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2001 Monday, May 14Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Harley Mama, Tuesday, May 15Dear VTwin Mama (and Frustrated),
Dear Julie, Dear VTwin Mama, For those who are newer to the site, I chose the name VTwin Mama because it was the oldest reference to women motorcyclists that I could remember. We honor all makes, styles and types of bikes and the women who ride them, from beginners to us oldies who think we know so much but are smart enough to listen and learn as well. – Mama Wednesday, August 15 Dear VTwin Mama, Just got back from a great vacation.. Added 6 new states
to my riding list -- so far I've ridden in 18 states.. Not bad for riding
3 summers now. We even stopped in Sturgis. What an exciting time that was
and the rally was a week away; the venders were already setting up and
campers were there. Thinking about stopping for a couple days next year
during the rally. – Gieorgia And thanks for the bike info -- short riders everywhere appreciate it. I'd love to hear from the tall riders who also can get in a jam with bikes. Just where DO you put your legs on long rides or what bikes work best for long legs? At 5'10", I'd love to hear creative solutions! – Mama Wednesday, August 29 Dear VTwin Mama, As for the subject of speed, you may like it, but is it going to like you in the beginning? It's not so much that you can't go fast -- any idiot who has ridden a bicycle and understands a basic clutch system can go fast -- the question is, can you handle an unexpected problem at high speed? The answer is no -- you need training and time to learn your bike. Zoom, zoom is fun but dangerous, with little to no margin for error. If you're interested in racing, then check out an article by Melissa Shimmin on racing, with lots of interesting points and tips and schools. – Mama Thursday, September 13 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear VTwin Mama, Has anyone in my size used Buell Blast? Any other bike that will be comfortable for me? I would also look at a possibility of highway ride at 60 MPH, take my girlfriend with me sometimes (she is 5'7 tall - if the riders seat alone is low in height and the passenger is high, it is a little uneasy for me). Any suggestions? When I look for bikes, what seat height
and weight I should look for? My bike will carry a max of 200# including
me and my girlfriend. I did scan through the discussions (in the bike size
archive section) and I could not get a clear picture - that's why I posted
this question: I am basically looking for all the choices. I am looking
for any model/make that is comfortable for someone in my size. –
Gowri My suggestion would be to find the next all-inclusive bike show in your area. That way you can sit on lots of bikes and compare. Or start going to all the dealerships and do the same. Since you have a motorcycle license, they should let you take them out for test rides. Also, you might try visiting the website of the Short Bikers, whose home page states, "The Short Bikers Mailing List was originally started by a small group of people who were about five foot high and were frustrated at trying to find suitable beginners' motorcycles." While you may not be a beginner Gowri, my guess is that you'll find intelligent people to correspond with who have first hand knowledge of your dilemma. Good luck with your search and whatever you find out, take a minute to share it with us. Other short riders would appreciate the input. – Mama Wednesday, October 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear VTwin Mama, I'm 49 years old, barely 5' tall and weigh about 108 lbs. I've only had my MC license for a little over a year. I took the MSF course and highly recommend it to everyone. I live in New England, which means the riding season isn't that long. I started out with a Suzuki Savage 650, which I practiced on while I had my permit, and rode for a short time after I got my license (for a total of about 5 months). I traded it in for a 1996 Yamaha Virago 1100, which I've since put 7,000 miles on. I chose the Virago because it was relatively light and I could touch the ground with both feet! I've been told by many that the Virago is a little top-heavy. Has
anyone else heard or experienced the top-heavy feel of the Virago? If I
would trade it in, I would like to get a Yamaha V-Star (I've been told it
has a lower center of gravity) but I'm not sure if I can handle the
additional weight (500 lbs for the Virago versus 600 lbs for the V-Star).
I still have a little anxiety when stopping on hills and in slow tight
turns with my current bike, so I'm not sure if I could handle a heavier
bike. Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks again for the
support and encouragement you give us all. – New
Rider in New England I agree that riding a bike that you can't pick up could potentially be a huge problem. If you haven't seen the Newsletter Links page yet, go on over. There is a wonderful German site (in English) that shows a woman picking up her bike while wearing a mini shirt and high heels! Picture by picture you learn a technique that you might like. As for your anxiety, the only cure is practice and plenty of it. Still, even after 22 years of riding I still try to thoughtfully anticipate upcoming traffic, parking, turnaround and rough road conditions to place myself in the best position to do the least amount of work and save myself from messy situations. I'm such a wuss! Check the Riding Techniques Archive for more input on different things that can happen and how to save your butt! And now we'll see what other input women have for you. Glad to have you aboard! – Mama Monday, November 5 And now it's time for New Rider to get a few responses from the VTwin Mama sisters: I've been riding a HD Fat Boy now for a year and a half and I chose the bike because of its low center of gravity and lowest seat height of the Harley's. I also had the bike lowered the day I bought it an inch front and back. I can plant my feet just fine, and I am barely 5'1" tall. The bike weighs close to 650 pounds so if I can handle this type of bike so can you. When you get down to it holding up the bike is a lot about balance. No one can hold up a bike when it reaches a certain angle. So do some research on the bikes and see which ones can be lowered and which ones can't. Some people don't feel that you need to be able to plant your feet when you stop but I believe it makes a big difference in how you feel comfortable to ride. So good luck and don't be afraid to try the bigger bikes. – Julie in Louisiana Just a tidbit of input for New Rider in New England regarding her Virago. I have had the opportunity to ride many different bikes in the classes I teach as a MSF instructor. The student bikes we use are all smaller models but I have noticed that the Virago has a little longer front end "rake" which tends to make steering a little more challenging. The amount of angle on a motorcycle's front forks changes the way it handles, hence a "chopper" is much less easy to maneuver than a sport bike configuration. Anyway, I'm not sure but maybe that is why your Virago feels a little "top heavy". Just a thought. – Amy C. I also had a Suzuki Savage and loved it. I am 5' tall and 56 years old. I have never owned a Virago, but I know a number of people who do and none have ever considered it as being top heavy. Surely after riding it as long as you have, it should not matter since you are already used to it. I currently ride a Yamaha 650 V-Star Classic. The weight on this bike before accessories are added is 504 pounds. If you are 5' tall there are a couple of things you need to consider regarding the V-Star. The "Classic" has wider tires and longer fenders, and has a 28" seat height, so if this is the model you are considering you would need to have it lowered. The newer models (2001 and newer) have floor boards and the peddles are closer for the rider than the older models. Mine is a 1999 and I had to have the peddles modified so I could reach them. That turned out to be a bigger job than we expected it to be. The "Custom" is a sportier model of the 650 V-Star which has a 25" seat height. This would make it more comfortable for you without modifications, but it has narrow tires (similar to what you have been riding) plus the shorter fenders. The "Custom" is a little lighter than the "Classic" but not that much. Both models have a 4.2 gallon tank. The V-Star also comes in an 1100. I have not ridden the 1100 and other than the fact that I could not touch the ground when I sat on a few of them, I am not sure of the height or weight of this model. The 650 V-Star is a dream to ride. The wider tires of the Classic give it more stability. My only adjustment factor was getting used to the weight of the tank as I turned corners although I would not consider that a problem in any way. No...it is not top heavy, and is actually easier to stand it up and push it from one place to another than the Savage was. I loved my Savage, but I love my V-Star even more! I hope this information helps you in some way. Ride safe. – Bootygrandma (aka Betty) Dear VTwin Mama,
Dear Sissy, HD Fat Boy or Heritage Softail Some of these come in different horsepowers (650s, 800s, 1200s, etc.). Many of these bikes have the lowest sitting height available and this is an important consideration because the number one main point stressed in all discussions is . . . make sure your feet are firmly planted on the ground when sitting on the bike or you will have problems too numerous to list here. If need be, have the bike lowered (some have lowering kits) so that your feet are firmly planted on the ground. And by the way, did I mention that whatever bike you end up buying, make sure that you can firmly plant your feet on the ground? Check an article printed in Woman Rider magazine on the subject of being a new rider which also has more links to articles about picking that first bike. And stay tuned to VTwin Mama to ask more questions! We're glad you found us! – Mama Tuesday, November 27 Dear VTwin Mama, I tried almost all of them - Shadow, Magna, Virago, Intruder, Marauder - and in several sizes from a 535 to an 800. Anything bigger felt too big and heavy. I knew my feet needed to reach the ground firmly and I had to feel comfortable in the seat. I bought my 1988 Honda Shadow VT800 with only 6500 miles on Sept. 21, 2001. It is in near perfect condition and I believe I have the best beginner's bike as well as one that I can ride for years. It is powerful enough to cruise the highway and carry both of us, if necessary but not too big to feel intimidating. I graduated my class on Oct. 2 and on Oct. 18 we left for Daytona Beach, Florida (from Atlanta, GA)- and I rode MINE! The biggest piece of advice I can give Sissy is don't rush into one because of the excitement you are feeling. Be as sure as you can that you would feel comfortable out on the streets alone. I have been tearing up the streets and now have over 11,000 miles on my bike - I absolutely love it. I wish I hadn't waited so long to learn. I wish you luck Sissy and I hope you love it as much as I do. – Laura Dear Laura, Tuesday, December 4 Dear VTwin Mama, The only reason that I stop riding for awhile is because I stopped to have a family. Now both kids are also interested in riding. My husband also rides. My son is old enough to get his own and my daughter is riding behind my husband. So you see riding a motorcycle is a lifetime experience. So PRACTICE PRACTICE. – Bikemom Dear Bikemom, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Shorty600, I could have sworn at one point that I ran across a site with bike reviews written by women but now for the life of me I can't find it. Anyone got a clue? It seems that I have lost mine! – Mama Thursday, January 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Deb, Monday, January 21 Dear VTwin Mama, Shorty600 can go to the IA (Intruder Alert site). It is a site dedicated to the Intruder, lots of ladies there that have the 800 (guys too - me included) Good advice and review on all topics. Personally I love my 01 800. Am 5-8 over 175lbs. I find the bike to have good low end torque, it will cruise at 80+ if you need it to... has power to spare for passing etc....I think she will be surprised at the difference between the VLX and the VS800. Just my .02 – Tom This is regarding Shorty600's question. I'm 5'3. The 800 Intruder is a GREAT bike. My first one and probably the only one. I've looked at a lot of others but am so comfortable now on mine. All the others are too wide at the bottom where the pipes are. Shorty, I had my Intruder lowered in the front and back -- then to make it even lower I had the seat shaved down it is perfect for me now. I do recommend though ( if you have been riding for a while) you get a 1400. Wish I had got a 1400 but now ( have too much $$$ in my 800) and the reason being was I had never ridden before and I was scared of anything bigger...hope this helps Shorty – Georgia I am 5'5" and a 1999 800 Intruder was my first bike. I rode it for two years and put almost 10,000 miles on it. I loved the bike. If you change the stock seat for a custom seat, you may find that it lowers the seat height as well. The bike was indestructible with a shaft drive and hydraulic everything so very little maintenance was required. Good luck and safe riding. – Rebecca Monday, January 28 Dear VTwin Mama, Hi, I think you will find that the VLX 600 is a great bike....but it is somewhat tall as well as top heavy! The 800 Intruder (which I have not ridden) has a lower center of gravity, which would make for better balance and easier handling. I have spoken with others that have the 800 Intruder, and they loved it! I, myself, now own a 650 Yamaha V-Star Classic. It is gorgeous, has a low center of gravity, and at 5' tall....(after having it lowered) fits me to a T! Whatever bike you choose.....the important thing is that it makes you feel special....and fits you and your needs. – Betty Thanks for such a wonderful site for the feminine riders! It's a great site and was shared with us on the ladies IA (Intruder Alert) forum by your friend Tom Sauls (at Southern Cruisers, Lake Tahoe Nevada chapter). I've been riding about 2 years now and have an Intruder 800 that was given to me for my birthday last June. It is a wonderful ride and I was thrilled to receive it and ride it whenever the weather permits. Which is quite often here in the south! We get the opportunity to ride almost year round as I'm sure you do. I am originally from Idaho but wouldn't move back as I've grown accustomed to this southern climate and it has been home to me now for about 28 years. Ride safe and smile like you mean it! – Cruisin BettyJo For folks like Shorty600 who are seriously looking, you can order Motorcycle Reports by make/model which are compiled by Ian Smith Information from several sources and nicely printed. I got a couple and am pleased. www.mcreports.com. Also, a great page on Motorcycle.Com's site that lets you search by factors including seat height! http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcdbase/mcdbase.html. – April Friday, February 1 Dear VTwin Mama, As for what to pack on your bike, don't forget the faithful ball cap for the flat hair, and I didn't see anyone mention an extra pair of shoes (for a rainy day). I also want to mention for the winter riders, watch out for the sand left on the roads. Here in Indiana they have too much salt and sand on hand, they hear bad weather and they are out dumping sand and salt every where. – Shorty600 Dear Shorty600, Friday, March 8 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Nance, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Collett, The biggee here is that when the bike is at rest, that your feet can be firmly planted on the ground, a huge balance and control issue you want to be concerned with. The bike's overall power range is only one thing to be cognizant of, and interestingly enough, even bikes marketed "for women" don't necessarily have the lowest seat height! You'll be gaining a lot of knowledge when you take the MSF course and I'm sure they'll be able to add their two cents worth. Meanwhile, the Links section also lists other sites with bike reviews, beginning biker sites and the such. Consider contacting one of the several excellent women's riding groups in your area for the much needed moral support which can make a difference in your getting started (links are at the bottom of this home page). You've got the right start -- now it's time to do more homework! – Mama Wednesday, April 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Janinne, On the question of whether that 800 Vulcan is simply too much for you to handle -- highly doubtful in my mind. The 800s are great in-between bikes power-wise and you need some power to keep up for highway riding. Besides the bike seat height issue, check your arm position to the handlebars to see if they feel too wide for you and consider changing them out for something that would curve closer in and to your body. That's all I can think of now. – Mama Monday, May 6 Dear VTwin Mama, More for Collett: The 800cc is probably fine. Get your bike lowered. I replaced 11inch shocks with 9 inch ones and lowered the front fork on my Low Rider and it made all the difference in the world. Changes the center of gravity and makes it easy to control the bike especially in slow, stop/start situations. – AKelleyK (note from Mama: more yahoo!) Tuesday, June 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Janice, Dear VTwin Mama, So here is my question. I am seriously thinking about selling my Honda and buying a Yamaha Virago 250. Do you think I will be making a mistake? I just really want to get out there and have some fun, but I have no confidence on my bike. I will be using my bike mostly on country roads and around neighborhoods in town. – Woe Is Me Dear Woe, What a wonderful hubby you have to surprise you with such a gift and how smart of you to take the MSF course first! Still, he couldn't exactly know how your body would fit on this particular model, so it sounds like you need to go back to the drawing board. First, you mentioned that you'll be riding locally for fun so it sounds like a smaller bike with less power would fit the bill. And many new riders report that they enjoyed learning and practicing on a smaller bike to begin with, but within the year, with their confidence built up, they quickly moved to a model that would allow them to ride longer distances at speeds that group riders expect. I wouldn't be so quick to sell that bike of yours, and if finances allow it, look for a smaller bike like you're thinking about in the used bike section of your newspaper. Or, you might consider finding a local riding course that will now allow you take your 600 out on the course under the watchful eye of an instructor to help you learn how to handle the beastie. And check into repositioning those foot pegs! Are your feet sitting firmly on the ground at a stop? If not, this is a biggee, so lower the bike, get a new seat or add a little "height" to your legs by adding some heel to your riding boots. The bottom line is that you need to be comfortable during your initial learning phase, and with a little research on your part, you'll find what options will best meet your requirements. It sounds like your hubby is a kind soul and I'm sure he'll help you explore different ways to make sure your riding experience turns into a positive adventure for you. Good luck and let us know what you've decided -- it will help other readers explore their options as well! – Mama Boy don't I know this story well! Boyfriend helped me pick out my first bike, a 1200cc Sportster and to make a long story short, I would not be riding today if I had not gone back and got a 250 Virago to learn on. Where I was scared to death on the 1200, the Virago inspired confidence and to me is the perfect learner bike! I would recommend that little bike to anyone as a starter, it's perfect. After putting almost a thousand miles on it, I traded it for a 650 VStar which is also a wonderful ride. The great thing about it is I only lost 150 dollars on the Virago in the trade. That is the best money I have spent in a long while! Woe, please don't be shy about going to a smaller bike and working your way back up. Your hubby sounds like a man that just wants you to be happy and have a good time, tell him your feelings. I can strongly recommend the Virago as well as getting a bike you are comfortable with to learn on. It has a low center of gravity and seat height, is very lightweight and handles like a dream. I just turned 1000 miles on the VStar, have had miles of smiles, and know in my heart that it's all because of the experience on the Virago. Please feel free to email me if you have any more questions about the 250, bpbaby@bellsouth.net and remember, do what is comfortable for you, no matter what anyone says. – babebr (note from Mama: there's nothing more useful than a first-hand testimonial to bolster confidence and provide solid advice!) Is there a way for me to email 'Woe Is Me' and talk to her about her lil' problem? I'm at idm5270@charter.net. – HDChik (note from Mama: Woe did not submit her email address as part of her question, so I'm passing the message on this way.) Woe, I agree with Mama. Don't be quick to sell the Honda. But like Mama said, if your finances allow, buy a smaller used bike to build up your confidence. Your Honda is really a very nice bike for a beginner but it is still heavy compared to the MSF bikes. If nothing else look into a used dirt bike. (dual purpose) They don't have so much to break or bend on them when they fall over. A 250 Rebel is also a nice bike to start on. Once your confidence is up you will be on your 600 and be looking for more power. LOL. Don't give up. – Cheryl (note from Mama: thanks for your support on my initial response and sharing your own insights!) Hey, all you fellow beginner riders! Here are some more comments about Honda VLX 600. On Ladies Ride this past weekend, up in mountains on very curvy roads, a pickup with horse trailer attached, decided to pull right out in front of me... had to hit brakes pretty hard and locked up back wheel to avoid collision (no where to swerve, no other options available). The VLX fishtailed a little, which they had taught us in ABATE class, and we had actually practiced. It definitely got my adrenaline going, but the little VLX and the training I had in ABATE, got us through it with the rubber side down. This, evidently, is not something only new riders experience, as the president of the group I went with had this same thing happen to her a couple weeks ago on her big Heritage Softail! Now, I don't know, being a beginner, if I could have handled that Heritage in that situation, but that darned little VLX just hung in there with me like a champ! Also, observed a lot of lady riders having to have someone else help them push their bikes to backup, this weekend, because bikes were so heavy. Thought to myself -- what if there was no one there to help? The VLX is so light, that I have never had to have help pushing it. Did find that the VLX couldn't quite keep up with some big Harleys I rode back down the mountain with, at least on some of the uphill stuff... but they were going about 90 MPH, which I didn't really want to do anyway, at this point in my riding experience! I could still get enough power to exceed the speed limit, and did catch them on the straightaway! Also, once back in town on interstate, ran across several pillows someone had lost on the road, and VLX swerved around them with ease. So, – Stacie (note from Mama: your assessment of this model is appreciated and contains lots of information that will help readers considering this bike -- thanks for taking the time to share!) Thursday, July 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Soapy, The long answer includes these important points to consider: For further information, visit my Links section and look for the Short Bike List and Short Biker Site links. – Mama Monday, July 29 Dear VTwin Mama, This summer, uncle brought me a 1977 Kawasaki 750, much faster bike. As soon as I get it to where I don't have to kick start it, it will be my main bike. For once, he got it right the first time. Guys don't know what we're interested in, even though we've been married 15 years, hubby still doesn't know. Don't sweat it, they learn. – Traci Stroud in Kansas City Dear Traci, Thursday, August 1 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear No More Woe, Monday, August 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Biker Vic, Next, get your kind-hearted hubby to ride the beastie over to empty area (with smooth pavement and lots of room) where you can begin working on the specifics of the Dyna Low Rider. My guess, although you did not say exactly, is that you're worried about dumping that thing and well, who wants to scratch a new paint job?!?!?! If you took a rider's course of any kind, then you know the "drills" to start working on. If not, try to locate a riding course near you that you can take the course with that bike! Good luck -- we're behind you 100%! – Mama Wednesday, August 7 Dear VTwin Mama, At 61, most friends take ship cruises, but I'd rather be on my bike. I ride a 800 Suzuki Intruder and my husband has a Honda Areo. For years my husband said I wouldn't ride unless it's a Harley (I call that wasted years), then one day he looked at others and got the Areo. One year later I got mine....what a great time we have...so I learned to ride at 57. So if any ladies are thinking you wanna ride -- never too old -- get going and take the safety course. I have two friends that have Harleys ( 1) 883 , (1)1200. My Suzuki does anything they do. By the way ,for the new riders, I had my bike lowered front and back and had the seat shaved down -- it is now 26 in. high and I'm 5' 2". Thanks Mama for all your work -- you do a great job. – Georgia (note from Mama: thanks for the "atta girl" -- and for sharing your own story. It clearly shows that anyone who really wants to ride can start at ANY age -- it's all about desire!) Dear VTwin Mama, I was looking for other input on this model and beginner riders. I know with practice I will be fine, but I think I am just scaring myself!! My theory is that if that is what I learn on then that is what I drive??? – Sue Dear Sue, For instance, what's so hot about the 883? Do you like the looks/design/it's a Harley? Do you have to get your "dream" bike right this instance? How getting a used 500cc of some sort and getting some practice time in -- then you'll be in better position to judge bikes and how they feel, how you sit on one, how it handles, etc. There are a lot of bike shows over the winter months -- where all dealers are represented and you would be in hog (!) heaven to really look at everything available. Then order for Spring 2003. I know you're totally excited about finishing the course and I can appreciate you wanting to get your first bike -- but trust me on this -- lots of women love Hondas, Yamahas and Suzukis, which seem to built with their bodies (height/weight/etc) in mind and you would do yourself a favor by exploring these for yourself. Really. And most women report that they start out on a smaller bike and then switch up to their dreamsicle about a year later. There's wisdom in them thar' minds!– Mama Tuesday, September 3 Dear VTwin Mama, The Sportster is a fine machine that can work for you. I have a 2002 1200 that my husband bought for me in May. Before that I spent several months on an '81 Sportster 1000, and before that my training bike was a Suzuki 300. I love my new Sportster. It is a dream to drive, so responsive in the corners. However, my husband had the dealer lower it 1&1/2" in the front & 1 & 3/4" in the back before it was even delivered. He guessed at these measurements using my height - 5' '7" and weight - 125 as guidelines and it turned out to be exactly what I needed! I also wear some great Harley boots with thick heels & soles. The reason why I ended up with the Sporty is because I was looking for a bike with plenty of power, but small in size. My husband drives a 2001 Valkyrie so I wanted a Shadow of some sort to "match". But it just seemed that all the larger engine metric bikes were too "fat" for me and intimidating. Enter the Sporty - a smaller stature bike with a big engine. It just felt right, and it sounds and feels so good! t is the absolute best bike for me. My husband says that we (me & my luxury blue "Star") fit together perfectly, and the more I drive her the more I feel it. So yes definitely, as most of the other women on this site recommend, start with a smaller bike, and then sit on and try out everything you can to find the right machine for you. And that just may be that Sporty that you want. Good Luck. P.S. Very informative site, Mama. The workshop is a great idea. Had to clean the plugs on that old Sporty once in the parking lot at work. Would not have gotten home without that wrench and brush! Keep up the great work. – Paula (note from Mama: thanks for the atta girl and helping Sue think through the Sporty choice. You've provided lots of good pointers for her to check on!) Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Mary, Now, that doesn't mean you can't ride your beastie right off the bat. But what I would do is sit on that bike right now and check if your feet rest firmly on the ground with the bike off its sidestand. If they are not, the bike will need to be lowered or you need to add height to the heels of your boots. This might then not work for your hubby's riding. Work this out now. Also, can your arms comfortably reach the handlebars and the controls? If not, these need to be modified, and again, might not be comfortable for your hubby then. Discuss this now. If your bodies are too different, then you'll need to consider getting your own bike. By the by, winter is usually an excellent time to see if there will be a motorcycle show somewhere in your area -- a chance to sit on bikes of all makes and models and discover your own zone of comfort! If you determine that the 1100 fits you ok and you want to work with it right off the bat -- just make sure that your hubby rides it to a "safe" zone -- an empty parking lot, etc., where there are no obstacles and distractions to complicate your initial handling of the bike. Then, nice and slow and easy. Go into first and practice a smooth stop until you can stop on a "dime." Then go for second gear and same thing. Then controlled wide turns. Etc. You get the picture. Meanwhile, your course doesn't start for awhile. Why not take up free weight training to help build your upper body strength -- I guarantee it will make a difference. Either join a gym this winter for assistance, or pick up a book on the subject and some light 1, 2 and 5 pound weights at the local Wal-Mart. That's what I did! I think they've outlawed stretching machines, so your height can only be increased by adding a little bit to your boots. Onward! – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Pamela, Tuesday, September 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Since the Virago is no longer around, have you checked out the 650 and 1100 V-stars? I am short, 5' 2", and find the 'stars a very nice seat, touch, and weight combination along with the power. Many women look at the Harley Sportster for their first bike because they "look" smaller but I think harder to ride. The weight is high, the suspension stiff, the clutch very hard to pull, and the bikes shake a lot. The Dyna series are rubber mounted to and heavier to absorb some of that shaking making it a better overall ride. A Sportster might seem like a neat bike for short rides but after a couple of hours on the bike that shaking gets tiring. If a gal really wants to start on a Harley the Dyna Low Rider bikes are a much better choice. I wouldn't recommend starting on any Harley but rather look for a used 250-600cc Japanese bike to do all the dropping, scratching, and denting. Then buy your dream bike. – Cherly (note from Mama -- thanks for chiming in on the loss of the Virago and other solid choices) Wednesday, October 2 For Pamela who mourns the fact that the Virago is no longer manufactured: I also wanted a Virago for the light weight and easier handling, but I wanted a newer bike and was having trouble finding just the Virago I wanted. I would suggest that Pam try the Suzuki Intruder 800 or 1400. Hammerlady rides a 1400, as I do. They are lighter weight, chopper style, and shaft drive - just like the Virago. And I really, really like mine (okay, I love it.) – April Tuesday, October 8 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Mo, Monday, November 11 Dear VTwin Mama, But in need of some help. Does anyone know where to get custom shocks made? I have one problem, small problem but definitely major. I am 4"9" and barely tip toe one side and no touch the other (no lectures please-I know the dangers). I just have to shout out. Smiling all the way...I just put my first 40 miles on my bike and man am I in love! This will be a long winter! Every one have a great winter! – Shorty 600 Dear Shorty, You might also visit the Home of the Short Bikers at http://www.ki.org/sbl/ -- their forum might have some more specific solutions for you, or least a chance to write in and pose your question there as well! – Mama |
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