[Munch]

I keep mine on all the time except at night with on coming traffic. Though I do have mine aimed a tad higher then stock to afford extra warning time.
Be careful though , evn though your beam may not bean directed at the eyes of the oncomer the glare is still just as bad.

[Munch]

umm…yea…happy for him…. but not for me

[Munch]

My account>subscriptions>un check appropriate boxes

[Munch]

ahhh, got confidence in ya…..just act like your husband told you it’s something you he forbids you to do…that should fire up the ole “Oh yea…watch me!”
Being under the bike no one can hardly pick up. With the 500 the best way is ofcourse shut the engine down. IF the kickstand is on the highside… flip it “down” to stand the bike on when its right. grab the handle bars with one arm/ hand…and the fender just behind the seat with the other…. of course you should be squatting at this point and back your back up against the bike…with a solid motion just lift.
As far as gaining confidence…. do the rock first… sit on it… get your head on the task…..NOTHING ELSE…just the task. Start her up, breathe, put it into first whole keeping the clutch in and then slowly let out ( I am assuming of course you are flat footing on both sides) and then slowly..ever so slowly let the clutch out until you feel the bike pull you up to your toes. The pull the clutch back in and rock back to flat foot. Do this until your completely comfortable with it. No rush… remember you have already been on the streets. This excersize just gets your body in tune with the bike. Then go back up with the duck walk !
MOST IMPORTANTLY>>> MIND ON THE TASK!!!!

[Munch]

Check into gels seat pads and other accessories that are availablebefore making that jump.

[Munch]

Oh …and welcome!

[Munch]

Huh…. actually I had a Vulcan 500. The thing did not feel top heavy to me at all. I wonder if it is a different feel from the extreme low CoG on scooters that you were used to. When you did your tight turns how were you doing them? Draggin the rear brake while utilizing the friction zone and throttle control?
The V500 is not gonna fit everybody. However before you give up on it since you already have it. Go back through your MSF basics one step at a time and get acquainted with it. Re drill yourself on the friction zone….duck walk it, slow crawl it…and work yourself back up. Sounds like the first couple of spills may have taken a toll on confidence a bit. Might even be worth mentioning to look at scootworks.com and see if you can find any comfort bolt ons like risers (for more handle bar pull back) and other things to help the bike fit you better. I do know they also have a lowering kit for it. Admittedly the bike can be tall for the short wheel length it has.
After that if your still not comfortable with it see if you can trade it on close to square for a Vstar. I know the 650’s seat sinks in more behind the gas tank then the V500 having a sway back type feel to it and getting your rear closer to the ground.
As far as your weight goes….. that shouldn’t limit your bike choices. I have seen women of about a buck 30 total weight handle a huge Valkerie easily. Its all about confidence, skill, and technique. Even if you drop the bike learning how to life it up properly will not limit you. There have been videos of smaller framed ladies picking up Goldwings after a drop.
Don’t cut yourself short.

[Munch]

Ben

[Munch]

What is it …ummm….proficient riding is one ( so I’ve heard) the Bikers bible… several out there.
Do slow crawl work in straight lines. Traffic will catch the noobness quickly if you do not get comfortable with it. Try some straight line weaves and off set weaves. Slow speed hard turns at full lock ( remember use the friction points of the clutch, rear braking and throttle control ). EMERGENCY braking…huge huge need to know. Especially braking hard in a turn ( straighten, then brake) …ermmmm what else. Learning to take sweepers- outside, inside, outside. Oh yea and ask Elwood about this one… Proper shut down and dismount procedure..lol.

[Munch]

You might could search ninja forums or just do a broad search over the I-net.

[Munch]

Grats…like the color…and the helmets looks nice to! You are a stronger man then I … once my boss got mine home.. I did 7 miles in my yard ( i have about 4 acres of rideable area to play with… then a day later hit the streets. I can’t buy things and look at them.

[Munch]

Cause he does a bad impression of a young David Carradine and you have a look of a bad rehersal in Stallones earlier days?……. Just sayin

[Munch]

She’s gorgeous!!! Nice lookin bike there sir.
You know…very now and again I have the urge to try a sport bike on for chits and grins… to bad I know no one that would let me saddle up for a test ride.

[Munch]

Just do a major walk through of all parts and plastics. The vibration at that RPM could be just right to make a rattle then go away as the vibration increase in frequency. If nothing comes up you should already have an appointment anyway.

[Munch]

You really need to get Rodney Carrington’s “Morning Wood” CD. The whole things is hilarious and will have you in tears but a part in particular he talks about getting cut off in traffic…….man I gotta find it for y’all…look him up on youtube , you just might get to hear it.

[Author]

Posts