dismounting with saddle bags

by Cassie

Hello! I ride as a passenger with my boyfriend and he recently got a new 2013 Harley Street Glide with saddle bags. Our last bike did not have bags and as a short girl (I'm 4'11") I am having a lot of trouble mounting and dismounting this bike. Basically I need to put my left foot on the left peg, swing my right knee up and kneel on the backseat before before bringing my right foot down to the peg. Dismounting is even worse, I have to drag my right foot up and across the saddle bag and then hoist myself up and kneel on the seat before dismounting on the left side. This is bad because when I come up to kneel my weight is making the bike unsteady and it's difficult for my boyfriend to hold it upright (not to mention I look like an amateur idiot!). On a side-note I am also getting bruises on my calves because they are right up against the saddle bags while we're riding. Are there any other shorties experiencing similar problems??? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Yamaha V Star Too Big?

by Lynn Grant
(Orange Park, FL.)

My room-mate just bought a Yamaha V Star 650 Classic (2003), and I am planning on buying one in the early spring. We are scheduled to take the MST Basic class in 10 days. Just some background: we are both in our early 50's, and have never ridden before. Sunni used to ride on the back some, in her younger days.

We took the bike out today just to see what it was like and we both have dropped it once, mainly at an almost stop. I think she is beginning to doubt herself being able to handle the bike. I told her that after the class, and some parking lot practice we would re-assess the size. We really want to ride, and if we have to drop down to a 250, then that's what we'll do. We would ride together, so no worries about keeping up with anyone, at this point.

Does this sound like a decent plan to all of you experienced lady riders? We are soooo new at this, but very excited! After I rode the loop in our neighborhood, in first gear only, all I could say was "Awesome!"

Thanks in advance,

Lynn

forward foot controls

Can the forward controls on a 05 883C be moved back some? I am only 4'11 and have a hard time reaching the pedals for shifting and braking. It is not comfortable at all.

Suzuki Savage

by Kate
(California )

I am a new rider, and I have a Suzuki savage 650. I can start it with the choke on (i live in a cooler area) and drive to work and it will run again. Or drive to the store etc. My problem is when I come out to ride it again, whether it be 30 minutes or 2 hours, it won't start again. I will pull the choke, it will start, then die. So i will turn off the choke and try to start it, and it will die. When I try a third time, regardless of whether the choke is on or off, gas will come out of the overflow valve. I assume this is operator error... But i don't know how to fix my mistake if I am making on!

Any ideas?