First ride in 7 years

[Dooly]

Well on the road.

I'm meant to be be taking it easy for another 3 months due to a big operation I had 3 motnhs ago which I wont bore you with.
I decided after 7 years of not having a road bike to get back into it.
Brought a VTR1000 a few months back and have been tinkering with it. Stripped it down, been over it all serviced everything imaginable etc.

It got to much for me on Saturday, and I decided to take it up the road for a spin.
Fortunately living rural and lots of straights mean I could just tootle about a bit.
Went only a few miles, came home, did'nt do much or ride fast.
Yesterday, Sunday, the urge hit again, went quite a bit further, took it up to a bit of speed.
Saw lots of other bikers out, gave them all a big wave, got it back too.
Coming back I was in a world of my own, enjoying it, only doing 120kph, then all of a sudden a bike came up fast, and passed me. Think it was a SV1000.
Wasnt a worry, but sure surprised me how he came from nowhere.

Found out my gloves are too tight, new I should of got L instead of M, oh well, live and learn.

Whilst I enjoyed the ride immensely and even took it up to 200 on the long straight to my house (ok I know thats nothing to some here ) a few things concerned me.
I seemed to lack confidence a few times.
Had no idea when to lean into corners.
Slowed down way too soon for a few corners.
Forgot to even use the front brake a few times, instead used the rear!
Generally I felt nervous, especially on Saturday when the roads were still wet from rain.
Worst of all, I had zero confidence to do a low speed, like crawling pace u turn.

I dunno, maybe its a time thing, need more seat time, or maybe need to ride with someone again, or a group, or hell maybe take a rider's course!
I used to be a crazy bugger years ago, and whilst dont claim to of been a good rider, was ok.

After all of that taken on board a few things remain firmly entrenched in my mind.
It was great to be on the road and to see other bikers out on a beautiful day.
Man, I love my bike.
Something about the Vtwin with Neptune mufflers on it.

[Colapop]

Your story sounds so familiar (bar the op.) 'cept I have not yet got the bike. I know that when I go out for the first few times I'm am going to be crapping my nappy's!! I think though just like when you learn (to ride) for the first time it just takes time. As much as I am longing to get back on a bike I'm also very apprehensive. Take it easy, just ride at your own pace, and enjoy yourself; are the things that I've been told - I guess that applies for you too.
Cheers!

[kiwifruit]

good to hear you have the bug
its not a bad thing to be low on confidence.... can stop ya doing silly shit
just ease into it

[Squeak the Rat]

Well done mate. I had a couple of years off the bike and yes you do go a bit rusty. Ride to your current skill level, not to your memory's! It will return

All your concerns are nothing too worrying....

Grab a book do some reading, find a car park, grab a mate if possible, and practice practice practice.

My tip for slowing down too early for corners - don't go too fast on the straights, and brake slowly with plenty of time. Start of with approaching corners at a constant realistic speed, get used to cornering without the hassle of entering under brakes... Once you get the corners smooth then practice braking and entering....

[Macktheknife]

Good on you for getting back into biking. Lack of confidence after 7 years of no riding and a major operation, who would have thought! lol
Seriously though, lighten up on yourself, it takes time to get back into it. Don't be looking for the 200 stuff just go for nice smooth flow, easy on the throttle and on the brakes. VTR's are good bikes, but any bike will spit you off if you forget the basics. Ride with others, Definitely do a riding course! Apart from refreshing your skills it also introduces you to other riders in your area and skill level.
Above all, have fun. (and get some new gloves)

[sAsLEX]

Good do one of the BRONZ ridesafe courses which wil help alot , though I dont know if they run them in HB! Other than that take it easy and go for some rides with someone willing to go your pace to show you lines and braking points etc

[Dooly]

Yep, seems I've got a lot to do to get up to speed, but hey, its gonna be fun.

[The_Dover]

A good way to build your confidence is to practice some wheelies.

Or you could just tap the bike out and see what she'll do. Try and get your knee down at every opportunity too and your confidence will rocket in no time.

Seriously.

[MidnightMike]

Whilst I enjoyed the ride immensely and even took it up to 200 on the long straight to my house (ok I know thats nothing to some here )

Nothing?, shit, my volty can only manage 90 into the wind.

[Dooly]

A good way to build your confidence is to practice some wheelies.

Or you could just tap the bike out and see what she'll do. Try and get your knee down at every opportunity too and your confidence will rocket in no time.

Seriously.

I've never been into wheelies.
Think its because I was useless at them.

The thought crossed my mind to tap it out yesterday but common sense, old age, and my current temporary riding ineptitude stopped me.

Just riding again was a major buzz.
Hope my surgeon never saw me.

[dawnrazor]

nothing wrong with taking it handy.

[MSTRS:Me]

I've never been into wheelies.
Think its because I was useless at them.

The thought crossed my mind to tap it out yesterday but common sense, old age, and my current temporary riding ineptitude stopped me.

Just riding again was a major buzz.
Hope my surgeon never saw me.

Good to hear that you are getting out on that beast of yours....your 'lack of confidence' is a familiar story and you are wise to heed your fears at this stage. Only saddle time will build you up and chances are you will never be the hoon you/we?? were when younger. BUT you will be a better rider. You are very welcome to give me a shout from time to time and I will join you/give you tips on lines, cornering, etc.
ps - with your visor down, d'ya think your surgeon will recognise you?

[Dooly]

Good to hear that you are getting out on that beast of yours....your 'lack of confidence' is a familiar story and you are wise to heed your fears at this stage. Only saddle time will build you up and chances are you will never be the hoon you/we?? were when younger. BUT you will be a better rider. You are very welcome to give me a shout from time to time and I will join you/give you tips on lines, cornering, etc.
ps - with your visor down, d'ya think your surgeon will recognise you?

I like my visor up but I like my odds of him not seeing me.

I might take you up on your offer, but later on in the year, maybe a few months down the line when I'm feeling 100%.

The missus is dropping that job off to you today by the way.

[MSTRS:Me]

No worries, mate.

[Big Dave]

Nice Job,

I also say do the BRONZ Ride Right course.
Come up here to do it if you have to.

I've been and observed the results - you will enjoy riding even more after it.