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SPECIAL DEALS Current Deals and Coupon Discounts at Online Shops!
B/G 2002
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200 4Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Li, Wow, found it! It's their Faded Glory 6" Black Boot. $90. I love them! That said, I find that shopping for something like this can't be done on the Internet, unless you already have a favorite pair and you're just looking for price. Even if you're not a HD rider, they DO offer SOME good solutions, and mine is just one. – Mama For Li who is pondering her next riding boot selection: I understand the problem. The first pair I had, were very uncomfortable if I was going further then the bathroom at the gas station. I found my latest pair at a bike show - Steel Pony in New Orleans. I would suggest going to a bike show if at all possible. There are different brands, different sizes, you can walk around on the uneven ground to check them out. They are professional boot sales people for the most part and their main interest is to sell you a good pair of boots. I'm betting they can help you out. – Michele Stoneking (note from Mama: good thought here -- a useful directory of motorcycle shows can be found at Motorcycle Events.com.) Wednesday, February 11 For Li who is pondering her next riding boot selection: About the riding boots - you are so right......I have those HD boots [ Faded Glory 6" Black Boot] and love them. I can walk all day in them and they are quite comfy. My girlfriend has these and when my hubby was looking for a pair of boots, he even bought them. I am 5'5" and ride an 87 Heritage Softail. She's not lowered, but I could still flat foot it in my other boots. The HD boots give me an extra inch or so of 'leg', plus the logger sole provides outstanding traction. Good Riding! – Paula (note from Mama: it did take a little time for me to break in these boots because the heel was pretty stiff at first, but I've come to love them for their overall wear-ability too!) For Li who is pondering her next riding boot selection: I too am looking for a good, safe, waterproof pair of riding boots. I'm just getting starting riding - starting with a riders safety class later this month, and if all goes well, will be riding Honda Shadow Aero shortly after. So far, by research, the Sidi Women's collection or the Cruiserworks Lady Rider have caught my eye - but I haven't been able to find a dealer that has either in stock to be able to try and and walk around in. Neither were at the recent show I attended in Detroit, MI. Can you share your findings in your quest and whether or not the above, or others, were in your consideration? – Jeanette (note from Mama: and the quest for a good pair of riding boots continues . . . the link for dealers that carry Crusierworks is http://www.cruiserworks.com/dealers.html, but I couldn't find a directory for the SIDI collection.) Wednesday, March 17 And the discussion on riding boots continues: G'day Petra. Saw that you were having trouble finding site for Sidi boots. Whilst searching for it I found this other great site that has an entire page with links for women's clothing and boots: http://www.webbikeworld.com/women/ Sidi has a couple of sites that are work in progress at the moment: http://www.sidi.it/ and http://www.sidisport.com/. If anyone wants to check out the latest Sidi boots or order them online they can be found at: http://www.hideout-leather.co.uk/. Note: Shoe size in UK is 1 smaller than US. Example; UK size 7 is US size 8. I had trouble finding a shop in US that stocked Sidi stuff. In UK and Europe Sidi is very popular. Even had Sidi boots in a Polish bike shop when I was there in 1994. (You've really got to visit Poland to understand that. I lived there for a couple of months.) Later – Kevin (note from Mama: thanks for doing some more research!) For Jeanette in Michigan
who wondered whether I found boots: For the ladies who are
looking for good dry riding boots: Call the people at Cruiser works and talk with them. They are very good about exchanging if they don't fit; and they will explain to you that if your foot is a little tight to get the wide width or the next size up because they don't stretch. They also are guaranteed the boots if you don't use any other boot cream on them except there's. (It sounded bogus to us also; but I went ahead anyway) Well it paid off, their boot cream is great, goes on soft and smooth.. When we touched base with the rest of the group that came home in the rain with us, we were the only ones that didn't have wet feet . They also sell and recommend a special sock. Your foot breathes better and the moisture is drawn away from your foot. We really like them. They have a bright yellow t-shirt you can purchase from Cruiserworks. Big letters on the back says "RIDE LIKE HELL FEEL LIKE HEAVEN" and has the Cruiserworks logo on the front. The shirt gets a lot of stares and chuckles at red lights from the non-riders around you. Hope this helps. P.S. My new saddle bags look great! I'm just waiting for the ghost brackets to come in. Jess said about 45 days to fabricate the brackets and get them to me. Just about 2 wks or so to go. Thanks – Marilyn from Texas (note from Mama: sounds like these are well worth checking out. The Internet address is: http://www.cruiserworks.com/ and they are located in Charlotte, NC, phone number is: 1-800-955-1187) Monday, March 29 From Jeanette who joined in the discussion on riding boots: I was able to find two dealers in the lower MI area (both an hours drive, in opposite directions from where I live) that carry the Sidi women's line of boots. In fact, both had them for less, substantially less, than the MSRP - so it was worth the drive to (a) see if they fit and (b) to save money if they did. Unfortunately, they need a more slender calf than I have to wear - the top part of the boots are very narrow compared to most women's boots. And only recently, as in starting in February of this year, does Cruiserworks now sell through retailers (they were direct only). However, again, none in my area (and the reason why they weren't at the International Motorcycle show in Detroit, MI in February is because they were at the Dealer show setting up their distributors....). I will add, that a few of the dealers I checked on were listing the boots for MORE than you can get direct from Cruiserworks for. However, after talking with their customer service (Cruiserworks) - I have a pair on order. Their customer service rep had the idea of measuring my calf at specific heights from the floor, and then he made a mock up to put in the boot and confirm the fit. I have nothing but good things to say about their customer service! I'm looking forward to wearing them around the office to confirm the fit - and then out for my first ride - which will be my riders safety class. I would also like to note that the dealer I went to to check out the Sidi boots was a BMW motorcycle dealer - and in talking with the sales clerk (also very helpful) - he mentioned that although the known riding population is less than 20% women, the growth market for riders is 70% women - and I'm sure that 70% will be thankful for sites like this! Now on to my next quest - gloves.... – Jeanette (note from Mama: thanks for the update and the added insight about measuring up the leg for the perfect fit -- what a rep! Hope your class goes well and have fun shopping for gloves, both summer and winter! And yes, our market is growing and pretty soon they won't be able to ignore women quite as much, we hope!) Dear
VTwin Mama, Can you help me locate the hand covers for winter or cold day riding that I keep seeing as hippo grips or hippo hands and explain what they are? Before going to the Dealership and paying top dollar, can you suggestion any web sites that might sell this item? Any suggested are very much appreciated. – Mymaria13 Dear
Mymaria13, They were renamed Winter Hands and here is the Internet page with information and pictures. As described by a reader, they are "mitts for your grips and Velcro to the handlebar with your hands fitting inside." You'll get the drift when you see the pictures. To my knowledge, they are not available through dealers or other normal channels, but you'll find the contact info on the above linked site. I'm glad to hear that the VTwin Mama site was useful in helping you realize that you're not alone in the Jitters and I'd love to hear your review of the Ride Like a Pro video when you get a chance! – Mama Friday, April 2 For Mymaria13 who was looking for Hippo Hands: I bought some handlebar mittens from www.cabelas.com. It's an outdoor store, and the mittens come in black and camouflage (yuck). They are for ATV's but they fit on motorcycles too. They were $20 and do the same thing as the Hippo Hands. There is even a pouch inside to put a hand warmer for really cold days. They might look a little silly to some, but it prolongs the riding season for me, and I don't care how I look. : ) Whatever it takes to keep riding. – Terri in Baltimore (note from Mama: thanks for the product suggestion -- every little bit helps, and this one is a tad more price-conscious! ) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Cindy, You would do well to go to the next rally or ride-in in your local area as it's typical that vendors set up shop associated with these events and offer their many wares for your shopping pleasure. Now that you know what DOESN'T work, you'll be a better judge to try on gloves to see that they offer you the stretch and comfort you seek. Or visit local dealers (doesn't have to be just the dealer for your bike make/model) and you'll find that they too offer a selection. For instance, I found my helmet at the Kawi dealer and I ride a HD! You get my drift on this -- now, go forth and shop! Oops, I'll also add that "sportier" gloves like those used by sailing nutters are a great alternative (although they may not be black leather, who says you might not like a color selection?!) – Mama For Cindy who needs a need glove solution: My first riding gloves were from Walmart in the
children's department and had a tag on them that said "Just like
Dad's." I did not like them and do not like just about any
other gloves because they hurt my hands too. I did find a pretty
good pair last summer though. They are Nike baseball gloves (made
for children of course). The funny thing is when my son (22 year
old) and I went out riding a couple of weeks ago...I found out that he
wears them too....only his is for grownups! Hee Hee. Hope the
suggestion helps. Hugs....Bootygrandma aka Betty –
Bootygrandma, aka Betty (note
from Mama: nice and stretchy would be my guess!) Commiserating with Cindy who needs a glove solution: Gloves...... hmmm. Seems like I might be in the market for a new pair myself. Just returned from a quick 20 mile ride with my H. and learned (the hard way) that my new gloves are too large. With my partner riding his BMW behind me and behind him a few car drivers impatient to be traveling the posted speed of 50 mph, I made a left turn and caught excess material from the right glove on the throttle as I braked. Yep, you guessed it.... instead of a steady turn I was forced to rear in a bike that was being given conflicting instructions. My fingers were trying to brake while my glove was pressing the throttle. A muddy culvert and embankment sans shoulder loomed before me, beckoning for a mud angel to be made. I disappointed both the mud gods and myself, but remained upright and pulled over for a second before completing the last two miles back to the house. To say I'm frustrated is to put it mildly, but dear
Hubby maintains that I didn't screw up since I didn't go down, but that is
small comfort just a week into learning to ride my Suzuki 250. Yes,
I was applying the foot brake too, but everything was so quick and I was
nervous about slowing down too much due to the impatient drivers.
Lessons learned - (1.) they can wait behind me!, (2.) become a more
patient car driver (3.) buy close fitting gloves, (4.) don't expect
perfection in a week ... oooh, that's the hardest one! Thanks
for the tips on baseball gloves, Betty. Safe riding everyone! –
Pat (note
from Mama: yikes to the almost mud incident! Some lessons are learned the
hard way, but agree that you did well considering all the other possible
outcomes! Hope you've been shopping! And thanks for the candid accounting
of this all -- it'll help other readers realize they've got to be checking
this kind of stuff!) Saturday, May 8 For Pat, who with many others, is seeking the perfect glove solution: I've got what sounds like a similar problem: small hands.
And my palms are large/square so most gloves that fit my palms dangle off
the end of my fingers to a ridiculous extent. I found a pair of Men's Medium
Joe Rockets (mesh with 3-inch wide leather padding over the knuckles) fit me
beautifully. Hope this helps, – Byrna (note
from Mama: every bit of information is useful when seeking a solution!) Friday, August 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, Ladies check out these platform wedge boots. They are a bit pricey but with these boots, and in our situation, maybe a whole lot LESS "BANG" when you spend this buck! http://www.newrockstore.com/zona1/catalog/default.php?cPath=1 – Tina Dear
Tina, Dear
VTwin Mama, I have the "short legs" issue, so at the moment I've been riding in a wedge-style platforms (not riding boots), but I'm concerned as to how safe this is and is there a better alternative. I've only been riding for 3.5 months and so I don't want to get into bad habits either. I've had a surf around on the net for platform riding boots (boots which offer the same protection as non-platform riding boots) and most of the results return list Harley Davidson Boots. So I was wondering if any of you know whether they are just motorbike "styled" boots or are they really designed as riding boots but with platforms or heels. (for an example see: http://bootconnection.com/brands/harley/84118.html ) Thanking all you in advance. Regards, – Cindy Chan Dear
Cindy, Let's face it, we wear boots to protect our feet, our ankles, and our calves. If something goes wrong, and you go down, you want as much protection on your legs as possible. There is nothing pretty about road rash or worse. Harley is certainly in the business of producing gear to protect the rider. The boot you noted in the link looks just fine, although some would say it really should come up higher on your leg, and the real hard-core riders might suggest that without a steel toe they are not all they can be. If you have a Harley dealer with a clothing store attached to it (most do nowadays), I would suggest going in and looking at the thickness of that leather and the overall strength of the boot. Then, with a style you feel confident in, you can do some more price shopping (Boot Connection offers good pricing and frequent sales, as do others that I note in my sidebar on my Boots/Gloves page). Be careful of the height of that heel however. It can interfere with the shifting and braking depending on how your foot controls are situated. Have you considering having the bike lowered or perhaps looking at another seat selection (Corbin makes some that can lower you by 1" or more)? Call or visit your dealer to see what's possible! Happy shopping! – Mama Monday, December 27 For Cindy who has questions about boots: I found White's Boots to be the only solution for a narrow foot but I don't think that was Cindy's concern. Cindy might try Redwing Boots. They just came out with more styles for women and they might have what she's looking for. Redwings cost less than Whites and if I could have gotten a fit I would be wearing Redwings. Cheers, – Sarah (note from Mama: thanks for the additional input! ) Tuesday, December 28 Even more for Cindy who has questions about boots: Caterpillar makes great walking/hiking boots for women. They make perfect riding boots and seem to come in a huge variety of different colors, shapes and sizes. Both Terri and I have been wearing them for a few years now. They may not be the cheapest, but both my German mate Daniel and myself have both gotten almost 5 years out of the pairs we bought. The original soles have lasted that long as well. They are almost due for retirement now, but lets face it 5 years, day to day walking and riding, ain't bad. Happy New Year to you and yours and all your readers Petra. Cheers – Kevin and Terri in Sydney (note from Mama: thanks for the additional input!) Wednesday, December 29 Even more for Cindy who has questions about boots: I found my boots at a boot warehouse. They are KIT boot, over the ankle lace up with a thick sole. I have a narrow foot and with a cushion insert they fit well and not over $100. I also got a men's boot but I wear a 9 so that's a 71/2 in men's, which is pretty common. I would check out Red Wing also. Good luck. – Vivian, a V-Star rider (note from Mama: thanks for the additional input!) Thursday, December 30 Even more for Cindy who has questions about boots: The only, and I mean the only, boots I wear are Cruiserworks. They are made for women, waterproof and comfortable. Go on-line and get their telephone number, call them. I think they even have a money back guarantee that if you are not happy, they will refund you. – Angela Kosar (note from Mama: oh, these are yummy! The website can be found at http://www.cruiserworks.com/ and there is a Dealer link to find the closest shop.) |
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