I really feel dumb writing this into answers.
I bought a scooter last week becuse I thought it would be fun to have. After driving out on the city streets for afew days I'am finding myself very much scared to take it out again.
I bought it also to save gas going to work only 3 miles away.
Any advice on getting over being scared driving in traffic ?
2006-08-14 09:21:15 · 10 answers · asked by Old School 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
This isn't dumb at all. It is scary to be on 2 wheels. Back up from the heavy traffic for a while and ride early on the weekends. And in quieter areas. Go into School parking lots on the weekend and practice. Take the Safety Course that everyone is talking about. This is a learning time. You will get better at it and the fear is going to be replaced with Know how......Before you know it all the now unknown will become 2nd nature.
2006-08-14 12:50:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aha. I think I know how you feel,
is it the speed or uncertainty in finding yourself in a situation that you are unsure how to handle? If so, I had these fears when i got my scooter, unfortunately I never got to find out if they were well founded as my scooter was vandalised beyond repair before I got to use it by the chav next door.
Would it be worth having a few driving lessons in a car to get a sense of speed and road safety in the security of a 4 wheeled vehicle before starting on 2? A scooter is a dangerous peice of kit, I dont think its because its not as big as a car as much as it is the young inexperienced people riding it, try having a few driving lessons even if you dont want to drive a car, itl help develop a 'driving head' which is a lot safer.
2006-08-14 09:29:22 · answer #2 · answered by englishkeymaster 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You ride a Zuma 125- the manliest of all scooters and are worried about what ANYBODY thinks?!? That is an awesome scooter dude. I ride a 50cc Yamaha Vino... Do I worry about what people think? NO way! I could care less. I LOOK like the ''prototypical biker", and I also have another bike (Suzuki VL800). People say it's a ladies bike, or a beginners bike. I don't care. Anyhow, I bet most of your "friends" are just jealous that they have to be stuck in a car, and I am pretty sure the women (girls) who "question your sexuality" are just making jokes, and hoping you'll take the opportunity to prove them wrong.
2016-03-16 22:17:21 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's normal to be scared when you get started.
I have to second the recommendations to take a motorcycle class and get full motorcycle gear, if you haven't already. I feel a lot more comfortable wearing my jacket, boots, riding pants, gloves, and a full face helmet. That helps keep the "If I fall off, it's going to hurt" thoughts from really getting to me.
And then, practice a bit by riding it around on empty streets or in a parking lot. Practice your turns, stopping, etc. Build up your confidence in riding that thing. After a few weeks, start venturing out onto more heavily traveled roads, a little at a time.
2006-08-15 01:10:40 · answer #4 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes! You ARE smart to be afraid. I have been riding motorcycles for over 7 years, and raced cars for years prior to that. Bikes, and even scooters, are mysterious in nature until you learn what makes them turn, what makes them stop, and even... what makes them crash.
I have found that training is key. Don't think because it's a scooter it is somehow less dangerous than a motorcycle. In most ways it's more dangerous - small wheels, low stance, poor brakes and limited power.
Go to the DMV and sign up for motorcycle safety school. You will learn how to ride a small motorcycle and learn the basic dynamics of how they work. All of your learnings will be directly applicable to your scooter.
Also, safety equipment gives you more confidence and enables you to fully focus on the task at hand, being safe. Buy a good jacket, gloves, and a full-face helmet (unless you don't like your face, like the guy who answered above.)
Be safe, and good for you for trying to conserve gas.
Peace.
2006-08-14 12:27:45 · answer #5 · answered by GS Terror 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're smart to be scared - it's probably the single most dangerous thing you will ever do in your life.
That being said, it's still awfully fun and very economical - just stay a little scared and don't get overconfident.
To answer your question, I'd check with the DMV - they almost always have classes, and you probably need to get a certification for your license anyway.
2006-08-14 12:07:53 · answer #6 · answered by Steve 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is smart to be afraid. You are much more likely to get hurt on a scooter. That is reality. Wear protective gear, goggles, helmet, gloves, jacket, anything to protect you in a fall. Be aware and cautious.
I bought a Kawasaki 1000 to drive back and forth from work (120 mile round trip). It scares me too.
2006-08-14 09:47:58 · answer #7 · answered by J C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Scared is a bit harsh. Let's use the word cautious. You have the right mind set. I'd suggest taking a defensive driving class, and motorcycle class. Car drivers are shielded inside metal, and twist-n-goers have nothing but a helmet & padding.
Post your question in one of these forums:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/TwistnGoScoot/
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/theyamahavinoclub/
http://www.provoscooter.com/vbull/index.php
2006-08-17 11:59:38 · answer #8 · answered by r0bErT4u 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try practicing riding it in a safe area where you might not be as afraid to ride it and then move to an area with traffic. The more you ride it the more comfortable you'll be riding it.
And you might be less afraid to ride it in a bike lane.
2006-08-14 09:29:51 · answer #9 · answered by anonomous 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try riding on the weekends when there is less traffic. The more you ride, the more comfortable you will become.
Then, when you are an experienced rider, go buy a Harley-Davidson and keep your face in the wind!
2006-08-14 09:27:49 · answer #10 · answered by badbilly 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋