|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reflection
Photo Gallery and Motorcycle Reviews
Weekly Sales Item
Motorcycle Fit Charts
Wednesday, July 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Are there any motorcycle riding schools that could teach someone like me how to ride an automatic trike? My father said that there no classes up here in Coshocton for disabled people and that a two wheel motorcycle is too heavy for me to handle. Or what other kinds of models are out there that match my special needs? See, I love Harley-Davidson, but they don't have any automatic trikes and my legs are very short. I am 41, 5'0" and 100 pounds. I do see that Ridley has an automatic trike. – Tina Dear Tina, What it says is that you must pay for a motorcycle permit packet of information, show proof of identity and pass a written exam and vision test before you can practice riding. There is no fee for this. It also notes that you do not need a regular drivers license ... you can get just a motorcycle license. The reason I mention this is because a motorcycle riding school is given in a very short few days and you must be able to keep up with the learning environment. If it takes you longer to process information and prepare yourself for a written test, it might be smarter to study on your own first before spending money on a course. So, if you go to your local DMV and pick up the information packet and a copy of the Motorcycle Operator Manual and a Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws, you will be able to study at your own pace, and when you are ready, to take the test at no cost. Once you have shown that you can pass this test, which is needed to be on the road legally, your family will see how serious you are about learning to ride. Your next step is decide on the type of motorcycle that will match your needs. Since I'm not exactly sure of the extent of your limitations, I too wonder if an automatic transmission wouldn't simplify your entry to riding. I'm thinking it would be a good next step to rent a small moped and have a family member bring that to an empty parking lot so that you can try it out. These are much lighter in weight, but it would help you understand if you can properly balance a two-wheel bike. If it doesn't go as well as you would like, then you know you should concentrate on getting a trike; if it feels good, then you can consider buying a moped or larger scooter. Please note that in Ohio, the rules for mopeds or scooters are still the same ... you need to pass a written and vision test and then a riding test. As you can see, what we are doing is putting together a series of small steps for you to take, so that you can build your confidence and your family's confidence as well. This is a good thing! I was hoping to find a MSF Scooter School in your area, but I don't see one, but on the linked page you will find a toll-free 800 number to call and ask more questions. Again, to me this would be a good next step if you find that you can balance a two-wheel motorcycle. Otherwise, let's talk a bit more about automatic trikes. You are right ... Harley-Davidson doesn't make one but Ridley did introduce their Auto-Glide Trike this year. This has a very low seat height for shorter riders. The closest Ridley dealer, so you can take a closer look, is about 60 miles away in Medina, OH. I would call first to see if they have a trike to look at. Otherwise, you can look at what else is available in automatic transmission motorcycles and add a conversion trike kit. For instance, take a Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter, add a Voyager kit, and you have an automatic transmission trike! Take a look at the Voyager kits available and match that to the list of auto tranny bikes on the market. I see that the old Honda Hondamatics can be converted, along with the Honda Silverwing. One other idea, that is only recently emerging, is a different three-wheel set-up. This has two wheels in front and one in back. One example would be the Piaggio MP3. After the purchase of a trike, you could then check for a Trike School in your area or check for a private instructor. I hope I have given you a number of ideas on how you can proceed with your desire to ride a motorcycle. Small steps are always good ... you want to proceed with your learning at a pace that makes sense for you ... and each step will be one closer to your goal. I wish you the best of everything! – Mama Wednesday, July 23 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Steve, The CF Moto site is not showing a windshield option, but do not lose hope! Did you know that the QLink Legacy is the exact same bike and that they have been developing a few add-ons? Like a windshield?! Of course, the problem now is that QLink does not have any dealerships in the UK. Ugh. That would leave you with the option to contact the US headquarters of QLink, which is near Dallas, TX, to see if they have other sources for a more direct UK buy, if they could ship one, or if they could direct you to a US dealer who handles international sales. Sorry, that's as close as I can get you. – Mama Wednesday, July 23 Dear VTwin Mama, However, when he is not home, the thought of me going out alone still intimidates me, so I end up just going to the corner and back for a total of 4 miles. Unfortunately, he works many weekends and evenings, so I am not getting the practice I want or need. I have a Honda Shadow VLX. I took the MSF course in 2006 and have watched the Ride-Like-Pro Video several times. Just thinking I need more of the "buddy system" to help me shake my fears. Thank you, – Petunia Dear Petunia, For Women On Wheels, it looks like the closest chapter is Dreamseekers, operating out of Genesee County. Now, I know that's the Flint area, but you may find riders from your sector who belong to this chapter. Email and say hi and inquire! Slightly to the north of you is the Northern Angels chapter of Women In The Wind ... in Alger. Same thing ... email and see what's up, when the next meeting is, etc. You can also check my Women's Sites page to do more searching on national level organizations that may be operating a chapter in your area! – Mama Wednesday, July 23 For LAdams who was wondering about longer trips on a Hyosung GV250: Sorry Mama, for the first time in the couple of years since I’ve been with you I have to firmly disagree. The Hyo GV250 IS very different from all the other 250 cruisers out there. And mechanics who’ve worked w/them will agree. I’ve had mine almost exactly 2 years now. To begin, they look much bigger. Most people are shocked when I tell them she’s ‘only’ a 250. She also rides much bigger. I’ve got about 30 hp. I also added a windshield, did not like the Hyo one – it lasted exactly 3 miles before I took it back to my dealer! – and I’ve gotten her up to 90mph. (My mechanic, a former racer, is convinced she should pull a ton. Maybe, but not w/me on her!) I still had some throttle but I don’t need another ticket so I backed off. Thus I’ve never had any trouble keeping up w/anyone and can easily pass to the front when I want a pit stop. (I mostly ride w/guys and I’ve a closer to 60 than 50 year old bladder!) ‘Spirit’ is superbly balanced AND has a low center of gravity. I live just outside DC and ride the beltway and I-95 more often than I’d prefer. With the windshield, no problems. I also have a throttle lock, not the paddle thingie. My arthritis isn’t getting any better and I’ve carpel tunnel in my right hand so I’d prefer no more than 50-60 miles at interstate speeds, which are at least 70+here, but it’s doable on occasion. I’m NOT at full throttle at 70 mph, always have something left for emergencies. Weekend rides are usually 150-200 miles in a day. Major fun and I’ve never been ‘butt and body’ tired when we get home. I also have a ‘butt pad’ from Alaska Leathers, http://www.alaskaleather.com/index.html , which makes any bike seat more comfy in the heat or cold. Soooo, go LAdams go!
Anywhere a bigger bike can go so can you – and some places they can’t!
Any problems won’t be from engine size. Tuesday, July 22 Dear VTwin Mama, I want to ride, and I am crazy for him too, but what to do?? This last trip it took me several hours to recover, and we had to break off from the group and go home. I am not sure what the cause is. I was upset, my boyfriend supportive, but I want to be able to ride. I am wondering what to do. Any advice would be great! – Thea in St. Joseph Dear Thea, Since dizziness is your first inkling that things aren't going well, if you look at the dizziness overview, they call out a number of things to do ... and while not geared towards riding on a motorcycle, make sense. For instance, long distance rides in groups may vary on how often they stop. You may need to get off the bike every hour (60-70 miles) to hydrate and eat a small, healthy snack. Since most longer rides can run from gas tank to gas tank (120+ miles), give this some thought (as I'm not sure how the longer runs you were on actually occurred in terms of breaks). If you're thinking, yes, I do get thirsty already in 1/2 hour, then you can check into a wearable water pack like those offered by CamelBak. It also is pointed out that a stability-helping home environment, in this case we're thinking of the bike as home, is needed. Since I don't know what model your sweetheart has, why not review the bike's passenger set-up with him. If your feet are resting on pegs, installing passenger floorboards will give your feet a firmer resting position and help overall in body stability and comfort. At the same time, at a bare minimum, you need a passenger backrest that supports you from behind ... and again, depending on the bike, arm rests may be incorporated so your upper body is more firmly centered over the bike at all times. So, incorporate changes that you feel will make a difference and then take a test ride to try things out before another group trip. If it's not getting any better, don't hesitate to consult with your doctor ... they may offer more clues on how a stationary riding position may be heightening high blood pressure symptoms. – Mama Tuesday, July 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Ed, What most people don't realize, or maybe are a bit timid to try, is to simply call the local dealer's service department and ask, or alternatively, visit the parts department because you'll be wanting an oil filter as well. Otherwise, as I advocate strongly, one of the best investments you can make is to get a full service manual for your year/make/model motorcycle ... about $30 for the aftermarket version and chock full of so many helpful things. Check my Education Center page for online sources for these. – Mama Tuesday, July 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Lee, I'm so excited for you, remembering how I felt when I was considering the purchase of my first bike! For shorter readers, I'll just note that a lot of the main help is found by clicking on the Bike Type link on the main navigation bar ... this will lead you to all sorts of charts and sections that spell out the challenges and solutions for shorter riders. – Mama Tuesday, July 22 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Phoenix, My first thought online is eBay ... but it could be a bear drilling down to this specific item. So, I checked BikeBandit (click on OEM, enter make/year, then select suspension) ... one complete assembly is $567, but maybe you only need specific parts like the outer casing ... check it out. Sorry, but I know of no online comparison tool for parts sourcing and pricing. – Mama
Held Over For More Viewing Bikers for Babies, August 23, Roswell, GA Dear VTwin Mama, Shasta Salute to America, Tukelake, CA, 8/28-9/1 Dear VTwin Mama, 2009 Annual End Of The Road Rally, June 19-28, 2009 Dear VTwin Mama,
|
|
VTwin Mama Book Picks!
|
|
|
|
|
© 2001-2008 VTwin Mama | Disclaimer |
