How do you overcome the fear of riding a motorcycle?

Question

I'm taking class so don't say that.

Answer 1

Practice specific maneuvers ,build confidence.
Relax and Enjoy yourself.

Answer 2

Start at slow speeds around a parking lot. Do this for a couple of hours.

Practice sudden stops and turning. Use techniques from class.

Next go up and down a residential street. Do this for a while.

Next start riding around residential block. Again do this for a couple of hours one day.

Next plan a route that is mostly residential and include one leg on a main road. Right turn only. do this for a day or so.

Then add a stop light. again on main roads right turn only.

You should be getting more confidence.

Drive now on main roads and try mostly right turns.

Finally do some left turns at lights.

Don't go on the highway until you are confident. Avoid rush hour. Best time to go is mid morning.

Plan your routes well before riding.

It is actually a good thing that you have some fear. Riding a Motorcycle is risky, but if you are careful you can minimize the risk. The payoff is more fun and freedom than you can imagine.

Good Luck and Happy riding.

PS The class will definitely help you to be a safe rider.

Answer 3

Obviously the "D" in Tony D's name stands for DOUCHEBAG. Don't take advice from people that don't ride.

Wear full gear so you have a much better chance of surviving your crash, even coming away unharmed at all.

And practice! Ride often and concentrate on one or two small things that you want to improve on each time.

Buy a book titled "Proficient Motorcycling" and read it 38 times. It will tell you straight up exactly how a motorcycle works, and that knowledge will help give you more confidence.

I think you'll be better after you take the class, because most of your fear is just the natural fear of doing something new and unknown. Do your best, and learn as much as you can.

Answer 4

What is there to be afraid of?Try writing down your fears and actions to prevent harm.
Uneasy in high places. Take care to stay away for the edge.
I don't want to be run over by a truck while riding my motorcycle. Ride off road.
I want to ride on the road and not get run over. Ride early in the morning when no traffic is around to gain experience and confidence. I am scared I will get hurt if I ride a wheelie at 90 MPH and lane split on coming traffic. Don't do this as there is a very high probability you will get hurt. I am scared I will step on a snake. Look where you walk.
Get the idea? Just be careful. That's all you Need to do.
See ya out there.
Fritz

Answer 5

I had a very strong fear of my bike back when I first started riding. But over time I learned to turn that fear into respect for the motorcycle. Without that respect, knowing that everytime I throw a leg over I am in a position to get killed by a car or truck or animal. Withot the respect I would never, ever get on a bike. Because when you loose that respect, you'll forget all the safe riding habits you'll ever learn and practice and you'll do something dumb. And dumb on a bike will get you killed in a hurry.

Answer 6

Ask a Friend with a bike to give you a ride as the passenger. You'll get the feel of how it's balanced and leaned into a turn.
You'll understand the sounds of the engine accelerating and shifting gears.
The braking process won't feel as dangerous.
You can't read a book to overcome your fear.
You just have to dive in, start out slow and work your way up to unconscious confidence.

Answer 7

I was afraid too. I started going around my driveway, then I advanced to the back streets around my house where there wasn't much traffic. I did this for 2 weeks. Then I advanced a little further week by week, always avoiding where there was traffic, stop lights etc. I finally ventured out on to US1 and found a place where I could just go a couple of streets and turn off, I did this for a week. I avoided any bridges. Little by little my confidence rose. I now ride all over the place after 3 months of riding, except I haven't ventured out on the highway yet. It comes, keep trying!

Answer 8

Which is it? Are you afraid of it? or are you feeling guilty for wanting to ride again? if you're afraid, just get on and ride, now that you've seen what can happen you will be less likely to put yourself in a vulnerable situation, and better at anticipating the stupid moves of others. if you're feeling too guilty, get over it... The passenger knew the risks when he/she threw their leg over the saddle, and by doing so accepted the risks. I wrecked 11 years ago, no passengers, just me and not preparing myself for the stupid decisions of others... totalled a 77 CB750, luckily wearing all the right gear, I walked away under my own power cursing that idiot under my breath... I've put over 50,000 miles on my new bike over the past 4 seasons, and learned how to avoid situations like the one that caused my wreck.

Answer 9

Keep practising your slow speed manoeuvring, because it will enhance your skills more.
Keep your hips loose and use them instead of your body (all of this is in you classes)
And keep on riding as much as possible, because losing a fear takes time as does gaining experience, and the more you ride the more you gain in confidence.

Answer 10

Just get out and ride. Go to the country if you can, get away from traffic and have fun. DONT take any passengers until your comfortable