Hi all,

I completed the MSF basic rider course this weekend and got my "M" endorsement this morning. So I've put 40 miles on my bike today just riding around my neighborhood so I could get used to my bike. I have a 98 and it'sa lot more bike than I expected, especially after learning how to ride on those little 250cc training bikes. Basically, after a while I got enough courage to get out on the street and drive around with real traffic. 40 mph is pretty much the speed limit on the main roads around my neighborhood and it was a little nerveracking to get up to those speeds. I know this is my first day riding, but one fear I have is when up around 45 to 55 mphI keep a death grip on my handlebars and I feel that when I go to grab the front brake handle or when changing gears I get a little scared because by taking my hands off the grips I feel like I may fall backwards off the bike. So I'm wondering if this is a normal fear and if it's a realistic possibility or is it just a feeling that I will get over? The thing that bothers me is thatI know it's not safe to ride without wanting to take my hand off the grip to grab the brake incase some jackass pulls out in front of me and I need to be ready to brake,so I'm hoping to get some tips. Also, I'm wondering if I need to ride close to the tank or should my butt be back against the seat back?

Thanks for any help in advance.

 

its a normal thing to go through. I am relatively new to riding myself, passed the course about 2-3 months ago and have been riding my f3 ever since. the feeling of impending doom will pass, but its good to keep a healthy sense of fear. you will become more confident the more and more you ride. the death grip thing is something else you will get over. it took me a little while and many miles on the highway to get rid of it. hands don't look healthy all purple and white. only advice it to ride as much as you can at a level you feel comfortable. it helps to go it alone, but also with capable and safe friends. you don't want to be pushing harding that you should or are capable are to keep up. ride however you feel comfortable, i sit close to the tank, im 5'7. i don't feel as if the bike is as stable if i putt my *** in the groove. be safe and happy riding

 

When I first started riding street one of the things that helped me relax and get rid of the fear "a little" (as mentioned, some fear is a good thing) was watching some of my squiddly friends while we were riding. My train of thought while watching them stand up on the bike while going down the highway at 65 mph and all the other stuff that goes with it was "if these a-holes can do all that I sure as hell can relax on the grips a little and sit back" .. dunno, that worked for me but everyone gets more comfortable in their own way. Yes, you'll relax more as you gain more saddle time. Relax your elbows first and the death grip should start to go away. The seat posture thing is more of a personal preference so it's up to you but for just basic daily commute type riding closer to the tank should give a feeling of more control.

so basically while I agree with the above post, in my case the unsafe friends were actually a help [8D]

 

i was like that the first couple days i rode. I'd hit 45mph and think I was doing 300. Riding with friends helps you get over things fast.

 

i remember when i first got my bike i was like why does it have over 100 on the speedo i'll never go over 40! Yeah that lasted all of 2 weeks when I broke 100. Once you do it's an addicition that's worse than any drug you can think of. best advice i can give ride within your skill level and don't pushyourself further than you are ready to go. Also don't ride with guys who run off and leave you your true friends will respect that you are learning and are riding within your skill level and will be there to help you with your questions and won't become impatient with you.

 

its all about seat time homie. you'll be ok . just remember to trust the bike and not get over your own limits.

 

+1...im only speaking for myself, but im sure its happened to everyone, when i first started after finishing the MSF, i would be going 40 in a 55 with cars FLYING by me...im pretty sure i had old ladies flipping me the bird[&:]...the more time you spend on it, the more comfortable you'll get...but like havoc said, do not get over your limits, and dont ever stop respecting that bike

 

The first night I had my bike I was doing 55 at like 2am down a main road near my house and it felt like the coolest sensation in the world. First time on a bike ever, only thing I rode before that was a YFZ450 quad so atleast I knew how to shift lol. I was never scared of letting go of one of the grips. Never taken the MSF, dont know if Im going to or not. I can ride better than a kid I ride with that did take it months earlier.

So yeah, +1 to all about seat time, and just chill out a little, youre not gonna fall off unless you want to [8D]

 

2 things...first of all about the white knuckling or purple and white hands as mentioned earlier...you shouldn't know the colour as they should be covered by good leather riding gloves!

Secondly seat time with friends makes all the difference in the world...one suggestion though is that you lead the way. Reason is that way YOU control the pace! Don't wanna get sucked into following a buddy way too fast into a corner for YOUR skill level. He may be able to get the bike over much furthher than you...

Dennis

 

Relaxing will make the bike handle much better. You wont fly off the back if you let go, even if you let go completely and sit upright, you wont fall off the back at sane speeds. Time...........time will make it all better. As said, use caution when riding with friends and don't get sucked into riding at THEIR pace. Just because they can do it and may even tell you how easy it is, dont listen until you are GOOD and ready.

Good luck.