Feeling a little inept!

Well, I've been for a bit of a rideout today with a few biker mates from work. I was on my Pointy and the other 3 bikes were TL1000s, 996 and GSXR600 SRAD. Found keeping up with them a little hard at times, especially in the twisty bits. I was slowing for corners much more than they were. The guy leading was on the TL with his missus on the back, but even with a pillion I couldn't ride at his pace, so stuck to my own. I never got left behind or anything but it was hard work. I really enjoyed the ride and I think I improved as the day progressed, but I realise I've got a long way to go before I can maintain that sort of pace comfortably.

Mm i know how you feel O.O you a new rider or just coming back from the winter break? Ed didn't exactly open up his Daytona but i'm sure i'd have a hard time catching up if he did aswell.

Don't worry - I get left behind when with some riders, but not with others - I won't rush out of my comfort zone, and don't forget there is still crud on the roads so best not to take too many chances

Originally Posted by Thingus

Mm i know how you feel O.O you a new rider or just coming back from the winter break?

Passed my test at the end of November. Probably done six or seven hundred miles since passing, two hundred of them today!

Good man i've done about 300 since passing, slowly getting more and more confident. To be fair though i think we're probs both benifiting from riding with other people, watching someone else take a corner a bit quicker gives me the confidence to do the same.

Originally Posted by madness

Well, I've been for a bit of a rideout today with a few biker mates from work. I was on my Pointy and the other 3 bikes were TL1000s, 996 and GSXR600 SRAD. Found keeping up with them a little hard at times, especially in the twisty bits. I was slowing for corners much more than they were. The guy leading was on the TL with his missus on the back, but even with a pillion I couldn't ride at his pace, so stuck to my own. I never got left behind or anything but it was hard work. I really enjoyed the ride and I think I improved as the day progressed, but I realise I've got a long way to go before I can maintain that sort of pace comfortably.

You did the right thing by realising the pace was out of your "comfort envelope" and riding at a pace you were more comfortable with.

What I would be doing is watching how they ride and how they managed to corner quicker than you. It may have been familiarity of the road, road positioning and correct gear selection or just brain-out lunacy.

At least they didn't leave behind and I would guess you would benefit from riding out with them again providing you know your limits. Also ask them for advice.

[Rich]

Always go at your own pace, if you can't keep up don't even try thats when accidents happen. I remember riding with a few mates when i first got my SV, they were on a Honda Blackbird, CBR954, R6, Thundercat, CBF1000 and i struggled to keep up for the first few rides being on 33bhp aswell. But after my confidence grew and a few thousand miles in i was keeping up and even getting a few comments on how i was inproving!! You'll get there!!

Originally Posted by madness

Well, I've been for a bit of a rideout today with a few biker mates from work. I was on my Pointy and the other 3 bikes were TL1000s, 996 and GSXR600 SRAD. Found keeping up with them a little hard at times, especially in the twisty bits. I was slowing for corners much more than they were. The guy leading was on the TL with his missus on the back, but even with a pillion I couldn't ride at his pace, so stuck to my own. I never got left behind or anything but it was hard work. I really enjoyed the ride and I think I improved as the day progressed, but I realise I've got a long way to go before I can maintain that sort of pace comfortably.

Get lured out of your comfort zone at your peril mate, always ride at your own pace not someone elses at the end of the day its not about speed its about enjoyment and getting home in one piece at the end of the day.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by madness

but I realise I've got a long way to go before I can maintain that sort of pace comfortably.

thats the most important thing. You got left behind my more experienced riders on more capable machinary. I wouldnt worry to much about it, just concentrate on your own riding like you've been doing.

if they didnt leave you behind to much, sounds like they are a considerate bunch of mates to go out with, finding a good group to ride with is always good for picking up tips.

Stick at it.

[Biker Biggles]

Biggest single cause of bike crashes on group rides is someone feeling pressure to "keep up"
Dont even go there mate and if you cant avoid that feeling dont go on group rides.
Always ride your own ride and no one elses.