Huge lack of confidence =( how do i get over it?

[m00sie]

Im so keen to get out there cruising the streets, but i have no confidence whatsoever =( it sucks, whenever i get on the bike im always wondering when ill be falling off it or dropping it. I half blame my dad who repeatedly tells me that i cant ride a bike,that ill crash and to sell it before i break it...the other half is just me and my overcautiousness i guess. So yeah, any ideas as to what i should do? (have already told dad to jump-even though hes just doing the whole protective father act). Any advice would be appreciated!!

[Indiana_Jones]

I kinda know how you feel mate. But I guess one just has to get out there and do their best. If you crash you crash, if it's by your own error, make sure you learn what went wrong and try to make sure you don't do it again. For other road users, keep your eyes open but yea, shit happens. No point wasting your life going 'what if?'

Before you ride, listen to a fav song of yours etc. Get abit of a buzz going etc.

-Indy

[SwanTiger]

Go outside right now as you read this and kick your bike off its stand.
Then pick it up and sit on it, now fall off it.

Problem solved. "Been there done that". Move on.

Alternatively find some local KB'ers to ride with, go practise on a deserted street with them or in a parking lot. If you've got nobody to ride with I'll be down your way and always willing to help someone build their confidence.

[ZeroIndex]

do you have good gear? cordura or leather? just go find a parking lot or a non busy road, and just thrash it about a bit.. your bike can handle more than what you think it can.. you'll enjoy it so much more when you just throw it into a corner..

[T.W.R]

Your old man needs a kick in the ass for demeaning your confidence like he is, it's the worst attitude he could have, to be cautious & protective fair enough but to demoralise you just isn't on.

Have faith & confidence in yourself and your ability, but the best advice would be to do a rider training course to learn the basics or check here:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showgroups.php?

and find a Mentor in your area that can help you along & help build your confidence.

the more time you spend on the bike the better you'll feel :yes:

[Big Chim]

Find a mentor, heaps of riding,

Worked for me

[loosebruce]

Buy a Honda, they're a good pussies bike to start out on!

Hook up with 2much from down your way, no wait he falls off more than me, maybe Saul but he's not much better either, hmmm.
Chances are you'll fall off/over at some stage in your life, buy a car if you're that scared, but chances are you'll crash that at some stage too, just the way it is. Make sure you ride in good gear, hell i arsed off my TL at 180kph got up and walked away, some say i was lucky, not really i reckon i broke both my hands in that one, try wiping your arse with both arms in cast! Lucky, yeah right............

[ZeroIndex]

GSXR wiping the shit that is that Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki off the road since '85'
HAHAHAHA.. Sue Zuki is THE road janitor.. :D

[Korea]

Little by little everyday.
Remember to always ride at about 70-80% and your confidence will grow steadily.
Stuff that used to take all your attention, like clutch control, changing up/down, braking, etc. will become second nature.
Don't overdo it all at once. A little at a time.
Riding is something you'll always be able to improve on no matter how good you get - that's why it's so rewarding and keeps you coming back for more...

...well, that's just my 2p.

[babyB]

Confidence = a winning smile and one thought in mind.

as others have said just get out there and practice whenever you can. stay within your confort zone & be happy. then as time passes that comfort zone expands without you realizing it.

its no different to learning any new task. keep your mind on the job in hand & try not to let the 'what ifs' play in your mind.

have a look through this site. theres some good general reading in there on a number of issues
http://www.msgroup.org/DISCUSS.asp number 50 may be some help

[Dafe]

Hahaha, Sounds familiar - The parent thing!

I was told the same thing, only - I was told I wasn't allowed a bike fullstop.
So I brought a KR1S 250 two stroke and I stored it at my mates house for a year before my parents found out and then I got kicked out of home for being deceiving.
Now, 12 years later - I ride a K6 Gixxer 1000 and I farkin love it!
My parents have accepted I ride motorcycles. They had no choice.
It's a big part of my life now. My parents haven't always made the right decisions and I have always believed that I should be allowed to make my own decisions.

If you feel you need to do it, do it.

Try to get some lessons from some fellow KB'ers. There is heaps to learn from others. Also, try to link up with some really good riders who know how to ride safe lines, you'll learn quickly from them. Also, Do plenty of emergency braking practice, It will help you know your bike at a phenomenal rate.

Shame you weren't in Welly, Uncle B and myself always enjoy helping out a newbie rider. Surely some fellow KB'ers will do the same for you up there.

Your confidence will only grow with bike familiarity (i.e. Time on the bike). Don't ride in the wet until you've built alot of confidence first in the dry.

Also, try focusing on what you enjoy about motorcycling rather than what might happen to you. If your concerns are too great, you need to find a huge empty carpark and just get in there and ride around. As time goes on, practice on very quiet back streets, eventually you'll get to the point where, back streets are boring. Let yourself progress at a happy rate. You'll know when you really want to take another small step here and there.

[justsomeguy]

Yup, I too would say PM Saul. He's a very good rider with a calm, friendly manner. See if you can get him to give you some pointers.

TwoMuch - like his name suggests is a bit too much - don't know if he can ride slow, but try anyway:yes:

You parents mean well, but some parents (speaking in general) are always too critical and that doesn't help.

Take it easy one step at a time :niceone:

[Goblin]

I'd suggest you pm 2much and try to get out on a few rides with him and Olivia(wybmadiity). They're a lovely couple and would make great mentors.
Years ago I was told I couldnt ride a bike so I proved those that said it wrong.

[apteryx_haasti]

Hey m00sie - have a look at what BuckBuck No 1's been up to in his training thread - he's stayed in an area he knows for 1000kms (See http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=30010) We got our bikes at the same time, and I've only managed about 300 kms (but I have been further afield) - I will throw in the old "I had the flu and couldn't ride for 2 weeks" thing so I don't look like a complete pansy!

Buck Buck has also started threads on skills development and such like - here's a list of the threads:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/search.php?searchid=1260589

I agree with most of the above tho - start out in places you know and feel comfortable with and go further as you feel more confident. I've already commuted into Wgtn from the Hutt (then got sick - but back to it next week) and yeah, it was scary, but if you're aware of what's going on around you and also of the fact that EVERYONE ELSE IS AN IDIOT POTENTIALLY TRYING TO KILL YOU, you'll do just fine.

Take care!

A_H

[Waylander]

All you need is more road time. Can help you out mate and I'm not as fast as 2much.

[Paul in NZ]

Without going to extremes here (too much nervousness is a bad thing).....

You lack of confidence will keep you alive and over confidence will kill you quick. Be thankful you have a smart head on your shoulders and embrace that lack of confidence. Don't worry about it at all...

I've held a motorcycle for 35 years (give or take) and been without a bike for around 4 of them (2 years overseas) and I still worry, I still doubt and I still only ride at half the bikes capability and yet I'm still riding when lots of mates that were super confident are either dead or given up..

Don't fret, trust your senses and gently rack up the miles! It will get better!

Paul N

[ZeroIndex]

Hahaha, Sounds familiar - The parent thing!

I was told the same thing, only - I was told I wasn't allowed a bike fullstop.
So I brought a KR1S 250 two stroke and I stored it at my mates house for a year before my parents found out and then I got kicked out of home for being deceiving.
Now, 12 years later - I ride a K6 Gixxer 1000 and I farkin love it!
My parents have accepted I ride motorcycles. They had no choice.
It's a big part of my life now. My parents haven't always made the right decisions and I have always believed that I should be allowed to make my own decisions.

If you feel you need to do it, do it.

Try to get some lessons from some fellow KB'ers. There is heaps to learn from others. Also, try to link up with some really good riders who know how to ride safe lines, you'll learn quickly from them. Also, Do plenty of emergency braking practice, It will help you know your bike at a phenomenal rate.

Shame you weren't in Welly, Uncle B and myself always enjoy helping out a newbie rider. Surely some fellow KB'ers will do the same for you up there.

Your confidence will only grow with bike familiarity (i.e. Time on the bike). Don't ride in the wet until you've built alot of confidence first in the dry.

Also, try focusing on what you enjoy about motorcycling rather than what might happen to you. If your concerns are too great, you need to find a huge empty carpark and just get in there and ride around. As time goes on, practice on very quiet back streets, eventually you'll get to the point where, back streets are boring. Let yourself progress at a happy rate. You'll know when you really want to take another small step here and there.
it may be a good thing he isn't in Welly.. learning to ride in gale-force winds (on a regular occasion), can't be much of a morale booster

[Highlander]

Agreed with the others here.
As parent I can understand where yours are coming from even if it is not expressed as well as perhaps it could be (I got the same from my wife when I got back on bikes a year ago).

Get out there and do it, your confience will improve and with it your riding and with that your confidence.....

PM me if you want to get together for a ride, though I too have a lot to learn and may be little more than moral support.

[FROSTY]

Ill second what Paul said. Its too early in your biking to be brim full of confidence.
My suggestion is to practice riding SLOWLY.
Heres a lil secret --You can teach a monkey to ride fast in a straight line but slow speed cornering ,braking etc -that will build your confidence to go fast.
Find a carpark.
Try figure 8s and zig zagging around the end of parking spots.
Try picking a spot on the road about 600mm square and then head towards it and see if you can stop in that spot.--Focus on smooth braking using both brakes.Dont sweat it if ya overshoot
See how slow you can ride in a straight line without putting your feet down. Hey if ya have to dab--well do it.

[ajturbo]

Yup, I too would say PM Saul. He's a very good rider with a calm, friendly manner. See if you can get him to give you some pointers.



who told you all thoes lies?:nya:

na the group i meet up there were great and friendly.... just look out for that Babyb....:nya:
just pm any of the metioned people and organise a short one on one ride.. then build up to a full ride with a larger group... every time you get out there you will learn more and more.. even the experts:nya: learn something every time they go out...

oh.. and have

:nono: FUN:nono:

and if you don't ... then your in trouble...hahahaha.. no presure :innocent::blip:

[Motig]

A lot of good advice here. Follow it and you wont go wrong, definitely practice makes perfect but as nobodies perfect (well OK I'm pretty close) dont sweat the small stuff. Remember you didn't start walking straight away either.:scooter: And your parents, well I'd say their just worried for you and basically are trying to scare the shit out of you in an attempt to change your mind. Heck my daughter might want a bike soon I reckon I'll be freaking out as well. Its a parent thing about the little bird leaving the nest, showing independence etc.:bye:

[yungatart]

Tell yourself a million times a day that you are a confident capable motorcyclist.This overrides the negative stuff from your Dad. Visualize yourself riding well. Get yourself a mentor as well. Next time you get on the bike, you will notice the difference immediately - you will be confident! Sounds a bit weird but it works! Go for it and enjoy your riding!

[diggydog]

Without going to extremes here (too much nervousness is a bad thing).....

You lack of confidence will keep you alive and over confidence will kill you quick. Be thankful you have a smart head on your shoulders and embrace that lack of confidence. Don't worry about it at all...

I've held a motorcycle for 35 years (give or take) and been without a bike for around 4 of them (2 years overseas) and I still worry, I still doubt and I still only ride at half the bikes capability and yet I'm still riding when lots of mates that were super confident are either dead or given up..

Don't fret, trust your senses and gently rack up the miles! It will get better!

Paul N
well said mate,:yes: hear hear, i second that, i had no lessons and i got by.:rockon:

[Ixion]

What Mr Paul in NZ said. You say you are always wondering if you will fall off or crash? Have you fallen off or crashed yet? If not, why should you on this occasion?

But do not try to overide that survival instinct. It is was will keep you alive and riding for years.

There are two sorts of lack of confidence.

There is lack of confidence of the "I don't know what to do" variety. and there is lack of confidence of the "Um, I know what to do, but I really don't fancy doing anything that could get me hurt or killed" variety.

The first is dangerous. It is the lack of confidence that will cause you to do the wrong thing, or nothing, when you find that a corner is sharper than it looked, and crash.

The second is safe. It is the lack of confidence that will cause you to back off and slow down round that corner because it is blind and you cannot see round it. So when it turns out sharper than expected, and there is a vehicle stopped on the other side, you do not crash. and ride on smiling.

The first sort of lack of confidence should be eliminated, by tution. A ride safe couse, by advice from experienced BUT SAFE riders (be cautious of advice from fast riders - they may teach you how to ride fast, which is a different matter to riding safely. Check and see if the advisor has ever crashed. if so, think about that) .And time. Like all things practice makes perfect.

The second sort of lack of confidence should be fostered. It will keep you alive.Do not be shy to ride the pace that YOU are comfortable with. Remember that even if you are not as fast as the other chap, you will catch up while they are loading him into the ambulance.

In 40 years I have seen riders come. And go. Sometimes dead, sometimes smashed up, sometimes just blustering after a crash that "Bikes suck, get a car man". Sometimes lost lost interest, and the bike stayed in the shed for longer and longer. And I just ride on, because I am never confident. I always assume that something may go wrong.

[u4ea]

What Mr Paul in NZ said. You say you are always wondering if you will fall off or crash? Have you fallen off or crashed yet? If not, why should you on this occasion?

But do not try to overide that survival instinct. It is was will keep you alive and riding for years.

There are two sorts of lack of confidence.

There is lack of confidence of the "I don't know what to do" variety. and there is lack of confidence of the "Um, I know what to do, but I really don't fancy doing anything that could get me hurt or killed" variety.

The first is dangerous. It is the lack of confidence that will cause you to do the wrong thing, or nothing, when you find that a corner is sharper than it looked, and crash.

The second is safe. It is the lack of confidence that will cause you to back off and slow down round that corner because it is blind and you cannot see round it. So when it turns out sharper than expected, and there is a vehicle stopped on the other side, you do not crash. and ride on smiling.

The first sort of lack of confidence should be eliminated, by tution. A ride safe couse, by advice from experienced BUT SAFE riders (be cautious of advice from fast riders - they may teach you how to ride fast, which is a different matter to riding safely. Check and see if the advisor has ever crashed. if so, think about that) .And time. Like all things practice makes perfect.

The second sort of lack of confidence should be fostered. It will keep you alive.Do not be shy to ride the pace that YOU are comfortable with. Remember that even if you are not as fast as the other chap, you will catch up while they are loading him into the ambulance.

In 40 years I have seen riders come. And go. Sometimes dead, sometimes smashed up, sometimes just blustering after a crash that "Bikes suck, get a car man". Sometimes lost lost interest, and the bike stayed in the shed for longer and longer. And I just ride on, because I am never confident. I always assume that something may go wrong.

those are true mindsets.been there and been told the same that i wont ever ride again........wrong.........if you fall off a horse do ya shoot it,we are on iron horses and it isnt for anyone to attempt to fail us!!!!!!!take all of the advice offered in and enjoy

[Uncle B]

A ride safe couse, by advice from experienced BUT SAFE riders (be cautious of advice from fast riders - they may teach you how to ride fast, which is a different matter to riding safely. Check and see if the advisor has ever crashed. if so, think about that) .And time. Like all things practice makes perfect.
I agree with what you have said Ixion. I also believe you can ride fast (within reason) and safe at the same time but ONLY if you are experienced at it.
I have crashed (minor) and have used it as a learning curve of how far I can go and now know my limits and will never go there again. Have talked to other riders who have crashed (minor) and all have learnt something from it and come away with something positive.
I'm not saying go out and crash but it is a useful experience if you understand why you crashed when giving advise to others.

[Mr. Peanut]

By not being a soft-cock. :rockon:

I didn't even have a dad. :blah:

[Leong]

I agree with almost all said above..... you've really only been on the road for 1 week, the weather hasn't been good, and the days are short..... not like learning in summer!! It's not as easy as driving a car!

I'd find myself a quiet carpark/subdivision etc where there is no, or very little traffic, and make a circuit/track that you can go round continuously till you're happy with your performance, then just keep making your circuit bigger. By doing this you're in a safe environment, where the only variable is yourself, so if anything goes wrong it hopefully won't be too serious!

[madmal64]

Paul & Ixion along with the others have covered it off really well. The only thing that I would add is believe in yourself. Trust your abilites & it will come together nicely.
Its hard when others are telling you that you cant do this or that, but you know you can do it along with some good help from this bunch, so go out & prove the doubters wrong.

[Highlander]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=31026

Check this and ask your detractor(s) to donate generously to the cause.

[Quartida]

If it's any consolation, I've been feeling the same. Doing Basic Handling made me realise exactly how hard riding a bike is and how much you have to think about... and how vulnerable you are.

But I think, like anything, that it's scary at first. I was terrified of driving outside of the few quiet roads where I lived when I first got my car licence. But with time and practice, you find that things you thought were hard become easier, and so you can spend more time concentrating on making yourself the best rider/driver you can be.

This is like giving myself a pep talk really. Bring on the bike! :2thumbsup

[ZeroIndex]

If it's any consolation, I've been feeling the same. Doing Basic Handling made me realise exactly how hard riding a bike is and how much you have to think about... and how vulnerable you are.

But I think, like anything, that it's scary at first. I was terrified of driving outside of the few quiet roads where I lived when I first got my car licence. But with time and practice, you find that things you thought were hard become easier, and so you can spend more time concentrating on making yourself the best rider/driver you can be.

This is like giving myself a pep talk really. Bring on the bike! :2thumbsup
what? all I could think of when I was doing my BHS was this one guy, and how he was "sooooo gonna fail.." (which he did).. few weeks later found myself my bike (in Tauranga, I'm in Hamilton), went and fetched it.. STRAIGHT ON THE MOTORWAY.. my only concerns were "what am I gonna do when I get into Hamilton, with traffic lights and traffic.." which I managaed with perfectly fine.. Got home from picking up the bike, and 10 minutes later, I was out riding again.. a week later i crashed on a bike cruise (from not leaning enough), and boy, did i learn how to lean after that.. went to Whangamata today, and got some 'new skills'.. found out my bike can handle wet roads about 60% better than I originally thought..

I guess what i'm saying is: on windy roads, get used to leaning, and that will help with slower speed stuff.. - some people might object with my theory, but it worked for me..

[terbang]

Well a lack of it is better than too much, so you are at a good starting point. I think that it all has to do with your riding currency (how often you do it) and the company you keep. I think we all have our ups and downs with the currency thing and also we need to ride with someone who is supportive of the way we ride and is also good company andalso stick with the ones who are more experienced as they will lift you up. Yer old man is just watching out for you but he is also a neagative effect. As allready said before 2much and wymadablllty (err its a hard one that) are a nice couple so PM them for a ride.

[metric]

good luck with it... there'll always be 'nay-sayers' every step of the way

prove your dad wrong

be cautious

take it easy

live long & prosper ;)

[metric]

edit: crap. the infamous double post... humble apologies to one & all

[Oakie]

God. I've been riding for 28 years and I can't remember the last time I didn't feel confident on the road. Oh hang on ... yes I can. It was last Monday when there was snow falling.
Don't worry about lack of confidence. It'll keep you careful and probably keep you upright.
As others have said, just start out slow and practice in big empty spaces or on quiet roads. Time and kilometres will bring the confidence. Set small goals each time you ride ... no bad gear changes ... not stalling at give ways ... maintaining a good following distance. Eventually it'll all all come without thinking about it.

[wybmadiity]

Im so keen to get out there cruising the streets, but i have no confidence whatsoever =( it sucks, whenever i get on the bike im always wondering when ill be falling off it or dropping it. I half blame my dad who repeatedly tells me that i cant ride a bike,that ill crash and to sell it before i break it...the other half is just me and my overcautiousness i guess. So yeah, any ideas as to what i should do? (have already told dad to jump-even though hes just doing the whole protective father act). Any advice would be appreciated!!

SCREW THAT!! You are going to fall off, or at least drop it. We know the risk when we get into it, we hope not to fall off but at the end of the day I think it is inevitable. The answer, Enjoy it! Relax. Learn. Live a little, after all you could get hit by a bus while crossing the road! Does the old man want you to stop walking too?! Sure the risk is a little higher, and parents just worry, if they didn't we would wonder why. Just keep riding, get good advice and oneday you will find the flow, for us that are just starting out this happens rarely but when it does... WOOHOO! Find people with more experience than you you enjoy riding with and take all the advice you can!
ENJOY!
:)

I am a learner and a nana, The guys I ride with up this way are AWESOME! come along for a ride some time. They are great for tips as long as you are willing to learn.

[Darkman]

I went out and bought a good leather suit, boots and gloves. Did wonders!!!

[scumdog]

Be cautious and never 'assume' ANYTHING.

Get an experienced rider to follow you, preferably in queiter sections of road and ride as YOU want to then get them to honestly comment on your technique, safeness etc.

AND above all ride regularly to gain experience and confidence.:scooter:

[wybmadiity]

Yup, I too would say PM Saul. He's a very good rider with a calm, friendly manner. See if you can get him to give you some pointers.

TwoMuch - like his name suggests is a bit too much - don't know if he can ride slow, but try anyway:yes:

You parents mean well, but some parents (speaking in general) are always too critical and that doesn't help.

Take it easy one step at a time :niceone:

Actually 2much is a very good teacher, teaches you to ride your own ride and enjoy it! If you are willing to take his advice he is awesome, but as said... don't try to keep up when he is playing! ;)

[avgas]

Go 'cautiously' to Anzac Cove and give it a good thrashing. Its how i learnt when i lived down there

[Steam]

Apparently some people are born more fearful, and it can be traced back genetically. Like, it's a part of you, nature, not nurture. But the fear response can be trained and changed somewhat.

This is what I remember;
Studies show more than 70% of serial killers tested (and motorcyclists?) have much higher fear threshold than normal people; the brain does not respond to the fear-inducing stimuli that affect most of the normal population.
Situations which would make most of us fearful simply give these people a thrill.
In rare cases, individuals have been found who seem to have no fear at all, they show no physiological signs of alarm. And the converse is also true; there are people who fear everything and cannot function. In extreme cases these poor unfortunates are heavily medicated and must be cared for in institutions for most of their lives.

So maybe you are one of the fearful ones. But i reckon you should persist, the fear response can be changed by habit and training. (for example, soldiers being trained to run into enemy fire, etc)

[Str8 Jacket]

Hey mOOsie I know exactly how your feeling! I had two accidents within a month of each other last year, I had been riding less than 3 months... First accident was entirely my fault as I panicked, second one probably could have been avoided if I had had more experience (I was blown of the road). After my second accident I rode my bike to Featherston and was pillioned back to Wgtn at the time and for about a week afterwards I had basically decided to give up riding for good and I had started making plans to sell it. Couple of weeks later I missed my bike soo much that I got one of my mates to ride it back from Featherston. Even then I still now feel nervous at times when Im riding. There are sometimes I just want to turn around and go home, you know those moments when your riding just doesnt feel right and nothing seems to flow? Other times, well most of the time I'll get back from a longish ride absolutely buzzing! I love riding but I know how dangerous it can be too, one thing ive learned is to just ride to my level. I still get shit for it but I ride slowly (most of the time) until I feel things flowing then I'll step up MY pace more and more to MY limits. I found that taking my bike out on the track was really good for my confidence and you learn alot about your riding and your bike. Another thing that helped me was spending 2000km's + on the back of my partners bike over New Years, when I got back on my bike it felt very uncomfortable not leaning into corners and not being relaxed felt even weirder! If YOU want to ride just do it, I promise that if you keep getting out there you'll be loving it before you know it!

[Squeak the Rat]

Howdy mate,

I see two groupings in the advice so far

Practice road skills, building up slowly in a controlled environment or with some one who can critique your riding
Go hard, accept it if you crash and learn from it.

I'm sure my wording of the above indicates my preference! :)

PS - Ditto whoever said to get some good gear.
PPS - Ditto STR8 - Ride to your level. Don't try to impress any one - if you try to you won't!
PPPS - Read up on target fixation. Avoiding this is a must-have skill when learning IMHO, and a great confidence builder when successfully applied during an "oh-shit" moment.

Enjoy.
STR

[Insanity_rules]

Another thing that I don't think has been covered here is learn how to fall off without killing yourself.
When my Uncle was teaching me to ride he showed me how to minimise impact in a fall. Best way is to get on an old clunker (dirtbike) and blat around. Good gear is a must and above all get around some people who have ridden for a long time.
Crashes are a fact

[beyond]

When I was 18 and got my first bike because Jap Imported cars didn't exist and it was the only means of transport most people that age could afford, my Dad was against it big time. In the end the only way I got the bike was to take out a life insurance policy that would cover my funeral. That was the condition he put down for me owning a bike.

I was a stupid hoon. Had a 1972 T250 Hustler Suzuki which went real well back in those days. Put 35,000 miles on it in 9 months and wrote it off twice and nearly called on my life insurance policy three times.

After an abscence of 25 years from owning a bike, I bought my 1400 last year January and have now covered 25,000kms all for fun.

Getting back on a bike, brought all the feelings back when I started when I was young. Intrepidation, vulnerability (especially around traffic) sense of doom and danger, feeling really exposed and worrying about every person on the road around me.

But at the same time, the sense of freedom, liberty, joy of cornering, power, speed and manouevrability and feeling of being in "the Zone" when it all comes together so you are one with the bike, all came back to me as well.

It's going to take more than a week. It's going to take lots of riding and the more you ride the better you will get and the more you will want to ride and the more you will accept traffic around you and then be comfortable with whats happening around you. You will become more alert, your senses will be more in tune, you will drive a car better, you will be better prepared for incidents, you will cope with stress better, even in other areas of your life.

Then one day, you will find yourself on a ride in summer, where you hit 'the zone". It doesn't matter what bike you ride, when you hit that zone, all the years of learning will have been worth it, the possible accidents you might have, the fear now, will become a thing of the past. You will get a 'hit" from the world of biking Nirvana and like a drug you will want to reach that plain over and over again.

You will find at that moment in time, that the bike becomes an extension of your mind and everything falls into place, you will throw the bike from side to side through the twisties, take the exact right lines, brake at exactly the right time and power out of the corner in full control but at speeds you would never think possible right now. The sense of freedom and the rush will bring you back to this place over and over again.

Enought now..... :)

It's bloody worth it. :)

[ZeroIndex]

Another thing that I don't think has been covered here is learn how to fall off without killing yourself.
When my Uncle was teaching me to ride he showed me how to minimise impact in a fall. Best way is to get on an old clunker (dirtbike) and blat around. Good gear is a must and above all get around some people who have ridden for a long time.
Crashes are a fact
the best way to fall off is NOT over the handlebars.. your knee normally catches the petrol tank on the way over, and it is a longer way down to the ground when going over the handlebars.. lowsiding is always a better way to do things, as you don't have as much forward momentum, and your downward impact speed is minimalized..

Just watch MotoGP (preferably recorded), and just watch the crashes over and over again.. I know it happens very quickly, but most of them walk away / run away 2 seconds after they start sliding..

[ZeroIndex]

....Then one day, you will find yourself on a ride in summer, where you hit 'the zone". It doesn't matter what bike you ride, when you hit that zone, all the years of learning will have been worth it, the possible accidents you might have, the fear now, will become a thing of the past. You will get a 'hit" from the world of biking Nirvana and like a drug you will want to reach that plain over and over again.

You will find at that moment in time, that the bike becomes an extension of your mind and everything falls into place, you will throw the bike from side to side through the twisties, take the exact right lines, brake at exactly the right time and power out of the corner in full control but at speeds you would never think possible right now. The sense of freedom and the rush will bring you back to this place over and over again....
I know exactly what you mean.. my ride back from Whangamata yesterday (via Kopu) was full of "Zone"

My bike is really slow (was sitting full-throttle most of the day, just on 100km/h), but it was fun.. hitting some of the 65km/h posted corners, throttle still on full at 100km/h.. I really learnt a lot about my bike yesterday.. way more grippier in the wet than I originally thought..

[2much]

Buy a Honda, they're a good pussies bike to start out on!

WTF? Wash your bloody mouth out! Recommending a fucking Honduh? There's no good reason to buy a honda. He/she already has a Suzuki, the best of the best. Stick with it m00sie, you've made a good choice.

Ohh and they crash well.... aye Bruce:innocent:



Hook up with 2much from down your way, no wait he falls off more than me

It's all about learning HOW to crash... they say practise makes perfect so I must be damn near a pro now:blip:



TwoMuch - like his name suggests is a bit too much - don't know if he can ride slow, but try anyway:yes:

WTF? Unlike many believe, just because someone can ride fast it doesn't make them a good rider. The knowledge that there is a time and a place for such riding is a much more important measure of one's riding ability.

Ofcourse I can ride slow.



All you need is more road time. Can help you out mate and I'm not as fast as 2much.

So what? I still fail to understand what speed's got to do with one's ability to teach someone to ride?

I taught wybmadiity to ride and believe I was very successful. Her riding ability is proof of that, just ask someone who has seen her riding in recent months, especially those who have seen her progress from the beginning. However I won't take all the credit, as I do feel that the main reason for her continued improvement is her willingness and ability to listen to and take advise (including constructive criticism) and her patience.


m00sie, there has been some good advise offered on this thread, it's up to you to filter through it and take what you wish from it. The unfortunate fact is that you will drop your first bike, it's all part of the learning experience and don't be discouraged by it. Perserverance and patience are your two biggest assets when learning to ride.

I highly recommend that you do get someone to give you a hand with the initial learning process (you never stop learning, just ask the old farts on here). I am more than happy to take the time to give you a hand and teach you some basic riding skills and provide you with continued support/advise (just get in soon as my bike's coming off the road for a few months in the next couple of weeks).

I am sure Saul will be more than happy to offer you some time too if he can.

There are plenty of opportunities and resources (like KB) available to you, it's up to you how you use them, you don't have to take all the advise that is given to you (as it won't always work for you) however please do atleast listen to it. The speed of your learning curve depends on your attitude and your willingness to learn. Please don't be offended, but I have tried to offer advise to people before who simply weren't prepared to listen and I don't have time for that (funnily enough, they're still the one's that are struggling with their riding too).

Don't worry bout your dad, my old lady told me I wasn't allowed a bike till I was 40! (oops, jumped the gun abit!:innocent: )

If you're 18+ then alot of us get together at the pub on Thursday nights, just a social thing and you don't even have to ride your bike so there's no pressure. Come and say hi :)

Goodluck, remember to be patient and most of all, have fun!:yes:

[MidnightMike]

The most important thing, in my opinion, is to take your time to learn. :yes:

For the first week i had my bike i was only riding round the neighbourhood, now after 2 weeks im up to the suburb. :blip:

And if you do find yourself in one of those situations where you feel completely uncomfortable take a breath and figure out what to do.
If theres cars behind you who cares, the middle finger will sort them out :nono:

Oh and if there is gonna be some sort of noob teaching can i join in?, i could do with so extra lessons, a mate of mine getting a fixxer soon too, maybe he could come? :scooter: ( sorry dont want to make a croud out of it but it may save our ass in the long run )

[Waylander]

So what? I still fail to understand what speed's got to do with one's ability to teach someone to ride?


Never doubted your ability to teach only your ability to hold back when you get bored lol.:nya:

Up to him what he does though.

[number33]

Better throw in the towel mOOsie a huge lack of confidence is a death sentence on a motorbike. Be content to watch instead mate.

[Highlander]

Never doubted your ability to teach only your ability to hold back when you get bored lol.:nya:

Up to him what he does though.

I remember reading (yes I can) a book where fighter pilots after the war got posted training newbies and when they got board they'd trail rolls of toilet paper out the window then grab the controls and double back chopping it up with the propellor.

Can you imagine 2much trailing a roll of paper behind him down the road....

[2much]

Can you imagine 2much trailing a roll of paper behind him down the road....

Memories of drunken nights running round doing 'flaming arseholes' come flooding back!:shutup:

I don't mind cruising round slowly.... wheelies and stoppies will break the boredom if need be:innocent:

[2much]

Oh and if there is gonna be some sort of noob teaching can i join in?, i could do with so extra lessons, a mate of mine getting a fixxer soon too, maybe he could come? :scooter: ( sorry dont want to make a croud out of it but it may save our ass in the long run )

Could be done.... will look into it.

[The Pastor]

Im so keen to get out there cruising the streets, but i have no confidence whatsoever =( it sucks, whenever i get on the bike im always wondering when ill be falling off it or dropping it. I half blame my dad who repeatedly tells me that i cant ride a bike,that ill crash and to sell it before i break it...the other half is just me and my overcautiousness i guess. So yeah, any ideas as to what i should do? (have already told dad to jump-even though hes just doing the whole protective father act). Any advice would be appreciated!!


Stop your wining and get out on the road you women.

and losebruce "GSXR wiping the shit that is that Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki off the road since '85'" - get an 85/86 gsxr and we'll see whos bikes faster....

[saul]

I was shocked to read such dribble in this thread.:gob: :nono:

Sell the bike and do the kite sailing thing:blip:

Regards:yawn:

[Highlander]

I was shocked to read such dribble in this thread.:gob: :nono:

Sell the bike and do the kite sailing thing:blip:

Regards:yawn:


Yeah right.

[pixc]

I am a newbie as well. When I was a kid I had a honda 90 that I used to putt around the farm on.
I seem to have the opposite to you. My father rides a huge new BMW 'thing' (Im mechanically and motorcycle retarded) and has for as long as i can remember hassled me about getting a motorbike. I finally bought one. A wee Suziki FXR150. When I bought it home, it sat in the carport for few days before I managed to pick up the courage to sit on it and start it :o When I finally took the courage to go for a actual ride....I went around the orchard and down the drive. Changing gears seem to just come naturally. Im guessing the Honda must of left an impression on me after all. Its been over 20 years since ive riden a motorbike..(and I dont think I ever went over 50kms)
Anyway..I putted about the driveway (about 400meters long, couple of corners, tarsealed) and before I knew I was out on the road. I couldnt help myself. Blatted into town...I opened up the throttle and I tried to make her give me all she was worth. Its all over for me. The love affair with motorbikes has begun. Its been about 4 weeks since I first got the bike, and Im already looking for a big brother for the suziki. Ive booked in for my license...and im busting at the seams. Riden thru town gives me the sh*ts..as I worry about other road users. I dont know anyone locally to help me with my riding, so Im thinking about doing a few courses. Having a nice long tarsealed drive with corners and buildings to negotiate has definatly helped me with my confidence.

[Quartida]

Better throw in the towel mOOsie a huge lack of confidence is a death sentence on a motorbike. Be content to watch instead mate.

Are you serious? That's not at all constructive.

Every biker I've talked to has had their moments where their confidence has fallen short - even if just for a few seconds. I'd hate to see someone give up just because they're a little nervous.

Everyone else has given awesome advice (...going to take some of it myself...), so I say good luck m00sie :D.

[diggydog]

What Mr Paul in NZ said. You say you are always wondering if you will fall off or crash? Have you fallen off or crashed yet? If not, why should you on this occasion?

But do not try to overide that survival instinct. It is was will keep you alive and riding for years.

There are two sorts of lack of confidence.

There is lack of confidence of the "I don't know what to do" variety. and there is lack of confidence of the "Um, I know what to do, but I really don't fancy doing anything that could get me hurt or killed" variety.

The first is dangerous. It is the lack of confidence that will cause you to do the wrong thing, or nothing, when you find that a corner is sharper than it looked, and crash.

The second is safe. It is the lack of confidence that will cause you to back off and slow down round that corner because it is blind and you cannot see round it. So when it turns out sharper than expected, and there is a vehicle stopped on the other side, you do not crash. and ride on smiling.

The first sort of lack of confidence should be eliminated, by tution. A ride safe couse, by advice from experienced BUT SAFE riders (be cautious of advice from fast riders - they may teach you how to ride fast, which is a different matter to riding safely. Check and see if the advisor has ever crashed. if so, think about that) .And time. Like all things practice makes perfect.

The second sort of lack of confidence should be fostered. It will keep you alive.Do not be shy to ride the pace that YOU are comfortable with. Remember that even if you are not as fast as the other chap, you will catch up while they are loading him into the ambulance.

In 40 years I have seen riders come. And go. Sometimes dead, sometimes smashed up, sometimes just blustering after a crash that "Bikes suck, get a car man". Sometimes lost lost interest, and the bike stayed in the shed for longer and longer. And I just ride on, because I am never confident. I always assume that something may go wrong.
Oh how wise is those words, better late than never:bye:

[saul]

Yeah right. heheheheeh:nya: :blip: :rockon:

[aff-man]

Are you serious? That's not at all constructive.

Every biker I've talked to has had their moments where their confidence has fallen short - even if just for a few seconds. I'd hate to see someone give up just because they're a little nervous.

Everyone else has given awesome advice (...going to take some of it myself...), so I say good luck m00sie :D.

What you need is a can of harden up.:nya: :nya:

Moosie. There si no substitute for experience. Yes you will crash. So does everyone. Hell I crashed twice in the first 2 weeks of riding. Then once in the coromandel and once on my driveway when I was on my restricted so even though I could ride (waits for snarky reply) shit still happens. My folks got pretty harsh about the stuation at the beginning but they settled down soon enough. So just go do it. As Quartida says everyone looses thier confidence at some point hell I still do when the old bitch decides to slide all over the road but the only way to get over it is to take a few deep breaths and keep riding.Speed has nothing to do with how you ride. It's all about technique. If you develope a good technique you won't run into problems when applying a bit more speed as your confidence increases.


WTF? Unlike many believe, just because someone can ride fast it doesn't make them a good rider. The knowledge that there is a time and a place for such riding is a much more important measure of one's riding ability.

Ofcourse I can ride slow.


And still crash.

[Mr. Peanut]

I have no intention of crashing anytime soon. :gob:

[aff-man]

I have no intention of crashing anytime soon. :gob:

And that is what your mindset should be. Nerves can make you freak out and do something rash (believe me) but in saying that they also make you more aware when riding so it's finding a good balance. Hahahaha be afraid.. but be blasei(sp) about it.

[Motu]

And still crash.

And I predict with a certanty that you will crash again - for your sake I hope you survive with minimum injuries.If you changed your mindset you may never crash again - take control,give yourself power....don't be the victim.

[aff-man]

And I predict with a certanty that you will crash again - for your sake I hope you survive with minimum injuries.If you changed your mindset you may never crash again - take control,give yourself power....don't be the victim.

hahaha that comment was a piss take at 2much... he knows what for.

I don't think I will crash because I have confidence in my ability to operate the 2 wheel machine under me. Now some people say that it's a "superman" think your invincible attitude. Well then sure I can live with that. The diffference is that even though I test them now and again I know where my limits are and when to back off. It's when you have the "i'm untouchable" attitude and don't know where your limits are then you can end up in a bit of and "interesting" situation.

[Waylander]

I remember reading (yes I can) a book where fighter pilots after the war got posted training newbies and when they got board they'd trail rolls of toilet paper out the window then grab the controls and double back chopping it up with the propellor.

Can you imagine 2much trailing a roll of paper behind him down the road....
Actually yes. Yes I can....

Beside, one look at my bike will either scare Moosie off bikes forever or ride better.

[m00sie]

Thanks for all the great advice =) and a huge thanks to those who PM'd me offering help with riding, i really appreciate it!

[Indiana_Jones]

Watch & Listen to Top Gun

-Indy

[zeocen]

Damn, I'm glad a found this thread..

I've been having confidence issues too, mainly because I chose bike over car.. having never driven a manual the whole muscle memory and time to think about what I have to do takes a long while to get bashed into my head.

I'm still just putting around during the day whenever I can, so the streets are pretty much empty and I can have time to change gears/ride clutch and whatnot.. it's the best way I've learnt so far.

I've also found that confidence just comes with the territory, at first I wouldn't go more than 10kmph, then 20 was the absolute max! But around these streets, although they're not long I get up to the speed limit if only for a few seconds.. I find you just get used to the speed (maybe it seems faster because you see more of the road wizzing past you than a car, I dunno..).

I have to say it sucks that your father is like that, my dad at first was all 'you're not getting a bike!' ..that's just basic overprotective fathers I think, but as soon as I got one HE's the one getting ME to go out there more! hehe

Hope this helps, glad I didn't miss this thread! *soaks in all the advice* :)

"And I'll make mistakes I've never made before, but at least I'm moving forward."

[Unforgiven]

Ive only really been riding a few of months, I just jumped on and went for it, thats the way a lot of people learn best.

But If you arnt too confident find a quiet street, or an industrial area on the weekend, or even a nice flat padock or something.
Trailer your bike there, or get someone else to ride it there.
Get on, and have some fun!:yes:

Take the farings off if you are worried about damageing them and put cloth tape (duck tape) on the bits that poke out so they cant get scratched.

If you are worried about hurting yourself, get the right gear, and relax - if it can save you at 100+ kms, you will be fine at 20 :niceone:

Most of all, relax, go at your own pace and enjoy yourself :scooter:
Nobody will give you a hard time for being a learner, we all had to do it sometime :blah:

[TonyB]

Haven't read the whole thread, but can I ask what made you decide to get a bike in the first place? Had you done any riding at all before buying the bike- like off road or whatever? It must be quite daunting to have to learn to ride for the first time on the road, with no off road or track experience at all.

He means well, but your dad is planting the seeds of doubt in your mind. If your dad can only be negative, then either have a serious discussion with him and ask him to stop, or failing that, just stop listening to him. Riding well is all about confidence and self belief. To ride safely you MUST have confidence in your abilities. If all you can think about while you are riding is dad saying that you're no good at it, you're going to fall off and hurt yourself etc, then that is exactly what will happen. Don't be too discouraged though, at least you are aware that there is some risk involved- heaps of young guys just go hard and find out the hard way that they don't have the skills, and that falling off can hurt both the body and the bank balance.

As for advice, I reckon you need to do some off road riding.