|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPECIAL DEALS Current Deals and Coupon Discounts at Online Shops!
|
2005 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
NN, Wednesday, January 19 For No Name who is wondering why one clutch lever is harder to operate than another: Dear hard clutch pullers, hey, don't forget to lube the clutch cable, it will make big difference in the feel and pull of your clutch. You should be able to pick up a bottle at any good two wheel store/shop for a few bucks. It simple to use just pull in the clutch and insert the long metal tip and squeeze it in and work the lever a few times - your done!!! – From the Garage (note from Mama: Sometimes I do miss an obvious point, don't I?! Thanks for the reminder!) Read with interest your many comments on clutch assist products. I have found that good lubrication may be the best solution for this common complaint on bikes that do not have hydraulic slave cylinders on the clutch. I use Super Lube by Permatex. It is a synthetic with Teflon. It comes in a aerosol can. I remove the cable at the lever and add a couple of quick squirts while holding the cable upright then I add two to four drops of Marvel Mystery Oil to the cable and allow time for the oil to run down the cable sheath. I do this every 5,000 miles. I suggest trying this even on a new machine before you alter the factory setup. If you wash the bike often you may need more frequent lubrication. Car washes and power washing is especially hard on clutch cables as well as wheel bearings, electrical components etc. Ride safe and free. With respect – George (note from Mama: thanks for the extended heads-up and learning lesson, or reminder for some of us (me) forgetting things! Where do I put my brain sometimes?!) Friday, January 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Here's the problem I hope you can help me with. I have small hands and the reach out to the clutch lever is becoming more and more difficult because of arthritic pain. I've heard of ergonomic levers but really don't know what they will do for me. So......how do I get the clutch lever closer to the grip and easier to pull? What can I do to the battery to eliminate the box digging into my left thigh? Thanks for any help you can provide, V/R – Carmela Catherman in Severn, MD Dear
Carmela, In its essence, the word ergonomic means (according to Webster's) "an applied science concerned with the characteristics of people that need to be considered in designing and arranging things that they use in order that people and things will interact most effectively and safely." For motorcycle clutch levers, it usually boils down to an easier pull lever to accommodate those people that don't have the hand strength to pull in a standard clutch. Unfortunately, these designs do not always incorporate a smaller "footprint," meaning that they don't take into account a smaller hand that simply does haven't the same range to reach out and grasp the lever. To date, the only company I have ever found that offers a clutch lever with an adjustable reach is ASV Inventions. According to the site, "ASV levers are designed to be a universal fit. Our universal clutch levers include a perch so they fit all makes, models and years of motorcycles and ATV's." This would be worth checking out for your bike. As to the battery box, according to Josh in the service department at my local Harley dealer, the only option is too modify the oil tank and then the battery box can be modified. For earlier models (pre 2003), there appears to be a set of pre-designed solutions, but not for your bike (yet). This may never come to fruition for your year. Josh notes that you could have this customized, but would be in the neighborhood of $2000 because of all the labor involved. This sounds pretty pricey. I have another thought, but warn that you should call your local dealer's service department to make sure it has no negative impact. How about fabricating a soft cover for the battery case? Perhaps a quilted material that offers a little "squish" factor" instead of the chrome case digging directly into your thigh. Again, you want to make sure that you're not doing something negative (trapping heat?), etc. That's about all I can think of. – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Added note after I inquired whether this letter was about reaching the whole body or the "reach" of having to stretch fingers to grasp the lever: Excellent question. using whole body or too wide of reach. While I know its the reach, I actually went out and sat on my bike. It is comfortable and seems easy to access the handle. The problem is with the reach. It isn't necessarily too much reach, it is rather that it is just at the full reach, each time I extend my fingers and pull back, I feel it right up into the chest. My main chest muscle on the left side has been extended and lifted to the surface due to implant after radical cancer mastectomy. But, I will also go down and try different bars because now I am thinking maybe if they were a little closer.. I also will pay close attention to the way I sit and reach. hmm. I will be having mastectomy again on the right side and I will need to be able to reach throttle and brake. Wow, you're good! Have me thinking in the right direction already! I will be waiting to hear from you. Thank you sooooo much sister! – Gypsy Dear
Gypsy, There are more "ergonomic" clutch levers available in the marketplace . . . basically meaning that the "pull" is tons easier. Here is a site I found that looks unique to me in terms of its solution (worth checking out). You might also want to check with ASV to see if their levers (brake and clutch) with pivoting set points might work with your bike (allows you to set the lever for small hands). Part of my problem with researching your question is that I'm not as familiar with aftermarket parts houses for BMW (or what OEM parts might be available . . . something to explore with the local dealer). Readers with BMW's . . . please help Gypsy out! As to the issue of your left leg . . . I just posted a letter from Bess, who asked about conversion solutions that would alter the shifter. I noted a number of sites that address this issue in great detail and even offer one-on-one counseling to determine what could work. Have a read through that and see if you find the sources that will help make a difference to you as well. – Mama Friday, February 11 Hi
Petra (VTwin Mama's actual name!), Taking the step back to the Virago has taught me more than just developing riding skills and some basic confidence. It has made me realize that the VLX, as it is, does not fit me. I wanted some modifications anyway, like engine guards, saddle bags, and pull back risers. And I think I'll go ahead and get new pipes and have them rejet the carbs if necessary; might as well while I have it in the shop. But I digress. The point is, you don't KNOW what all you need until you have ridden a bike. I'm not saying I wouldn't have had any problems early on, I just think not knowing what I needed added some thorns to the problems I was sprouting. For instance, over the weekend when I rode the VLX back up the driveway, I went to put it neutral before turning it around manually, and my foot nearly got caught. No wonder I had to twist a bit to shift when I rode it before! And my boots are different now, which made a noticeable difference on the Virago, and now it has enhanced a problem on the VLX. I had already decided to have slightly flatter pegs put on the VLX (I just prefer flat to round), so we'll have the shift lever adjusted after that. Also, the "hand" reach, I now realize, is too far to be optimal, especially when I have to choke up on the grips to operate the calipers more easily. The bars have already been turned down some, and the calipers have been adjusted up a bit. I had thought about pullback risers, but I am now considering new handlebars. The current bars are stretched out wide (like a wide boy) and something that comes back and in a little, like a low buckhorn, would be better. The dealer we go to has lots of used bikes and I've been researching this. I will certainly be asking for guidance when I go to take the bike in and have all of these things taken care of, but I would like to pose a question to you and your readers in case someone out there has an answer. Dealer service departments have a lot of answers, but it has been our experience that they don't always have ALL the answers. So here goes: The grips on this bike are HUGE and I have short stubby hands. The VLX takes a 1 inch diameter handlebar, and although 7/8 inch diameter handlebars are readily available, everything attached to the handlebar on this bike is sized to fit a 1 inch bar. I'm wondering if it is possible to get 7/8 inch grips that attach to a 1 inch bar, i.e., grips that are or accommodate 1 inch in diameter where they connect, but the grip part is actually 7/8 inch diameter. Kind of like a downsizing of sorts. I'm betting no such animal exists, but you never know until you ask around. It seems to me that this would adversely affect throttle travel... isn't it supposed to be one-quarter of a turn??? I haven't found anything like this... anyone else know of anything? You know, it's really starting to grind my gears that everything motorcycle is geared to the size of big-man parts. I feel like Edith Ann in that giant rocking chair! – Linda C. Dear
Linda, You’ve come such a long way Linda
C., so let’s not stop now! Isn’t it just awful to gain experience just
so that you have to use it and find out that something isn’t working for
you! Sigh. Education. So highly overrated. Readers, I've had the privilege of listening to many riders over the years, and in the case of riders like Linda, to "watch" them grow in confidence and ability. I'm so proud of each and everyone of you . . . because just like me, we started from scratch and kept going! Letters that chronicle the struggle that occurs from time to time lets so many others know that they ARE NOT ALONE. This is a key message at the VTwin Mama site. Thank you Linda for continuing to explore and share your own journey . . . in this latest letter you have given hope to many others just starting out and to allow more experienced riders to relive their adventure in riding. Trust me, we've all been in your shoes at one time or another. Remember the letter where I counseled, "do not let the dream die inside of you"? You embody that vision . . . and I encourage everyone to keep talking it out. That's how we move forward! – Mama Friday, February 11 For Gypsy who is looking for an easier clutch for her BMW: Check out EZ Clutch for BMWs - I put it on both my R60 (1966) and my R75/6 (1975) and find that they really ease the work required to pull in the clutch. However, I do find that a side car does require more upper body strength to steer. (I have a Steib LS200 on the R60) Check with the IBMWR.org for more info. (Internet BMW Riders) – Drew (note from Mama: thank goodness I have readers who know what's going on! Thanks for sharing this!) Wednesday, May 18 Hi
VTwin Mama, Thanks. I'm so glad I found your site. It's given me the confidence I need. Pretty soon, non-riding hubby will be my b*tch on the back...he's so proud of his new helmet! (Gotta love an enlightened man.) – SM Trykster Dear
SMT, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Judi, Wednesday, July 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Kurt, Still, I can appreciate if you called them, and they couldn't retrofit the Virago. Most levers described as "ergonomic" fit into two categories: either they are simply easier to pull, without changing the distance between the lever and the handlebar, or the lever is itself curved more in so that the distance is reduced (making it easier to grip for smaller hands). For the first category are products like the EZ Clutch (by White Brothers) or the Power Clutch (by AMP). In the second category is every aftermarket company offering different levers. This would be easiest to see in product catalogs . . . like the ones from Dennis Kirk or J&P Cycles. These catalogs are free, but make sure you get the metric bike versions. Or, you could go to the local dealer and have them open up their multitudes of aftermarket catalogs. Sketch out the current lever to handlebar system, noting measurements. Then take a look at what ergonomic choices are available (yes, that's what they call them!). Thanks for noting the success of changing to the ISO Wings footpegs and your encouragement to other new riders! Many would argue that dumping your bike is NOT part of the learning curve, but me, myself, and I (all three of us!) will simply say that most people I have ever ridden with have had their bike "take a nap" at some point or another, and not always in the early learning stages, but later on in the experience level as well. – Mama Wednesday, August 17 From Judi who was searching for a clutch with an easier pull: Thought I would write an up-date on my clutch problem for my '05 Sportster 883L that has a stiff pull. We changed out the original clutch and installed the MRC Clutch which reduces the clutch lever effort by 50% and does it ever. Hugh difference! Hope this will help others like me with short fingers and little grip. – Judi from Lake of the Ozark (note from Mama: glad you found a solution and shared it! This is one I've not heard of . . . .couldn't find a website, but the contact info is: MRC Clutch Assist, Phaedrus Cycle, 1992 Antelope Hill Ct., Henderson, NV 89012 Tel. 702-269-7322) (10/25/05 update note: Phaedrus now has a website for their MRC Clutch http://www.mrcclutch.com) Wednesday, September 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear Dorathy, Monday, October 10 For anyone searching for a hydraulic clutch solution for Sportsters (1986-2006) for easier clutch pull: JP Cycles has that Magura "main street" hydraulic clutch. – DF (note from Mama: thanks big time for pointing this out!) Friday, October 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear Diane, Tuesday, October 25 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Holly, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Velocettebabe, Look where the clutch cable goes into the the clutch lever . . . there you will see a locknut which can be loosened and the cable backed out a bit, then retighten the locknut. Check your engage/disengage point now. If you have to back this out more than half of the adjustment possibility, turn that back in, and look down the cable where you will probably find another adjustment point. Make sure you do only small turns, tighten, try it, etc. If there is no more adjustment to the cable possible it's time to replace the clutch cable. I have no idea on how to advise you about breaking nails . . . if they are that long and interfere with your hand wrapping around the handlebar to correctly activate the controls, it may be time to rethink your nail length. Readers, am I getting this wrong?! – Mama Tuesday, December 6 For Velocettebabe who is trying to ease her clutch lever action: For those with small hands and short fingers - always place your hands on the grips as close to the inside as possible as that makes the reach a little less.(it also makes it easier to reach your turn signal, light button & horn button etc.) Also, just in case you go down -that protects your hands from the pavement by letting the end caps on the handlebars hit ground first and absorb the impact. P.S. you could also try searching for a set of 10% reduction clutch and brake levers for your bike-usually cost about $20 on ebay. – Dorathy (note from Mama: good pointers here! I'll simply add that previous postings on the discussion of more ergonomic and physically smaller clutch levers are on my Working on the Bike: Clutch Lever pages.) |
| © 2005 VTwin Mama | Disclaimer |
