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Photo Gallery and Motorcycle Reviews
Weekly Sales Item
Winter Riding Season ... the VTwin Mama BUFF! It's the extra neck/face/head protection you've been looking for ... and shhhhh ... if you're an early holiday shopper, it's makes a great gift as well ... Motorcycle Fit Charts
Friday, October 3 Honda Mini Report Dear Readers, New Models: Two models, the CBR600RR and the CBR1000RR, have added an ABS option! Also new to the line-up is the sporty CRF230M, a 223cc street-legal bike that extends the lower cc range. The big news is that the DN-01 cruiser has arrived in the U.S., "offering Honda's radical new HFT Transmission, it's an automatic unlike anything you've ever seen. You can shift it into six preset ratios, or you can let it function as a stepless, no-shifting Constantly Variable Transmission, or CVT." It's pricey for a 680cc, but the seat height is decent and the weight is in line with others in that class range. Seat Heights: Not a single change! Weights: Small changes in the Gold Wing (Base) and Shadow Spirit. Engine CC: Not a single change! MSRP Prices: Increases range from $100 to $500 with the notable exception of the base Gold Wing at $1400 ... but then the 2009 "base" has been upgraded from the 2008 ... both feature the premium audio package, but the 2009 also includes the comfort package (heated grips, seat, passenger backrest, and engine ducting for feet warming). Other Notes: At this time it looks like the Nighthawk may be on its way out. You'll also note that in the VTX1800 line-up, two variations already were phased out after 2007, but what's up with the F, N, and T? I'm not finding any online info and the Honda site is not showing 2009 specs. I'll keep my eye on that. – Mama Friday, October 3 Dear Petra, Dear Sarah, Often clad in black leather though, I see your point that in low light that might really not be as visible as the rider thinks. I advocate the use of turn signals ... in a timely manner (i.e. not at the last second like so many drivers/riders do) ... then lighting tapping the brakes to indicate the change in speed, and to add the hand signal if there is any doubt about the turn. I'll add two points. One, on a lane change in heavy traffic, I like to use the turn signal and then add the hand signal (of course I'm double checking over my shoulder as well). Two, in the group formations I ride in, the road captain starts with a turn signal and then adds the hand signal ... riders down the line mimic the sequence and there is no doubt about what the group needs to be doing! – Mama Friday, October 3 Hi There VTwin Mama, Dear Theresa, "Riding a motorcycle is more than getting from ‘Point A to Point B’, it’s a passion; a passion shared by many but understood by few outside the sport. Dorothy Bush, a Canadian woman, avid motorcyclist and writer, has interviewed women from all walks of life across Canada, delving into the mystery of what drives women to pursue this activity. In her book “Wind in My Face” she encourages women to leave behind the stereotypes of society and follow their dreams." For my readers who like to order through
Amazon, here is that direct link. Wind In My Face: Canadian Women Who Ride Friday, October 3 Hey Petra, Dear Jana, Thursday, October 2 Kawasaki Mini Report Dear Readers, New Models: The four variations on the new Vulcan 1700 are big news, but there are some missing details, most notably, the MSRP and nothing on the touring Voyager model. Online analysis suggests that Kawi is looking to clear the Vulcan 1500 and 1600 stock on hand before coming out with the 1700 in later 2009, but when it does the 1500/1600 models will most likely be phased out. The other new model for 2009 is the addition of the ER-6N, a sport-style model in the mid-range engine size. And you'll see that the ZX-6R and ZX-14 have added the Monster Energy variation. Seat Heights: Not a single change! Weights: Don't be alarmed at seeing higher numbers across the board ... remember that weights with a * are dry weights ... for 2009, Kawasaki moved to reporting the wet (curb) weight, which is what you are actually riding! Engine CC: Not a single change! MSRP Prices: Jumps are evident, ranging from $150 to $700 Other Notes: Along with no changes in 2009 for the Vulcan 1500 and 1600s, it looks like the Z1000 and ZZR600 will be phased out. – Mama Thursday, October 2 More for Meryl who is asking that plus-size gals work together towards riding gear that really fits: I walked through Street Vibrations (Reno, NV) last weekend and was attempting to find a leather vest for my 2X size body and found nothing. I would have had to get a man's vest and I refuse to do that. I AM a WOMAN. I started wondering if it would benefit other plus size women such as myself if I designed and produced motorcycle wear for plus size women. I was thinking of beginning to research the demand. Just thought to share. – Sophia (note from Mama: geez, that's a pretty big rally and nothing for plus size ... how horrible. I'm certain the demand is there but certainly the business model has to be carefully considered. You know I'll champion anything you pull together!) Thursday, October 2 Dear VTwin Mama, I cannot tell you how liberated I feel! Whoo hoo! Of course I'm being very respectful of my bike and the road. I am very new at this and haven't even been on the freeway yet but it's coming. I do have a question for you; as it's still hot here in Texas, I initially bought an open face half helmet but have had to cut rides short due to very watery eyes. I've since ordered a shielded helmet - they did not stock my size - but I wondered if a windshield helps with the wind in the eyes issue? With winter coming I think the shielded helmet will be fine but am thinking it may be way too hot come next summer. I believe I've read that the windshield height should be below eye level - does that reflect wind from your face as well or just your body? Now, if you say you recommend a shielded helmet for all weather and all times, I'm perfectly ok with that too - after all, you are "the" VTwin Mama!! Thanks for all of the great information thus far! Best, – Rhonda Dear Rhonda, It's excellent to ponder the watering eye problem as it's ultimately a distraction. Start with my recent review of sunglasses and goggles from Pacific Coast Sunglasses ... compare what you're wearing now and see if a change in the eyewear won't solve the problem ... I found a pair that really makes a difference to me ... as I wear contacts and that gets touchy really fast! I too switch between a 1/2 and 3/4 helmet w/shield depending on the weather, flying bug population, type of ride, etc. Some will advocate that only a full face helmet is correct for maximum protection and if you're really looking to take all the wind out, then that's the ultimate solution. But yes, riders in the deep south know how hot that can get in the summer months. Windshields are very fickle on directing wind. The majority of riders agree that one shouldn't be looking through a windshield (major bug splat and road grit will lessen the clear view and require frequent stops for cleaning) ... rather, over it. It'll block the direct hit to the body, but depending on the design (a loose term) wind can swirl from around the side edges (if it's too narrow) and underneath the lower edge of the windshield and get in one's face. Then you would need to add deflectors to the bottom edge to solve that problem. I'd start with eyewear and work your way up from there! – Mama Thursday, October 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Charles, Then I found this informative yet disturbing message: "In 2001, Johnny Pag Creations designed and built 50cc, 97cc and 250cc motorcycles under the model name “PAGSTA.” The company had a very successful first year. In 2002, Johnny Pag Creations sold all distribution rights to these bikes and also the use of the Pagsta name. This new distribution company called themselves “Pagsta International, LLC ”. Pagsta International had full control of these “PAGSTA” motorcycles, while Johnny Pag Creations moved on to other ventures. Johnny Pag Creations, Johnny Pag and JohnnyPag.Com are not affiliated with Pagsta International, nor do they have any information as to their whereabouts or if Pagsta International continues to exist." So, I have no other ideas on getting an owner's manual. From a 2004 press release: Pagsta International, LLC, Corporate offices are located in Irvine, California. CONTACT: PJ Cannon, Pagsta International, LLC, 30 Fairbanks, #110, Irvine, CA 92618, 949-457-3200. – Mama 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
Holing Over For A Bit More Exposure! Pacific Coast Sunglasses Review and Contest! Dear Readers, Fix My Hog calls for H-D owner input! Dear Readers, 1) If there was a maintenance item or install not covered
in a DVD you currently have, let them know about it. info@fixmyhog.com RE:
Maintenance or Install in the subject line. New Women's Riding Org in MN, 1st meeting 10/5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cheri, Events
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