Scared of my motorbike? HELP!?

Question

Mid-Life Crisis!

Learner - I took my CBT (Compulsey Bike Training).

I bought the "perfect bike" (the biggest I could) Yamaha XVS Drag Star 125 to learn on.

I am an experienced car driver - but the bike "paps" me up! (What "paps" me up are car drivers! - IRONY and cornering) - I haven't taken her off the estate - or my drive!

So I have 2 hours (road) experience on any bike and WANT to be a biker!

She has not done many miles (1100 in 3 years) and she calls for me!

HELP.

Thanks team!

125 is the biggest I can have as a learner in the UK!

I've only had the bike 7 weeks - she is the one who has done 11 miles in 3 years (with previous owners - is she damned?)

However, "Crunch" I need to bite the bullet and start to learn!

Answer 1

Just keep riding and the more you do the less afraid you will be just remember never get to confident that is when **** happens.Just take those corners slow and stay scratch free.
And I agree always watch those cars because they will not watch you.

Answer 2

Some of your question confuses me a bit. Maybe it's the ramblings during the mid-life crisis

I too am an ageing biker but have been doing so for many years since passing my test in 1967 and the only advise I can pass on is for you to get a bit of one to one training with a local rider training school. There will be one in your area and they are the professionals and will know how to go about building your confidence

Another choice is to go on a direct access course. I know that this is a bit costly but once again they are the professionals.

Many "older" riders do find it strange getting on a small bike, for me riding a 125 is an un-nerving experience. I just can't feel comfortable yet I ride a Harley and a big 8itch of a Harley and do so quite confidently

Once you get the confidence and maybe get through your test and a bigger bike trust me you will ENJOY

Hope this helps but above all ride safe and keep the shiny side up

Answer 3

I don't understand why you say you bought the largest bike you could buy. Yamaha makes a 1100 VStar which is a real bike.
The one you are talking about is under powered, by far. only 13 HP. You should have no trouble riding in around the lower speed streets at a speed under 50 MPH. But on the high way, you are by far under powered, which is a real problem.

My bike has 1500cc's and will move on down the road, so cars do not intimidate me...Just power up and run off and leave them.

Turning comes from doing, so get out in the early morning hours and ride, when it's cooler or at night, after 8pm.
Ride every day at least 30 miles, which is just fine.

Your bike is way to small for a long trip, such as 400 miles or more. It would just wear you out.

I say go sell the one you have and buy a larger bike with more power.

Here's are some I suggest
1.Yamaha 1100 V Star
2.Honda 1300 w/ABS brakes
3.Harley Electroglide
4.Honda GoldWing.

All have there own key things which makes them great. Go check them all out.
You would be better off with a larger bike.

Answer 4

Answer the call.
You are not scared of the bike, but of yourself.
Take a refresher course, practice in the drive.
That's not a large bike, you should be able to turn it around there. As your comfort and confidence grow, go further. Avoid high traffic areas until you feel confident. If you don't increase your confidence, SELL IT. 3 years is a long time to keep something you don't use.

Answer 5

I like what some of the folks have already said.
My advice is to rent a smaller bike for a day or a week and ride on some low-traffic 2-lane roads.
Practice stopping and changing the gears and just get comfortable. Practice relaxing your shoulders and face.
Smile a bit and try to have fun.

Answer 6

You need to get some experience thats all. I cant blame you for feeling vulnerable though, sourounded by 2 tons of metal is safer than being on a bike. Unfortunately I know lots of guys who are dead due to motorcycle accidents. They were good riders too. Just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
My sister in law almost lost both legs too. Hope I haven't put you off!

Answer 7

You definately need practice. Keep this in mind. Cage drivers don't look for bikes. Every car you see, doesn't see you.
By the way, you bought the worst bike made. ( Yamaha)
Loud pipes save lives. Also, The perfect bike is a Harley Heritage softtail.

Answer 8

Find some a few quiet roads in the countryside and just have a ride around there. That way you will get some experiance riding and can see some cool landscape which is quite relaxing. Make sure you are careful though and dont go faster than you are comfortable with.

Good luck and have fun

Answer 9

I had the same mid life crisis about 4 years ago. Done the test, thats the easy bit. Its the next few weeks that will help you decide if you done the right thing.
I was a bit nervy at first but its second nature now.(been to Belgium on my R6) Just go your own pace and don't try to run before you can walk.

OH and keep an eye out for grey hair,dai caps and young ladys. Its the young ladys who always try to get me,I think maybe their attracted to me but try'ed to kill me TWICE!!

Answer 10

Pay for a riding class. There you will gain the confidence and knowledge necessary for you to get out there and have fun. With an instructor you will get over the anxiety, which it sounds like you have allot of. You will be ok man, just don't give up. Once you get out there you will never want to come back home. Good luck Brotha