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2007 (January through June) Dear
VTwin Mama, I
started last February on a Rebel. Last June I took to a Yamaha 650
Midnight Custom, and then, when I was ready (4000 miles on the VStar), I
hunted and hunted and . . . well, the fit of this bike physically and the
lure of a sportier ride sucked me in. I am smiling even more on this ride
than before!! It
inspired me to write this:
When the rubber meets the highway and
the air goes rushing past, Dear
Susan, And what a delightful poem you have written! I'm so glad that I and the VTwin Mama site have been part of your journey . . . you embody the VTM message, "Why Not Me." – Mama Thursday, January 11 For Susan (Tink) who sent in a photo: I loved your picture with you and your bike and your husband and his bike. I, too, am a Harley rider with a husband who rides a Triumph. His is a red Sprint ST. The bikes are so different and Harley and Triumph are like two different cultures, but we all love the same thing, don't we -- the freedom and exhilaration of the ride. I'll have to get a picture of us with our bikes and send it in.. – Jody (note from Mama: how fun . . . two families with the HD/Triumph mix! We LIVE for photos . . . did you know that the Photo Gallery is consistently the third top page visited at the VTwin Mama site?! Right behind the Message Board and this Home Page! Obviously our collective grade school experiences of show and tell has stuck with us! Ok, ok . . . it's a few days of "fame" as well . . . so send 'em in!) Update 10:25 a.m. EST . . . a picture!
Hi
VTwin Mama, Dear
Cathy, So, let's address your question here for now! There is no rule that you must be flat footed on leg reach to the ground, but most riders, especially newer ones, find that this offers greater overall confidence and control. Stops on inclines or slopes aren't as queasy and being able to push the bike around while seated is a plus! Shorter riders do have options! Take a look at my Motorcycles for Short Riders list . . . it starts out with the top ways to modify a motorcycle or choose riding gear. With this in hand, it's now easier to talk to a salesperson about what's possible with a bike that interests you. As you progress down that page, you'll then see motorcycles arranged by manufacturer and then model, showing the rider's height and any modifications they made for fit. While there are a lot of cruisers listed here, there are some standard and sport bikes shown. In general, sport bikes tend to have a higher seat height and have less lowering options, but don't let that stop you from exploring the possibilities! Also, there are a number of Internet sites that cater to women who prefer sport bikes . . . you'll find those links on my Women's Sites page. I hope these suggestions help you with your research and finding that "just right" motorcycle for you! – Mama Monday, January 29 For Cathy who is 5'2" and looking for a height appropriate bike that is not a cruiser: Please look at the BMW F650GS – it has an option of getting a lower model straight from the factory. The shocks and forks have been changed in order to drop the bike down. I don’t like cruisers either and finally found this standard. It is also an enduro which is fun and I don’t think it is very expensive (to me anyway). I have a 28 inch inseam and just ordered a lowered one – can’t wait for spring. This bike is extremely nice, three different clutch positions for small hands, ABS, is light, the gas tank is under the seat so the center of gravity is very low and I have read nothing but rave reviews for it and it is suppose to be a great bike for beginners but also a wonderful bike in general - very flickable and light with plenty of power but I guess that is subjective (grin). There is a board just for the F650 owner: http://f650.com/phpBB2/. Check it out! – Michele (note from Mama: yummy concept! Thanks for sharing!) Tuesday, January 30 More for Cathy who is 5'2" and looking for a bike that is not a cruiser: Try a Buell Blast. I am 5’4” and my feet are solid on the ground. It is fun and lightweight and cost around $5000. I really love mine. The Blast is used in the Riders Edge courses taught at some Harley dealers. – Barbara, owner of a 2006 Buell Blast (note from Mama: at 492cc, it's worth taking a look!.) Tuesday, February 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, My first HD was a 1997 Hugger Sportster. I am 5'3" my 5'2" daughter now rides it. I lowered the rear end and put a narrow seat on that bike, which keeps us flat footed and are able to man-handle the bike. Since 1992 I have been riding a '92 Softtail Standard with a 1550 kit on it. We originally purchased the bike for my 6'4" husband, who due to terminal illness only put 84 miles on the bike. I had the rear end also lowered on this bike, put a narrow single passenger seat on it, extended the handlebars back with extenders (which I chromed). My dealer extended the foot controls out for me. This bike is very comfortable, I am flat foot and can jockey it around. I have over 30,000 miles on it. I have ridden "THE TOY" 3/4 of the way across this country and back. I also have hopped on a dear friend's 1992 Policeman Special, which he had both the front and rear lowered and that is a comfortable ride, with the bucket seat, and my leg span was good, even over the floor boards, I was able to stand flat footed. As long as you are willing to make adjustments you can ride an HD as a short woman. My daughter and I weigh less then 130 lbs and she's in her 30s and I in my early 50s. – Heide Dear
Heide, Monday, February 26 Hi
VTwin Mama, I
have now bought a new machine, and would like to add the details to the
site as it is not yet listed there. They are as follows: Bike:
Moto Guzzi I
hope this information will be of some help to other readers. Dear
Humberto, Thursday, March 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Karen, Dear
VTwin Mama, I am now almost afraid to take possession of my new Sabre on March 28th. I hope and pray I will be comfortable on it, almost as much as on the Rebel. I will write and let you know how I like the 1100 cc Shadow Sabre when I put in my first 100 miles. If any other ladies or anyone who is 5' tall has ridden the Sabre, please let me know how you like it. – Patricia Doyle Dear
Patricia, I'm hoping readers with the Sabre chime in . . . to see previous letters, go to the bottom of the VTwin Mama Home Page and you'll see a Google search box . . . click on vtwinmama.com and enter Sabre . . . and you'll get to pages with those letters! Wishing you well at the end of the month . . . fear not . . . you're a smart lady who has her eye on the prize! – Mama Thursday, March 8 For Miranda, who last March was pondering the Honda Shadow Sabre: Hello: I just purchased a brand new Honda Shadow Sabre 2007. I learned how to ride last summer at the tender age of 60 years. I bought a 250cc Honda Rebel to learn on. The Rebel was and is a great bike. It is really low low maintenance and got me started. Well, I just moved up to the Sabre and was scared to ride it. I will be picking up the bike on March 28th. From the stats I think it will suit me. I am almost 5' tall and have shorter arms. Everything that I have read indicates this bike, just like the Shadow Spirit, will be a good bike for me. I will let you know how I do with it after I take my first ride home from the shop. I have less than a years experience so I am very nervous. The bike is in the 500 pound range and does scare me a bit. I have COPD so naturally the weight is of concern. I hope to ride it and not have to walk it too far. – Patricia Doyle (note from Mama: I look forward to hearing from you once you've got a few miles under your belt. I know it's a bit nerve-wracking when you first move up to a bigger motorcycle, but just take it one baby step at a time and you'll be grinning from ear to ear soon!) Friday, March 9 For Patricia who is concerned about moving up to a bigger motorcycle: I too worried about buying a bigger bike after starting out on a Suzuki Blvd 800. The Suzuki was a very nice bike. It was somewhat light (under 500 pounds) and was very responsive. I had the bike for almost a year and decided to get my dream bike . . . a HD Road King. Needless to say, the RK was a little heavier and the movement took a little to get used to. I took it easy and tried not to get myself into tight spots (i.e. going to fast entering a turn). I focused on the basics such as looking thru my turn and really riding. I am not an instructor nor do I have a lot of years under my belt, but let me make a couple of suggestions. 1) Stay with the basics you learned in the riding course. 2 )Find an advanced course and ride your bike through it. 3 )Stay within your comfort level. 4) Have fun! No really, have fun! – John Wright in Tucson (note from Mama: there is nothing first-hand advice to let another rider know they are NOT ALONE! Thanks for chiming in.) Hi
VTwin Mama, My question is whether the smart thing to do is buy a "starter bike" like a Honda 250, or the bike I will want to end up driving? I have had conflicting advice ranging from the "you need a starter bike because the HD is too much bike to learn on" to the "learn on the bike you plan on driving to make your life easier." I am fairly small as well at 5'4" and am a little concerned about finding the right bike for me. Other than sitting on different bikes at the dealership, is there anything else I can do to make sure I don't buy the wrong bike? Thanks in advance for the help, – Newbie in N.S. Dear
Newbie in N.S., There are endless combinations of these scenarios. I'm afraid that my crystal ball is in the shop for repairs, so I can't predict how it will go for you! But I can tell you that when you take the course, a number of clues will be evident to you. How did you hold up in a stressful teaching situation? Did you get the clutch/shift thing right away or were you fumbling right until the end? How did the motorcycle fit (leg to ground reach, hand and feet reach to controls)? Did you think upon graduation, "oh dear, how am I going to handle parking lot practice on my own bike, on my own?" So, the smallest Harley engine is Buell Blast at 492cc and then it moves up to the Sportster 883cc. Courses normally use 125cc or 250cc bikes, unless you're signed up for Harley's course, which uses the Blast. I know of no Harley that can't be modified to fit a shorter person. To get some clues on this, take a look at my Motorcycles for Short Riders page . . . lots of valuable information there! Please don't stress . . . I know you've got big plans and lots of decisions, but honestly, take one thing at a time and you'll get there in a way that makes the best sense for you! – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, I have had issues with my size as I'm only 4'8" and I ride a 883 HD Hugger. I have had my Hugger lowered in the front and I added 1" to my boots. I can now touch the ground flat footed. This has given me new confidence. I will be riding to Tahoe in May to go see Sammy Hagar with my husband and a few friends. That is about a 3 to 4 hour ride from my house. I can't wait now that I can reach the ground. Thanks for always being there to get me through the times when I felt like I should give up. – Janine Dear
Janine, Thursday, March 29 For Newbie in N.S. who is pondering first bike size decisions: HI, and welcome to the wonderful art of riding. And, yes, I did say art. I starting riding (last Feb.) on a Honda-Rebel 250. Personally I could not have gone from the course to the bike I have now, one year and 5,500 miles later. I feel that there just isn’t any replacement for confident time in the saddle. I say ‘confident time’ because getting to the point of feeling one with the bike, feeling confident, allows a rider to REALLY work on and purposefully hone skills. And those skills are directly related to the bike and its abilities and limitations. The wonderful thing about Honda Rebel (and no, I am not a sales person, lol) is that it never really loses much value. I bought brand new last year and got about $500 less than I paid when I traded it back in (with 500 miles on it) for my 650 VStar. By the time I had put the 500 miles on it I KNEW I was going to ride and I wanted more power. (And my instructor warned me about that . . . “more power”). So the VStar and I did 4,000 miles. The Rebel gave me the opportunity to get the basics down and gain confidence about how motorcycles react and the VStar provided me with the power, speed and opportunity to hone the skills I had acquired on the Rebel after having taken the MSF. Then, when I felt I really was one with the Star . . . which really kicked in when I hit 3,000 miles or so I knew I wanted a bigger engine. So now I ride a Harley 1200L Sportster. A friend (age 62) started on a used Rebel. It had 8,000 miles on it and was 6 years old when she traded it in and she got $1500 for it . . . which was close to what she paid for it used three years before. I am 48 (for a few months any way) 5’0” and 145lbs. With both the Rebel and the Star I could easily flat foot it. With the Sportster I prefer to use my Icon Bombshell platform riding boot (which will get rubber soles today). I don’t have the leg leverage like on the other two bikes. I can easily get stuck on a small incline because of less leg leverage, even with the boot on . . . but the bike itself is an awesome and fun ride. I don’t think I could have ridden this bike well, or safely, because of engine power issues and my own physical issues while on it, right from MSF. Shorter people have some considerations that taller people just don’t have. And though Mama is right when she says any scenario can unfold for you (you must ride your own ride even before you get on a bike), I hope hearing about my choices and journey with certain bikes helps to add to your knowledge base! We are ALL rooting for you!! In Joy, – Tink (note from Mama: I'm simply add my often repeated message: confidence once lost is difficult to regain . . . for this very reason, I say it's better to start small unless you're absolutely sure you're ready for a bigger cc bike. Trust your gut instinct on this one!) Starting on a smaller bike
and building the confidence for different rode conditions is the way to
go. My new bike is a Softtail Deluxe and at 5’ 2” I know I wouldn’t
have felt comfortable starting on a bike this big. I started two
years ago on a Honda Rebel 250 and then moved to a lowered Sportster 883
Hugger. How does “learning on the bike you plan on driving” make your
life easier? Once you learn how to mechanically operate the bike and
handle different road conditions it doesn’t take long to get used to a
different bike. Many
women start on the Sportster. I think you should decide on how small of a
bike you want to start with not how big of a bike. Because these are
“starter” bikes it is easy to get a good deal on a used one ride it
for awhile and then sell or trade it in. For Janine, who at 4'8" is achieving her goals on a 883 HD Hugger: Way to go! I so want to be you and am asking for your complete input on exactly what you did to your bike. I went to a few HD shops this weekend with my short riders list and my feet are not touching. I am 4'9"--24.5 inseam, and have been trying to keep my hopes up. My friends are very supportive they just don't have the answers and the dealers are saying the "HD 883L is as low as it can go" . . . and so on. Oh how I wish I was taller but that is not going to happen so I think my answer is to copy you exactly as you adjusted your bike. I have a person who can do the work . . . he thought 2"--- "wow that's a lot" was his comment. Year, make, shock, seat and boot style. Also what is your seat height with the adjustments now? I currently have a Suzuki 650, per the specs it's 27.6", my measurements say 26" -- I do ok on it, and yet I don't fit on the 883L with a seat height of 25.3" or a HD Deluxe with 24.5" seat height. I really want to upgrade to a bigger bike. The Sportster is thinner which helps me not loose height in the width. I respect and admire your persistence and I am trying not to give up hope so I can enjoy the ride with my friends. Enjoy Tahoe . . . and any info you can give is greatly appreciated. Thanks, – Karen (note from Mama: if you only talked to the sales people at that dealership, please be aware that often times its the service department that has a better overall perspective of how a motorcycle can be altered to fit. Yes, the sales people should know this, but . . . Meanwhile, let's see what specific info Janine can offer you!) Monday, April 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Brenda, Your next step is to immediately get signed up for a riding course . . . here you will begin to gather practical information about yourself . . . about what you can handle, how fast you learn, and what you think you'll need in terms of a motorcycle for your initial 6 months to 1 year of riding. You may find you'll want more time on a smaller 250cc bike or are ready to move to a mid-range bike. Take the course and the clues become more apparent! Between these two things you'll be in better position to more clearly define what's going to work for you. Have a great time exploring your options . . . it's truly an exciting time! – Mama Monday, April 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
fireflygazer, In the Harley-Davidson lineup, in the cc size you are considering are the Sportster 883s. I did a side-by-side comparison of the variations and found that the XL 883L (Sportster 883 Low) has a seat height of 26.3" and 25.3" laden (a rider of 180 lbs.). HD has gone a long way to correcting its image of top-heavy bikes . . . and over the last years has made important strides (i.e. a lower center of gravity) . . . so I wouldn't toss out this consideration. Call around to dealers to see who has the XL 883 and XL883L on the showroom floor so you can sit on both! Otherwise, in your cc range, you have many metric options. Why not hop onto WantFacts.com, choose Research New, Motorcycles, Search by Feature. Now you can click into mfgs you would consider, and limit the search to the style, cc range (I used 600 to 900), weight, and even price range you are interested in. This will call up a list of motorcycles to consider and makes the initial research task just a bit easier! Make sure to follow the exact format, especially for cc size (i.e. 900.0 instead of just 900). You'll find Suzuki Boulevards, Yamaha VStars, and Honda Shadows . . . in all their variations. Once you've got your short list together, you can call dealers to see what they have to see, etc. Happy shopping! – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Sue, While understand that styling is of importance, at your stage of the game, I would aim for the right fit, not too big, and running well. If you'll be learning on your own, look for 250cc bikes . . . names most likely to pop up in the used market are the Honda Rebel, Yamaha Virago 250, and Suzuki GZ250. Or, perhaps you've heard that there are riding courses . . . these usually start you out on a 250cc motorcycle, so it's an excellent way to get qualified instruction and try out your riding "legs." The right fit means your feet reach firmly to the ground with the bike centered and you can reach handlebar and foot controls with ease. Not too big can mean a lot of things, but consider the course (sign up now . . . classes fill fast) or stick to 250s. Running well means that the current owner can demonstrate that the bike starts up, runs smoothly (have them ride it around an area for you), and that they have been doing routine maintenance. Cheap, used and running usually holds $$ value, so once you've got your initial 6 months or a year, it's time to sell it and move up! This is preferable to buying something to big (powerful) and loosing confidence. Ok, crack open the classified ads in your local paper, call dealers (some carry used trade-ins), and look at CycleTrader.com. Also, consider contacting local chapters of women's riding organizations . . . you never know, a member may be ready to move on herself! – Mama Tuesday, April 3 For Karen who is interested in a HD 883 but can it be lowered enough: I saw your posting for Janine, and had to write in. I, too, was interested in the 883L, but it could not be lowered enough for me. It is already as low as it can go. However, I tried the Dyna LowRider. I am 5' (barely) with a 26-27' inseam. The bike was lowered as low as it can go, approximately 2", and I bought a Barebones seat from LePera, giving me another inch. I also added an inch on the sole of my Harley boots at a shoemaker. I am completely comfortable on the bike. It took work and money for such a "shortie" to fit, but it was worth it. I really wanted to ride, and found no other make of bike the fit me better after the modifications. Besides, I wanted a Harley, if at all possible, and it is!! So good luck all "shorties" . . . there are many things we can do to follow our dreams! – Lee (note from Mama: ahhhhh . . . an offering of hope! I have added your information to my Motorcycles for Short Rides list page!) Tuesday, April 3
VTwin Mama, I am about 5’5” tall, and can have both feet almost flat on the ground in trainers [running shoes]. And the seat could still be lowered a bit further. I
noticed that this bike is not on your list of bikes for short riders and I
would be happy to give you some more info and even a review once I have a
bit more experience. My boyfriend is currently using the bike to
commute to the office, and yesterday a fellow employee wanted to buy the
bike from him for his wife to learn to ride! That’s definitely not
happening while I own half the bike, I’m enjoying it so much. Dear
Karen, I immediately went on a hunt for your motorcycle model and was pleasantly surprised to find a useful 2002 F650CS review from Motorcyclist. Of course I would love to have your woman-point-of-view review when you're ready! While some new riders might find a 650cc bike a bit daunting, others will be happy to hear about this mid-range bike to consider. I myself am a huge BMW fan (I ride a 2001 R1200C Phoenix cruiser). Thanks for sharing that you are beginning your adventure in riding . . . we hope to hear from you as you progress . . . and maybe you'll send in a picture of you and the motorcycle?!?!?! – Mama Wednesday, April 4 For Karen who is interested in a HD 883 but can it be lowered enough: Just a note to tell you how awesome the Harley Davidson XL 883L Sportster 883 Low is for a woman that is 5"2" wearing good Icon motorcycle boots!! I normally ride a 1986 Honda Rebel, which I love! I went on vacation to Tennessee to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway and Deal's Gap. I rented the 883 because it was the lowest they had. It fit me perfectly and was extremely comfortable. The seat height was perfect and I never felt like I was "reaching" for anything. The handlebars and grips were at perfect shoulder height and at perfect arms length. I highly recommend the bike to ride, but am not necessarily convinced to buy it just because it is a Harley. Please pass this on to anyone else looking for a new version of a "short" bike. – Terri Popovich (note from Mama: thanks for this solid recommendation!) Thursday, April 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Deluxe, Hello
VTwin Mama, When I arrived at the shop to pick up the bike I was a bit taken back. You see, I did a really stupid thing, I bought the bike, lock stock and barrel sight unseen. yes, I had NOT put my rump into the seat. It was in the crate and not assembled until I bought it. They did not have a Sabre on the floor. So, I went by the stats, and thought it would be OK. Needless to say when I first saw my baby I became fearful. It was a lot heavier than I ever imagined. It had a higher seat height than I imagined. Frankly, my eyes welled up with tears and they ran and got a seat for me to collapse into. I had just signed over my Honda Rebel 250cc bike so, with much fear I had them move the bike so that I could drive straight out the driveway facing the direction of my home. That ride home was 21 miles and I was very apprehensive and scared. I parked the bike. In any event, I finally got the nerve to take her out on the road. I did. As the first days of riding were scary and time went by a strange thing happened, the bike shrunk in size and weight. If I had parked it, never rode it, I might have been tempted to sell it cheaply at 21 miles and buy another Rebel. I did not do so, I persevered and now, I think the bike is GREAT. Yes, you heard it. I LOVE it. I actually like the foot pegs forward. My initial reaction was the foot pegs were too far forward. They are fine now. I did not change anything on the bike. I gave myself time to adjust to the bike -- stock. Hopefully, any woman under 5'5" will try out a bike, at least sitting on it and moving it around a little. The weight actually makes this Sabre very very stable at higher speed. I was really surprised by the difference between my 250 at 50mph and the 1100 Sabre. The Sabre is so nice and holds the road really well especially on the interstate. Now trucks can whiz by and I don't fishtail all over the road. It is a very nice bike. I must also mention that I am going to be 61 years of age in October and I am very frail and have COPD. If I can manage the Honda Shadow Sabre 1100, I am sure that ladies younger than I will be fine. I do urge anyone buying a bike to give it a chance. Ladies, do not become so afraid of your bike that you sell it right away. I am so glad that I gave the bike a chance and I love it. I get all sorts of compliments on it. The day I drove it home from the shop and was stopped at a red light, the man in the vehicle to my right, got out of his vehicle and came over and shook my hand. He said "you got a lot of guts lady, God bless you." I don't have much experience, only a year on a 250cc bike. If I can mange the 1100 Sabre, by all means, any lady can do so. It is a well made, beautiful bike and holds the road really well. She is really powerful and I think any woman would love riding a Sabre. Suggest you go to your motorcycle shop and sit on the seat. It won't be as heavy after a week or two of riding. Even this frail old lady can handle the Sabre now. VTwin Mama, I love my new Sabre. I chose the black flame and it is a very stunning bike to look at as well. I had a 17" (Fatboy) windshield added, crashbars and leg wind deflector added. If you add saddle bags, be very careful that the bag on the side of the exhaust is not too close. The bottom of my saddle bag got a bit stuck on my beautiful chrome exhaust. I am replacing the saddle bag with a bag that goes on the back of the seat with luggage rack. It also serves as a backrest. So, in fairness, I rate the Sabre 1100 as a bike a shorter lady/gentleman would not have much problem with. I think that the forward foot pegs are a plus for me and I have short legs and am 4'11" tall. Out of 10 I give the Sabre a 9. It is a great bike and I am glad that I did not turn around and sell it. – Patricia Doyle Dear
Patricia, Tuesday, April 10 Hello
VTwin Mama, I think that a younger woman would have no problem with the bike. Someone over 5'1'' will be able to reach just fine. I do suggest however, that they make sure they sit on the bike and also have the salesman move the bike to a spot where the prospective buyer can maneuver it by hand to make sure the weight won't be a problem. I had the bike in the garage one week before I braved the road. It was either take it down the driveway or sell it. So, I gave it a try and now am getting more comfortable every day. I am planning to ride up the Lake George NY's Americade Bike week in June and maybe, ride the following week to Laconia, NH bike week. Riding with others will give me more confidence. Thanks again and I do hope that some of the ladies who read about the bike will give the bike a try. I am glad that I did not have to shave the seat or adjust the shocks etc. I do have a pair of Harley harness boots with a higher heel and thick sole which adds some height. I was unable to wear them on the Rebel because the boot has a steel toe. I have a large foot and the space between the gear shift foot control and the foot pedal was small. The first time I wore the boot my foot got stuck between the pedal and shifter. I was just entering the driveway and at the garage when I put the bike in neutral. I tried to get my foot down and couldn't. As a newbie, I forgot about the other foot and getting that foot down to support the stopped bike. I bent down to see what was holding my foot and me and the bike went over. Silly thing really, because all I had to do was to put my right foot on the ground and then look. I guess this is part of learning - the hard way. In any event I have been afraid to wear the boot when riding. I have noticed that the Sabre has decent space between the pedal and the shifter. Also the foot is not directly under the shift as it was with the Rebel. The Sabre is set up so that the toe does the shifting. There are some really nice things about the bike and this is one of them. I actually like the forward pedal/shift and brakes. On a long run it is extremely comfortable. Glad I could be of help. I do believe in giving a product a fair amount of time before critiquing it. – Pat Dear
Pat, I think you're going to have a gas going to Americade and Laconia . . . just remember to ride your own ride and you'll be fine. I'm thinking these next two months are really going to be huge for your confidence . . . that's if our spring weather ever evens out! – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, When I first got my Sportster, me and my husband had a few conversations about the weight of the bike and how he believed anything bigger would be to much for me. Needless to say I got the Sportster. He got a 1972 shovelhead . . . he rode my bike the other day just up the block and back and was shocked at how unbalanced he felt on my bike. We have concluded that in a year I get to get the Dyna Lowrider or a Fatboy. These were both my original choices. Everything does happen in baby steps. – Janine Dear
Janine, Thursday, April 12 For Janine who noted concerns about Harley Sportsters and high center of gravity: Sadly, I have been a victim to the "Sportster Myth." I don't recall how it happened, but 3 years ago when I bought it, I was told that it would be the best bike for me because it was the smallest, and easiest to handle. WRONG!! I am 5'1", and that seat height was about 26". I had the bike lowered about 2 inches, new shaved seat, the works. I finally got it down to a comfortable height, but it didn't make a difference with the top heaviness. I've dropped it 6 times, and had I had a bike with a lower center of gravity, I'm pretty sure I could have held it up. I really had a hard time with my bike, cried so much, unfortunately my husband wasn't as sympathetic, which made it harder. But, I was determined, and I finally left the parking lot and braved the streets. Now, I'm EVERYWHERE!! I still have my fears due to dropping incidents, I still have a hard time making a U-turn, I'm terrified of gravel and loose dirt, and my main hang-up is that I know that if I slip, my bike is just too top- heavy to hold up, and no matter how hard I try, its going down. I love my Sporty, even customized it, but I just don't recommend it, especially for first timers. It sure did hurt my ability to gain confidence in my skills, especially in holding it up. I have driven a Deluxe, Nightrain, and Fatboy, and boy, can I tell the difference!! – Sonya (note from Mama: you've been down an awesome learning curve and I'm soooo proud of you. Have you practiced pick-up-the-bike techniques yet? If not, hop onto my Pick Up Bike page and check the links there . . . even if you don't have the strength, it's useful to understand what the easiest techniques really are!) It is purely a myth that the Sportster is "top heavy." I find it odd that the Suzuki 800 and 1400 Intruders are similar in style to the Sporty but yet I never hear Zuki riders calling their bikes 'top heavy.' I think although Harley calls Sportys a beginner bike, they also want you to move up to a bigger, better (i.e. more expensive model). Many very accomplished riders own, ride and love their Sporties for their awesome power to weight ratio and handling abilities. I have ridden both bikes and loved them equally. A lower center of gravity will not really help you if you are not a good rider and do not have good balance when riding. Motorcycle riding is all about BALANCE. A Sportster is a handful of bike simply because it is powerful and yet lightweight. As riders we need to practice the necessary skills to make us good partners with our machines. Remember to take the required baby steps to become a good rider not just someone who can ride a bike a few blocks and make it home without crashing and thus thinks their skill level is "good enough." We should all be constantly learning and mastering ever increasing skills. I personally am looking forward to the opportunity to take the Ride Like A Pro class which will be offered here in SoCal for the first time this summer. I can't wait to learn how to lean my bike over enough to scrape the pegs while turning tiny circles. Also remember that riding is made up of 3 components, 1) the launch -- must be smooth every time 2) the ride -- be careful and make good judgment calls. 3) the landing -- smooth braking and stopping. Believe it or not, practice riding on a bicycle will help your coordination and sense of balance while riding your motorcycle. Learning to do tight circles while at idle speeds will teach you throttle control and also how to go lock to lock which will carry over to the motorcycle and make you a better rider. Most accidents occur on curves because riders over exceed their skill level (most riders can or only use about 65% of their turning capacity and are going too fast for the conditions). Get the Ride Like a Pro video and practice those drills until you are competent (there are great reasons why Motor Officers learn to ride with slow speed control and extreme steering) and you will quickly realize how much better you feel while riding knowing you have good skills. That way you will feel good about riding any bike that you can fit properly. – Ratzuki (note from Mama: I agree that the handling of a motorcycle is more than just where its center of gravity is, but having been on many bikes, I think the Sporty's weight sits high as compared to many other models. Still, as you note, good riding is about mastering skills. My thought: if a motorcycle isn't doing it for you, then stop struggling if you really think you've given it your best shot . . . modify it or sell it . . . there is a reason there are so many makes/models . . . one size does not fit all . . . ! ! !) Monday, April 16 Dear
VTwin Mama, I am in the hunt for a mid -sized bike (maybe 750) that is lighter than the HD -- it just was too heavy and especially after I had chest and shoulder injuries and shoulder surgery before that. I have been looking at the HD 883L Sporster, which is new -- my feet flat-foot and I can handle it ok -- mid controls for feet which work best for me. BUT: I am not crazy about it 's looks and the way you feel every bump on it!!!! Another one I am looking at is the Honda Shadow Aero '04 through '07. This is a 750 classic looking bike and I can flat foot it too -- it does have slightly forward controls which I can reach but have to stretch a bit -- have ridden it and it is a much softer ride but not as "flickable." Have also looked at a Moto Guzzi Nevada 750 and it it very light and feels good but would have to lower as I can just get one foot all the way down. Can you give me any help on these bikes? Which do you think would be best for shorter trips -- day or two and mountain roads but some freeways too. I would appreciate your help -- the MG has few shops and the one I found was in Charlotte, NC. The HD handles well but hits bumps hard and so on!! Hope to see you again someday. The forward controls are a problem due to 25 in inseam and a bad left knee, and thicker thighs so the thicker gas tanks are hard to reach around. Give me your thoughts please. Cheers, – Joan Dear
Joan, I personally would nix any motorcycle that doesn't meet my styling sensibilities if at all possible . . . if it doesn't look right to me, how would I approach the bike for a ride with total joy?!?! Sometimes adding accessories or changing out something can help achieve a look, but not always. As to feeling bumps, well, it's possible the motorcycle you test rode had it's shock settings for a lower seat position, thus removing a lot of the absorption qualities . . . still, I remember meeting you and understand your body shape/height, I can see that you've got concerns that if the shock was lengthened to absorb better, you might then not be able to flat foot the beastie. I'm going to add a note about bike weight . . . we've had a number of letters that have clearly stated that you can't always just go by the number. For instance, I know that many HD FatBoy riders note that despite the heavier weight, it's one of the best balanced motorcycles ever built and actually handles easier than a lot of lighter bikes. Of course, this is a 1450cc bike, so it doesn't meet your search for a mid-range size. Still, I wanted to point that caveat out to you. Also recall that the sides of a seat can be shaved out . . . so you're not compromising your seat comfort, but you are also no longer thrusting your thighs out before your legs can drop to the ground. Even there you can shave the sides and center and add a gel insert to the center for the comfort factor. As to power . . . don't forget that you can get a 650cc motorcycle, that works well for "fit" issues, but if you add a hypercharger (big air kit), as this will extend the upper speed range handling comfort for those day or two rides you wish to take. Mountain roads have to do with how much altitude change you'll be going through . . . bikes with carbs can struggle (as air thins out at higher altitudes) and fuel-injected bikes automatically balance the gas/air ratio for this. Have you reviewed the listings on my Motorcycles for Short Riders yet? Here are a lot of notes of makes/models, the rider's height, and the modifications they made. Some include detailed reviews. What I wish at this moment is that I had a list of motorcycles that included whether they are mid-control or forward-control. I can see that this would be highly useful at this juncture, but I wasn't able to find a source on the Internet. This is a task I now have on my list of things to do! Let's see what the readers chime in with more specific model recommendations . . . as I am 5'10" this isn't always the easiest for me! – Mama Tuesday, April 17 Dear
VTwin Mama, Here is a short note for the 2006 Suzuki S40 Savage/Boulevard. I am 5'4" and can flat foot sitting on this bike with no modifications (unlike the Honda I started with). I did have to change the location of the clutch and brake levers on the handlebars in order to grip them properly. Being short can be a pain. This bike has nice balance, and a good center, which makes it easier to keep from dropping it completely if the situation arises (ice last time!). Great for town, good on the highway, but skip high speed routes like I95. This model does just fine at 70 mph, but any more for a length of time is pushing its envelope. I've also found it easy to do maintenance on. This is just a plain good ride, and perfect starter bike. Thanks for your site info! – Katherine Shearer in New Bern, NC Dear
Katherine, Dear
VTwin Mama, You see, here's the problem . . . I want to get a sports bike or a sports tourer with my fiancé, but he says I'll never find a bike that we will agree on, because if I find one I can fit on, chances are, it would be one he wouldn't be seen on (as he calls them 'baby bikes'). So he says it’s a lost cause to try and find one for myself that he would ride. I want so badly to prove him wrong. I have ridden before, but not in a while as I have never had my own bike. My "other half" on the other hand has owned several bikes (over 5 that I know of, and probably more before that), with his last one being a Yamaha YZF-R1. He is the one that will be riding it more, and he's pretty set on his next one being the Suzuki GSX-R1000. I love the bike myself, and would be all for getting that one if I weren't so vertically challenged. The thing is, it's a pretty big bike, and if I'm going to help pay for it I want to get a bike that I will be comfortable riding, and I don't see myself comfortable riding that one anytime soon. Honestly, I would be perfectly happy with a little Ninja - I like the size, it looks nice, it's extremely light-weight, and it would get me where I want to go, but of course he wouldn't be caught dead on one, since for him it all comes down to who has the bigger one (I'm sure you know how they are). lol. And since I won't be riding often I'm not going to buy a bike just for me. I just wish I could find a bike with the engine that he "needs" but that comes in a smaller, lighter package. I've checked out the links on your site for girls with sports bikes, and there are several pictures that I really like, but none of them say how tall the girls are that are riding them. I'm extremely fond of the new Kawasaki Concours 14, and bikes similar to it although the sports tourers are too big and heavy for me to drive. I also love the BMW K1200S, and the K1200R sport, the Buell Firebolts, the Yamaha R1, R6S, and 600R, and the Suzuki GSXRs (his favorites). I recently sat on a Yamaha R6S, a bike that my fiancé likes too (he likes an inline engine) and it was too tall for me. Are there any sports bikes big enough for my fiancé to ride without feeling embarrassed, but small enough for me to reach the ground? He is 5'9" and I am 5'2" (bare foot). Any suggestions, or should I give up and go for the GSXR and stay on the back? Any advice is greatly appreciated! thanks! – Jessica Dear
Jessica, Still, it's a tall order at this point. Sport-style bikes are notorious for having higher seat heights. So let's take a closer look at that GSX-R1000 your soon-to-be-hubby likes. First, it's 379 pounds, which is truly lightweight for a 999cc motorcycle! The seat height at 31.9" is a challenge. Did you know there are lowering links for that motorcycle? One source is Adjustment Tech Racing . . . click on Adjusters, then click on the fixed link picture, and you'll see that the bike can be lowered by as much as 3". So, now we have a bike that meets his needs and is getting closer to leg reach to ground for you (without really compromising his leg room as the foot controls aren't moved, he'll just be planted on the ground a bit more). Next, look at your riding boots. Choose something with a thick sole and sturdy 1-2" heel. Some people like to add lifts inside their boot to give a bit more height as well. At this point we've shaved 4-5" off the seating height. I looked at a picture of the motorcycle, but I'm not sure that there really is enough in the seat to shave anything away to bring it down even more. But don't forget to look into shock adjustments and shorter shocks and adjusting the front end. So, is this sounding better? What we haven't addressed yet is your riding experience. My suggestion is on several levels. If you do get that bike (or something similar), then spend time riding as passenger to reconnect to the feeling of the flow and handling of the bike. Next, get yourself back to a riding course so you can relearn/polish your beginning skills. Truly $$ well spent! Then consider hiring a private instructor (if you're not sure your fiancé has the patience to work with you a more beginning level) from the riding course (some offer private lessons . . . ask!) to get you properly started on the bigger motorcycle. All of these suggestions are useful for any of the models you have mentioned . . . get going on research and present your new found information. Double check on my Motorcycles for Short Riders list . . . there are some sporty models listed and it includes the rider's height and what they did to modify for fit. Not only is it not hopeless, it's doable! – Mama Tuesday, May 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Lori, The Softail Heritage Classic is a 1449cc motorcycle. That's pretty powerful. Lots of people decide, after taking a class, that they would like to get a practice bike, more in the 250-650cc range . . . something cheap and used but running well. Then practice, practice, practice and sell again! What do you gain? Well, for one thing, you get a chance to really learn what you like/don't like about a bike in terms of seating position, reach to handlebar and foot controls, weight, etc. This are really big clues to learn! If your client's motorcycle is truly of interest to you, I'd definitely get a list of things that were added to justify that cost over BlueBook. It's usually about chrome accesories and modifications, but you should know what they are! Then I would sit on the bike and see if your legs reach the ground firmly, if your leg reach to foot controls fits and if your reach to handlebar controls is right. My thought . . . unless you're already a rider with some miles under your belt, you would do well to let this motorcycle "slip" by you. There will be more of that class when you're truly ready. Take a look at my Motorcycles for Short Riders list to get some more insights about making a motorcycle fit your height! – Mama For Jessica who is looking for a sport-style bike and is 5'2" but fiancé is 5'9": The R6 got a little taller a few years back; it had a seat height of 32.3" in 2005 and got bumped to 33.5" in 2006. If you have a local used bike shop, go sit on an ‘05 or earlier just to see if it feels any better. I found the ’05 R6 to be one of the few bikes I could almost flat-foot and I’m 5’4 (on a good day, first thing in the morning, with big hair). But it took a little more arm strength than I felt good about and always felt like I was just a few degrees from losing the bike off to one side. I have a co-worker who is barely 5’ and she is looking seriously at the Ducati Monster. Apparently they have a low stance and are easy to lower (lots of parts available). Again, if you look used, you may be able to find one already lowered. Also, the Suzuki SV650 is another possibility. My friend has one and I was surprised how good it felt given that it looks like such a big bike. I swear I tried every bike available (some 2 or 3 times) so don’t lose hope. I started
on a Yamaha Virago 250 a year ago and am please to announce that I recently
upgraded to a Suzuki GS500 and I love it! As much as I like cruisers, I felt
like I was better suited for a sportier bike. Sure enough, as soon as I sat
on the GS, I knew it was the bike for me. It felt as easy to handle as my,
ahem, shall we say ‘small’ Virago but even better ‘cause my knees
didn’t feel like they were keeping my ears warm when my feet were on the
pegs. Plus, when I twist my right wrist it adds speed, instead of, well,
volume. Anyway,
try to hold out for the bike that makes you happy . . . and makes you feel
safe. I couldn’t be happier with my GS (even though I really, really,
really wanted to like the R6 but, alas, it just wasn’t the bike for me). I
was sad to see the Virago go (like a favorite shirt or a comfy pair of jeans
that just don’t fit anymore) and I’m such a huge fan of this site that
I’ll continue to read it . . . even though I’ve technically lost my
“V." Thursday, May 3 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jules, Meanwhile, you can begin your research. Start with my Motorcycles for Short Riders list, which lists makes/models, the rider's height, and the modifications they made to make a motorcycle fit (especially useful for sport-style bikes, as they tend to have higher seat heights). You'll want to understand that you can fall in love with a motorcycle and modify things for the fit! Continue your research by visiting women's sites specific to sport-style riding. These can be found on my Women's Sites page. You'll also find previous letters from shorter riders on my Type of Bike: Short Riders pages. If you go to the 2007 page, you'll find recent letters that take about a variety of sport-style bikes to consider! Motorcycle weight: usually the 250cc bikes and under are 300 lbs. and under. Mid-range bikes (500-900cc) fall into the 330-550 lb. range. After that you're into a lot of power/touring bikes . . . not the usual place for new riders to start, but not completely insane if you've taken a course and really took to it like a duck in water! – Mama Thursday, May 3 From Jessica who despaired on finding a bike to meet both her and her fiancé's needs: Thank you SO much for your quick replies! They have been so helpful and have really brightened my outlook on the whole situation. Congratulations, Ann, on finding a really nice sports bike that makes you happy! I am actually going to sit on the GSX-R1000 today, and I'm extremely excited about it! Something that I really like about that particular bike (but that I'm not very familiar with - I just really like the idea) is the new S-DMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) system. From what I understand, it basically allows this rather intimidating bike (at least to me) to be less powerful with the push of a button! Apparently, each setting reduces the power output by significantly softening the throttle response, making the bike easier to manage. I read that one should think of the 3 settings as the differences between the 1000cc, 750cc, and 600cc. This idea is very intriguing to me to say the least and could very well be an answer to my prayers! Thank you so much for the adjustment link, as I will definitely be using that info if we decide to get this bike. I will also definitely be spending a great deal of time riding it as a passenger first, as you mentioned, before even considering giving it a go for myself, and lessons would definitely be a great idea as well. It is just really nice to know that now I can set a goal for myself with this amazing bike that will actually be possible for me to achieve! Thank you so much! – Jessica, perhaps not-so-vertically-challenged (note from Mama: I'm glad to hear that the joy is back! One note . . . in looking at the GSX-R1000 specs I saw that the ground clearance is only 4.9", so you'll definitely need to talk about lowering the bike correctly so as to not cause problems on the road. The S-DMS system sounds very hopeful . . . I had not heard of that before!) Friday, May 18 Hey VTwin Mama, My father thinks that the 500 will be too big for me to ride comfortably and is offering me his '66 Harley Hummer for the summer instead. Needless to say, I'm very, very nervous about dropping the antique and would prefer to buy myself a cheap learner bike. How do the Vulcan and Rebel sound? Or would you take up the Hummer? . . . it does have a guard on it . . . Thank you for your thoughts! – Virginia Farmgirl Dear
Virginia Farmgirl, Even if the bike is junky, but running, you may want to take a pass unless dear old Dad has signed a 40 page affidavit attesting to the fact that he is not concerned about bumps, nicks, dings, or creases in any of the pieces or parts. Sure, it might make Dad proud for you to learn on his motorcycle, but this is a two-way street here . . . so if it's just making you jumpy, say so and move on. I would find a cheap used bike that when you sit on it, your arms and legs comfortably reach the controls and your legs can reach the ground nicely (riding boots with a bit of heel may be just the ticket). Is a 500 too much bike? Well, you would do well to take a riding course on a 125 or 250cc bike first . . . those $$ would be well spent as not only would you get the basics from trained instructors who are keeping an eye out on you, but it would give you more clues about what you think you could handle as your first bike. You may run into problems getting a class slot, but make some calls to the local MSF course providers and Harley dealerships (HD starts you out on a 492cc Buell Blast . . . you might like that!). – Mama Tuesday, June 5 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Moses, Friday, June 8 Dear VTwin Mama, One recent example: I bought a Victory Vegas recently to complement my BMW R1200C. The Victory bikes are designed with forward controls that can be moved easily 2 inches farther or 1 1/2 inches closer to the rider. I ordered the latter. the Victory has a seat height of 28 1/2" and can be lowered another inch or so relatively inexpensively. I did not need this option. The standard handle bars made me sit up straight in relation to my arms' reach so I ordered a Ness bar and grips to get the handle bar about 2 inches closer to me. Wow! what comfort for my build. It shows that Victory had some spent some time on designing the parts for customers of various sizes. The necessary ergonomic adjustment and a bit vanity cost me about $450. The excellent work was performed at El Dorado Cycles outside of St. Louis, MO. While I learned to handle well my BMW R1200C over a year without any adjustments, the cost of lowering the bike about 1 1/4 inch is about $1200. The BMW is designed differently than a V-Twin. During even braking, I think of it as a mountain bike or a horse that comes to a cliff and stops sag into the saddle/center of the bike during braking. It is a nice feature, however, it also means that the lowering needs to be done at the shocks/springs in the back of the bike. On this bike I ride more upright and can corner better than the Victory but will need a seat that fits my rear side better for longer rides. Keep on riding. – Moses Dear
Moses, Thursday, June 28 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Keyssandytoes, At your height, you'll encounter some challenges on seating height, but fear not, solutions are at hand. If you go to my Motorcycles for Short Riders list, you'll find the most mentioned ways to handle that as well as listings from women, by their height and what they did to make it work for them. Then you'll be ready to shop knowing what you should ask about! – Mama Continue to more 2007 postings
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