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2001 Monday, October 29 Dear VTwin Mama, Any ladies out there who live in the Scranton PA or Binghamton NY areas
who would like to get together to ride? – Anne Friday, February 8 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Bert, Here's a ton of information on what to use to keep your bike's kickstand from sinking into the elements (in response to a request for info in the 6/12/02 newsletter): You can get them at CycleGear ... you can also get them at most warehouse type cycle accessory stores. The one I've been using is about 5yrs old and I'm still using the original string ... the string is long enough to go thru a hole in the heel and then up to your handle bars, so when you get on your bike you can just pull it up wrap the string and then stuff it where ever you want it. Great device it is too, don't leave home without it. I use it in the dirt, gravel and on too hot asphalt. – Chewy (note from Mama: go to www.cyclegear.com to find store locations or download their catalog which is in Adobe Acrobat PDF format) I was reading your latest and oh so greatest newsletter and saw where some one is looking for a gadget to keep your kickstand from sinking into the asphalt and I have a suggestion. My Ole Man bought his at a Harley Dealership but I have seen them offered several different places. HD sells a round hard rubber disc that is small to throw on the ground and I am sure you can find these at almost any place that sells cycle accessories but I have a web site I go to and order stuff that sends out this awesome catalog full of goodies called Mr. B's...the Web site is www.mrbsaccessories.com is their catalog Vol.17on page 177 they have an item called the "BIG FOOT" Item # FOT-4183 and the price is $2.49 ea. or 2/$3.99. It looks just like the name says a "Big Foot" and it is to keep your kickstand from sinking into the pavement. I suggest everyone check this place out they have tons of goodies! I have ordered from them several times without any problem at all. – Genioe/HrlyLady I personally carry a metal electrical box junction cover. The cover is flat and about 4" square and has a few holes in the corners meant for screws. I used one of these screw holes to attach a lanyard with an alligator clip on the end. The lanyard allows me to swing the metal cover around until it's in the right position - something that is almost impossible when you're riding alone! The alligator clip can attach to any readily accessible part of the bike for easy retrieval when you're ready to leave. Also keeps me from forgetting it! The metal cover costs about 37 cents at any hardware store and the lanyard was a give-away from a technical conference. The lanyard can easily be replaced by a long shoelace with an alligator clip attached to the end. The lanyard/shoe lace wraps around the metal cover and the whole thing slips easily into my jacket or vest pocket. – Marge Winnersberger (note from Mama: wow, now that's using the ol' noggin!) A beer can (or Coke) which has been smashed, works perfectly well. – Linda (note from Mama: and the material is usually close at hand!) Aerostitch sells one -- Aerostich CFSP (Carbon Fiber Sidestand Plate) CAT. NO. 1424 for $14.00: http://www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.store/411302728/Catalog/1090 – Kathy Roach One hint I have is to get a few of the free AOL discs you get in the mail and glue them together with something like JBweld. Cool Idea and something different. It's a nice big round spot that won't sink in.... – Joy (note from Mama: and a good use for these instead of throwing them away!) Hi, my name is Diana Land. I live in N.Hollywood, California . My husband and I manufacture anodized aluminum kickstand supports called BIKE BUDDY. We have two sizes: 3"round and a 3"x6" elliptical . The rounds retail for $7 and the elliptical for $10. Please call me if you want more information on the BIKE BUDDY at (818) 759-6050 or cell (818) 203 2853. Thanks. – Diana (note from Mama: or reach them via email at bikebuddypro@yahoo.com) Use an old CD Rom....works great, flat, fits in your saddlebags or tankbag no problemo. AND...if you get lost in the wilderness, is reflective for signaling for help, LOL. Seriously, this was passed along to me by another biker, cannot remember who to give them credit. – Deb (aka BlackShadow Woman) (note from Mama: a lovely dual purpose concept!) One of the oldest and most frequently used items for keeping your kickstand from sinking in the blacktop is a good old fashioned pop can. Pepsi, Coke, or whatever you like to drink....they all work great. Of course you need to flatten it first. hee hee – Betty (Bootygrandma) Wednesday, June 19 Another input on the whole "what to do about your kickstand sinking into the elements: I carry a plastic coaster (the kind you set drinks on) that is between 1/2 and 1/8 inches thick and a little bit bigger around than the top of a can of vegetables. Works like a charm! Fits in your pocket easily. I also have a bright pink plastic one (the same size, by the way) I purchased at the local Honda shop for $4.00 (dumb me). The bright plastic is easy to see and makes it more difficult to forget to pick up when you leave. – Sherry (note from Mama: good point on having something that you'll remember to pick up again!) Thursday, May 15 Dear VTwin Mama, The guy comes out and looks at the bags and said "nice bags" and looked at the rear signal lights and said "those are going to break" I said "no", he said "well maybe not, buy it looks like its going to break" ..... three days later, it breaks! I called J&P and was proudly told, I was the first person to buy this product (sucker) after much thinking, I decided to return the bags and opt for Harley bags because the Sportster vibrates so much, I feel Harley knows their bikes better. J&P were so kind in taking the bags back and very professional. They are a worthy company. Sad to the pretty, roomy, bag go. – Angela Dear Angela, Top Tuesday, June 24 Yo Mama, Dear Catthistle, I'd hightail it down to the local dealer and have them open up their aftermarket product books (like J&P and Drag Specialties and Motherwell) and start looking for solutions. Readers, if you've ever heard of another way to handle this, please chime in! – Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Dear
VTwin Mama, And also wanted to say, and maybe give some encouragement to some of your short lady riders -- I am only 4'11". I ride a Heritage Softail Classic, lowering my bike and putting a bare bones seat, and about a 1 1/2 inch heel on my boots, I only have one problem with my bike , and that is backing up. Some places I do alright, others forget it, most of the time I have my boyfriend with me to back it in for me. I guess the weight of it just scares me when trying to back in. One day I will get it. Anyway, hope ya can help me out on looking for the fringed lever covers. – In Search of Leather Dear
ISOL, I just hate it when an Internet search just bogs me down with irrelevant crap. And that's what happened when I tried to find the fringe color you were looking for. Unless someone reading this has a clue, my guess is that your best bet is to visit a leather workshop and request it custom. I'm sure that would be doable! Just bring a picture along of what cover you like (and maybe the bike for measurement purposes!). As for your backing up thing -- well, we all need help sometimes and should realize that that's why other people are around -- to help! We should just let them while we keep learning and trying on our own. It's the best of both worlds! – Mama Thursday, November 6 For In Search of Leather who is looking for red/white handlebar fringe: Try http://www.ironbraid.com/ -- they specialize in custom braiding of levers. I'm sure they have a color combination that will suit her needs. – L.K. in Riverside, IL (note from Mama: thank you!) Tuesday, December 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Lolly, So, I back tracked my thinking and went with the KISS principle. Meaning, I hopped onto Harley's site, chose U.S., put the mouse over Products, clicked on Shop For Your Bike option, put in the year, then the model and then GO. Now you'll see 29 options for bags and pouches for your specific bike, including a few handlebar and windshield pouch options. Hopefully this will get you what you are looking for. The only other thing I can suggest is that you measure the distance between your desired "attachment" points and the max size of the actual pouch you would want, and then shop till you Internet drop at the many online aftermarket catalog companies. Readers, any more thoughts?– Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
BSR, Monday, May 31 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Marnie, I would visit my local Harley dealer and have them open up the aftermarket product books for you to find something similar (as the catalog notes these are for 1989-2003 models) but I'm sure that it would probably fit the 2004. If you don't have the J&P Cycles catalog (FREE), click here for the link to the site and get one -- lots of fun to flip through for ideas and solutions! – Mama Tuesday, June 1 For BSR who is trying to install saddlebags and running into problems: BSR might just have to lean hard on the screwdriver to
squash the seat back on over the saddlebag yoke. It might help if it's
physically possible on her bike to sit on the seat or put a weight on it
while trying to screw it back down. That's what I had to do with the
pillion on my Marauder. As far as bottoming out, I'm assuming her bags are
not the kind with a laced adjustable yoke to raise them a bit, 'cause that
would be too obvious. But my leather bags rest on or practically on the
pipe depending on on how full I've packed them and I haven't noticed any problems.
Just don't put the Chapsitck on that side! P.S . Thanks for spending so
much time on your site when you could be out riding! : ) –
Laura (note from Mama: thanks for your solutions -- very creative! I love
the line about the Chapstick! You'll notice that today's column won't be
available until late the same night -- that's because I come home from
work, walk the dogs, and then start in on the VTwin Mama stuff. Or, on
weekends, try to get it done before I'm planning on riding! But you're
right . . . this website does take a lot of my time, but it continues to
be my labor of love and I wouldn't have it any other way. I know I'm
making a difference, and so is everyone who participates! Yahoo!) Wednesday, May 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jeanne Wednesday, July 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Volusiaman, Thursday, July 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Tara, Thursday, August 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Chris, This is a fun
little article to read so you know you are not alone, and here
is another one! Too high and you’re trying to look
through bug smush, too medium and the wind whips into your face, too low
and what’s the point?! Too narrow and air still buffets your arms, too
wide and the drag is much higher. So, what to do? Well, decide what it is you are trying
to achieve! For example, I just learned that I could extend the height of
the windshield on my friend’s BMW by an inch by adding edging and
finally get it to stop flowing air into my eyeballs! I would only know
this having ridden the bike and realizing the impact on my exact height
and normal sitting position. For my friend, it’s perfect (but she’s
6” shorter than me!). Dear
VTwin Mama, Anyhow -- I purchased the bike cover from RepairManual.com site for $12.95. All it is - is a huge plastic garbage bag! I would not recommend it to anyone. It's going back. OK for a dust cover for the winter in a garage but not outside in the weather. Vent holes are barley there, what is there would let water in, and condensation would be really bad! Also there is no way to secure it to the bike - it would blow off real quick here in Central PA. Remember the old saying - "you get what you pay for!" On my husband's bike he uses a DOWCO cover with heat shields. Cost $100. You can put the cover on your bike almost immediately. It was well worth the investment. Keep up the good work! You are appreciated! – Pam from Central Pennsylvania Dear
Pam, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Aileen, Monday, August 16 For Aileen whose feet are hurting on the current passenger footpegs: You
hit it on the head Tuesday, August 17 More for Aileen whose feet are hurting on the current passenger footpegs: I have a similar problem with my Husbands 2004 Road Warrior. The problem is more than likely because when you sit on the back your legs are at angle of less than 90 degrees. My legs and feet will go numb because the passenger foot pegs are making me sit with my knees closer to my chest. Making the circulation cut off to the lower portion of my legs. I even get cramps in my hips if I ride for a long way. We are looking for a seat that will be about 2 inches taller and/or a foot peg that will lower my feet likewise. You may wish to consider looking at modifying yours as well to see if this would work. I hope this helps. – Angela (note from Mama: every added thought on something as elusive as this challenge is useful!) Thursday, August 19 Dear
VTwin Mama, The second question involves a problem I am having on my VStar 650 custom. My toes go numb. I thought this was maybe the stock foot pegs, but saw on this site that someone with a similar problem was told it was related to the seat. We would like to do something about this before our road trip and don't mind investing in a better seat if that is the problem, but would like some input from anyone else who solved this problem or has links to info about spine and feet issues related to motorcycles, since all I have been able to find are about bicycling causing foot numbness. I should mention that so far I am weird and like footpegs vs. floorboards, although I could adjust my tastes I suppose if that is the problem. I also feel that at 5'6" and 32" inseam I am a little tall and crunched up on the seat with the leg room etc. Thanks and happy riding! – Haven Dear
Haven, Toes, feet, legs, hands and arms can go numb just by the very fact that your body is not used to being in the same position for long times. Part of the solution is to simply stop every 100 miles and stretch. Shorten the time/mileage frame as necessary (fatigue later in the day, etc.). If back fatigue is a concern (as it really plays a major role in your overall comfort), you might try a corset of sorts, like those worn by people in professions where heavy lifting is a requirement. It provides back support that’s just wonderful for longer rides. Here’s a good article on the subject of the relationship of the seat and hand/foot controls to overall body position from Motorcycle Cruiser magazine. It really helps you look at your current seat and make some observations before going out to look for something new that will be help you. Good luck and have fun! – MamaDear
VTwin Mama, My question is; what is a good saddlebag support system for this bike? The rear turn signal is right in middle of fender. I got a Ledrie bracket, but there is only 7" from bottom of taillight down to the bracket. Ledrie suggests a 15.7 x 9.8 x 4.7 bags that they sell, but can't find them here in US and how is the 9.8" bag suppose to fit in 7" of space? I have been emailing The Netherlands where Ledrie is and I think something is 'lost in translation' cause I cannot get the guy to understand me. I have also looked at the rear turn signal relocation kits, called, sent emails. Is all this accessory stuff just trial and error and your pretty much on your own? – Deniese Dear
Deniese, Monday, August 23 For Deniese who is trying to get saddlebags on her Virago 250: I have a 2001 Virago 250 with those supports. I also have a spare pair of supports for sale if she would be interested. I had them sent from England and paid international shipping charges + exchange rates fluctuate. We should be able to maybe save her a bit. Please give her my email address and if she is interested, she may contact me directly. – Angela in Jacksonville, FL (note from Mama: how exciting and I'll pass the message on!) I've had this link saved for some time: http://mc-land.no/shop/xv_125_250.htm. There appears to be two sets of supports for the 250 here; however, I haven't gotten around to getting saddlebags for mine so I cannot attest to the success/quality of these brackets. My husband made a luggage rack to support a sissy bar bag which is okay for now. For what it's worth, just thought I'd pass this along. – Linda C. (note from Mama: thanks for the input!) I had a Yamaha Route 66 (what they called the 250 Virago for a year or two) and I was in the same boat, so to speak. Basically, the problem is that the struts are internal, so there's nowhere to attach the bag supports. I gave up on saddlebags and got a sissybar from Yamaha instead, which allowed me to use a trunk bag with a luggage rack. Not as sleek looking as saddlebags would have been, but still a way to make those weekend trips possible! :) HTH, – Laura (note from Mama: every solution set is useful to ponder!) Wednesday, August 25 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
DC, Thursday, September 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, We are now trading in our Wide Glide for a new 2005 Ultra Classic. The passenger seat on this bike looks like it "may" solve my sore behind problem. My question to you is: Do you know anything about the Ultra Classics? The salesman assures me that I could ride all day and not be sore on this bike. I am hoping that this is correct, as we are getting the new bike next week . . . and I would really like to be able to go on touring rides with my husband. Thank you for any info you could give me on the Ultra Classic. – Pat Dear
Pat, The fact is that seat comfort and overall body comfort can be due to many factors. If it's truly just your bum on the seat however, you may want to check into getting a gel seat pad which can be an added external pad that is strapped into place or one that is actually inserted under the seat covering (by shaving out part of the seat). There are many manufacturers for this solution. – Mama Friday, September 3 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Robin, Saturday, September 4 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jasmine, Tuesday, September 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Liz, Monday, September 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Blackangel, Hi
VTwin Mama, Anyway, I have been investigating aftermarket windshields for my bike. I live in Los Angeles county and I'm trying to get more comfortable with freeway riding since it is a way of life here and sometimes you have to ride them to get to where you really want to ride. I have done the freeway just a few times with my little deflector shield and I still don't like it much. I feel like my head is going to be blown right off my body! I am interested in the Switchblade shields from National Cycle because I like the idea of being able to change them out or remove them completely depending on your riding needs. I was wondering what your opinion is on this type of shield or if any of your readers have purchased the Switchblade shields for their bikes? Are there any safety issues that I should be concerned about? I would really appreciate anyone's help on this. I'm a solo rider, having lost my husband 3 1/2 years ago, so I grab just about anybody to try to get information and learn this kind of stuff so any information is good to me right now. – Gloria in California Dear
Gloria, I hopped on National Cycle's site to see that the concept of their Switchblade model is to install a single mounting kit that multiple shields can mate too without further requirement of tools. Unfortunately, the photo wasn't available, so my question to the company would be, exactly how is the shield secured to the mount? I would want a full description of the fastening system to convince myself that safety and security are met. Any readers with first-hand knowledge on this type of system are asked to chime in now! I was sorry to hear about your husband (our deepest condolences) . . . perhaps you would like to meet like-minded women who ride in your area . . . as a new support group . . . gals to learn and chat with and share in the experience. Hop over to my Cool Links page and you'll find links to the many women's riding organizations available. Just something to keep in mind! – Mama Wednesday, October 13 Dear
VTwin Mama, I also wanted to let you know that I have been able to make some connections in my area with other women who ride and are willing to ride with a newbie! It has been good for me because it forces me to move outside of my comfort zone, and leave my house! My riding has become the catalyst that helped to get me out of my house and DO SOMETHING after my husband passed away. I was becoming a recluse and it was not healthy! I often tell people that "I lost my husband..... lost my mind..... and then bought a motorcycle!" Actually, I took the safety course fist. So far.... so good! I will be checking your site for feedback and because it's just a GREAT SITE! Thanks Again! – Gloria Dear
Gloria, Dear
VTwin Mama, The teacher who likes them is a well know highway patrolman who makes instructional videos and insists all his students get them. The other guys teaches the local MSF course and has logged almost a million accident free miles. So these are both qualified to give opinions, but how can they be so different? I lean toward getting the highway bars, but need more advice and would like some from my fellow women riders before making a final decision. Thank you so much for this great site. I anxiously await your words of wisdom please. – Laura Baker Dear
Laura, My feelings are that these opposing viewpoints from credible sources both revolve around the same thing: crash situations. The theory is that in slow oopsies (bike falling over at a stop, slow turn, etc.), a highway bar/engine guard protects the bike from landing full on its side, thus giving a better chance that paint jobs and parts won't get damaged, and an added split second to get your leg out of there. We've certainly have had letters at this site documenting this. However, many people mount highway cruising pegs to the bar/guard so that their legs can rest in a different position (extended out) for comfort. One assumes that you will be traveling at a higher speed when using this "option." Even without the pegs and your legs in a "normal" riding position, a higher speed emergency situation happens so fast, there is little time to weigh options. Conventional wisdom advocates to stay with the bike as long as possible as it affords a modicum of protection, and that sliding with the bike, as opposed to tumbling off, is the better bet in most cases. So, if a side slide crash begins, the bar/guard will keep the bike from laying fully on its side, once more giving that split second to get your leg out of there. Still, it is an added component that in the wrong situation (getting thrown from the bike for example) could cause you to get tangled up in the bike. Let's look at another example. Suppose you add a backrest to your bike for more comfort. This is wonderful . . . but, you've got to take into consideration that you have less maneuverability in getting off the bike in an emergency situation because your body is now "wedged" between the backrest and the handlebars. You can't slide off the bike backwards and have less room to swing your body off sideways somehow. What was the point of all that?! No matter what choice you make in regard to the bar/guard, it is imperative that you have an emergency exit plan worked out in our brain. Depending upon the situation, will you use front brake, rear brake, no brake, or a combination? How does the bike respond in each of these uses and how will your body be thrown? Will the bar/guard be an asset or a hindrance? The New Zealand Motorcycle Safety Consultants (NZMSC) runs an excellent site with a page titled, "Focusing on Survival Skills." This is an excellent read-through to help you envision what you will do if something bad happens, and the possible consequences of brake use. I'm hoping other readers will chime in with other sites that offer insights on the best way to handle a crash situation. I have personally survived a high speed crash (of my own making I'm sorry to say, but will freely admit to it) and I know that because I had pre-envisioned what I would do in different situations, I had a better chance of surviving it. My personal choice is to always go down on the left side (if a choice is possible) as I feel that I can pull my left leg out of the way faster than my right. If I have to "throw" myself away from the bike, I also feel that the left will be my choice (and this is what I did in the aforementioned crash). From my earlier years of gymnastic training, I know that I also instinctively try to tuck and roll leading from my left shoulder rather than my right. Again, these are personal choices, but the point is that everyone needs to think about what their best options are. I personally like having a bar/guard, but NEVER count on it. That means that if it holds, I'll have that extra second, but I have pre-envisioned how I'm going to draw up and tuck my leg in as quickly as possible. I also know my seat won't allow me to slide off the back and when I ride my friend's BWM, that the luggage carrier is mounted behind me. These are points that I've considered in advance. So, I've offered my thoughts. Let's see what other riders have to say! – Mama Wednesday, October 27 For Laura who ponders whether to add a highway bar/engine guard: This is for Laura and her dilemma with engine guards: How about the opinion/point of view of a third ridercoach? As such, I would ask you; 'What do YOU want?'. 'Which of the two reasons given, pro and con make more sense to you?' and lastly, 'What level of risk of either choice are you willing to accept?' No one except you can decide your level of risk acceptance. It's the same with everything related to YOUR ride. It's not the one instructor's paint job and engine that will be damaged when YOU drop your bike. It's not the other instructors leg that will get caught (and actually that's the first time I've heard that one) in a high speed fall when you (gawd forbid) crash. It will be YOU and yours. So only you can decide what's gonna be right for you. In the classroom I'm always having students ask what I would do in any given situation. I turn it around and ask them right back "what would YOU do?" I nearly always get a very common sense answer back. Then I tell them THAT'S the right answer for YOU. I also tell them to ask themselves that same question two years from now, five years from now, that I'd be willing to bet the answer will be different after a few years of experience. That only YOU can decide where your comfort zone is and how much risk you are willing to except within your abilities and your bikes limits. So ask yourself "what's right for ME?" The answer to your question will be the right one for you. It's back to the old saying "Ride your own ride." – HammerLady, an instructor and moderator for www.shinnysideup.com, a discussion forum (note from Mama: excellent point that amid many varying opinions that are useful to listen to, ultimately, we must choose for ourselves and accept that our choices may change over time!) I'm writing in response to Laura's question about the highway/crash bars for her bike. If you browse any paper or online catalog for this accessory there is usually a warning somewhere on the ad that states the bars will not protect you in a crash. From what I've learned (I've been looking at getting them for my bike too!) they have three main purposes. First: ornamentation. They do make the bike look great! Second: a mounting surface for highway pegs. Third: protection from minor incidents. If you tip your bike over at a stop it *may* prevent damage to chrome and paint (depending on the quality of the materials used in the bar). If you go down at speed they will more than likely dent, bend or tear off (depending on how you go down and at what speed). And yes there is the danger of becoming entrapped by the bar if it happens to bend over your foot or leg. Good luck with your decision! I've already made mine. I've tipped my bike over once and scraped the paint on my front fender and fiberglass saddlebag. I'm getting engine guards and crash guards for the saddlebags too (see http://www.championsidecars.com/ for awesome saddlebag guards - it's the only place I could find them for my bike). Oh yeah, I think it'll make my bike look so much better too! : ) – Jennifer (note from Mama: you offered a stronger worded message that this type of option is not to be counted in a crash situation . . . good point on what the catalogs have to say about it as I didn't catch that! Sounds like you're ready however to add a little protection where it can be added for specific reasons!) Saturday, November 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
J.V., Then I found a fairing page which has a sport model and touring model for your bike. Scroll down to the fourth listing on this page to see what National Cycle offers. As for adding storage capacity (making the bike a bagger) . . . go for it! Happy hunting on that one! – Mama Tuesday, November 30 For In Search of Leather who was looking for red/white handlebar fringe: I found this website: http://www.motoleather.com/levercovers1.html. Hope this helps. – Donnie (note from Mama: every bit helps! Moto Leather has lots of solutions!) |
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