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

**m00sie** · 18th June 2006, 00:50

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** · 18th June 2006, 00:56

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** · 18th June 2006, 00:58

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** · 18th June 2006, 01:04

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** · 18th June 2006, 01:04

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

**Big Chim** · 18th June 2006, 01:37

Find a mentor, heaps of riding,

Worked for me

**loosebruce** · 18th June 2006, 02:33

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** · 18th June 2006, 02:48

Originally Posted by Loosebruce - Signature:

GSXR wiping the shit that is that Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki off the road since '85'

HAHAHAHA.. Sue Zuki is THE road janitor..

**Korea** · 18th June 2006, 04:39

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** · 18th June 2006, 08:54

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** · 18th June 2006, 09:01

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** · 18th June 2006, 09:12

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

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

**Goblin** · 18th June 2006, 09:38

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** · 18th June 2006, 09:41

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/sh...ad.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/se...archid=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