Nervous about test riding new bikes..

[Gone Burger]

So, I am sitting my full license test on Tuesday. If all goes to plan, I should finally have my full license and then the real fun begins (Going to cry like a baby if I don't pass).

Next weekend I am planning on heading out to look at bikes to upgrade to. Have some ideas about what I would like. Did completely have my heart set on a cruiser, but after attending some training on a race track, I just HAVE to test ride all sorts.

I'm pretty damn nervous actually about test riding these bigger bikes. I have gotten use to my tiny, light-weight bike. I know that anything I ride will feel completely different, and that it's about finding the bike that suits me and feel good. But test riding new or near new bikes just makes me nervous. Purely because I don't know how quickly I will get the hang of handling a larger and heavier bike. Did many other people out there feel that same way?

I am incredibly excited, as I know that this is where my fun really begins, just want to shake these nerves and not stuff up the test rides.

Looking forward to seeing what I end up liking, might suprise myself!

[Quasi]

So, I am sitting my full license test on Tuesday. If all goes to plan, I should finally have my full license and then the real fun begins (Going to cry like a baby if I don't pass).

Next weekend I am planning on heading out to look at bikes to upgrade to. Have some ideas about what I would like. Did completely have my heart set on a cruiser, but after attending some training on a race track, I just HAVE to test ride all sorts.

I'm pretty damn nervous actually about test riding these bigger bikes. I have gotten use to my tiny, light-weight bike. I know that anything I ride will feel completely different, and that it's about finding the bike that suits me and feel good. But test riding new or near new bikes just makes me nervous. Purely because I don't know how quickly I will get the hang of handling a larger and heavier bike. Did many other people out there feel that same way?

I am incredibly excited, as I know that this is where my fun really begins, just want to shake these nerves and not stuff up the test rides.

Looking forward to seeing what I end up liking, might suprise myself!

Hey there chickie - lots of test riding - so many different style of bikes out there. You are a very capable and competent rider so i know you going to have lots of fun playing.If you want to have a play on the MonstA - happy for you to do that.

have fun

and good luck for Tuesday

[blackdog]

go and see the boys(and girls) at tss. theres a nice quiet street out the back to putt up and down to get comfortable before venturing any further, and they won't mind you trying quite a few to get a feel for what yer after

and dont worry about your test, after following you from waikanae the other weekend im sure you'll be sweet

[Maha]

I am such a good boy and law abiding road user that, when I purchased a 600 sports bike while still on my restricted, I ask a mate if he would pick it up from Auckland for me, he did. I assured everyone that I would not ride it till I got my full. Well I couldn't help myself, I sold the 250.
Excited? yes Nervous? not not not not really.

[Insanity_rules]

You'll be fine, just breath deap and enjoy the test ride. It should be a fun time.

[MadDuck]

Dont be afraid...you are insured right? Kidding.

There is such a huge choice out there for us gals these days which havent been there in the past. You appear to be a sensible person around what will fit you. Dont let anyone sway you away from what you are comfortable with. I remember one test ride I did the shop person pushed the bike over to the kerb so I could actually get on the thing. When I got to my first set of traffic lights I thought ... OK this will be interesting.

The bike that gives you the biggest smile will be the one for you. Be it a cruiser or one of those other things.

[Maha]

Dont be afraid...you are insured right? Kidding.

There is such a huge choice out there for us gals these days which havent been there in the past. You appear to be a sensible person around what will fit you. Dont let anyone sway you away from what you are comfortable with. I remember one test ride I did the shop person pushed the bike over to the kerb so I could actually get on the thing. When I got to my first set of traffic lights I thought ... OK this will be interesting.

The bike that gives you the biggest smile will be the one for you. Be it a cruiser or one of those other things.

I have one of those other things on my watch list, I like!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-267227376.htm

[release_the_bees]

I've recently upgraded to a bigger bike, and the one thing I have learned is that it all comes down to confidence. Every time that I actively questioned my abilities whilst riding I struggled to control the bike. The first few times I leaned my new bike into corners I could certainly feel the extra weight, and it was somewhat off-putting, especially during slow speed maneuvers. However, once I got used to the sensation and gained confidence, it was no different to riding my old bike.

Be confident, relax and enjoy the test ride(s). I'm sure you'll have no problems whatsoever!

[Insanity_rules]

I have one of those other things on my watch list, I like!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-267227376.htm

A flat Track replica? Nice! Almost temped myself.

[spacemonkey]

All the best for Tuesday Kate.... You'll be fine the test is easy, and your a good rider from what I've seen out on rides.

[Maha]

A flat Track replica? Nice! Almost temped myself.

Stunning aint it?...its a Yamaharley eh?

[Insanity_rules]

Stunning aint it?...its a Yamaharley eh?

Your right, It looks a bit of you. I'd like to take one for a strop to see what that geometry does for the 1200 iron horse. Could be fun.

[MadDuck]

I have one of those other things on my watch list, I like!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-267227376.htm

Very noice indeed!

[Gone Burger]

Thanks everyone. Yes I know, lacking confidence whilst test riding some new beasts will make for a less enjoyable ride. I am semi confindent with me as a rider, just on a bike that I am familiar with. I guees what my biggest fear is, testing riding some sports bike (weeee that's going to be fun). I have been so used to changing gears out front of my cruiser, that changing with my foot behind me is going to rather tricky for the first few times. Completely different riding position from what I am used to. Keen to try many different types of bikes, and don't want to make the dealers on edge about me taking one out for a spin.

Right, more confindence. Got it. Not too worries about the test, feel good to go on the one. Just the shiny new bikes. I'm sure after the first one or two I'll get into the swing of it all.

Damn - this is going to be fun!

[CookMySock]

If you are thinking of going to a sports bike, see if you can get an hour or two on a GT250R. It's only a 250, so theres nothing to be afraid of, but it tunes you into riding in that posture. Maybe that will bump you through a few fears before you go do it for real.

Another trick you can do, is ride a larger cc bike that looks almost exactly the same as your learner bike. That way your mind associates it with something you are already familiar with.

Larger bikes are of course a little heavier, but mostly the throttle is just heaps more sensitive, and moving away in first gear is has you moving much more quickly, so you can practice that on your learner bike taking off in 2nd gear, and intentionally taking great care with easing the throttle on and getting the clutch out more gently - all those things are quite different on a larger machine.

But yeah, your first month on a big bike is the culmination of much training and many plans coming together and a magical time for you.

Steve