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

[DJSin]

I've just got my restricted and while on my learners I was very good and rule abiding and not gone above 70km/h. Today I thought I'd go and get some practice at 100.

I was scared and didn't get much above 70.

I just wondered if anyone else felt the same way when they were learning and had any suggestions to help me relax and get up to 100?

I've search around the site and couldn't find anything - it seems that more people have trouble staying at the speed limit than getting up to it.

The bf says bikes will feel more stable the fast you go but it doesn't feel like it to me

[Nasty]

What is it you are scared about ... what is creating the fear. What I did was get on the motorway in the slow lane and ride at 100 - everyone on the same side going the same way .. reduced risks ... and its always good to have another rider with you behind you if you like. If not your partner try the Wellington Mentors .. I think Deano is one.

[mossy1200]

I've just got my restricted and while on my learners I was very good and rule abiding and not gone above 70km/h. Today I thought I'd go and get some practice at 100.

I was scared and didn't get much above 70.

I just wondered if anyone else felt the same way when they were learning and had any suggestions to help me relax and get up to 100?

I've search around the site and couldn't find anything - it seems that more people have trouble staying at the speed limit than getting up to it.

The bf says bikes will feel more stable the fast you go but it doesn't feel like it to me

Is your bike getting any issues when you lift the speed or is it nerves.
One thing that helps is having good riding gear.trusting your outfit is a big part of feeling confident.
Check all your bike over and find a quiet area to build up that speed.

[MSTRS:Me]

The bf says bikes will feel more stable the fast you go but it doesn't feel like it to me

No less stable at 100...it's just that everything happens just a little quicker. If you are not comfortable at 100, then I suggest that you stay off roads that will get you run over, but otherwise just lift your accustomed speed by 10kph increments...progressing as you feel more relaxed at the higher speed.

[DJSin]

I've got good gear. But I still figure it's going to hurt like hell crashing at 100 (if I ever get to that speed )

The bike just feels a bit lighter at higher speeds and I also get really tense - I know I'm doing it and take deep breathes to unhunch my shoulders get the tension out of my body.

I might just have to find some stretches of road that I can get to that are 80 zones and build up slowly.

I still remember when I was very new 50 felt fast so I know practice will help it's just that practicing on the motorway at 100 is a little different.

I have thought about using a mentor - will see how I go after a bit more practice.

[p.dath]

I've just got my restricted and while on my learners I was very good and rule abiding and not gone above 70km/h. Today I thought I'd go and get some practice at 100.

I was scared and didn't get much above 70.

I just wondered if anyone else felt the same way when they were learning and had any suggestions to help me relax and get up to 100?
...

I've helped several people get into riding, and that is a real common feeling. It doesn't seem to last long. Your completely normal.

After about 3 or 4 times you'll look forward to riding at 100 km/h, and accelerating up to 100km/h, because it will go from scary to exciting.

[DJSin]

I've helped several people get into riding, and that is a real common feeling. It doesn't seem to last long. Your completely normal.

After about 3 or 4 times you'll look forward to riding at 100 km/h, and accelerating up to 100km/h, because it will go from scary to exciting.

Yay - thanks - that's where I want to get to - exciting!!!

[klingon]

Yep - everything you are describing is perfectly normal! I have been riding for almost three years now and, like you, followed the 70kph rule when I was on my learner's. For me that actually meant staying in 50kph zones so not going above 60kph.

Then I got my restricted and out I went onto the motorway to do 100kph. OMG! That was FAST!

But after doing short bursts on the motorway (on one onramp, up to 80kph or 100 kph then off at the next offramp) I soon got the hang of it.

Then I started riding further afield on the open road (not motorways) and OMG! Suddenly I was doing 100 kph and there were CORNERS and GRAVEL on the sides of the road and FARM GATES and ONCOMING TRAFFIC!

I laugh sometimes when I ride over stretches of road that seemed so scary and daunting just a short time ago. And, like you said, these days I have to remember to keep my speed down to 100kph.

So yeah, you will get used to it. Just take it step by step, don't do anything out of your comfort zone just because you think you should - do it when you feel like doing it and you're ready for that next little thrill. And just keep doing it!

[mossy1200]

Yay - thanks - that's where I want to get to - exciting!!!

If you think about doing more than 70 as naughty you will prob start enjoying it straight away.

[DJSin]

Thanks Klingon for your story

I remember with mountainbiking I was the same - there were hairpin turns and roots that when I was a newbie got the best of me and now I laugh to myself when I ride through them

I am looking forward to being confident at faster speeds

[mukup]

I think its a female thing. We are more likely to think of the "what ifs"? I had been a pillion for years and had two major bike vs car accidents where as a pillion I always ended up worse off. Then I decided I would learn so I could make my own decisions. Once you get more confidence in your bike and your ability you will be sweet. Its just a matter of getting out there and doing it. And they can fix broken bones - don't worry about it. Just enjoy when you are out there. Its no more dangerous than in a car at 100km. Professional riding schools with advanced riding courses can help you pick up tips too, so you are riding safe. And definately get a mentor if you get the chance. I still curse the fact I wasn't born with balls and carve up the traffic like the lads. (but then we don't have to prove how big our ****** is) LOL. The fear is gone, but I am still a cautious rider, which is not a bad thing I guess. You will get there, just enjoy it and be proud of your achievements.

[Bend-it]

Yup, just a matter of getting used to it... the sensation of speed is much greater than when you're in a metal box, but that's part of the appeal of biking... Riding with others helps IF they are happy to ride along at your pace and not push you too hard...

Relax relax relax... and enjoy Don't worry too much about speed... it'll come with saddle-time...

You have a 650 raptor as well? Or is that the BF's? It's a great bike, that one...

[boomer]

I've just got my restricted and while on my learners I was very good and rule abiding and not gone above 70km/h. Today I thought I'd go and get some practice at 100.

I was scared and didn't get much above 70.

I just wondered if anyone else felt the same way when they were learning and had any suggestions to help me relax and get up to 100?

I've search around the site and couldn't find anything - it seems that more people have trouble staying at the speed limit than getting up to it.

The bf says bikes will feel more stable the fast you go but it doesn't feel like it to me

i was scared shitless and got the mrs to follow me in the wagon, knowing some idiot wouldnt run me over whilst i tittered around gave me comfort until i grew some balls.... time in the seat will help your confidence tremendously.

One you get confident then trade up for a gixxer thou

[slofox]

You could try going 200km/hr for a brief fang - after that 100km/hr feels much slower...

On a more serious note, just take it easy and build up incrementally. Go 75 for a week, then 80 for a week etc etc. Successive approximations is what it's called...

[vifferman]

You could try going 200km/hr for a brief fang - after that 100km/hr feels much slower...

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.