The more threads I read, the less I want to ride

m0nkie · 06-06-2008, 09:50 AM

Seriously.. the more I browse bike forums and this sub forum, the more afraid I get..

Im going to wait till winter to pick up a SV.. or Ninja 250.. I was seriously convinced into picking up a GSXR600 straight up.. but aftering all the reading, witnessing 3 close friend total their first bike (1000RR, 600R, GSXR600) and picturing myself riding in LA traffic. I think I better start off slower. (Its a big difference before/after witnessing accident)

I took the MSF last year and got my license, but pretty much forgot lot of stuff since I have nothing to practice with afterwards

1) Should I retake it? or if its possible to just take the field excersize?
2) Any private lessons or something like that on the track? or should I beg an old rider and take me to a empty neighborhood? the MSF instructor wants to charge like 50-100$ an hour 1 on 1... hell with that price..
3) Im trying to find an old SV, year 2000 or older for 1K-2K.. how long is really necessary to practice on these? I know it depends alot on how fast I learn and adapt, but I really wouldn't want to stay on an old SV for more than a year..

I guess my biggest concern is the fear... do all of you have the same feeling in the beginning? or are you all just excited and feel knowledgable enough to just hop on?

cart213 · 06-06-2008, 10:11 AM

+1

I've got the motorcycle bug really bad right now, but I'm also afraid I'll get myself killed on it. I wouldn't be stupid enough to buy something like a gixxer (more like a ninja 500R or similar), and I'd take the MSF course first. But I've definitely got some fear about it. I guess a certain amount of fear is a good thing, though. It'll help you respect the bike and not do anything stupid with it.

Excitement mixed with fear. It's what guys live off of, isn't it?

crg914 · 06-06-2008, 10:29 AM

The fear is good. That's what will keep you riding safe and alert and not acting like an idiot. At least it did for me. I was definately scared when I started riding. Excited too, but definately scared.

SuperBlack350z · 06-06-2008, 10:48 AM

i think people who have second thoughts should not doing it. Either you are into it, or you aren't.

Zlayer · 06-06-2008, 10:56 AM

I had a bike about 9 years ago and loved it, but as time went on I got more and more confident in my riding. As a result, I drove flat out everywhere and had some close calls. Luckily I've never had a wreck, but my dad has had 2 near fatal wrecks, Both of which put him out of work for over a year each. Neither of the wrecks were his fault. Practice alot in neighborhood streets, and empty parking lots to get good at manuvering. Dont be too confident. With all that being said, I have the bike fever and need one too!

cheshirecat79 · 06-06-2008, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperBlack350z

i think people who have second thoughts should not doing it. Either you are into it, or you aren't.

People who have second thoughts are usually the most responsible riders because they know they aren't the two-wheeled wheelie guy straight off the bat.

Anyway, what I would suggest is googling some motorcycle instruction places around your area and taking either their beginner or advanced courses, whatever you feel comfortable with after talking to them. A day may run you anywhere from 150 for the beginner to 300 for the all day "advanced" course.

Riding is great. Even going down isn't too bad if you have the proper gear and learn from your mistake. Being stupid and overestimating your riding skill is what gets people into wrecks.

That, and waving to someone, then putting your hand back on the throttle of your new 1000cc bike and having it blip into the other lane after two weeks of owning your bike.

Start slow, you have your whole life to be wild.

Low J. · 06-06-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheshirecat79

People who have second thoughts are usually the most responsible riders because they know they aren't the two-wheeled wheelie guy straight off the bat.

Anyway, what I would suggest is googling some motorcycle instruction places around your area and taking either their beginner or advanced courses, whatever you feel comfortable with after talking to them. A day may run you anywhere from 150 for the beginner to 300 for the all day "advanced" course.

Riding is great. Even going down isn't too bad if you have the proper gear and learn from your mistake. Being stupid and overestimating your riding skill is what gets people into wrecks.

That, and waving to someone, then putting your hand back on the throttle of your new 1000cc bike and having it blip into the other lane after two weeks of owning your bike.

Start slow, you have your whole life to be wild.

Yup....what he said.....

blackz7887 · 06-06-2008, 07:01 PM

i'd say being scared as a beginner is normal, although if you dont get over it and second guess yourself you will get into trouble. you dont have very much time to respond in an emergency so you have to make a decision right away and learn to stick with it and pray its the right one. if something happens infront of you and you think "i need to do this" (a) and then think "but what if this works better"(b) your already too late. thats where experience comes in and the right decision is automatically gonna be plan a. you will go down, its just a question of when. and like was said before, its not too bad if you have the right gear on.

07_350z_JP · 06-06-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackz7887

i'd say being scared as a beginner is normal, although if you dont get over it and second guess yourself you will get into trouble. you dont have very much time to respond in an emergency so you have to make a decision right away and learn to stick with it and pray its the right one. if something happens infront of you and you think "i need to do this" (a) and then think "but what if this works better"(b) your already too late. thats where experience comes in and the right decision is automatically gonna be plan a. you will go down, its just a question of when. and like was said before, its not too bad if you have the right gear on.

yup my buddy that has been dirt riding since he was 3 yrs old- never had any mishaps on paved roads for 8+ years. His first street bike was a rc51 that he drove to his MSF class a week before turning 16.LOL.Followed by several "real" 1000s after that finally went down a few days ago. Again no mishaps for 8 years of street riding then ----of all things he hit a freakin deer a few blocks from his house.Gear saved his ass- his repsol is totaled.I dread when i happens to me but only the sweet sounding 4 is on my mind when I ride.

cuco · 06-06-2008, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackz7887

i'd say being scared as a beginner is normal, although if you dont get over it and second guess yourself you will get into trouble. you dont have very much time to respond in an emergency so you have to make a decision right away and learn to stick with it and pray its the right one. if something happens infront of you and you think "i need to do this" (a) and then think "but what if this works better"(b) your already too late. thats where experience comes in and the right decision is automatically gonna be plan a. you will go down, its just a question of when. and like was said before, its not too bad if you have the right gear on.

i been riding since i was 16, and all i can say is that fear is your worst enemy. also being scare as a beginner is not normal you should ne confident ortherwise that leads to disaster. thats all i can say. maybe am wrong but thats how it worked for me.

NO FEAR

Zmazing03 · 06-06-2008, 09:01 PM

I've never rode but I would imagine that some fear is good -- keeps you smart. Too much fear and you are going to be acting stupid.

Now I have to ask -- how many of you guys ALWAYS wear full gear? I could see myself in a jacket and helmet, and then just jeans and sneakers or what not. How many of you can really say that you always have the entire 9 yards going on?

crg914 · 06-06-2008, 09:16 PM

I never wore full gear. Helmet, gloves, usually jacket. Otherwise shoes and jeans. The boots I see people wear are useless anyway. The only king that offer the protection you would need from boots are the kind that are impossible to walk in. Everyone I know buys buys basically high top padded sneakers that say AlpineStars on them. Pointless.

nbdyfcnsqnc · 06-06-2008, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zmazing03

I've never rode but I would imagine that some fear is good -- keeps you smart. Too much fear and you are going to be acting stupid.

Now I have to ask -- how many of you guys ALWAYS wear full gear? I could see myself in a jacket and helmet, and then just jeans and sneakers or what not. How many of you can really say that you always have the entire 9 yards going on?

One guy I know had some pretty bad road rash and spent a couple months in the hospital with it infected. He always wears full gear now.

cart213 · 06-06-2008, 11:02 PM

Do you wear full gear, Todd?

cheshirecat79 · 06-07-2008, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crg914

I never wore full gear. Helmet, gloves, usually jacket. Otherwise shoes and jeans. The boots I see people wear are useless anyway. The only king that offer the protection you would need from boots are the kind that are impossible to walk in. Everyone I know buys buys basically high top padded sneakers that say AlpineStars on them. Pointless.

I have some alpinestars gp series boots which come up to half-calf and they're easy enough to walk in. Maybe it's just because they're broken in. They definitely get hot though if you stand around in them- gotta unzip them and let some air through.

doug · 06-07-2008, 07:54 AM

its 95 degrees today.. i'm about to grab my cousins and head to NJ.. yes.. yes.. i will be wearing full leathers.. no mistake about it boys

zand02max · 06-07-2008, 08:02 AM

Just don't be a Squid. I have been riding for 3 years and just got an R-1. You have to ride responsibly and of course, the cagers are the hardest part of riding. Cagers= Cars!

JDMFairladyZ33 · 06-07-2008, 09:07 AM

I've been riding for only a couple of months and I have to say I get a litte scared everytime I swing my legs over my bike. The fear keeps you in check. Riding is a thinking man's game. Fear everything but also enjoy the ride. I took the MTC course, got my license, bought a bike, (06 CBR 600 RR... yes I know most of you would disagree but hey at least it wasn't a R1 like I'd originally thought I could start out on) put 1500 miles on the bike and went back and took the advanced course. Riding will make you a better driver. Even when I am in my car I constantly scan my 2-6-12 pretending like I'm on my bike. It's amazing how much stuff you missed in the past when we were safely confined in your car. My number 1 motto is "Dress for the crash not the ride" No matter if it's 110 degrees outside, wear full proper gear. The old saying about 2 types of riders is being those who've crashed and those who are going to is total BS. Be safe, know your limits, be alert, remember everything your instructors and experience have taught you, constantly keep and improve your skills, and you should be okay. For me it took me awhile before I trusted myself on the highways. I'm still learning but all I have to say is I'm so glad I started riding. It's one of those things in life you may have never thought you'd do but wonder where was it all your life when you do.

blackz7887 · 06-07-2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07_350z_JP

yup my buddy that has been dirt riding since he was 3 yrs old- never had any mishaps on paved roads for 8+ years. His first street bike was a rc51 that he drove to his MSF class a week before turning 16.LOL.Followed by several "real" 1000s after that finally went down a few days ago. Again no mishaps for 8 years of street riding then ----of all things he hit a freakin deer a few blocks from his house.Gear saved his ass- his repsol is totaled.I dread when i happens to me but only the sweet sounding 4 is on my mind when I ride.

sorry to hear that, i hope he's alright.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuco

i been riding since i was 16, and all i can say is that fear is your worst enemy. also being scare as a beginner is not normal you should ne confident ortherwise that leads to disaster. thats all i can say. maybe am wrong but thats how it worked for me.

NO FEAR

for a begginer if you go out with complete confidence and no fear you're gonna come back humbled and possibly hurt. i laid my bike down 2 weeks after i got it because i got too confident and out rode my ability. im not saying be afraid of the bike or riding, but have just enough fear to respect it and not cross the line. you definately have to be confident enough to not second guess yourself but have still have enough fear/respect to keep you safe, there's a balance there. as you get more experience you fear less, but i dont think it should ever go completely away.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDMFairladyZ33

The old saying about 2 types of riders is being those who've crashed and those who are going to is total BS. Be safe, know your limits, be alert, remember everything your instructors and experience have taught you, constantly keep and improve your skills, and you should be okay.

there are so many things out of your control when you go out riding. a deer jumping out at the last second and nailing you, a dumb @ss on their cell phone not paying attention and hitting you, billy bad@ss in his camaro thinking he can outrun you in the corners so he cuts the turn too tight and throws gravel all over the road and you go down. i've hit gravel before that i couldn't see till i was right up on it and the only thing to do is straighten the bike up and ride into the other lane. my last bike got totalled because a car behind me wasn't paying enough attention and slammed into me (while i was stopped) throwing me off the bike and sandwiching my bike between it and the suv infront of me. ive also been nearly hit many times by semi's/cars changing lanes and couldnt see me. there are so many things out of your control out there that training cant fully help you with.

going back to the fear subject, even after being hit, laying my bike down, and all the close calls im not afraid of the bike or the ride. i have a greater respect for it and i know what can happen but i will still get on and ride because its something that i love to do.

zcaveman69 · 06-07-2008, 12:14 PM

I tell new riders all the time the same thing, buy the biggest piece of **** you can afford, you're gonna wreck it, be dropping it in the driveway or worse, you will drop it until you learn. It's difficult out there with all the variables, minivan driving mommy's on cellphones in one ear and a breakfast burrito in the other, gravel, deer if you live outside the city, sooooo many stupid drivers switching lanes without looking, etc etc, just have to put in ALOT of seat time before you know what you're doing, that's all, like anything it takes time and practice. The track is a great place to learn, I highly recommend that. And the most important thing you will ever do if wanting to buy a sportbike is GEAR, you can never..EVER wear too much gear. Good luck man, be careful and learn at your own pace, not someone else, don't start riding with a bunch of twats that will pull you along at a faster speed than you're comfortable with, that's the most dangerous thing you could possibly do.

06-06-2008, 09:50 AM	#1
m0nkie Wicked White X Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,053 iTrader: (2)	The more threads I read, the less I want to ride Seriously.. the more I browse bike forums and this sub forum, the more afraid I get.. Im going to wait till winter to pick up a SV.. or Ninja 250.. I was seriously convinced into picking up a GSXR600 straight up.. but aftering all the reading, witnessing 3 close friend total their first bike (1000RR, 600R, GSXR600) and picturing myself riding in LA traffic. I think I better start off slower. (Its a big difference before/after witnessing accident) I took the MSF last year and got my license, but pretty much forgot lot of stuff since I have nothing to practice with afterwards 1) Should I retake it? or if its possible to just take the field excersize? 2) Any private lessons or something like that on the track? or should I beg an old rider and take me to a empty neighborhood? the MSF instructor wants to charge like 50-100$ an hour 1 on 1... hell with that price.. 3) Im trying to find an old SV, year 2000 or older for 1K-2K.. how long is really necessary to practice on these? I know it depends alot on how fast I learn and adapt, but I really wouldn't want to stay on an old SV for more than a year.. I guess my biggest concern is the fear... do all of you have the same feeling in the beginning? or are you all just excited and feel knowledgable enough to just hop on? __________________ [2008 Wicked White Evolution X] [MY GTR] a wise m0nkie never m0nkies with another m0nkie's m0nkie.. Last edited by m0nkie; 06-06-2008 at 09:54 AM.

06-06-2008, 10:29 AM	#3
crg914 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NC Posts: 801 iTrader: (1)	The fear is good. That's what will keep you riding safe and alert and not acting like an idiot. At least it did for me. I was definately scared when I started riding. Excited too, but definately scared. __________________ What good does it do if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul? What can a man give in exchange for his soul? -Matthew 16:26

06-06-2008, 10:48 AM	#4
SuperBlack350z Brand Whore Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Raleigh, North Carolina Posts: 6,520 iTrader: (32)	i think people who have second thoughts should not doing it. Either you are into it, or you aren't. __________________ ▀▄..▄▀▄..▄▀..█.................▄▀▀▄.............▄▀▀▄........ ..............▄..............................▄▀▀▀▄ ....█.....█......█▀█..█▄█......▀▄......█▀█.....▀▄.......▄▀▀▄ ...▄..▄...▄...▄▄▄...▄..▄...▄▀▀▄...▀...▄▀ ..........................▄..█......▄ ▀▄...█▄█........▀▄....█▀▀.....█▀.....█...█..█...█..█....▀▄.. .......█ ............................▀........▀▄▄▀.............▀▄▄▀.. ..▀▀......▀.......▀..▀▀▀....▀▀▀..▀▄▄▀.......▄

06-06-2008, 09:01 PM	#11
Zmazing03 Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Haven, CT Posts: 10,139 iTrader: (7)	I've never rode but I would imagine that some fear is good -- keeps you smart. Too much fear and you are going to be acting stupid. Now I have to ask -- how many of you guys ALWAYS wear full gear? I could see myself in a jacket and helmet, and then just jeans and sneakers or what not. How many of you can really say that you always have the entire 9 yards going on? __________________ - 2003 PPW Enthusiast - Team 350G'z {CT} - fujitsubo \| ame \| tein \| topspeed \| nismo \| jp vizage \| motordyne \| k&n \| hawk \| tokico \| falken Team DNF { Point Guard } : XBL - Zmazing03

06-06-2008, 09:16 PM	#12
crg914 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NC Posts: 801 iTrader: (1)	I never wore full gear. Helmet, gloves, usually jacket. Otherwise shoes and jeans. The boots I see people wear are useless anyway. The only king that offer the protection you would need from boots are the kind that are impossible to walk in. Everyone I know buys buys basically high top padded sneakers that say AlpineStars on them. Pointless. __________________ What good does it do if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul? What can a man give in exchange for his soul? -Matthew 16:26

06-06-2008, 10:11 AM	#2
cart213 Professional Join Date: May 2004 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 1,539 iTrader: (0)	+1 I've got the motorcycle bug really bad right now, but I'm also afraid I'll get myself killed on it. I wouldn't be stupid enough to buy something like a gixxer (more like a ninja 500R or similar), and I'd take the MSF course first. But I've definitely got some fear about it. I guess a certain amount of fear is a good thing, though. It'll help you respect the bike and not do anything stupid with it. Excitement mixed with fear. It's what guys live off of, isn't it?

06-06-2008, 10:56 AM	#5
Zlayer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: knoxville, TN Posts: 203 iTrader: (0)	I had a bike about 9 years ago and loved it, but as time went on I got more and more confident in my riding. As a result, I drove flat out everywhere and had some close calls. Luckily I've never had a wreck, but my dad has had 2 near fatal wrecks, Both of which put him out of work for over a year each. Neither of the wrecks were his fault. Practice alot in neighborhood streets, and empty parking lots to get good at manuvering. Dont be too confident. With all that being said, I have the bike fever and need one too!

06-06-2008, 07:01 PM	#8
blackz7887 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: colorado Posts: 134 iTrader: (1)	i'd say being scared as a beginner is normal, although if you dont get over it and second guess yourself you will get into trouble. you dont have very much time to respond in an emergency so you have to make a decision right away and learn to stick with it and pray its the right one. if something happens infront of you and you think "i need to do this" (a) and then think "but what if this works better"(b) your already too late. thats where experience comes in and the right decision is automatically gonna be plan a. you will go down, its just a question of when. and like was said before, its not too bad if you have the right gear on.

06-06-2008, 11:02 PM	#14
cart213 Professional Join Date: May 2004 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 1,539 iTrader: (0)	Do you wear full gear, Todd?

06-07-2008, 07:54 AM	#16
doug Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Connecticut Posts: 10,238 iTrader: (4)	its 95 degrees today.. i'm about to grab my cousins and head to NJ.. yes.. yes.. i will be wearing full leathers.. no mistake about it boys __________________ 2009 Pebble Beige Magic Broom \| 2007 Pearl White Acura RSX Type S (SOLD)

06-07-2008, 08:02 AM	#17
zand02max My R1 is Faster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 13,561 iTrader: (16)	Just don't be a Squid. I have been riding for 3 years and just got an R-1. You have to ride responsibly and of course, the cagers are the hardest part of riding. Cagers= Cars!

06-07-2008, 09:07 AM	#18
JDMFairladyZ33 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 5,956 iTrader: (37)	I've been riding for only a couple of months and I have to say I get a litte scared everytime I swing my legs over my bike. The fear keeps you in check. Riding is a thinking man's game. Fear everything but also enjoy the ride. I took the MTC course, got my license, bought a bike, (06 CBR 600 RR... yes I know most of you would disagree but hey at least it wasn't a R1 like I'd originally thought I could start out on) put 1500 miles on the bike and went back and took the advanced course. Riding will make you a better driver. Even when I am in my car I constantly scan my 2-6-12 pretending like I'm on my bike. It's amazing how much stuff you missed in the past when we were safely confined in your car. My number 1 motto is "Dress for the crash not the ride" No matter if it's 110 degrees outside, wear full proper gear. The old saying about 2 types of riders is being those who've crashed and those who are going to is total BS. Be safe, know your limits, be alert, remember everything your instructors and experience have taught you, constantly keep and improve your skills, and you should be okay. For me it took me awhile before I trusted myself on the highways. I'm still learning but all I have to say is I'm so glad I started riding. It's one of those things in life you may have never thought you'd do but wonder where was it all your life when you do. __________________ I love Silver cars!! 2007 Infiniti FX35 Diamond Graphite 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S Sheer Silver 2003 Nissan 350Z Performance SS - SOLD

06-07-2008, 12:14 PM	#20
zcaveman69 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: StL Posts: 180 iTrader: (0)	I tell new riders all the time the same thing, buy the biggest piece of **** you can afford, you're gonna wreck it, be dropping it in the driveway or worse, you will drop it until you learn. It's difficult out there with all the variables, minivan driving mommy's on cellphones in one ear and a breakfast burrito in the other, gravel, deer if you live outside the city, sooooo many stupid drivers switching lanes without looking, etc etc, just have to put in ALOT of seat time before you know what you're doing, that's all, like anything it takes time and practice. The track is a great place to learn, I highly recommend that. And the most important thing you will ever do if wanting to buy a sportbike is GEAR, you can never..EVER wear too much gear. Good luck man, be careful and learn at your own pace, not someone else, don't start riding with a bunch of twats that will pull you along at a faster speed than you're comfortable with, that's the most dangerous thing you could possibly do.