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Lost My Confidence

by KC
(Springfield, MA USA)

Hi, I took the rider safety course last summer and bought a 600 cc bike on New Years day. I had it lowered and took it round my block a few times. I started feeling comfortable and confident in my abilities until yesterday. I finally decided to start seriously riding my bike and went to put gas in it. As I was leaving the gas station I must have over-revved the throttle; lost control and downed my bike. Broke the gear shifter, knocked my helmet off, scraped up my bike pretty good. I'm OK, just shook up and embarrassed. Very concerned about getting back on my bike. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

KC

Comments for Lost My Confidence

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May 01, 2013

Shameful experience
by: Anonymous

I went to a gas station to meet this guy that wanted to buy my motorcycle. We agree with the price and everything , he told me we would do the transaction the next day. I was ready to leave and I doped my motorcycle, the engine was off but it felt on me I almost broke my ankle. The left mirror broke. But it was so embarrassing I was so ashamed , I felt so bad because many people were watching. He still is going to buy it I just going to fix the mirror. But guys that was really shamefully.

Apr 22, 2013

get your confidence back
by: Anonymous

Hi - I know a guy who is an NLP Hypnotherapist.
He coaches motorbike racers and riders to gain in confidence when racing or just riding for fun.

I know he's in the UK but he does a very good skype session and has helped several people overseas before now.

Google him - I don't know his email address but his name is Lee Spelzini.

He shouldn't be too hard to find.

Good luck

Jul 23, 2012

Dropping your bike
by: Frank in Ontario

Just did it for the second time in over 20 years of riding. No damage to speak of except my ego and confidence. As a kid, i dropped my pedal bike many many times but always got right back on. My gut feeling is that we have to decide whether we're going to give up or get back on the horse. If we decide to quit motorcycling that's fine, but if not, we learn from our mistakes and then forget them. No gain without some pain and embarrassment. Several years ago we were in a serious car accident. i decided that sure wasn't going to give up driving. After replacing my vehicle I was nervous for a while but that passed.

Champion athletes talk about the necessity for a 'short memory" after a mistake on the field. That's what separates winners from mediocrity. God bless all who read this!

May 05, 2011

Stuff Happens to Us All
by: Ramblin Redhead

I just dropped my bike a month ago, after 10 years of safe riding. Ironically, I was on my way to re-certify in the MSF safety course!

I hit the brakes too hard on wet, oily pavement, lost back wheel traction, and did a "High Side" exit. Slid across the pavement on my belly, and the bike slid around, and ended up planted in mud.

I picked it up (using the legs like in the U Tube video), and rode it to the class, and passed it. It's not easy to get a spot in that course around here! Due to my excellent gear, had a sprained wrist, and a bruise on my knee.

The bike (a used 2006) was almost totaled, though it was all purely cosmetic damage. The insurance company finally decided to fix it, and it's now better than ever.

Stuff happens. You learn from it, and you get wiser and stronger. I gave a bunch of young, inexperienced riders in the MSF course a very passionate speech about wearing safety gear when you ride - came in from the accident scene, muddy but not hurt!

May 04, 2011

Short Leggers Disease
by: Shannon

I am afflicted by this horrible disease - I have dumped my dirt bike HUNDREDS of times because a can't find footing (my dirt bike is TALL!). The first couple of times it scared the crap out of me.... now it's just a big joke - the people I ride with go down the trail and pick the spots that I will tip over on and then place bets... this is why I wear the best gear I can get my hands on... it gets put to the test!

I haven't dropped the street bike YET - the day is coming! Hopefully I will get a get a good chuckle out of it! I am sure my friends will - wherever it is will probably have a big sign in my honor!

Just get back on and go! Just be glad you don't ride with my group of friends!

May 02, 2011

You're in Good Company
by: Ashley

As everyone here has said, we all drop our bikes at some point. I'm extremely new to riding (sick of being pillion) and the one time I have dropped my bike (so far), is without the engine even being on! How embarrassing but it's moments like these that keep us grounded and I know you'll be an awesome rider just from the fact that you are aware of the mistakes you made and have gotten back on the horse. You now know your limitations and can work on furthering them. You'll do great :-)

Apr 30, 2011

Keep Trying
by: Twisted

If you tripped and fell walking, would you give up? You can do it.

Apr 30, 2011

Two kinds...
by: CajunDutch

They say there are two kinds of bikers... Those who have dropped their bike, and those who will. Don't let it discourage you. It has happened or will eventually happen to all and the best of us. Do get a new helmet though, a helmet that has been dropped is not safe or trustworthy anymore. Get back on it, and ride again!

Apr 29, 2011

Fixing My Bike
by: Anonymous

Hello everyone, thank you for your input. The helmet was my own fault, young and dumb. I never buckled my helmet so when I fell it was knocked off. I know now, buckle it. I fixed my shifter, drilled a hole through the lever and installed a quarter inch bolt. Had my mechanic look the bike over for anything I didn't catch. I'm ready to get back on and go to a parking lot. I have a few friends that invited me to ride along with them to improve my confidence.

Madeline, it would be awesome to ride with you. I'm always looking for tips and tricks.

Thanks everyone!!!

Apr 29, 2011

Good advice, but...
by: Sandra

I'm really surprised no one mentioned to get a new helmet, and one that fits this time. A properly fitting helmet should NOT get "knocked off" during a fall. And a helmet that has taken an impact of any kind should be replaced. You may not be able to see damage, but do you want to chance it?

Get her fixed; get back on; take a refresher course, or an advanced rider's course. I'm trying to get into one for those who have completed Basic Rider Course (on a trainer bike) and want to improve their skills on their OWN ride. I think the drills on my own ride, testing my own brakes and stops and reactions on the bike I'm always on would be invaluable.

Some areas even have classes where group street riding is part of the drill - how awesome would that be?? Take a deep breath and remember to stay in the moment while riding. This is no time to be working out a new household schedule or win an argument in our heads, or even wonder if that loose gravel is going to really have an effect on our steering and traction - just practice RIDING! Always SEE around you, survey, evaluate and execute. :)

Apr 29, 2011

Don't Quit!
by: Lori

My first year of riding I went from a dead stop into a left turn - I was worried about the car behind me because he had been following me a little too close for my comfort. As I turned I looked behind me to see where he was instead of where I needed to go and I must have grabbed the front brake because down I went. Actually, the guy in the car stopped and help me get my bike up. I was fine, I was embarrassed too but more concerned about the scratches on my bike than on me. Have never dropped it again.

Apr 28, 2011

Accidents
by: robin

Hi...I dropped my bike the first day and ruined the paint on the front fender etc etc...hit head on fire hydrant..good thing I had a helmet on! Must have knocked some sense into me though..haha because I got back on more determined than ever and have been riding ever since!!! Everyone is right..just get back in the saddle..you can do this!!! Keep us posted....

Apr 28, 2011

Me Too
by: Madeline

Same thing has happened to me even after riding for years. Very embarrassing but we get over it. Get back on the saddle and don't give up, that is part of the learning phase. I live in Worcester, Mass and visit Springfield often. Maybe we can hook up and talk about the experience. Whatever you do, don't give up trying and ride your bike.

Apr 28, 2011

Confidence
by: bikermama

We all do it. I have dropped my bike 3 times. Each time right in public. My husband and brother in law have been riding for 20 plus years and they say it happens to us all. Just get back on as soon as possible. Learn from your mistakes and be determined to keep going. Good luck, don't let this stop you.

Apr 28, 2011

Riding
by: Anonymous

My husband did a "high side". One of his saddle bags were ruined, his helmet cracked and a few other things were broken. He took it in to the bike shop and the mechanic said "we all do those things".

The bike was fixed and my husband got a new helmet. He was a little shaky at first but is now more confident.

Best thing to do is get the bike fixed and get back on the bike.

I have talked to experienced riders and they have fallen off their bikes. Not everyone does. Go for rides and evaluate how you do and see how you can improve. I do that when I ride and it really helps me to become a better rider .

Happy and safe riding to you.

Apr 28, 2011

Back In the Saddle
by: kp

Get the bike fixed, and get back in the saddle. Sooner than later. Go to a vacant lot and practice, practice, practice. Do right hand loops until you're sick of them, then do left. Then do figure 8's. Then do a ton of stop and starts. You'll get there.

And don't let anyone tell you you can't do it! Or tell you they never dropped a bike. You either did, or you're going to!

Good luck!

Apr 28, 2011

Confidence
by: Lynn - Florida

I'm just glad you weren't seriously hurt. It is normal to be shaky & a bit scared after dropping your bike. Understanding what you did wrong will help with your confidence so you don't make the same mistake. Get back in the saddle as soon as possible and practice your skills. I shook like a leaf in the wind after my first spill (parking lot mishap).

Apr 28, 2011

Ride It
by: Anonymous

My daughter probably did the same thing. She was only about a month into riding and took a tumble on some loose rocks on a corner. She rolled, and the bike got some scrapes. JUST GET BACK ON. That is her advise. After her roll, she rode another 40 miles with a crooked handlebar and a badly scraped elbow. (she WAS wearing her gear.) You still have the ability. You just need to get back on and always go at your pace, no one else's. You can do it.

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