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Scooter Club Index for those who like scooters and want to ride with others! |
2005 Wednesday, January 19 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Durangojane, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Joshua, Wednesday, February 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Scott, Thursday, February 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Among the bikes I own, is Moto Guzzi Convert and a Honda 750A. I own them because they are so different. I would be a bit wary about recommending the Guzzi to a novice rider, they are a bit of lump. (Convert is from Torque CONVERTer- its Italian don't forget, although the torque converter is German) Suzuki also made an auto in the 70 ies it was I think 400 or 450 and was shaft drive, non of these bikes really caught on then, I would like to see autos make a come back, I like them. They are never in the wrong gear, however detractors would say they are never in the right gear. Each to his or her own. Keep up the good work of encouraging people onto bikes whatever the model. Happy Daze, Auto Rob Dear
Rob, Anyway, then I hopped onto eBay to see any were for sale in the U.S. (no) but did find some other weird items (sticker sets, complete history book, repair manuals). Thanks for sharing another possible auto tranny selection! Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Anyway, I took the MSF course last year and I enjoyed it very much but I still don't want to shift. My preference is an automatic, because of my height & strength issue, as well as the fact that my hands are small and I found it difficult to pull in the clutch. I've been searching the internet for automatics and I saw that Ridley's were mentioned, but I ran across another automatic motorcycle manufacturer your readers may be interested in. The website is www.pagsta.com. They say they use a Honda engine and they are coming out with a 250cc sometime this year. I didn't see any prices though. The seat height is comparable to the Ridley's too, which I like. Honda also has a 250cc scooter called the Big Ruckus, but it doesn't look like a scooter at all. I like the way it looks, price is around $5400. Readers can see the Big Ruckus at www.honda.com. Just wanted to share this info. Thanks, Half-Pint Dear
Half-Pint, For Half-Pint and the subject of auto tranny bikes: Has she checked out the 400cc Suzuki Burgman scooter? I'm 5'1" and handle this easily. I'd have the same small-hand problem re: clutch levers on a regular bike (did have problems in the MSF course but passed). But I can go all day with the Burgie. She also may want to check out www.burgmanusa.com, a site for Burgie enthusiasts. And let me tell you, this Burgie keeps up on group rides, does 80 mph with ease, and is a joy to ride. Ride safe and enjoy the ride, Bryna (note from Mama: glad to hear your bike is still giving you miles of joy! Thanks for once again sharing this auto tranny bike for consideration.) Saturday, April 16 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Anon, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
New Rider, Thursday, April 28 For New Rider who was wondering about Ridleys: I am a new rider with a Ridley. I am still learning at the airport where we keep our plane, and I haven't gotten above 30 MPH. I have been playing with the brakes and am still too scared to really put them on, but on accelerating and then braking with back brake only, I didn't feel like it was quick enough. My husband had no problem, but he adjusted them anyway. I really didn't feel a whole lot of difference. I think I am just chicken to really step down on it, as that is how I was thrown from a bike many years ago. I do love my Ridley and think it is a great bike for a woman and a beginner. Using front and rear together seems to be no problem, but as I said, I haven't ventured into traffic yet. I certainly have to get over my fear of really putting on the brakes before then! Joan (note from Mama: yes, a previous oopsie can color our view and ability to move forward with a new bike, but you're doing the right thing in continuing to practice so that you begin learning how the bike reacts when you do different things. It's never good to jam on either or both brakes on any bike . . . the point is to learned controlled deceleration without locking things up.) I asked a couple of my "biker" friends, who have a very wide experience with lots of different bikes. One of them had taken a Ridley out for a test ride. Here's what he told me: "I got the chance to test ride a 3/4 scale bike, and a full size bike with automatic trans. Not sure if there are other models available, but both were different I'll say that. The 3/4 was said to be street legal, but I wouldn't want to be going anywhere long distance on something that small, I kind of like to be seen by those in cages. The automatic tranny about drove me bonkers because it's just unnatural. But otherwise it handled rather well... aside from me wanting to shift the damn thing every now and then. Probably best suited for city traffic instead of these mountain roads. Brakes worked great in my opinion. I was the only one on the road, so not much to compare it too. The 3/4 would do speeds of 60mph, but I only got it up to 40 or so, just puttin. Same with the full size. I only took them down a road and back basically, felt more comfortable on the fullsize handling wise, but again that auto tranny just isn't something I could get used too." He's a life-long bike builder and custom painter, so is looking at the Ridley from a different perspective, but I think he makes some good points, especially about visibility. Still, if it suits the kind of riding you'll be doing, they seem very nice. Li in Florida (note from Mama: it's great that you asked around to get some input for New Rider . . . thanks!) Sunday, May 1 For JP who was searching for an auto tranny bike in a sporty style: Just visited your site tonight for the first time. (welcome!) This is for JP
asking about "automatic" ( I am also a JP - in
Ohio). This is also for the lady who recommended the Suzuki Burgman
400. (that would
probably be Bryna, an ardent lover of the Burgman!) (Note: I have been most recently a "bicycle" regular rider so ride with total and cautious respect on the roads. NOTE - THE BIG IMPORTANCE OF NOT ONLY WATCHING THE OTHER DRIVERS BUT "COMMUNICATING" MY BURGMAN CHANGES FOR SLOW, LANE CHANGES, THANKS, AND WAVES TO OTHER MOTOR 2 WHEELERS.) Folks look at the Burgman and smile, pass with respect 90% of the time. I have had "thumbs up" from neighbors and also from strangers on the road. I get less respect on the roads and during passing in my "mini van"! The Burgman gives good pick up at the light. Rides beside cars in city traffic and I love the "automatic." NOTE: The Burgman's Automatic is not only good for limitations in the foot area, but should be more protective from repetitive wrist actions of "manual shifting" (which I have read "may be a hazard of manual shifting" in several online articles this month). My longest trip so
far has only been a 65 mile round trip and I have not tried our 65 mph
freeways. My cruising so far has been at 50 (due to owner manual
limitations up to the first 500 miles). The engine is quiet and my Burgman
runs at about 4300 rpm to maintain at 45 mph. It handles easily for
leaning (pressing right handle down to zag left and vice-versa) for zig/zag
drills in the parking lot or around metal road covers. Start and
stop are comfortable and respond "as intended" by the driver.
The storage is great so far and the locking storage is great for errands.
Controls are easy to reach and use. I am 5'4" and 120 lbs. so this is
a good size 385cc and 405 lb. mega scooter for me to start with. Saturday, May 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Rick, Wednesday, May 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Loretta, Okey doey . . . on to your question. I have asked mechanics in the past about converting a bike to an auto tranny version and they all say don't do it. Even if it could be done, it would be so expensive, you are definitely better off selling the current bike and getting a bike built as an auto tranny. Ridley is the current mfg. of these bikes, but don't discount the mega scooters. Take the time to read my Auto Tranny page for previous postings and you'll be well read on other options (aka, bikes no longer made, but still out there used) and more on mega scooters. I know we've also had previous responses from readers that urge woman who are unsure of the shifting thing not to jazz too quickly. Most bikes are manual transmission, and it CAN be learned! If you've never driven a clutch car, this would be a great step . . . you mash the gears in a car instead of also having to try to bash about on two wheels! May I also suggest you contact a local chapter of a women's riding organization . . . someone might have a small 250cc bike they would be willing to help you get some starter lessons on before taking the course. Then, when you do take it, you'll up to speed, so to speak. Mama Wednesday, June 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Miss Griss, "I'm 5'1" and can pretty much flat foot (at least always with one leg, firm balls-of-toes or better with the other) the Suzuki Burgman 400. It's a 383 cc scooter that more than goes highway speeds (had mine up to 85 with ease) and keeps up with the HOG's and Victory's we usually ride with. Great pick-up, as you'd expect from a scoot, fully automatic and it has a very low center of gravity so it takes curves beautifully. And I'm planning to ride my 400 from outside of Philadelphia, PA to Tennessee in late June, plenty of comfort and storage space. Suzuki also makes a 650 Burgie but frankly, I think a person has to be about 5'5" to flat foot it. I've tried but it can't be lowered so I've got the 400 for now (till a Ridley is a possibility . . . light years from now). Hope this helps! By the way, most motorcycle riders happily wave at me or return my wave. As most will tell you, it's not what you ride but that you ride. :-) (Plus, when they see the scoot in action, it can change their mind.) Hugs," Bryna Monday, June 6 For Joshua who was searching for a crotch rocket style auto tranny bike: If anyone is looking for a more crotch-rocket style bike with an auto tranny, the Burgman 400 Type S is a good option. While it is still technically a maxi scooter, it has a rear spoiler (instead of a passenger backrest), a short sport bike windscreen and is sold in bright red. Anyone would have to do a double-take to know it was not a sport bike. The price is not bad either. Hope this helps. Thanks, Melissa J. (note from Mama: thanks for sharing this alternative . . . so many bikes are blurring so many lines of style and function . . . so it's best to keep an open mind . . . especially on the mega scoots!) Thursday, June 30 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Marie, Tuesday, July 19 Dear
VTwin Mama, However she would like to be able to have an automatic bike as well. Is there a way to make a Honda Rebel auto? If so please share, if not, are there any other smaller bikes that are automatics out there? Chris Namtro Dear
Chris, Modifying a manual tranny bike to auto tranny is hugely expensive and ill-advised, even if you could find someone to do it. Previous postings on the subject have suggested that your friend would be well served if she took a basic motorcycle riding course on a manual tranny bike, and if she's never driven a clutch car, to start by learning that first. Then the world opens up on makes/models. Mama Wednesday, July 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, I took the PA motorcycle course and had to quit because of arthritis pain. Never liked to shift anyway. The answer to my problem was the Ridley. Spent about a year checking them out and finally bought a used one. I fell in love. I would follow my husband on his 2002 Road King. No problem keeping up. (In fact, I even passed him one time-just to see if I could.) The 2003 had a few small things that, to me, needed adjusted. (like a longer brake pedal, 2 up risers, etc.) I ended up with a perfect fit. The 2005 Ridleys has the kinks worked out. Also, my husband loved taking the Ridley and riding around town when I was busy. He is 6'2 and 275. Even old Harley dudes need to joy ride once in a while. Check them out, you will not be disappointed. No Name Dear
NN, Wednesday, August 24 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Ridley Rider, Monday, October 31 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Eileen, Wednesday, December 14 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
NN, Dear
VTwin
Mama, For anyone interested in purchasing a Ridley, here is some information: 1)
The motorcycle is an eye catcher with classic styling and beautiful custom
paint jobs available. Sincerely, VERY Unhappy Ridley Rider Dear
VERY Unhappy Ridley Rider, Readers, here is one site that lists the lemon laws, state by state, should you ever need it (it's permanently listed on my Useful Sites page). Mama Thursday, January 26 For Carol, about going to an auto tranny bike, but here is something new to consider: Yamaha is releasing an interesting bike option this year. It's the 2006 model FJR1300AE. It is a manual transmission with a computer control clutch. You can shift using the standard foot or a left hand push/pull shifter. I know it is the bike for me, but I don't know if the price is right for me at this time. List price: $15,299. Derrick (note from Mama: we're hearing more and more about bikes that are being designed to retain manual shifting but remove the horrible "tired hand clutch" syndrome. I appreciate you sharing this specific model.) Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
Mak, Monday, February 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
LC, Dear
VTwin Mama, "I own a V3. It is manufactured by CFMOTO. One importer brands them as "Baron" but that is just a U.S. name to give some local appeal, I think. CFMOTO is a high-quality Chinese manufacturing company primarily noted for their line of small water-cooled engines. The company manufactures several high-quality scooters in addition to the V3 and V5 motorcycles. The V3 is a very nice performing 250cc CVT machine. Extremely smooth and quiet throughout the entire speed range. Performance is brisk for a 250cc machine, with acceleration comparable to my Majesty 400. Comes with a Gold-Wing style audio panel that will play tapes, AM/FM, and MP3. Fit and finish are far above what one would normally associate with a Chinese import. Having a low seat height and automatic transmission should appeal to many new riders. At the MSF school where I teach, we continually have requests for information by new riders searching for this type of machine. It definitely fills a niche that no one else is addressing at this time, except for Ridley, however their prices begin at about $16K. Unlike most Chinese imports, the operator's manual is written in clear, easy to understand English, with very complete information on use of features and routine maintenance. The only thing lacking is information on the use of the alarm system. Although it works very well, you are left to figure out the key presses to arm/unarm and use of the remote accessory operation. Not hard to figure out, but it would have been nice to have a detailed explanation of the various options. Only 3 complaints so far: 1. The clock should be LCD instead of LED to be able to read in direct sunlight. 2. Should have resettable odometer, and 3. Centerstand is a plus for maintenance, but it is VERY difficult for one person to put the bike on the centerstand due to a very short footl ever tang." MSF RiderCoach in Ft Myers, FL Here are some links to places to buy with "about parts and warranty". Good to know things! SunRight Mak Dear
Mak, Hey
VTwin Mama, Dear
Becky, Last Thursday I was up at my BMW dealership to handle a small crisis, which was fixed, and then stopped by another local dealer that now carries the Ridley line. I took at a look at the three they had on the floor and talked to the salesperson a bit. His response to possible problems is that it's all about the dealer's service commitment to the line of bikes they carry. My best advice to you is to review the warranty on the bike to the nth degree, determine how long the dealership has been carrying the Ridley line, query the service department manager on things they have had to do to the Ridleys they have sold and their satisfaction with Ridley headquarters, ask whether they have a Ridley-qualified tech on hand (do they have to take a course or a test? or does stuff have to be shipped to Ridley for repair), and review the Lemon Law for your state (so you know upfront some details about your last resource for action). Awhile ago, I contacted Ridley itself, and although they won't share buyer information, they did indicate they would be addressing the need for owner-related input. I just hopped on their site and see they have added a discussion forum, tech question input form, and other sections under the Owner link. You may wish to query the manufacturer as to exactly how many bikes they have sold since they started, and use the forum to see what's up and post your own questions. The current base price for the Classic is $15,600. I tried to check into resale value, but even the NADA Guide is indicating "DUE TO LIMITED RESALE MARKET, WE ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE USED VALUES." On Cycle Trader I saw a few 2003 Autoglide models up for sale from $10,000 (2,650 miles) to $11,500 (650 miles). In the Ridley forum, you'll also find a few listing for Autoglides for sale. Mama Thursday, March 9 For Becky who is looking at a Ridley Autoglide but has concerns: I have a 2002 Speedster (the smaller version). I have had 2 full seasons with it and love the bike. The dealer here is wonderful. I have had no problems with the bike. It has a deep throaty sound that is louder than my husband's Harley. It can go fast if needed and rides very nice. It is easy to drive and my husband even enjoys a ride on it once in a while. It's the best part of riding without having to think about shifting! You do get a lot of attention when you make stops! Everyone wants to know what you are riding! Good luck in what ever bike you decide on! Kelly from Minnesota (note from Mama: are you having way too much fun? I think not!) Tuesday, March 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Speed
and balance is exceptional and actually better in balance than the VStar
and it has a 28 seat, 26.2" loaded with my weight of 120. As a
5 7 female it fits extremely well, and some of my shorter friends
have had no trouble flat footing it at its 26.2 loaded height. Speed
wise it will do 85 mph, and gas wise probably 60 mpg (still measuring). As
previously mentioned the clock is a red led, but Im not sure if LCD
would be any better. Other gauges are easy to read and clear. I would have
liked a trip odometer, but the fuel gauge does help. The shocks are
progressive loaded, but it would have been nice to have some sort of
preload adjustment. Dear
Jacine, Wednesday, May 3 Dear VTwin Mama, I'm a moped rider who just bought a 1981 CM400A Hondamatic. I am totally new to the motorcycle world and was wondering if you could direct me to a Hondamatic riders or a "newbie" forum (if there is one) so that I can correctly learn about care, safety and laws of the bike. Also if there is a site where I can get aftermarket, old/new and or used parts for a Hondamatic? Another thing is I don't know how to ride a manual bike and wanted to know if that will affect me when I go to get my M license? Can I use my own bike (I live in PA )? I don't plan on ever getting a manual bike so I don't really care to learn to ride one, especially now that I've discovered Ridleys, so can I still get a motorcycle license with just an automatic? I also wanted to know if there are any more affordable automatic motorcycles out there? I bought my Hondamatic for $500, and the new Ridleys are out of my price range. Are there any others I don't know about? Thank you very much. Peace and Love. Michelle S. Dear Michelle, The skills necessary to become a good rider apply to all bikes. You can teach yourself by using a wide range of books and DVDs which can be found on my Education Center page. The key here is to find an empty parking lot for practice! I don't recall that there are any specific courses offered for auto tranny bike riders where you take your own bike. That leaves you searching for a private instructor if you feel that would be a good step for you. You could contact standard courses to see if any of the instructors offer private lessons. You could also seek out independent (rather than national level) courses . . . one might be the Stayin' Safe course offered in Pittsburgh. It's pricey and you would need to call to see if they would train you on your Hondamatic. Or, they may know of other sources for assistance if they can't help you. Over time, many Hondamatic lovers have written in,
offering support sites, forums, and sources for parts. As I can't possibly
call up these details in my brain, please take the time to read through my
Bike Type: Auto Tranny pages.
On these pages you will also learn of other possible auto tranny bike
models for consideration, including mega scooters. It's worth wading
through!
Mama Thursday, May 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Live Free, Sunday, May 28 In response to Very Unhappy Ridley Rider: I am surprised to hear that you have had difficulties getting Ridley to stand behind their product. I have talked to several dealers and they all claim that Ridley stands behind their product as good or better than any other dealer they have dealt with. I purchased a 2003 Autoglide for my wife last October. I purchased the bike and rode it 15.5 hours to get back home. It is an amazingly comfortable motorcycle and I haven't had any problems with it.I have personally been in contact with Ridley to purchase parts and talk to their technical staff with questions. They have always provided the information that I needed. Clay Ridley is the man that started Ridley Motorcycles and I got a chance to meet him in Daytona, FL during Octoberfest 2005. Clay is very personable and I still communicate with him via email when I need to. Based on my experience with the 2003 Ridley I purchased, I just purchased another 2004 Autoglide with a 44ci engine about 4 weeks ago. I have not had any problems with either motorcycle. My wife and I both rode Ridleys to Myrtle Beach for the spring bike week this year. We rode the bikes to Myrtle and we rode them every day we were there. I have yet to experience any significant problems. Check out the forum on Ridley Motorcycles web site. You will find many happy, loyal owners. You will also notice that Clay Ridley responds to many of the questions that are posted on the forum. As you can tell, I am a supporter of Ridley Motorcycles. In addition, I have one Ridley with approximately 6,000 miles on it and the other one has about 3,000 miles. Each and every mile has been enjoyable. Purchase a Ridley, you will be happy with it. Brent Rowse (note from Mama: I too met with Clay in Myrtle Beach and came away from the conversation and test ride feeling that the Ridley team was highly responsive to queries before and after the purchase of one of their motorcycles. Unhappy's review was mixed and many details about the situation are unknown. Thank you for sharing your experience with Ridleys.) Saturday, June 3 To Mak who offered a take on the CF Moto auto tranny motorcycles: Thanks for the dealer info you provided for the CF Moto/Baron automatic motorcycles. I was all ready to make a road trip to visit one of the dealers you listed, only to find 2 of them are right here in the Minneapolis area. I had previously sent email to the CF Moto contact on their web site asking about dealers or distributors in the US, but I never received any response. Interestingly, of the dealers you listed, Twin City Scooters and Bargain Jims have the same phone number on their web sites. Thanks again, Dave in Eagan, MN (note from Mama: yes, I see on the English version of the CF Moto site that they have a distribution network link, but it doesn't then take you to a list of US dealers. Hmmm . . . glad Mak's list happened to provide local dealers for you!) Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Annie, Specifications and early road test reports can be read
here and here.
Mama Dear VTwin Mama, I sadly discovered there were few motorcycles with automatic transmissions and the ones that do exist are prohibitively expensive (at least to me). The Ridley's start at $14,000 and even large scooters are around $5,000. After Ive got a few years of riding under my belt I might decide to make a big investment, but at this point just entering the field --- most auto tranny options were too expensive. So, Im going to go check out the CFMoto
V5 (cruiser style) which retails for $3,000. Dear Di, Wednesday, July 12 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Bobbye, Dear VTwin Mama, I have decided to buy the Danson trike kit [vs.
one from Voyager or Tow-Pac]. He is a new designer and builder
specializing in Maxi-Scooters. He has been making the Honda Silver
Wing trike for a year and now is building one for the Suzuki Burgman 650.
He has one trike conversion with more than 10,000 miles on it with no
problems. These are not slide on kits but are actually bolted on the
bike. I talked to two of his customers that love his workmanship and
the quality of the bike. One man I talked to had had a Voyager in
the past that he drove for 17,000 miles but he likes this trike conversion
much better. No dragging going over speed bumps and this bike has
independent suspension that makes a huge improvement in the ride. I think
your readers interested in trikes would like to know about a really good
looking trike costing only $4,000 on an automatic 600 or 650 cc scooter.
Dear Nancy, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Marie, Thursday, July 20 For Di who was looking at the CFMoto auto tranny motorcycle: I also searched for an automatic. Ridley's are too expensive. I found the CFMoto and did some research. Found a few "share your thoughts" on VTwin page about the CFMoto V5. I found a dealer 4 hours from my home, went and looked at one, then had a local motorcycle dealer order me one. I've had it about a month and love it!!! I have almost 900 miles on it already. You won't be disappointed. Wendy (note from Mama: congrats on the new motorcycle and thanks for sharing with Di!) Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Bill, That leaves you with looking for used, out of production auto tranny bikes that are more powerful with bigger bodies, but you may not be someone who wishes to tinker with an older motorcycle and I always note that one has to be careful about parts and service availability. Now, did you know that there are modifications that can be made to manual tranny motorcycles for people with shift foot challenges? If you go to my Riding Techniques: Disabilities and Medical page, you will see a number of links to sites that offer solutions. One of them, the NABD, has this page. chronicles a modification to move the shift to the handlebar! It's just a thought should be you wish to broaden your search! Mama Friday, July 28 For Bill who is looking into an auto tranny motorcycle because of shift/ankle concerns: My hubby has a ankle injury that makes shifting hard for him. After much research, reading reviews and going to shops and sitting on them, he really liked the Bergman scooters. If shifting is a problem, think about a scooter like the Suzuki Bergman. People who own them love them and they are reasonably priced. They have a good track record for easy maintenance, offer more storage and are reliable. A lot of people mistake them for a sports bike. They end the hill problems. LOL Other companies also make scooters. We found the Bergman offered more power than several others. Go to the Suzuki web site and give the Bergman a look. Plenty of power and easy to ride. Isn't that what is important . . . the ride? Check it out. They are fun to ride. It's another option. Jamie (note from Mama: thanks for sharing as yes, the mega-scooters are cropping up more and more! The Bergman comes in 400 and 650cc versions and would probably fit Bill's "bigger" body profile better than the 250, but the price is higher . . . I have all this listed on my newer page, Auto Tranny Motorcycle Models chart.) Friday, July 28 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Shorty, Tuesday, August 1 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Becky, Friday, August 4 More for Bill who is looking into a CFMoto auto tranny motorcycle: If Bill is worried about the V5 he
shouldnt be. Its a full size bike with floor boards. He should be
able to do an easy 60 65 mph on it and possibly more. Dear VTwin Mama, Ive got news on two more cycles: One is a maxi-scooter
by Kymco
called the Xciting 500, which I dont
own, but I do own their People 250 scooter and love it. Kymcos
are made in Personally, I think the motorcycle
industry is moving toward automatic transmissions, the same way cars did.
I think therell be a lot of push-back from purists wholl say
that automatic motorcycles arent real motorcycles, but ultimately, the
market will decide the issue. As soon as manufacturers catch on and start
turning out well-made, reliable automatics that are priced for regular
people, these things will fly out of showrooms. And Ill be on one of
em, with my husband on the back seat. Dear Melissa, Tuesday, August 8 For Melissa who was wondering about reviews on the QLink Legacy 250: I noticed on your comparison table that you have the QLink scooter listed as "origin unknown" -- but if you look at the QLink and CF Moto web sites, you'll see that it's the same bike. From the design of the plastic side panels to the push-buttons for the radio in the handlebar post, these are identical bikes. Just thought your readers might want to know. Dan (note from Mama: you are absolutely right! An email received from Johnny at QLink, in response to my query, confirmed that the Legacy 250 is CFMoto's V5. The company notes that they have their own decal design and quality control and are developing a windshield and rear trunk for add-on options.) Wednesday, August 16 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Michelle, First, without the title, this could be a real sticky wicket. If there is no title or other documentation, I'd be calling the DMV to determine what's what. Sure, you could get insurance probably, but what about registration, etc.? Without docs, are you sure what exact year/model this bike is? The serial number will help but you'll have to search the bike's body . . . and then find a source to match it up. If you get past that point, then it's on to the key. They have codes. Sometimes you can find it in the original owner's manual (doubting that's available) or it may be stamped on the lock itself (more likely with these older bikes). Then it's a matter of finding someone who has the corresponding key blank to cut to the code. Not impossible, but a challenge. Then it's on to other things. Dead battery. New plugs. Oil and filter change. Drain the tank if there is anything in it (it's turpentine by now). Possible gunked up carb that needs to be pulled and cleaned internally, or, if you can start it, adding a carb cleaner to the gas tank. Tires. Yikes. The last Hondamatic of any kind was made in 1983. Now you're searching for sources for parts. The good news (!) is that the service manual is available for about $25. At least you would have a source of information to work from! So, is it worth it? If it's free, I think it would be a
fun project if everyone pitched in with the beginning research. If it
proves to be overwhelming or too $$ heavy, you can always donate the bike
to a charity (or sell it if there is, or you can establish, the title).
Mama Thursday, August 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear TAZ, Saturday, August 19 VTwin Mama, My girlfriend would also like a bike in the future, but says that she needs an automatic one. So one day I was playing around on the 'puter search for automatic bikes and I found your site, the Ridley site and also CBXMan Motorcycles. CBX has a Qlink Legacy 250 which is not a bad price at $3,200. This place is quite far from us - like 5hrs away. But, if we get through our first experience we will be checking it out. You have a great site. Laurie Dear Laurie, CFMoto is the original manufacturer of the V5 auto tranny 250cc motorcycle. QLink is licensed to sell that bike under their Legacy 250 model name. So, they are the same bike! Since the dealer you noted is so far away, you may wish to check the CFMoto site to see if there is a dealer nearer by. If the QLink pricing is the better deal, you still would have parts/service availability from a CFMoto dealer. I wish you both the best!
Mama Wednesday, August 30 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear New Biker NJ, Auto tranny motorcycles
currently in production and those no longer manufactured, but on the
market, can be found on my Auto
Tranny Chart page. Just in case you want to explore a bit more!
Mama Monday, September 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Darlene, I heard from one reader who noted that QLink is offering
slightly discounted pricing and a longer warranty period than what a
CFMoto dealer might have. I'd check that out carefully. If you are
interested to see the dealer network for CFMoto, go to www.cfmoto.cn
and check the US distribution network.
Mama Monday, September 11 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Jean, Friday, September 22 Dear VTwin Mama, I tried the MSF class last weekend and having never driven a shift or using a clutch in my LIFE, I bombed, needless to say. I decided the shifting is just too much damn work. As much as I want a Harley I am going to go look at a Hondamatic 1977 CB750A 7,000 original miles on it the bike looks like it is in great shape no rust other than on the exhaust system which is original but we are talking 30 years of use here. The guy only wants $700 for it and from the resale and NADA places I have looked that is a fair price for this bike. I found the bike on eBay and was lucky enough that the guy is only a 45 minute drive away from me close enough for me to go and test ride it. I am looking forward to it and if I like the bike and it fits me then it will be in my garage by next weekend then I figure I can practice on turns and such at a local park down the street from me and then go take my tests at the DMV. To heck with the gears and shifting, if it means I can't ride a bike, then I will settle for a Honda and be able to ride. Someone wants to make fun of it then go for it its a great looking bike and I dont care. Susan Ashe Dear Susan, I'm sorry to hear that your MSF class proved to be an overload. Yes, some new riders take to shifting with no problems, while others struggle mightily. I have most certainly heard from a number of new riders who struggled and then chose the auto tranny method to become a solo rider, and once their confidence was restored, explored the possibilities of returning to their clutch/shift learning process. Do not rule it out! I'm glad to hear that if you get that bike, you'll be
heading to a safe practice zone to put yourself through the learning
lessons. Enjoy!
Mama Wednesday, September 27 Hi Mama, Dear Annie, Thursday, September 28 Dear VTwin Mama, Somebody up in the sky does not like me. I had a stroke 3 1/2 years ago which left me paralyzed on my left side. My left arm has no movement, and my left leg has only some movement. For this reason, I cannot use the clutch or the gear shift of a regular motorcycle. This is what made me look into automatic transmission motorcycles. CFMoto makes one model, V5, that has all of the right specs. But with all of my research on the Internet, I have not found a respectable dealer to have one in stock so I can go to see it. Dying to go back riding and working myself hard to get back on a bike. Does anyone have more information on the V5? Disabled Rider Dear Disabled Rider, CFMotos are Chinese imports and I'll hazard a guess that the reason you don't see them in many showrooms is that they are just now gaining attention in the U.S. I'll add that if you come across a QLink Legacy, this is the same motorcycle as the V5. Seeing one is different than buying one, so if you have a source (that is not mainstream) you could still go see it! Basic links to CFMoto and QLink can be found on my Auto
Tranny Models page and while the CFMoto site doesn't show its dealers
in the US, QLink does! So that may be of some help. Letters on the subject
received at this site, which are archived on my Auto
Tranny pages, and mostly came in over the last year, indicate that the
bike is reliable and fun to ride. If you type in "Reviews of CFMoto V5"
you will find a number of hits that look like they may have more input
that you are seeking.
Mama Wednesday, November 15 Hi Petra ( VTwin Mama), Model: 2007 Aprilia NA 850 MANA Dear Freebird, "The rider has two possible options: Of course, here in the States, it will probably be a year or two before it crosses the "pond." All good things to those who wait?! Mama Tuesday, December 5 About Marie's letter on getting a CF Moto motorcycle not fully assembled: She mentioned she paid for fully assembled but it didn't come that way -- I would like to know who she got it from since I am getting one of these and won't buy from the person she did if it didn't come fully assembled as promised. Susan (note from Mama: I can appreciate that you are concerned about a dealer who doesn't fulfill the stated contract. Let me get you in contact with Marie for further discussion! Readers who chose either the V3 or V5 . . . did you have similar experiences?) |
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