Wait-- this is scary!

[asymons412]

So, as most of you know, I'm a relatively new rider. I completed my MSF course about a month ago and bought a Suzuki Gladius to pick up my new hobby! Unfortunately, I've had a lot of issues with getting the bike to fit my inseam comfortably, and the dealership has been of little help...

Well, I finally have motorcycle boots (TCX Sunrays) and had my bike lowered using a Soupy's performance link (the amount lowered is currently unknown due to the fact that the dealership essentially handed me the bike and bid me good riddance! I'd approximate 1-2"). I've ridden the bike twice (parking lot practice) before it was lowered with excellent success; I had a ton of fun, wasn't afraid to go through my gears, see what would and wouldn't work, turn fast, turn slow, swerve and stop on a dime...

After about a 2-week wait to resolve my lowering issues, I finally got back on Tiberius in our good ol' parking lot. I guess that I tend to be very analytical (don't we all! :D:), and so of course these past two weeks have been spent analyzing every single motorcycle that passes me on the road, judging others' cornering, wondering "wow... what would I do here?" Well, it seems to have bitten me in the buns.

I got on my Gladius, and immediately I was terrified. My blood pressure was up, I was shaking, afraid to turn, afraid of riding period. By the end of the session, I was able to cruise around and practice some [way too slow] 90 degree turns, stop a few times, and do some swerving, but I still felt uncomfortable. Even my stopping (which is normally the one thing I am good at) was uncomfortable. I found myself over-thinking every maneuver, and not applying my MSF training. It was really upsetting, and my boyfriend was surprised-- but comforting.

Additionally, I couldn't ride with my new boots because [on top of my nerves] they don't give me the same "feel" as my paddock boots-- it's tougher to get a sense of where your foot is in relation to the brake and shifter simply because there's padding everywhere. Has anyone else had this problem? I'm hoping that once my confidence is back up, I'll be able to give them a whirl... especially considering what they cost! :slaphead:

Any other new riders (or ol' pros!) have these days? I'm going to look for a place to ride close to my house today and try again. It's amazing how I can get on a horse and ride the craziest drops and climbs on the trails, yet suddenly a simple turn or stop on my bike is a mortal risk!

[MsBehave]

Girl, I do feel your "pain"...been there, done that, got the sweat stains to prove it :lol: I dropped my bike a time or two early on & could not pick it back up on my own, so I was terrified it would happen again! In response, I froze up & focused on every thing that could possibly go wrong. Of course, things started to go very wrong...

Andrew and I hauled our bikes to Telluride, Colorado, in September. I got the bike in late April. I've been riding for awhile, but the Versys is far and away the baddest bike I've ever owned. I had only put about 700 miles on it by the first of June and ended up in the hospital for emergency surgery & banned from the bike until right before the Colorado trip. To top it off, Andrew was determined to ride the Million Dollar Highway...one of the most technically demanding roads in the western U. S. I was sweating bullets!:shrug: Apparently, I survived (tho, I do have some pretty good tales to tell). It helped to have someone there to prod me along, gently correct me and let me take my time when I had to. I don't recommend biting off a ride like this if you are uncomfortable, but I use it as an example of what you can do even when you doubt yourself. Here are some of the things I did/do to help alleviate that "feeling" you're talking about:

I am doing much better these days regarding the nervousness...a lot had to do with that tippy toe feeling. I did not lower the Versys, but did get a lower seat (that helped...a bit).

I added an engine guard and panniers & found when I do drop the bike, I am now able to lever it back up all by myself as it's resting on the big metal boxes & NOT on the side plastics:yahoo: It's still embarrassing to drop the thing, but it's not the end of the world.

I added a "routine" before every ride. It's my time for mental preparation and I will NOT alter it for anyone (did I mention, I'm ADD/OCD/just plain kooky?). I slowly and deliberately put on my gear & use the time to get my head into the ride.

I've studied the hell out of "The Proficient Motorcyclist". It is an awesome book.

I take a deep breath & exhale when I'm stopping (if I'm gonna drop the bike, it's always while stopping).

I finally learned to NOT look at the ground when rolling to a stop - I look directly ahead (after I've determined the 30 feet directly in my path is not filled with sand, gravel, potholes, etc) at the back of the car in front of me or anything that will keep my eyes elevated.

Most of all, I find that it's time on the bike that's making me a better rider. I recall our MSF instructor (female, btw) telling us we should NOT be out riding the streets for a few months after our course. We should focus our practice on parking lots. Period. And even when we DID start riding on the streets, we should stick to quiet streets close to home for the first few months. I thought she was crazy! You know what, she and my mom must be related, 'cause I got older & she got smarter :angel:

[Astir]

:hug2: We have all been there. You are doing good - getting out there and practicing is the best cure. Once you get comfortable with your bike (and your new boots) you will wonder what the big deal was.

How did it feel as far as getting your feet down?

[asymons412]

Thanks. :): I really think that practice will do the trick, too-- today we found a parking lot that's only down the road, so I'm hoping to get there and practice for just 15-30min every day... get over the stress, ride around (it's a little tighter quarters too, so I'll have to practice cornering) and then be done. I think it'll be my goal to drive the bike there myself; right now my boyfriend rides the bike and I drive. :roflmao:

Having the whole ball of both feet on the ground is wonderful! In my boots, I can nearly flat-foot, too! I can push around the bike/back up in neutral, comfortably hold it up with one leg down (to play with the gears or whatever)-- makes life much, much easier. My little panic negated the confidence it probably should give me, but eliminating that fear of dropping the bike has helped tremendously so that I can concentrate on actual movement.

MsBehave, I was reading excerpts of the Proficient Motorcyclist-- I just might pick it up! The excerpts alone had so many great tips for handling corners.

[GeoNorskie]

That's great that you found a close parking lot. Doing the parking-lot / local neighborhood rides is the best thing to get comfortable. You don't have to worry about other traffic and can concentrate on just your riding. It's amazing how your mental state can affect your riding. If you're tense, cornering (and everything else) is SOOO much more difficult. When you're relaxed, it's a piece of cake. And, yes, we all still have those days.

You'll get used to your boots. When I first got "real" motorcycling boots, they felt really weird. Now I won't ride without them.

(BTW, the Gladius is a totally cool bike, IMO.)

[ImaSoftT]

About 50 years ago, I wanted to learn to play pool, so everyday I would go by this little pool hall and take a table way in the back of the hall where no one could see and practice all the shots I had seen the good players make. I practiced for months and when I thought I was ready I got up enough nerve to play up front with the regulars that came in every night. I quickly found out that all that practice came in handy, but I really didn’t learn how to play pool until I played against the people that were better than me. Each time I shot against a better player I got better too. I used that same strategy when I got my first bike. Nothing can take the place of practicing at your own pace, but at some point you will need to challenge yourself by pushing your limits a little. The tricky part about riding a bike is figuring out when the time is right.

[Luna Tique]

Issues getting a new pair of boots broke in.
:redface1: miss a gear or two before you get the "feel" again.
http://lunatique.smugmug.com/Other/smilies/thinking2/469651172_zJf9J-O.gif (http://lunatique.smugmug.com/Other/smilies/6394670_NAmsS#469651172_zJf9J)
Been there done that :thumbup:

Walk around in them every chance you can. You will love those boots once they are broke in.:cloud9:

Riding is supposed to be fun. :riding::zen:
I recommend the next time you get on your bike
Shake your hands out..... no death grip on the bars
Take a deep breath ( don't forget to let it out :lol:)
and repeat to yourself "I CAN do this".

Then slowing engage the clutch, ease on the throttle and smile

If you are worried about scratching your bike go outside and push it off the kickstand right now.:D: That will make that first scratch easier to take.

Proficient Motorcyclist is an excellent refererence book I agree with MsBehave. Read it, learn from it but remember book smart and street smart are not the same.

We have a copy of it in our lending library I am tracking it down now.

I think the only real way to improve your skills is to take what you were taught in class combined with what you have read and just Practice, Practice and when you think you have it down Practice some more.

We will all attest to the fact that riding is a never ending learning process. Every mile every road will have it's unique challenges.

:hug2:Be careful but don't over think . Have fun & smile every time you turn the key.



PS: If you really feel you can not get comfortable. You could always sign up and retake a MSF course.:thumbup: With your new boots of course:D:

[ridingAK]

I got my first dirt bike when I was 12 years old. I love to ride. I love my bike. I love my gear. Even with all that, there are days that just don't feel right. I have ridden in all sorts of conditions but there are some days when just stopping at the sign that leads from my neighborhood to the main road makes me uneasy. Usually I push through it and within a few minutes all is right with the world but on those days when I don't feel better after a mile or two, I go home and leave riding for another day. Don't let a bad day get to you. It happens to everyone, new rider and experienced.

[LittleRedRider]

This was my fourth summer riding and I still consider myself a beginner. I used to get almost physically sick before rides with anxiety attacks. I tend to spend too much time in my head over-analyzing everything and forget to enjoy the ride, I'm so anal about doing it "right" or "perfect".

The complete panic attacks have ceased, I still get anxious, but it usually disappears within a block or two and I'm wondering what I was getting all worked up about. :confused:
I've found when I get out of my head and just let it happen, it comes much more naturally and comfortably and before I know it, I just done a corner a bit better than the last time or a stretch of road that I thought would be too much.

Each and every time I go out, whether it's an errand around town, a commute to work or an all-day trip, I find at least one POSITIVE thing I did better, smoother, faster and while not beating myself up too much, find one thing I want to work on more the next time.

I'm still a wimp when it comes to freeways through the city, that's a goal for next summer. And, we try to end each season with a ride that will challenge me a little bit more and help me gain self-confidence.

I've learned what makes me comfortable when riding, and more importantly what makes me uncomfortable, and learned to work with and around those issues.

Boot issues too, one pair is better for shifting, one pair is better for braking, but I'd look pretty funny wearing two different boots. :D: City errands or out-of-town trips determines which boots I wear.

[belladonna]

When I first started riding, I put an incredible amount of miles on my bike in a parking lot. That is all I did -- day after day. I bought some red rubber gaskets from the hardware store and put them on the ground so I could practice driving around them and swerving. I drove round in circles, swerved through my gasket markers and braked over and over and over again. I still hit the parking lot every spring before ever going out on the road. Patience and practice will get you there and it will be worth it. Just don't rush.

Also, I admit that learning the hard way that I can pick up the bike, gave me a lot of confidence.
:riding:

[asymons412]

Thanks for all your advice, it's so great to hear that even you pros ;) occasionally have an off day. :thankyou:

Well, it's been a very busy week and I haven't really practiced much, but today I went while a bit tiffed at the boyfriend :D:, who had complained about taking me down the road to practice, and wanted nothing more than to show him up... and I did! it felt amazing. Riding really is all about the mentality. I was thrilled, and even he was smiling by the end of the practice.

Thanks for all of your support-- I feel that if I can keep these practices up, I'll be driving myself to the parking lot in no time! :yahoo:

[FJRider]

Hey I have been ridding the street sense summer of 74 and I still have days when I just do not feel right and find anxiety rears it's ugly head and yes I can jump on a horse and have no problem at all. Just the nature of the beast

[2whlnewbie]

I got my license just a couple of months ago and hubby and I decided to get a new sporty 800cc. I have ridden in the parking lot about a dozen times and a few times on the street. I've dropped the bike twice now http://forums.sportrider.com/_siteconfigs/_global/images/community/bbcode/mad.gif and still intimidated by the bike.

I'm questioning if I should just get back on there and add framesliders to the bike or downgrade to a 250cc bike and work my way up to that 800cc.

BTW, I'm a 5'2" 110 lb.

Thoughts

[Cyclone67]

Hi and welcome to the forum. You're going to get a lot of responses to this I'm sure with varied answers. Bottom line, listen to what your brain is telling you. I noticed you have a BMW F800ST -- that is a lot of bike for a new rider to handle, 800cc is doable (my first is a Bonneville with 865cc). But a large bike like that, (i've not ridden one myself) seems like it's going to be top heavy and a hard to work with, especially until you get a handle on your low speed turns and handling. Take it slow and easy and work on those skills, don't let anyone pressure you into getting in over your head.

If your pocket book can handle it, you might want to think about getting a smaller bike to get your skills down with. I got a second bike, a Yamaha TW200 for that reason, it made me a much better rider. And as a plus, I now have a great and very forgiving bike to take out on trails. A Super Sherpa would be great to for that purpose to, and of course 250 ninja's, rebels, ect if you want a street bike / cruiser. If you shop around for a used 250cc bike, you won't have any problem selling it and getting your money back when you're ready to move on. There is always a new rider looking for a good deal..

Good luck!:wootrock:

[asymons412]

+1 :thumbup: I agree. A smaller displacement bike might make your life easier in the long-run. If you can't (or can!) afford one, maybe consider lowering the bike you have. Being able to hold yourself firm on the ground makes a world of difference. I knew my bike needed to be lowered the first time I dropped due to a stop on uneven ground, and then again after my bike stalled out and threw me over in a parking lot. :redface1:

Framesliders are always useful, but don't entirely protect your bike in the event of a drop.

Just keep up your parking lot practice! :) After this thread, I practiced in parking lots and on backroads for weeks until I was finally comfortable driving in traffic. You'll get there!

[2whlnewbie]

Thanks for the replies and encouragement. The bike is lowered already with my heel not quite touching the ground.

[ridingAK]

We are about the same height, so I empathize with the struggle of being short with a big bike. Most of the time beginners have more trouble starting and stopping than actually riding, so being able to reach the ground comfortably adds a lot of confidence. You might also consider a custom seat. Not only can you get it so you are a little lower, but it will be more comfortable. It made the world of difference for me when I got my F650.

[2whlnewbie]

ridingAK, so your first bike was a F650?

[Pawprint2104]

Riding is supposed to be fun. :riding::zen:
I recommend the next time you get on your bike
Shake your hands out..... no death grip on the bars
Take a deep breath ( don't forget to let it out :lol:)
and repeat to yourself "I CAN do this".

Then slowing engage the clutch, ease on the throttle and smile

If you are worried about scratching your bike go outside and push it off the kickstand right now.:D: That will make that first scratch easier to take.

PS: If you really feel you can not get comfortable. You could always sign up and retake a MSF course.:thumbup: With your new boots of course:D:

Double Ditto :thumbup:

Took the words right outta my mouth. Nuthin' like a little tip over to put things in perspective. You realize the bike will survive, you'll survive and it really just isn't so bad. "That which doesn't kill me, makes me stronger."

[ImaSoftT]

2whlnewbie, you mentioned the possibility of getting a smaller bike and my thoughts would be that since you are rather on the vertically challenged side, this might be a good option for you. The smaller bike might not seem so much of a monster to you, and therefore you will be more likely to enjoy getting on it. If I had started on the bike I ride today I would have freaked out.

I'm not familiar with frame sliders, but I know I sure do like my engine guards. They not only protect the paint job on my bike, but they keep the bike off of my leg when I do let the bike take a little slab nap, and so I feel much more at ease when I'm riding. And my hubby has them on his bike also, so its not just a girly thing, the guys go down just as much as the girls do.

Please keep going to the parking lot to practice your basic skills. I guarantee you that each time you go, you will come back feeling a little more confident.

Don't get discouraged, you will find the right match for you. You and your hubby will have so much fun once you get all the bugs worked out. Good luck.

[ridingAK]

ridingAK, so your first bike was a F650?

My first bike as an adult, yes. I am one of those who rode as a kid, then took a long break...

[2whlnewbie]

asymons412, was the gladius your first bike? i know everyone's different ...

[asymons412]

Yup, was and is. :) I couldn't be happier with it. It is a 650cc, but the bike weight is something like 440lbs dry. Plus, it's nice and close to the ground (stock is only 30.9" seat height, I think--although I have it lowered from that). It handles really well... a lot of fun in the morning when no one's out on the main roads... :D:

[2whlnewbie]

Kudos to you, asymons412!

I have read (which I need to stop doing) that beginners 'should' start on 500cc or lower, which I think has put a mental block of getting back on the 800cc.

Friends who also ride, have said I should also get a smaller bike.

I am very torn on what is the right next step for me ...

[PattiS]

2whlnewbie, I'm very new at this, don't have my endorsement yet - but it seems like if you are comfortable on a smaller bike and not comfortable on the 800cc, you could ride a smaller bike for a while, and then go back to the bigger one. If it's a mental block, some time on a smaller bike could break through it. If it's a matter of not quite being ready for the bigger bike, some time on a smaller bike could get you there. Can you rent or borrow a smaller bike for a while, and see if that helps?

[BlueLghtning]

2whlnewbie, I've helped a lot of ladies learn to ride and I've seen first hand many times how being on a bigger bike can really make you struggle and definitely hold you back. Its not the same for all ladies, but sometimes the weight and size of a bike can be a huge issue. It took me awhile myself to realize how much the heavier weight can affect ladies learning since I'm 6'4" myself and can pretty much throw my leg over anything. But when it comes to teaching ladies to ride, I had to remind myself, it was a totally different experience for them and I got a good teaching myself as I watched several learning how to ride. I would definitely suggest getting something lighter and smaller to get your basics down and help you through that difficult learning process. There is nothing to be ashamed or concerned about stepping down to a smaller bike for a period of time. Riding should be enjoyable and its definitely a learning experience you need to become comfortable with. Doing it on a lighter and easier to handle bike will help you grow your skill level much more quickly and confidently and then if you can hang on to the 800, you'll have a great bike to move up to. If you were to continue to struggle with the 800, you might get discouraged and give up and we'd really hate to see that.

You are a tad shorter and smaller then my wife GypsyAngel (who is 5'4"/115lbs) and very inseam challenged herself. She was actually already riding when we met and getting ready to move from a CBR600 to a Yamaha FZ1. (She had started on a Ninja 500). I warned her that she was going to struggle on such a large bike even though she had several years of riding already under belt and could technically ride the bike okay. As, it turned out though after several drops and some very frustrating moments for her, it was just to way to heavy and she eventually started becoming much more aware of the weight of bikes and how they carried that weight. She had one of those "ah ha" moments though soon after that when I acquired a Ninja 250 myself to play on and she started riding it and loving it herself. Even though she was already a competent rider, she had no idea how much fun and much better her riding could be on a smaller bike. She actually went and bought her own Ninja 250 to play on. I was amazed at how quickly her skill set grew being able to enjoy that smaller bike. It became her bike of choice to ride around town and for short trips since it was so much easier to handle.

She eventually sold the FZ1 and got a Ninja 650R which she enjoyed, but eventually found her pride and joy with the BMW F650GS single like RidingAK rides. It's actually got a very low center of gravity and seems to be a favorite among the ladies.

The BMW F800ST is a nice bike and Sarah recently test rode one herself as she thought it would make a nice sport touring bike and something we might add to the stable down the line. She actually came away disappointed though as she felt the bike didn't turn as nice as her F650GS and she struggled more on it. I think it might have been low on air pressure and they had the rear preload all the way down, but I didn't realize that till she got back. Overall its still a nice bike, but I don't really think its much of a beginner bike and certainly not something easy to learn on with your petite stature.

I would definitely look at a Ninja 250 for the time being. Whether you can hang onto the 800 during that time is up to you, but you will definitely enjoy the lighter bike.

[Luna Tique]

Very well said BL.
A smaller bike does help with those beginner jitters and a real confidence builder as you hone your skills. And to top it off they are a blast to ride at any level of skill.
It is all about what feels right for you.

Also if your are told that you won't be able to keep up I say this
If the people you are thinking about riding with are going to push that hard then you probably should not be learning to ride honing your newly found skills with them on any bike.
Bigger bikes can get you into bigger trouble faster Just my http://lunatique.smugmug.com/Other/smilies/2cents/467530989_ecVAj-O.gif (http://lunatique.smugmug.com/Other/smilies/6394670_NAmsS#467530989_ecVAj)

[LittleRedRider]

Very well said BL.
A smaller bike does help with those beginner jitters and a real confidence builder as you hone your skills. And to top it off they are a blast to ride at any level of skill.
It is all about what feels right for you.

Also if your are told that you won't be able to keep up I say this
If the people you are thinking about riding with are going to push that hard then you probably should not be learning to ride honing your newly found skills with them on any bike.
Bigger bikes can get you into bigger trouble faster Just my http://lunatique.smugmug.com/Other/smilies/2cents/467530989_ecVAj-O.gif (http://lunatique.smugmug.com/Other/smilies/6394670_NAmsS#467530989_ecVAj)


Great responses BL & LT.

I started on a 250 hoping I would eventually move up. My hubby rides a CBR1000 and adjusted his pace to mine. When I first started looking at moving up, I fell in love with the Shadow 600, the salesman kept trying to push me to a 750, but I knew it would be too much bike for me as a first upgrade, so I stuck to my gut and when I was ready to move up, found a nice used Shadow 600. I sat on many 750's (and still do each time we go to the dealership :lol: !) but am still much more comfortable on my 600. The seat height isn't a problem, it's the weight issue. My 600 can feel heavy after a long day of riding, I can't imagine how the 750 would feel when I get to that point.

We still have a 250, my hubby uses it as a commuter and loves zipping around on it. I'll hop on her everyonce in awhile and each time I do I remember how much fun she is to ride and what a confidence builder she is.

I love my 600, but am so glad I started smaller. I know that if I had tried to start with something bigger it would have frustrated, intimidated and probably scared the beejebbers out of me and I would not have pursued riding.

There is no shame in starting small. It's all about emotional and physical comfort and building confidence & skills.

[KansasKawboy]

Three very good replys. :clapping:

[indianscout]

Three very good replys. :clapping:



I agree and being a guy who is also verticaly challenged, decide several years ago to down size to a bike I truly enjoy. Yes it is old and slow but It's what I like and not what everyone else thinks I should have. I suggest you find a bike you like that fits you and your style of riding and have fun with it. Eventually others will respect your decision and accept you and your style. I gave up riding a 1998 HD Road King for my 1940 Indian Scout and have never looked back. I just got a compliment yesterday from a person who I respect tremendously. His words where "Who else would take a 70 year old underpowered bike in todays traffic and put on the miles as you have"? This coming from a guy who rides 65 year old Indian motorcycle being the only difference is he rides a 74 ci (1000 cc Chief) bike and not a 45 ci (750 cc Scout). And as if that is not a big enough compliment he then asked me to join him and several others on a road trip out west all of us riding 1940-47 Indians with me riding the only scout. The best bike there is is the one you are riding......period! It's your ride and no one else's. Have fun and keep us posted. :riding:

[ImaSoftT]

I suggest you find a bike you like that fits you and your style of riding and have fun with it. The best bike there is is the one you are riding......period! It's your ride and no one else's.

:clapping: indianscout, I agree with you 100%.