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Goggles and New Rider Hopefully Soon

by Judith
(San Jose, CA)

I broke two pairs of sunglasses putting them on under my helmet. I bought some goggles and liked them but found them very hard to put on with the helmet. I also noticed that my helmet fogs up with or without the goggles. The helmet has the air vents at top. This will sound like a dumb question, but do you put them on before you put on helmet or after? Do they go inside or outside. I ended up almost poking my eye out when they snapped back and hit my left eyeball. Very sore for a few days. Sorry this is such a dumb question.

I passed my MSP and have my certificate to take to the DMV here in CA but haven't done it yet. I have been looking on the internet with various sites but really haven't found what I may be looking for. I did like the advice about not getting a 125 or 250. It seems I may need to get a 600 but not sure about that either. I want it to go to work and up to Sacramento. My husband and I have a Honda Goldwing Trike, and I love riding that, which is mainly at the time why I took the safety course. However, I want my own bike. I realize I will need to practice, practice, practice and there are some areas here in San Jose, CA where I can do that. I am fairly short, 5'2" and weigh 166. Having said all of that, my daughter thinks I should buy American (Harley), but I think maybe a Suzuki S40 may be what I am looking for. Will need to go out and look around. Anyone have some thoughts about this? I will look at this site more thoroughly when I get home.

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Goggles and New Rider Hopefully Soon

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Oct 24, 2009
 Gatorz
by: Liz192

What about Gatorz sunglasses? Anyone tried those? A friend swears by them. Have a look at GatorzWarehouse.com.
Sep 22, 2009
 Foggy Goggles
by: RaciBab

I use the spray that defogs my goggles when I dive - on my sunglass goggles when I ride (spit will work in a pinch). I have found that the goggles made for riding have more flexible arms.
Sep 22, 2009
 Kawasaki Vulcan
by: Judith

I talked to a dealer about this bike and was told that it wasn't sold in CA. Something about limit of imports or something. I keep hearing people talking about it and have seen one or two on the internet but in faraway states. Not confident enough to fly there and bring it back nor can I afford to ship. Will be purchasing bike either during or after holidays or in Feb for my B-day. I was thinking if my hubby can pick move a trike, I can on a flat surface so can I move a bike 650cc. Flat on the ground is mainly what I want for my feet. I would feel safer than standing on my tippy toes which I did when I sat on a Ducati recently.
Sep 21, 2009
 Trike
by: Judith

I did realize after a salesman tried to tell me if I can ride the 1200cc trike, I can transition that to a two-wheeler what a crock of dukie that was. He was trying to get me to buy a Ducati with 750cc. Since Saturday I have been trying to sit on the S40 just to see though I really want the Ymaha V-Star Silverado, sorry I said originally the wrong bike. I love the idea it already has the bags, shield, foot boards, sissy-bar seat. I decided if my hubby can move the trike then I can move the bike. I am so eager to get a two-wheel but right at this moment I am not prepared to do that. I did ride the trike from San Jose to Sacramento and back. It was so much fun. Not too many bikers waved but I was gratified that those that did were women plus one guy. Taking the motorcycle test this Wednesday, plus I need to renew my driver's license. At some point the light bulb went on that I would wear goggles with the half mask helmets. Didn't think of that before.
Sep 21, 2009
 Eyewear & Trikes
by: Barb

Hi Judith,

I assume you have a full-coverage helmet,right? With my "trooper" helmet, goggles are a necessity, especially in the winter. Anyway, it sounds like you gotten good advice about eyewear.

One thing: making the transition from three wheels to two and back can be an issue. Like my sidecar bike, your trike has to be "steered" in corners, whereas a bike of course doesn't. Also, counter-steering on a bike works well, and not at all on a three-wheeler. On the positive side, it's lots less work for your shoulders on two wheels rather than three! Oh, and if you go from three wheels to two, don't forget to put a foot down at a stop-light. (Don't ask how I know this one.....)

Mainly, enjoy!

Barb
Sep 15, 2009
 Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic
by: Judith

I kind of decided against the S40. I sat on the Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic and absolutely loved it. In fact, at the dealership someone had just traded in a 2007 with 4900 mileage on it. They are selling it on consignment for $5100. My son went down and checked it out, but he said I could probably find a cheaper bike online. In fact, I have looked online and found one I liked close to where I live. The fellow is asking $3200 for a 2002 with 12k miles on it. Has many of options I wanted. I am thinking this could be a good starter bike for me. I also will look into the visor items that were mentioned. Thanks all for your input. As a newbie, it is much appreciated. Tomorrow I will ride the trike to work. Every little bit helps.
Sep 15, 2009
 Helmets, Glasses, and Beginner Bikes
by: Mz Mud Putter

Personally, I like to wear a pair of wrap-around safety sunglasses with my full-face helmet. I put 'em on after I get my helmet on. If I wear my shorty helmet, I put goggles on first. The shield on my full-face has an anti-fog coating on it, but my glasses and goggles still fog up at stops. They clear up once I start moving again.

Any bike that is 500cc-900cc would be great for a beginner. Sit on different bikes before buying to make sure you find one that fits you comfortably. Remember, most bikes can be lowered 1"-4" if they feel too tall.
Sep 14, 2009
 My 2 cents
by: Jacee

Don't bother with sunglasses or goggles under your helmet. There are better solutions.

1) You can buy a face shield anti-fog liner. It comes in different colors like sunglasses which will give you the shades effect and solve your fog problem.

2) My husband and I bought matching Scorpion EXO helmets to match our touring bike. They have a drop down sun shield raised or lowered by a lever on the side of the helmet. Also, it is extremely well vented and I have never had a problem with fogging in that helmet.

I personally would not buy a Suzuki S40. The S50 is an awesome bike. The S50 is shaft driven vs belt on the S40 (lower maintenance), is a fairly small bike but has 800cc instead of 652cc. More power on the road in competition with cars and trucks is much safer. Also, the S50 is liquid cooled and the S40 is air cooled. Less chance of the engine overheating on a hot summer day with liquid cooled. The S50 has the same seat height as the S40 but has a bit larger gas tank capacity.

A Honda Shadow is great too. I would stick with the V-twins rather than the 4-stroke single engine. Just my 2 cents.

Good luck and have fun whatever you get!
Sep 14, 2009
 My 2 Cents
by: Anonymous

I just got my license last year and this is my first season riding. I have a Kawasaki Vulcan 500. Very good bike. I am the same height and approx the same weight as you and this bike fits me with no problem. It's easy to manage because of the light weight, but the engine is a Ninja engine that's been geared for cruisers so it has a LOT of pep. I can go on freeways...70 mph...no problem. I love this bike. I'm planning on doing some upgrades on things I don't like...but everyone does that to their bikes.

Anyway, hope this helps!

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