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Pricing,
specs, build a bike . . . this is a hot way to look at the new models! My
rating is WOW!
Compare bike specs for Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda and Aprilia, side-by-side! A solid article comparing 250cc bikes -- lots of info here An excellent article comparing 250cc bikes!
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2005 (October 19 through December) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jennifer, I went to Want Facts and did a comparison of the two models and dragged out what I consider the significant points (1200 Custom/Low Rider). MSRP:
$9595/$15620 (significant price difference) Top heavy bikes refer to how high off the ground the center of gravity on the bike is (the COG being the center point of mass, so basically the engine). This is a specification not included in lists and I'm not sure if a HD dealer could answer the question. Sporty's did have the reputation of being top heavy, but they have addressed that with the newest models to some extent. I'd sit on both bikes, take it off the kickstand, and lean the bikes from side to side to see how the overall weight feels to you. Also, is a low profile seat going to totally address your solid foot contact with the ground? If there is any chance you might want to lower the bike, you should check if either model has that option right off the bat. Here is a comparison road test article I found. In either case, they are big bikes in terms of cc's and hp for a new rider. Getting the bike to an empty parking lot that is distraction-free for practice sessions is the best way to begin putting you and the bike through beginning paces. You'll want to mimic your course work and learn how your specific bike handles. Plan out practice sessions so you don't get over stressed trying to much at once! I wish you the best and we're ready with our biker waves when you are! Mama Thursday, October 20 For Jennifer who is deciding between a Low Rider and Sportster 1200 Custom: I started riding about 15 months ago on a 2004 Sportster 1200 Custom. Bought the bike right after taking the safety course . . . had no problems at all with it. The Sportster IS more top heavy than the bigger bikes, and I occasionally felt a little unstable at stoplights. Four months ago, I traded in the Sportster for my dream bike . . . a 2005 Softail Deluxe. I am 5'6'' , but have very short legs. I could reach the ground ok on the Sportster, but the Deluxe, at a 24.5" seat height is a piece of cake. This bike is so well balanced, it is super easy to ride . . . easier than the Sportster. It weighs 200 pounds more than the Sporty, but feels like it is 200 pounds lighter. The Low Rider is very similar to the Deluxe. My recommendation . . . go with the Low Rider. It will be easier to ride in the long run, although a bit more intimidating for the first few days. I wish I had skipped the Sportster and gone directly to the bigger bike. I liked the Sportster and had no problems learning on it . . . but I absolutely adore the Deluxe!!! Diane in Michigan (note from Mama: thanks for sharing!) Tuesday, October 25 More for Jennifer who is deciding between a Low Rider and Sportster 1200 Custom: Go with the Low Rider I went form a Honda 250 Rebel
to a HD 05 1200C Sporty because I didnt want to go too big, being
that I was an inexperienced rider with less than 600 miles under my tires
for my entire life! I bought the Sporty in March of this year three
weeks ago I traded the Sporty in for a Softail Heritage Custom and am
so glad I did but am kicking myself for not going with it initially.
Although I liked the Sporty easy to learn on, less expensive she
was very top heavy and because of that to me felt so unstable riding her
on the freeways especially going doing 70mph or more. I took a
hit financially by trading her in so soon an expensive mistake for me
but in the long run well worth it. Like was said although
the Softail is 200 pounds heavier when riding she DOES feel much
lighter than the Sporty. I also feel far more centered and balanced and I
no longer feel like I am going to be tipping over or blown over when
riding at speeds over 65mph! And since I do end up riding in rain a lot,
the Softail is much more stable when braking fast and hard. Instead
of riding overly cautiously (like on curves and twisties) I now ride
with a new found confidence thanks to my Sweet Ramblin Ruby (her name
because she is a Sunglo Burgundy Red color). Tuesday, October 25 Dear
VTwin Mama, This past Spring, I sucked up the courage to learn. I bought a new Yamaha Virago 250. Btw, a great bike to learn on!! A very close friend of mine spent hours with me in a parking lot. I became comfortable with the clutch enough to take the MSF course. I had to wait almost 2 months until I could take the course, but it was worth the wait, and I passed. I reaped not only a Class M motorcycle license, but the confidence and affirmation that I COULD RIDE MY OWN!. A few weeks later I sold the Virago and bought a 2005 Suzuki Boulevard C50. This has been a great next level bike (or as I joke my "big girl bike"). I ride to work every day it doesn't rain and I don't have to dress like "a grown-up." I have not taken any long trips yet--if there were only more weekends in a riding season. I just wanted to say thanks and keep up the great work. Attached are photos of me and my Zuki. I would be flattered if you would post them. Thank you again, Jodi Christman in South Central Pennsylvania Dear
Jodi, Dear
VTwin Mama, My goal is to own and ride either a Sportster or a Low Rider HD bike in around two years (they ain't cheap!) and the suggestion of starting with something cheaper and smaller to gain experience and confidence got me thinking and shopping around. Kawasaki and Honda around here almost as pricey as a HD so they are out of the question. Used bikes aren't that cheap either and God knows where they've been and why they are being sold. I checked other options and the following manufacturers here in town; Lifan and Tank Scooters. From Lifan I've been attracted to the LF150-14 150 cc, and LF250V 250 cc models. Tank Scooters' mini choppers, which claim to be the "stepping stone towards the larger bigger toys", have the YARAK TK110-2B 109 cc at an extremely reasonable cost and I definitely could afford something like that without hurting too much the HD fund ;) Of course I'll take my courses before riding even a tiny scooter because although I'm not petite, the prospect of learning the very basics on top of a powerful HD I could wreck right away intimidates me quite a bit, in all honesty, so I'd prefer something more manageable that works with similar principles of physics and that can also teach me the rules of maintenance and safe riding every user must know. So what do you think? Right now my options are to buy a new mini chopper from those guys -if their products pass your quality standards and so get started, or keep things on hold for a couple years to get the HD? Sleepless in Mexico City Dear Sleepless
in Mexico City, The Lifan models are originally from China and exported to many countries and as long as you have access to parts and service in Mexico City, I see no reason why you can't gain confidence in riding on this 125 or 250cc bike. Before buying one I'd check to see if a service manual (more detailed than the owner's manual) is available so that you have access to information on maintenance procedures. Certainly the 125 and 250cc engine range is excellent for beginning riders. Also, in typing in "Lifan motorcycles" in the Google search engine, I found sites that provide the history of the bike, as well as a personal site from a Lifan LF250 rider in the Philippines, and Binggy has an email, so you could correspond with an owner! I'll note that by this person's pictures, the bike looks like a standard bike, like the Virago 250 or Honda Rebel 250. Trying to research the Yarak model you mentioned proved impossible. When I searched on mini choppers, I was less impressed, as these look like toys that are meant to mimic real bikes. In the U.S. we often call them pocket bikes . . . and I would steer away from these. Readers with more input on these models are asked to chime in now! Mama For Sleepless in Mexico City who is looking at very inexpensive import bikes: Re: Mini Choppers. Make SURE, positively that they can be registered for riding on a public road. In Australia and the UK they CANNOT! Personally I think they are cheap crap and would not waste a cent on any of them. Same for small engined bikes made in China. Not one of them has passed the Australian Compliance code here. You get what you pay for. Ask yourself why they are so cheap to start with. I would definitely go with a used Japanese bike with low mileage, late model and in good looking condition any day. Failing that . . . Hyosung is a Korean company and have been making a couple of 250's for some years now. Their Comet 250 has a good reputation. Kevin in Sydney (note from Mama: I now recall that many communities in the U.S. were/are working on keeping those pocket bikes off the streets as they are considered a nuisance and the riders are not licensed. Thanks for bringing up the Hyosung . . . this article from Motorcycle Cruiser compares the smaller 250cc bikes including the Hyosung.) Monday, October 31 Even more for Jennifer who is deciding between a Low Rider and Sportster 1200 Custom: These are two models that I was deciding between back in 2004. The best thing to do is find a Harley dealer who has a rental program, and try both models, which is exactly what I did. I found I preferred the Sportster. The Lowrider had a lot of torque with the bigger engine, but it felt much heavier, and the chassis is a lot wider. You wouldn't think that would matter, but it bothered me much more than the extra weight did. My roommate and I rented both models on the same day and switched off during the ride, so I was able to do back to back comparisons, and I ended up getting the Sportster. I'm pretty tall, however, so that might have also made a difference. One other option to look into if you are interested in Harley Davidson's is the V-Rod. I have also tried it, and it actually feels much smaller than the Sportster, and weighs about the same, but has much better performance and is water cooled. While I'm not one of them, I have noticed that the majority of V-Rods I see on the road are ridden by women! There are some pretty good buys on 2002-2003 V-Rods available. Whatever model you are interested in, the best thing to do is rent first. You can also find a dealer or an event where demo rides are offered, but a 4 hour rental ride will give you a much better idea of what will work for you than a 15 minute spin around the block. Li in Florida (note from Mama: thanks for chronicling how you went about making your decision. Having finally gotten a first-hand look at the V-Rod, I was surprised to find it such a low, sleek bike and definitely worth checking into. The rental route, when possible, is an excellent way to check out a bike . . . many dealers report that for insurance reasons they no longer allow test spins. Go figure!) I started riding on a Honda 600 which I thought was top heavy, I traded a short time later for a Dyna Low Rider which I rode for 2 years and a friend of mine was getting a new bike and selling his Heritage Classic. I sold my Dyna and bought his Heritage, I loved the Dyna but after riding the Heritage I would recommend buying the Heritage instead of the Dyna - I made my bags removable and changed out the handle bars and the bike is just as sporty as my Dyna was. I think the bike handles much better the center of gravity is way better also one big difference was the wind, on my Dyna with a windshield it would rock me all over and the Heritage with a windshield feels like nothing. Most people think the Heritage is so much bigger and heavier then the Dyna and they are afraid they will not be able to handle it, but it feels the complete opposite. Hope this helps. Shirley (note from Mama: every bit of info brought forth helps! Thanks for sharing your bike choice journey . . . it sounds like you're having lots of fun!) Dear
VTwin Mama, Anyway, you were talking about the custom paint jobs (in the latest Newsletter), and they are really cool. We usually go and hang out at the bike events in Daytona, and even with hurricane Wilma coming, it didn't stop Biketoberfest. I saw an amazing bike totally painted to look like a blue and gold macaw. The front fender had even been shaved off to resemble a beak, the back fender cut to look like tail feathers. Of course I only had my cell phone camera with me, so couldn't do it justice, but the sidestand and foot pegs were even replaced with custom ones that were bird feet. Very awesome. Well we're off to go drool at the bike shops again. Take care! And later that day . . . Okay, we weren't planning to, but we both bought Suzuki Boulevard M50s today. I still had the Sabre in mind, but had liked the looks of the M50, so I sat on it . . . perfect fit for my height, and felt pretty much the same balance, etc., as the Sabre. I actually didn't think I could get financed, and almost fell over when the guy came back and said the bike's yours and we have it in red! A little scary buying a brand new bike as a first timer, but the guys at the dealer were pretty educational. And the bike costs the same as the used Sabres I had been seeing. So we did it . . . I think we're both still in shock . . . hahaha. I don't smoke, but tonight I did. They'll be delivered tomorrow . . . I'm so excited, even if I don't have a license yet! If I'm good enough by bike week in March, to ride to Daytona (about 60 miles each way), I'm definitely having one of the airbrush artists name it "Midlife Crisis" on the back fender . . . now I'll be pouring over the VTwin Mama site even more . . . take care : ) Kat Dear
Kat, As I'm guessing that most likely you won't be riding the new bikes until you've completed the course, that doesn't mean you can't begin learning. One of the most confidence building things to do is to get the full service manual for the bike and begin identifying and locating those things that will require routine maintenance. This sounds simple enough, but until you actually read the procedure and look at the bike, it's sort of a "yeah, yeah, that's easy enough." Even little things like how you'll check tire pressure, read main oil and other fluid levels, where fuses are, how to access spark plugs, etc. will help you be that much more in the know when it comes time to actually do the procedures. I'm thinking you should also make sure to start the bikes at least once a week and run them for a bit so the battery doesn't go dead by accident. Likewise, you can get a feel for the weight of the bike by sitting on it, duck walking it back and forth, leaning it side-to-side and such. If you do decide to venture out (the itch to do so may prove to be VERY powerful!), then gauge whatever housing/roadway set-up you have. If necessary, have someone with riding experience take one of the bikes to an empty parking lot (hunt around for school/church/ closed businesses) with smooth pavement and that is relatively obstacle free. Basic straightline work to get into gear, smooth stops, etc. can be worked on! Trust your gut instinct about whether this is something you want to do. I'm jazzed that you're working on achieving your goals and am grinning like the Cheshire Cat! Mama Tuesday, November 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Leslie, From Sleepless in Mexico City who is looking for an inexpensive bike to get started on: Pocket bikes! LOL! Thank you very much for the info ;) To round up the data I'd included in my first email, here's the link to that pocket . . . I mean Yarak TK110-2B mini chopper I was curious about: http://www.tank-sports.com.mx/tla/tankmoto.asp?moto=87. You couldn't find it online because strangely enough, it's not advertised on any Tank Scooters site except the Mexican one. Hmmmm sounds odd, doesn't it? Kevin from Sydney got me thinking on that whole cheap Asian products thing and I decided to stay away from them to focus on the local market instead. I've found a few Mexican manufacturers (not importers of Chinese motorcycles or parts, which by the way have flooded the market around here), and naturally their bikes, although still affordable, cost two or three times more, so reaching my goal of owning a HD would only be a matter of some more time and money I'd be willing to invest for quality's sake (I also like the idea of supporting the national market) Here are the links to two of those Mexican models that look nice and real even if not overly powerful for a novice like me: http://www.dinamotos.com/sub/bandid.htm Don't know if you've heard of them before but I've seen tons of their bikes around here, especially Carabela's, which have been around since the 70's. Thanks for everything! Sleepless in Mexico City (note from Mama: I knew I should have kept up on my Spanish lessons! Still, it was easy enough to see that the Bandid is a full size 250cc bike and the Carabela C150 Cruiser is a full size 150cc bike. Neither is a pocket bike and would be useful for learning on. Although you note that they cost more, the fact is that you would have a street-legal bike to ride while you continue to save your money for the dream bike . . . and riding and learning is the point! You'll definitely want to check into the resale value and market for these bike models . . . it will be an important point in the future. If possible, talk to owner's of both bikes to discover what they have to say! I also looked to see if one of the women's riding organizations had a national Mexico chapter . . . but couldn't find anything. You may want to contact the Women's International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) to see if there is anything being worked on in Mexico for women riders.) Wednesday, November 2 For Sleepless in Mexico who is looking at bikes manufactured in Mexico: I know nothing about Mexican motorcycles, but I do think they look like "real" bikes. I would swear the 250 and 150 bikes have copies of Suzuki motors from the pics I could see. And I love the wheel designs, those mags look great. Find a local shop that is NOT a dealer in new Mex bikes, ask the mechanic there what he thinks of the reliability of the Mex bikes compared to the Jap bikes. No point asking at a dealer, they are just going to tell you how wonderful their products are. Good luck. Kevin in Sydney (note from Mama: good point on getting an independent opinion from people who work on bikes!) Monday, November 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, In short, she has growing confidence with it and has ridden with me and on her own. She's about 115lbs. or so. I am @167 lbs. with a long inseam, but I've ridden her bike several hundred miles also (transporting it places for her because her confidence doesn't include highways and 150 mile distances.) I feel that the Virago 250 has simply amazing power for only 250cc., as motorcycle.com staff noted. No problem whatsoever keeping up with traffic, and that's with all my weight aboard. It's really too small for me to be comfortable on it, and I hate the cruiser position because I cannot stand on the pegs to get off my seat/prostate gland to rise up over pavement irregularities, as I can on the Bonneville and my Yamaha YZF600R. BUT, It's all right for shorter distances for me, and she loves it. She feels that she can adjust her orientation on the seat easily, move back or more forward if she wishes, and the center of gravity and weight of the bike are so low that she has no fear of dropping it. I think it's quite a bargain, considering its power and the apparent build quality, and it is one of the prettiest motorcycles I've ever seen- and I'm more of a sport bike fancier. I've changed the oil~ it takes just over 1.6 quarts during the change! And it's gotten, consistently, 70 miles per gallon of gasoline!!! You do have to check tire pressures frequently, as seems to be the case with tube-lined tires, but that's simple enough, if you get your own gauge and a simple bicycle floor pump. The headlight is fine, too. You must plan for a long warm-up time, which can be a drag, but it's just the nature of some motorcycles. While it's warming up (and it will not allow you to ease in the choke until it has gotten warmer for several minutes) you can check the tires, add air, etc., read a chapter of one of David Hough's fine books, or something. I could well understand a woman wanting a more substantial bike for highway riding, since then you won't be a leaf in the wake of large vehicles. And my ride on a drizzly cross-windy day on it was very UN-fun, partly because of its light weight. But for moderate distances and ordinary road conditions, without too much large truck traffic, it's a great bike. And Yamaha is currently still keeping it in their line-up, even though the larger "Viragos" aren't made any longer. Andrew Dear
Andrew, Monday, November 7 For Donna who was considering a Suzuki Boulevard C50: My husband I bought a pair of these, 2005 model, in October 2004. Over the past year we have put 1600 miles on these bikes, mostly in short rides around town. The stock seat is only good for about an hour or so before the butt pain kicks in. (However, the seat height, 26.5" is low enough for me to flat foot, and I am 5'2" tall). We recently replaced the stock seats with the Mustang Classic. The new seats took care of the butt pain, but do raise the seat height about an inch. I do find that the new seat has moved me further back in the saddle and I have more trouble reaching the handlebars. I'm looking at pullback risers that I think will solve this problem. We like the bikes. The '05 model has fuel injection which has improved the gas mileage over the reported mileage on the carbureted models--we are getting around 50 mpg. As far as accessories, I wanted removable saddlebags that would lock. My husband wanted a reasonably large capacity. We found the Krauser K4 side cases which are each about the size of the largest bag you can carry-on to a plane. Sharon (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your take on the C50 model. I've added your bike and notes to my Motorcycles for Short Riders list, and an added note about the Boulevard model numbers and how they correlate to the old model names!) Tuesday, November 8 Dear
VTwin Mama, Just realized something, never seen any ladies on your site mention Yamaha V Max bikes. Which is odd because out of all the cruiser style bikes they handle the best and are the fastest by far. Can be lowered via seat cut down and lowering kits also. Very popular with guys in the USA who don't like normal cruisers or Harleys. Have a cult following here in Oz. Hundreds of bolt on parts available in Europe to make Streetfighters out of them. 1200cc V 4 motor, which does prove that you don't need a huge CC size to go fast. Before the Hyabusa came out, Mr. Max was the King of straight line speed! Ride safe, Kevin in Sydney Dear
Kevin, Thursday, November 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, I really can't believe how excited I have gotten about learning to ride since I made that decision. I wanted a Harley Heritage Classic but the owner of the dealership would not sell me one. He was afraid that with my not having the experience that I would get hurt on a big bike. Ironically, a gal had just gotten her license that day and was rolling a brand new Sportster onto a trailer. The owner of the Harley dealership came running out and said come look at her Yamaha. She had bought it (2002 Yamaha Virago 250) just 6 weeks ago to practice on for her test. So guess what? . . . you got it . . . we bought the bike and they delivered it to my home for me. I guess it was meant to be. I'm so glad the owner insisted on a smaller bike for me. The first day I was on it and was getting off I forgot to put the kickstand down. I was able to catch it and keep it from hitting the ground, however, if it had been a larger bike it would have been on the ground. I can't believe how powerful that little bike is and I know without a shadow of a doubt I would not have been able to handle the larger one. At least not now anyway. I now have a great deal of respect for my little bike. I have taken the written portion of my test and hopefully this weekend I can go out to a parking lot with my husband. I'm registered to take the riders safety course the end of the month. My husband is the one that found this site for me. I'm so glad he did because I think what you have done here is terrific!! (thanks!) I've only read a few things so far but I've already learned from it. I'm fixing to go out and practice turning on my reserve tank without looking. I will also probably be picking out a mentor in the next day or two. I rode a little tiny bit when I was a teenager and even had my mc license. I probably had less than one hour on the road so for the most part I consider myself having zero experience. I am 52 years young and a retired pharmaceutical sales rep of 23 years and a retired Dental Hygienist of 4 years. I look forward to meeting riders and learning more on your site. Thanks! Cindy Dear
Cindy, Mentors are available from lots of locations . . . from my Let's Ride page, my VTwin Mama Mentor Program page, and you'll find the main women's riding organizations, which will lead you to their local chapters, on my Women's Sites page. It really can make a difference! You're well on your way to becoming a rider again . . . we'll have our biker waves ready for you! Mama Thursday, November 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Sherri, I find that using the Want Facts site is a great way to get a list of bikes to my liking and then checking for weight/seat height. Click on Motorcycles, New, Search by Feature, choose the manufacturers you are interested in and the category of bike (touring and sport touring sounds right and by definition these are 900cc or higher), limit the weight category to under 600 pounds, and then bring up the list! I took a quick look and to my amazement, some of the heaviest bikes in the touring and sport touring categories where the ones with the lowest seat height and the one with the lowest weight had the highest seat height! Still, none of these bikes were under 500 pounds dry, so that's just something you're going to have to cotton up to. My quick check under 600 pounds revealed a number of bikes for consideration (your BMW RT is showing at 1150cc not 1100cc). You'll see the Moto Guzzi California Stone Touring and at 542 pounds, a seat height of 29.9" and 1064cc , it looks like a good candidate! Happy shopping! Mama Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
ValD, The short answer is this: don't start out on too powerful of a bike because if you scare yourself, getting the confidence back can be a real chore in mental acrobatics. A 250cc bike is excellent and a used one about five years old is under $1500. Yamaha has the Virago 250, Honda has the Rebel 250. They could be a little bit scarce right now because the gas price scare made these trades move much faster for a while. If you want to start a bit bigger, stick around the 500cc range. Of most importance is to check your arms and legs. Can you reach the ground with your feet with the bike centered at a stop? Are you stretching your arms, rounding your back or anything else to reach the handlebar controls? These are important concerns. No matter which bike, if you buy it used, make sure you understand if the owner maintained it, how long it's been sitting, was it in a garage, etc. And, no matter which bike you get, make sure you put in plenty of practice time in a distraction free area so you can use to it before incorporating the tribulations of traffic. It's rare when a new rider finds the perfect bike right off the bat. That's not the point. The point is that you need some practical riding time under your belt, and having a bike with a paint job you're not worried about is good. Once you've got some riding time in you'll be in much better position to determine what bike is really going to be the dream bomb one! With winter coming, the chances of a motorcycle show in your area is higher and a great opportunity to see all makes/models in one place. Hop onto the Motorcycle Events site and see what's up! Mama Friday, November 18 For ValD who is seeking her first bike to get started out on: Just wanted to let you know I am getting back in the saddle after a short detour!! I had a '98 Yamaha 650 VStar Custom, sold it due to a move. Now I am replacing it with the same bike, except it's a Classic!!! I loved the bike I had and it felt very good and that was my first experience on a bike, well except the stupid times on a crotch rocket!!! Now 4 years ago I spent $3800 on my VStar with 1200 miles on it. The one I am buying is a '98 with 6300 miles and am getting it for $2800 through a private party!! Can we say SCORE!!! So in response to ValD, it just depends on what you are getting!! A dealer I talked to said "come see me I will give you a good deal!" Famous last words. My husband went to see him, what a joke, only coming down $100 off asking. WHATEVER-BUH-BYE!!! So I am very pleased to be joining all you other women riders out there. If any of you are in NW Washington, let's ride. I live on the north end of Whidbey Island, aka God's Country!!! Mama, thanks for having this site. (you're welcome!) I have been cruising around it for a few weeks now and have learned a lot. Kudos to you!!! Cheers Marla in Oak Harbor, WA (note from Mama: congrats on the "new" bike and thanks for sharing a few wise words for ValD. By the by, as a reminder, I have a Let's Ride page on my site, listing women around North America and some other countries who are interested in riding with other women!) Tuesday, November 22 Dear
VTwin
Mama, I'm a very independent person, and I'll try anything at least once. And while I'm a new "street" rider, I am very pleased with my choice. Getting used to the forward controls took a few rides, I even drove all the way home on the VTX down our gravel roads! (We have a farm and live off of gravel roads that the state likes to grade constantly, YEEEE HA!) I sat on and considered the smaller/lighter cc bikes, they are lighter and would have been easy to handle from the start. Financially I didn't want to have to upgrade in a year or two (seems that is the way most people with sense do it anyway!), I had the money to purchase a larger one now and wouldn't of had the $ in a year or two. Children just suck the money right out of ya!! *LOL* So I bought the 1300 with hopes of mastering it in our local State Parks parking lot and campground which is pretty quiet this time of year. I am 5'7" and about 165lbs (I hope to work off some of those pounds with all the riding I'm planning next summer!) and can flat foot this bike AND raise my tush off the seat when stopped. The controls are easy to reach and work, and the bars are more like drag bars (it's the VTX 1300C model). I know I would have been happy and fine with a smaller one, but there didn't seem to be much difference in a bit larger one when sitting on them at the dealers, at least the 1300 didn't seem that different when leaning it side to side and reaching the controls etc. I think the weight is 640lbs and you would never know it when riding on the road and curves, did I mention we also live in the Ozark Mtns in Missouri?, so curvy, two lanes are a way of life for us. A great website to compare different models, years, and brands is www.powersportsnetwork.com. I have spent many, many hours on there searching out bikes and seat heights, engine specs, etc. Hope this helps someone when considering a new bike. It was very useful for me, and I'm really tickled with my cruiser. : ) It should last my lifetime and keep up with Hubby's Wing in the process. And who says a woman can't do that! Just let them get out of our way! Shakin' in MO Dear
Shakin', Tuesday, November 29 Dear
VTwin
Mama, Dear
Marcelo, Wednesday, November 30 Kevin's report on the Sydney bike show Dear
VTwin
Mama, Terri also liked it, for her it was either the ER or the Honda CBR 600. The ER has a narrow seat and that helped most shorter women touch the ground. Even tip toe is ok on this bike because it's so light and well balanced. Now I looked on USA Kawa site and saw something called a new 650R Ninja with a full fairing. I think this is the USA version of the ER, but the full fairing model looks crap. The one's sold here have only a small half fairing, they are not on the Aussie website yet, when they are I will let you know and you can compare them. Putting the full fairing on the USA version spoiled the entire look of the new bike. The Aussie one has, span adjustable clutch and brake levers for people with smaller hands, gorgeous frame lines that curve around the rear footpegs, the pipe (ugly on the USA model) comes out under the bottom of the bike, in OZ it's just chrome, no weird cover over it. Indicators built into the side of the half fairing. Digital speedo, with a tiny screen to deflect wind. Like I said, every gal who saw it and sat on it loved it. Why Kawa USA has literally bolted a lower fairing on it and wrapped a cover over the muffler I have no idea. Spoils it no end. Looks like any normal sports bike now. Sad. Go to Benelli website to see the TNT naked sports, that's what the ER should look like , and here it does. The other bike that shocked everyone was the Hyosung GT 650 Cruiser, a complete copy of the Harley V-Rod, albeit thousands of dollars cheaper and with a 650 motor. My only complaint about the Hyo-Rod (heh heh) was that they had TOO MUCH cheap chrome on it. It's too in ya face, needs less chrome and more alloy. Having said that I should say that my mates and I dislike chrome at the best of times. We're into riding not polishing shiny bits every weekend. So maybe it's just me, but Terri also said the chrome look cheap and tinny. Our bikes have no chrome at all so perhaps we are not the best judges of this. I predict Hyosung will sell a lot more Hyo-Rod's than Harley will sell V-Rods, that's a given considering the Hyosung is so cheap brand new. Women who sat on the Hyo-Rod liked it, though it is a long bike and might seem a little heavy at first, but no more so than the V Star 650 I suspect. Disappointingly there was nothing really new from any other manufacturer. BMW has a new dirt version of their GS 1200. Honda had nothing at all. Yamaha reckons they have redesigned the R1, but looked same as last year to me. Yamaha had their new V twin 1400 naked bike thingy. That looks ugly as hell. Give me a V-Max any day. Guzzi was same as last year. Ducati has some retro looking bikes, but engines all same as normal dukes. Let's hope they don't perform retro, old dukes are a pain in the ass for comfort and reliability. Really the ER 650 was about the only innovative bike at the show, and of course they just copied it from Benelli to start with, a fact that a lot of people did not know. Benelli obviously had no stand at show. No Aussie will pay the prices Benelli ask here for their bikes to start with. So that was the Sydney bike show. Biggest one we have ever had. My biggest whine ( and many women's): All manufacturers had big busted bimbos in skimpy clothes wandering around. My God, they even looked brainless. Considering bike companies are trying to attract female riders I think they do themselves a huge disservice having " show whores" as one guy called them (LOL) wandering around all over the place. Even other guys commented on how silly these shelias looked in skimpy tops and too tight shorts and silly stiletto heels. One bloke asked a couple of bimbos to stop slouching over a bike so he could take it's picture. That was funny. Kevin in Sydney, Australia Dear
Kevin, Friday, December 9 For Carrie who was deciding on a bike following her completion of a riding course: First I want to congratulate you on taking the riding course. Personally I think that's the most important first step. At the tender age of 43 I took the course and learned the "correct" way to ride a bike and even though I'm a huge wimp I struggled through and now have 16,000 miles on my V Star 650 Classic since Feb. 2003. I made the mistake of buying a bike I couldn't ride, it felt way too top heavy, dropped it more than once and sold it. Nearly gave up riding at that point. Kept seeing other women ride and I knew I wanted to myself, so I bought a Rebel 250, put quite a few parking lot/street miles on it. My wonderful husband bought me "Babydoll" for Valentines Day. She had been lowered 2" among many other extras (floorboards, engine guards, etc.). I'm only 5 ft tall and weight 115 lbs. and I feel very comfortable on my bike now. When I'm backing it up or otherwise slowly moving it, if I feel it start to "go over" I can straighten it back up without dropping it. I can't really compare it with other bikes since I haven't ridden but three. I can say that a couple of weeks ago we went to the Hill Country and I put 933 miles on her in 4 days and kept up with everyone on bigger bikes with no problem. I wasn't sore at all (of course the AirHawk seat probably helped in THAT area). If you can get a V Star 650 Classic at a good price and keep it in pretty good shape I would think you could be able to sell it IF you wanted to "move up". Even though these bikes are considered entry-level, I'm extremely happy with mine! I get more compliments on her than my husband does on his V Star Classic 1100 and even my brother gets on his Harley Davidson touring bike. Of course she does have lots of chrome, she's purple, and I try to keep her clean. I guess each person has their own way of making the journey. You're already making the first important step with the class. If I could add anything it would be to keep to the parking lots until you're ready and really and truly ride YOUR ride. Keep it safe. Donna (note from Mama: words of wisdom that any newer rider seeking their first bike will benefit from!) Wednesday, December 14 Dear VTwin Mama, Petra, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season! Out here in California we still have plenty of riding to do. I am think of trading up to a Street Bob. I just feel more comfy on a lower balanced bike . . . we will see . . . maybe just wishful thinking now. You take care, and Happy Holidays to You and Yours!!! Peace and Ride Safe. P.S. I added more on my blog: ktdidshort.blogspot.com I am having fun with that one too. Kathy H. in California Dear
Kathy, I'm glad you enjoyed the beginnings of the humor page and I hopped onto your blog to catch up! Again, thanks for your awesome posting about my site . . . and merry holiday everything to you as well! Mama Dear VTwin Mama, After a 35 year hiatus, I decided to start riding again. I don't know whether it's mid-life crisis or temporary insanity, but I'm *really* enjoying myself! A few months ago, I took the MSF Basic Riders Course - passed the written with flying colors, but barely missed passing the riding skills evaluation. Boy, did that ever wound my ego! A couple of weeks later, I repeated the skills eval and passed! Now I have two bikes: a 2004 Honda Rebel and a 1983 Yamaha RX50. I just couldn't pass up the Yamaha when I saw it locally advertised. It's so very much like my first bike and it's in amazingly great shape for being 20+ years old. The only thing it's missing is the lid to the rear seat "luggage compartment" (we're talking a really tiny compartment here. Not even big enough for a bottle of water). I've ordered a new lid and replacement hardware for it, but I got a note from the vendor saying that it was backordered. I'm hoping that doesn't mean that they won't be able to locate one. Actually, I was amazed that I even found a place that advertised a part for such an old, limited production bike! Thanks for such a great website. It's really great to have a site for women motorcycle enthusiasts. Patty in Seattle, WA Dear
Patty, Thursday, December 29 Dear
VTwin Mama, The 650 is capable of exceeding 90 mph riding two up (and together we come close to the rated carrying capacity of 441 pounds for the bike!) This motorcycle has no trouble keeping up with freeway traffic, and, although it is not a dragster, will pull away from most cars when accelerating away from a stop. We rode from Michigan to the beach in Virginia in 2004 and rode to the beach in North Carolina, returning by way of the Blue Ridge Parkway this year, so long trips are absolutely no problem. The suspension travel (5.5" front & 4.1" rear) exceeds most Harleys and many other larger bikes and the tires (130/90 16 Front and 170/80 15 rear) are the same as the ones used on the 1100 - also larger than those used on many larger motorcycles. The shaft drive and air cooled engine mean lower maintenance cost and hassles. This is a beautiful, full sized motorcycle that will give years of riding pleasure to anyone interested in a reasonably priced, reliable machine. By the way, I am not in any way affiliated with Yamaha or any dealer - I just love this bike. John & Kathy Geda Dear
John (and Kathy), For some, it makes sense to start with a 250cc bike to get some practice time in, while others want to choose something with enough oomph to satisfy their riding needs without being overwhelming, and the mid-range cc bikes like the VStar 650 fit the bill. Hence, it often is "referenced" as a "get started on your riding experience bike." I myself started out on a 750cc bike and rode that size for 15 years (and did major cross country trips on them!) before moving up to the 1200cc bikes. You'll get no argument for me that a 650cc bike can really handle any type of riding a person is looking for! Mama Friday, December 30 Dear
VTwin Mama, Looking at Goldwing sales, they never attracted that young sport bike rider anyway. Did they really think they would??? And do they really think someone is going to pay $21,900 for a 2006 Goldwing and $1,800 tax on top of that. You drive off, you've lost $7,000. No one, unless they've got a heck of a trade, is going to pay that much for a Jap Honda Bike. This will be a record low in Goldwing sales for 2006, because Honda doesn't listen or know who their buyers are. Redesign its 4cyc in line automatic, cut the price to $17,900 list, and they'll sell 100,000 of them. As it is now, anyone over 5'8" tall is going to be miserable in the front seat. And I won't even go there on the problems with the bike from 2001-2005. The 1985-87 1200 Goldwings fit most Americans. A tall seat option and handlebar options that come back further would be a great short run fix. Bert in Georgia Dear
Bert, Friday, December 30 Dear
VTwin Mama, Another great site for bike adventurers, and it's free to read. two Aussie lads riding across the eastern part of the world: http://www.tokyotolondon.com/. Here is a link to the new Kawasaki ER 6N that the girls and I saw at the recent bike show. The review was very complimentary. I think some of your readers will like it. Low seat height, low weight, and (for us) very cool looking. Found this guy in the USA making rather unusaul Ducati's. Certainly low enough for most women to sit on. Certainly unique enough for gal's who like custom bikes to want to own. Kevin in Australia Dear
Kevin, |
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