Ducati Monster Forum

Femmoto 2008 (http://www.sportbiketracktime.com/femmoto/)  <---click for info

October 3rd, 4th, 5th

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

If you have never gone, it is an all female demo/trackday  wt:  Ride the latest and greatest different manufacturers have to offer on the track!  Past participants have been Ducati, Aprilia, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, etc.  I attended in 2006 and had ablast, hopefully I will be able to go again this year (last year my work schedule wouldn't allow it  :P)

Here's some pics from 2006

Me on an S4rs
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u178/shemonster_01/S4RSplusfullmakeupmakesyoufaster.jpg)

And a ZX6R (the Duc leathers kinda clash with the Attack Green!  ;) but what a fun bike on the track!)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u178/shemonster_01/ZX6R5.jpg)

Sorry about how big those pics showed up, they are only supposed to be about 25 k?

Great pics.  Looks like an awesome day - I'm already committed to the Breast Cancer 3-day so I won't make it this year, but maybe next.....

Too bad that's the same weekend  :-\

Femmoto benefits the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 

well, since I'm out of the DC area, I suppose they figured the events were reasonably far enough away that it probably wouldn't be an issue overall (and it probably isnt).....

I'm definately going to keep it in mind. 

Not sure what my work schedule will be by then.

That is RIGHT before my due date, so I won't be attending this year.  :)

Ugh, that's the week that I am supposed to be leaving for San Diego to see my new niece.
And shred hills with my buddy from the DML......I'm still in shock.....still can't even sign in.....It's history!

You look great on that S4RS  mo:t:

Sounds like fun...Taking over a week off this year for our yearly California MotoGP Race Trip (Used to AMA Race Trip, noew it is both  :))

Wont be able to take off again in Oct., but I will check out the link and well...maybe we will see...I think the big issue would be getting my track bike out to ride, or do they let you rent a bike too...Guesss I should look at the link now  [cheeky]

Thanks for posting  this thread wt:

Don't be, we all know bigger is better anyway  :e:v

they are great pics but I am wondering -they don't make you tape up the lights for that track day? just curious...

The beauty of this event is that it is a DEMO trackday - you use their bikes.  The manufacturers bring out their latest and greatest, and you have your choice over the weekend, 5 sessions each day which ones you want to take out on the track and ride!  From Ducati I took out the S4rs you see and S2R1000 (which ironically enough was eventually sold to NAKID on this board), and Aprilia Factory Mille, an RSV1000R, and a Tuono, Kawasaki ZX6R and a 10R, etc.  Kawasaki also does a dirt school and dirt bikes if you want to do that.  In 2006 the manufacturers were Ducati, Aprilia, Moto-Guzzi, Kawasaki, Buell, and Kymco.  Last year I wasn't able to go but I heard that Suzuki was there as well.  I'm ppreety sure Aprilmaybe went last year, hopefully she can chime in with some info too.

Is this one of those "you drop it, you buy it" deals? I don't want that to be a worry.

Funny---I'm wearing my Femmoto shirt from last year ;D

I've been the past 3 years and I'm planning on going again this year. I think its a really fantastic event. I've ridden some awesome bikes and met some outstanding women. It just keeps getting bigger and better every year.

First, Its a demo event not a true track day. The track sessions run a slower pace than a full on track day. Everyone is very respectful that the bikes aren't theirs. There have been a few crashes, with no one getting hurt. I haven't heard of anyone getting charged for the bikes. Femmoto was my first time on the track and I counted it as a 1/2 a track day when I went to my first full track day. It really helped me to get familiar with the process. I think I would have been too scared to function at a regular trackday without it, I can be easily intimidated ;:|

Last year they started running street demos as well. That was fun and it gives the guys something to do because the street demos are open to both men and women.

This was from 06...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0703/aprilmaybe/femmoto%2006/_ML_0339full.jpg)

Last year...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0703/aprilmaybe/femmoto/IMG_0805.jpg)

Nice pic!!  (Notice no one's in line for the Harleys?  ;:|)

Haha!! that's me in the kilt right behind you!!!  Monstergrrl's brollyboy!  BTW, MonsterGrrl is a control rider at Fem-Moto.

Guys, get our yer kilts and get to brollyboyin!!

May have to see if my boys..HUsband and 18monthold could get along without me for a few days...could be an interesting time for all... [laugh]

I've missed the last couple of years. I'd really like to go this year; hoping I can do it!

I've registered, paid, and then not attended for the past two years.   Maybe third time's a charm.

I've got some shopping to do!

seriously thinking about going to this. any of you ladies interested in going there solo (as in w/out an s.o.) and would be interested in sharing a room or rental car and such?

Well, if your little one is a little over eager, I do know of a woman who was spotted breast feeding between sessions.   [laugh]

Just signed up today! Cant wait!  But curious to know from past attendees or others "in the know" why this isn't a spring time event? I was apprehensive at first primarily because I could see myself going, learning new skills, meet a lot of great people, getting more psyched to get back home to ride, get to the local track...  - only to have to start the winterization process.  I guess another way to put it is that I'm concerned about the investment of time & money only to then suffer a buzz kill!  Cant go home and "ride the wave"...

Oh but it'll still be fun though won't it!!   ;D

That's awesome.  :)

Bringing this back to the top - is anyone else here signed up to go?   I see April and Stella have signed up so far.   It's coming up soon, and I am about 80% certain I'll be able to go this year.

Only 6 weeks and a couple of days!   

Hope to be leaning way more than I am now!      [moto]   

SheMonster:   is that hotty hot stuff in your avatar going w/you?   Mr Randimus
Maximus will be carrying an umbrella for me and my boss (except for when we're
in work mode).   He might like knowing another DMF dude will be there!   

I haven't registered yet, still only at 80%.  Work scheduling issues - we have to work every 4th weekend, and that is my weekend to work.  I have to find someone willing to work for me  :-\

i told myself back in the spring that i wouldnt miss it.
but i have not made any plans to go...
its been just like a new years resolution for me.
 :(

Bump...

Stella will be there most of the time.

I'll be there on Saturday to do some Demo rides.

Who else is confirmed?

Jim and I are doing street demos on Sat and I'm doing the track on sat!

have fun ladies :)  [moto]

Here is the updated list of bikes available...

Aprilia Track Demos -  Dorsoduro 750, Mana 850, Tuono 139, SL 750 Shiver, RSV 1000R, SXV 5.5, RS 125

BMW Track Demos - K1200S, K1200R, K1200GT, K1200LT, R1200R, R1200GS, R1200RT, F800S
F800ST, F800GS, F650GS, G650 Xcountry

Buell Track & Street Demos- Blast, Lightning XB9SX CityX, Lightning XB12Ss, Lightning XB12Scg
Ulysses XB12X, Ulysses XB12XT, 1125R, Firebolt XB12R

Ducati Track Demos - 848 SBK, Sport Classic 1000 & 1000s, GT 1000, Hypemotard 1100 & 1100s, MTS 1100s, S4Rs, Monster 696

Harley-Davidson Street Demos - FLHRC, FLHTCU, FLHTCUSE4, FLHX, FLSTC, FLSTN, FLSTSB, FLTRSE3, FXCWC, FXDB, FXDF, FXDFSE, FXSTSSE3, VRSCAW, VRSCDX, VRSCF, XL1200L, XL1200N, XL883C

Honda Track Demos - CBR600RR (Freddie Spencer school bikes)

Kawasaki Track Demos - Ninja 250, Ninja 500, Ninja 650 R , ZZR600 , Z1000 , Ninja ZX-6R , Ninja ZX-10R
Street Demos - KLR650 , Versys , Concours -14 , Vulcan 900 , Ninja 650 , Ninja 250 , Ninja ZX-6R

KYMCO Track Demos - Venox 250 Motorcycle, Xciting 500 Ri, Xciting 250 Ri (fuel injected), Grandvista 250, People S 250 Scooters

Suzuki Street Demos- B-King, Burgman 400, Burgman 650, C109R, C50, C50T, C90T, DL650
GS500, GSX650F, M109R, M50, S40, S50, S83, SV650650S

Triumph Street Demos - Street Triple, Daytona 675, Speed Triple, Bonneville

Victory Street Demos- Hammer S, Jackpot Ness, Kingpin Low, Kingpin Tour, Vegas, Vision Street Ness, Vision Tour 10th, Jackpot - Accessory, Vegas Low, Vision Tour, Hammer, Jackpot, Kingpin, Kingpin 8-ball, Vegas 8-ball, Vision Street

Yamaha Track Demos - R1, R6, R6S
Street Demos - Star 1300, Raider, VStar 1100, Road Star, FJR, FZ1, FZ6, Warrior


I'm getting psyched!

MonsterGrrl (never logged on) will be Control riding for the event Saturday and Sunday.  I was doing the track day Friday, but we've a new engagement, so I'm out.  Just Brolly Boyin' for the wifey..

Ok, I'll ask:   "Brolly Boyin'" ?    Is it what I think it is?     

Umbrella boy

The proper uniform should not include anything more than a loincloth and an umbrella  [evil]

Correctly assumed the task but not the outfit!   [laugh]     Now I'm even more excited to get there!     [moto]

 [clap]

you can't SaY that and not take pics  ;)

Julia prefers I wear my kilt for this.  which isn't much more than a loin-around really.  I'm sure there are pics floating around somewhere of me shuttling two of our girls around the track on my bike.  One on the front, one on the back!  It's a tough job mine...

Also, there's a banquet one night of the event, can't remember which, in the infield of the big track.  If any-o-you's is going, please try and meet up with us.  I know Julia would like to meet some more Duc riding girls.

Could we have a weekend report, please.  ;) ;D

It's Vegas baby.    You know the saying!

Kidding.   It was great!    A little confusion early on figuring out when people ride (confusion with riders and the mfg'ers.)
but after that it was all good.  My Ducati of choice (that fit) was the 696.   Amazing bike.   I have an '04 620 and I felt more
comfortable on the turns on the 696 than I did on a bike I ride a ton through the twisties in CO.   Wanted to ride the 848 but
I didn't feel comfortable enough on it to take it out to the track (too short and not enough experience/confidence).   

As far as the event itself:   There couldn't have been better people who put this together.  Huge  [thumbsup] to Bonnie
and her crew for putting so much time and passion into it.   The coaches were great as well and after a session (20 min.
each), several would stop and give feedback which was so helpful.   

There were a total of 6 "sessions" or opportunities to ride/demo a bike.  Depending on the mfg'er and the bike, you
were either on a guided street ride or guided track ride. 

What was interesting is that only one of the manufacturers took the time to recommend a bike based on a rider's height
and experience.   Otherwise the process was to go pick your bike at the beginning of the day, then show up and ride at
your scheduled time/session. 

All the manufacturers and volunteers were great and helpful.   There was a 60+% chance of rain but it was sunny all
day.   

Lots of other thoughts/comments but I have a rental car to return and some work to catch up on and then Randimus
and I are either going to go to the Chapel of the Bells or to the aquarium.   Can't decide.... 

 [thumbsup]

Well I gotta say, I was a little bummed at this year's fem-moto...

Not to say there weren't awesome bits.  Was stoked to meet Randy and Stella.  You two are soo gutsy to do that moto-match buisness!
Bonnie is the rockinest lady alive!  She really beileves that girls want this thing and she works tirelessly to bring it.  I wish I could have been test riding all those bikes and not just brolly boyin'.   Although, I've never had soo many come-ons and kilt lifters in on place!  I wish there'd been a bar, I'm thinkin' I woulda got drinks for free!
And the manufacturers!!  Aprilia, Kawi, Yami, Ducky, Buell, Hardley, Star, Victory, Kymco, others??  all with their best rigs for you girls to ride.  Foir about the lowest anyone could dream of spending for a track day they bring their own bike to!  Ony here, you not only don't have to wear out your own tyres, or use your own gas!  Hell, one of my girls crashed a Honda, and all they asked her was if she was ok!  She was riding the next day!  Happened to Buell also, and likewise, they wrote off the bike and did their best to mollify the lady who'd crashed!  This was a dream come true!!!

There was something missing though......  You.

These things won't continue if there is no participation.  I was out there watching as all weekend, all the manufacturers had their bikes sit at idle, waiting for invisible legions of girls to ride them.  Here's a chance we all dream of having!  Girls, you are being catered to!  And you bail....  Bonnie can't keep this going without the girls she believes in.  I even felt like quite the fool with my five girls, and four control riders we made friends with (girls all)...  Julia and the other control riders didn't need to go out every session, because you weren't there to ride.  And by the way, control riders aren't getting a free ride.  We pay for our lodging and ride our own bikes.  Buy our own fuel, and give up a weekend to not ride all these cool machines (though with soo many lonely bikes, the control riders ended up being begged to ride the demos so somebody would be riding them)

How sad to walk by the Ducati tent and see 848s sitting dejectedly with no participants to ride them.

I guess what I'm saying is, for all the complaints I've heard from girls about not getting the opportunities or gear choices, here, at your chance to prove yourselves a force to be reckoned with, you flaked.  and it's not just the bike builders who are going to forget about trying to net you.  It gets worse....

The company that makes Dainese, Scorpion, JR gear was there to see if there's any market to bring more girl track suits and two piece suits and custom designed helmets to, and you know what they saw?  A bunch of girls catering to an empty demo day.  No market at all.

If I were Dainese, JR, Ducati, Suzuki, et al.....  I'd look or new markets elsewhere too.  They were all there to see if a new market existed to be tapped, and they were dissappointed.

I hope they don't bail next year.  I hope Bonnie can continue to support you and in turn throw her profits at breat cancer research.  I hope we have a reason next year to go out there and brolly boy, and control ride.  But after this last weekend, I have my doubts.  I too, suspect I may have overestimated women's interest in motorcycling.  and there's no reason to cater to a group of people who don't exist.

Please ladies, disprove me next year.  Don't reason that it's too pricey.  That's rediculous.  The price of admission, hotel, breakfast and dinner, subtract the price of tyres, fuel, service, etc... from a normal trackday, makes this about the cheapest motorcycle weekend in existance.  Use it or loose it.  and if you loose it, you will no longer be able to claim you are being ignored and under-represented, only that you ignored an opportunity the uglier sex didn't even get.

Yes, I'm a man-nag...  Yes, this is a call to action.  Please ladies, next year, prove Bonnie right, or soon the only women's apparel will be Harley branded stringback negleget(sp), and it'll all be because of you(s)...

Good Day, from one of your jilted supporters.
W

Well written.  [thumbsup]  [clap]

Next year I will have to convince the hubby that I can go without him.  He'll be finishing up his master's thesis. 

I know how difficult it is to promote these events.  Is there anyway to contact Bonnie to do some free promoting for next year in my region for her??

The DMF is the only way I knew about it.   :-\

I'd go if it were somewhere besides Vegas. :P

I'd gladly go if the market wasn't shit and I didn't work for a bank when all these other banks are going under.

Gimme money for all the expenses and I'll go. Not all of us could afford it this year with the economy the way it is; hell I can't afford a track day normally.

There's a lot of circumstances at play here other than people "flaking".

Sorry all of us disappointed you though. Maybe next year all of us will have the money to take advantage of such a great oppurtunity.

please don't think for a moment that I warrant "dissapointment".  I'm a college student living off my VA payment who slept at the track because I can't afford to stay at a Vegas hotel.  I'm just a guy to boot, no right to ride at these things. 

That said, dissapointment or no, if female riders don't represent themselves when given the opportunity, concerned others will quit trying to offer the opportunity, and manufacturers will continue to place female riders in the "niche" status that warrants small mens suits for the track, and new ICON Street Walker boots for fashion and safety.  Dainese looks at this and says, "why should we make high spec track boots for women if they don't go to track days".  I'm not writing to offer my "dissapointment", and I ride for no one but myself.  That doesn't mean the warning hasn't been made.  There can be no diffusion of responsibility among riders.  We aren't Tahoe driving yellow line straddlers, we can't afford to ever claim we "didn't know"

I had an awesome time!

Over the 2 days I rode 13 bikes. I'll do a full write up later but here are my 2 short insights...

First, everyone needs to ride a scooter on the track. Three of us took out the Kymco scooters for the last session of the day. I was seriously laughing my ass off the whole time. It was sooooooo much fun. I managed to scrape both the kickstand and the exhaust.

Second, The Aprilia RS 125 was absolutely insane. It is pure 2-stroke racebike insanity with 33 raging horses. That was the most popular bike there, the 2 they brought were out for every session. Riding it was exactly like this...http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NtieJU4shuo (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NtieJU4shuo)

Randy and Stella -- sorry I never caught up with you. I never though about how to find you guys until we were already on the road.

William -- it was good seeing you guys again and tell Julia thanks for the tow on the Yamaha!

Part one....

Here my reviews of the street demos....
Oh, and I lied, it totalled 14 bikes ;D

Triumph Speed Triple – This has always been an iconic bike for me and high on the moto-lust list. It’s a fun bike to ride and it’s totally a hooligan machine. The power hit is immediate and that really took some getting used to. It seriously is one of the most brutish (in a good way) bikes I’ve ever been on and it would be a destroyer of licenses. The Triumph route was the shortest but they tried to pack as many curves as possible in. The women working the booth were super nice too.

Triumph Street Triple – This was my favorite of all the street demos and the first one I rode. A light, stripped down 100 horsepower naked bike is right up my alley. I didn’t want to give it up at the end, and it was pearl white! It’s significantly lighter than the Speed 3 which is part of why I preferred it. It sounds and feels amazing. The R version is a serious contender for a next bike.

Triumph Thruxton – Cool bike that is let down by its motor. First off, it feels like a sportbike with its clip-ons and high pegs buts its not and that was kind of a problem when you tried to turn it. The women at the booth made a point of saying that it didn’t turn quite the same way as their sportier bikes. That isn’t really a problem; it’s more of a shock since the ergos made it feel like a sportbike. It felt faster than it was and sounded great, complete with an Arrow system but it was all bark and no bite. It has less power than the SV and it’s a lot heavier.

Suzuki GSXR600 – We had to be cleared to ride this one. The people there said it was the first time they brought the Gixxers out on a demo and it was a big deal that corporate allowed them out. This is hands down my favorite 600 sportbike. It’s the most comfortable and easiest for me to ride; it really all comes down to personal comfort though. While it’s my favorite of the I4s I’ve come to the conclusion that I really prefer twins and naked standards. Suzuki had a pretty good route; it was fairly long with some traffic and a few curves thrown in. I couldn’t see any of the other 600s being as nice to ride in town.

Star Raider – Not that I’ve ridden a lot of them but this is my favorite cruiser to date. With 113 cubic inches and what felt like fistfuls of never-ending torque, accelerating onto the freeway was a blast. For a production bike, it’s got a pretty extreme rake and it just looks mean. The Yamaha staff set out a great ride at a nice pace; I had that bike up to 85 for a bit, it was pretty fun. I have learned that the right cruiser can be a nice ride in the right situation.

Victory Vegas Low – God this is a pretty bike, all shining chrome and pearl white. Other than the futuristic Vision land barge, I have no idea on Victory models so I just picked the prettiest one. I’d consider this a little more traditional than the Raider – long and low—but I preferred the Raider. The Victory just wasn’t quite as much fun for me. The Raider had more power and better brakes and just seemed to fit better. I did do my first cruiser U-turn and it was easier than I expected, definitely easier than on a sporty bike.

Buell Lightning – I took the 1200 out and I just need to give it up. I've ridden it before and I really want to like it. it sounds great on paper for me but dear lord its like riding a paint shaker. I don't remember it being quite that vibey. It didn’t help matters that their route was straight out and back – boring.

Kawasaki Ninja 250 – Weeeeee! This was a FUN bike. Before we went out, the Kawi people said keep the revs up. I hit 10,000 RPM pulling onto Las Vegas Blvd and it sounded like a furious sewing machine. Hit wide open throttle getting onto the freeway, I know I had more fun on this ride than my husband did on the ZX10. I can’t imagine a better starter bike for someone that wants to go the sport route and those that say you’ll outgrow fast are crazy and not wringing the bike out.

My husband and I did all the same brands for the street demos with some variations on the bikes.
He did the Daytona instead of the Thruxton and he really liked it.
The FZ1 instead of the Raider
The Buell 1125CR instead of the Lightning (he hated it, really bad under 4K)
Jackpot instead of the Vegas (his was all tarted up with funky exaust, grips and a big fat rear tire)
ZX10 instead of the 250

I would have liked to have gone.....problem is that it was in October.  I have a hard time getting off this time of year because of my job. We are gearing up for Christmas starting in October. But then again, I don't think I'd wanna be in Vegas ,in the summer, in full gear! Whew!   
I hope all who went had a blast!  Maybe next year.     

April- Awesome reviews!!  I'm sure Julia will be on here pretty soon to pipe up.  Did you ride the R6 also?  I agree with you that the GSXR600 is the friendliest ergos ss600, but I REALLY enjoy the R6 at track pace!  Although in the grand scheme of things, I'm a v-twin guy.

Tell us about your track rides?!

Damn, who gave William the beating stick?    :P

Unfortunately, his rant was true though.  Femmoto will not be held in Vegas this year and it appears to no longer be a demo event, but rather a race series.  Last year the attentance was really low.  We all commented on it and so did the vendors.  I'm not sure how much that played a role in the change.  Those who missed out in the past years really missed some fun times!  I attended the last 3 years and will miss going this year.