I Am Scared and Frustrated

I Am Scared and Frustrated

by RipCity_Rider
(Portland)

21 yr old 100lbs. Okay so I purchased a Ninja 250 a few days ago and today my bf took me out to teach. I have been riding on the back of his R6 for a month now and feel comfortable. We spent about 20 min on a flat surface before I broke down crying and demanded to go home and put this bike up on craigslist to sell. Truth is, I don't want to sell the bike, but I'm so afraid of it. I'm not really afraid of hurting myself, I'm afraid I will hurt the bike or just never understand the bike. I know NOTHING about cars nor have I ever driven a stick. The whole clutch and shifting business has me so overwhelmed. Did any other females feel defeated after 20 mins?

It's just all so much to learn and do at the same time.

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I Am Scared and Frustrated

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Apr 04, 2012

Not Just Girls Get Frustrated
by: Anonymous

I'm a guy and I've recently purchased my first bike and have been driving for a few days now. I'm thoroughly irritated and frustrated to my limits. I have no friends who ride or even know how to ride, so learning to shift is quite a challenge to me as well. I also have no experience driving a manual transmission car. So I know your pain. I have driven smaller automatic motorcycles for a few years now and I have to say, stick with it. There's so much freedom from driving a motorcycle, being closer to the road and what not. It's just an incredible feeling once you get the hang of it. Like anything, practice makes perfect. Good luck. =)

Aug 02, 2011

Definitely Take the Motorcycle Safety Course!
by: Shannon

I've never driven a standard vehicle before either, and had only been on the back of a motorcycle a few times. The motorcycle safety course was fantastic, (even though I dropped the bike 3 times) I was finally able to figure out the basics and practice in a safe and supportive environment. The instructors have probably seen it all, so don't worry about not catching on at first. Even after the course, I agree that you need to practice a LOT. I just bought a 2010 Ninja 250 and I love it, but I'm still practicing as much as I can in parking lots!

May 08, 2011

Don't give up so soon!
by: Anonymous

Oh honey - don't give up so easily. I took the rider safety course twice I was so bad the first time - mostly due to fear. I took the class a second time and did very well. Got my license and bought a Rebel 250 - a small beginner bike.Being only 60" tall and not too strong I needed a small bike. I am still learning and practicing. Practice, practice practice. I can not emphasize that enough. You will become more comfortable and the whole clutch and shifting thing will start to come to you - but you gotta keep getting on the bike to learn.

Apr 16, 2011

MSF
by: Anonymous

Take the MSF course, these people are teachers they know how to impart the knowledge you need to get you riding. They are also very patient and will walk you through everything.

Apr 08, 2011

Stay with It!!!
by: MSgirlnETN

First of all, don't have a husband/boyfriend try to teach you....take the MSF course by yourself and let someone who isn't invested in you emotionally help/show you. I took the course with my husband but we were under different instructors and 2 different groups. He's an experienced rider and he said himself there was no way he could teach me the way they did. He even learned from the course as well. Oh by the way, I had never cranked a motorcycle much less ridden one by myself before I took the class. That was 2 years ago and I am on my 2nd bike! And I will be 48 yrs old this year! I still get a little nervous when we first head out but by the time we get back the butterflies are gone!!!

Take the course, get your license and practice, practice, practice!!!

Mar 20, 2011

Don't give up, we've all been there.
by: Linda

Just like everybody else on here tells you, take a Motorcycle Safety Training course. The course is fun, and will teach you everything you need to get acquainted with your bike, and feel totally comfortable with it. We all started out like you, being confused and getting frustrated. But you'll see that a course will take all that away in a few days while learning with students just like you. I looked up where in Oregon such courses are available and found this for you... http://teamoregon.orst.edu/to_web/index.shtml A little from their website: 'The Basic Rider Training course is a 15-hour program which includes six hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of on-cycle riding experience (Motorcycles and helmets are provided). It begins with the basics, such as turning, shifting and braking, then moves on to more advanced street riding skills and emergency maneuvers'. They have 22 sites in Oregon that provide these classes. Another thing you might find interesting is that many insurance companies offer discounts on motorcycle premiums to students who have successfully completed a riders course. Sign up asap I'd say, go get your license and go enjoy the road. Good luck!

Mar 14, 2011

Don't Give Up
by: Anonymous

As you can see, we can't say it enough.

TAKE THE MSF COURSE !!!!!!!

You can't learn to ride in 20 min. Maybe after 500-1000 miles of seat time you will just be getting comfortable. Soooooo many thing to think about when on the bike, it just take seat time.

Good luck!

Mar 13, 2011

Don't give up.
by: Lidia

From your 20's to my 50's. I decided I wanted to ride a motorcycle right before I turned 50, and in my mind I had the idea that if I took the basic riding course, felt comfortable on the bike and passed the test, I would buy a bike. And so it went; I loved the course, learned sooooo much in 2.5 days, and a month later I bought my beginner's bike: a Honda Rebel. That was 1 year ago. The basic riding course is a MUST!!!! All your demons go away when you have the H-D instructors guiding you every step of the way. Awesome!! Keep the bike, take the course and move on from there. You can actually take the course again, if you don't feel comfortable the first time. Enjoy!!!

Mar 12, 2011

20 Minutes
by: Sandra

And just what CAN a person master in 20 minutes? The class is the best. First and second gears are the hardest. Actually the bike becomes MUCH more easy to control at a slightly higher speed. But you gotta learn how to walk before you take off running. That's where you spend all your time in beginner's class. After that, you will look back at this post and laugh.

Mar 12, 2011

Ditto
by: Anonymous

Take the motorcycle safety course. It will save you lots of stress and it will also save your relationship. Take this from someone who has been riding for more than 30 years. You will get the hang of it and it will be a lot easier taking those lessons from a stranger than from someone close to you.

Good luck and be safe!!!

Mar 12, 2011

Ditto
by: Anonymous

Lots of good advice here. My two cents - take the motorcycle safety course. You'll never regret it and you will learn SO much! It's a wonderful experience!

Mar 12, 2011

Mentor in Portland
by: Judy

Hello there!

You're putting too much pressure on yourself. I've mentored new riders before, including my Nephew who I bought a Ninja 250 for. He was so green I wouldn't even let him start on the 250; I have a very small, street legal moped-sized vintage (1975) "Cafe Racer" I had him learn on. Less intimidating and only weighs about 150 lb.

Before you give up on this why don't you contact me? I'd be happy to help you in a non-stressful, encouraging manner. I know of an excellent very large parking lot across the river in Vancouver where I live where I could bring the little 60cc bike for you to learn the basics on.

I can be reached at Quicklimegirl@hotmail.com

Mar 12, 2011

Best $200 I ever spent!
by: Ruth

I agree! Take the course. I told my hubby to teach me, he said no way, take the course. That was some of the best money I ever spent. Look for a place that provides the bikes, I think most do, that way you are not worrying about 'hurting' your bike. I learned so much, my Hubby says I am a better rider than him, and he has been riding 40 years. : ) Good luck and don't give up yet.

Mar 12, 2011

Don't Get Frustrated
by: JANET

Find yourself a motorcycle course. I learned so much. I spent 2 days learning and riding and taking test. I loved it. It's the best thing to do. And please be patient. It takes time to learn to ride. You just can't hop on a bike and take off. I was taught to ride a Honda 250 Rebel at the motor cycle course. I bought a Virago. I was riding a SV650. Now my husband just rides. But if I can learn to ride (48 yrs old) Then you can learn. Be patient and relax. Find you a course to take.

Mar 12, 2011

Don't Give Up Yet
by: Anonymous

Really good suggestions here. You are young, you have many good years ahead of you to master riding your motorcycle, but get a good start and take the motorcycle safety class. This girl learned to ride in a big city (Chicago) parking lot 37 years ago, and has never been on the back of someone else's motorcycle since. Still riding my own 37 years later!!! Don't be scared, but be safe.

Mar 12, 2011

Clutch
by: Alexis

Ok, I drove a stick LONG before I got my bike. I did have at least something in my head to go on. With that being said, it's nothing the same. Take the motorcycle training class. It isn't cheap. Here, in FL, it's about $250, and it's worth EVERY penny. Don't try to learn from a friend. The class teaches you so much more than just how to shift. Teaches you positioning on the road, what to look for, how to lean the bike, and so much more. It also gives you the test so you're legal!

I've met petite little ladies who ride big a$$ bikes. It's not weight. It's like life, nothing replaces experience. I've been riding for 7 years and I still get nervous. If you quit now, you will never ride again. Keep going, and I;m sure you will get it. Once you get from first to second gear, the rest is simple. (In the class, you rarely leave 1st gear, and never leave 2nd. It's getting rolling that's the hard part.) Try not to think too much about it and feel the bike. Feel what the bike needs. Wear ALL your gear: helmet, jeans, jacket, gloves, etc... I broke my leg when I lady ran me off the road. I was going only a few miles an hour when I landed but I would have died from the bash to the head without my helmet. With my gear on, it was just a silly break... a fluke really, but would have been bad without the gear.

Don't give up. Keep just doing stops and starts until you get that, then worry about shifting into 2nd and back down to 1st. Once you get that down, work on figure-8's! I still stall on occasion.

Quick story to help you feel better. I was riding with a group to an event. Once we arrived, a gentleman (with his wife on the back) went to put his kickstand down, got his foot caught and ended up dumping right there in the parking space. No damage to him, his wife, or the bike outside of his pride. He's been riding for 20+ years. It happens to the best and most careful riders. Don't lose faith in yourself. You will learn this, and tire of that little bike quick and want to sell it, not out of frustration but because you want to move up!

Mar 12, 2011

Rider's Course
by: Anonymous

Rider's Course for sure! Usually not a good idea to have a significant other teach you to drive, be it a car or a motorcycle. I am 115, and ride a 883 custom, just get a feel for the bike.

Good luck!

Mar 12, 2011

MSF class!!
by: Anonymous

MUCH BETTER TO TAKE INSTRUCTION FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE TRAINED TO INSTRUCT!!! No offense to your boyfriend. My husband was trained to train motorcycle cops, and he made me take the class. Then he helped fine tune my skills! Don't sell that bike!!!

Mar 12, 2011

Hang in there!!!
by: Rhiannon

First, don't give up!!! It is scary & frustrating. Three pieces of advise: get yourself a cheap little dirtbike off craigslist. Practice on it & if you drop it, it won't matter. It will be lighter & easier for you to maneuver than the Ninja. Take a riding class. Sometimes it's a lot easier & less emotional to learn from someone other than your mate. Also the teachers are trained professionals. Write down the sequence of clutch, shift etc. Go over it in your mind. Study it. Ride with your BF & watch him from the back seat. This is how I learned how to do it. Be patient with yourself. It will take time & practice for you to get comfortable. Fear is my biggest sabotage too.

Mar 12, 2011

Dear Scared
by: Micki

Riding your own isn't for everyone - have him take you to a BIG, empty parking (maybe a school, over the weekend) - it takes more than 20 mins to get the 'feel' of the clutch - always remember - the clutch is your FRIEND! When you feel uncomfortable, out of control, or threatened in any way - PULL that Friend IN! It disengages all G0 power!
Also, you may want to look into a beginner riders class - they are a HUGE confidence builder, the teach everything from the ground up!!! AND, they supply the bike.

Mar 12, 2011

It's Normal
by: Anonymous

The back is SO different from the front. You've probably heard this already, but I really recommend you take one of the basic rider training courses. I took mine through Team Oregon. They walk you through everything. And don't give up; it's totally worth it!!!

Mar 12, 2011

Motorcycle Classes
by: Anonymous

Don't give up you will be ok..it's time you take a class instead of your boyfriend trying to teach you...I mean I'm pretty sure he is an expert, but the classes work wonders with the proper gear and a lot of confidence you be riding. I definitely suggest you go to a class, sometimes they have them for as little as $25 in some colleges near you..!!

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