Am really Scared!!
Discussion
In a moment of madness before Xmas (also had a hangover & was in a bad mood) i decided to acquire a brand new Fireblade as the deal on offer (popped up on my FaceAche feed) appeared too good to be true & for a few months i'd been mulling over a return to motorcycling.
To put some context around this snap decision, i had crossers when i was 17 on the old Provisional license & then as i grew up my interest switched to 4 wheels. Around 24yrs ago i decided i fancied the idea of 2 wheels again so took my bike test (consisted back then of CBT & test) on a Yam SR125 & after passing my test jumped onto an FZR600R. At this point i was hooked & within 12mths upgraded to a YZF750 & then onto a ZX12R which i had for around 4yrs.
Now unfortunately as a keen biker i let's say started getting a little brave on my bike & was taking the odd risk (nothing major but i did enjoy pushing on), however in the one season i lost 4 riding buddies through accidents that were not their fault & with the impending arrival on my son i decided motorbikes were no longer my thing (this was about 15yrs ago). Since then i've hired a few bikes on foreign holidays, the last of which was a Harley in Vegas around 9yrs ago, but since then have never sat on a motorbike, let alone ridden one.
Since then & up to say last Autumn i've had next to no interest in returning to motorbikes & satisfy my 'racing demon' with car track days, this was in whatever was my daily driver at the time, but a few years ago we bought a track prep'd Clio 172 Cup for track action. The Clio was sold last year & i reverted to using my daily driver which is a Golf R Estate, with many let's say enhancements.
So back to now, the Blade was delivered last Saturday & i sat for hours just staring at the bike in awe of how she looked. I started her up a couple of times & again was in awe of how technology & styling have moved on since i had my ZX12R. But & it's a big BUT, i find myself as per the thread title s
tting myself at the very thought of riding her. I realise now isn't the best time of the year to be on any motorbike, so am happy to just admire her until the weather improves, but i can't see this apparent fear just vanishing anytime soon & thus how will i go about taking that first ride on her when the weather's agreeable?
I'm looking at getting some Rider training on an equivalent machine & have already reached out to Rapid Training & am awaiting their release of training dates, but right now the thought of even riding this bike to the training venue/track puts the fear of God into me. Am appreciative that a level of fear whilst riding really isn't a bad thing, but i'm afraid my level of fear would make riding this bike unpleasant or even possibly dangerous.
Reaching out to those far more accomplished on this Forum to see if any golden nuggets exist from those in the know as to how i overcome this fear?
Thanks in advance.
To put some context around this snap decision, i had crossers when i was 17 on the old Provisional license & then as i grew up my interest switched to 4 wheels. Around 24yrs ago i decided i fancied the idea of 2 wheels again so took my bike test (consisted back then of CBT & test) on a Yam SR125 & after passing my test jumped onto an FZR600R. At this point i was hooked & within 12mths upgraded to a YZF750 & then onto a ZX12R which i had for around 4yrs.
Now unfortunately as a keen biker i let's say started getting a little brave on my bike & was taking the odd risk (nothing major but i did enjoy pushing on), however in the one season i lost 4 riding buddies through accidents that were not their fault & with the impending arrival on my son i decided motorbikes were no longer my thing (this was about 15yrs ago). Since then i've hired a few bikes on foreign holidays, the last of which was a Harley in Vegas around 9yrs ago, but since then have never sat on a motorbike, let alone ridden one.
Since then & up to say last Autumn i've had next to no interest in returning to motorbikes & satisfy my 'racing demon' with car track days, this was in whatever was my daily driver at the time, but a few years ago we bought a track prep'd Clio 172 Cup for track action. The Clio was sold last year & i reverted to using my daily driver which is a Golf R Estate, with many let's say enhancements.
So back to now, the Blade was delivered last Saturday & i sat for hours just staring at the bike in awe of how she looked. I started her up a couple of times & again was in awe of how technology & styling have moved on since i had my ZX12R. But & it's a big BUT, i find myself as per the thread title s
tting myself at the very thought of riding her. I realise now isn't the best time of the year to be on any motorbike, so am happy to just admire her until the weather improves, but i can't see this apparent fear just vanishing anytime soon & thus how will i go about taking that first ride on her when the weather's agreeable?I'm looking at getting some Rider training on an equivalent machine & have already reached out to Rapid Training & am awaiting their release of training dates, but right now the thought of even riding this bike to the training venue/track puts the fear of God into me. Am appreciative that a level of fear whilst riding really isn't a bad thing, but i'm afraid my level of fear would make riding this bike unpleasant or even possibly dangerous.
Reaching out to those far more accomplished on this Forum to see if any golden nuggets exist from those in the know as to how i overcome this fear?
Thanks in advance.
I was similar when I went from a 125cc bike to a CBR600 the day after my direct access....
Remember that the throttle is not an on/off switch and the bike only goes as fast (or slow) as you tell it to and being new it'll likely have a form of TC to stop the rear spinning up if you're a little ham fisted. Nothing wrong with driving it around like a car for the time being until you familiarise yourself with biking and learn to apply some of the roadcraft guidance re. positioning, limit points etc.
Remember that the throttle is not an on/off switch and the bike only goes as fast (or slow) as you tell it to and being new it'll likely have a form of TC to stop the rear spinning up if you're a little ham fisted. Nothing wrong with driving it around like a car for the time being until you familiarise yourself with biking and learn to apply some of the roadcraft guidance re. positioning, limit points etc.
In my experience modern bikes (have ridden the R1M and MT10SP for example) are far, far easier to ride than their fore-fathers such as my old 1996 Fireblade.
The fear for you I imagine is in what could happen, not of the bike itself. Same as people scared of heights, are actually just afraid of falling and not the height.
My 2p. Get a go on something that doesn't immediately put fear in to you even if it's a 125, an mx bike, a bandit 600 or whatever it may be just to give you a confidence boost riding a bike before switching to riding this in the better weather.
Also buy the best gear you can afford, even if that means an airbag jacket. You will feel far less worried knowing you have done the best you can if the worst happens and you take a tumble.
Best wishes!
The fear for you I imagine is in what could happen, not of the bike itself. Same as people scared of heights, are actually just afraid of falling and not the height.
My 2p. Get a go on something that doesn't immediately put fear in to you even if it's a 125, an mx bike, a bandit 600 or whatever it may be just to give you a confidence boost riding a bike before switching to riding this in the better weather.
Also buy the best gear you can afford, even if that means an airbag jacket. You will feel far less worried knowing you have done the best you can if the worst happens and you take a tumble.
Best wishes!
It's a modern bike with lots of electronics, turn then all on and to max and as already suggested, wait for a nice dry day and just take it for a ride. Start with a short trip and then build up, ease yourself gently back into the saddle and enjoy it.
You have bought a great bike, if it has a reduced power 'rain' mode try that to begin with.
After that there are a few options for advance training:
Rospa / IAM
Californian Superbike School
Ron Haslam
Hopp Rider Training
BikeSafe
and others
You have bought a great bike, if it has a reduced power 'rain' mode try that to begin with.
After that there are a few options for advance training:
Rospa / IAM
Californian Superbike School
Ron Haslam
Hopp Rider Training
BikeSafe
and others
Ok, first ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Turn down ALL rider aids
3. Ride her with respect
2nd ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Turn ALL rider aids back up
3. Ride it like you stole it seeing of you can get the TC lights firing
3rd ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Enjoy
As an aside, look cracking in that colour scheme and enjoy the new toy ...
Throttle works both ways and you control the speed .....
1. Fire her up
2. Turn down ALL rider aids
3. Ride her with respect
2nd ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Turn ALL rider aids back up
3. Ride it like you stole it seeing of you can get the TC lights firing
3rd ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Enjoy
As an aside, look cracking in that colour scheme and enjoy the new toy ...
Throttle works both ways and you control the speed .....
w8pmc said:
In a moment of madness before Xmas (also had a hangover & was in a bad mood) i decided to acquire a brand new Fireblade as the deal on offer (popped up on my FaceAche feed) appeared too good to be true & for a few months i'd been mulling over a return to motorcycling.
the Blade was delivered last Saturday & i sat for hours just staring at the bike in awe of how she [/url]
I had a Fireblade delivered last Saturday too! I've managed 100 miles so far. the Blade was delivered last Saturday & i sat for hours just staring at the bike in awe of how she [/url]
The first time out on greasy roads and new tyres, horrid, my advise is put it in mode 3, the safety systems are all max. I went out yesterday and had it in mode 2, excellent, looking forward to clean roads so I can put it in User Mode (I’ve programmed Ron Haslam settings, just Google).
Don't be worried about taking the bike out, it's so easy to ride, very light, very safe and you are in control of the throttle. You really have no need to pootle on a 125 or similar.
In mitigation I did trade an S1000RR for this bike so i'm used to speed. The difference is the was the blade gets is power down differently, it’s hard to describe, the S1000RR used to scream and go whereas the Honda is more dignified in it’s approach, I think the weight differace has something to do with it too. Lots of torque and the quick shifter is incredible, it's nice to have one that works correctly, and sounds fantastic! And yes, some great deals on the Fireblade. This made me change my mind from the new BMW, which is now delayed until June 2019, £1000’s off and 0%.
The only changes I’ve made, which I do to most is, grippy pegs, adjustable levers and tail tidy. Enjoy, it is a beautiful bike.
kiethton said:
I was similar when I went from a 125cc bike to a CBR600 the day after my direct access....
Remember that the throttle is not an on/off switch and the bike only goes as fast (or slow) as you tell it to and being new it'll likely have a form of TC to stop the rear spinning up if you're a little ham fisted. Nothing wrong with driving it around like a car for the time being until you familiarise yourself with biking and learn to apply some of the roadcraft guidance re. positioning, limit points etc.
Good point & i think some of this is down to the nature of the bike. Never owned a Blade or equivalent, as the ZX12R although blisteringly quick wasn't i expect as agile as the Blade & thus felt a little more 'solid' if that makes sense?Remember that the throttle is not an on/off switch and the bike only goes as fast (or slow) as you tell it to and being new it'll likely have a form of TC to stop the rear spinning up if you're a little ham fisted. Nothing wrong with driving it around like a car for the time being until you familiarise yourself with biking and learn to apply some of the roadcraft guidance re. positioning, limit points etc.
Rubin215 said:
Pick a nice dry day and just go out for a ride.
No need to go daft, no need to push the bike or yourself.
Just have some fun, swing round some bends, go home and have a cup of tea to warm up a bit.
Then do it again.
Makes perfect sense once i overcome this initial fear of getting kitted up, firing the bike up, selecting 1st gear & setting off.No need to go daft, no need to push the bike or yourself.
Just have some fun, swing round some bends, go home and have a cup of tea to warm up a bit.
Then do it again.
Dift said:
Being scared is probably a good thing, at least you will be overly cautious. I would be more worried if you were super confident!
Just pootle around and short shift would be my suggestion, you'll soon get overcome any nerves in good time for summer.
As above, makes perfect sense. Was one of the factors i chose to buy out of season so i've half a chance of being in full enjoyment mode when the better weather arrives, that & of course the Winter deal ££ was a significant draw.Just pootle around and short shift would be my suggestion, you'll soon get overcome any nerves in good time for summer.
dibblecorse said:
Ok, first ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Turn down ALL rider aids
3. Ride her with respect
2nd ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Turn ALL rider aids back up
3. Ride it like you stole it seeing of you can get the TC lights firing
3rd ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Enjoy
As an aside, look cracking in that colour scheme and enjoy the new toy ...
Throttle works both ways and you control the speed .....
Not sure the 1st & 2nd sequence would help overcome my fear1. Fire her up
2. Turn down ALL rider aids
3. Ride her with respect
2nd ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Turn ALL rider aids back up
3. Ride it like you stole it seeing of you can get the TC lights firing
3rd ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Enjoy
As an aside, look cracking in that colour scheme and enjoy the new toy ...
Throttle works both ways and you control the speed .....
I'm sure i'll overcome this & she's only been here for 6 days of which it's been either very wet or freezing on the roads.
MotorsportTom said:
In my experience modern bikes (have ridden the R1M and MT10SP for example) are far, far easier to ride than their fore-fathers such as my old 1996 Fireblade.
The fear for you I imagine is in what could happen, not of the bike itself. Same as people scared of heights, are actually just afraid of falling and not the height.
My 2p. Get a go on something that doesn't immediately put fear in to you even if it's a 125, an mx bike, a bandit 600 or whatever it may be just to give you a confidence boost riding a bike before switching to riding this in the better weather.
Also buy the best gear you can afford, even if that means an airbag jacket. You will feel far less worried knowing you have done the best you can if the worst happens and you take a tumble.
Best wishes!
Thanks. I've hopefully gone for quality gear, although never considered an airbag jacket, just quality one piece leathers, boots, helmet & gloves.The fear for you I imagine is in what could happen, not of the bike itself. Same as people scared of heights, are actually just afraid of falling and not the height.
My 2p. Get a go on something that doesn't immediately put fear in to you even if it's a 125, an mx bike, a bandit 600 or whatever it may be just to give you a confidence boost riding a bike before switching to riding this in the better weather.
Also buy the best gear you can afford, even if that means an airbag jacket. You will feel far less worried knowing you have done the best you can if the worst happens and you take a tumble.
Best wishes!
Not sure how i'd get to ride some less fearful machines now the Blade is sat in the garage.
knitware said:
I had a Fireblade delivered last Saturday too! I've managed 100 miles so far.
The first time out on greasy roads and new tyres, horrid, my advise is put it in mode 3, the safety systems are all max. I went out yesterday and had it in mode 2, excellent, looking forward to clean roads so I can put it in User Mode (I’ve programmed Ron Haslam settings, just Google).
Don't be worried about taking the bike out, it's so easy to ride, very light, very safe and you are in control of the throttle. You really have no need to pootle on a 125 or similar.
In mitigation I did trade an S1000RR for this bike so i'm used to speed. The difference is the was the blade gets is power down differently, it’s hard to describe, the S1000RR used to scream and go whereas the Honda is more dignified in it’s approach, I think the weight differace has something to do with it too. Lots of torque and the quick shifter is incredible, it's nice to have one that works correctly, and sounds fantastic! And yes, some great deals on the Fireblade. This made me change my mind from the new BMW, which is now delayed until June 2019, £1000’s off and 0%.
The only changes I’ve made, which I do to most is, grippy pegs, adjustable levers and tail tidy. Enjoy, it is a beautiful bike.
I'm guessing the same deal given you mention £000's off & 0%? Mine came from Blackpool Honda.The first time out on greasy roads and new tyres, horrid, my advise is put it in mode 3, the safety systems are all max. I went out yesterday and had it in mode 2, excellent, looking forward to clean roads so I can put it in User Mode (I’ve programmed Ron Haslam settings, just Google).
Don't be worried about taking the bike out, it's so easy to ride, very light, very safe and you are in control of the throttle. You really have no need to pootle on a 125 or similar.
In mitigation I did trade an S1000RR for this bike so i'm used to speed. The difference is the was the blade gets is power down differently, it’s hard to describe, the S1000RR used to scream and go whereas the Honda is more dignified in it’s approach, I think the weight differace has something to do with it too. Lots of torque and the quick shifter is incredible, it's nice to have one that works correctly, and sounds fantastic! And yes, some great deals on the Fireblade. This made me change my mind from the new BMW, which is now delayed until June 2019, £1000’s off and 0%.
The only changes I’ve made, which I do to most is, grippy pegs, adjustable levers and tail tidy. Enjoy, it is a beautiful bike.
Is the Quick Shifter standard as the dealer mentioned this as a possible upgrade when i feel ready?
When I had a 2 year enforced break from riding/driving, I went and did a few hours on the roads with advanced instructor, after a bit of bike handling . Also had 1/2 day on airfield in car with a friend who is instructor. Really helped my confidence after a 2 year break. Got back up to speed and comfortable pretty quick after that.
No harm in doing some training....more training and practice is always good, and there is so much on offer these days compared to 20-30 years ago.
No harm in doing some training....more training and practice is always good, and there is so much on offer these days compared to 20-30 years ago.
w8pmc said:
dibblecorse said:
Ok, first ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Turn down ALL rider aids
3. Ride her with respect
2nd ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Turn ALL rider aids back up
3. Ride it like you stole it seeing of you can get the TC lights firing
3rd ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Enjoy
As an aside, look cracking in that colour scheme and enjoy the new toy ...
Throttle works both ways and you control the speed .....
Not sure the 1st & 2nd sequence would help overcome my fear1. Fire her up
2. Turn down ALL rider aids
3. Ride her with respect
2nd ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Turn ALL rider aids back up
3. Ride it like you stole it seeing of you can get the TC lights firing
3rd ride sequence:
1. Fire her up
2. Enjoy
As an aside, look cracking in that colour scheme and enjoy the new toy ...
Throttle works both ways and you control the speed .....
I'm sure i'll overcome this & she's only been here for 6 days of which it's been either very wet or freezing on the roads.
or pillion you on my Multi to prove theres grip out there ??Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff