psyching myself out, needless worry?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 918
From: coast to coast
Lots of good info here. Positive attitude does not have to equal over confidence. Try not to focus on the negative whenever possible. "what if" is helpful if used for planning a response, but most likely situations will not match your imagination, or some one else's circumstances. Knowing your bike's capabilities and being a proficient rider will give you the best chance of success against unexpected events. More ride time in different conditions will help in these areas.
...and avoid manhole covers and cross walk paint when wet...slick as ice. If you can't avoid them, just make sure you do not use your brakes or turn while crossing them.
...and avoid manhole covers and cross walk paint when wet...slick as ice. If you can't avoid them, just make sure you do not use your brakes or turn while crossing them.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 787
Likes: 2
From: Salinas, CA
There's no rush. You're doing the right thing. Ride it as often as possible and your confidence will come. I was riding one of my favorite roads the other day and remembering how intimidating that road felt at the time (I was learning). The more you ride your bike, the more comfortable on it you will become. It just takes time.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Bemidji, MN
I think my main issue is over-slowing before turns; too concerned with going in "hot" that I creep like a turtle. I know at around town speeds you stay upright and lean the bike; highway speeds you lean with the bike. I find myself slowing lower than the posted limits in turns...
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 787
Likes: 2
From: Salinas, CA
If you go extra slow into a turn, that gives you a chance to work on accelerating out of them. It will give you a chance to feel a little more speed under you with the bike leaned into a turn already.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
I think my main issue is over-slowing before turns; too concerned with going in "hot" that I creep like a turtle. I know at around town speeds you stay upright and lean the bike; highway speeds you lean with the bike. I find myself slowing lower than the posted limits in turns...
Also, taking a turn a little faster than a turtle will help the bike turn better. I don't mean to speed through it, but if you're going at a speed around where your counter steer kicks in you'll find it easier.
Go into an empty parking lot and practice, practice, practice.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 818
Likes: 1
From: Central NY
I had the same issues with intersection turns....I watched my husband "go flying" through the turn..when in fact, he really wasn't. It's ok to be in second gear, brake before you start your turn, and go at a comfortable speed. No one is checking your speed with a gun! sometimes you even need to go through in first gear, depending on the situation.
as far as curves, I'm thankful for the posted speeds for the curves, it tells me basically how sharp it's going to be. We have a few hairpin turns posted at 15 miles an hour around here, and you know what? you better not be going 30! Anyway, use those speeds, and try to go into them at that speed, then accelerate as you go through it. As you gain more confidence, you'll increase it. It is essential that you are not looking right in front of your bike, you need to be looking ahead and turn your head, your bike will follow your nose..it's really true! practice, practice.
The post above about lane position is a good point too, about making right hand turns.
as far as curves, I'm thankful for the posted speeds for the curves, it tells me basically how sharp it's going to be. We have a few hairpin turns posted at 15 miles an hour around here, and you know what? you better not be going 30! Anyway, use those speeds, and try to go into them at that speed, then accelerate as you go through it. As you gain more confidence, you'll increase it. It is essential that you are not looking right in front of your bike, you need to be looking ahead and turn your head, your bike will follow your nose..it's really true! practice, practice.
The post above about lane position is a good point too, about making right hand turns.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 1
From: Lynchburg, Va
The wider you take a turn the easier it will be. Say you want to take a right turn? Hugging the curb is tougher than tuning from the middle of the lane.
Also, taking a turn a little faster than a turtle will help the bike turn better. I don't mean to speed through it, but if you're going at a speed around where your counter steer kicks in you'll find it easier.
Also, taking a turn a little faster than a turtle will help the bike turn better. I don't mean to speed through it, but if you're going at a speed around where your counter steer kicks in you'll find it easier.
Shakey
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Denver
It gets better with experience. I took the MSF course ten years ago and had all the same anxieties. I did wreck a bike in 2006. **** happens. Some say it's a guarantee, but there's no such thing. Use common sense, stay within your abilities and ride as much as possible. You become a more confident/experienced rider and the worries subside naturally at the same time.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
The wider you take a turn the easier it will be. Say you want to take a right turn? Hugging the curb is tougher than tuning from the middle of the lane.
Also, taking a turn a little faster than a turtle will help the bike turn better. I don't mean to speed through it, but if you're going at a speed around where your counter steer kicks in you'll find it easier.
Go into an empty parking lot and practice, practice, practice.
Also, taking a turn a little faster than a turtle will help the bike turn better. I don't mean to speed through it, but if you're going at a speed around where your counter steer kicks in you'll find it easier.
Go into an empty parking lot and practice, practice, practice.