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Compare bike specs for Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda and Aprilia, side-by-side!
A solid article comparing 250cc bikes -- lots of info here New: An excellent article comparing 250cc bikes!
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2004 (Jan to May) Tuesday, January 6 Dear
VTwin Mama, http://www.bikez.com/bike/pictures.php?id=20397 Faster than the legendary Hayabusa with looks that kill! This is my new answer whenever someone tells me I need a bigger bike, it's perfect! I need a demo ride! Blue Skies and Horsepower, – Inga Dear
Inga, Wednesday, January 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
HH, Wednesday, January 7 For Jennifer's comments on the Sabre: My husband (5'6") also had a Sabre that was beautiful. Definitely too much bike for me as a newbie with 9,000 miles under my seat - I'll stick with my sweet VStar 650. Anyway, back to his powerful Sabre. He replaced the standard 12 inch shocks with 11 inch ones. It lowers the seat height and the center of gravity considerably. He now has a Honda Magna (which has also been lowered) It is extremely smooooth and powerful. At 750 cc it has much more horsepower than the Sabre because it has a 4 cylinder engine. Just food for thought. – Marsha (note from Mama: and we loooove chewing on insights shared by readers!) Tuesday, January 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
James, Tuesday, January 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Big Paul, For instance, check on MotorBooks site (link below) and search for the title "How To Build A Chopper" by Tim Remus for $24.95. Or check my Reading Sources page for other sites that offer motorcycle books. Good luck! – Mama
Dear
VTwin Mama, Am I getting in over my head getting an 1100cc for my first bike? I've already been to a showroom twice, had a seat on this beautiful bike, both feet were firmly flat on the ground & it felt like a good fit! I don't want to get a 650, because I've spoken with several women who have said that was their first purchase & immediately upon getting the smaller bike....they all wished they bought something a little bigger that was more appropriate for cross country trips, etc. Now they're stuck with a bike they can't get rid of. Knowing that I plan on taking my time with a bigger bike, am I making a bad decision?? I don't necessarily have a lot of upper body strength.....important or not?? The V-Star 650 is 500# ....The V-Star 1100 is 650#. I would value & appreciate your pearls of wisdom & look forward to hearing from you! – Cathy in Chicago Dear
Cathy, I think you're head is firmly set on your shoulders, you've drawn up a sound and reasonable plan to get your practice time in on this bike, and have demonstrated that you have no intention of unleashing you and the bike on the unsuspecting public roadways until you really are ready. Now, take a deep breath and realize that your timeframe for this leaning period may need to be adjusted as the reality sets in on what it might take for your comfort level to take hold. Don't get discouraged! One question. During this time, do you have a friend who will be able to ferry the bike to and from the empty practice lot for you? Of course you do! Just checking. Yes, this is a big bike to get started on. However, power is power, and no matter what bike you start with, you'll need to contend with it. As to your personal strength, I highly recommend doing some "exercises" with the bike before even riding it! This involves sitting on the bike, power off, with a friend standing in front straddling the front wheel and holding the handlebar and the bike off it's side kickstand. Now, gently lean the bike from side to side to start getting use to the feel of the weight. How far can you lean before the weight is too much? Learn your limit. Next, have your friend slowly push you forward and back while your feet are still on the ground.. Feel the motion. Learn the motion. Be the motion! Does this make sense?! Another exercise I highly recommend is that you learn to pick up your bike all by yourself. Check my Cool Links page for a number of sites that show you how this is done (picture by picture). It's well worth learning this technique as it will help you understand your bike. No, you don't have to be a "heavy weight" to do this, if done correctly! One more suggestion. Seriously consider getting Motorman's Ride Like A Pro video on riding techniques. This video comes highly recommended by many riders as a great tool to help you visualize good riding techniques as you get started. It explains the dynamics behind the bike's movements as you attempt to master riding techniques. I think an especially important consideration for someone who is interested in a bigger bike right off the bat. Ok, that's all I can think of right now. Go to it VTwin Mama sister. YOU CAN DO IT! – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Karen, My standard advice on bike size for new riders is this: 1)
take a riding class -- check your Yellow Pages and sign up now -- classes
fill up quickly for Spring and Summer (and Fall sometimes as well) Good luck and let us know how it's going! – Mama Wednesday, January 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Dale, Dear
VTwin Mama, Should I make the switch up, or should I take the ACE or hold out for something more powerful? (But not too much bigger) I'm 5'6" tall and have rather small hands, so I have to stretch to pull in the clutch sometimes. – Kerrylynne Dear
Kerrylynne, Meanwhile, check for a bike show in your area this winter by going to Motorcycle Events. This is a great opportunity to sit on a lot of different makes/models/sizes for comparison. If there isn't a show around, take the time during this winter lull (depending on where you live!) to visit dealer showrooms and do the same thing. After all, shopping is shopping! At the same time, talk to people about the ergonomic clutches available that make pulling in the clutch easier and in some cases, less of a "hand" stretch. Read my Working on the Bike -- Clutch Levers page for previous postings on this subject! There are solutions, and if you do decide on a bigger bike, this is something you'll want to address right away. – Mama Tuesday, February 3 For Kerrylynne and all others considering a bigger bike: For anyone who is wanting to move up to a larger bike but wondering how big, I would like to suggest Harley Davidson's rental program. Even if you aren't considering a Harley, you can at least take out a bike of similar weight and engine size. I tried three different ones, and discovered that a 1200cc was NOT too much bike for me. It's a great way to try before you buy. – Li in Florida (note from Mama: this is a great suggestion and I like how you emphasized that no matter what make/model, if cc range is a concern, this is a good alternative to guessing what is going to work/satisfy you!) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
V, Thursday, February 4 For V who is looking for opinions on the "top-heavy" Sporty vs. Low Riders: Love your site and have learned so much from it. The archive files are great and I enjoy the daily posts too. Thanks for providing such a great way for women to share knowledge and riding techniques. I'd like to respond to V about her Sportster being top heavy and thinking about a Low Rider. Check out the new '04 Sportsters. They've made a lot of changes on the new '04 models. A lot of people think the new '04's look more like a Dyna than a Sportster. I got my 1200 Custom in October and have put down almost 1000 miles on it this winter. (would have been a lot more, except it has rained too much this winter) I think it handles very nice and a couple of friends that ride the older Sporty's have taken it for a spin and they've both said "no comparison". Thanks again VTwin Mama for being such a valuable resource to all of us. – Hot Flash (note from Mama: thanks so much for your kind words about the site and taking the time to point out a much needed (!) change to the Sporty model. You wouldn't believe how much I learn reading my own website!) Hey
there VTwinMama! I was at the Harley dealership a few weeks ago and told the salesman about my three choices and he told me that the Harley was "superior" and "made better." He was really vague and I couldn't get a more specific answer from him than that - which raised a red flag. I know I'm just a girl (rolling eyes), but this girl likes to ask lots of questions so I can understand the whys and wherefores. I just can't take something on faith alone - not if I'm spending thousands of dollars more for a legendary name. Now, I know that when one finds a brand they like they stick to it with amazing loyalty. Harley riders, I have found, are more like zealots. BMW riders are a very close second in their zeal! (Please don't take this as an insult - I can appreciate such loyalty!) My first two bikes were Hondas and I was a complete Honda nut!) But they can't explain to me what exactly makes H-D so much better. I guess it's a matter of faith. "It just is" they say. Or I get an answer like, "Well, it's all American made" or "It's America's oldest cycle manufacturer" It leaves me feeling like I'm not a good patriot if I don't buy a Harley. -sigh- Please, could someone out there tell me what, specifically, makes H-D a more "superior" bike. I have an open mind and I really want to know! I'm looking for facts and proof. Is it a different metal compound used in the frame, is the production line of the cycle different, more TLC used, it is a better engine design (and what makes it better compared to others), did it perform better in extreme road testing, or is it just plain old personal preference. I don't mean to stir up a hornets' nest. I just have an inquiring mind that really wants to know. Thanks in advance for any help that can be provided! – Jennifer Dear
Jennifer, As to the "mystique" of the Harley name, well, that's a little easier for me. First, my Dad is a retired union electrician, and if there was any lesson I learned, it was that one should and ought to buy American when ever possible. Second, the sheer fact that the "hard core" riders kept Harley alive during the lean years (read oil leaking motorcycles here) when HD almost went bust (mid 70s), and then got smart and learned their lessons in manufacturing (from the Japanese, no less to learn just-in-time (JIT) practices) so they weren't bleeding at the bottom line, says a lot about HD's overall "moxy" in not dying when Wallstreet was ready to cash in their chips. Third, there is a lot of pride associated with traveling on bike that is revered throughout the world and coveted for their unique design (after all, the VTwin engine is a Harley invention) and the unique potato-potato exhaust sound puts it in a class of its own (and many "other" models now try to mimic that sound to the point were HD is patenting the (or are they still working on that?) "sound." That said, in the three years that I've been running this site, I've learned that women are less likely to immediately fall and bow down to the Harley legend. After all, women shop! And, if I may be so bold to say, often times have greater financial concerns that don't often allow a budget for the higher priced HDs (no, not all, I'm just saying . . . ) In addition, the overall market is still very much (!) skewed towards the male buyer, since only about 10% of solo riders are women, so if you were a manufacturer who needs to spend marketing dollars, where would you put your eggs? I don't think HD did a great job to cater to the emerging women's market (the Sportster was there answer to the shorter woman, although this bike has/had one of the highest seat heights and many women report that they are top-heavy bikes to boot, although we've already heard that the 2004 model is changing that. So, sigh, what's a woman rider to think when shopping for her next bike?! Brain power is the answer. When riding my friend's BMW to a major gathering of women at the WOW national ride-in last summer, I was hardly alone in riding a non-HD bike. At other gatherings, I would NEVER feel like I had to defend my choice of bike, whether I'm on that BMW or my own HD (which is my third bike, after a Kawi 750 and a Honda Shadow 750). The point? To ride. To ride any motorcycle that fits my criteria, to know how to ride it well, to maintain it, to take care of business when crap happens (no matter the make/model/year), and to embrace each and every one's choice. If salespeople try to use vague wording on why HD is "better," well chalk it up to the nature of sales. They don't want you walking out of their showroom without buying. Enough said. So VTwin Mama sister, the bottom line is that there are pluses and minuses and lemons in every batch of bikes made. Harley isn't superior, but it does have every reason to be proud of its lineage and the hard work put into making it the best it can be. And the same can be said for the Kawis, Suzukis, Hondas, MotoGuzzis and BMWs (and others) out there. One thing I do know . . . whatever choice you do make, it's not necessarily permanent! Ride it, keep it, sell it -- explore. It's just too much fun! And that's the point! – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
dotsonbuckus, Wednesday, February 11 For dotsonbuckus who was looking for a picture of the 2004 Magna: Sorry to say, they are not making a 2004 Magna....so..so .. sad... – Shorty, 1999 Magna I believe Honda discontinued the Magna. Not sure if they will bring it back, but as far as I know, it's gone. – Terri in Baltimore For VTwin Mama's question whether HD patented their famous exhaust sound: Harley dropped the court fight to trademark the sound. When their attorneys were asked to describe the sound for the judge, they responded with "po-tay-toe po-tay-toe". The counsel for the Japanese contingent then told the judge that the bikes the Japanese manufacturers were producing had a different sound. When asked to demonstrate for clarification, the Japanese attorneys responded with "po-TAH-toe po-TAH-to". ;-D – Nyuk! Dave, Husband of Laura (note from Mama: hee, hee, hee -- heard this one before, but it's still funny every time I read it!) Thursday, February 12 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Beth, Monday, February 16 For V who is pondering the Sporty vs. Low Rider bikes: I can relate to you. When I got my first bike it was a Sportster. I loved it at first but then I rode my husband's Fatboy. Oh boy did I realize what a mistake I had made when I bought the Sportster. The Fatboy was a much more comfortable ride and even felt more balanced. Needless to say, I am now riding that Fatboy and my husband just picked up his new one. Everyone tried to tell me not to buy a Sportster but I didn't feel confident at the time and bought one anyway. I would definitely go to a Low Rider. You'll find the ride much more enjoyable. – No Name (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one -- and congrats on your FatBoy and riding enjoyment!) Tuesday, February 17 I've been very interested to read the comments about the 2004 Sportster especially its weight distribution and handling. I'd be interested in hearing more. Bob has suggested I sell the Triumph and get a Sportster. He says it would handle better at slow speeds. I'm not convinced. The Sportster is considerably heavier and reviewers don't seem to agree about its top-heaviness. Plus, I just got the Triumph fixed and spring is around the corner. Since I'm married to a Harley convert, I thought I would respond to Jennifer's interesting letter. I remember when the federal government rescued Harley-Davidson from extinction. I thought it was absurd at the time. Now it seems they use better quality parts (metal instead of plastic, better metal, etc.) and really work hard to keep the customer satisfied. They are continually trying new things. The V-Rod was a risky design, and Eric Buell's designs are way off the beaten path for them. All good moves, I think. So while the Harley mystique can be irritating and some dealers are arrogant about negotiating price, it's also true that Harleys are tough as nails and holding their value. The dealers I've known bend over backward in customer service, whether you bought the bike from them or not. Variety of design could be better. There are obviously plenty of riders out there who like heavy bikes with a seating position that rests you on your tailbone. I wish they made more variety of smaller bikes, but that's also true of most of the manufacturers. – Sarah (note from Mama: a Google search on "2004 Sportster motorcycle reviews" brought up a number of sites that offered opinions on this model which might prove to be interesting. That's where I would start! And thanks for adding your thoughs on the overall Harley mystique and nuts and bolts!) Wednesday, February 18 My first bike and the one I still own is a H-D Sportster 1200 Custom. I sometimes wish I would have started on a V-Star because that is what a friend of mine has and loves it, but we got the Sportster at a price we could not pass up and that is really what I wanted. Anyway about your question if Harley's are "Superior"? I don't think so... Don't get me wrong, both my husband and myself own one and love them, but we know that there are better bikes out there. When I mean better bikes, I mean for comfort and handling, not necessarily mechanics wise. Of course the salesman is going to tell you Harley is superior and if you went to a Honda dealer, they will tell you the same thing. I think you need to buy which-ever makes you happy and you are comfortable buying and riding... I would like to think of motorcycle sales similar to car sales, each manufacturer likes to think their cars and trucks are superior over the competition, when in reality, what makes a motorcycle or car superior over another is what the owner thinks, not what everyone else thinks. Hope this helps and happy riding!! – Sue (note from Mama: salesmen can really "kanoodle" a buyer with their nonsensical, and sometimes useful, patter on a purchase choice. Trying to discern between the two can drive any buyer up a wall!) Wednesday, February 18 For V who is pondering the Sporty vs. Low Rider bikes: This is a reply to V with the Sporster seat height problem. You are correct by saying that the Sporster has one of the highest seat height of the Harley line. This makes it a harder bike to ride for shorter less experienced riders even for experienced riders at that. I would say though that the Dyna Low Rider has a high seat height also and the bike is wider to. I'm not saying it is less top heavy -- it is a little lower and has a lower center of gravity due to it's heavier engine and wheel displacement. I wouldn't say buying Low Rider is better unless she wanted to upgrade the bike itself. If she is happy with the Sporty other then it's height she should stay with it. She could put and 11" rear shocks on to lower the rear (Progressive makes a good riding lower shock) and lower the front 1" this will lower the bike and the center of gravity. She could also change the seat to a more low profile type seat (Mustang or Corbin gunfighter is nice) and lower her seat height more. All these mods could be done for under $600. I think it would be money well spent if she is happy with the Sporster's ride and performance. Why spend $16,000 when you could spend $600 and be happy with what you have. Just a thought. Good luck in whatever your choice is and ride safe. – Dave (note from Mama: thanks for some concrete thinking on the seat issue -- it's greatly appreciated!) Unless the new '04 rubber-mounted Sportsters are as great as the dealership says, I'll agree on the Sportster vs Low Rider or Fat Boy or the bigger bike. My 2000 HD 883 Hugger is great for around town but man, get up to 65/75 mph and what a teeth jarring ride! I can't see riding this bike on long trips. So, I'm checking out (by renting) the new HD Sportster Custom 1200 and see how it compares. Same size and weight as 883 except 1200 cc. Anyone else try it? If it doesn't give me a better ride, I'll go to a non-Harley bike. Sorry HD, but comfort over name.– Barbara in Queen Creek, AZ (note from Mama: sound advice from someone whose really been checking it out -- thanks! ) Dear
VTwin Mama, The Wide Glide put fear into me one day when I was backing her out of the garage to wash her and felt the overpowering weight. I didn't cow out, I decided I needed a smaller bike for my size and I feel I made a great choice! I am 36 years old and own 2 Harleys and love feeling the freedom! My dad just started out a new rider at the age of 61!!! Just my positive insight on the 883 Hugger, perfect for my 5'5 120 lbs!! I know that I will be on the Wide Glide in the future as well, it has a low seat height just more weight! Get off the back girls and let freedom ring in your soul!!!: ) – Tammy Dear
Tammy, Friday, February 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Also, the Shadow Spirit is chain driven where its replacement the Honda Aero is shaft. Any opinions on shaft over chain? It seems Honda has discontinued ALL of its chain driven models. – Debbie Dear
Debbie, That's cool. For myself, I'll always want to kick myself for selling my Honda Shadow 750 with it's shaft drive (I think it was an '86) -- so free of problems! Here is a discussion thread I found on the very subject -- but couldn't find a really good technical discussion forum or article. So readers, if you have a site that goes into the pros and cons, let me know! – Mama Friday, February 20 For Barbara who is checking out the '04 1200 Custom Sportster: I also went the rental route to try out different models/weights/engines. I ended up getting an '04 Sportster (1200 Custom). I love it! I don't find the ride rough at all, although I've never been on one of the older, hard-mount Sportsters. I tried a Low Rider, too. At first, I leaned toward the Low Rider, but after about an hour, I found the extra width very uncomfortable. Once I traded off with my friend on the Sportster a few times, my mind was made up. There's actually not a whole lot of difference between seat heights, but I'm 6', so maybe it's not as big an issue for me. – Li in Florida (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your experiences on these different bikes -- every piece of knowledge is useful!!) Tuesday, February 24 For Tammy who geared down a notch on bikes and her Dad who started at age 61: To quote you: "it just goes to show that AGE DOESN'T MATTER!" And to boil down Tammy's post to one phrase: But size does. >;D – Dave, husband of Laura, who agrees . . . (note from Mama: now that's boiling it down to it's essence!) Tuesday, February 24 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Cara, Nope, there really aren't bike models "made" for women -- mostly because we still only make up 10% of the overall market for sales. Yes, some bikes have lower seat heights which go along way to helping shorter women feel comfortable and in control, but the reality is that you've got to learn what to ask when you're visiting the showroom floors, no matter what type of bike you're yearning for. There are three main points. One -- can the bike be lowered to accommodate your height? Two -- can the handlebars be altered so that the position is comfortable (and you're not reaching too far). Three -- are the foot controls were you need them for solid shifting and braking maneuvers. In most cases, there are solutions available to alter the bike to meet your needs. Previous discussions on this subject indicate that it's best to negotiate these changes (and any price considerations) at the time you're looking to buy. It can cost much more to alter it after the fact. Be bold and shop with these thoughts in mind. Then insist that the salesperson address your concerns. After all, you're ready to part with hard earned dollars and it's their job to make sure you spend it with them! So make them earn their keep! Now, open up your Yellow Pages and find the dealer showrooms near you, and if necessary, consider traveling a bit further out if your local shop(s) don't cater to you. Also, visit Motorcycle Events to see if there is a show near you this winter season. It's a great way to see a lot of bikes in one setting! – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Being a first bike, with little previous experience, I've been focusing on something in the 600-750CC range - with a low seat (as I'm only 5' tall). I've narrowed my choice down between the 2004 Yamaha VStar Classic (don't believe the brochure printed seat height of 27.9 inches!) and the 2004 Honda Shadow Aero. Both feel good sitting on them in the show room - and are similarly priced. Should I consider the difference in CC in my decision (650 versus 750)? Will I notice the difference? Are there advantages or disadvantages of the liquid cooled versus air cooled that I should consider? I plan on commuting to work, as well as cruising as much as I can on weekends - and evenings. In Michigan, we have a short riding season - so I want to take advantage of it - and want to be sure I've picked the right bike to do so on! Thanks! – Jeanette Dear
Jeanette, For a beginner rider, the difference between a 600 and 750cc bike might not be as apparent (except that they are both more powerful than the classroom bike you'll learn on!), but as time goes on, you'll begin to appreciate the extra power the 750cc bike will give, especially when cruising longer distances. My suggestion is that you see how you do on the 250cc bike you'll be using in your class, how quickly you adapt to riding techniques, etc., and then consider your choices. Many new riders have reported that following the class, they feel more comfortable on a smaller cc bike for the initial first year of riding. Then they sell or trade-in that bike for the bike that will meet their needs (which are more easily evaluated once you've got some riding time under your belt). You may wish to consider a used bike for the interim period before plunking down your hard-earned money on your dream bike. It's one thought. Another point to explore between these two bikes is their resale value and possible trade-in with the dealer down the line. I know the VStar series is a highly regarded bike, but don't have any input on the Honda Aero. As to liquid cooled versus air cooled, I found these descriptions which I think accurately reflect the salient points of both: "The Liquid-Cooled Engine uses a radiator, water pump and anti-freeze to maintain it's temperature. This gives it a distinct advantage is heavy traffic over the air cooled engine, which relies on a steady airflow to cool the cylinder heads and barrels. This engine is not without it's detractors - not necessarily from a technical point of view as so much a stylistic one. The radiator is not exactly a sexy addition to the motorcycle. And as the air cooled engine is a simpler design, it is easier and less costly to maintain than the liquid cooled design. It also adds more weight to the machine." Given that you are in Michigan, where temperatures don't necessarily reach the extremes one would find in the southern states, an air cooled bike would probably serve its purpose well. So, my opinion is you simply incorporate this distinction in your overall evaluation of the bikes you're looking at. Good luck next month in the riding course. We look forward to giving you a biker wave on the road when you're riding! – Mama Wednesday, March 3 Dear
VTwin Mama, I currently ride a 2000 883 Sportster and am ready to move on to something with a little more power and comfort. I am looking at an '04 Low Rider. I have done my homework and like the bike a lot. I am short, 5'3", and I like the height and balance of the Low Rider. I was just wondering if those who currently have a Low Rider could let me know how they like it. The riders on your site talk a lot about the Softtails and the Fat Boy but I haven't seen many comments on the Low Rider. I don't know many women who ride so the only advice I have been getting is coming from the guys that I ride with. They always think bigger is better! Some input would be great! – A Happy Girl Dear
Happy Girl, Yes, we haven't heard much about the Low Rider from the woman's perspective, and a search of the Internet for qualified reviews of motorcycles by women still is not coming up with anything. But, below is some input from David, a wonderful contributor to this site, whose technical knowledge has helped us out many times. Other Low Riders out there -- it's time to chime in! – Mama Wednesday, March 3 For No Name who wants a Low Rider, but can it be lowered for her 5'0" height? As well as an opinion on the new '04 Sportster for V! Check out the new '04 Sportsters. I think you will agree that they have come a long way on the disadvantages of the Sportsters. The overall seat height is lower now by almost a 1.5" -- this makes the center of gravity of the bike lower . If you went with a lower profile seat on the bike this would also help. I think the '04 Custom Sporty looks the best out of the Sportsters line up -- comes with drag bars and solid disk rear wheel, 21 " front spoked wheel and has a lot more chrome on it then the others. This is the bike I'm considering buying for my wife and she is 5' 2" 120lbs wet. If you did go with the Low Rider you can change the rear shocks over to 11" shocks without it being a problem in bottoming out or scrapping. I have done this to many of my friends bikes, 2 of which are Low Riders. They ride 2 up and have no problems. I just have to say the comfort of the ride will be compromised. It will be a lot stiffer -- you will be going from almost 3" of travel to about a 1.5" of travel. I would suggest the Progressive 11 " shocks if you were to do this -- they give the best ride in my opinion. You could also go with a air ride suspension for around $800 -- this will let you change the ride height as you want. Lot of money though. If you like I can send you pictures of my Superglide with the 11" progressives on it. – David (note from Mama: so much valuable information here, and lots of input on the new '04 Sportster that many have been asking about. As always, I value your contribution and appreciate the time you take to share your knowledge with us!) Wednesday, March 3 For Jeanette who is pondering the VStar Classic vs. the Honda Shadow Aero Welcome and congratulations on venturing into the world of motorcycle riding. I am a new comer as well and I salute your courage. I recently purchased my first bike. It is a Yamaha VStar Classic 650cc. It is absolutely a beautiful bike. It is so comfortable to ride. It's not a heavy bike, and it maneuvers well for a bike of it's size. I am 5'4", 125lbs with a 30" inseam and my feet plant firmly on the ground with this bike. I know that the Honda Aero (which I think replaced the Magna) the Honda ACE DLX as well as the Suzuki Volusia have a similar style, and spec (most importantly seat height) and also beautiful options but I am partial to my Yamaha. Also the Vstar Classic comes with little extra's that the Aero does not come with like running boards (foot rests) which make it a very comfortable ride for long trips. Many women on this website have noted this as a wonderful starter bike. But trying not to be biased, I looked up the retail and trade in values of these models since VTwin Mama (Petra) suggested that this is something you might want to consider. I couldn't find anything on the Honda Aero though but used the Magna in it's place since I really think this is the bike it replaced (this is for the 2003 yr) Model Trade-In Retail
I bought my VStar for $100 over MSRP so $6000 out the door and I think that for my area that was pretty good. The Yamaha VStar Custom is usually less than the Classic but I like the look of the Classic much better. Also the VStar is the only 650cc bike on this list, it's on the lower end of the mid range bikes your looking at but I believe it has more than enough power to make your riding experience enjoyable. I believe that everything else is a 750cc or higher. The Volusia is a 800cc bike. Which ever bike you choose I hope that it makes you happy and you have many years of safe riding and wonderful experiences. Also take a look at the archives that Mama (Petra) has, there is so much information in there I know that you'll find valuable information that will help you make the right decision for you. Be safe and good luck. – Karen (note from Mama: thank you soooo much for sharing your homework on bike values -- WOW! I do think for new riders that it is an important point as so many times riders quickly find out they really want (need) more power!) Friday, March 19 Hola,
Mamacita! Hola
back at 'ya fellow Shovelhead owner (!), And I just love your "My collectibles MOVE!" line -- how refreshing! Hopefully this letter will spur more women riders who are tall to address their concerns at this site -- as it is equally challenging to find some place to put long legs! – Mamacita Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Nancy, Believe it or not, you've already got the right idea. Not Harley and liquid cooled. Now, add some more definers. For instance, ultimately, what type of riding will you be doing (around town, day trips, long hauls, etc.). How did you do in the course with the 250cc (need more time to gain confidence on the same size bike before moving up, then check for something used in your area; or maybe you're up for more power right away and a midrange 600-750cc bike makes sense, but check the trade-in value, etc.). What price range are you willing to consider? Is getting a new bike with your exact colors and options a must, or will a used bike do for now? It's never to early to visit the showroom floors of local dealers and start sitting on bikes! And you'll get a feel for how the salesperson is treating you (talking with you, ignoring you in favor of discussions with your hubby, etc.) -- and make it a point to meet the service manager if possible -- after all, you may be visiting there for early on maintenance, etc. Your dealer's "support team" is very important and you should feel comfortable asking your questions (to the point of even asking your hubby to let you do the talking so that you and your needs are the focal point of the conversation). I realize that I'm not naming bikes, but if this site is any indicator, then check the Suzuki Intruders, Honda Shadow and Nighthawk series, BMWs (pricier, but well worth a look for comparison sake), Moto Guzzis (California series) and even a used Yamaha Virago (boo hoo, the larger cc bikes are out of production). Good luck in your course and remember, you're there to learn, so learn lots and then go out and learn some more! We're rooting for you! – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, I will have to say that after sitting on a bunch of bigger bikes, I always thought it would be really hard to handle a larger cc heavier bike, but after reading this site, it has given me a new perspective. I had been searching through dealers and bike shows looking for a bike for my husband (kind of funny- roles reversed). He had been set on a cruiser style bike as well, but I had other thoughts ;). I have always been drawn to a more standard or sport style bike and I figured I could sell him if I found "the one." Well, I found an awesome bike- BMW R1150R and after begging him to sit on it he loved it. Needless to say my Savage has a playmate, and I have a new bike to ride as well :). At first I was kind of intimidated by it -- 530 lbs and the opposed twin cylinder heads sticking way out- seemed ominous -- but hey, I'll give it a whirl. WOW. What a nice ride and surprisingly easy to ride. It is a pain for me to move it around, I can almost flat foot it, but I will make it happen. The funny thing too was even though the Beemer is awesome, I took my Savage out for a spin and it was like riding a toy. I actually had more fun on it because it felt so light. So I just wanted to say thanks again for a very informative site, and giving me the inspiration too and nerve to ride the bigger bikes -- if you ever have a chance to ride an R1150R ladies, go for it! – Maire "opposed Twin and Thumper Mama" Dear
Maire, Thanks for sharing your first hand perspective on the Savage and BMW (I'm still drooling on that one) and I'm glad that the VTwin Mama site postings played a role in building your understanding and confidence to "stretch" not only your dream of riding, but your "can do" attitude on taking on new challenges. Way to go Opposed VTwin! You are an inspiration to us all! – Mama Monday, March 29 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Kevin, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Lone Star, Tuesday, March 30 For Ann who is looking for input on 250cc bikes: Here's my 2 cents on 250s. I learned on a Yamaha Route 66 -- just a Virago with a different name. I loved it! It was a great confidence builder for me. I'm not timid but I am cautious, so I wanted to start at the bottom, so to speak. I was happy with it and even made a 1300-mile vacation trip on it. But then one day at a gas station, a man and his son, maybe 12 years old or so, came up and dad said "Look, Timmy, it's just your size." That was kind of embarrassing. I'm about 5'3", by the way -- taller than that kid! So that made me want a bigger bike. I shopped around and got a Suzuki Marauder 800cc, and at 480-some pounds, much heavier than the Yamaha but seemed very ergonomically good for me after I sat on it in the showroom. Unfortunately, it hasn't been the greatest for actual riding. It's heavier than the 250 and has real heavy steering and I still don't feel I've mastered it. My point: As much as I loved my Yamaha, I wish sometimes that I'd started on, say, a 500, so that I could have learned to respect the weight of a "real" bike. It's important to me to do the same stuff the "big kids" do -- including the boys -- so I always intended to move up. Maybe in retrospect I started too small. Might be something for Ann to consider. P.S. I too didn't think I'd tire of the 250 until Timmy and his dad came along! As usual, thanks for your site! We appreciate your hard work on something that keeps you from devoting all your time to riding. : ) – LM (note from Mama: ok, a hint from another letter long ago -- don't let the Suzuki put you off -- it may just not be the right bigger bike for you! I don't think you've made a mistake starting on a smaller, lighter bike, but I wonder, have you taken your Marauder to an empty parking lot and relearned your basic riding skills on the bike? May be worth several practice sessions away from traffic and obstacles. The respect for more weight comes with time, but if you feel you're fighting the bike for control after awhile, then consider something else! It happens!) Thursday, April 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Michelle, Friday, April 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Annie, That said, smart sisters who are contemplating a new bike that will challenge their riding skills (and some extra power) take the time to take the new bike to an empty parking lot and practice, practice, practice. Set out cones. Draw lines on the ground. Learn every gear shift combo up and down to see how the power reacts between gears and then relearn stopping slow and fast, easy and tight turns, curves, leans, countersteering -- the whole enchilada! Also, check for advanced riding courses in your area in which you would ride your own bike. You would be under the watchful eye of a qualified instructor who can see your body position, etc. and help you master the new beastie. For added support, visit the Speedy Bike Girls site and chat with women who "sporty" their way through riding -- what fun! – Mama Friday, April 2 For No Name who needs to transport a bike cross country: I just thought I'd let No Name in NC know that people from the Wildguzzi forum have used (and been happy with) Allied shipping and also with www.haulbikes.com. Another thought: why not buy a one-way ticket and ride the Ridley home! That's what I'd do for sure! Oh, and sad news for Nancy in Phoenix -- Moto Guzzi doesn't make a liquid cooled bike yet. That's coming soon. On the other hand, with your cylinders jutting out in the breeze (where they belong ;) ), desert dwelling Guzzisti don't find air-cooling to be a problem. Thanks, as always, for the great site. – Marina (note from Mama: of course -- fly in, ride out! Sometimes my brain isn't firing on all cylinders and that's why I'm so thankful for all the responses I get to letters!) Saturday, April 3 Dear
VTwin Mama, Some of the "new rider" web sites make it sound like starting out on a bigger bike is the epitome of DUMB. My husband, who's been riding for 25 years and who is a very smart guy, heartily disagrees. His thinking is why buy a 250 you'll be ready to dump in a month or two. My thinking is why not learn on what I want to ride? The class is in May. It's a "women only" session, which I think is a great idea. I'll let you know how it goes. After reading your site, I feel like there are a whole lot of women who will be right there, in spirit, cheering for me! Best regards, – Nancy Craig Dear
Nancy, Here's input from a VTwin Mama sister on the Aero: "I went and checked out the Honda Aero today, it is an "04, two tone-with windshield, luggage rack, and floor boards, it was $7499 TTL included. Very nice bike, didn't test drive it, but sits like a dream." Get ready to have fun! – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Vivian, You might benefit greatly by starting off on a dirt bike (and the kids would love you forever!) to begin your extended practice on the actual riding skills you'll need (clutching, braking, corners, turns, etc.) and at the same time, pick up a book on the challenges of excellent street riding and what it takes mentally. Check my Reading Sources page for some top-notch suggestions on books that can guide you to what it takes to be a safe street rider. That way, when you're ready, you'll already have a heads-up on the things you need to consider. A small price for so much knowledge! – Mama Tuesday, April 6 From Terri in Baltimore: For Terri who is interested in the Savage site that's rocking: Thanx again for the great site. I'm glad I can contribute something useful. Here is the link for the SAVAGE SITE-- the forum is very informative on most technical stuff. http://www.heise-workstations.de/ls650/LS650-e.html I do have a tidbit for you on the R1150R . . . I had been riding the R for an hour having such a blast through through our local park a week or so ago. I came to a stop on a good incline. I usually think nothing of them, as I have absolutely no prob with holding the rear brake and throttling out. I don't know what the heck happened, my foot must've slipped a little on some gravel and the bike started to lean to the right .... I was like NOOO way... it was like slow motion as I tried to hold up the freshly gassed up 540 pound beast. Needless to say it tipped ( I did give it a good fight and it came down about as gently as possible. All that fear of looking and feeling like an ass, of not being able to pick it back up, and oh my god what was my husband gonna say all fueling me to keep fighting. I remembered the link of the woman picking up the heavy bike from your site and proceeded to plan my attack. I started getting it off the ground ,and some guy hopped out of a pickup and gave me a hand. Thank god . I was starting to think I wouldn't be able to do it, or it would go the other way. What a shitty feeling I tell ya. Fortunately, only the back of the the mirror was scuffed, and the valve cover got a couple of scratches, but I was mentally crushed as I drove the 15 miles home. I know everyone has their "icky" and most people do drop their bikes...lol. I've had some Beemer forum guys telling me of poppin the clutch and dropping it while driving the bike home from the dealers... all sorts of stories like that... centerstand dumps- you name it. But it sucks when its your turn. I hope I can "leather up" and get the confidence back up now. The weather hasn't been the best here. And I've only ventured out on my Savage. Any ways, love your site, I can only imagine how time consuming it is to manage one. Thanx again. – Maire (note from Mama: thanks for the cool Savage forum link! Contributors like yourself is what makes the VTwin Mama forum so totally useful! As to the "icky," well, there you have it. A crisis moment, a helping hand, and the realization that you're vulnerable. Now, go back to my Cool Links page and find the site that shows you how to pick up the bike on your own. Then, lay out an old piece of carpet on the driveway and gently lay the bike down . . . and practice! That way, should it (heavens forbid) happen again somehow, you'll be so totally ready and in command of the "oopsie" that you'll never fear it again! Let's face it, most riders have had their bike "take a nap on its side" and it makes for a great story down the line when you're ready to share something funny. Trust me! And yes, the time necessary to manage the VTwin Mama site is something to behold, but "she" is a total labor of love, one that I just can't give up after all these three years and counting. It's letters like yours that make me realize how important this forum is and I'm just going to keep going : ) Oops, back to "work" ! ! ! !) Dear
VTwin Mama, I started with a Kawasaki 250 about 3 years ago and I loved it the entire year I had it! Then I sold it and rode my hubby's 6500 Ninja in parking lots. I didn't feel comfortable on it at all. So I bought a Suzi GS500 (40hp and 31.1'seat height). I've had it for about a year and I've enjoyed riding it. I do have some complaints as far as shifting and warm up time. I started getting the itch for a "stronger and prettier" bike about a month ago. I know that I prefer standard/naked bikes over cruisers or crotch rockets. I was looking at the Suzuki SV650 (69hp and 31.7 seat height), Moto Guzzi Breva V750 (48hp and 29' seat height), or (call me crazy) the new Kawasaki Z1000 (125hp and 32' seat height). I know, that's a lot more power with the Z1000, however, I sat on one that had been lowered 3 inches and the low seat height with the low center of gravity (lower than my GS500 which feels top-heavy) just felt great! I also sat on the SV650 and it felt top-heavy also, but I like the modest but peppy power. I have yet to try the Moto Guzzi, but the specs look like it has the right seat height and power (only 48hp). Any opinions or thoughts? I still have another three months before I have enough cash to buy a new bike, so I have time. – Annie in Orlando, FL Dear
Annie, My other suggestion is to do an Internet search for discussion forums for the bike models you mention and read their discussion boards to see what the gripes and compliments are. A bit of work, but then you want to hear from "the horses mouth" so to speak. Time to go do your homework! – Mama Wednesday, April 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Cissi, But how to get some practical advice NOW?! Although you're not ready to ride your dream Harley right now, you're also not sure what model is going to suit you best. My suggestion is to join the Harley Owner's Group now and that gains you entry into your local Harley chapter, and many of those have Ladies of Harley subchapters! Then, introduce yourself. The point you ask (I know I had one!). . . the local Harley dealer is only going to have so many models on the showroom floor. By getting involved in your local group, you can ask if you can just sit on different Harleys to get a beginning feel for what's what! You'll also be able to meet women who may end up being your mentor down the road (hee hee) and help you during the practice phase of your learning curve. This is a very good thing! Also, contact women's riding organizations in your area: the links are on my Cool Links page. You'll meet women of all ages and riding styles who have a wide variety of bikes, and again, may prove to be extremely useful as you make your way through the riding course and beyond. Now, go forth and make new friends! – Mama Thursday, April 8 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Marina, Thursday, April 8 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Moped Rider, Also, this bike is a lot lighter than more traditional street/cruising bikes in the 500cc and up range, so wind tossing is a given, even with your weight. Also to consider is your relative newness to the sport of motorcycling, so give it some time to learn how a bike feels and as your skills improve, so will your "feeling" for how the bike's characteristics are responding. You still might be adding a wiggle in your riding pattern just because your new! So, now it's time to ask yourself what type of riding you're aiming for and if the 250cc bike is going to ultimately meet your goals. Don't get me wrong, it's a great bike for learning on (many women spend 6 months to a year getting their learning curve under control on a 250cc bike) and bumming around town, and even going up the highway a bit, but if your long-range goal is longer cruises and such, you'll want to be thinking of upgrading in the future. Doesn't have to be this second, but it's worth thinking about! And there's shopping involved! – Mama Saturday, April 17 Dear
VTwin Mama, My comments on starting out on a dirt bike [for Vivian] are that some important aspects do not cross over very well. After riding dirt & street bikes for over 17 years now, when I first started I got a little mixed up. For example, on dirt bikes you tend to stick the 'ol leg out and use the rear brake a ton vs. using the front brake proportionally more on a street bike and for gosh sakes, don't stick out your leg in a turn! : ) Also, remember that street bikes don't tend to stick to dirt/gravel etc. quite as nicely as dirt bikes! – Kathie from IL Dear
Kathie, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
HDRyder, As to the trip itself, I'd say, as long as the group is comfortable with making allowances for your needs (maybe more frequent stops so you don't fatigue and always having someone responsible for accounting for your "keep up ability and position in the group" and maybe readjusting speed/etc. for your ability level), then you've got a good riding group. Gauge how that weekend ride goes and then don't be afraid to say what you truly think you can handle. Pretending that you can manage that longer ride, when in fact you find that it might be too much, would be the mistake. Sit it out and practice some more until you're ready. If you find your comfort level is within your "good gut feeling," then go for it! Just never be afraid to say how you're actually doing! One more thing, click over to my Riding Techniques -- Group Riding page to read up on what you should know -- good postings and there's a link to a great article as well! – Mama Wednesday, April 21 For Lone Star who wanted opinions of 250cc bikes: I started on a 600, had some mishaps (putting it
mildly), and after taking the MSF course, backtracked to a Virago 250. I'm
just under 5'3", never rode a bike before the VLX, could balance a
bicycle but never drove a stick (at least not enough to master it), not
athletic, not terribly coordinated but can LEARN the physical stuff with
repetition. I have ridden three of the so-called trainer bikes and
here are my opinions, for what it's worth. Dear
VTwin Mama, April 4: I am sooooo excited about my new bike. First of all, I had enrolled in Riders Edge and left about half-way through, I felt like a cluck, stalled the Buell Blast (500cc) repeatedly, ( so- FINE-C I know). Half clutched the poor thing right up to the point of my departure, never got out of 1st gear. On the positive side, I never dropped the bike, and was not asked to leave due to reckless behavior or lack of aptitude, and found riding in a straight line even in first gear was a wow experience. I was just tired and frustrated and decided I'd had it for the day. In retrospect, I would not have done anything differently in that regard. Of course, on the way home it was tear time-but only because of a feeling of personal failure. At home I had to tell the whole thing to hubby, who listened patiently, but I could tell he was disappointed. I think we had the shared vision of riding the roads together. I have to say Petra, I'm not totally convinced Riders Edge or even MSF is for people who have never ridden a motorcycle. Heck, I had never driven an stick-shift car. [note from Mama: this last point was brought up previously: that many riding courses are in fact safety courses, not learn to ride courses, but what are you going to do in the absence of another course offering?!] Anyways, the next day I decided I would ask hubby if he would teach me the basics of riding a bike. I think folks who have never ridden a bike need more individual instruction then MSF or R.E can provide. He agreed to give it a try, provided after I got the basics down, I would enroll in MSF, and I will, I think it's important from a safety standpoint. Then we started looking at bikes, Hubby rides a Harley Softail, so I sat on Harleys (Sportsters, Fatboys, Dynas) they all felt incredibly heavy and were $$$$$ and felt intimidating. I mean yikes, what if I hated riding, that's a lot of bucks sitting in the garage. Then I sat on Hondas, the Rebel-too cramped-but it didn't feel intimidating, Shadow-felt great, not too heavy, then sat on an Aero-again felt great. Sat on Yamahas-650 Roadstar Classic-sweet, and the Virago 250-not bad. Sat on a Suzuki Savage, didn't feel bad-but I just felt kind of neutral about it, then I saw a GZ 250 sitting at the end of the line (250cc's are often at the end of the line) and sat on it, in my head I'm thinking: "yep its small, but gosh its comfortable, I don't feel intimidated by it." Asked hubby, how I looked on it? Meaning, do I look comfortable? But in my head I thought "you're mine, you're coming home with me and I'm naming you, " The Black" (from the Black Stallion books)...and you know once you give it a name-you're a dead duck. [note from Mama: or a happy camper!] Then back home, researched the Internet for road reviews and found a review of all three 250cc bikes within the same article. Of course the reviewers were all experienced bikers and so maybe they weren't to impressed by the 250cc's but the article gave good information on all three. But the GZ received a thumbs up in the article. Then we went back and my hubby test road the bike, of course he felt a 250 is underpowered, and I think really wanted me to get a larger bike (the Shadow or Shadow Spirit-even if they weren't HD) he strongly feels I'll get bored quickly with the 250, but I think he also realized I can always move up, but if I get a bike that scares the crap out of me-well that would seal it-I'd never ride the roads with him. [note from Mama: smart man and just the right note here!] So, I bought it. It's all mine-hubby is not on the title, I'm having an engine guard put on it. Pick it up next Saturday. We cleaned out the garage so we'd have room for both bikes. I'm riding the parking lots until I reach a level of confidence in my abilities where I want to move up. My process was probably no different then it is for anyone male or female picking out a first ride. Your site and the Beginner Bike site were instrumental in providing good, sound advice and bringing clarity to that process. In a nutshell: Know your skill level, be safe, ride safe, nothing is set in stone, you can always move up to a more powerful bike or down to a less powerful bike, there is no glory or shame either way...and Ride your own ride!!! In a way, I guess you could say we chose each other. Ride Safe!– Ann Dear
Ann, Wednesday, April 21 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Cat, For Ann who just bought a Suzuki 250: Just bought the same Suzuki 250 bike -- I highly recommend this bike. The last time I drove a motorcycle was 20 years ago in a parking lot for 15 minutes. This time it took only a few minutes to get the basics down from hubby's instructions (he has a BMW RT 1150).... then I was off! Circled the tiny neighborhood repeatedly (Fri.) and the next day struck out on my own for a 20 mile trip on two lane, mostly empty roads. Sunday, hubby joined me for a 40 mile ride cruising the two lane twisty back roads of south, south Austin. What a blast!!!! Never wanted to return home. He stayed in back to ward off anyone too impatient with my slower speed on the twisty turns. This bike is so incredibly stable I can rearrange myself on the seat while traveling 40 mph. It still feels wonderfully stable at 60. I have now been out on 5 occasions and have put 70 miles on it. That might sound silly to you iron-butt riders, but one must start somewhere! I now drive my car with the view of being on the bike and the strategies needed to keep safe in traffic. I am so incredibly excited about riding - nearly all I think about. While we chose this bike knowing it would be a beginning motorcycle and one that is underpowered for the open, long-distance ride, I also chose it because BOTH OF MY FEET TOUCH THE GROUND!!! (and it's lovely!) At just a smidgeon over 5'2", I love the light weight and low seat of this bike. My husband's BMW at a tall 600+ pounds is very, very intimidating. Yes, I know that there is a 72 year old motorcycle
"mama" in Austin who rides the same BMW, but I'll take learning
how to ride on my own terms and at my own comfort level. I will be
enrolling in the MSF course as soon as possible and someday will go
cross-country. But for now, if you see a short, black motorcycle
with incredibly graceful lines being driven carefully down those two lane
roads, pass with care and patience... in a few years, it will be my
daughter on that bike and I'll be on the bigger one protecting her from
the rear. – Pat (note
from Mama: what a delightful letter you have sent -- and chock full of
wisdom for beginning riders who would do well to adopt your attitude and
keen insight into staying true to your own guidelines for learning to
ride. Some of us have many more miles than 70, but I remember my first 70
quite well! A combination of omigosh and tingling thrills. And then it
just got better! Kudos to you Pat and thanks for sharing your specific
thoughts on this model bike.) Thursday, April 22 For Annie who is looking at a number of bikes for future purchase: What a coincidence, I was interested to see Annie's thoughts about the Suzuki SV650 and the Moto Guzzi Breva 750. Beginning to feel a wee bit like I'm out-growing the Blast (except for commuting), I have been looking at those two bikes also. Ultimately I ruled out the Breva because in riding position and engine displacement it is so much like the Triumph Bonneville which I continue to love. The Bonnie's great for long rides, a real lady, very well-behaved. I'm keeping her. We rode 150 miles last Sunday just because it was gorgeous weather, and I wasn't stiff at all afterwards. The problem started when Bob let me ride his Buell Lightning last weekend and IT WAS GREAT! so now I've got the bug for something sporty. The SV650 is getting rave reviews and is a Top Ten pick
in Cycle World but the 2004 doesn't seem to have been released yet.
Major difference between 2003 and 2004 is the subframe for the seat has
been lowered a bit (if that makes any difference to Annie, but it's mainly
for the passenger seat) and you get blue or yellow, instead of 2003's
blue or silver. Now I just have to win the lottery. –
Sarah (note
from Mama: thank you for sharing your research and thoughts on these
models and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you on the whole "I
base my financial future to buy another bike on the lottery" thing!) Thursday, April 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, You'll be amused to hear that I've cut at least 45 minutes off the time it takes me to adjust my valves (did it for the second time just this morning), and my improved time (1.25 hours) includes getting out and putting away the tools! What fun it is to do maintenance with a round of experience behind me! Tomorrow morning I'll change out the tranny fluid and then it's off to see whether I want to try to install an appliance socket on my own (I think the BMW shop is maybe the place for me to look in to this accessory). I'm always a bit iffy on the electrical stuff. Next week I'm riding to Atlanta (looks to be about 800 miles from Dallas/Fort Worth), so I had better not attempt anything too crazy before then! Thanks for the great site! – Marina Dear
Marina, For Pat who responded to Ann about riding the Suzuki 250: Hey Pat!! I'm in South Austin too! Right off of Brodie Lane in Sunset Valley. I'm a newbie rider with just under 600 miles on my Yamaha VStar Classic. We should ride sometime if your up to it. I'm still on the small roads too so it would be great!! This is the first time that I've seen someone so close to me post on this site. I'm so happy for you! Its quite an accomplishment to have gone as far as you have. I'm glad that you found a bike that works for you! I took the MSF course with TRIC. They were excellent but way out in Hutto (I didn't realize it when I signed up for the class but I'm glad I made the trip out there). I think A+ is down south and they get rave reviews also. The good thing about TRIC is that they practice on no more than 250cc bikes and they even have some 125's. They are easy to ride, not intimidating and for you, just like what you have at home. I hope you have a blast and I hope to see you sometime. Also I don't know if your aware of this but there is a great riding group in Austin called CTXIR (Central Texas Independent Riders). They welcome everyone, and all bikes. They are a fun great group of people. They have women that "ride their own" and that's so inspirational to me. There's never any pressure to keep up with a pack of guys screaming down the road at 80 miles an hour. The people in the group are experienced and more than willing to practice with you and help you understand the art and skill behind safe riding, so that you can enjoy your riding experience even more. I can't say enough about these people. They are fantastic. The best part is the "ride master" is a
motorcycle mechanic. HOW FABULOUS!!! You can find them on Yahoo groups.
They have rides every weekend and meet at Jacks Backyard and Hills Cafe
during the week. Their website has a calendar that will alert you of
everything going on for motorcyclists in Austin and the surrounding area's
for the month. By the way your hubby is terrific for being so supportive.
Kudos to him. Ride safe! – Karen (note
from Mama: this just sounds so much fun -- and thank you for letting Pat
know of all the wonderful opportunities to share the riding experience in
your neighborhood!) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
JP, Tuesday, April 27 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Gin, Wednesday, April 28 More for Annie in Orlando who is looking at a number of bikes for purchase: It seems like we have very similar tastes in bikes. I have been pouring over the Internet and dealerships looking for my next ride. I too like the more standard naked bikes. The Moto Guzzi Breva has also caught my eye. It is a very nice looking bike and size-wize it would probably be perfect for you. Unfortunately I think its a bit underpowered at 48 horses for a 750cc. Don't get me wrong, the convenience of a shaft drive, and Italian styling is very appealing. It even looks like a baby version of my beloved R1150R. But If you want something with a little more oomph, I would check out Hondas new 599. 80 hp /400 lbs and the seat is I think 31.5 inches (I'm sure it could be lowered. This is a VERY neat looking bike, but is a little wider in the seat (it has the cb600 4 cyl engine tucked in there) might not be comfy for you if your 5'2 . I'm 5' 5" and I noticed the difference right away. The other bike that has really caught my eye is the Ducati 620 monster -- the monster is IMHO very interesting looking--it grows on me more and more. And not something you see everyday - 620cc /60 hp at 390 or so pounds 30.3 inch seat height. Very comfortable. Comes in some different configurations to fit your budget. If you need something bigger there are two other sizes, 800 and 1000 --the price goes up too unfortunately, but the seat height stays the same and the weight is proportional. Any way, all three of those new are in the $6400- and up
range. I know the SV650 is very highly rated as well as being the
best value in this size/style of bike, but I felt it a little tall for me
too, (and now that I have had the first hand experience of dealing
with a top heavy 535 lb bike, I'm very "weight conscious" LOL) .
So hopefully I haven't confused you more . . . go check out the Honda and
the Ducati and let us know what you think!! Good luck! –
Maire (note
from Mama: lots of good information and comparison here -- thanks for
sharing!) Wednesday, April 28 Dear
VTwin Mama, I borrowed my friends bike which is a 250 Honda Rebel. I couldn't believe how much easier it was to start and stop. The only thing is it's not half as nice to ride, and I felt unstable once I got going about 45 miles/hour. I think because it is so much lighter, and I felt like I was getting blown around on the road. Is there anything I can do to keep the 883 in the UPRIGHT position???? Or should I consider a size between these 2 bikes? – Frustrated With My Size Dear
Frustrated, Sure, the Rebel is easier to handle but as you noted, it's not cutting the mustard for your long-range riding goals. My suggestion is to continue working with the Sporty and meanwhile, go shopping! Now that you have identified that which is NOT meeting your needs, it's time to sit on bikes of all makes/models and start getting a feel for what might be out there that will make you jump for joy (hopefully not while you're underway!). The fact is that many riders start with one bike only to discover that it's not right for them for any number of reasons -- your mission is to begin the journey into exploring your options (and it's fun!). – Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Harley has great resale, 2-yr warranty, rubber mounted engine, nice looking bike, and what a rep ... priced at $7,035 but would have to have it lowered (add'l $300). Then ran across a Suzuki 800 Intruder that is shaft driven, has hydraulic clutch, looks great, good fit (except the seat sucks), also rubber mounted and I love the handlebars and foot controls - priced at $6299. And lastly, saw the Shadow Spirit 750 and it feels perfect, looks AWESOME (esp w/the flames), but I have concerns with the HP for longer trips. Also didn't know if the chain driven and cable clutch would be more high maintenance .. it's priced at $6399. What's a girl to do? I'd like to decide in 2 days since the Intruder and Shadow will be $300 more after 4/30 -- should I go with one of them. – D. Henderson in Lee's Summit, MO Dear
D., The Suzuki 800 is much loved by women riders and a seat suck can easily be changed out in the future. I personally love the "look." Shadow 750 is a great bike (I had one, an '86 model). Hp for longer trips is not a huge concern -- I took a trip from Chicago to Cape Cod on a Kawi 750 and a trip from Chicago, up through Wisconsin into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and down the Michigan side on the Shadow 750. My only beef was the leg room for my 5'10" frame on the Shadow (even with highway pegs). True, I'm a wimp, and limit my daily mileage to no more 350 miles/day. Stop every 100-120 miles to stretch (a good idea no matter what you're doing or riding!). Here's my concluding thought: buy the one that hits your gut instinct right. Remember, you'll get your time in on the bike and then be in a better position to judge your next one! I'm on bike #3 ('76 HD Shovelhead) and never regretted any of my choices, although I'm clearer on what I would ultimately slobber over for #4 (!) and I've been riding since 1979! – Mama Sunday, May 2 Hey
VTwin Mama, I never thought that I would start on my Harley but I did. My daughter (who is still not too sure of this and thinks I am crazy . . . she is almost 15) came down to the school to watch for awhile. I am a single mom and my riding time is certainly limited. Can't wait until this weekend to go again. I actually have a friend that is coming up from Houston next weekend and renting a bike to help me. Life is good! – Cissi Dear
Cissi, Sunday, May 2 Dear
VTwin Mama, I know it sounds crazy and maybe I'm just overly cautious but making a purchase like this is not something to be entered into lightly. My riding partner was so excited about a Honda that he found for me today but he had to ride with me on the back since I'm not experienced. Sure the ride was great but I have no idea the feel from one to another. I'm really feeling down now, not only because I don't have a good feel for the bike, I also feel like some kinda chump for just not jumping out there and just buying one. So many people I know have just jumped into it. Please I know there have got to be others out there like me and I really need to hear it. – No punk, just cautious Dear
Cautious, But how to figure it all out?! First, you don't mention that you've taken a riding course. If you have, good -- if not, sign up now. This will get you on a 250cc bike and get your first bouts of riding time in. Then, seriously consider getting a used bike in the same cc range to get your practice time in. Empty parking lots at quiet hours are the best. You've GOT to start somewhere! Then you'll be in better position to evaluate other, bigger bikes. And have the time in to trust your ability to ride them. This would include renting bikes to try out for a day (a very good suggestion recommended by many readers of this site). Does that make sense to you?! I sincerely hope it helps! – Mama For D. Henderson who is considering a Sporty to purchase but I nixed the 883: About the Harley 883 Sportsters. I bought mine brand new in 1994 and thought I was doing the right thing in getting something with a smaller engine. My guy friends were out riding and I got tired of depending on them to take me for a ride! Well even though I had been around Harleys most of my young life and thought I knew a little something about them I found out different. I didn't have good information and no one to really tell me what to buy. She sure does look purdie, I've kept it up nicely BUT after having the experience of riding a couple other bigger bikes including a 1996 Road King a few years ago I found out I had made a mistake! It is top heavy and she is NOT much of a travel bike. I still scoot around on it with friends once in awhile. Being my first brand new bike and having it for as long as I have I am a bit attached to it but do look forward to a time when I can get myself something bigger that I can travel more with. Love your sight VT Mama, when I started ridin' there were not that many women riding yet although I had two in my Safety Riding Course including my best friend, who has just recently gotten herself a bike and we are finally enjoying some riding time together now that our children have grown up. I have really appreciated reading your site, I can relate to a lot of it. I love knowing that women can be just as knowledgeable as men when it comes to motorcycles, no matter what you're ridin'!! Thanks a bunch. – Marjie (note from Mama: you are welcome, and it's letters like these that make the VTwin Mama ultimately useful -- first hand knowledge from women to women, although we welcome the men who read this site as well!) I have an '03 Sporty that I love. It is an 883 Hugger
that is low enough for me and I have never had any trouble with handling.
Maybe because this is my first bike, and I have nothing to compare it to,
except my husband's Dyna Low Rider. I can maneuver it anywhere, tight
turns, rough roads with no problem. I started out on it, and it doesn't
intimidate me. Of course, I never considered anything but a Harley, so I
have that mind-set. I love my Sporty. My husband has asked if I want to
move up to a Softail, but I am comfortable. That's what is most important.
Be comfortable on your bike, no matter what you choose. –
Meg (note
from Mama: I am soooo happy that you've found a bike model that works for
you -- and as you noted, each person's comfort is individual. Thank you
for taking the time to write in! Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Katrina, So, I hopped onto Royal Enfield site to do a little "lookin' round." First I noted that not all models are offered internationally, as this bike is made in India. Then I went to the dealer locater and saw that there is only one distributor in the USA -- in Faribault, MN. So service and parts could be a huge issue unless you are from that area! If you still want to learn more, I'd take advantage of their online discussion forum to "talk" with riders and get first-hand accounts of it's handling characteristics to determine if you wish to continue pursuing this bike. Maybe even contact the dealer in MN and ask for a customer list so you can talk to people here in the US. Have fun doing the homework! – Mama Sunday, May 9 For Karen who pointed out riding groups in Texas for Pat: Thanks for the super info. about Austin motorcycle
groups. As soon as I find a one lane road with no turns and zero
traffic, I'll ride out your way to meet up and compare battle scars.......
or maybe after a wee bit more practice like a few hundred more miles
of riding experience (and new riding gloves)!! –
Pat (note
from Mama: you'll get there Pat, just keep at it!) Sunday, May 9 For HD Ryder who wonders if a FatBoy is too big a bike to start on: In response to your question about the Fat Boy being a good starter bike. I think the most common mistake women make who want to ride a Harley is thinking a Sportster is a women's ride. Top heavy Sporty's are enough to scare a woman out of riding! The Fat Boy's low center of gravity makes it a much smarter choice for balance and handling. My size and weight is identical to yours. You were made for a FB! We owned a '97 Fatty when I got bitten by the bug 2 years ago and I started on it fresh out of my first rider course. For comfort and handling it has been a wonderful bike. My husband got a new bike-- ( he thinks it was an upgrade--but I won't tell--mine is better!) Low speed maneuvers are the biggest challenge in the beginning because of the weight ( parking lots, u-turns, in the garage, etc.) My hubby was wonderful support and never made fun of me when I'd pull nose-in to a down-sloped parking space. He'd just grab the sissy bar to tug me out. Not long before I learned not to make those mistakes! You'll be sorry very soon if you go for a smaller bike-- Even with the FB-- I'd like to try forward controls. I did add Kuryakan's Marque III highway pegs for stretching space in the long haul's. They are a great alternative to the usual highway pegs the guys have--they don't make you look like Jesse James, but give you just enough to unkink your knees and keep your legs in close to the bike. (What a relief after being a passenger and trying to find space for my long body on the back seat!!) We did a 6K trip last summer and I'm itchin to get out there again! As you can see from the reader mail--90% of the women's
riding dilemmas seem to be about lowering their bikes and getting their
feet on the ground. Fortunately we Amazon's don't have that problem. We
were born to ride-- without modification!! YES!! –
Kathy in Phoenix (note
from Mama: thanks for the testimonial on the FatBoy -- it's an opinion
shared by many readers at this site and I appreciate the time you took to
write in and chronicle some of the finer points!) Sunday, May 9 Dear
VTwin Mama: Dear
Marina, Sunday, May 9 Dear
VTwin Mama: Dear
Marjie, For Katrina who likes the look of the Royal Enfield Bullet: What can I say except they are basically crap (compared to just about every other bike manufactured in western countries today). When the British factory closed down in the late sixties, Enfield India kept churning them out. Unfortunately they are still made to sixties specs. Drum brakes back and front for a start. VERY slow compared to modern 500cc machines. Slow and unresponsive handling etc etc. AND: The gear shift and rear brake are on opposite sides to normal, modern American, European and Japanese bikes. It's a fact that you will be performing more maintenance on an Enfield than say a Kawa WR 650 (which by the way looks very similar to the Enfields). If there is only one dealer selling these bikes there is a reason for it! Note that the guy selling them is going to rave about them -- we have an importer in Oz near me....he never has a bad word to say about them...strange that. Not a bike I would EVER recommend to a beginner (my wife Terri, a motorcycle Instructor, agrees with my assessment completely by the way). The only westerners I know that use these bikes regularly are Roadrunner Tours in...you guessed it...India and Nepal....that's only because it is hard to get parts for any other type of bike in those countries. My suggestion to Katrina would be looking at the new Triumph model line up. Three or four of them have the "look" of old fashioned machinery but with the benefit of up to date technology. And the new Triumph Thruxton Cafe Racer has just been released to add to their "nostalgic" range. Keep looking Katrina; as a new rider rider you need
something that has good brakes, responsive handling, good suspension and
low maintenance: none of which can be attributed to the Enfield Bullet
range of bikes. Good luck, best wishes – Kevin and
Terri in Sydney, Australia (note
from Mama: now THAT'S a clear opinion -- and I appreciate the alternative
suggestions so that Katrina can investigate other avenues as well --
thanks! ) Monday, May 10 Dear
VTwin Mama: I live in the country with pretty bad roads and I need a bike that can handle the rough roads and be stable, which I feel the VStar is -- is the Virago? Help! – Janis Dear
Janis, Tuesday, May 11 Hey
VTwin Mama: Anyway, 2 months ago I bought a new Honda 600 Shadow. It's a great first bike. Yes I took the class. And very glad I did. First around the neighborhood, now on very busy Sacramento streets. I'm taking it a step at a time. My next frontier will be the freeway. My first long (to me) ride will be the 1 1/2 hour ride to my daughters. I can't wait to see the look on my four grandkids faces. They think I am ''way cool." They love to sit on it when they come over. Thank you for this site. I have gotten a lot of insight and encouragement from reading the letters. Life is good and guess who's crying now? – Teresa Carmichael Dear
Teresa, Thursday, May 13 Dear
VTwin Mama: My biggest problem is I hate the look of it! I bought it because it was a deal and I needed something to learn on. I love the look of the Vulcan 800 Drifter but have not seen any comments on it here. Can any of you ladies - or gentleman - out there share any experiences with this bike? – Deborah Dear
Deborah, Friday, May 14 Dear
VTwin Mama: Dear
Day, The fact is that there are a lot more factors to consider. First, have you ever ridden before, because if not, you should really consider a riding course that will start you out on a smaller 125 or 250cc bike so you can get some sort of feel for the whole experience. Then you need to open your telephone book, locate all the local dealers for Harley, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW and such, and visit the showrooms. There is no substitute for sitting on different bikes and getting a starting feel for them. Bring a notepad along so you can jot down initial thoughts, including what you liked about the style, the color options, the accessories, what price range it falls into, etc. Pay attention to your height/legs (do they reach the ground and allow you to be flat footed, are they cramped when you reach for the shift and brake controls), your arms (are you reaching for the handlebar, is your back bent over), and your weight (does the bike feel heavy, light, ok?). Next, talk with the parts and service departments -- they'll be your support team and you want people who are paying attention to you! What is their wait time like for service work and what is their labor rate/hour? Does the dealer offer a riding course? Do they have a riding group/organization associated with them? Overwhelmed yet?! Consider contacting the local chapters of women riding organizations in your area (go to my Cool Links page) and asking if someone is willing to help you shop! Good luck on your beginning journey into riding! – Mama Saturday, May 15 For JP who was searching for a sportier auto tranny bike: Have the ladies considered a megascooter? We looked at traditional motorcycles, too, but decided against them because a) we've had foot surgeries that would make shifting tiresome at best and b) we wanted to do two-up riding (once we're comfortable in our solo handling). Most bikes don't give a lot of passenger room. With the megascooters, I'm talking about those that have 400cc to 650cc engines so they easily handle highway speeds. They're like mini-, automatic-Gold Wings. And fun as the day is long. And not just for women--I know a lot of guys who own them and often prefer them over their big trad bikes. More to the original point, they are easily handled by me at 5'1" (think power-lifter's build) and my partner (5'11"--lanky build). We just bought a Suzuki Burgman 400. It's a great first bike and we love her! :-) If you have any thoughts of riding two-up on your
"starter" bike or have medical problems that may preclude the
shifting of a traditional bike, consider a megascooter. –
Bryna (note
from Mama: a great idea to investigate further for those who want an auto
transmission!) Saturday, May 15 Dear
VTwin Mama: Dear
Sheila, As an added bonus, VTwin Mama sister Sandi pointed out a comparison article on 250cc bikes that is on the Alpha Sports site -- excellent reading, and includes the Kymco bike! I'd say that if this bike interests you, and you have a local dealer for parts and service, go for it! – Mama Sunday, May 16 For Kevin and Terri who offered their opinion on the Royal Enfield Bullet: Thanks so much for the straight-up advice. I knew I was being foolish when thinking about buying one. Instead of visiting the dealer, I went and bought a used 1990 Kawasaki ZR550 (Zephyr) for a cool $1200 from a guy selling in the classifieds. Mechanically and cosmetically it is in great condition, not to mention the fact that the tires are practically brand new & the mileage is at 5,400. So, I feel very happy on this bike. The center of gravity is low, my feet can touch the ground, and the positioning feels very natural to me (rather than on a cruiser-style bike). Thanks again for the advice! And thanks to V-Twin Mama
for her excellent work! – Katrina (note
from Mama: sounds like you've found the right bike for you! And glad this
site has been helpful to you -- it's what we try to do best! Kevin noted
in a subsequent email that the only bike worse than the Enfield is the
Russian Ural -- a BMW copy made when the plans were stolen from BMW at the
end of WWII. Yikes!) Saturday, May 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Lou Ann, Monday, May 31 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Newbie, Then go shopping for that perfect new bike that will make your head spin with giddiness! – Mama |
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