give advice on what to expect and when to actually consider taking the course, would be great. I have a second question. What do you suggest to minimize windshield glare? Do others have an issue with this or am I just not used to it yet. I have the stock windshield on the Silverado, I think 21". I see just below the top of the windshield and have to consciously straighten up to look over the top. Will going to a shorter windshield be better since I am 5'4"? I hate to swap it out so soon, but willing to make the bike more suitable to fit me. I tried riding without the windshield today and liked it after I got used to the feeling. Pros and cons. I realized how nice the windshield blocks the wind and will be necessary when I finally do get going faster for highway or longer rides (thinking ahead!). – VStar Sandra in Chicago Dear
VStar Sandra, The SRTT course is specific to the Ride Chicago Motorcycle School, but this page gives a basic description. It's all riding time in a safe environment and I think you would benefit from it greatly and the only requirements are your M license, your own bike (!), $125, and the desire to learn! Each club has members who are willing to give of their time in different ways. Why not contact the two gals in Chicago on my Let's Ride page and see if they are willing to work with you. At the very least, you would be in touch with local gals who you can share with and help guide you on local clubs they like, etc. This would broaden your perspective. As to the windshield, you should not be looking through it, but over it, without having to shift your "normal" body position. Instead of buying a new one, why not find a company that can trim that current windshield down, because it can be done! Check with an independent bike shop. Keep going Sandra . . . you are well on your way to becoming a great rider! – Mama Friday, July 1 For Sandra who was looking to work on her windshield: My windshield was about an inch too tall when I bought it. I took it to a plastics shop and they trimmed it right down for less than $20. The thing to do is to draw a few lines at the top of your shield, at different heights. Then, ride around and decide which line is the height you'd like your shield to be. Then, take your shield (off the bike) into the plastics shop and have them trim and smooth the edge. Perfect! – Marina (note from Mama: thanks for this detailed explanation of how to get this done right!) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Diane, Tuesday, July 12 Dear
VTwin Mama, I have a 2005 V-Star 1100 Classic. My wife would go on more "day rides" with me, but she constantly complains about the uncomfortable stock passenger pillion. What is out there that I could replace the seat with (or mod) so that the seat is a little more comfortable. I'd like to stay under $300. – Joshua, aka Rook Dear
Joshua/Rook While this shouldn't ruin the "look" of the bike, you could look into having a gel pad actually inserted in the actual pillion seat itself (they open it up, take out some stuffing, put the gel in, and sew it back up . . . a local leather work shop should be able to do this). Obviously this will cost more. Completely replacing the seat will most likely exceed your stated budget, so I'd start there and see if that doesn't make sense first! – Mama Wednesday, July 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, Alternatively, there are a whole slew of seat refurbishers, starting with your local (automobile) upholstery shop, which can shave down foam to improve reach to the ground, or add more comfortable filling for all-day riders. For a more sophisticated rebuild, there are several excellent craftsman around the country. I have a list of them at my website, in the links section. Many seat rebuilders will take appointments if you want to ride in; others require a full set of measurements and photos (your bike, you on your bike in riding position, you and your pillion on the bike in riding position, etc.). While sending in your actual seat for a rebuild means you won't be riding, most places have a speedy turn-around. I was only out my seat for a week when I had my rebuild done by Bill Mayer's Saddles, but now my seat is so comfortable I can ride all day for weeks in relative comfort (really, my back and legs get tired before my butt gets sore!). Anyways, there are so many seat possibilities . . . getting your seat fixed up can really knock out several problems in one go (comfort, height, position relative to handlebars, etc). – Marina Dear
Marina, Tuesday, July 19 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Lissa, For Diane who was looking for luggage mfgs: Your reply listed several different luggage manufacturers, but didn’t have Boss Bags included! They sell the best hard leather bags available in my opinion. They are pricey, but well worth the investment. They are made from hard plastic covered in leather, with mounting hardware for your bike’s specific application included. They are lockable and have quick disconnect so you can take the entire bag into hotel rooms with you while traveling! Available plain, with studs, conchos & piggybacks. Brackets available for most bikes. – Amy in Washington (note from Mama: sounds absolutely yummy!) Tuesday, August 23 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Patricia, Friday, August 26 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Dorathy, Thursday, September 1 To Gripgyrl who was searching for a custom fuel tank: Try the Drag Specialties online store http://www.dragspecialties.com/fatbook/index.shtml . They have a number of aftermarket gas tanks that might work also. Most are listed for Harleys, but some list for custom use as well. – GMC Retz (note from Mama: thanks for sharing this source!) Dear
VTwin Mama, I love it but I'm looking to upgrade parts on my bike but can't find any. I have a 2005 ZZR600. I'd love to change out the back fender, mirrors, shield etc... I'm also looking for performance parts. Are there companies that carry this stuff or am I just lame??? There's tons for the other bikes. Do you know the horsepower . . . I can't find it anywhere. I'm in the Pasadena area of LA and am looking for other women to ride with. I have a sport bike and have only been riding about 5 months but am very aggressive, well, mayby not very, but more than most I think. I ride for fun but am taking a racing class in Dec. I can't wait!!!!!! – mtbbetty Dear mtbbetty, As for upgrades, why not try Kawasaki online. There you will see what's available to the dealers . . . please note that sometimes the newest models don't immediately come with upgrades available and the aftermarket companies tend to lag by a year depending on the make/model. As for meeting gals to ride with, you can try my Let's Ride page and also hop onto the Women's Sites page for listings of women's riding organizations and also Internet sites specifically for sporty women riders, which would then have their own discussion forums, etc. – Mama Friday, September 23 For mtbbetty who was looking to beef up the look and performance of her ZZR600: Targa has many parts for super bikes. Also you can get a K&N filter to help with air, then go with a Akropovich full exhaust ( not slip ons or bolt ons). By doing this you will get better power, the other exhaust you can get is a Hindle. Then you get what is called a power commander which is a system that can map your bike's computer system. The 600 is more than enuff bike for anyone that is of smaller stature or weight. If you feel it is not enuff power, take a performance riding class at your local race track as most people only use about 40% of the bikes power before taking this course. – Wanda at Lethbridge Motor Sports (note from Mama: although this person currently plans on selling the bike, perhaps this information will help her re-formulate her plan. At the very least, if she does sell, she'll be able to advise a prospective buyer on the possibilities!) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear Kim, At this point I'd put in a call to the most local dealer and query their parts department if you haven't done so already. Part of the challenge may be that it's a 10-year-old bike, but the question remains whether a larger retrofit tank for a newer/similar model would still fit on yours. I'm out of thoughts on this one . . . readers, any ideas? – Mama Thursday, October 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear Sara
(and her VLX calling for help!), Thursday, October 6 For Kim who is looking for a bigger gas tank for her '95 Honda Shadow VT 1100: Yes, as Kim has discovered, finding a longer range gas tank for road bikes is NOT easy. Off road bikes are no problem at all. Plenty of 25 to 35 litre tanks around for 600cc road/dirt bikes. Almost none at all for pure road bikes. A couple of choices are; find a larger tank off another brand of bike and try and make it fit on your own bike. Doable but a pain in the arse if you aren't much good at improvisation. Take your tank . . . or a second hand copy of your tank from a wreckers . . . go to a metal fabrication shop and have them split the tank and remake it with more metal into a bigger tank. If you are going touring and don't care what the bike looks like, get a plastic tank from Acerbis ( the big dirt bike company). Tanks not pretty but they are lighter than metal and hold up to 35 litres (that's 9.25 gallons folks!). I always question why bike companies are making such piss poor sized tanks these days. The 600 Shadow I used in the USA recently got exactly 97 miles before it hit reserve. That's ridiculous! – Kevin in Sydney (note from Mama: so Kim should check with the local dealer to see if another model's bigger tank can be retrofitted to her bike . . . it may just be possible . . . or I find that independent bike shops are very resourceful when it comes to these types of changes. Thanks for sharing the Acerbis source . . . I hopped on and now realize that again, it would be choosing a bigger tank and then someone has to get this to fit.) Monday, October 17 Dear
VTwin Mama, Before I order a Corbin Gunfighter, can you tell me if you know anyone who has used either Corbin Solo (they make two for the Deuce, the Classic and the Hollywood) and a Harley fender cover? – Steve K. Dear Steve, Wednesday, November 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Black Widow, Thursday, November 17 Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
Sore Butt, Yes, there are companies that will take your seat and insert a gel pad . . . like Saddlemen or Bill Mayer Saddles, or you could talk to a local upholstery shop and just buy the gel insert yourself and have them open it up and do the work. – Mama Friday, December 9 More for Diane who was looking for saddlebags for the Suzuki S40: I bought Suzuki's own saddlebags (without the fringe and studs) along with the mounting brackets and am very happy with them. You won't, as with any bags, be able to use the helmet lock, but that's minor. – 'Lil John (note from Mama: thanks for the input.) Tuesday, December 20 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Leslie, I'm not sure what the readers will recommend, but for my money, I'd take that seat to a professional upholsterer in the area so that the shaving and re-work of the leather cover will be handled correctly. If they have any questions, Mustang can be contacted toll free at 800-243-1392. Alternatively, check this page on Marina's site, which lists a number of companies that specialize in motorcycle seat work. – Mama Friday, December 30 Dear
VTwin Mama, Another great site for bike adventurers, and it's free to read. two Aussie lads riding across the eastern part of the world: http://www.tokyotolondon.com/. Here is a link to the new Kawasaki ER 6N that the girls and I saw at the recent bike show. The review was very complimentary. I think some of your readers will like it. Low seat height, low weight, and (for us) very cool looking. Found this guy in the USA making rather unusaul Ducati's. Certainly low enough for most women to sit on. Certainly unique enough for gal's who like custom bikes to want to own. – Kevin in Australia Dear
Kevin, |
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