This is for the not so newbies

[bosslady]

Seems like everyone you talk to when you tell them you're learning was a natural, got on a bike for the first time and off they went, like they were born to ride, fearless. Well is there anyone who's now a confident rider that was never any of these things? Anyone who's scared? maybe wanted to crap their daks? I never went into it thinking I was all that and a bag of chips, thought I might struggle and gosh darn was I right! I don't even know how to drive a manual so not a great start lol. Want to have hopefully a couple more lessons with an instructor before I go out on the road and despite dropping my bike multiple times (have the bruises and achey legs to show for it!) I sure as heck don't want to give up! Tell me I'm not a lost cause!

[Edbear]

Seems like everyone you talk to when you tell them you're learning was a natural, got on a bike for the first time and off they went, like they were born to ride, fearless. Well is there anyone who's now a confident rider that was never any of these things? Anyone who's scared? maybe wanted to crap their daks? I never went into it thinking I was all that and a bag of chips, thought I might struggle and gosh darn was I right! I don't even know how to drive a manual so not a great start lol. Want to have hopefully a couple more lessons with an instructor before I go out on the road and despite dropping my bike multiple times (have the bruises and achey legs to show for it!) I sure as heck don't want to give up! Tell me I'm not a lost cause!

Usually the difference between those who succeed and those who fail, is simply that the failures give up.

Maybe you're not a "natural" rider, but if you love it and want to ride, just relax, take your time, listen well, practise much and don't let yourself feel you can't do it. You're doing it right so far in getting an instructor. Keep on with it and all the best! You'll get a lot of support on here. :sunny:

[bosslady]

Usually the difference between those who succeed and those who fail, is simply that the failures give up.

Maybe you're not a "natural" rider, but if you love it and want to ride, just relax, take your time, listen well, practise much and don't let yourself feel you can't do it. You're doing it right so far in getting an instructor. Keep on with it and all the best! You'll get a lot of support on here. :sunny:

I really, really.... really don't want to give up. No intention of being a racer but not much in life takes my interest, especially enough to put some money into it! Also I don't want to look like an asshole buying a bike, some nice gear then never getting on it or using it. And I sure as hell do delight in proving people wrong...

[Maha]

Confidence will come, it will take time, but as Ed said ''You're doing it right so far in getting an instructor''.
The road could be nothing but a danger zone if the confidence is not there.
Do not feel the need to join in any group rides to soon either...just let things happen at your own pace.

[Paul in NZ]

I'm definately NOT a natural on a bike and I've been doing for yonks. When I started I was too young to think about injury so I just went and did it... Now, I start shitting myself the second I take it off the stand but I'm not in any hurry to change that because over confidence killed more motorcyclists than nervousness ever did...

Look - riding any single tracked vehicle is a giant confidence trick coupled with some obscure physics and balanced agaist good fortune. Stop stressing and relax BUT if you are genuinely not coping have a good long think about things. You might want to learn to drive a manual first or summat. I still have a bent muffler from the last lady learning I was around... Learning to be a decent rider when you are a little older than 9 isnt quite that simple and quite frankly we have had enough incidents of late....

[FJRider]

Nobody would tell you they were anything other than a natural .... so don't bother asking about their stuff-ups ... They never made any ... :shutup:

I got my license in the days of just learner and full license. (no L plate) A few weeks of learners and you could go for the full ...

Of course I was a natural too ... :innocent: and have the scars to prove it ... :yes:

[caspernz]

Getting the instructor to set you on the right track shows you've got the right talent :2thumbsup

I doubt any of us really were "natural riders" at the very outset. I wasn't, but as with any new skill, it doesn't take long to grasp. And don't get put off by constantly measuring your ability with any other rider, especially a seasoned rider.

Here's a funny little sentiment I was told when I took up driving trucks: "You can go around a corner too slow plenty of times, but go too fast once and it'll end in tears" and I've applied that simple logic to my riding over the years. Growing ability and confidence is a process, not an event. But hey, at least you've got the nous to go the instructor route and ask questions :rockon:

[Edbear]

Nobody would tell you they were anything other than a natural .... so don't bother asking about their stuff-ups ... They never made any ... :shutup:

I got my license in the days of just learner and full license. (no L plate) A few weeks of learners and you could go for the full ...

Of course I was a natural too ... :innocent: and have the scars to prove it ... :yes:

Got my full straight away on a Honda 50 that i had to push up the wee hill he asked me to do a hiil start on. Honda 50's don't do hill starts... :facepalm: Local Cop was pretty laid back in '73. :yes:

Fortunately, and not always due to skill, I have never binned a bike.

[SNF]

I am a noob, but take from this what you will. The only professional training I have had was when I did my BHS. If it helps I dropped my bike 10 mins after buying it and stalled a heap of times (got my bike a few days before my test). My first day when I got the bike was pretty much all stalling. People laughed at me at one point, it wasn't my finest hour and pretty embarrassing.

I am okay with up and down shifting now, its pretty smooth but don't let me do a hill start - need a heap of work on that. I can counter-steer, mainly thanks to scooting but my cornering in general has room for improvement, rolling on the throttle mainly, can do it on the scoot am very hesitant with the bike. I still do the whole on and off thing from time to time.

I don't suck, I am new and I am learning what to do. I do know that one day, I may become a track day regular. Absolutely no reason why I couldn't either unless you tell yourself you can't. I get doubts too, but I remember the first time I rode out my street, changed (badly) into second, then third, then took a corner for the first time. The rush was intense. First time I hit Exup I felt the same way again. And I know if I give up, well hell I can't it's just so amazing being on 2 wheels. Take the bike out every day. I do. Even if its around the block. I plan on getting a mentor and getting some lessons soon too.

[tigertim20]

Tell ya what lady, people might THINK they were a natural, But I bet that in most cases there were experience riders watching from afar, thinking 'what the FUCK is this moron doing?'

we have a learning curve, what is probably beneficial to you is the recognition that you have a lot to learn.

If you have dropped your bike a few times, that might be a sign you need to stop, take a breath, and analyse why its happened. It might be a different set of circumstances in play each time its happened - but the underlying reason behind it could be the same.

Take your time and dont rush - most intelligent riders have a rule when it comes to riding, whether in groups or solo, and that it 'ride your own ride' the idea being that it doesnt matter if you are first, or last by an hour to the destiniation, what matters is you go at a pace you are comfortable with, because it is when you push yourself too far, or try to 'keep up' with someone else that you are likely to find yourself in a situation outside your ability to control. The same can be said of learning to ride in the first place - do it at YOUR pace ad take your time. Youll have way more fun that way

[Usarka]

First ride, instructor passed me on the ring road in london told me to hurry up. So i did, couldn't stop, and went through a plum red light at 60 mph in the pissing rain just missing the traffic moving off the green.

Not sure the moral of the story....

[DEATH_INC.]

I'm certainly not a natural either. I flipped the first bike I got on after about 50 feet. I still do real dumb noob things sometimes. I've been riding 30 years.
Don't worry about it.
I'm a bit puzzled...you have an instructor now? Or are you going to get one? I'm thinking that if you already have one, and you've fallen multiple times (no offense) I think you need to find a new one.

[bosslady]

Thanks everyone for your kind words. Just had another lesson tonight and mannnnnnnnn I feel SO much better. I explained to the instructor just to start with the basics again (this was my 2nd lesson) that I'm in no rush and if I have to have another lesson, then I will. I had a think about it last night and I think a lot of the problem is that I have a particular learning style, very visual and hands on and I have to repeat things over and over until I get it and without too much pressure or too much going on otherwise I get confused and panic. I still want another lesson but I think I've done enough to at least take it round the block, when my bloody gear arrives anyway! Still more to learn, I'm not up myself or a complacent person, like to think I'm a realist lol. Glad I'm getting better at looking where I'm going! all hope is not lost quite yet!

[DMNTD]

Find a mature, happy, engaging mentor...have some FUN and chillax as you will earn quicker

[Drew]

Natural or no, the people who seem to stick with it and get the most from it in my opinion, are the ones who can have oodles of fun, on 125cc commuter. A scooter. Anything with two wheels.

Speed, power aren't required. Just enjoying two wheels.

Don't worry about falling off doing slow practice stuff, it's why you practice slow.

If you're under instruction already, and things aren't improving, I'm with Death on replacing them.

[bosslady]

I'm certainly not a natural either. I flipped the first bike I got on after about 50 feet. I still do real dumb noob things sometimes. I've been riding 30 years.
Don't worry about it.
I'm a bit puzzled...you have an instructor now? Or are you going to get one? I'm thinking that if you already have one, and you've fallen multiple times (no offense) I think you need to find a new one.

I have one. Problem isn't the instructor, problem was my first lesson incorporated the BHS so that was a bit of pressure on my shoulders. If I was smarter I would have done lesson one day, BHS another. Second "lesson" was with a friend of sorts, didn't want to piss them off and felt really stressed hense me losing control, going down small grassy bank and bike landing on my leg. Do not underestimate how uncoordinated I am... answer is VERY!

[Drew]

I have one. Problem isn't the instructor, problem was my first lesson incorporated the BHS so that was a bit of pressure on my shoulders. If I was smarter I would have done lesson one day, BHS another. Second "lesson" was with a friend of sorts, didn't want to piss them off and felt really stressed hense me losing control, going down small grassy bank and bike landing on my leg. Do not underestimate how uncoordinated I am... answer is VERY!Wow, sounds like a challenge. I know several people who would revel in your progress, along with you.

[300weatherby]

Don't sweat it, very few, if any, just jump on a bike and go like they have done it forever- first time on a bike, the old man teaching me to ride on a 125 Stinger in the drive - him yelling at me to pull in the clutch as I rip up the drive and plant it in the garage door, throttle pinned...... lucky for me flat out in first on a 125 Stinger aint so fast!.

Over 30yrs riding on allsorts and the odd mistake still occurs.

[Gremlin]

I guess I was a bit of a natural getting onto bikes, but it still hasn't stopped me from continuing to learn and self-assess my riding to seek continual improvement.

I've known plenty of riders who were not natural. Don't worry about the confidence as that will come with time. Try to think back to learning to drive (assuming you did that first). You would have been very nervous, but as you got more comfortable and some of the tasks became more automatic, your confidence grew. The same thing applies to riding.

Once you start getting the basics down, the key is recognising there is always room for improvement and working on making your riding better. One I know was definitely not natural, and read all sorts of books that broke down the elements of riding. Read a section, go practise, read another section, practise some more, and so on. Find what works for you :)

[FJRider]

Do not underestimate how uncoordinated I am... answer is VERY!

I think that was already noted ... after you posted your shopping list ... <_<

[bosslady]

Wow, sounds like a challenge. I know several people who would revel in your progress, along with you.

Yup thats me, a challenge, all the boys say so lol


I guess I was a bit of a natural getting onto bikes, but it still hasn't stopped me from continuing to learn and self-assess my riding to seek continual improvement.

I've known plenty of riders who were not natural. Don't worry about the confidence as that will come with time. Try to think back to learning to drive (assuming you did that first). You would have been very nervous, but as you got more comfortable and some of the tasks became more automatic, your confidence grew. The same thing applies to riding.

Once you start getting the basics down, the key is recognising there is always room for improvement and working on making your riding better. One I know was definitely not natural, and read all sorts of books that broke down the elements of riding. Read a section, go practise, read another section, practise some more, and so on. Find what works for you :)

Learning to drive? Deary me... 16, second time out on the road, country road, 100ish k's, panicked, thought I'd turn into a road so person teaching me could take over as I was starting to freak, Probably would have helped if I'd slowed down and ahhh there was gravel = down a grassy ditch (notice the theme here?), hit fence post pretty hard, wrote off car. Gave up. Didn't get back into the drivers seat until 4-5 years later! Good story huh?


I think that was already noted ... after you posted your shopping list ... <_<

Hey come on, didn't you go back and read, it's all black minus the yellow helmet yo!

[BigAl]

?...going down small grassy bank and bike landing on my leg.

Practise makes perfect, but try sticking to flat sealed areas like car parks whilst learning as grass on a road bike is not ideal.:doh:

[Disco Dan]

Thanks everyone for your kind words. Just had another lesson tonight and mannnnnnnnn I feel SO much better. I explained to the instructor just to start with the basics again (this was my 2nd lesson) that I'm in no rush and if I have to have another lesson, then I will. I had a think about it last night and I think a lot of the problem is that I have a particular learning style, very visual and hands on and I have to repeat things over and over until I get it and without too much pressure or too much going on otherwise I get confused and panic. I still want another lesson but I think I've done enough to at least take it round the block, when my bloody gear arrives anyway! Still more to learn, I'm not up myself or a complacent person, like to think I'm a realist lol. Glad I'm getting better at looking where I'm going! all hope is not lost quite yet!

Once you have completed a few lessons - go down to an empty carpark by yourself, armed with a pack of $10 warehouse marker cones (http://tinyurl.com/cqx6k3q) have a practice. No-one will be around to see you fall, or nearly fall or if you 'miss' a cone here and there etc. I spent a few hours a week doing that low speed practicing when I was learning - by myself. Great confidence builder.

As I like you have a very similar learning style. If your really worried - ie drop the bike on yourself and your lying thinking err now what... take a good trusted friend with you!

When your in a group teaching situation it can be quite hard to have the confidence to push yourself enough. I'm sure you know what I mean!

Good luck - your on the right track :yes:

[Brett]

Seems like everyone you talk to when you tell them you're learning was a natural, got on a bike for the first time and off they went, like they were born to ride, fearless. Well is there anyone who's now a confident rider that was never any of these things? Anyone who's scared? maybe wanted to crap their daks? I never went into it thinking I was all that and a bag of chips, thought I might struggle and gosh darn was I right! I don't even know how to drive a manual so not a great start lol. Want to have hopefully a couple more lessons with an instructor before I go out on the road and despite dropping my bike multiple times (have the bruises and achey legs to show for it!) I sure as heck don't want to give up! Tell me I'm not a lost cause!

The first time that I rode a motorbike, it was my mates FXR 150. I remember the feeling being overwhelming when trying to coordinate throttle, clutch, brakes and gears...so very different to a car! I felt like such an uncoordinated moron. Fast forward a year or so and I bought my first bike, a ZXR250 and I distinctly remember that the first night I got it, before having had any real experience riding a motorbike, I decided to take it out for a ride at night in the country side. Well bugger me did I feel out of my depth, trying to get the hang of picking lines (made even harder with the ZXR's barely sufficient head light) and trying to get the bike through corners. The joke is, that I was riding at 100% of my ability at the time to keep it going and yet I was riding under the speed limit and at speeds that I would comfortably do now in the wet on slick tyres while riding one handed and eating a mince pie.

the point...it's like anything. take time, have patience and it will start to flow.

[bosslady]

Practise makes perfect, but try sticking to flat sealed areas like car parks whilst learning as grass on a road bike is not ideal.:doh:

Practice doesn't make perfect, especially if you keep practising wrong... least that's what someone told me... hmm who was that, not a biker anyway! p.s. it was on the road just took an umm.. detour shall we say..


Once you have completed a few lessons - go down to an empty carpark by yourself, armed with a pack of $10 warehouse marker cones (http://tinyurl.com/cqx6k3q) have a practice. No-one will be around to see you fall, or nearly fall or if you 'miss' a cone here and there etc. I spent a few hours a week doing that low speed practicing when I was learning - by myself. Great confidence builder.

As I like you have a very similar learning style. If your really worried - ie drop the bike on yourself and your lying thinking err now what... take a good trusted friend with you!

When your in a group teaching situation it can be quite hard to have the confidence to push yourself enough. I'm sure you know what I mean!

Good luck - your on the right track :yes:

Yup, know what you mean, which is exactly why I opted for 1 on 1 lessons, impossible for me any other way. I'd just leave and go cry in my car probably!

[McFatty1000]

Tell ya what lady, people might THINK they were a natural, But I bet that in most cases there were experience riders watching from afar, thinking 'what the FUCK is this moron doing?'


This is pretty much it all in a nutshell, some people have natural talent yes but they were all learners at one point, its more that by the time they realise they should have been terrified of their own riding, they've been doing it long enough to have some actual competency at it

[Oakie]

Your better off thinking your not a natural and being scared than believing your wonderful at this stage. You'll probably live longer.

Me, I started this 34 years ago. I'm not a natural and last got scared thinking about riding a bike 19 days ago.

[bosslady]

Your better off thinking your not a natural and being scared than believing your wonderful at this stage. You'll probably live longer.

Me, I started this 34 years ago. I'm not a natural and last got scared thinking about riding a bike 19 days ago.

Good to know! What brought that on though?

[Laava]

Sounds like you are already doing the right thing anyway without our advice. Almost if not all of what you need to know will become natural or second nature with practice and instruction. More like a habit really! And with a good instructor, i guess it will all be good habits.

[CelticSam]

The first time I got on a bike was just over a year ago for the BHS. I went for lessons with my wonderful instructor, then got to know my block very well, only doing left hand turns as crossing traffic (not much) was terrifying. More lessons, slowly building confidence, my block moved a road or two and included some right hand turns. Went out practising 20mins each evening. Slowly increased my distance from home. I now ride to work as much as I can and am loving it :love: I also did an 8 hour course too. Persevere and you should be rewarded with the joy of riding :)

[Tigadee]

Seems like everyone you talk to when you tell them you're learning was a natural, got on a bike for the first time and off they went, like they were born to ride, fearless. Well is there anyone who's now a confident rider that was never any of these things? Anyone who's scared? maybe wanted to crap their daks?

Are you kidding?! My first two weeks after getting my bike, all I did was practice in the car park next door. Didn't want to be anywhere near traffic.

My first time on the motorway shortly after venturing on the road, I was scared shitless going... 80kph. Second time I wasn't scraed at 80kph but was at 100kph.

Confidence comes gradually. For a long time, I had fears of skidding and falling. Never happened. You have to learn to trust that the bike is actually more capable than you, and more seat time will allay your fears and increase your confidence.

Anyone who says they were riding like a natural from the first ride either has bad memory or is just bragging.:laugh:


The first time that I rode a motorbike, it was my mates FXR 150. I remember the feeling being overwhelming when trying to coordinate throttle, clutch, brakes and gears...so very different to a car! I felt like such an uncoordinated moron.

Wow, hard to believe that same scenario was only a year ago for me... and it hasn't been an incident-free 12 months either! But it's been super fun and educational.

[bosslady]

The first time that I rode a motorbike, it was my mates FXR 150. I remember the feeling being overwhelming when trying to coordinate throttle, clutch, brakes and gears...so very different to a car! I felt like such an uncoordinated moron. Fast forward a year or so and I bought my first bike, a ZXR250 and I distinctly remember that the first night I got it, before having had any real experience riding a motorbike, I decided to take it out for a ride at night in the country side. Well bugger me did I feel out of my depth, trying to get the hang of picking lines (made even harder with the ZXR's barely sufficient head light) and trying to get the bike through corners. The joke is, that I was riding at 100% of my ability at the time to keep it going and yet I was riding under the speed limit and at speeds that I would comfortably do now in the wet on slick tyres while riding one handed and eating a mince pie.

the point...it's like anything. take time, have patience and it will start to flow.

don't know how I missed this post, very cool, thanx for sharing!

[GrayWolf]

I have one. Problem isn't the instructor, problem was my first lesson incorporated the BHS so that was a bit of pressure on my shoulders. If I was smarter I would have done lesson one day, BHS another. Second "lesson" was with a friend of sorts, didn't want to piss them off and felt really stressed hense me losing control, going down small grassy bank and bike landing on my leg. Do not underestimate how uncoordinated I am... answer is VERY!

THere are VERY few 'natural riders' and then as any psychology teachings will tell you, a latent talent is never developed without practice and training. I'd agree with FJ, most guys it's an ego thing, to not admit they rode like a dick in the beginning.
I learnt to 'ride' in paddocks on old fucked scooters and automatic mopeds. My first attempt on a bike? Was a CB125 honda in 1974, A huge fistful of revs, dumped the clutch and instant wheelie heading straight for several parked cars. Only avoided by dropping the effin thing.
Yes you may read many of us crotchety old buggars jumped on and rode them.. there was NO requirement for basic skills back then. You bought the bike, slapped Loony plates on it, and you rode the ruddy thing, or at least attempted to. We somehow survived and develped the skills to ride, often more with a huge amount of luck avoiding serious injury. Did I drop a bike? As a learner? bloody stacks of times, and 90% of them through simple stupidity (over exuberance or lack of ability) The simple stupidity of youth? Is probably the only reason we werent scared shitless, if I was a learner today? It would also scare me somewhat more than back then. I now understand my mortality.
So moral is? You're just being human.. IF you find after a time that you are just not right on a bike? (unsure and unsettled, unrelaxed.) Then maybe a bike isnt for you, but allow yourself enough time to master the skills... thats the balance you need to find.

[arcane12]

I started riding about 9 months ago. I had a quick little tootle around some back streets, and then moved onto a carpark to practice. Nice big uni carpark. I first worked on cornering, then moved onto figure eights, weaving, and the walking pace balancing. (damn hard!)

The basics of balance came quickly to me (I have always had good balance) but co-ordinating indicating, gear changing, horn etc for the test was a challenge (on reflection I should have rung it out in first, silly me!)

Once I was out on the road going 80 was a bit worrying, and the first time at 100 quite a puckering event! Over time I have learnt to get used to all that - I am not fearless, I just save that fear for other times (god damned Hamilton fog! Visor fogged, glasses fogged, and cars with no lights jumping up out of nowhere.)

So I guess what I am saying is I think few people would jump on and be pure naturals, though some might have already developed skills that would help make the transition easier. Having already learnt the road rules and how to work a manual when I first started to drive (oh the stalls!) I had less to learn all at once. I still used to stall the bike the first few weeks all the time, and even stalled the new bike a couple of weeks ago (a not thinking moment, not a good idea on a bike).

Did you get your basic handling done? Or still need it? Being able to run around some quiet streets can be helpful (I know you could do that without, but one less thing to stress about is always good!). Or get a friend to ride it to a carpark so you can practice there can help.

Anyway, good luck, and it sounds like you have a sensible safe attitude!

[Banditbandit]

Seems like everyone you talk to when you tell them you're learning was a natural, got on a bike for the first time and off they went, like they were born to ride, fearless. Well is there anyone who's now a confident rider that was never any of these things? Anyone who's scared? maybe wanted to crap their daks? I never went into it thinking I was all that and a bag of chips, thought I might struggle and gosh darn was I right! I don't even know how to drive a manual so not a great start lol. Want to have hopefully a couple more lessons with an instructor before I go out on the road and despite dropping my bike multiple times (have the bruises and achey legs to show for it!) I sure as heck don't want to give up! Tell me I'm not a lost cause!

Fuck me .. I've been riding for 39 years .. and I would not describe myself as a "confident" rider ... sure I hung it out on the way to work this morning and scrapped my boot on the road ... Probably to younger or newer riders I look confident and ride super confident ... I'm inclined to be a little risky over taking cages.

But before long trips I worry - Will I make it back? Will I be the new hood ornament on a high speed truck? Will I finally fuck it up and chuck it down the road and kill myself?

And the number of times I've freaked out in a corner - WHOA WHOA WHOA TOO HOT PUSH DOWN ON THAT BAR AND PRAY - is a little scarey. The bike is better in corners than I am - thank god.

Now I recent;y dropped a bike (some dipshit stopped dead in front of me at very low speed, I locked the front wheeel and the bike fell sideways) but I have not had a major off since I dropped a Honda at more than 100 klicks in the mid 1990s and hit a car with a BMW (dipstick went through a giveway sigh) in 1990.

So I suppose, what I am trying to say, is that older and experienced riders can and do worry about such things - and I suppose that worry is what actually keeps us alive and riding ...

Don't lose that fear - it's healthy.

[bosslady]

I started riding about 9 months ago. I had a quick little tootle around some back streets, and then moved onto a carpark to practice. Nice big uni carpark. I first worked on cornering, then moved onto figure eights, weaving, and the walking pace balancing. (damn hard!)

The basics of balance came quickly to me (I have always had good balance) but co-ordinating indicating, gear changing, horn etc for the test was a challenge (on reflection I should have rung it out in first, silly me!)

Once I was out on the road going 80 was a bit worrying, and the first time at 100 quite a puckering event! Over time I have learnt to get used to all that - I am not fearless, I just save that fear for other times (god damned Hamilton fog! Visor fogged, glasses fogged, and cars with no lights jumping up out of nowhere.)

So I guess what I am saying is I think few people would jump on and be pure naturals, though some might have already developed skills that would help make the transition easier. Having already learnt the road rules and how to work a manual when I first started to drive (oh the stalls!) I had less to learn all at once. I still used to stall the bike the first few weeks all the time, and even stalled the new bike a couple of weeks ago (a not thinking moment, not a good idea on a bike).

Did you get your basic handling done? Or still need it? Being able to run around some quiet streets can be helpful (I know you could do that without, but one less thing to stress about is always good!). Or get a friend to ride it to a carpark so you can practice there can help.

Anyway, good luck, and it sounds like you have a sensible safe attitude!

Yup sat and passed my BHS on 24/11, also the same day I got on a bike for the first time, ever... Did my learners test Friday just been and passed, so got my bit of paper until my new licence arrives. Thinking I might get a secondhand helmet (yes, yes I know!) until my gear comes so I can practice.. I don't know...

[arcane12]

Yup sat and passed my BHS on 24/11, also the same day I got on a bike for the first time, ever... Did my learners test Friday just been and passed, so got my bit of paper until my new licence arrives. Thinking I might get a secondhand helmet (yes, yes I know!) until my gear comes so I can practice.. I don't know...

Sounds like your helmet is not too far away (reading your gear thread some more). If that's the case, maybe wait for that. A second helmet won't do you much good as you won't be taking passengers for a couple of years yet! If your boots ans gloves are going to be delayed, do you have something else suitable? For low speed training I would think a range of stuff could do, though I am sure some ATGATT guys will make anrgy faces over that! :angry: :corn:

[george formby]

Seems like everyone you talk to when you tell them you're learning was a natural, got on a bike for the first time and off they went, like they were born to ride, fearless. Well is there anyone who's now a confident rider that was never any of these things? Anyone who's scared? maybe wanted to crap their daks? I never went into it thinking I was all that and a bag of chips, thought I might struggle and gosh darn was I right! I don't even know how to drive a manual so not a great start lol. Want to have hopefully a couple more lessons with an instructor before I go out on the road and despite dropping my bike multiple times (have the bruises and achey legs to show for it!) I sure as heck don't want to give up! Tell me I'm not a lost cause!

Just showed my G/F your post & asked her onion on it. She was in the same boat until recently. We have spent many hours practicing in a safe area, no, well, hardly any traffic.
She said... Take your time & practice the basic controls first, clutch, throttle, brakes, gears. Getting into 3rd was a big day for her. Worry about corners when you have the control. She also suggested practicing braking & coming to a stop. She is a bit short in the leg so keeping her balance & looking where she is going to put her feet is a big thing. Looking where you want to go is a biggie. After more than 30 years riding an instructor recently left a wee note on my handle bars.... "lift your head":facepalm: The shear embarrassment of it did the trick for me.
Every time the G/F has had a wee off she has learned from it, turning a negative into positive & actually increased her confidence knowing it was her fault & not the bikes. Trusting the bike is a biggie too. The more you practice the better.
My G/F did not feel she was making any improvement, after an hour on the bike she would be mentally & physically knackered. Reviewing videos of practice over a few months told the true story, huge improvements but incremental so she did not notice.
You want to see the wee bugger now. I have already had to tell her too save it for the track....:shit::scooter:
Another point she made, having somebody patient to answer dumb questions & encourage you to keep practising is a huge help. Keep your instructor close..

[bosslady]

Sounds like your helmet is not too far away (reading your gear thread some more). If that's the case, maybe wait for that. A second helmet won't do you much good as you won't be taking passengers for a couple of years yet! If your boots ans gloves are going to be delayed, do you have something else suitable? For low speed training I would think a range of stuff could do, though I am sure some ATGATT guys will make anrgy faces over that! :angry: :corn:

I think they are going to wait till they have the gloves and boots they're waiting on before they send it, so I prob won't get it for another 2-3 weeks, so prob won't get on my bike again till Jan, don't wanna wait that long and lose some of the new skills I've learned :(


Just showed my G/F your post & asked her onion on it. She was in the same boat until recently. We have spent many hours practicing in a safe area, no, well, hardly any traffic.
She said... Take your time & practice the basic controls first, clutch, throttle, brakes, gears. Getting into 3rd was a big day for her. Worry about corners when you have the control. She also suggested practicing braking & coming to a stop. She is a bit short in the leg so keeping her balance & looking where she is going to put her feet is a big thing. Looking where you want to go is a biggie. After more than 30 years riding an instructor recently left a wee note on my handle bars.... "lift your head":facepalm: The shear embarrassment of it did the trick for me.
Every time the G/F has had a wee off she has learned from it, turning a negative into positive & actually increased her confidence knowing it was her fault & not the bikes. Trusting the bike is a biggie too. The more you practice the better.
My G/F did not feel she was making any improvement, after an hour on the bike she would be mentally & physically knackered. Reviewing videos of practice over a few months told the true story, huge improvements but incremental so she did not notice.
You want to see the wee bugger now. I have already had to tell her too save it for the track....:shit::scooter:
Another point she made, having somebody patient to answer dumb questions & encourage you to keep practising is a huge help. Keep your instructor close..

Practice, practice, practice... I was practicing my braking last night a fair bit, I panic when I know I have to break and all of a sudden "forget" how, was getting much better last night, still need to practice though - instructor making sure I use my rear brake too, I notice a lot of people don't bother with it... to each their own I guess, generally speaking I'm a bit of a stickler for doing things the right way any way. Luckily for me at 5ft 8, I don't have any trouble touching the ground, so that's something I guess!

[george formby]

Practice, practice, practice... I was practicing my braking last night a fair bit, I panic when I know I have to break and all of a sudden "forget" how, was getting much better last night, still need to practice though - instructor making sure I use my rear brake too, I notice a lot of people don't bother with it... to each their own I guess, generally speaking I'm a bit of a stickler for doing things the right way any way. Luckily for me at 5ft 8, I don't have any trouble touching the ground, so that's something I guess!

You have a great approach to learning. Riding a bike is not the most natural thing in the world & only with practice do the techniques become second nature. We practice "correct" braking every time we ride, both brakes.. Good on ya.

HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMTTKSc3eGI&feature=share&list=UUts2l-n8WEFWfaBJAsRizEA) is Jas a few months ago practising for her BHS.
She cringes watching this now.

[bosslady]

You have a great approach to learning. Riding a bike is not the most natural thing in the world & only with practice do the techniques become second nature. We practice "correct" braking every time we ride, both brakes.. Good on ya.

HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMTTKSc3eGI&feature=share&list=UUts2l-n8WEFWfaBJAsRizEA) is Jas a few months ago practising for her BHS.
She cringes watching this now.

hah! Very cool

[ducatilover]

I started off confident, now I shit myself thinking of my incredible ability to crash bikes

I think I went backwards?

[Drew]

Get a Volvo then Doug...Wait...What?

[ducatilover]

Get a Volvo then Doug...Wait...What?
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


Oh fuck.

[bosslady]

Fuck me .. I've been riding for 39 years .. and I would not describe myself as a "confident" rider ... sure I hung it out on the way to work this morning and scrapped my boot on the road ... Probably to younger or newer riders I look confident and ride super confident ... I'm inclined to be a little risky over taking cages.

But before long trips I worry - Will I make it back? Will I be the new hood ornament on a high speed truck? Will I finally fuck it up and chuck it down the road and kill myself?

And the number of times I've freaked out in a corner - WHOA WHOA WHOA TOO HOT PUSH DOWN ON THAT BAR AND PRAY - is a little scarey. The bike is better in corners than I am - thank god.

Now I recent;y dropped a bike (some dipshit stopped dead in front of me at very low speed, I locked the front wheeel and the bike fell sideways) but I have not had a major off since I dropped a Honda at more than 100 klicks in the mid 1990s and hit a car with a BMW (dipstick went through a giveway sigh) in 1990.

So I suppose, what I am trying to say, is that older and experienced riders can and do worry about such things - and I suppose that worry is what actually keeps us alive and riding ...

Don't lose that fear - it's healthy.

seems like I missed this post too, good reading

[zique]

I always had a feeling I would be really good on bikes,more than a car but it took me forever to get a bike.
However upon sitting on one,the first time,I stalled a few times,it was overwhelming in the beginning but my work mate was there watching and offering advice in a little car park.It has been less than a dozen times I have been out riding since I bought the bike but with the help of everyone here,I got doing U-turns sorted now.Gears almost sorted,still finding it hard to get into neutral lol.
But I just realised I need more work getting off the line lol,struggling with the low rev throttle control (if anyone got any advice,please offer) I shall be out practicing again on my next days off but as my work mate said I was a quick learner.I just hope I don't get too cocky on the bike.
I guess everything comes with practice and being aware,like the last time I was out,some dick kept pulling out of the drive-way onto the road even though he saw I was right there on the main road,riding.I had to go around him.Wish I could have the psycho mentality to stop and give him a hard talking to!
All in all,I am loving it!:)

[Drew]

Don't lose that fear - it's healthy.It is healthy to accept your mortality, to dwell on it at all seems a complete waste of time to me.

[arcane12]

I always had a feeling I would be really good on bikes,more than a car but it took me forever to get a bike.
However upon sitting on one,the first time,I stalled a few times,it was overwhelming in the beginning but my work mate was there watching and offering advice in a little car park.It has been less than a dozen times I have been out riding since I bought the bike but with the help of everyone here,I got doing U-turns sorted now.Gears almost sorted,still finding it hard to get into neutral lol.

But I just realised I need more work getting off the line lol,struggling with the low rev throttle control (if anyone got any advice,please offer) I shall be out practicing again on my next days off but as my work mate said I was a quick learner.I just hope I don't get too cocky on the bike.

I guess everything comes with practice and being aware,like the last time I was out,some dick kept pulling out of the drive-way onto the road even though he saw I was right there on the main road,riding.I had to go around him.Wish I could have the psycho mentality to stop and give him a hard talking to!
All in all,I am loving it!:)

Finding neutral can be a bit of a bugger at first. Depending on bike, your style etc., it might be easier going down from 2nd rather than up from first. Try both. Due to being inbetween gears I find you have to be a bit more gentle to get it into neutral, otherwise it just jumps past to the next gear.

With your work "getting off the line" you said you were struggling with low speed throttle control? I don't quite get what you mean. Are you stalling it on take off, or just finding it hard to do the slow speed closing the gap sitting at the lights stuff? (Walking pace riding)

[zique]

I shall try going down from 2nd to find neutral.Good tip!:) I usually find neutral by fluke when I have parked up the bike and gently try and find it..but most times,no luck.

From a standing start,when I want to ride off,I just can't seem to put enough throttle to get the bike moving.It's not the bike,it is me! I usually rev it to 2500rpm but that barely gets the bike going with the clutch slowly being let out.It's easy to rev it higher,which I am worried about as I don't want to rocket off the line.Can get fustrating at times trying to find enough revs to get the bike moving.
Btw my bike is a VT250 Spada.
I am yet to practice walking pace riding.Once I master moving off slowly from a stop,I plan to do more work on walking pace riding.

[FJRider]

From a standing start,when I want to ride off,I just can't seem to put enough throttle to get the bike moving.It's not the bike,it is me! I usually rev it to 2500rpm but that barely gets the bike going with the clutch slowly being let out.It's easy to rev it higher,which I am worried about as I don't want to rocket off the line.Can get fustrating at times trying to find enough revs to get the bike moving.


This I believe the biggest problem a newbie rider has ...

They have the belief that anything OTHER than clutch IN ... or ... OUT ... is WRONG.

Slipping the clutch IS essential in most occasions ... especially if LOW speed take off is the only option. It is usually only required for seconds ... not minutes ... so it is really not a big deal.

Prolonged slipping of the clutch WILL cause issues.

Motorbikes that spend most of their working life "downtown" ... may have clutch issues sooner than those spent on the open road.

[pritch]

My first day when I got the bike was pretty much all stalling. People laughed at me at one point, it wasn't my finest hour and pretty embarrassing.


Oh, that's so familiar. Except it was 1959 in Rosebank Road when that was still market gardens. It's still embarrasing to think back on it. At least the bus driver who was waiting for his return trip had a good laugh... :laugh:

Keep riding - and reading...

[DEATH_INC.]

I usually rev it to 2500rpm but that barely gets the bike going with the clutch slowly being let out.It's easy to rev it higher,which I am worried about as I don't want to rocket off the line.Can get fustrating at times trying to find enough revs to get the bike moving.
The idea is to gently feed in more throttle as you let the clutch out, so you keep the rpm at a constant speed as the clutch takes up the load. 2500 rpm is plenty. Don't just rev it more to start with, that's how ya get in trouble.
Don't be shy to sit on the bike without the engine running and get the feel of it even. Practice getting the hang of co-ordinating feeding the clutch and gently turning the throttle at the same time. That way when you try it for real it'll feel right.
Try just starting to take off, then pull the clutch in again and roll to a stop. then take off again etc. It shouldn't take too long to get the hang of it.

[GrayWolf]

Slipping the clutch IS essential in most occasions ... especially if LOW speed take off is the only option. It is usually only required for seconds ... not minutes ... so it is really not a big deal. .

Haha Unless it's an MT or an FJ, in which case slipping the clutch is an 'optional' :laugh::laugh:

[schrodingers cat]

A degree of fear is healthy.
Self doubt is toxic.

Rather than concentrate on what you are 'bad' at, enjoy the sensation of mastering new skills
Identify the things you want to be 'better' at

Aim to do more good stuff and less of the bad stuff.

By keeping a positive outlook and enjoying each new experience your learning will come easier.

[Owl]

Find a mature, happy, engaging mentor...have some FUN and ask to ride their Tuono

:msn-wink:

:2thumbsup

[arcane12]

This I believe the biggest problem a newbie rider has ...

They have the belief that anything OTHER than clutch IN ... or ... OUT ... is WRONG.

Slipping the clutch IS essential in most occasions ... especially if LOW speed take off is the only option. It is usually only required for seconds ... not minutes ... so it is really not a big deal.

Prolonged slipping of the clutch WILL cause issues.

Motorbikes that spend most of their working life "downtown" ... may have clutch issues sooner than those spent on the open road.

+1

I had issues with the clutch when I started. Stalled a bit not giving it enough gas. I was getting better, and then the BHS skills guy said 'Ease up' so I thought he meant less gas! Now I know he meant don't drop the clutch :P Almost failed due to the number of stalls!

I had been around 7 years since I had driven a manual, and I guess my skills were taking a while to transfer.

So yeah, just need to ease the clutch out all gentle like, and as you hear the engine drop the note (or see the revs drop) and it starts to move foward, you just give it a bit more gas to keep the revs up. It will all become second nature real quick. Just get it moving, and then stop after 20m, and then do it again! Also a good way to practice a nice gentle stop too!

[Edbear]

The idea is to gently feed in more throttle as you let the clutch out, so you keep the rpm at a constant speed as the clutch takes up the load. 2500 rpm is plenty. Don't just rev it more to start with, that's how ya get in trouble.
Don't be shy to sit on the bike without the engine running and get the feel of it even. Practice getting the hang of co-ordinating feeding the clutch and gently turning the throttle at the same time. That way when you try it for real it'll feel right.
Try just starting to take off, then pull the clutch in again and roll to a stop. then take off again etc. It shouldn't take too long to get the hang of it.

Wot he sed! :niceone:

[Drew]

Last comment before I unsubscribe.

This thread is turning into an advice columb. Stop reading it now, there is too much info for you to prcess.

Get a mentor, and let them teach you. No one person has it right, but trying to emulate fifty people at once spells death.

[bosslady]

Last comment before I unsubscribe.

This thread is turning into an advice columb. Stop reading it now, there is too much info for you to prcess.

Get a mentor, and let them teach you. No one person has it right, but trying to emulate fifty people at once spells death.

I've been reading, but putting it to the back of my head for if, when etc I ever need it. Have a 3rd lesson with an instructor on Saturday then I'll prob look to getting a mentor. Like you said, too much to process otherwise.

[Edbear]

I've been reading, but putting it to the back of my head for if, when etc I ever need it. Have a 3rd lesson with an instructor on Saturday then I'll prob look to getting a mentor. Like you said, too much to process otherwise.

Yeah, just take my original advice and you'll be fine... :msn-wink:

[Mr. Peanut]

But as for natural... I thought I was a natural, but years on, and many skills gained, a lot of those 'natural' techniques were just inferior to the learned ones, and caused too much overconfidence in my ability.

[arcane12]

Last comment before I unsubscribe.

This thread is turning into an advice columb. Stop reading it now, there is too much info for you to prcess.

Get a mentor, and let them teach you. No one person has it right, but trying to emulate fifty people at once spells death.

Great advice :msn-wink:

[zique]

The idea is to gently feed in more throttle as you let the clutch out, so you keep the rpm at a constant speed as the clutch takes up the load. 2500 rpm is plenty. Don't just rev it more to start with, that's how ya get in trouble.
Don't be shy to sit on the bike without the engine running and get the feel of it even. Practice getting the hang of co-ordinating feeding the clutch and gently turning the throttle at the same time. That way when you try it for real it'll feel right.
Try just starting to take off, then pull the clutch in again and roll to a stop. then take off again etc. It shouldn't take too long to get the hang of it.

Thanks sooooo much man!!That's some wonderful tips!!
Can't wait to try that out.

I'm sorry Bosslady for hijacking your thread!

[bosslady]

Update... I haven't been out on the road since sunday morning before last. My gear just arrived today so i feel a lot better about going out to practice although will still only do it when the roads are very quiet, until I build a bit more skill/confidence up. Am trying to arrange a mentor through this website too. Good luck to me, I guess!

[arcane12]

Great to hear! Now you have to work on getting in or out of the gear in less than 15 minutes... that takes practice too!

[bosslady]

Great to hear! Now you have to work on getting in or out of the gear in less than 15 minutes... that takes practice too!

I reckon I could cut 10 minutes out of that time when I lose some damn weight hahahhaa

[Tigadee]

I reckon I could cut 10 minutes out of that time when I lose some damn weight hahahhaa

Then you have nothing to worry about - the heat of summer and the gear will mean you'll sweat off a few kilos easy!

[Oblivion]

Then you have nothing to worry about - the heat of summer and the gear will mean you'll sweat off a few kilos easy!

Try doing that with Sunburn. :shutup:

[Paul in NZ]

Update... I haven't been out on the road since sunday morning before last. My gear just arrived today so i feel a lot better about going out to practice although will still only do it when the roads are very quiet, until I build a bit more skill/confidence up. Am trying to arrange a mentor through this website too. Good luck to me, I guess!

Stop filling your head with dreaded falling downs and complications... Its motorbike not a nuclear accelerator... just ride the darn thing... or in the immortal words of Homer Simpson, 'Don't over think this."

[GrayWolf]

Update... I haven't been out on the road since sunday morning before last. My gear just arrived today so i feel a lot better about going out to practice although will still only do it when the roads are very quiet, until I build a bit more skill/confidence up. Am trying to arrange a mentor through this website too. Good luck to me, I guess!


Stop filling your head with dreaded falling downs and complications... Its motorbike not a nuclear accelerator... just ride the darn thing... or in the immortal words of Homer Simpson, 'Don't over think this."

You're both right really... Nothing wrong with riding in the quiet periods nd roads to get the feel and a bit of confidence for leaning, braking, stopping at junctions, pulling out of them etc. If you stall on a busy intersection there is always the perceived pressure of the motorists behind, as well as obligatory horn honking and often 'verbal encouragement'
Howeer Paul is also right, DONT over think/ over worry about it. At some time you'll HAVE to face the big bad world. If you feel confident with the basic handling skills (junctions/stops/etc etc) then get out onto the road.

[Number One]

"Also I don't want to look like an asshole buying a bike, some nice gear then never getting on it or using it. And I sure as hell do delight in proving people wrong..."

Yeah don't be one of 'those' assholes!

Keep at it and relaxxx and of course ENJOY

[actungbaby]

Getting the instructor to set you on the right track shows you've got the right talent :2thumbsup

I doubt any of us really were "natural riders" at the very outset. I wasn't, but as with any new skill, it doesn't take long to grasp. And don't get put off by constantly measuring your ability with any other rider, especially a seasoned rider.

Here's a funny little sentiment I was told when I took up driving trucks: "You can go around a corner too slow plenty of times, but go too fast once and it'll end in tears" and I've applied that simple logic to my riding over the years. Growing ability and confidence is a process, not an event. But hey, at least you've got the nous to go the instructor route and ask questions :rockon:

my dad got told when learning to drive container straddle carriers he never make it
In the finiash he was training new drivers himself.
so persinailty instructer can matter.

[actungbaby]

Seems like everyone you talk to when you tell them you're learning was a natural, got on a bike for the first time and off they went, like they were born to ride, fearless. Well is there anyone who's now a confident rider that was never any of these things? Anyone who's scared? maybe wanted to crap their daks? I never went into it thinking I was all that and a bag of chips, thought I might struggle and gosh darn was I right! I don't even know how to drive a manual so not a great start lol. Want to have hopefully a couple more lessons with an instructor before I go out on the road and despite dropping my bike multiple times (have the bruises and achey legs to show for it!) I sure as heck don't want to give up! Tell me I'm not a lost cause!

No way dude they told wayne gardner when went to england to race go home you havent got what it takes , and he went on to be 1987 world champion.
Mick grant isle man tt winner said he got fast through lots practice some are natural but i found usaully the ones like me that have to try alot are better and stick at things insteed getting bored giving up, i was scared drive a car and when was 15 choudint get hand of driving a manaull car

when i actaully got car at 40 i found real easy cause i had the motvation to do it cause car wasint go drive itself

at school must thought i was biggest dummy tryed teach me to read the time.

dad brought me watch when was 10 or so took him like 10 mins and was oh thats easy.
if you feel relaxed with person teaching you it be alot better , and just dont try to much.
When first got my vfr it been eyars since ridden a bike and just wheeled to car park and rode it in first and second gear. i didnt feel confident but alot more practice i got back into it, i rekon things my life that had dread of doing actually things i grew to love, found u get to imagine in your head 1000 times worse that the reality of doing something, i was terrifed to drive a car and friend told me dont be stubid its just extension of yourself, insted me thinking i was driving this huge vechile mind you was a mx 5 so wasint that big a car hehe, hell go as slow as u like i did 30 kph when first drove a car, dad said okay thats cool.
and was used doing 160 kph plus on the bikes

[bosslady]

Stop filling your head with dreaded falling downs and complications... Its motorbike not a nuclear accelerator... just ride the darn thing... or in the immortal words of Homer Simpson, 'Don't over think this."

Uhhh say what? Not sure what you're on about buddy, I'm not worried about falling off anymore, that's what I got lessons for. Not sure if you've read but it's complicated by the fact I don't know how to drive a manual, heck, I've only been driving for 4-5 years as it were. That's foremost what I'm struggling with at the moment, gear changing. If you have a problem with me taking things slow then it's just that, your problem. And I've put off going out because I had no gear bar a helmet I'm pretty sure is half as old as I am. Thanks anyway though... I think?


You're both right really... Nothing wrong with riding in the quiet periods nd roads to get the feel and a bit of confidence for leaning, braking, stopping at junctions, pulling out of them etc. If you stall on a busy intersection there is always the perceived pressure of the motorists behind, as well as obligatory horn honking and often 'verbal encouragement'
Howeer Paul is also right, DONT over think/ over worry about it. At some time you'll HAVE to face the big bad world. If you feel confident with the basic handling skills (junctions/stops/etc etc) then get out onto the road.

Same as above really :) I do things in my own time at my own pace, that's just the way my brain works. I learn different to most, it is what it is.

[bosslady]

No way dude they told wayne gardner when went to england to race go home you havent got what it takes , and he went on to be 1987 world champion.
Mick grant isle man tt winner said he got fast through lots practice some are natural but i found usaully the ones like me that have to try alot are better and stick at things insteed getting bored giving up, i was scared drive a car and when was 15 choudint get hand of driving a manaull car

when i actaully got car at 40 i found real easy cause i had the motvation to do it cause car wasint go drive itself

at school must thought i was biggest dummy tryed teach me to read the time.

dad brought me watch when was 10 or so took him like 10 mins and was oh thats easy.
if you feel relaxed with person teaching you it be alot better , and just dont try to much.
When first got my vfr it been eyars since ridden a bike and just wheeled to car park and rode it in first and second gear. i didnt feel confident but alot more practice i got back into it, i rekon things my life that had dread of doing actually things i grew to love, found u get to imagine in your head 1000 times worse that the reality of doing something, i was terrifed to drive a car and friend told me dont be stubid its just extension of yourself, insted me thinking i was driving this huge vechile mind you was a mx 5 so wasint that big a car hehe, hell go as slow as u like i did 30 kph when first drove a car, dad said okay thats cool.
and was used doing 160 kph plus on the bikes

Thanks, good to read :)

I don't have my kids this weekend so will mean I can get out :)