|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 Wednesday, January 6 Hi VTwin Mama, After all the threads and or emails you’ve had to answer, do you think there is a market for shorter heel-toe shifters and brake pedal? I also think a touring handlebar that pulls back further than what’s available would also be a welcome item. I’ve had my share of experiences in flat footing on my Harleys and know pretty much all the solutions with that but every time I’m at the dealership and sit on a touring bike I always wish the pedals and handlebars were closer. Again, just testing the waters to see if anyone offers what I’m suggesting and if you guys think anyone would take advantage of it if made available. Thanks for your time. – Steve M. Dear Steve, Handlebars don't seem to be as big an issue as there are quite a number of pullback riser options to choose from. Another consideration that remains largely unsolved is the clutch and brake levers. While an easier pull is great, the distance for fingers to stretch to pull is also unsolved as something to purchase ready to install. You bring up valid issues and IMHO the reason it isn't addressed (yet) is that it's a niche market and companies always look at the bottom line. I'm encouraged somewhat as the trend in manufacturing is to lower seat heights or offer ready-to-go options. Perhaps this will continue in the items noted above! – Mama Wednesday, February 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear love 2 ride, All other sport-style motorcycles start with a seat height over 30", and while there may be some lowering options (an inch or two at most), short riders typically supplement that with boots with more sole so that they aren't tippy toe at a stop. Take a look at my Motorcycles for Short Riders page and scan for entries in your height range to see how other short riders are handling this. – Mama Wednesday, February 24 Dear VTwin Mama, My female partner, once totally opposed to motorcycling, expressed interest in joining me as a passenger, so we purchased a second motorcycle, a 2003 Yamaha VStar 1100. Although I really like the upright riding position on the BMW, I'm just barely flat-footed on it and it's way too tall for her (she's 5'2"). I still use it for solo rides. I rode the VStar a few months before she joined in but I never felt totally in control at low speeds or coming to a stop. We would only use the bike in the city or take short trips not far from town (mostly charity rides, a couple of hours). We were both nervous and picking that up from each other. Over this Fall and Winter I have built up a lot of strength in kickboxing, so I might be better balanced when the motorcycle comes out of storage, but I'm wondering if the VStar is simply too heavy. Should I be looking at another make/model? Is there one that has a more upright seated position than a cruiser? I'm not fussed about the "feet forward" position. In fact, I'd rather be leaning a bit forward than back. Thanks for any advice. – Lorraine from Ottawa Dear Lorraine, Please take a moment to sit on your VStar, off the center stand, and turn the handlebar all the way to each side. Are your hands still firmly on the controls in a full bar lock? If not, your control will be vastly improved by inserting a pullback riser (an inexpensive and easy addition). Still not sure ... with the bike centered, close your eyes and lift your arms and hands into a comfortable position without regard to the current set-up. Open your eyes and check. Need a bit of pullback? If you find that the stock handlebar is too wide, then that will require a narrower profile handlebar. Why the emphasis on this point? Because when we don't have full control at the handlebar, everything else can feel just a tad off. Our center of gravity (the hips) must be positioned over the bike correctly and if you're shifted in any way to reach the handlebar (if even an inch) it can throw the whole feeling of control off. I'm also going to advocate that you change your partner's passenger footpegs to floorboards ... a firmer feel at the foot makes for a more comfortable pillion experience and helps with the feeling of being centered over the motorcycle as well. Give that a try and let me know if it makes the difference you are looking for! – Mama Tuesday, May 18 Hi VTwin Mama, Dear Lilli, If you are truly a new rider with no road miles under your belt, I would suggest that you consider taking a MSF class (usually a 250cc Rebel or something similar), or the equivalent Riders Edge course at Harley-Davidson (492cc Buell Blast). Then get something used, cheap, running, and that you can flat foot at stops, and get some practice in. That will do two things ... first it will allow you to get the basic skill sets polished, which is totally crucial, and second, you'll be in a much better position to judge bikes to determine which sporty one will work for you. I wish you well on your journey of discovery! – Mama
|
| © 2010 VTwin Mama | Disclaimer |
