Newbie Bike, Still Alive, Which Course?

  • Thread starter Thread starter BuzzFan
  • Start date Start date

BuzzFan

Guest
I passed my test last August, have survived 6 months scidaddling around london daily, but limited fast road experience. I think I need more trainihg, but not sure which - IAM, bikesafe, circuit, offroad?

If it helps, I'm nervous of cornering fast and or braking in the wet - basically i'm nervous in the wet! But as I normally ride like a wimp, I don't have a feel yet for when the bike is about to skid, and although I survived after locking up the rear a few times on an SV 650, I'd dont feel I have the reflexes to survive a bad skid.

As a cyclist & driver for 30 years, I am fairly conscious about observation & visual checks, but feel my riding craft is poor. Can anyone advise which training to do first, for optimum £/result ?
 
BuzzFan said:
I passed my test last August, have survived 6 months scidaddling around london daily, but limited fast road experience. I think I need more trainihg, but not sure which - IAM, bikesafe, circuit, offroad?

If it helps, I'm nervous of cornering fast and or braking in the wet - basically i'm nervous in the wet! But as I normally ride like a wimp, I don't have a feel yet for when the bike is about to skid, and although I survived after locking up the rear a few times on an SV 650, I'd dont feel I have the reflexes to survive a bad skid.

As a cyclist & driver for 30 years, I am fairly conscious about observation & visual checks, but feel my riding craft is poor. Can anyone advise which training to do first, for optimum £/result ?
Click to expand...

I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago and went with RoSPA. I would highly recommend this route as it teaches you confidence with safety and is spread over as much time as you need, and costs virtually nothing :thumb2

Good luck.
 
Do it all !

DJ is right about RoSPA and road riding however , you seem to be asking about acquiring a "feel" for what the bike is doing and it's capacity to do more than you are currently asking of it . In short , you are wanting to learn how to interpret feedback and retain full control of the bike , particularly in adverse conditions .

So , the quickest and safest route to learning about adhesion in all its guises is to go off-road , trials bikes are best - small , light , not as fast as crossers but still able to let you discover the results of your actions . You'll learn what a rear , front , two wheel , slide , wheelie , stoppie all feel like and begin to appreciate what you are doing to instigate each of them . Your nearest Trials club will be full of welcoming folk who would be glad to give you local info. as to how to access your first step . If you fancy more speed then move up/across to enduro / motocross and scare yourself in relative safety . There are some excellent off-road schools and instructors , usually based around one to three day courses - you will be amazed at the difference in your riding . Info re Trials and Motocross is to be found in T&MX (Trials and Motocross) , published every Friday , containing a list of local clubs , events , courses and an excellent place to start .Go along to your local Trial , Enduro , Motocross and get asking about .

Having learned about bike control now is the time to look to take your riding to the next level - track , road , competition , whatever ticks your box . IAM , RoSPA , Bikesafe , Enhanced Rider , Advanced Riding instruction , circuit based training etc. Have a look at what is available near to you and choose the group or individual that you feel most comfortable with , each is different and has its own strengths - the determining factor is what suits you best .

The only certainty is that you'll have a whale of a time , throughly enjoy yourself and ; perhaps , wonder how you managed to survive intact for so long !

All the best , Jim .
 
Thanks Jim, really useful comments.

I'm like BuzzFan - happy until it gets difficult, and in search of more confidence. I had already thought of trials bikes. Only trouble is, I'm afraid if I get another bike the GS will bully its little brother!
 
BuzzFan said:
but feel my riding craft is poor. Can anyone advise which training to do first, for optimum £/result ?
Click to expand...

Fill your tank with petrol. Ride lots.
Repeat the above.

:thumb2

Seriously that's a large part of it, just getting miles under your belt. I remember suddenly feeling much better on my bike about 6000miles after I passed my test. Several hundred thousand later I'm still a crap rider. :rolleyes:
 
DavidHale said:
Fill your tank with petrol. Ride lots.
Repeat the above.

:thumb2

Seriously that's a large part of it, just getting miles under your belt. I remember suddenly feeling much better on my bike about 6000miles after I passed my test. Several hundred thousand later I'm still a crap rider. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I am not 100% with you on that one ..

People that ride the bike lots gets better at bike control, but they pick up bad habits.

Things I learnt on a course with Mike I would never have figured out by myself. BUT once taught, you can practice to make yourself perfect at it.
 
THANKS

Thanks all for the advice - I'll book a trials taster - silly not to as I've a dream trials competition bike - and try one of each of the road training sessions over the next few months.

I definitely agree I need max number of miles, but am sure being pushed/coached by an instructor to corner properly will improve me at a far faster rate than trial and error on my own. This was also the experience of the columnist Erin Baker - I downloaded every blog she wrote whilst transitioning from newbie DAS rider through to circuit competition.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
You must log in or register to reply here.


Back
Top Bottom