I also am pretty new (its been 4 years since I ridden). I experienced the same things you are going through. It will be a natural responce to do all the things these guys are telling you, over time. all you can do to learn is ride. stay out of heavey traffic for a little while and go to an empty parking lot, preferably one with a grade, and practice. Remember how freeked you were the first time you went into traffic when you were 16. I know its been a while for some of us. you will relax over time and every ride will become more and more enjoyable with less and less pain. Happy Riding!!

 

Gripping the tank really helped me and if you like to polish your bike up, leather on a polished tank doesn't work well. I threw on some StompGrips and it was the best $40 I spent on my bike. It's amazing what stupid little tricks can make you feel 10x more comfy when riding.

 

I just bought my bike a month ago and experienced the same things, actually i am still experiencing them. Like it was said before, the best thing is ride and find a position you feel confortable on. Use back, legs nd abs to support your weight and loosen up your whole body. It takes time to get used to it. I am still working on it.

 

[sm=wtf.gif] are stomp grips?

 

Come from snow boarding world I think. Clear in appearance, cling to tank, provide a grippy surface to help you grip tank with your legs / knees. Check out www.buymoto.com for some more info.