Turning from a Stop Sign or Signal

Turning from a Stop Sign or Signal

by Sue
(Illinois)

I am so apprehensive and under confident when I am going to make a turn when I am stopped at a light or stop sign. I try to look to where I am going to go, but I am still so bad at it. I am really trying to work with my clutch and the friction zone, too. I feel like I am never going to do it smoothly and with confidence . I ordered the "Ride Like A Pro V" DVD and I hope that it helps. I feel like such a loser - everyone else can do it.

Thanks,

Sue

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Turning from a Stop Sign or Signal

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Apr 25, 2009

Update
by: Sue

I will definitely keep you up to date. I hope I get the DVD soon. Suppose to rain the next few days and it would be the prefect time to watch it. I rode 2 times yesterday and everything went pretty good. I felt much more confident. Thanks to all of your support.

I do want to get the parking lot thing down for sure. The more control I have with the bike, the better. I would love to be able to do what they can do. So, in time WE will get there. Everyone have a wonderful and blessed weekend!!

Sue

Apr 25, 2009

Engine Guard is Great Idea!
by: Bridgett

When I dropped my bike, the engine guard took the brunt of the fall. There where some scratches on the guard, but my bike was fine. Also, the video shows you how to pick up your bike if you should drop it, a must for us female riders, MEN TOO! Bikes are heavy when down.

I hope you give us an update after practicing. You will be so excited once you go for it in the parking lot and gain that confidence and really get to know your bike. I plan on doing practicing in a lot for some time to come for the sake of learning and really getting to know my bike. Keep us posted!

Bridgett

Apr 24, 2009

Thanks
by: Sue

Thank you all so much for your great comments and support. I can't wait to get the Ride Like a Pro Video after hearing from Bridgette!! I am planning on practicing a lot tomorrow. We are suppose to have great weather and I can get out a couple of times through the day to ride. I think I will order the engine guard (crash bar) just so I don't hurt the bike. That way it can't land on me, too when I practice in the parking lot.
Ride safely everyone and again thanks for everything!!

Sue

Apr 23, 2009

Ride Like a Pro Rocks!
by: Bridgett

My husband now calls me Bridgett "Ride Like a Pro" Phillips! LOL. It is a great video. I too felt very shaky, dropped my bike and would stall often on take offs. I watched the video a couple times, went to a big parking lot and practiced. I have only done the first exercise, weaving and of course Turning, because of course I too was having a hard time with turns. I still get nervous, but I have improved so much in just one practice session. My husband thought buying the video was stupid. But he watched it and really liked it. It is very informative. Then after one day of practice, my husband was astounded at how much I improved on my riding! I have only been riding a few months. I still have not learned the tight circles, more parking lot time. I am also going to take the experienced riding course thru the MSF in a month where they work with you on your bike, practicing the same skills they teach you in the basic class. Keep practicing, do it where you don't feel pressure, then you can go out and "RIDE LIKE A PRO!" Hang in there, be safe and you will learn!

Bridgett

Apr 22, 2009

Stopping
by: LADYRIDER

I have been riding for a little over a year and I still have trouble on a hill. You will get it. Just please be patient with yourself. I pray every time I get on my bike. It is so thrilling to see women on their own bikes. I rode with my husband last month and I felt so out of place on the back. I had to go home and get mine. So please don't beat yourself up, you will get it. And when you do, it will be second nature. Goof luck!

Apr 22, 2009

Don't Give Up
by: Cheryl

Not everyone else can do it! I have frustrated my husband from day 1 with my lack of clutch skills and coordination. I tend to pop the clutch. I still have problems at stop signs, too. Just fell at one yesterday after the wind caught my backpack and I lost my balance, but I picked my bike up, got back on, and drove home. I gave it a hug, said I was sorry, and took it out again today. Hang in there! It is such a great feeling when you finally have a good day! Much luck to you!

Apr 22, 2009

Don't give up . . .
by: Jacee

You WILL get to the point where it is no big deal and you'll do it without even thinking about it. I have been riding for 6 years now and everything about my motorcycle is just about like breathing. I seldom think about the mechanics of operating it or turning left or right or stopping/starting.

At the beginning of every summer for 5 years in a row, I would start the riding season in a big parking lot. I would go around and around; stop and start; stop-start-turn going left then right. Just practicing everything little thing I could think of before going out on the road for the first time.

This year was the first year that I took my first ride of the season just right out the driveway and went riding. No parking lot. I don't know if I needed to the parking lot practice for 5 years running, but it helped rebuild my confidence after not riding for several winter months.

You can do it - it will get easier.

Apr 22, 2009

Turning
by: kenberlyc

Don't get discouraged and don't beat yourself up. I have been riding two years now, and do quite well....except when leaving my driveway. At the end of my driveway is a steep hill. I have to go up that hill, stop and wait for oncoming traffic, then turn either left or right. I have dropped my bike when leaving that hill. Now I wait at the bottom of the hill and when I see that no one is coming, I go, not stopping at top. Pathetic, I know. One of these days I will get it, it's more of a mental thing now. Anyway, I know how you feel, don't give up.

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