I Need Some Confidence

I Need Some Confidence

by PLC
(California )

I am a new rider and I have fallen so many times. I have taken the riders course and I have my license but I still fall and my boyfriend never falls. so when I fall he just doesn't get how hard it is for me to keep riding. For example today I was turning and I fell and it was in the middle of nowhere and I struggled to pick the bike up my adrenaline pumping so hard. I finally get the bike up and It tips over the other way and I fall on it in the middle of the road. So then I pick it up again and push it to the side of the road let's just say today sucked. I have male friends that ride but they haven't fallen as many times as me. I guess I feel like I shouldn't ride or I'm the only one that falls? That much. I don't really have a mentor or someone you can truly be patient with me and teach me how to ride because let me tell you the riders coarse I took didn't teach you how to pick your bike up or what to do when your stuck.

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I Need Some Confidence

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Sep 18, 2011

twist of the wrist 2
by: Anonymous

There are some videos that can really help. http://www.twistofthewristdvd.com/home.asp I know it says racing but it is all about taking your turns.

Aug 12, 2011

Hope this helps
by: Amanda

I took a course when I was 17 that actually had people gently lay our bikes down and made us get them back up on our own. It sounds like every one else covered the basics but I would practice lifting your bike up properly in case you ever do tip it over. There certainly is a trick to it so ask someone or even research it online. I am 119lbs and I use to ride my dad's Eletra glide and had no was able to get it up on my own. The trick is walking it up and making sure the kick stand is up.

Above all else, don't give up but be safe. Even if it means riding around a block with little to no traffic with someone to help you just in case. I use to have problems stopping and going up big hills so that's all I did for a few days.

Practice makes perfect :)

Jul 29, 2011

Chin Up, Really
by: Lisa

The best advice I can give you is when you stop, keep your chin up. It really works. If you tend to look down at the road when you stop, you will almost always fall.

Keep it up. Someday, you'll be as good as the best of them.

Jul 28, 2011

DON'T use front brake.
by: Anonymous

If most of your falls have occurred during a slow turn, it could be because you're using your front brake. Use only the back brake, but again, ONLY if you're going slow. I have a huge bike, way too big for me, and I dropped it several times in the first year or two. I finally read the book out there about how to handle your heavy bike and this tip was first and foremost. Haven't dropped it since. Good luck!

Jul 28, 2011

Falling
by: Anonymous

I have fallen off my bike turning a corning into heavy traffic, while my husband who was way to far ahead of me did not even notice. It is frustrating, but I kept getting back on. I also went to a garage party at a Harley Davidson dealership. Even if don't want to ever own a Harley, it is worth going. It is just for girls and they show you how to pick up a bike. They key thing to remember when picking it up is to make sure the kick stand is out before you start if it is lying on the right side and to put it up while you are picking your bike up if it laid down on the left, then you don't have to worry about it tipping over again. I took the MSF course before I started riding and I still dumped my bike, jumped a curb and went tearing through a front yard, all on separate occasions. And yes I practiced in a parking lot and no my bike is not to big, it just takes practice. I am still new, only 6,000 miles under my belt, but it gets easier. Also, If you are falling in turns, be sure you are not hitting your front brake with the wheel turned. I am friends with the MSF instructor in my area and he told me to try dragging my rear brake through the turns until I felt steadier. It really helped.....but I still wont go to the corner I dumped on. Keep trying, it is worth it.

Jul 27, 2011

Falling
by: Anonymous

First and foremost, TAKE A SAFETY CLASS. It sounds like you don't even have the basics down.

Jul 27, 2011

Your Riding
by: Anonymous

Try to read David Hough's book "Proficient Motorcyclist."

He discuss many maneuvers which may help that you can practice. Also there may be a rider coach that you can find in your area. They do charge but they are objective and want you to succeed.

I still go out and critique myself on how I could have done something different or better or smoother.

Practice but practicing the correct way is the key. If you cant afford the book they may have it at your library.

It is hard to be new at something. Keep on trying and make sure that your bike fits you properly.

Keep the shiny side up.

Jul 27, 2011

Practice Makes Perfect
by: Anonymous

Hi, what size is your bike? Some people often get bikes that are too big and heavy for them to handle which means that they can't control them. Also have you gone to an empty parking lot to practice? That is something no one can teach. You can go practice your turns and stops and shifting. Basic skills must be learned before you get out riding and hurt yourself.

Do not allow more experienced riders to coax you into riding above your skill level. Make your safety your issue and stick to simple rides with minimal turns and off main streets and off curvy streets until you build your confidence.

Go on the internet specifically You Tube for videos about almost every aspect of riding from turning to picking up your bike. Very helpful also is the book Proficient Motorcycling by David L. Hough which is available at the library.

Your riding skills will improve with practice and study there is no magic answer that will help. How do I know? I am a newbie with 2 months experience and 1100 miles, I've read, studied and practiced alone. My skill level has improved tremendously yet I still have much more to learn. Ride safe and have fun!

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