2009 AMA Women's Conference

Message

#41 Unread post by **MZ33** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 3:22 am

Okay, I am steadily working on hubby's trepidations and objections about me going to Colorado (expenses, safety if I can't find a group to ride with, that sort of thing. Plus, he'll miss me. He can't really go because it will eat up too much of his paid time off. Besides, it's focus is on women.) I am wearing him down, as he realizes I really want to go.

Now, I have to work up to long-distance riding, and deciding about whether to use this bike or another. My 650 Vstar Custom isn't my first choice. It isn't bad, but I just realized that my front tire is more narrow that the Classic, which makes it more nimble but less smooth for distance. And its a lot of distance to Colorado! We are perpetually shopping for my hubby's future bike anyway--probably a Suzuki M50, although that new Vstar 950 sounds tempting . . .

I am sooooo excited!!

Mon Oct 13, 2008 6:12 am

If I haven't managed to upgrade bikes by then, I will be on my
650 V-Star Classic.....I've done a few road trips on it so far so I know it can do another....

#43 Unread post by **MZ33** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 2:26 pm

I've done a few road trips on it so far so I know it can do another....

And I think of you doing that when I've been out on the highway for only 2 hours! I don't know if your bike is smoother or if I'm wimpier.

I know a windshield will help with the buffeting, and I'm looking into rubber mounted handlebars, to see if that will will reduce vibration. Possibly new shocks will help. Floorboards would be good, too.

As the costs mount up, I start thinking that maybe a whole bike upgrade would be the smarter move.

But I want to test ride 'em all, which is not possible at most dealerships. That BMW 800 ST is also a consideration. Hopefully in the spring I'll be able to find local bike days and test ride some bikes.

follow · #44 Unread post by **follow** » Mon Oct 13, 2008 3:18 pm

It's nice to see some enthousiasm..........I am really happy for all of you.

>>

Mon Oct 13, 2008 5:09 pm

MZ33 wrote:
I've done a few road trips on it so far so I know it can do another....
And I think of you doing that when I've been out on the highway for only 2 hours! I don't know if your bike is smoother or if I'm wimpier. I know a windshield will help with the buffeting, and I'm looking into rubber mounted handlebars, to see if that will will reduce vibration. Possibly new shocks will help. Floorboards would be good, too.

As the costs mount up, I start thinking that maybe a whole bike upgrade would be the smarter move. But I want to test ride 'em all, which is not possible at most dealerships. That BMW 800 ST is also a consideration. Hopefully in the spring I'll be able to find local bike days and test ride some bikes.

My bike has floorboards....came with the bike....I rode a bike recently that had footpegs and it was awful....I also have a windshield on my bike....
Plus....if you ride enough you build up stamina. Also....when I take a road trip I stop frequently whether it is for a rest, fuel, food or coffee, or a photo....

follow · #46 Unread post by **follow** » Tue Oct 14, 2008 1:38 am

In regaurds to floorboards I too have them and I tend not to use them to often (at least flat footed)...I place my heels on them and my toes on the highway pegs...that way I can swing foot real fast to the brake or shifter if I need to. On the open road I tend to use highway pegs...less stress on my back. I only have a 4" windshield, hense no windshield at all so I use a full face helmet. My bike that I tend to ride most is an 07 which I have put on 33K miles on it ...so yes gas stops give yourself a moment to stretch out, breath deep, drink fluid and have a healthy snack. My snack of choice is cliff bars especially on a LDR they give me what I need and not too much protein, remember protein is good but can make you very sleepy too.

#47 Unread post by **MZ33** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 12:57 pm

Can you keep the pegs on while the floorboards are on?? I thought one replaced the other. I finally ordered a windshield today . . . I thought the price was okay, but of course it didn't include the mounting equiptment.

So I just spent on my windshield (and mounts) what it will cost to heat the house for a month this winter. Then Hubby comes home and says, "it's cold in here, let's turn on the heat . . ."

I just read about the sheepskin saddle covers, too, so I'll put that on my wish list. Actually, maybe my Christmas list. I should just tell all my relatives that for Christmas, birthdays, and all occasions in which they feel the need to give me something, a gift card to the Iron Pony would be most appreciated.

follow · #48 Unread post by **follow** » Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:23 pm

LOL.....or a gift card to JP cycle would be nice they have all kinds of stuff too. Check out the AirHawk on their website you might want to put that on your christmas wish list, I got one last summer and I love it, I don't get cramps in my legs anymore. As far as the pegs go you are correct one does replace the other I was refering to my highway pegs they are on the crash bar I have them down low just before the bend almost like forward controls, some people put two sets on their crash bars, they may have them set high and a pair set low so you may have more than 3 positions for your feet. Depending on how you angle them (your feet) and hang them. let me find a picture of my bike and I will send it to you.