Geni Swing Guitars

Tip Fender

If you're under 5-foot-3 and shopping for a bike, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how many bikes really do fit you. And chances are, one of those bikes is going to reach out and knock you over the head with its styling, its "cool factor," and its general overall suitability. But, just in case the bike that speaks to you the loudest doesn't fit you perfectly the way it sits on the salesroom floor, there are a few simple modifications ("mods") you can keep in mind that just might solve one of two key height-related problems.

Problem 1: You can't "flat-foot" the bike.

In order to have the most and best control over the bike at slow or no speed you should be able to sit in the saddle with the bike pulled upright off the kickstand, knees bent, your feet planted flat on the floor. If you're up on the balls of your feet, or worse, tip-toed, you won't have complete control when you roll up to a stop and put your foot down or when you're straddle-walking the bike backwards out of the garage or into a parking spot.

Solution: Lowering the bike.

You can physically lower the bike itself a couple of ways, but they both involve changing the suspension components - namely, the shock absorbers. On most bikes, the shocks are mounted to the frame and to the swingarm. You can purchase a special bracket that will allow you to loosen the mounting bolts, slide the shocks to slide the shock back an inch or so, bringing the frame-with-fender down a bit closer to the tire in the rear, which might be enough to get you flat-footed.

You could also replace the stock shock absorbers with shorter shocks, bringing things down even further. If you go this route, make sure you don't go so short that the tire is likely to rub on the underside of the fender when the shock is compressed (i.e., you hit a bump, or add a passenger or luggage.)

If that's still not enough, you can also purchase a kit that lowers the front of the bike by changing the springs inside the fork tubes. Again, make sure you aren't creating a situation where parts of the bike will rub together that weren't intended to do so. Alternate solutions: You might be able to flat-foot the bike just by changing out the seat. A bike with a wide seat will spread your legs farther apart before they head toward the ground. A narrow-profile seat might give you just enough extra room to get you flat-footed. And, if you're just up on the balls of your feet instead of tip-toe, it's possible you could get by just by purchasing boots with a taller heel and sole.

Problem 2: You can't comfortably reach the handlebars.

Obviously, being able to reach the handgrips is key to comfortably operating and controlling the bike. From a design stand-point, lots of bikes today have "drag bars" - drag-racing style handlebars that come out in a nearly-straight line from the triple tree, extending left and right but not coming back toward you. These bars can force the shorter rider to hunch forward and reach way out to the right and left, putting body weight on your wrists and causing a burning sensation between the shoulder blades after only a short ride. (Kind of like that old ten-speed you used to ride with the curled-under handlebars - which, not coincidentally, was also originally designed for aerodynamic racing.)

Solution: Different handlebars, or pullback risers.

Depending on how far you have to hunch forward, you can try a couple of things here. Pullback risers are little chromey bits you put in between the tree and the bars to bring the bars up and back toward you in inch-increments. Small risers can make a big difference, so ask your dealer to help you determine how much pull-back you need.

You can also try a different handlebar style altogether. Buckhorn bars (and their next-bigger cousin, mini ape-hangers) bring the hand grips back toward you, and put your hands at an angle on the handgrips so your body sits back a bit and your weight rests on your butt and lower back instead of your wrists. Full ape-hangers will likely raise your arms above shoulder-level, which looks "old-school cool" but might make the upper arms ache. Finally, beach bars form a wide curve back toward the rider - like using half a steering wheel from the city bus. These have a distinct look and bring the grips back toward you, with your hands in a straight position similar to the drag bars (but probably with better weight distribution). Of course, if choosing different bars you'll want to consider the design and look of your bike, too. Beach bars might look hot on a wide cruiser, but they'll likely look out of place on a narrower bike.

An important caveat here is that adding risers or changing the bars could also mean you'll need longer or shorter clutch control cables and/or brake lines to accommodate the adjusted distance.

Shorter riders needn't fear the bike-shopping experience. While it's true that making these modifications will change the final price of the bike, it's also true that making a bike fit you perfectly is actually part of the process - and part of the fun!

Janet Green is the editor and chief biker chick at Biker Chick News, a popular web destination for women who ride motorcycles.

For her complete ride journal, plus news and links of interest to women who ride, visit http://www.Bikerchicknews.com.

Rear Fender Tip $80.99 National Cycle Rear Fender Tip National Cycle's Rear Fender Tip is an economical way to add that finishing touch to your customized bike. These are not ordinary fender tips. These solid cast tips have a jewel quality chrome finish with a show bike polish.

Front Fender Tip Accent $24.99 Show Chrome Front Fender Tip Accent ABS construction with chrome finish Tightly follows the curve of the stock fender Installs easily with included double-sided tape

Rear Fender Tip Light $16.95 Drag Specialties Rear Fender Tip Light These tip lights are a perfect fit on OEM and aftermarket rear fenders Clear fender light comes with amber and red bulb Replacement lenses available separately Sold each For 80-95 FLT/FLHT and 86-95 FLSTC/N H-D models **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**

Front Fender Tip Light $16.95 Drag Specialties Front Fender Tip Light These tip lights are a perfect fit on OEM and aftermarket front fenders Clear fender light comes with amber and red bulb Replacement lenses available separately Sold each For 80-95 FLT/FLHT (except FLTR) and 86-95 FLSTC/N H-D models

Front Fender Tip Set $130.99 National Cycle Front Fender Tip Set This hallmark product of National Cycle, (their original legendary patented design from the '40s) has been painstakingly refined for today's cruisers. By casting the product, the shape and high crown details that distinguish their tips stand out. These tips have a jewel quality chrome finish with a show bike polish. It will be hard to find an accessory that will add so much to your bike at such a reasonable cost.

Front Fender Tip $58.99 National Cycle Front Fender Tip This hallmark product of National Cycle, (their original legendary patented design from the '40s) has been painstakingly refined for today's cruisers. By casting the product, the shape and high crown details that distinguish their tips stand out. These tips have a jewel quality chrome finish with a show bike polish. It will be hard to find an accessory that will add so much to your bike at such a reasonable cost.

Front LED Fender Tip Lights $29.95 Custom Dynamics Front LED Fender Tip Lights Increase the visibility, safety and 'cool-factor' of your cruiser motorcycle by adding high-intensity LED lights to your fender tips. Trick out your? front fender with extreme illumination! Replaces OEM bulb 40 wide-angle super-bright Next Generation Genesis? LEDs Single-intensity/function lights act as running lights for you bike

Fender Mexican Classic Strat Tremolo Arm with Tip Vintage White $7.99 Fender Mexican Classic Strat Tremolo Arm with Tip Vintage White

Fender Mexican Classic Strat Tremolo Arm With Tip Vintage White $7.99 Fender Mexican Classic Strat Tremolo Arm with Tip Vintage White

Fender 003 5566 000 Jagstang Trem Arm W/Tip Fender 003 5566 000 Jagstang Trem Arm W/Tip $7.49 In Store Clearance FENDER 003 5566 000 JAGSTANG TREM ARM W/TIP FENDER 003 5566 000 JAGSTANG TREM ARM W/TIP

Tip On In $12.49 Tip On In

Triceptor Fender Accent $38.99 Kuryakyn Triceptor Fender Accent You decide where it looks best! Add it as a fender tip & have the cutting edge in fender tips, or move it back & add the perfect chrome accent. With simple peel-&-stick installation this little beauty will class up your front fender & cover unsightly stone chips. Easy installation Multiple install locations Sold each Made in the U.S.A. Will fit any 4" or wider style fender that does not have a flat center width

LED Fender Taillights $29.95 Custom Dynamics LED Taillights Increase the visibility, safety and 'cool-factor' of your cruiser motorcycle by adding high-intensity LED?lights to your fender tips. Trick out?your taillights with extreme illumination! Replaces OEM bulb 40 wide-angle super-bright Next Generation Genesis? LEDs Single-intensity/function lights act as running lights for you bike Dual-intensity/function light lets you turn your rear fender tip light into an extra brake light

Jeep Front Fender Guards: Warrior Front Fender Rock Protectors; TJ $127.99 1997-06 Jeep TJ Wrangler, Rubicon and Unlimited;Aluminum diamond plate;Tip covers JEEP WRANGLER (97-06TJ) 65TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION RUBICON SAHARA SE SPORT X 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2.4L Power-Tech (148) 2.5L (150) 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Jeep Front Fender Guards: Warrior Front Fender Rock Protectors; TJ

Jeep Front Fender Guards: Warrior Front Fender Rock Protectors; YJ $113.99 1987-95 Jeep YJ Wrangler;Aluminum diamond plate;Tip covers JEEP WRANGLER (87-95YJ) ISLANDER LAREDO RENEGADE RIO GRANDE S SAHARA SE SPORT 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 2.5L (150) 4.2L (258) 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Jeep Front Fender Guards: Warrior Front Fender Rock Protectors; YJ

Fender Original Strat White Trem Arm Tips (2) $4.29 Original Strat White Trem Arm Tip replacements from Fender come in packs of two and will keep your axe in stock condition.

Kuryakyn Triceptor Fender Accent $32.67 . Kuryakyn Triceptor Fender Accent Add as a fender tip and have the cutting edge in fender tips or move it back and add the perfect chrome accent. With simple peel-and-stick installation this little beauty will class up your front fender and cover unsightly stone chips. Kuryakyn Part# 7340 NOTE: Images are for illustrative purposes. Actual product may vary from picture depicted. All other accesssories other than what's mentioned in the description and details are not included. Bike Fitment: Yamaha: All YZF-R1 and FZ1 2008-2011 YZF-R6 Models Honda: 2004-2007 CBR1000RR 2001-2010 and 2012 GL1800 Suzuki: All GSX-R600/750/1000 and all Hayabusa (GSX1300R) Universal: 4 inch or wider style fenders (Does not fit fenders with flat center width) 2001-2005 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing 2007-2010 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing Airbag 2001-2005 Honda GL1800A Gold Wing ABS 2006 Honda GL1800HP Gold Wing Audio/Comfort 2006-2008 Honda GL1800HPN Gold Wing Audio/Comfort/Navi 2006-2008 Honda GL1800HPNA Gold Wing Audio/Comfort/Navi/ABS 2006-2008 Honda GL1800P Gold Wing Premium Audio 2004-2009 Honda VTX1300C 2005-2009 Honda VTX1300R 2003-2007 Honda VTX1300S 2008-2009 Honda VTX1300T 2002-2008 Honda VTX1800C 2005-2008 Honda VTX1800F 2004-2008 Honda VTX1800N 2002-2008 Honda VTX1800R 2002-2006 Honda VTX1800S 2007-2008 Honda VTX1800T 1999-2009 Yamaha XVS1100 V Star 1100 Custom 2000-2009 Yamaha XVS1100A V Star 1100 Classic 2002-2009 Yamaha XVS1100AT V Star 1100 Silverado 2007-2009 Yamaha XVS1300 V Star 1300 2007-2010 Yamaha XVS1300A V Star 1300 Tourer 1998-2010 Yamaha XVS650 V Star Custom 1998-2010 Yamaha XVS650A V Star Classic 2002-2010 Yamaha XVS650AT V Star Silverado

Krups Tip $1.99 Tip

Fender 351 Shape Picks, 12 Pack, White, Medium $4.99 Celluloid is the premier pick material. Celluloid picks give the traditional feel, with a smooth striking surface and a warm, round musical tone. Often called the Fender? pick, the 351 shape is the pick most associated with Fender. A wider body and a rounded tip have made this pick a favorite with players of every style.

Fender Bender $11.49 Fender Bender

Fender Gimp Fender Flares $27.99 Fender Gimp. Fender Flares. 30 ft..

Fender / FENDER PERSONAL SOUND / 069-1110-000 $180.17 Fender - FENDER PERSONAL SOUND - 069-1110-000

Fender / FENDER PROTECTIVE COVER FOR / 069-9017-000 $42.2 Fender - FENDER PROTECTIVE COVER FOR - 069-9017-000

Fender / FENDER PROTECTIVE COVER FOR / 069-9016-000 $36.34 Fender - FENDER PROTECTIVE COVER FOR - 069-9016-000

Fender Lighter, Fender Shield Zippo $26.99 Fender Lighter, Fender Shield Zippo

Tip It $8.48 Tip It is the ultimate balancing game requiring concentration and skill! Each player spins the pointer to find out what color disk to remove without toppling the Tip It tower. The player that removes three discs of the same color wins! It's not as easy as it looks! Type: Action & Reflex Gender: Unisex Age: Child,Teen,Adult

Tip Pik Tip Tool $11.95 Tip Pik Tip Tool

Fender 351 Premium Celluloid Guitar Picks Black Moto Thin $3.95 Often called the Fender pick, the 351 shape is the pick most associated with Fender. A wider body and a rounded tip have made this pick a favorite with players of every style.Fender Premium Celluloid picks combine the traditional tone and feel of celluloid, with beautiful and unique colors.They say Fender on them so you know they're cool. One dozen picks per pack.

Fender 351 Premium Celluloid Guitar Picks Red Moto Heavy $3.95 Often called the Fender pick, the 351 shape is the pick most associated with Fender. A wider body and a rounded tip have made this pick a favorite with players of every style.Fender Premium Celluloid picks combine the traditional tone and feel of celluloid, with beautiful and unique colors.They say Fender on them so you know they're cool. One dozen picks per pack.

Fender 351 Premium Celluloid Guitar Picks Abalone Medium $3.95 Often called the Fender pick, the 351 shape is the pick most associated with Fender. A wider body and a rounded tip have made this pick a favorite with players of every style.Fender Premium Celluloid picks combine the traditional tone and feel of celluloid, with beautiful and unique colors.They say Fender on them so you know they're cool. One dozen picks per pack.

Fender 351 Premium Celluloid Guitar Picks Abalone Heavy $3.95 Often called the Fender pick, the 351 shape is the pick most associated with Fender. A wider body and a rounded tip have made this pick a favorite with players of every style.Fender Premium Celluloid picks combine the traditional tone and feel of celluloid, with beautiful and unique colors.They say Fender on them so you know they're cool. One dozen picks per pack.

Fender Make History Pick Tin - 36 Shell Celluloid Guitar Picks $11.99 Pick-shaped tin container with the Fender Make History cover design comes with 36 shell celluloid guitar picks in the classic 351 shape (6 thin, 24 medium, 6 heavy).Often called the Fender pick, the 351 shape is the pick most associated with Fender. A wider body and a rounded tip have made this guitar pick a favorite among players of every style.Includes 6 thin, 24 medium, 6 heavy picks in classic 351 shape

Fender 351 Premium Celluloid Guitar Picks Blue Moto Medium $3.95 Often called the Fender pick, the 351 shape is the pick most associated with Fender. A wider body and a rounded tip have made this pick a favorite with players of every style.Fender Premium Celluloid picks combine the traditional tone and feel of celluloid, with beautiful and unique colors.They say Fender on them so you know they're cool. One dozen picks per pack.

Fender 351 Premium Celluloid Guitar Picks Blue Moto Thin $3.95 Often called the Fender pick, the 351 shape is the pick most associated with Fender. A wider body and a rounded tip have made this pick a favorite with players of every style.Fender Premium Celluloid picks combine the traditional tone and feel of celluloid, with beautiful and unique colors.They say Fender on them so you know they're cool. One dozen picks per pack.

Fender 351 Premium Celluloid Guitar Picks Ocean Turquoise Medium $3.95 Often called the Fender pick, the 351 shape is the pick most associated with Fender. A wider body and a rounded tip have made this pick a favorite with players of every style.Fender Premium Celluloid picks combine the traditional tone and feel of celluloid, with beautiful and unique colors.They say Fender on them so you know they're cool. One dozen picks per pack.