Advice for a newbie - nervous riding at 100km/h

[DJSin]

I've just got my restricted and while on my learners I was very good and rule abiding and not gone above 70km/h. Today I thought I'd go and get some practice at 100.

I was scared :shit: and didn't get much above 70.

I just wondered if anyone else felt the same way when they were learning and had any suggestions to help me relax and get up to 100?

I've search around the site and couldn't find anything - it seems that more people have trouble staying at the speed limit than getting up to it.

The bf says bikes will feel more stable the fast you go but it doesn't feel like it to me :no:

[Nasty]

What is it you are scared about ... what is creating the fear. What I did was get on the motorway in the slow lane and ride at 100 - everyone on the same side going the same way .. reduced risks ... and its always good to have another rider with you behind you if you like. If not your partner try the Wellington Mentors .. I think Deano is one.

[mossy1200]

I've just got my restricted and while on my learners I was very good and rule abiding and not gone above 70km/h. Today I thought I'd go and get some practice at 100.

I was scared :shit: and didn't get much above 70.

I just wondered if anyone else felt the same way when they were learning and had any suggestions to help me relax and get up to 100?

I've search around the site and couldn't find anything - it seems that more people have trouble staying at the speed limit than getting up to it.

The bf says bikes will feel more stable the fast you go but it doesn't feel like it to me :no:
Is your bike getting any issues when you lift the speed or is it nerves.
One thing that helps is having good riding gear.trusting your outfit is a big part of feeling confident.
Check all your bike over and find a quiet area to build up that speed.

[MSTRS]

The bf says bikes will feel more stable the fast you go but it doesn't feel like it to me :no:

No less stable at 100...it's just that everything happens just a little quicker. If you are not comfortable at 100, then I suggest that you stay off roads that will get you run over, but otherwise just lift your accustomed speed by 10kph increments...progressing as you feel more relaxed at the higher speed.

[DJSin]

I've got good gear. But I still figure it's going to hurt like hell crashing at 100 (if I ever get to that speed :) )

The bike just feels a bit lighter at higher speeds and I also get really tense - I know I'm doing it and take deep breathes to unhunch my shoulders get the tension out of my body.

I might just have to find some stretches of road that I can get to that are 80 zones and build up slowly.

I still remember when I was very new 50 felt fast :laugh: so I know practice will help it's just that practicing on the motorway at 100 is a little different.

I have thought about using a mentor - will see how I go after a bit more practice.

[p.dath]

I've just got my restricted and while on my learners I was very good and rule abiding and not gone above 70km/h. Today I thought I'd go and get some practice at 100.

I was scared :shit: and didn't get much above 70.

I just wondered if anyone else felt the same way when they were learning and had any suggestions to help me relax and get up to 100?
...

I've helped several people get into riding, and that is a real common feeling. It doesn't seem to last long. Your completely normal.

After about 3 or 4 times you'll look forward to riding at 100 km/h, and accelerating up to 100km/h, because it will go from scary to exciting.

[DJSin]

I've helped several people get into riding, and that is a real common feeling. It doesn't seem to last long. Your completely normal.

After about 3 or 4 times you'll look forward to riding at 100 km/h, and accelerating up to 100km/h, because it will go from scary to exciting.

Yay - thanks - that's where I want to get to - exciting!!!

[klingon]

Yep - everything you are describing is perfectly normal! I have been riding for almost three years now and, like you, followed the 70kph rule when I was on my learner's. For me that actually meant staying in 50kph zones so not going above 60kph.

Then I got my restricted and out I went onto the motorway to do 100kph. OMG! :shit: That was FAST!

But after doing short bursts on the motorway (on one onramp, up to 80kph or 100 kph then off at the next offramp) I soon got the hang of it.

Then I started riding further afield on the open road (not motorways) and OMG! :shit: Suddenly I was doing 100 kph and there were CORNERS and GRAVEL on the sides of the road and FARM GATES and ONCOMING TRAFFIC! :shit:

I laugh sometimes when I ride over stretches of road that seemed so scary and daunting just a short time ago. And, like you said, these days I have to remember to keep my speed down to 100kph.

So yeah, you will get used to it. Just take it step by step, don't do anything out of your comfort zone just because you think you should - do it when you feel like doing it and you're ready for that next little thrill. And just keep doing it!

[mossy1200]

Yay - thanks - that's where I want to get to - exciting!!!If you think about doing more than 70 as naughty you will prob start enjoying it straight away.

[DJSin]

Thanks Klingon for your story

I remember with mountainbiking I was the same - there were hairpin turns and roots that when I was a newbie got the best of me and now I laugh to myself when I ride through them

I am looking forward to being confident at faster speeds

[mukup]

I think its a female thing. We are more likely to think of the "what ifs"? I had been a pillion for years and had two major bike vs car accidents where as a pillion I always ended up worse off. Then I decided I would learn so I could make my own decisions. Once you get more confidence in your bike and your ability you will be sweet. Its just a matter of getting out there and doing it. And they can fix broken bones - don't worry about it. Just enjoy when you are out there. Its no more dangerous than in a car at 100km. Professional riding schools with advanced riding courses can help you pick up tips too, so you are riding safe. And definately get a mentor if you get the chance. I still curse the fact I wasn't born with balls and carve up the traffic like the lads. (but then we don't have to prove how big our ****** is) LOL. The fear is gone, but I am still a cautious rider, which is not a bad thing I guess. You will get there, just enjoy it and be proud of your achievements.

[Bend-it]

Yup, just a matter of getting used to it... the sensation of speed is much greater than when you're in a metal box, but that's part of the appeal of biking... Riding with others helps IF they are happy to ride along at your pace and not push you too hard...

Relax relax relax... and enjoy:) Don't worry too much about speed... it'll come with saddle-time...

You have a 650 raptor as well? Or is that the BF's? It's a great bike, that one... ;)

[boomer]

I've just got my restricted and while on my learners I was very good and rule abiding and not gone above 70km/h. Today I thought I'd go and get some practice at 100.

I was scared :shit: and didn't get much above 70.

I just wondered if anyone else felt the same way when they were learning and had any suggestions to help me relax and get up to 100?

I've search around the site and couldn't find anything - it seems that more people have trouble staying at the speed limit than getting up to it.

The bf says bikes will feel more stable the fast you go but it doesn't feel like it to me :no:

i was scared shitless and got the mrs to follow me in the wagon, knowing some idiot wouldnt run me over whilst i tittered around gave me comfort until i grew some balls.... time in the seat will help your confidence tremendously.

One you get confident then trade up for a gixxer thou

[slofox]

You could try going 200km/hr for a brief fang - after that 100km/hr feels much slower...:whistle:

On a more serious note, just take it easy and build up incrementally. Go 75 for a week, then 80 for a week etc etc. Successive approximations is what it's called...

[vifferman]

You could try going 200km/hr for a brief fang - after that 100km/hr feels much slower...:whistle:
Damn - you beat me to it.
But that's quite right: the sensation of speed is relative. Apart from the first time you drove on the open road, 100km/h in a car doesn't feel fast. On an unfaired (or even faired) bike it's a different story: you get much more of a sensation of the wind the road underneath you rushing by.

[EatOrBeEaten]

Maybe get a couple of lessons with an instructor about safe riding on fast roads? First time I had a lesson I was creeping along a 60mph (100kmh) road at half that, after a few lessons I was getting not-so-polite requests on the radio to dial it down a few notches :D

You'd be with someone who really knows their stuff, who can talk to you in situ about what you're doing right/wrong/weird, and that's a great confidence builder.

[crazyhorse]

Small bikes are lighter and do not always feel that stable - esp at slightly higher speeds, or in windy conditions.

Think of it this way, you wouldn't drive your car at 70, and I think it is more dangerous to ride a bike at 70 and be overtaken by cars and trucks etc.

You cannot come to any more harm doing 100 than 70. So, as someone has already suggested, increase your speed slowly, and don't be frightened. Let it happen naturally. You will enjoy riding more if you just relax and don't stress over it.

[Morcs]

jees first time i got on a bike and made it move, i had to see how fast it would go...

[EatOrBeEaten]

jees first time i got on a bike and made it move, i had to see how fast it would go...
Different strokes for different folks though, innit? A lot of people aren't comfortable fanging it....

[Disco Dan]

Different strokes for different folks though, innit? A lot of people aren't comfortable fanging it....

Certainly not... Those people can keep their fangs to themselves I think!


Just whatever you do - dont close your eyes and twist the throttle.. :blink:

[NDORFN]

I got overtaken by the postie the first time I went out! Took until my 3rd ride to break 100kph. Ride regularly... push yourself a little more each time... consolidate!!!

P.S Enjoy those sensations you're having while they last... after a while you don't even notice it. Sometimes I get so bored of piddling on the mains that I hope for a massive side-on gust to try and pry me from my bike!

[Finn]

Don't worry. Soon you'll be nervous traveling at over 100kph but for completely different reasons.

[YellowDog]

Damn - you beat me to it.
But that's quite right: the sensation of speed is relative. Apart from the first time you drove on the open road, 100km/h in a car doesn't feel fast. On an unfaired (or even faired) bike it's a different story: you get much more of a sensation of the wind the road underneath you rushing by.
Yes I was going to suggest the same. 120Kph will seem pretty scarey and then reducing to 100Kph will then seem just fine.

It is easy for experienced riders to say that riding fast is easier than riding slow.

My advice would be not to do anything that makes you feel unsafe. Make sure your bike is OK and that the tyre pressures are as they should be.

Also make sure that the road is clear enough so that you don't have to worry about other vehicles.

I don't look at my speedo, only at the rev counter. May be you should try this for a while until you feel more comfortable.

Your next post will say "How fast is 5500 rpm in 5th gear" :)

[OnCam]

hey congrats on the restricted,

could try wearing ear plugs to reduce the extra wind noise and increased sensation of speed?

this time next week you will be away laughing, it does take a bit but wont take long to get the hang of it.

[Slyer]

I went 100kph on my first day of riding - And crashed it! Yeah!

[slofox]

jees first time i got on a bike and made it move, i had to see how fast it would go...

Errrrmmmmm....you too, huh?

[Jonno.]

Just find a relatively straight 100k road at a time with no or low traffic and go for it. If you build it up like an impossible feat you'll make it harder.

[kermit63]

I fully agree with taking your own time and only riding at a speed you feel comfortable at.

I'd also recommend looking as far up the road as possible. As well as making you more aware of what's going on in the traffic of you, it also makes things seem slower. If you're looking at the road infront of the front wheel, or into the middle distance it seems to be a lot quicker.

If the corner seems to be approaching real fast, it probably is, so slow down to go round it and don't worry if you hold other road users up - they'll get over it.

[Squiggles]

Build yourself up to it

[NDORFN]

I was going to add "Grow some balls", but I saw your info and realised that whilst it may help with your fear of speed, the benefits may be out-weighed by the social repercussions. Grow whatever it is that makes chicks brave. Maybe tits.

[DJSin]

Thanks for the suggestions.
I might ignoring growing balls - for the reason you gave :) and I have more than enough in the chest area :)

I like the concept of going 200km/h to make 100 feel slow :laugh: would that I could

I do think the scorpio being a lighter bike doesn't help - I do own a cagiva raptor, it's waiting for me to get my full licence - I reckon that going 100 on that would be easier

The bf has suggested we go out to the country and find some quiet roads to practice on

[rosie631]

I binned my bike at 100ks a few weeks again. I have been amazed at how much of a knock my confidence has taken. Find round town but as soon as I start to get up speed on the open road i get the sick nervous feeling. I am finding it is getting better each time I go out. Went for a spin on sunday and was able to get up speed and actually enjoy it. I think it's just a matter of practise and pushing through the fear.

[sinfull]

I have more than enough in the chest area :)

Pics or it didn't happen !! lol


I like the concept of going 200km/h to make 100 feel slow :laugh: would that I could

I do think the scorpio being a lighter bike doesn't help - I do own a cagiva raptor, it's waiting for me to get my full licence - I reckon that going 100 on that would be easier

The bf has suggested we go out to the country and find some quiet roads to practice on Track day is the go for you then ! Controlled environment, yet yaself a trailer load the raptor and the scorp on and you and yr BF do a dirty weekend (or whatever, i usually just drive up in the morning and home that night) in taupo, after booking into a motott day !
You will never look back having done that !!!
Take both the scorp and the raptor out on the track, do the 200 km and then learn to corner on the scorp !!!

[davebullet]

I'm guessing you are ringing the neck of the Scorpio approaching 100. A bike screaming under you must make it feel a bit more on the edge.

When I was born at a very young age, I recall it was the effect of the wind pushing against you and increase in noise. I wear ear plugs now (just so I can protect my hearing). If you have a noisy helmet (or the bike is revving it up a bit loud) that might help.

Just remember to relax your grip. The faster those wheels spin, the more the bike wants to keep upright so that's a good thing.

[robboh]

I would suggest incrementally speeding up. Try 80, and try it on a quieter stretch of motorway at a quieter time, or on a reasonably wide back road (narrower the road, the 'scarier' it is). Then try 90, then 100.

I dont know about Wellington, but certainly up here, doing 80 in the slow lane shouldnt be an issue.

However, I suspect your biggest problem will actually be speed perception. You are probably looking down at the road too close to the front wheel. The closer you look to the the bike, the faster you will seem to be going. Its not an issue in town usually, but it is once you get on the open road, and at faster speeds.

Try looking as far down the road as you can, not at the car in front of you. Obviously you still flick your vision back close to check the road surface etc, but try and keep your main focus down the road aways, not just in front of your front wheel. I will guarantee you that will reduce the speed sensation.

Also, try to have 'soft eyes', as opposed to 'hard eyes' (Im using a horsey term here, maybe you can relate?). In other words, dont focus on anything in particular, just take in the whole scene, and use your peripheral vision more to 'look at things' without actually moving your vision from towards the front, you can just move your concentration as opposed to your eyes.

EG Im sitting on the couch at the moment, and the TV is about 30 degrees off the computer screen, but Im still getting a good idea of whats happening on the TV without actually looking away from the computer. Doing this does takes a bit of practice, but it will also help reduce the sensation of speed.

Plus finally, are your tyres up to snuff?? Get a mate to check over the suspension and steering head bearings etc. It COULD be a bike issue, though I wouldnt suspect so given its only a year old or so (and a Honda).

[modboy]

Hey DJ, I'm jumping in late here and perhaps this has already been said.
(btw, I agree with above - relaxed grip, "soft eyes" (good phrase robboh!)

I rode a vespa for four years and the first few months I remember crapping myself riding on the motorway, haha. I used to use all the back roads to ride to work (Wellington, round the bays, old hutt road - I live in Seatoun and work in Petone, bike everyday).

Gradually as the confidence built I felt more comfortable. I found that I'd give it a bit of stick on the motorway with little or no traffic around. Find a nice quiet straight-ish good quality road and open it up a bit. Now I can't wait to get to the terrace tunnel haha.

Now I'm on a much bigger bike (Triumph 900), much more power than the vespa - and once again I'm just going through the confidence building phase nice and easy. As I feel comfortable, in quiet controlled conditions just opening it up a little, get the feel of moving quicker and keep breathing.

Nothing wrong at all at knowing your limitations - it will keep you safe.

Practice practice practice - and yes, you do have to suck up the fear a little. It's good feeling scared a bit, it keeps you sharp.

Keep safe.

[vindy500]

just to make u feel better, if your scorpios anything like my gf's 07, your indicated 100 is actually only 90

[DJSin]

Thanks for continuing to make suggestions.

I am definitely keen to do a track day both for speed and cornering practice.

The idea of soft eyes makes sense and I'll make sure to do that next time.

Relaxed grip is also something I need to work on, along with relax Deb :)

Tires are sweeet - issue is definitely with the rider not the equipment!!! :D

The scorpio does have a bit of a speed gap so my speed estimations always takes that into account. It does feel like it's ringing its neck at speed.

[breakaway]

Just twist the fuckin throttle. When I went on the motorway first time with my RG150 (After about a month of inner city riding), I was expecting to be shitting bricks and trembling out of fear. But it was not scary at all.

It's the only way to do it. You'll be worried the first few times no doubt, but there is NO OTHER WAY to learn how to ride faster asides from doing it. No amount of people encouraging you to do it is going to help.

[Pegasus]

Thanks for continuing to make suggestions.

I am definitely keen to do a track day both for speed and cornering practice.

The idea of soft eyes makes sense and I'll make sure to do that next time.

Relaxed grip is also something I need to work on, along with relax Deb :)

Tires are sweeet - issue is definitely with the rider not the equipment!!! :D

The scorpio does have a bit of a speed gap so my speed estimations always takes that into account. It does feel like it's ringing its neck at speed.

Relaxing is the big thing. If you are tense, you are pulling back on the bars (or pushing forward). I got over it by getting bf to ride in front of me instead of behind. As soon as he did that I lost at least half of that tension. Then he just told me that it was unsafe for me to ride at 70 (first time on the open road)! He kept an eye on me in his mirrors, kept us on quiet back roads, and just let me do my thing.

My speedo reads 10% low, so 110 is 100 for me, so once you get up to the 100 milestone, it may pay to check against someone elses bike (if they are confident that their speedo is accurate) or a GPS

[PrincessBandit]

I still remember the first time I rode at 100. I was nervous about it and only lasted about 10 seconds at that speed. The other rider I was with (my brother, a very experienced rider) took off ahead of me on a long long straight stretch of quiet country road to get me to follow. He waited up ahead for me to catch up then asked me how I felt. I told him it was scary and he said that the first time is usually the worst (fear of the unknown).

The next time I was out on my own I found the same long stretch (familiarity!) and did it again and never looked back. Having that confidence in your bike and gear makes all the difference. Stick with doing it on a straight stretch for a few times to get the feel of the speed then with gentle corners. Ease into it - your bf if he's been riding a while should be able to "map out" some nice routes for you to gradually develop more confidence.

And as much as you can, ride with others so that you don't feel quite so vulnerable about the consequences of coming off all alone! Having others you feel safe with is a great way to start out - just one or two is all you need.


Good luck, and welcome to the joy of 2 wheels!!

[Maki]

The quick fang to 200 advice is spot on. After 200+, on a closed track of course, 100 will feel like you are semi stationary...
Find someone who will lend you a gixxer thou for a lap or two.

[LBD]

Stay within your comfort zone, ride at what you are comfortable/confident with and let it come naturally.

Don't be pressured into speeds that make you nervous...nervousness can lead to actions or reactions that may knock your confidence that can hold you back longer.

May help to find a quiet road and ride it several times to build your confidence.

If and when you reach 100km, on a quiet road, work on stops and lines around corners to improve and build your confidence and and ability.

All IMO with best intent and wishes....

[SMOKEU]

There is nothing to be scared of. Before I even had my 6L, I bought a CBR250 and on the test ride I got it up to 120kmh no problems. Now it's fun lane splitting at 160kmh; it's like anything, you'll get used to it. Practice makes perfect.

[kickin back]

Hey mate
soft eyes ,scanning,increase speed in own time .you wont enjoy untill you are comfortable with your bike and traffic and your own confidence increases.
Enjoy Ride Safe

[DJSin]

Find someone who will lend you a gixxer thou for a lap or two.

I wouldn't have to look far - my bf owns one :done:

[rustic101]

:scooter:If it’s a fall or collision that concerns you then it may surprise you to know that the slower you go the more damage you will do to your body. If you come off keep your body lines as close as you can, legs closed, arms tucked in. From personal experience I have been hurt more coming off at lower speeds, than faster speeds. That aside, employee survival skills like; looking for an area of avoidance ahead, being conscious of what and who is behind and beside you etc. But most importantly ride as fast as YOU feel comfortable… I have just recently returned after a 15 year absence and must admit there are still moments of ‘ekk’.

[Markw336]

well the only advice here is slowly build speed up untill you feel comfortable with it and add speed every week or so

[ukusa]

borrow a BIG bike, as the bigger the bike, the slower 100 kph always feels. The wee 150cc will be screaming to hit 100ks, but the big thumper will be idling. Same reason as 100ks always feels faster in a Mini than in a Falcon.

[DJSin]

After a weeks snowboarding and a week being sick I finally had a chance to get on the bike again.

Had a play on the Cagiva (in a carpark) in the morning and then on the Scorpio in the arvo. Riding the Scorpio felt like riding my mountainbike after the size of the Cagiva.

Rode around the bays and then did the old Hutt Rd (a combo of 60k and 80k speed limits) and up Ngaranga Gorge - felt better but still very nervous.

I bumped into Andrew Templeton this morning and will do his advanced riding course tomorrow to help with my confidence.

It's all coming together nicely - thanks again for all of your great suggestions.