tips for after accident

Originally Posted by zachl

i though about a track day, wouldnt wanna use my bike though lol

trackdays will teach you a lot, and do it on your bike as you will learn about it too. Don't be a hero on the day and you shouldn't fall off - there is always somebody faster and somebody slower than you.

[keith_d]

I did a novice only track day last year on my pointy and it was great for my confidence in bends. The only minor side effect was a rather melted front tyre.

From your sig. it looks like you're in the market for a pointy. That sounds like the perfect thing. Slow enough that you won't be tempted to keep up with the Gixxer crowd, but still loads of fun through the bends.

So I'd say go for the track day.

Keith.

Just ride more slowly, is not a race. It will come back, i had an issue with leaning in the rain because my back wheel slid out once, a few months of riding and it doesn't bother me now.

Above all else - Mileage! Nothing will restore your confidence on the road like mileage.

[tonyk]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Above all else - Mileage! Nothing will restore your confidence on the road like mileage.

do group riding and you'll soon clock up more mileage...

i think the only way to get the confidence back is just keep it steady and with time it will build up

Remember when you do group ride to ride for yourself. It's frustrating when the whole pack disappears into the distance but don't feel compelled to overdo it trying to keep up, you'll just come a cropper.

And yeah, just take it easy. I'm still really nervous in bends after my off and so take them very gently, I am however enjoying this thread on cornering and trying to look further around the bend to where I want to go. Seems to help!

[timwilky]

Personally, it is my own opinion that there are several factors in cornering. Of course there is your own rider skill. But there is the hidden aspect which I will call corner analysis.

It is all well and good riding roads you know, learning the corner and how fast you caqn take it. But what happens the day you go out somewhere new? Do you want to then crawl through every bend.

Corner analysis is using the visual indicators you get by looking ahead, is the road tightening or opening up. Watch the kerb, it should tell you what the road ahead is doing. Use other indicators such as walls/hedges.

On left handers, get well out there and look though as much of the bend as you can. Done properly you should have plenty of time to tuck back in as you have advanced notice of any oncoming traffic. On right handers tuck in tight to the kerb to look through the bend before you then take your line through it.

There is nothing clever in being able to corner fast. The smart ones however, do it smoothly, safely and just as fast.

+1 to what Mr Wilky just said.

Best advice i can give is to take it at your own pace, don't be forced into riding outside your ability, especially on unfamiliar roads as this is where you'll get fubar'd, been their, got the t shirt and insurance claim to go with it.
Have a look at going on a bikesafe course, they're free in Wiltshire and run all through out the summer.
This will give you some idea of road positioning and reading corners, ie: vanishing points and such.

Someone on here once said "I'd rather get from A to B 5 minutes later than not at all" pretty good advice if you think about it

Going out with others and taking constructive criticism is always good too. I've learnt more by letting somebody pick apart my riding and then turning the negatives into positives.

Originally Posted by zachl

i need to go out with people too i think, i only ride on my own and therefore it would be a good idea to get a concept of speed from others

I just noticed your location. I'm just down the road in Bradford-On-Avon. Sure we can meet up and go for a ride.

After losing the front going round a bend which resulted in a rather heavy accident (see my signature) I lost all confidence and that was after riding motorcycles for a years and years. My confidence was so lacking I actually had a very near miss with a lamp post on a grass verge next to a roundabout quite simply because I did not trust myself to go round it even though my Gran (rest in peace) could have made it round and she has never been on a bike. After that incident I gave myself a massive virtual kick up the rear, a good talking too, and set about getting my confidence back again. Riding is the only way confidence builds. In my situation I already knew what I was doing so just had to build confidence in my own ability again. In yours, maybe some added tuition would be useful. Whether that be professional instruction or out with people who simply know how to ride. If you ever fancy popping round, please feel free. Send me a PM for my address.

Have fun.