I am so glad to have this site to go back to it and read about others like me, a newbie. I have trouble getting down my drive way,its so steep and scary. I know I have to suck it up and not let this concrete get to me. Once I'm on the road I'm OK. I love this site. Thank you for your support and knowledge.

Stephanie
Haltom City, TX
10/25/2009

Well three years or so into my late-in-life motorcycling career, I got sidelined the summer with breast cancer. After surgery in July, I played the waiting game for test results and started chemotherapy in September. This will all be behind me by 2010 thank goodness and I want to thank Genevieve and WRN for keeping me in the loop via this site and Facebook while I was off the road. (Well, I got a few short rides in, both those bumps ...)

Anyway, the bike is put up for the winter and I'm dreaming of spring. I ride a V Star 650 custom and although I flirt with upgrading to something bigger (my current infatuation is with the 2010 Street Bob), I'll probably keep my V Star. She's perfect for me, easy to ride, has more than enough power and looks really nice. So, I'm thinking of customizing her a little bit this spring and am looking for advice. I already replaced the seat (thank goodness), added new grips, floorboards and brake and shifter peg covers but I'd like to do even more. I'm thinking of upgrading the exhaust and getting a custom paint job.

Any recommendations on a replacement exhaust that would give me a bit more sound and maybe some more power? And, I'm especially curious about how much a custom paint job might run. I'm not thinking of super complicated design at all, maybe a nice metallic red or green with ghosted flames, or maybe roses?

Back to the breast cancer. Ladies, I can't tell you enough ... my tumor didn't show on mammogram even after my doc and I knew it was there. Self-exams! They're a life saver.

Charlotte
Haverhill, MA
10/16/2009

Turning Fashion Boots into Motorcycle Boots

This is a very minor question: I absolutely hate almost every pair of motorcycle boots on the market with the exception of the Diadora Donna boots (cut way too small, but cute). Any suggestion on what kind of a sole I could have added to an Ariat or Lucchese cowboy boot to make them suitable for riding? I want to be safe but I can’t sacrifice fashion. Also, is there a drawback to having a pull on western style boot. FYI- I ride a Suzuki Boulevard with a heal toe shifter.

Jo bufford
Winston-Salem, NC
8/27/2009

In my early days of riding, there were not too many fashionable choices for women when it came to boots so I brought my favorite cowboy boots and my Frye boots to a shoe/boot repair place and had them put on the thickest rubber sole possible. Provided great foot traction for riding a motorcycle.

Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

I just completed my M1 exit course yesterday and am happy to say I passed! It was exhausting mentally and physically. I was with a great group of people of all ages I myself am 51. I have been a passenger on my husband's Harley-Davidson Street Glide for the past three years and enjoy being a passenger sitting back relaxing. But I wanted to see what it is that he feels while riding. Well when I was doing the 30klm on a straight away at the course it felt great! Now I just have to decide if I want to go to a Ridley (automatic) or try out the gear shifting kind.

During the course the clutch and I were not the best of friends. I am so glad I did the course as I will be looking at things a lot different while being a passenger and a rider if I decide to go for it. Now comes the time to decide for myself what I would like to ride. I have time and will make the decision soon. Just wanted to pass along my story and to let any other women out there that are afraid to try it, to just do it (that became my mantra during the course - I CAN DO IT.

Marie Varga
Hamilton, Ontario
7/20/2009

Riding Boots for Womne

I'm having boot/feet issues and I'm looking for some advice. I wear a size 11 shoe and my current HD boots (which I love) are killing me by the end of he day. I'm looking for a new pair for riding and something that I can walking and not be crippled afterward. What would you suggest?

Julie Bohannon
Westville, IN
6/28/2009

Check out the WRN Product & Gear Reviews for stories on boots we've reviewed. There are plenty of great riding boots out there for women these days.

Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

Newbie Appreciates Words of Wisdom

Today was the day. I was just finishing up a great ride of about 60 miles, turning into the alley to put the bike up the gravel was a little looser today and there goes the front tire from under me. No one was around to see me (luckily for me ego) but after seeing the films on how to pick up your bike I was able to get my 1200 Nightster up with no problem. Thankfully there was no damage to the bike, just some scrapes on the footpeg and a few scrapes to my leg and I was fine too.

I got my license last September and have taken the safety course and I am still a newbie in the big world of motorcycles. I love this site and everyone's stories, words of wisdom and support for all women in motorcycling.

Heather
Champaign, IL
6/28/2009

Choosing Your First Bike

I am ready to ride my own! My boss recently purchased a brand new Softail Deluxe and I instantly loved the look. After sitting on her bike, I realized the stock seat was way to wide for me and the height was not comfortable. I was balancing on my toes -- not safe!

I have been to the H-D dealer and sat on every bike. Believe it or not, I felt very comfortable on the V-Rod. I will be taking the Riders Edge Course at the H-D dealership. I am getting so much advice that I am not sure which way to go. I don't want to buy too much bike, but then I know that I don't want to buy something that I end up selling in a few months. I am 5-feet-2 115 pounds and I am wondering what you suggest for my first bike.

Mischa
Via the Internet
6/28/2009

Visit our Beginner's Guide section and click on the link Choosing Your First Bike.

Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

Guide to Finding a Mentor

I was just wondering if there is a "mentoring" program out there? I have been riding a little over year now and still feel that I am far too cautious - witch can be a danger in itself. Having completed the ABATE course going from 0 riding hours to getting my endorsement in 2.5 days I thought I was all set. Wrong. Since then I have ridden more than 1,000 miles and dropped my bike three times each time shaking my confidence more. I have a Sabre 1100, perhaps I bought too big? Every woman I spoke with prior to purchasing told me they wish they had gone "bigger" so I did. My husband has ridden most of his life and has a more aggressive attitude than I do. While being supportive there is a certain expectation to excel. I wish there were seasoned women riders who wouldn't mind sharing their wisdom and a few hours to help a faltering fledgling.

Debra Davis
Princeton, IN
6/19/2009

For info on mentoring go to the Beginner's Guide section on WRN and click on Motorcycle Training Info. You will find a story on mentoring.

Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

Interesting Situation

Just wondering if anyone out there has this same feeling/problem?
I've been riding since I was a kid (am now 47). I have an awesome 85 Moto Guzzi that I just fixed up a bit. I haven't ridden it in a few years. Why? To put it bluntly, I'm scared. I live in a high traffic area with idiots running around texting and using cell phones and basically not paying much attention. My shackmate would love for me to sell it (he doesn't ride). I tell him I'm just not ready to give it up because if I sell it I'll never buy another one. You know... always something better to spend money on. I keep telling him I'm not ready to give up that part of my life yet. I don't have any disability insurance and due to a past medical problem have had trouble finding some. I'd hate to saddle him with that and debt if something happened to me. I know it's a risk we take and maybe I'm just feeling overly cautious in my "old" age. I just can't shake it. I'm not scared to the point of not being safe when I ride. I'm just turning into a worrier.

Besides just get on and get going... anyone have suggestions and also companies that I may not have thought of that handle disability insurance that I can try? Thanks.
Email: fringe62@comcast.net

Heather Temple
Killingworth, CT
6/15/2009

Just an update on riding my Vulcan 500--and hopefully a help to other newer riders or those upgrading from a scooter:

To answer Gen's question, I passed the MSF with flying colors. I really felt like I had outgrown the scoot. Handling the Vulcan is getting better, I've watched some of the "Learn to Ride" videos, doing the drills, and taking it slow. My riding coach for MSF is going to work with me too. I'm also thinking a narrower seat might help, while the Vulcan is 28 inch tops, the wide seat makes it 'net' a bit taller so I don't have enough weight on the ground especially when stopped at a non-level spot. Making for a very small "tipping point" with this 450+ pound brute.

The Vulcan is also known for the long wheelbase, making it a bear in parking lots and tight places, and I can't back it on even a slight incline. It's getting better, and I'll give it more time, but still may have to go to a smaller bike for safety sake. I've been looking for a narrower seat with no success. Any suggestions?

Pam
29 Palms, CA
6/12/2009

Never Thought She Could Handle The Bigger Bike

First time on this site and it's great to see my coming along as a biker is not so different. To Donna in Canada, I too fly and have been for over 30 years. My husband and I own a C-172.
My Dad a little Honda Trail 90 that was my first venture in motorized two-wheels. Funky but fun. Then for some crazy reason, husband got the biker bug and insisted I take the MSF course with him. Just doing that was a challenge. I had no interest in riding a "real" motorcycle. Well needless to say that all changed. I actually managed to pass the class first time out (not bragging, for sure ). Then my husband bought a neighbor's Honda CB 450. Prior to the course I never believed I'd be riding a "big" bike like that.

I inherited the 450 as he quickly outgrew that one and bought a Nighthawk 750. Now that was really a "big" and powerful bike. No way I'd be on that one. Afterall the 450 was just fine. Until, he convinced me to give the Hawk a try. That did it! He had a hard time getting back on it again! The control, agility, power--yeah, baby this was MY bike!

More time and experience passes (OBTW did I mention we're both in our 50s?) and another opportunity to good to pass up arrives -- the perfect one-owner HD for "me" -- an '05 H-D Fat Boy. Of all the H-D models, the Fatty was my least favorite. And now I are one! Longer story short, me and Mr. Phatz have a thing goin' on. Had to change seats to get him lowered just perfectly, added a few necessities (a work in progress) and building experience and confidence. One of my biggest fears of riding such a heavy bike is just that -- can I handle such a heavy bike? It's more a confidence issue and (again that old word) experience. Get too slow in a turn and it's trouble. The answer --practice, practice, practice andm get a hold of the Ride Like A Pro DVD.

Am I ready to do the Dragon. No way, but some day. Like the bike, I'm a work in progress. And, yes, Donna, there are days after a challenging ride. The flight home is truly relaxing.

Lyn Barnes
Fort Lauderdale, FL
6/12/2009

One the Road to the Iron Butt

We all have that list of things we want to do before we "kick the bucket." I just checked off one more item on my "bucket list." I am waiting for the official word that my documention supports the fact that I rode 1666 miles in 34 hours and 45 minutes to qualify for the Iron Butt association's Saddle Sore 1000 and Bun Burner 1500. The association has a group of volunteers who will verify my gas receipts and check with my witnesses before awarding me with my official Iron Butt certificate.

My husband and I both ride Honda Gold Wings. We left our home (about 40 miles east of St. Louis, MO) early one Saturday morning and headed south to Memphis, TN, then on to Jackson, MS. At Jackson we turned right and traveled in Dallas, TX, where we made another right and headed north. We finished the first 1000 miles just outside of Oklahoma City, OK that evening. We qualified for the SS1000 that evening by riding 1000 miles in less than 24 hours. We traveled through eight states in those 1000 miles.

We caught a few hours of sleep then woke early to ride the remainder of the 1500 miles in the allotted 36 hours. From OKC we traveled northeast to St. Louis then back home. We arrived at home in time to enjoy an evening meal with our family.

I logged my trip with a Garmin Zumo GPS. The official stats were 1666 miles with an average speed of 70 MPH. Seat time was 34 hours and 45 minutes.

The one thing that I am most proud of is that we traveled within 5 MPH of all the posted speed limits and never had a close encouter with animals or other vehicles. There were two instances when traffic was gridlocked and vehicles were weaving in and out of traffic. Rather than risk our safety we took time to pull off and fuel up or just take a break.

My years of riding and annual refresher courses made me prepared for this adventure. I also spend time (and money) getting my motorcycle set up for my comfort to optimize control. I have now traveled through 30 states on a motorcycle. Another item on my "bucket list" is to ride in all 50 states. Since I am still working full time, taking care of an aging parent and routinely watch three grandchildren, I will have to be patient with checking that one off of my list.

Barb Johnson
Bartelso, IL
6/8/2009

Thanks for sharing your story -- very inspiring!

Be sure to see our review of a DVD on the Iron Butt at this link in Product News & Reviews section of WRN:
http://www.womenridersnow.com/PublicFiles/DepartmentViewer.asp?ArticleID=1176

Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

From Scooter to Vulcan 500

I just got a really good deal on a Vulcan 500. Coming from mastering the scoot, I thought I wanted a real bike. Well, today was my first day on it, and I am wondering if I made a mistake! The Vulcan is fine when you're moving, but at slow speeds, stopped, etc, it is a "heavy" and an unforgiving mount. I fought to keep it from dropping several times. If the front wheel is not 100 percent straight at stopping, forget it.

After a bit of time with it, it was better, but still a little disconcerting---does this heavy front wheel thing get better? Not to mention in tight turns it wants to swing all the way around, not good. On a stopped turn on a hill it spells stress.

Please seasoned small riders, tell me this gets better or that you've had similar experiences? I am practicing drills and staying to the side streets, and plan on it until I'm 100 percent confident and everything is second nature. But I have to admit, I am wondering whether the 300 pound Ninja 250, 2008 would have been a better choice. Email: sherpagirl@hotmail.com

Pam
29 Palms, CA
6/7/2009

Because you're used to a scooter, you're really feeling the weight of the motorcycle and a heavier front end. Did you take the motorcycle safety course? Just because rode a scooter doesn't mean you know how to ride a motorcycle. I suggest taking it if you've not. Everything will be come second nature with practice, but you need to know the proper skills on handling a motorcycle.

The 500 Vulcan is a great motorcycle to start on. The 250 Ninja is also a great motorcycle - yes, lighter, but also has a higher seat height. Sit on one at a dealership to see the weight difference.

Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

Response to Trading Up from a Scooter

I want to respond to Pam who is trading up from a scooter (posted 5/9/09). I recently did this -- from a Vespa GT200 to a Hyosung GV250.

I'm glad I went with the smaller motorcycle. Although I was very comfortable on the scooter, learning to shift is a big deal and the weight distribution of a scooter and motorcycle is very different. I'm learning to do u-turns all over again -- and then there's the uphill stop sign.

Good luck, but don't be in a hurry to move up to a bigger bike too quickly.

Laura
Carlsbad, CA
5/27/2009

Ride Like A Pro Video Teaches How to Lift a Downed Bike

You know sooner or later you are going to drop your bike. Tonight was my night. Thank goodness I watched the instructions on your site on how to lift your bike. I weigh only 137 pounds and ride a 765 pound bike. I was by myself and wondering, "Now what do I do?." Once I calmed down I re-ran that video from your site in my head and tried it out. Amazing I had it right up and was on my way. I have learned so much from your site. Thank you.

Barb
Grand Rapids, MI
5/14/2009

The video Barb is referring to is the "Ride Like A Pro" DVD reviewed in the Product News & Reviews section of WRN. To find the review, do a search for it on WRN.

Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

Trading Up from a Scooter

I passed the MSF (with flying colors) 3,000 miles ago on my 150cc scooter. It is about 285 pounds. I have my M1 I am 5 feet 2 inches and 98 pounds. Question: I want to get something a little more powerful and road worthy, but so many of the 250cc bikes seem like... well, why bother? Why not just keep the scoot?
I want to be able to go on the freeway without getting in the way of traffic or blowing away!

I have good riding skills though not shifting a motorcycle. I've put on lots of miles in the past nine months, and I want to make a real move up, not lateral. Do you think a used Vulcan 500 is too much bike for me? Other bikes I'm checking out are the old Rebel 450ccs from 86-87.

The newer bikes such as the Boulevard S40 have gotten such a bad rap for super vibration at speeds of 65 or so, and well, I don't really like the idea of a single cylinder. Again, the scoot can go 60 mph all day, I want to trade up. Any advice? Should I go for the Vulcan 500 and just take it easy until I learn the art of shifting?

Pam
29 Palms, CA
5/9/2009

I think the Vulcan 500 is an ideal choice. It's got 6 speeds, a lot of oomph and a bike many smaller riders hold onto long after they've become a proficient rider. Good luck.

Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

Happ Mother's Day to the Riding Mothers & Grandmothers

I started riding for the first time less than a year and a half ago at age 47. Other than the wonderful support and encouragement from my husband, the biggest high came from my mother, who passed away July 2008 (age 71), less than a month after my getting married.

When I first shared with her that I was taking a motorcycle class, she was understandably concerned and probably thought I was a little nutty. After all, I was her ultra conservative, stuck up, girlie girl of three daughters. But, she was never nothing but supportive. Less than a month after getting my license, I informed her that I was purchasing my very first, a 2008 Harley Sportster 883C. I knew she thought I was insane, but she was all thumbs up. From that point on, she was nothing but motherly pride and excitement for me. I did not fully realize the extent of her pride until I came home for her "Home Going" (funeral), when much to my amazement, the number of individuals (complete strangers) who approached me and the same question was asked, are you the daughter in Texas who rides the motorcycle? It blew my mind to learn just much she bragged about me.

This is my Mother's Day tribute to my mother, who was also one of my very best friends. She taught me that you're never too old to pursue and embrace life's joys, dreams and even some nuttiness...of the good kind, of course. Now, every time I'm on my Harley, I know she is finally riding on the back with me, and I smile even more.

Happy Mother's Day to all the motorcycle riding mom's and grandmom's, whether you ride your own or you're a happy passenger.

Lindsey Brezzell-Williams
Missouri City, TX
5/4/2009

Inspired by Genevieve's Speech

I have had my own bike for just over four months. Have been riding with my husband for the last three years on the back of his Harley Road King. My first attempts at riding my own Pearl White 883 (used) Sportster has been wonderful. Enjoyed Genevieve's talk at Beartooth Harley in Billings. Unfortunately I jumped on my bike Saturday for a short ride and dropped the bike. Took a turn too wide and ended up in the ditch. Wearing leather and a helmet of course. Scratched my chin and hurt my thumb but those will heal. Sadly I hurt the 883 and the removable windshield scratches and dings. But the cool thing about all of this is I had read the "how to pick up your bike" and was very proud of the fact that I did it all by myself. The bike was flooded for a bit but started finally. Will get back on here again soon. Thanks again for the great talk and the page of how to's!

Katie Callahan
Joliet, MT
5/4/2009

Sturgis Canceled? Not a Chance

I'm planning my second trip to US this year and first trip to Sturgis. Obviously very excited about it but have a question. Is there any chance, given the worlds economic woes, that Sturgis might be canceled? I posted this question on a Sturgis site I came across (not the official one) and was accused of starting rumors. As I am traveling so far (from Australia), I think my concerns are valid. I am just after a considered reply. Thanks everyone.

Carolyn
Sydney, Australia
4/23/2009

Carolyn,

There is no chance Sturgis will be canceled. It has been going strong for 68 years and has weathered economic storms before. I've checked with officials and the rally is going on as planned. I'm already receiving press information on events, concerts, etc. Please keep in touch with us at WRN. Maybe we could hook up with you while you're there. I'll be going.

Genevieve Schmitt, Editor

Hats off to you lady riders. I myself lack confidence in riding a motorcycle so I took up flying small airplanes. If I ever get up the courage to ride I will buy a Harley Sportster 883L.

Donna Campbell
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
4/14/2009