Nervous Riders Query!

Hi there

Not sure if anyone can help but we're wondering if you know of anybody in the Hertford/Welwyn Garden City area that can help us. My sister and I passed our tests in August with very few minors and have struggled with the jump from a 125 to the SV650S where it's got to the stage where we're putting it off going out as we're not sure where we're going wrong or how we can improve our riding (we did fall off alot to begin with!).

Do they have anything like they do with car driving lessons where people come and pick you up from home and pay for individual lessons/ride outs?

We know we're capable, it's just a confidence issue and need somebody to help us get to grips with the bike.

Thanks for your help.

There is an advanced course but you need experience.

Just relax it will come....

[fizzwheel]

go back to place you did your DAS training / CBT training with and talk to them see if they do some refresher lessons, some places do.

Dont know if something like IAM would be able to help you though ?

Best way to build confidence is to put the miles in, just get out on some familiar quiet local roads and ride them at your own speed.

dont worry,I was riding for 18 yrs and then stopped.Got back on last yr and felt just like you.It will come

Thanks - we did try to go back to where we did our A2 training but they kept cancelling/changing our appointment so we gave up with them as it seemed they weren't as interested after our A2.

[fizzwheel]

Have you tried asking at a different riding school and see if they will help you out.

What specifically do you feel you are having a problem with ? Or is it just lack of confidence ?

It is lack of confidence really - for example when we're turning right onto a main road, we do the usual checks and then we just keep on looking so the gaps gone and you've cars up your ar*e. When we fell off at the beginning it was always when turning right and I think it's just stemmed from there. We've also noticed that people don't sit at junctions with their foot on the back brake like we were taught - is this likely to be part of the reason we're struggling turning right?(we always stop with our left foot on the floor, right foot on the back brake)

I assume your problem is that you did all your training/test on a 125 and now have a restricted SV?

There are some differences in riding technique between a small 125 and a larger capacity bike. These can be learnt over time/miles, however if you are nervous then i think getting some extra tuition is a great idea.

[fizzwheel]

thats how I stop at junctions, left foot down and rear covering back brake, I was taught to ride that way and I've always ridden that way. IMHO nothing wrong with doing that.

Do you know what I'd do, I'd go out when its quiet on a Saturday / Sunday morning, find a carpark and just practise pulling away from junctions whilst turning right, and keep doing it until you have it nailed.

Its just practice and then you'll get it. Dont beat yourself up about it, just take your time and you'll get there.

*note I'm not an instructor so dont take what I say as gospel truth, its just what I would do / have done in the past to get over similar kind of confidence issues.

[the_lone_wolf]

sounds like you don't so much need tuition as just more miles under your belt... try to find a local group of riders who are willing to take you out and keep an eye on you, not just buzz off into the distance