speed

speed

by Linda
(USA)

This is my first full season riding - and I ride solo most all of the time. I think I have gotten so much more confident and developed some finesse in riding. For those who wonder when the nerves go away. When I first started riding my pulse would race and my palms would sweat and I could feel the anxiety. This has almost completely gone away. What remains for me is fear of speed. I start to get afraid going faster than 45mph. Like I am going to lose control and that will be it for me. I ride a 2006 Honda Rebel 250 and I love her to death. Any advice for building confidence about increasing speed? This has kinda kept me from venturing out to some places as I feel that I am too slow and potentially an obstacle.
Thanks

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speed

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Sep 19, 2011

speed
by: Lois

If you have a four lane near you I recommend finding the slow time and use it. I know it sounds scary but you won't be worring about someone pulling out of a driveway or parking lot in front of you. It's a place where you are suppose to go faster. You only have to go to the first exit you come to so it's not like your stuck on it forever. If you found it fun just get back on and return to where you started. It may sound crazy but I think for going fast this is a much more controlled enviorment you have better vision and fewer curves to worry about. Just me 2 cents

Sep 18, 2011

Fear of Speed
by: Anonymous

I too have a Rebel 250 and this has been my first full summer of riding since 1984.

I too was apprehensive about going over 40-45 or so. I didn't have a riding buddy, so, if it was to be, it would be up to me. I found a long road in my area that went between 35-50 speed limits on different parts of it. I went out early in the morning on weekends when no one was around - and with no cars behind or in front, just opened it up, hung on and went. The first time I did it, I came back exhilerated.

The Reb is designed to cruise comfortably and 55-60 all day - which it does.

Also, the Reb is a "high RPM" bike. You don't even need to think about shifting into 5th gear until you hit 50 or 55. Once those RPMs are up and you shift to 5th - it is a very comfortable ride.

I later found a friend at work who rides a Harley Fatboy. We go out early on Sat. or Sun. mornings and I follow behind. It has been wonderful and I have improved so much.

So, find a long road that's empty at certain times of the day and just go back and forth on it, back and forth. At both ends there's a little business parking lot, I turn around and do it again. You will get used to it.

And, if you can, find someone who will ride with you. The thing I like about the Reb, you will learn to shift - up and down, stop, go, turn, etc. Its a great learner bike.

Also, psychologically, a good leather jacket, maybe some chaps, and a full face helmet - mentally they helped me feel very safe and helped me get up to speed, that's something else you may want to consider.

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