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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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2008 Hey VTwin Mama, Dear
Weasel, Given that dealers carrying this make of motorcycle are still a bit far flung, he noted that it was of extreme importance that you have the service support needed and that you're confident that they stand ready to assist. One good way to do this is have a heart to heart chat with the service manager to gauge your impressions. Otherwise, he noted that as a solo rider, the bike had plenty get up and go and even with his passenger, he did not want for power when it was needed (he specifically addressed highway passing power). The rider was about 5'8" and the it fit him to a tee ... even at my 5'10" I felt that the forward controls were well placed and comfortable. I will be attending the Cycle World Show in Atlanta this coming weekend, and in taking a look at the Exhibitor list, I see that Hyosung will be there with their bikes, so will be making a special effort to look more closely and address any problems they have had with engine design/reliability. So, I wouldn't rule out this bike as a new purchase because when you buy used, you can run into all sorts of "stuff" as well. The Yamis and Suzukis have proven track records, but even they produce a lemon bike on occasion, and once used, you're at the mercy of what the previous owners did in terms of riding and maintenance. I'd dig deeper into service support and gauge your thoughts then. – Mama Wednesday, January 16 For Weasel who was wondering about the Hyosung 650 cruiser: LOVE MY HYOSUNG!!!! And my guy loves his! Monday, January 28 Dear VTwin Mama,
I want to introduce myself. I am the National Technical Support Manager
for American Lifan located in Dallas, Texas.
I am
sorry to hear the problems from this one rider who it seems purchased
their Lifan bike from an UN-Authorized reseller. She just paid good
money to learn a lesson that she could have avoided paying for. Lifan
motorcycles are only sold in the United States from the factory at
Lifans ONLY US Distributor located in Dallas, Texas. American Lifan has
around 400 dealers across the USA. We currently do not have any dealers
in California due to the high emission laws. We also do not sell Lifans
on the Internet. We also will not support Lifan products that have not
been purchased through on of our many authorized American Lifan Dealers.
Lifan Motorcycles are great bikes and when they are assembled correctly
and prepped at our Authorized dealers, they are pound for pound far
better than any other bike in its class. We can also boast we have the
best prices. American Lifan bikes are not of the cheap quality bikes
that you see from other Chinese or Korean manufacturers or at places
like Pep Boys, Tractor Supply, Flea Markets, Ebay, Internet or some
guy selling them on the side of the road.
Please let your readers understand, If you want to purchase a Vehicle,
ANY vehicle, ours, theirs, whomever.. DO NOT BUY IT ON THE INTERNET!!!
Go to an AUTHORIZED DEALER, meet the seller face to face, someplace you
can drive back to when you have a problem, need service, warranty work,
accessories, etc...
ANY vehicle you purchase on the INTERNET and have shipped to you, will
not have a VALID WARRANTY. NO Manufacturer is going to WARRANTY a
vehicle that is built, put together or serviced by a consumer. The
purpose of having dealers is to insure that the product is built
correctly, prepped, serviced by trained professionals to insure the best
quality of the product and to insure the integrity of the company
producing the product.
You hear the Internet is a great place to buy things... the trouble is,
ANYONE can make ANY CLAIM they wish on here and they don't have to worry
about backing it up, or if its true or not. It lets them sell things
without worry that you the consumer will come over to my place of
business and rough me up if I steal your money. It is YOUR MONEY, be
smart with it. Do business with honest to goodness REAL PEOPLE who
actually run businesses HONESTLY and that you can SHAKE their hands.
These are machines and machines break down.. If yours breaks down, who
is going to help you???
You do not save any money buying it on the web. If you want to buy a
Lifan product and I can say that you are making a very good choice in
doing so, you need to visit an Authorized American Lifan Dealer. I
invite you to visit our Official Website for more information.
Thanks again and keep up all you hard work on your website.. it pays
off. – D. Moore, National Technical Support
Manager, American Lifan Industry Inc.
Dear D. Moore, Dear VTwin Mama, I understand I'll need to practice quite a bit before making the trek,
but I'd like to know for later. What are the most inexpensive (first bike
range and I wouldn't want to beat up a $10,000 bike this much), reliable
bikes you know of that you would ride for example from Alaska to Mexico?
I'd like it to be fairly simple too so fixes on the road aren't a big deal
and can be done myself with the right knowledge. I might be asking too
much but here's hoping... Dear Ika, First, varying elevations IMHO means that you should be seriously looking at fuel-injected bikes ... they automatically adjust the gas/air mix no matter where you are! I've heard from riders who do altitude variations all the time with a carburetor-based bike with little affect (some loss of power at the very highest points), so don't rule it out completely. I'd also choose a shaft-drive bike for simplicity. When I read long distance travel accounts, I have noted that most riders opted for something in the 500cc to 800cc range. These have plenty of power and at your height, you should have no real issues with arm/leg reach to controls and the ground. In your case, looking at the bigger touring bikes then brings you out of your price range comfort zone. My immediate "short list" would be the Suzuki Boulevard C50T (touring). At 819cc, it is fuel-injected, shaft drive, 544lbs, 27.6" seat height, a 4.1 gallon gas tank (so about a 160 mile range or so) and about $8,000. It's easy to push around (when you need to), a nice mid-range bike that shouldn't overwhelm you during the skill polishing phase, is complete with saddlebags and windshield, and a big touring bag could easily be strapped on to the pillion backrest. You could have a dealer immediately change you to a lockable saddlebag option, you already have floorboards for comfort, and could add an engine guard and outside highway pegs for a change of leg position. The only thing I don't see is a backrest option for the rider (it's nice support) and it's air cooled (vs. liquid cooled), and means in really hot climates you want to keep your eye on things. If want to think used, the C50 use to be called the Volusia 800 (it changed in 2005), and that's the name you would find in classified ads (the Volusia has been around since at least 2001). So, is that the only motorcycle? Of course not, but for my money that's what I'd look at first. If you take out the fuel-injection part of the equation, then that opens up the list to include Honda Shadow 750s, many Kawasaki models, the Yamaha VStars and other Suzukis (still with shaft drive, but you'll have to do your research). These are some nice 650 and 750cc bikes (carb) with lower price points. – Mama Update: the C50 and Volusia are liquid-cooled, but the Volusia was still a carb bike. Friday, March 21 For Ika who is searching for a bike and my notes on the Boulevard C50/Volusia: The predecessor to the C50 called the Volusia, it's carbureted, not fuel injected. Fuel injection was one of the changes when they made it the C50. Second, the C50/Volusia is liquid cooled, not air. – Yo (note from Mama: my appreciation for the corrections, which I've added to the original posting.) Thursday, April 10 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Stressed Out, First, determine if you have a preferred style. Most people are adamant that they want a cruiser look or a sport style. Next, determine what engine size range category is most appropriate for your skill level and the type of riding you will be doing. 250-500cc to get started on but can still run fast enough on highways. 500-900cc for a nice mid-range bike if you've done well in a motorcycle riding course and feel you'll outgrow a smaller bike quickly. Now, go to a tool like WantFacts, click on Research New, Motorcycles, Search by Feature. Click on manufacturers you would consider, the type of style, and choose the highest cc displacement range you think you would consider. Leave all the other variables alone for now. Call up the list and print it out (there could be several pages). With a pen in hand, click on 2007 and 2008 models and down seat height and weight. The lower the stock seat height, the better chance you have for good leg to ground reach (flat footed at a stop), especially if you're 5'6" or shorter. Motorcycles can be modified for shorter riders in a number of ways and you should be prepared to discuss options with a dealer salesperson if necessary. Then look at $$. Do you have a budget set for this purchase? Highlight the MSRP. Now it's time to visit dealers. With your list in hand, sit on bikes! Have the salesperson assist you, if necessary, in getting it off the sidestand. Note your leg reach to the ground ... are you flat foot or tippy toe? It's best to wear your riding boots (if you have them) or even hiking boots as sneakers rarely are what you'll be wearing when riding. Check your arm reach to hand controls ... is it comfortable with the front wheel straight forward and also turned all the way to one side? Check your leg reach to foot controls ... too stretched out or too tucked up? Last but not least, lean the bike slightly to the left and then to the right. Can you hold the weight of the bike on a slight lean? Continue tilting it to get a feel of the weight overall ... this will give you a sense of the center of gravity. Sit on another bike and do the same thing. Take time to jot down notes. Even sit on bikes that are not necessarily of interest so that you can more quickly see what will or will not work for you! After a bunch of bike sits/leans, you will begin to form an opinion on balance. Tires, rake, trail, wheelbase ... bike designers give a lot of thought to the correct "ratio" of these types of things so that a bike handles well on the road for the intended purpose. I wouldn't jazz too much about it in the beginning. Take your notes home, give some thought to the budget, shorten up your list, and then go back to the dealer to sit on the bikes. Fall in love with one, discuss modifications/additions you want and get to the bottom line of it all. Happy shopping! – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Briana, Monday, April 21 For Briana who has a Moto Guzzi Nevada Classic: I also ride a Moto Guzzi Nevada Classic 750, my first bike, since I started riding last year. You are exactly right in everything that you mentioned about how the bike handles! The Nevada is "more zippy" than it would appear to be, and I often overtake my husband on his Moto Guzzi Breva 1100! Curves are fun with the easy handling of this model. I also find myself filling up at 100-120 miles, but that is about the time I take a little break anyhow. I love my Guzzi! Like you, it's a perfect bike for me! I wish more women knew enough about this bike to check it out! – Guzzi Girl in CT (note from Mama: one way to bring that bike to more people's attention is by supplying a photo of you sitting on your bike for the Motorcycle Fit Charts. That way, someone shopping, can get a better feel for what a rider looks like on the bike ... at different heights! A call to ALL Guxxi riders ... I need pictures of all models, so please take this step to help out!) Monday, May 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Kelcy, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Andrea, Although I have lots of neat new tools and charts by seat height and engine cc size that include the MSRP, I'll give you a quick run down of the least expensive bikes on the 2007/2008 market. Model, seat height, cc engine, year, weight, MSRP
In this list, the Sapero, Hyosung GT250 and that Ninja are sport style motorcycles; the rest are cruiser style. The CF Moto, QLink and Hyosung are the newest import manufacturers but are quickly gaining a following but one has to really inquire about service availability (i.e. don't buy from an unapproved source). At 5'7" you should have no problem getting your feet flat to the ground at a stop as long as you have good riding boots with a solid thick sole. Don't skimp on that step, especially for the Ninja. With this short list on hand, I'd visit all the dealers and check out the makes/models for yourself. Sit on each of them, checking your arm reach to hand controls and leg reach to ground and foot controls. Ask about trade ins (some dealers do offer that type of program and may know of a used one coming in from a rider ready to move up in power). And yes, those 250cc bikes can handle highway speeds, so they are practical for the new rider as skills are built up. – Mama Monday, June 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cali, At your height, leg-to-ground reach issues are not quite as tough. Still, as we've often noted, many of the sport style bikes do start out at higher seat heights than found in the cruiser line of motorcycles. Since you're getting a good feeling from the Ninja 650R, why not take a look at the Motorcycle Engine CC Chart ... here you'll be able to scroll down to the Sport section and take a look at similar sized bikes, their seat height, weight, and MSRP. That'll give you an idea of what else to look at to compare to the Ninja. While we often compare things by cc engine size, how a bike is geared has a lot to do with it's "zip" factor ... how peppy it is. Sport bikes tend to be geared to be faster off the line, while cruisers are looking to offer nice easy power at higher speeds to kick back and relax. So, in this part of the equation, it really has to do with what type of riding you are anticipating and let's fact it ... the image of you on a bike! – Mama Saturday, June 7 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear James, So, if this bike is of interest, I'd start with the insurance question, because without it, you may not be able to register it (most DMVs want evidence that you've got insurance). Why not pose this question to EvoSales? At the same time, to ride it legally on roads, one must have the "M" on one's license. That means your girlfriend would need to take the motorcycle exam, either through an approved riding course or with the DMV. IMHO, the Dream Chopper is a toy. While I don't consider anything wrong with the 3/4 size (other than visibility to other vehicles on the road), that chopper front end rake is most definitely not a typical set-up. Turning from a stop, handling twisty roads, etc. takes practice and skill, and that exaggerated front end doesn't make it any easier. I seriously doubt that even an experienced rider could take the DMV riding test and pass on that bike. I'd advocate taking the $1300 you're considering spending and finding a decent used 250cc bike like the Honda Rebel, Suzuki GZ250, Yamaha VStar 250, or even the CF Moto V5 (QLink Legacy 250). While these retail for $3,000 to $3,600 new, you would have no problems with insurance and registration as well as the all important service availability. I can't answer the question about whether the Dream Chopper would hold up. All bikes need routine maintenance and the adage that you get what you pay for is as true in motorcycle purchases as anything else. – Mama Wednesday, July 23 For LAdams who was wondering about longer trips on a Hyosung GV250: Sorry Mama, for the first time in the couple of years since I’ve been with you I have to firmly disagree. The Hyo GV250 IS very different from all the other 250 cruisers out there. And mechanics who’ve worked w/them will agree. I’ve had mine almost exactly 2 years now. To begin, they look much bigger. Most people are shocked when I tell them she’s ‘only’ a 250. She also rides much bigger. I’ve got about 30 hp. I also added a windshield, did not like the Hyo one – it lasted exactly 3 miles before I took it back to my dealer! – and I’ve gotten her up to 90mph. (My mechanic, a former racer, is convinced she should pull a ton. Maybe, but not w/me on her!) I still had some throttle but I don’t need another ticket so I backed off. Thus I’ve never had any trouble keeping up w/anyone and can easily pass to the front when I want a pit stop. (I mostly ride w/guys and I’ve a closer to 60 than 50 year old bladder!) ‘Spirit’ is superbly balanced AND has a low center of gravity. I live just outside DC and ride the beltway and I-95 more often than I’d prefer. With the windshield, no problems. I also have a throttle lock, not the paddle thingie. My arthritis isn’t getting any better and I’ve carpel tunnel in my right hand so I’d prefer no more than 50-60 miles at interstate speeds, which are at least 70+here, but it’s doable on occasion. I’m NOT at full throttle at 70 mph, always have something left for emergencies. Weekend rides are usually 150-200 miles in a day. Major fun and I’ve never been ‘butt and body’ tired when we get home. I also have a ‘butt pad’ from Alaska Leathers, http://www.alaskaleather.com/index.html , which makes any bike seat more comfy in the heat or cold. Soooo, go LAdams go!
Anywhere a bigger bike can go so can you – and some places they can’t!
Any problems won’t be from engine size. Thursday, July 31 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Carol, If the 583/581 pounds of the Sporty's are of concern, and I'm gathering from your "pull it up" words you mean getting it off the side kickstand ... then there's a little trick you need to hear about! Most riders park their bikes with the front wheel angled to the left. If you turn the wheel to the right before getting on, you'll have an infinitely easier time getting to center ... I know, because I tried it myself! What you'll find though, according to specifications, is that the 1200L is going to sit about 1" higher in the saddle than the 883L. Don't let that be the deal breaker ... there are seat modification/change options that should take care of that should it be of concern (i.e. you're a very height-challenged rider). If I had to guess on the number of 883 owners who quickly moved up to the 1200 (according to the letters coming into my site), I'd say it was better than 75%. The main reason is that the 1200 has a lot more oomph comfort at higher speeds ... so if you're looking to do distance day rides, I'd be bucking for the 1200. Remember, either way, you're best bet is to get it to an empty parking lot and start your practice drills right from the very beginning (duck walk friction zone, controlled stops, etc.). – Mama Thursday, August 7 Gathering 2009 Motorcycle Information Dear Readers, 2008 to 2009 changes will be shown on a special page ... once I have all 2009 information, I will redo all the charts to reflect the changes. I will also issue a mini report for each manufacturer as I pull together the information ... this is by no means a comprehensive overview ... just a snapshot on the parameters I report on in order to help people research a bike for fit/budget. – Mama Thursday, August 7 Victory Mini Report Dear Readers, New Model: The Kingpin Low is being introduced this year, with a low seat height of 25.2". So, if you're looking for 1634cc of power but are height challenged and don't want to mess with lowering the bike ... take a look! (Update: originally reported at 22.5", it's now clear that the Victory site has a typo on the main specification sheet page). Seat Heights: Everything has remained the same except for the above noted new model and Victory has dropped the Vegas Jackpot from 26.5" to 25.7". Again, for the height challenged rider, an almost inch drop can really make a difference! Weights: almost across the board you'll notice that the reported dry weight has dropped anywhere from 4 to 16 pounds. Not a lot ... just a note! Engine CC: The Hammer, Hammer S, and Vegas Jackpot, originally at 1634cc, now boast the 1731cc engine ... just like the Vision line-up. MSRP Prices: Half the models' pricing remains the same. The big news is that the starting MSRP for the Victory Hammer S went from $19,866 in 2008 down to $18,499 in 2009. Increases for the Hammer, Vegas, Vegas 8-Ball, Vegas Jackpot, and Vegas Low range from $200 to $500 starting MSRP. Other Notes: Victory is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special 10th Anniversary Edition of the Victory Vision ... only 100 models were made! – Mama Thursday, August 7 Harley-Davidson Mini Report Dear Readers, New Model: The V-Rod Muscle was added to the VRSC line-up and the main thing I see is that they went to what's called a satin chrome straight shot exhaust ... very elegant! Here is the side-by-side comparison of the three 2009 "Rod" motorcycles for your review. Seat Heights: No big changes; on a few models there are a few 0.1 to 0.3 drops. Weights: The only big shifts I'm seeing are on the bigger, heavier cruisers/touring models (those already over 700 pounds) is an increase of 15 to 31 pounds. The biggest change was to the Softail Custom, moving from 703 to 765 pounds. Engine CC: I made some corrections to reported cu to calculated cc numbers. For instance, those 96 cu bikes, the bulk of the models, were updated from 1600cc to 1584cc. The VRSC line-up, which I had listed at 1300cc is actually 1250cc. MSRP Prices: A lot of models increased in starting MSRP price for 2009, anywhere from $50 to $1000 (most on the lower end of that range). A few notable decreases: 883 Low from $7,145 to 6,999; Dyna Street Bob from $13,795 to $12,999; Road King from $17,595 to $16,999; Softail Fat Boy from $17,195 to $15,999. Other Notes: Three models have been discontinued for 2009, including the Dyna Wide Glide, basic Sportster 883 (keeping the Low and Custom), and Sportster 1200 Roadster. – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, I bought a Honda 750 Shadow last year and went down on my first ride. So I backed off and took the class. After the class I was still pretty nervous so we found a good deal on a new Rebel 250. I love this bike. I have put over 1000 miles on the Rebel and at least 400 on the Shadow. My problem is I find the Rebel way more fun to ride and feel the Shadow is like work. My goal was to get rid of the Rebel and keep the Shadow but there is no way. I wondered am I hurting my skill by riding both. If I keep the Rebel will I never get use to the Shadow? Thanks for listening, – Dawnita Dear Dawnita, And therein lies the answer to your question. You don't hurt your skills riding two different bikes; you strengthen your knowledge of what makes sense for you. So, what does make sense for you, and don't just answer that the Rebel is "way more fun." What exactly does that mean? Start by sitting on each bike off the side stand. Compare your body position, butt comfort, reach to hand controls and leg controls, and leg reach to the ground. Can you turn the handlebar on both all the way to one side and still reach the controls without shifting in your seat? Are the hand controls perched on the handlebar differently? Is the heavier weight bothering you? Is one easier to handle in tight turns, stops, etc.? Make a list ... write down specific points and notate which bike you like better for each point. For instance, if the hand controls are closer to you on the Rebel, and you prefer that, the Shadow handlebar could be modified with an inexpensive pullback riser. This is just one example. Now I would like you to think about the type of riding you are currently doing and the goals you have set for yourself. Are you only interested in putting around town for shopping and a bit of fun? In your 1400 combined miles, have you gone out for a 2 hour ride yet? What about a day trip? Comfort on longer rides can best be gauged by actually doing them on each bike. You may find the Shadow is more to your liking on longer rides. Clues on how to make this bike fit you better could come from your comparison with the Rebel. It may turn out you need to consider another bike that combines the power of the larger bike and the fit you're looking for ... and when you are ready, both current bikes get sold for the dream bike! And if you really study the differences, your shopping will be a snap as you'll recognize what is and isn't going to work for you! Start with the list idea and get down to specifics! – Mama Thursday, September 11 For Dawnita who is learning to ride on two motorcycles: I love your response to Dawnita who was asking if it hurts to ride both
the Rebel and the Shadow and how she could choose between the two. I
started riding a Harley that we owned, but it was (is) too tall and the
only way I can ride is if my husband gets it out for me. I bought a
Honda VLX600 Deluxe which is absolutely perfect, however, it doesn't quite
have the power that the Harley does so now I am trying to decide how to go
myself and you have given me ideas on how to choose which way to go. Thursday, October 2 Kawasaki Mini Report Dear Readers, New Models: The four variations on the new Vulcan 1700 are big news, but there are some missing details, most notably, the MSRP and nothing on the touring Voyager model. Online analysis suggests that Kawi is looking to clear the Vulcan 1500 and 1600 stock on hand before coming out with the 1700 in later 2009, but when it does the 1500/1600 models will most likely be phased out. The other new model for 2009 is the addition of the ER-6N, a sport-style model in the mid-range engine size. And you'll see that the ZX-6R and ZX-14 have added the Monster Energy variation. Seat Heights: Not a single change! Weights: Don't be alarmed at seeing higher numbers across the board ... remember that weights with a * are dry weights ... for 2009, Kawasaki moved to reporting the wet (curb) weight, which is what you are actually riding! Engine CC: Not a single change! MSRP Prices: Jumps are evident, ranging from $150 to $700 Other Notes: Along with no changes in 2009 for the Vulcan 1500 and 1600s, it looks like the Z1000 and ZZR600 will be phased out. – Mama Thursday, October 2 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Charles, Then I found this informative yet disturbing message: "In 2001, Johnny Pag Creations designed and built 50cc, 97cc and 250cc motorcycles under the model name “PAGSTA.” The company had a very successful first year. In 2002, Johnny Pag Creations sold all distribution rights to these bikes and also the use of the Pagsta name. This new distribution company called themselves “Pagsta International, LLC ”. Pagsta International had full control of these “PAGSTA” motorcycles, while Johnny Pag Creations moved on to other ventures. Johnny Pag Creations, Johnny Pag and JohnnyPag.Com are not affiliated with Pagsta International, nor do they have any information as to their whereabouts or if Pagsta International continues to exist." So, I have no other ideas on getting an owner's manual. From a 2004 press release: Pagsta International, LLC, Corporate offices are located in Irvine, California. CONTACT: PJ Cannon, Pagsta International, LLC, 30 Fairbanks, #110, Irvine, CA 92618, 949-457-3200. – Mama Friday, October 3 Honda Mini Report Dear Readers, New Models: Two models, the CBR600RR and the CBR1000RR, have added an ABS option! Also new to the line-up is the sporty CRF230M, a 223cc street-legal bike that extends the lower cc range. The big news is that the DN-01 cruiser has arrived in the U.S., "offering Honda's radical new HFT Transmission, it's an automatic unlike anything you've ever seen. You can shift it into six preset ratios, or you can let it function as a stepless, no-shifting Constantly Variable Transmission, or CVT." It's pricey for a 680cc, but the seat height is decent and the weight is in line with others in that class range. Seat Heights: Not a single change! Weights: Small changes in the Gold Wing (Base) and Shadow Spirit. Engine CC: Not a single change! MSRP Prices: Increases range from $100 to $500 with the notable exception of the base Gold Wing at $1400 ... but then the 2009 "base" has been upgraded from the 2008 ... both feature the premium audio package, but the 2009 also includes the comfort package (heated grips, seat, passenger backrest, and engine ducting for feet warming). Other Notes: At this time it looks like the Nighthawk may be on its way out. You'll also note that in the VTX1800 line-up, two variations already were phased out after 2007, but what's up with the F, N, and T? I'm not finding any online info and the Honda site is not showing 2009 specs. I'll keep my eye on that. – Mama Monday, October 6 Suzuki Mini Report Dear Readers, New Models: On the scooter scene, the famous Burgman 400 is adding an ABS variation model. Two standard models have been added, the Gladius 645cc and the TU250 249cc. Seat Heights: Not a single change! Weights: Following the example of other major manufacturers, Suzuki is now reporting the curb (running) weight instead of the dry weight ... a much better indicator for riders. Engine CC: Small changes were made from the 2008 reporting because on those model years one had to use a formula to get to the cc number ... so for 2009, the company is calling out the actual cc and my estimated 700 became 652, estimated 800 became 805, and estimated 1500 became 1462. MSRP Prices: Prices rose $100 to $700 depending on the model. Other Notes: It looks like the SV650 is leaving us in favor of the new Gladius (both are categorized as standard styles). I'm also not seeing an update on the standard style B-King, a first cousin to the Hayabusa. And is the Boulevard S83, formerly the Intruder 1400, phasing out? It appears the C90 will continue to fill that cruiser cc slot. – Mama Monday, October 6 Hyosung Mini Report Dear Readers, New Models: The company is adding a GV650 Special Limited Edition to celebrate its 30th Anniversary. No details are available other than the color scheme ... black bike with red details ... red wheel rims and frame parts. Seat Heights: Not a single change! Weights: Not a single change! Engine CC: Not a single change! MSRP Prices: $100-$400 increases except for the GT250R, which keeps its pricing for the solid color and adds $200 for a two tone scheme. Other Notes: I saw on the GV650 and three GT650 pages that fuel injection is coming to these models ... but no date set, so I'm gathering that's not for '09. – Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Also, do you have any advice I can give to my husband on this? He doesn't want me to get a bike. Thanks, – D.H. Dear D.H., Gas mileage is a delicate balance between a number of factors. First, it takes energy to propel a mass (the bike) ... the heavier it is, the more energy it takes overall to move it. Second, design engineers have to place an engine in a frame that will be as efficient as possible ... if you undersize it it will waste gas trying to move the vehicle forward and if you oversize it, there's a tendency to rev up that throttle and zoom off. It's like cars ... if you drive it in a conservative manner, you will most likely cruise in a range of most efficiency. 45-50mph is a good middle ground for a bike. If you want better gas mileage, you'll have to get a lightweight moped, but that restricts your travel ability. While most riders choose a bike for the life style there certainly is more emphasis on the statistics showing that an increase in ownership is due to the fact that many are seeking an alternative mode of transportation to save on gas. But motorcycles, like all vehicles, aren't just about the gas mileage. You have to factor in registration, insurance, proper riding gear, and items that need to be replaced and maintained (oil, other fluids, tires, etc.). The question about a reluctant significant other (s/o) is a tougher challenge, as this can stem from so many different sources. I think that when someone writes to this column about this type of challenge it's really that any or all discussion on the subject has broken down and there appears no way to bridge the "point of view" gap. Like any good debate, one has to examine both sides with a clear head. The worst case is that general statements are made that are too vague to base a conversation on. One example would be, "I don't want you to ride." Well, what exactly does that mean? Here it is important to ask the person to more clearly state the exact concerns ... and shouting doesn't count! Perhaps the s/o has read lots of media coverage on accidents and deaths and is worried that you will become one of these statistics. He doesn't want to lose you. He wouldn't want to lose you in a car accident either, but that's an understood form of necessary transportation, whereas the motorcycle could be viewed as an unnecessary risk. Perhaps the s/o is all for saving money/gas on a less expensive motorcycle, but as pointed out before, there are a lot of underlying costs that need to be figured in. Can the budget handle it? Is there concern about taking on another financed obligation? Then there is the very difficult emotional baggage that could be happening. Examples would be, "I don't want to ride, so why should you want to do that?" or "Women shouldn't ride." or "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard." Now it's time for you to sit down in a quiet moment and really review what your s/o has been trying to tell you, examine whether you've been making general statements and need to clarify for yourself and him what the real intention/feeling is ... and when you've got a handle on that ... reopen the discussion. This isn't easy as you may be pushing to change a more basic underlying understanding in your marriage that has worked for all this time, but now isn't. But you just can't discount the other person and you shouldn't shovel your own needs under the carpet. Give all this some thought and remember that when you ask for clearer statements that you might have to give him some time to formulate his thoughts. Not everyone can react immediately ... not if they really want to be truthful about their feelings. – Mama Monday, October 13 To DH who is looking to ride, has questions, but also her husband isn't supporting her dream: VTM is right about there being more to it than gas mileage, or even seat height. If you have a license, then you can test drive at a dealership and see what feels right. Some bikes are better for city, others for highway, others for maneuverability. Don't go by the name or class like cruiser. Some are more "cruiser" than others. The bike fit charts can show you an idea of the sizes of bikes and what height works with/without adaptations. I asked around my work about bikes, after I found myself too long legged for the bike I'd bought originally and it was more city than highway and I live in the country where almost all riding is highway. There are a lot of women riders where I work. Hope you and your significant other work it out amicably about the motorcycle. It is easy to say just do it for me as my husband also rides and doesn't object. He was a little worried at first, especially when I was going 10mph, but he's getting over it. However - I would ride even if he did object - unless he was truly hysterical (fearful, not bossy) ... then I might compromise by letting him get time to wrap his mind around it - or not. but only you know what you and your sig other can do. No relationship is the same, we all have different abilities and limits and things that matter more or less to us. – TTFN, Trish (note from Mama: thanks for sharing your insights with DH ... we're all wishing her well on her journey!) Monday, October 27 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Patty, Because this question comes up frequently, I have now put together a specific site page titled Buying Your First Motorcycle. This is a step by step guideline to using the tools on the VTwin Mama site to help you think about all the things to take into consideration and getting together a "short list" of bikes to consider. You can print this out, jot notes in the margins, and move confidently forward. Once you have your short list together, we stand ready to help you noodle out any "this vs. this" thoughts! – Mama Wednesday, October 29 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear ladywildcat, Dear VTwin Mama, Drawing significant design influences from the successful Harley-Davidson XR750 motorcycles that set new standards for dirt track racing success over the last 30 years, the XR1200 features technical innovation to provide potent street performance and handling. In fact, Harley-Davidson dirt track racing legends Scott Parker and Rich King participated in the XR1200 development, along with European GP racing champion Adrien Morillas. The 1200cc Evolution V-Twin cranks out 90 hp with high torque. Rubber mounted to a new frame with a cast aluminum swingarm, the engine delivers exhilarating performance and responsive handling with less vibration. A unique upswept, high-volume 2-1-2 straight shot exhaust system includes dual mufflers and is finished in satin chrome. A sport-tuned Showa® suspension with inverted 43 mm front forks and twin preload adjustable shocks combines with lightweight black cast three-spoke wheels to make the XR1200 ride and corner with feeling. Specially designed Dunlop® Qualifier D209 tires connect the rider to the road, while Nissin® four-piston calipers and large dual disc front brakes provide stopping power. As a tribute to the XR750, there is a pre-sale of only 750 XR1200 models from 12/1 – 12/15. None of this is on the website yet – all of the info and a video of the XR1200 will go live at the beginning of December. I’ll keep you posted, but I just wanted to touch base with you first to give you the heads up about the release of the bike. – Kelly Yahr, Harley-Davidson
Dear Kelly, Hi again VTwin Mama, Dear Karen, Wednesday, December 24 For Karen who was looking for input on the Hyosung Avitar 650: Just thought I would offer some advice to Karen who is wondering about the Hyosung Avitar. Someone else on this site recommended I visit AlternativeCruisers.com to get some advice about my QLink Legacy. They have a whole forum dedicated to riders of "alternative motorcycles", i.e.: not a Harley, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, etc. I found so much useful information and advice about my bike, and was really reassured that I had indeed bought the right bike for me. There are wonderful reviews of the Hyosung bikes, and lots of wonderful people to talk to. Of course, not all of them are women, and nothing can take the place of this wonderful website. – Anonymous (note from Mama: and yet I've had many letters that show appreciation that the VTwin Mama site is very clearly not on some kind of mission to only link to advertisers or other money-generating type schemes ... we share links to other sites that are worthwhile ... no one site can do it all in my opinion! So thanks for the reminder of a good resource for bikes that are not yet in the mainstream, at least in the U.S.!) Tuesday, December 30 Dear VTwin Mama, All of the details about Ride Free are available here. There’s also a video piece up on our YouTube channel. – Kelly Yahr, Harley-DavidsonDear Kelly,
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