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Tips 2002
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2001 Hi Mama, #1 What should we check on our MCs each and every time before riding? I check the lights, tire pressure, brake fluid and oil. Some male riders I've talked to say they just kick the tires and off they go! Am I doing too much? #2 What kind of tools should I be carrying on board? I don't have anything right now, so I just say a prayer before each ride that I won't breakdown. I love the site! Boots So, do what you have to do to feel comfortable before every ride, and if you think it would be beneficial in some way, swagger around, spit chew and laugh about those people who obsess about stuff like that. Or not. After awhile you too will know when it's important to check what -- the only thing I'd add to your list is a battery water level check -- trust me, one dead cell and the bike stops running and the battery is usually ruined. That happened to me one 4th of July weekend . . . Tools to carry on the road -- now that's interesting. One, duct tape. In a pinch, almost anything that falls apart or off can be temporarily anchored or reconnected with the stuff. A small roll will do. Two, a master chain link (if your bike is chain driven). If the chain breaks and doesn't wrap around and throw you too far with major owies, you can relink. Three, a standard Phillips and straight slot screwdriver. Four, most of the nuts and bolts on a bike are of just a few sizes, so carry combination open/closed wrenches that fit. You might want to visit a local bike shop and see what they've got prepackaged, or maybe one of the main aftermarket bike parts catalogs offers something. I usually just keep a few things in a handy pouch. Never forget a major credit card, calling card and/or cell phone and always keep a list of names and numbers of sympathetic people who would actually come bail you out of wherever you landed! I keep my MasterCard handy because they will locate a towing service for me in that area at no charge. Know your towing options!!!! Also consider the local weather -- if you start riding in warm or hot weather, you may end up breaking down at the end of the day when it gets cool or downright cold. Always, always, always think ahead and carry a light windbreaker, little mittens or whatever you think will get you through a few hours of walking, waiting or worrying. No point in freezing off major assets! I can't wait to see what other readers add to these lists and the experiences that led to their discoveries! Mama Thursday, August 30 Dear VTwin Mama, On the issue of what tools to carry the answer to that
question would be
LEARN what are the basics for your bike. And then
decide just how much repair/s you can do along side the road. Then pack
accordingly. My ride takes 2 sizes of metric Allen wrenches
and 3
different sizes of metric open ends, which I cover with an adjustable (Crescent)
wrench. Phillips and standard screwdrivers. Beyond a master link for your
chain and a spare spark plug and the means to change it
.There isnt
really any other repairs I could do while along the road
.(when my
husbands bike was having a charging problem I also carried little jumper
cables) Mamas advice is solid about the duct tape, cell phone and credit
card. The only other thing I could suggest is Fun
Pack lots
but
leave room for all you will gather on the way. Ride Safe
HammerLady Friday, August 31 Dear VTwin Mama, Hope this is what you wanted. Feel free to simplify.
Bobbye Dear VTwin Mama, I TOTALLY messed up my calf. I was trying to look damn cute and comb my hair in the mirror after I got off the bike and I leaned right up against the hot pipe. You should see my leg -- see what happens when you try to be cute! Vanity will get you nowhere and payback is hell!!!! Well I don't know what to do with this burn. Was thinking I might just cover it with a tattoo lol when it heals, IF it heals, damn it hurts, plus my husband yelled at me for not watching what I was doing. Oh well, that's life with a husband of 23 years. What's a lady to do!!! You have a great website and its fun
reading all!!!!! Smiles to ya. Debbie from San
Francisco I don't recall that I was trying to look in the mirror, but I'm sure I was doing something equally nonsensical and it's just one of those lessons that you learn the hard way. I'll bet you donuts to dollars that more than half of the women reading this column today are going to grimace as they remember there own experience with the big, bad, boiling hot pipes. So don't feel alone -- we share all sorts of the trials and tribulations that a biking woman faces. Welcome aboard! Mama Wednesday, October 3 Dear VTwin Mama, Monday, October 15 Dear VTwin Mama, About your burn, while I didn't do mine on
a bike, I did burn my calf on the cool chrome side pipes on my 1969 Dodge
Charger. Thought I looked cool driving around in a short dress!
Chris Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Cami, It's a little late in the season, so I'm not sure if a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riding course would be available to you until next spring, but hop on their website for more info. Also, lots of times, motorcycle shows are held in the winter, so if you are in or near a big city, check with the local shows and conventions center to see. That's a great opportunity to look at all kinds of bikes and sizes and sit on them! Visit the Women on Wheels website to find women in your area who are willing to correspond with you one on one --- it's a great confidence booster and they'll be able to answer lots of questions specific to your local area. Also, check the links in the next letter (Monday, November 19) for articles in Woman Rider magazine that pertain to beginner bikers. Another great resource is the Motorcycle Madness website. You can read through the VTwin Mama archives for specific subjects and also some great links. Learning to ride is all about proper instruction and the knowledge that the lesson is never over, safe riding is the result of using your brain at all times, comfortable riding is a combination of your body, body strength and bike choice, and happy riding is in your heart. It takes a bit of everything to make a good ride and a great rider. Good luck to you Cami. Lots of new riders start writing a journal to chronicle their path, something that may be of interest to you too. Visit us often and ask as many questions as you would like. That's why VTwin Mama is here! Mama Wednesday, November 21 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Michele, Dear VTwin Mama, My five rules to motorcycling in order: Dear TuG, Dear VTwin Mama, I am 42 years old and have never owned a street bike until two months ago. I too, would always check out the bikes who rode up next to me at a stop light as I sit in my car wishing that was me. Until one day I said why not, and I went out and bought a new 2002 Honda Shadow 750 Spirit. I went out and checked out every bike that had been made, yes even a Harley, and I do love the Harleys but decided on a Honda Shadow. The 750 is light, only 504lbs with a full tank of gas, and only 25 inches seat height, I'm 5'3 and did not have to have the bike lowered, and both feet plant on the ground. What a great bike for my first, performance is awesome, and so easy to ride. When I went in to buy it, I had no bike license or permit at all, and I had them deliver it to my house. The next day I went to get my motorcycle permit and passed so now I was nervous about my first ride, but I did it and within one week I put 154 miles on it. I am still very cautious when I ride but once you do it you will be hooked. I just signed up for the Toy run here in my city, so I'm excited about riding with another 5000 bikes. A little more advice about the bike you choose, don't let anyone put you down for what you decide to buy. A few of my friends who ride (mostly the guys) ask me why I didn't buy a Harley, and I tell them its not what you ride as long as you ride. I love my Shadow, its a beautiful bike, and I'm not afraid to ride next to any Harley, so come on girl you can do it too. I wish you the best, and get that bike, if I can do it so can you. You Go Girl Kathy Dear Kathy, Friday, November 30 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Linda, Oh, that's right, it's us ! ! ! Mama Friday, December 7 Dear VTwin Mama, A thousand miles later we bought the Harley Sportster 1200 Sport ( I wanted a lower cruiser style, but was persuaded to get the sport bike), about the same weight as the BMW, but lower center of gravity. The Sporty and I got along much better, I actually would take it out alone. I still wasn't comfortable, but was getting better at riding and understanding what I really wanted. Six months and 1700 miles later we bought a Honda Magna. This was much more comfortable, both in fit and for riding. After another 1000+ miles and one long weekend riding through the White Mountains, I went back to Harley and sat on a Softail Deuce. It was love at first sight, but how long was the wait going to be. One week later (1 year ago) I picked up my Deuce and have been enjoying it ever since. I won't be giving this one up for a long time. I have to admit, when I drove it off the lot, I wondered "What did I get myself into, this is a monster!". By the time I arrived home 3 hours later, first time on the highway and riding at night, I didn't want to get off. Now, I forgot to mention that I am now almost 56 years young. My son is now 17 and rides his own motorcycle. The 3 of us go riding together as often as we can. I firmly believe it has been the best thing we could have done as riding has kept the family together (not many 17 year old boys enjoy spending so much time with Mom and Dad). This year we all attended the Experienced Riders Course and I passed with flying colors on my Deuce. It sure helped me gain confidence and learn to maneuver a big bike in small areas and slowly. Another great adventure and learning tool is Track Day. I bought a Buell ST3 (again with persuasion from the guys) to ride at track days. It was a little to high, so we had it lowered. Well, I bottomed out at the Track, fortunately I kept the bike up, but it sure did scare me. I took the rest of the day much slower in that turn, but had a great time anyway. My cornering skills increased as I repeatedly rode around the track for the whole day. This is a great way to perfect your skills for street riding in a controlled environment. I found I didn't really like the Buell and bought a Ducati Monster 900 City. My Monster and I have ridden almost 1000 miles in the last 2 months. After this experience, I would never buy a bike again that I didn't try first (Buell vibration made my hand go numb) nor one that I have to alter to touch ground solidly and I'm not short (5"7'). This fall we went to Canada with the HOG Chapter, the Canadians rode much faster than I was used to and to my surprise I was very comfortable because of my day at the track. It was a great experience riding with the group and enjoying the commradery. The country was beautiful, although very cold (28 one morning). Then the next weekend we rode with the Ducati group, they made track day seem slow, but it was fun. I'm looking forward to many more rides with both groups and more track days to refine my skills. My final advice would be like TuG's: My five rules to motorcycling in order: Sorry, didn't mean to make this so long, I do hope everyone can enjoy this as much as I do now. Enjoy, be patient and never stop learning through the rider courses, reading and practice. Ride Safe 2B4W (2bikes4wheels) Dear 2B4W, Tuesday, December 11 Dear Readers: Here are two more "top five" riding tip lists. See what you started TuG?!?!?!?! 1. No alcohol. We are riding to have fun, not kill each
other. 1. Pay close attention to what I'm doing when stopping. Dear TuG, Cindy and Suni, HAVE FUN! That is so VTwin Mama cool! Mama Monday, December 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Rule No. 1. The "3 second" rule. Always be 3 seconds away from all action, in particular the vehicle in front. Easy rule to follow - just identify a tree or post and when the car passes it start counting - you should not get there before 3 seconds. If you are any closer your stopping time in an emergency is not enough. Rule No. 2. The "head-check" rule. I never rely on my mirrors to check what is behind and, more importantly to the side. Motorcycles have blind spots too. Always turn your head to look before moving across lanes, etc. Rule No. 3 The "stay alert" rule. I learned this one the hard way! Luckily only my bike was damaged, not me. I now sing to myself, talk to myself about what I see around me, wiggle my fingers and toes, and fidget all the time. These activities keep me aware of the present and what is around me. Don't want to fall off again. Rule No. 4. The "be understood" rule. I try to remember to always check my indicators and break lights are working before I take off. It's bad enough that some motorists don't see you, it is downright dangerous not to let them know what you are doing. Easy if in the habit - start the bike up before you get on, and check it out while it's warming up. Rule No. 5 The "stop if it's not fun" rule. Motorcycling is fun and relaxing, and if it doesn't feel good - you're tired, the weather, whatever - stop, have a cup of coffee, a snooze, whatever - then set off again. This rule is closely aligned to No. 6 - "be in the right frame of mind" rule - if I'm not sober I don't ride - if I'm in a bad or unhappy state of mind, I calm myself down - at least to the point that when I get on the bike I will start to feel good again - because riding is a sure cure for the blues. Hope you can use them. Joy Dear Joy, Anyone who wishes to share their top 5 list is encouraged to send them in before the new year starts. I'm going to compile the whole mess, add some sass and send it in to Woman Rider magazine for publication consideration. Mama Wednesday, December 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cami, Wednesday, December 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Lindy, Thursday, December 20 Dear VTwin Mama, 1. Never drink and ride Dear Chris, Thursday, January 24 Dear Readers, http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/NewRider/index.asp Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Tracy, Friday, May 31 Dear VTwin Mama, So, my words of wisdom for you is to take into account the width of not only the seat but of the bike frame itself. You won't really know if the seat will help until you sit on it. The Corbin seat was a little thinner in the padding department and if I hadn't have been so excited about getting that beautiful new ride I would've realized the bike was too *wide* for my short legs (27" inseam) before I ordered the seat. I got the bike anyway and bought some cool Harley boots with about 1/2" platform and chunky high heels. It's a little better with those boots but still tricky. Next winter I'm going to see about having it lowered by a professional. At least I can console myself with the fact that the Corbin is a much nicer seat than the stock one (even though they took their sweet time making it!). Good luck to you! Jennifer Dear Jennifer, Dear VTwin Mama, So far, I've lost my insurance card, prior to that I lost my permit after I passed the class and had it stamped, I lost it. I know this is a silly question, but I'm new!!! On another note, some of the mama's suggested reading a book by David Hough, Proficient Motorcycle Riding (something like that). I purchased it from Amazon used - cheap and its the best 10.00 I ever spent. Just reading the first few pages really opened my eyes to the risks. That those double lines on the hwy mean nothing to some riders and cars, I never thought of that way. Also, how important it is to ride your own ride, example when I ride with my husband, he wants me to be 2 to 3 seconds behind him; by doing this I'm really just following his tail light. The book suggested I drop back 4 - 6 seconds and become aware of my surroundings. I look forward to hearing what you do to keep you essential paperwork tidy. Angela aka Shadow Mama Dear Shadow Mama, Glad the VTwin Mama sisters' suggestion of reading the Proficient Motorcycle book is making a difference in your knowledge level and allowing you to make informed decisions about your riding -- good for you! Mama Tuesday, September 3 Dear VTwin Mama, Just want to first say how much I love your site and what a great job you are doing. I thought I would share what I do with my bike registration and insurance card. I keep them in my leather jacket, inside pocket always. Every time I ride, I take my jacket. Then all I need to get from my purse is license, money, credit card and anything else . As soon as I get my registration & insurance card for the new year in the mail, they go directly to my jacket. That way I don't risk losing them and stress out trying to locate them. I have been riding for 6 years and this has worked for me. Sue in Poplar Grove, IL (note from Mama: so very VTwin Mama smart -- I just hate stress!) I finally gave up and just have two wallets, one with all my motorcycle stuff, my cash, and major credit cards. This is a small wallet that does fit into my back pocket. Then, when I'm not riding, this wallet goes into my purse. I have a second, bigger wallet containing all my other cards, checkbook, etc., that stays in my purse. I've tried a few things, but this seems to be the least hassle for me. I don't have to switch stuff back and forth, and I know that whenever I have that small wallet, I've got everything I need for my bike. Sunishine (note from Mama: again, it looks like any method where you don't have to switch actual pieces of paper back and forth is the smart thing.) I agree with you mama that a back pack strapped to the sissy bar is the way to go. It is cheap and holds lots of "stuff." There is also the more expensive "T-Bags" and other brands that attach to the sissy bar. Another thought that I have recently done is use a magnetic tank bag. Mine is by Marsee but there are others. Mine has extra pockets. I use one for my sunglasses and cheater glasses, the second for the cell phone and phone numbers, the third for keys and what ever. The main bag has a zipper mesh area for the bike manual, insurance papers, a small notebook and pen. In the main compartment I put my small purse, camera, a very small bag with chap stick, Advil, toweletts, and female products, and a small pair of field glasses. The top of the main compartment has anther zip bag with clear plastic top to use for maps. I use a windshield and I have not had any problem with the tank bag flying off but it comes with an attachment to fit around the triple clamp to keep it in place. At first I was worried that the bag might scratch my gas tank but so far no problems and I have used the bag for over two seasons. Cheryl (note from Mama: and more easily accessible and compartmentalized than a back pack -- I'm forever rooting around to find stuff, but at least I have it with me!) Thursday, September 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Just another suggestion for Shadow Mama's question regarding where to keep paperwork. I've only owned Hondas so I don't know if any of the other bikes do this but . . . Both of my Shadows had owners manuals that were stored in sturdy little Ziplock bags and mounted with Velcro inside one of the removable side panels of the bike. I just tucked the registration and proof of insurance in the Ziplock bag too and voila! waterproof and close at hand. As far as my license goes - I quit carrying a purse years ago. It was such a hassle and I was always forgetting it so I ditched it! I now have a little wallet with one of those inserts for pictures in it. Instead of pictures I have my license, credit cards, membership cards, etc. in it. In the summer the wallet goes in a fanny pack and in the winter it goes in my jacket pocket. Works for me! Also, I typed up an information card that is in the front of the wallet containing my medical history - including allergies and medications, contact numbers for my husband and parents, and health insurance info. You know . . . just in case. I'm a medic and cards like these are a real lifesaver! especially if they are carried on your person. On an accident scene the rescue workers are focused on patient care and if anyone goes through saddlebags or backpacks its usually the cops and it's usually much later after the ambulance has left (that is if the patient is unconscious and unable to tell us where to find the info). This type of information is so very important before transport to the hospital begins! Just thoughts to consider! Be safe out there! Jennifer (note from Mama: now THAT's organized! But well worth it. The time to get it right is now, before crap happens!) Tuesday, September 10 Dear VTwin Mama, Invest in a small tool pouch for the front of your bike---on the forks-----that's where I keep all kinds of goodies: my brush (a must have), registration, GUM, and of course a rag for smudges!!!!LOL Good luck Girls!!!! Marion in Fla. whose motto is "Smile . . . .so they have to wonder what you're up to!!!! (note from Mama: another useful suggestion. Thanks!) Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Kathy, Meanwhile, a little research on the Internet revealed that there are certainly places you can rent from. One example is the BreezeNet.com site, go to http://www.bnm.com/motorcycle.htm and click on Spain. There's even a U.S. 800 number to call for reservations and a list of rules and regs. Also, check out Motoeuropa for info at http://www.ideamerge.com/motoeuropa/renting/links/. Then there's the DMOZ site which has a directory of sorts which you can sort through. I envy you sister -- be safe and have fun -- I'll be thinking of you! Mama Monday, December 16 For Kathy who is planning a trip to Spain and needs tips about riding: My Spanish coworker said that it is pretty safe to ride, because the cages are more aware of you considering there are more motorcyclists on the road. The other piece of advice she had was that if you go into a store, make sure that you can either lock your saddlebags or take everything inside with you or else it might get stolen. She said that there are a lot of great areas in which to ride, and to have fun. Terri in Baltimore (note from Mama: thanks for asking your coworker about this!) Tuesday, January 14 Dear VTwin Mama, I have about 1000-mile ride from Dallas, TX to Chicago and 1400-mile ride from Santa Monica, CA back to Dallas. Counting the up-to-Chicago/Chicago-to-Santa Monica/Santa Monica-to-Dallas -- I figure about 5000 miles in 2 weeks. My question: Have other women done the Mother Road? What other preparations should I make to me and/or my cycle? By the way, I found an incredible sissy bar bag (www.bagtec.com). It sits low on the sissy bar, can be used for a back rest, had wheels and is easy to get on and off the sissy bar. Waiting for your input and ideas/advice..... Linda (and her Honda!) Dear Linda, Thanks for the BAGTEC link -- it looks very useful for riders seeking packing solutions. If any VTwin Mama sister (or the men who read this site!) have done this ride before, your input is needed! Mama Monday, June 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Leroy, Top Wednesday, October 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, On Friday October 8, 2004 an unidentified motorcyclist suffered severe injuries due to his jacket coming loose, which was stowed behind him, and jamming his back wheel of his bike causing him to skid out of control and tumble down the highway. He was not wearing a helmet. I am not sure if he is still with us but will keep him in my thoughts regardless. I just wanted to bring to light some of the crazy things that happen in life. I understand why he would stow his jacket because we are at the time of year when I leave in the morning it is 47 degrees and when I am driving home in the afternoon it can be as high as 75 degrees. Share this if you like. Thank you again and "Stay Safe" NrthCst Dear
NrthCst, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Carol, Monday, October 1 Dear VTwin Mama, "I've
been in petroleum pipeline business for about 31 years, currently working
for the Kinder-Morgan Pipeline here in Dear
Beth, |
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