I'm curious to know if there are any other women (of any age) on this forum that are interested in WM20s? Surely I can't be the only one!

email (option): carlamports@gmail.com

Quite a few of us ride at various times with 'BSA Susie' (Southampton). Seen here with the poppy at Goodwood. Mine is the empty bike further back with the RAF roundel. I've known Susie For probably getting on for 20 years and I can't remember her without it. I think she just looks in on this forum from time to time. She's also very knowledgeable on WW2 female uniform/clothing. Email me if you want me to put you in touch. I can think of a few other woman riders, but usually they tend to take the lighter bikes. Ron

PS. I made a correction to your rubber parts query!

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

oops! Ron
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email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Thanks Ron. It doesn't seem to draw in a lot of women so it's good to see I'm not the only one. I've been wondering what women wore on the bikes. Somehow I don't think my 2 peice leathers will look the part on the BSA...

I agree on the weight issue and it's been on my mind. Hopefully it won't be an issue though. My current bike is only 168kg (dry) - but still can't pick it up when it's laying sideways though

email (option): carlamports@gmail.com

There are a few girls who go to the Normandy events that ride military machines, probably about half a dozen...but not all M20 mounted....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

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My wife Vidya is not a BSA fan, but she likes Norton, Ariel, James and Royal Enfield however !

Apparently the President of our local vintage bike club has just bought his wife a 1940 WM20. At least I'm not alone

My friends wife has just bought herself a 1947 M21...It must be catching.!...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

It's all those fitness DVD's and Pilates lessons They're becoming too strong

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

hey look out! We can do with some more biker women!

Actually I'm really worried about the kick start as I have a bad right knee from a bike accident years ago. Will have to make sure my hubby's around to do it for me

email (option): carlamports@gmail.com

Carla you will need to learn how to do it, unless you take him with you all the time. If you've never ridden one of these type bikes before? There is a procedure to kick starting.

Once the fuel is on and a little tickle of the carb float and the ignition is retarded about 1/3rd. Slowly press the kick start down till you feel compression. When you feel this compression where the kick start feels a bit to hard to kick any further easily, pull the valve lift lever and allow the kick start to continue past this tight spot. Now release the valve lifter and allow the kick start to return to the top, where it will be ready for you to give it a good heavy swing, with some determination to get the engine spinning.

Once you practice finding that compression spot and just getting past it with the valve lifter you will soon get the hang of it.

I always prefer to start my bikes by standing by the side with the bike on the rear stand. Personally I never use the choke. I just leave it in the off position ( Pulled fully towards you).

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

hey look out! We can do with some more biker women!

Actually I'm really worried about the kick start as I have a bad right knee from a bike accident years ago. Will have to make sure my hubby's around to do it for me [/quote]

I ripped my right foot off back in the 80's and while it is still there I have no cup on my ankle so right foot kicking is out of the question.
I kick start standing on the ground next to the bike using my left foot, It is actually easier than right footing once you get used to it.
My 5' and not much heavier than a Labridor ( never mention any womand weight in public ).
She can left foot kick my M20 no troubles and I have taught a lot of women to do the same. They all found it easier than right foot astride and because you are standing on the ground you an follow through fully so never have to worry about a kick back.

email (option): wariron@tpg,com,au

Appreciate the advice guys! Ron, I've saved your instructions! This is my first vintage bike and NEVER tried to use a kick start (I've only ever owned modern bikes until now) I actually did see a guy on YouTube kick starting one from the right which looks like the go. I'm going to join a classic bike club later on, which I'm hoping they can teach me the ropes!

Trevor, ouch! That ankle sounds painful!

email (option): carlamports@gmail.com

Yes Carla, that is by far the best option, for someone to show you through it. But a little bit of before hand knowledge of the procedure can only help.

I've only ever had one modern bike in my life and that one cost me months of orthopedic surgery Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

I think so too

I ride an 1100cc but i certainly don't ride it how it was made for. Who knows, the BSA might convert me I hear ya about the surgeries, it's a horrible thing. It's one reason why I'll never get on the back of sports bikes anymore!

email (option): carlamports@gmail.com