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

[EatOrBeEaten]

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

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

[crazyhorse]

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

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

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

[Morcs]

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

[EatOrBeEaten]

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

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

[Disco Dan]

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

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


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

[NDORFN]

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

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

[Finn]

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

[YellowDog]

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

Yes I was going to suggest the same. 120Kph will seem pretty scarey and then reducing to 100Kph will then seem just fine.

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

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

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

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

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

[OnCam]

hey congrats on the restricted,

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

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

[Slyer]

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

[slofox]

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

Errrrmmmmm....you too, huh?

[Jonno.]

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

[kermit63]

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

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

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

[Squiggles]

Build yourself up to it

[NDORFN]

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