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2008 Wednesday, January 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Rebelone58, Hi Mama, I had heard about a product made of leather that is attached somehow to the seat and makes a skirt type "thingie" that will protect your legs from getting too hot. However, I've searched the web and can't seem to find anything like that. Half the problem is I don't know what to call it when searching. If anyone knows what I'm talking about and can lead me in the right direction, I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks, Denise Dear Denise, Of course not, because as you said, without a proper name, it's a pill to find things. The most common names for the item you are looking for are a motorcycle heat deflector or a motorcycle heat shield. Typing in these words will quickly bring up products of interest, from the permanent fixtures to the removable. I'll simply add that you should read the fine print ... if you block that hot air flow from your thigh, you may also block the natural flow the bike needs to bleed off heat ... the biggest concern being in the Summer months in true stop and stop traffic (if it's decent enough stop and go you should be fine, but traffic jams of the worst kind mean you need to pull off the road so you don't damage the bike! Cool Thighs is the product most often mentioned, but again, a search on the words will lead you to many more products! Mama Wednesday, January 16 For Denise who was looking for a thingamajig, aka, a heat deflector/shield: Just wanted to let Denise know that Harley-Davidson does carry black/smoke heat shields that fit a Deluxe for approximately $79. Kuryakyn also offers clear and smoke versions that are approximately $59 - $69. Anon (note from Mama: thanks for some more specific directions to look in!) Thursday, January 17 More for Denise who was looking for a thingamajig, aka, a heat deflector/shield: Good point about blocking air flow with an air cooled engine. That includes all Buells too, except the new 1125R. I have gotten burns on a hot day with my Lightning. Sarah (note from Mama: the message bears repeating as we definitely don't want our road conveyance devices, aka motorcycles, getting hurt. They have feelings too!) Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Devyn, Wednesday, January 30 Even more for Denise who was looking for a thingamajig, aka, a heat deflector/shield: I am an owner of the "Cool Thighs" that VTwin Mama mentions. They have their good and bad points as do other "thingie's" that keep the heat off of our thighs. The Cool Thighs product does work, as advertised. They fold up nicely and get put in the saddle bag when not needed. The only problem with them, is they have to be straddling the tank of your bike to work, they don't work in the saddlebag. Go figure! They do a good job of keeping the heat away, better then the shields that Kuryakyn sells. I've had those, too. The reason I changed was I snapped one and broke it when the shield got caught one too many times in the top of my chaps when I dismounted the bike. HD is now providing the shields too, but are similar in appearance to the Kuryakyn ones. Good luck in your search, Denise. M.S. (note from Mama: thanks for sharing the pluses and minuses of products you tried!) Monday, March 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Water Logged, Hey Mama, Dear Patio, I see that Honda isn't calling out a windshield accessory for your bike. I would start by looking at Jack's Honda Rebel Online site ... he's a real lover of these bikes and has articles, links and a warehouse of proven accessories. He can also be called if you're really in a pickle about your Rebel ... a wealth of knowledge at his fingertips! Then I would head to Accessories International and click on Honda and enter your model and that you're looking for a windshield. It looks like they are listing universal windshields which would work. Mama Monday, April 14 For Patio who is looking to add a windshield to her Honda Rebel: I have a 750 ACE with a windshield but I still had a lot of buffeting on my helmet so that I was like a bobblehead doll. The wind is deflected with the windshield but it still hits my knees and comes up between the windshield and tank. I've not added lowers to the shield; however, I recently bought a Shoei RF1000 helmet and because of the aerodynamic styling of the helmet, I get no more buffeting. It is so incredible to ride and be able to "see" without distortion and a sore neck. The helmet is so much lighter in weight than my old style helmet that it is worth every penny!! So if you add a windshield you may want to consider adding lowers or buying an aerodynamically styled helmet...there are several manufacturers who offer these styles. Donna, aka Shadow Runner (note from Mama: thanks for sharing that a well-designed helmet can make a big difference!) Monday, April 14 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Gail, Tuesday, April 15 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Debbie, Thursday, April 24 Dear VTwin Mama, Glad I found your site. Have taken up riding again after being away from it for 37 years. Husband surprised me five years ago with a Honda 450 Automatic. After a few months riding I graduated to a 650, then a 900. Loved the 900. It has 10 gears (5 high, 5 low) However, it's pretty top heavy around town and quite high seated. Thanks so much for you help. Sincerely, Trudie Dear Trudie, Thursday, June 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Sarah, Thursday, June 19 Dear Readers, Petra, The Sheepskin
Buttpad is a beauty of non-technology. Just a strap w/an adjustable
quick release buckle at both ends. A contoured sheepskin is attached. I
got the natural sheared since I dont like dyes. And I rode in white
jeans in 90+ degrees w/ 90% humidity and my jeans were dry! And I was
comfy. And the seat is never hot! It is even better if thats
possible in the cold. No cold seat and you actually stay warmer. I love this blurb from their site: Sheepskin
is a natural product that works like magic. Often used in medical
applications to prevent bedsores, it
keeps your "buttbones"
from burning and is cool in the summer, warm in cold weather, reduces
sweating, and
keeps the bitch
factor
down. It's easy on - easy off, there are no moving parts, it has a
universal fit, it is not
affected by
rain, and you can use it to wipe bugs off your windshield or as a pillow
for camping! Do check it out. I swear by mine & since I
crashed Spirit & transfer it to my husbands when I steal his for a
ride! Dear Jo, Wednesday, July 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Paul, Highway pegs suggest to me that you've got an engine guard/highway bar on that Yami. My idea ... cut out some sturdy cardboard and tape it into position like these Desert Dawgs are shown. The testimonials indicate there is wind relief as well as a reduction in wet leg when it's raining with the installation of a product like this. I bet if you duct taped an old towel (another idea) on one side, you would quickly get your answer! Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Jordan, Monday, July 7 From Jordan who was getting a lot of wind buff at helmet level despite the windshield: I took a 6.5 hour trip, some Interstate, 64 east over the Blue Ridge Application Mountains. Breathtaking ride. Working with this problem I think I have found the solution. I noticed my helmet was not true to my cap size so I put a nice foam padding in the back and a small amount in the side. On my trip I left the windshield raised as high as it would go and then adjusted it as low as it would go. It works. Hope this will save some aggravation and a lot of windshield adjustment to some ... lol. Jordan, aka Wind Rider (note from Mama: aha ... the old helmet doesn't quite fit one's head shape fix! Causes more problems because when we try them on in a store, them seem to fit perfect, but then little gaps cause helmet tug that easily tires the rider. Thanks for reporting back on this issue!) Friday, July 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Shadow Rider, On a slow speed oopsie, it's the engine guard that will take the brunt of the bike going over instead of the handlebar taking the full hit. Of course, it can also save anything around the engine from a direct slide smush, which would be pretty pricey to fix (as are side covers and bent foot controls). At a higher speed problem, like a car or critter crossing your path, if the bike goes into a slide, or the rider needs to choose a slide to avoid a potentially more health threatening impact, it's the engine guard that will keep the bike from a full down position, giving you that precious extra second or two to get your leg out of there if the slide is really a humdinger. At the same time, because it keeps the bike at an angle, it's easier to pick up after any type of fall. It also offers a chance to incorporate highway pegs, providing an alternative leg position that really comes in handy on longer trips. Because the adventure in riding always carries with it an element of risk, an engine guard can serve you well ... Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Steve, The CF Moto site is not showing a windshield option, but do not lose hope! Did you know that the QLink Legacy is the exact same bike and that they have been developing a few add-ons? Like a windshield?! Of course, the problem now is that QLink does not have any dealerships in the UK. Ugh. That would leave you with the option to contact the US headquarters of QLink, which is near Dallas, TX, to see if they have other sources for a more direct UK buy, if they could ship one, or if they could direct you to a US dealer who handles international sales. Sorry, that's as close as I can get you. Mama Thursday, July 24 For Steve in the UK who is searching for a windshield for his CF Moto V5 cruiser: I understand that you are looking for a supplier in the UK. The best advice I have is to check out the Memphis Shade's Hellcat shield ... hopefully there will be dealers over there. That is what I put on my bike which is a Qlink Legacy. Also, he can check with www.cbxman.com and see if they know of any dealers over there. A good site to go to is www.Alternativecruisers.com. There are people on there that live across the pond that may be able to help. Joan (note from Mama: thanks for noting what product worked for you and ideas on UK sourcing.) Thursday, July 24 For Dottie or any reader who has info on the JAMA Laser Exhaust: I finally found an exhaust from your site for my Virago. A girl named Dottie told you about these Laser exhausts, I was wondering if you still had her email cause I would love to talk to her about them. Kelcy (note from Mama: sorry, my email records don't go back that far and I finally shredded years and years worth of printed copies. Anybody out there who can email with Kelcy and give her some input?) Monday, August 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Elizabeth, On the VTX 1300R, I'd be looking to switch to passenger floorboards if the bike is still set up with foot pegs and there's no doubt that the addition of a backrest would help (if that change to a Mustang seat doesn't have one). The added support at the back and feet allows you to shift your weight, even ever so slightly, for those longer rides. Now, on the Rebel, I'm not sure how you want to invest to make that bike more comfortable for you. You've already got the gel seat. I'd be adding a highway bar (also called an engine guard) with incorporated highway pegs so you can shift your legs from one position to the other. You would also be surprised what the addition of a windshield will accomplish ... taking the wind off your chest, which can make you feel like you're stuck in one seat position. You may find rider floorboards, but at a bare minimum, you'll find ISO mini-wings, which give you a firmer foot rest. I'd also be double checking your reach to the handlebar controls ... if you're leaning to the controls, this can limit your body position shift ... the addition of a pullback riser can make a huge difference. A lot of these Rebel solutions can be found online at Accessories International. Of course you can always visit the local dealer's parts department and start noodling out ideas there as well. Or, visit a Rebel-specific forum to see what other Rebel lovers are doing! One added note ... underwear, incredibly, can add to the misery of the situation ... I've heard some riders switch to bicycle-rider-style underwear, so there is no leg hole seam digging in where the hind-end meets legs! Mama Monday, August 4 For Tobster who is trying to connect an iPod with a QLink Legacy: I too have that problem with my 2007 Qlink Legacy 250 I bought last week; FM radio works but no tunes from my flash drive. I did find a post elsewhere online that stated you should not use a MAC to format the flash drive, but rather a PC. I have tried formatting the playlist in different formats (wav, mp3, etc) to no avail. Yesterday I ordered a service manual for the Qlink Legacy 250. I expect there is some maintenance/troubleshooting for the USB in there. I will let you know what I find once I get my hands on it!! Happy motoring!! Arietta (note from Mama: apparently this problem has not been successfully solved in the last year, so if you find a solution, it will help a lot of people!) Monday, August 4 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cpl. O'Meara, I'd ask the local dealer about adding their H-D Jiffy Stand Extension Kit. And this page shows the H-D rear brake options, from full levers to replacement pads. In addition, one can check the J&P Cycle online catalog, as this company is one of the biggest Harley aftermarket shops. Mama Thursday, September 11 Dear VTwin Mama, I then found my saddlebag guardian angel named Al at Accessories International. Al, my sales guy, asked me a number of questions like, did I want fringe, what type of buckles, slanted or boxed style, leather or pleather, etc. He then narrowed my choices down based on the size my bike could handle. Turns out the bags he found were from an associated website. He gave me an additional discount on their already low prices and said I will get it in 5 days! I am not sure where on your site to put this info, but, can you please share with other riders. The site is Accessory International. It is now my goal to let EVERYONE know what a great place this is! Pattie P. Dear Pattie, Monday, September 22 Hi VTwin Mama, Dear Christine, I'm wondering what boots you are wearing and if an inch or so addition to the sole might not be the solution. Boots that have the sole stitched to the upper leather can be modified by a good shoe repair shop. It's hard to say ... let's get some more input from you on the things I've mentioned and we'll keep noodling it out with you! Mama Monday, November 10 For Jeanne and all riders whose legs rest near bike hot spots ... the ironing board patch solution: I think it was you who advised me to make a patch of ironing board material for my right pants leg after I burned my leg on my VStar a couple of years ago. I am 4' 11" and ride a Heritage Softail, so I need all the help I can get protecting my short legs. It worked so well, I now do this every time I buy a new pair of riding jeans. The best combination is 2 layers of the cotton stuff they put in ironing board covers, covered on both sides by the ironing board material. it has really helped, esp. during hot Oklahoma summer days, when I cannot stand to wear my chaps. I also have a pair of leather legs that do well, but even they are hot when it is 95 degrees. Linda (note from Mama: thanks so much for sharing your pictures of how you crafted this type of patch and sewed it right into your riding pants! Readers, click on the pictures for a bigger view ... first the outside view, then the leg turned inside out and then a close up of the patch layers)
Friday, December 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Pixie, Dear VTwin Mama, I called Corbin a number of times and they did not return my calls. I finally sent the seat back to them for re-fitment and it has been there 2 months. While waiting for the seat, I inquired at several different Harley sites about how this seat fits the Deluxe. I was surprised to find that a number of people have had fitment problems with the seat and problems with Corbin customer service not calling them back to resolve problems. Too bad I didn't know this before I spent $459 for the seat. I also didn't know until after I purchased the seat that Corbin has a "no refund" policy (the no-refund policy was listed in the confirmation email I received after purchasing the seat but was not listed on their web site nor did the salesman tell me prior to purchasing the seat). I would caution potential buyers of Corbin seats for the Deluxe to be careful. Madeline Dear Madeline, Wednesday, December 24 More thoughts on Madeline's input on switching to a Corbin seat: I have bought three seats from Corbin. The first two were a good fit and the transaction was easy. The third seat did not fit at all and communication with customer service was frustrating. They did however finally refund the price of the seat and return shipping, after sending me the wrong size seat three times. Corbin is wonderful when you order something they've already figured out. But their R&D doesn't always keep up with changes in the subframe dimensions of new models, and that's what happened with my third seat. I would buy from Corbin again, with caution. Regards, Sarah (note from Mama: a useful cautionary note to keep in mind ... and not just for Corbin, but all companies that offer after-market items.)
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