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Any advice for a newbie who is going to get on her bike for the first time?

by Debra
(Tannersville PA)

I took the MSF course about 2 months ago. ( maybe a little longer) I passed and bought myself a duc(620). I loved it when I took the course and practiced. Now Im terrified to get on my own bike and ride in the streets. Is this fear normal? I think what Im mostly afraid about is shifting ( I never knew how to use a manual however in my MSF course I seemed to do ok with upshifting and downshifting in class ( although we really only went up to gear 3). I also am afraid that I might do something that might get me hurt ( not looking through a corner all the way, locking brakes, ) Im just afraid of panic. I definitely want to ride though. Its so exciting! Plus I have alot of friends that I can ride with. My BF is also a good teacher and he told me he will take me out and practice in parking lots and stuff. How can I get over this fear and is it normal?

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Sep 09, 2011

Is it hopeless?
by: Mary

I just bought a bike after take the motorcycle safety course and thinking that I was going to love riding. I bought a smaller type bike, a 250 yamaha and it seems to be a perfect fit. So what the hell? I am a nervous freakin wreck!! I rode around the neighborhood one evening among all the dog walkers and neighborly type traffic and instead of hitting the brake once, I hit the throttle. No harm done but now I wonder if I am fit to ride out on the roads. I understand that I need to practice on less traveled roadways but I need to get over my fear. How is it possible to be so excited about something and so apprehensive at the same time? Please tell me this too shall pass......

Sep 04, 2011

You go girl
by: Susanne

I too had a several year lay off before I picked riding back up. Try not to over think the riding and just gear up and ride. It will be second nature before you know it. The most important thing is wear gear. It will save your skin. Might I also suggest some type of communicator for your helmet. We(husband and I ) use the Scala G4 Bluetooth communicators. They have been priceless. We just returned from a two thousand mile road trip and they literally saved his life. We had to ride on a highway and when the moron flew into his lane I was able to give him enough warning so he could take evasive maneuvers (he touched the jerks window it was that close). I will never ride without them. Second when you really start looking for a bike call around and find out if anyone allows a test ride. That was the best thing I ever did. It narrowed down my choices and I found the bike that suited me.

Aug 26, 2011

25 years without riding
by: diddlyidi

I have just bought my first bike in 25 years. I had a Suzuki 550gse in 1986 and have just got a Suzuki 600 Bandit S. I was uderstandably very nervous the first time I got on it and drove down my road (very rural) at 30 mph ha ha. After practicing most days initially in the local area I then ventured onto more urban streets. My confidence has increased & practice is definitely the best way to build your skills.
The bike still feels very heavy and I'm terrified of dropping it (I need to build up my muscles?).
So at 55 years young I have re-discovered my love of biking and am enjoying every minute of it. Good luck to all you female bikers.

Aug 24, 2011

It gets easier!
by: Cher Lynn

Congrats on completing the MSF Basic Riders Course! I have been riding for about a 1-1/2 years now, and the best advice I can give to you is start off in neighborhoods, empty parking lots and low traffic areas first! Build your turning and stopping skills--very important. Do this over and over until you start to feel comfortable. Eventually you will become "one" with the bike, so you will be able to fully focus on what is going on around you, (other traffic) instead of what the bike is doing. This will take some practice, so don't get frustrated. Every time you get a chance, practice!!! Shifting will be second nature in no time. Another important thing is to WEAR YOUR GEAR--high visibility if at all possible. The more visible you are, the bigger "cushion" you have around you in traffic. I wear a white helmet with pink pigtails stuck on it, a bright pink and white Icon jacket and white textile Speed & Strength chaps when I ride, and at night I wear an Icon hi vis yellow vest over that.
Keep practicing! Welcome to the ride. You are going to be HOOKED!
All the best to you!

Cher Lynn

Aug 23, 2011

You'll Be OK!
by: sassy2731

First congratulations on passing the safety class. That us the first step. It was 5 years ago when I took that same class and I too was not familar with the clutch as I'm married to an automatic transmission man so never had a manual shift vehicle. I learned that clutch in the class. Then it was from May til August before I got my first bike and took my first ride in the neighborhood. Even my hubby was surprised as he had tried many times to teach me to ride to no avail. That day was the greatest day, but at the same time it was the most scariest also. I just kept riding around my neighborhood and back roads until I was comfortable and then we hit the bigger roads. Then on my hubby's birthday that same August we went for our first family ride together. Me, the hubby and our two sons all rode our own bikes and had a wonderful time. So you see my dear it is always rocky it the beginning for all of us, but if you will eventually get it. Oh yeah did I mention to get yourself some chewing gum! I still can't explain how or why it works, but chewing gum helps you relax so you can ride. Hang in there you time will come.

Aug 23, 2011

I am just like you!!!
by: Erika

I am a newbie too!! I took the class and passed, got my license last week, and am sooo ready to ride... when I get a bike, that is! I am excited but very nervous also. I am most nervous about buying a bike when I haven't ridden enough to know what bike will be most confortable for me. Good luck to you!!!

Aug 23, 2011

You'll get there!
by: Connie

Just take baby steps and go at your own pace and comfort level. Practice, practice, practice. Each time out you'll gain more confidence. When you feel comfortable enough to get off the practice range, then plan a short, easy trip. I live in a rural area, and I drove around the block over and over until I was comfortable on the curves, stops, and turns. Then I ventured a little further, and now I've been on a few longer trips with my husband. I'm still a newbie, but I continue to practice on my own road. I enjoy every minute of it! Hang in there. You'll be fine!! Keep us posted on your progress.

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