Removing 33 bhp restriction

[manuka]

This isn't technically a newbie post, but I am coming up to the time when I can remove my restriction on my cb500.

tbh I'm a little nervous about it. I have only started riding again for about a month, after keeping the bike stabled over the winter and I still feel quite anxious on the bike. Last year I was a gpz305 and that handled nicely and I felt 'comfy' and safe on it, despite its' predilection for breaking down on me
The cb500 just feels a little like a wolf in sheep's clothing and I'm considering keeping the restriction in place for a while over the summer, until I feel a bit more confident handling the bigger bike.

To this end I've booked on a bikesafe course with my local PC after going out for a taster ride with my local IAM group (and a little encouragement from my boyfriend).

I am just amazed that there is so much more to learn, you think passing the test makes you confident and safe, but I just feel wracked with anxiety when I think of going out on the bike. Its a particular problem if I am riding with other people as I feel like they are all criticising my riding and sniggering when I go more slowly.

My boyfriend has tried to give me advice, but it's a little like your dad giving you driving lessons. I get very defensive and angry and then bomb off in a red mist, which although my riding looks better according to him, my BP must be off the scale, and that can't be healthy.

I wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience, or has been on the bikesafe w/shops or similar in the north england area and could reccomend them.
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"ouch!" said Mr Bump

[smithy1219]

Hi, my restriction ended a few months ago and even though I have been riding bikes constantly since I was 16 (4years) I was still nervous when I took my restritors out but I love it now and am getting the hang of the power etc etc. If you feel nervous then just leave the restricters in until your happier as no one is saying you have to take them out. Also doing them courses would probably be good for your confidence which is good.

Oh and try not to worry about what people think about your riding skills and if they do then get some new riding mates.

[drzsta]

I think it's "better" to lack confidence than to be over confident.
you could leave the restrictor in place over the next months or so and get akin to the bike again, once you've got used to the bike - it honestly be won't be so daunting!

And always remember that, confidence builds (and so skill too) with time riding!

Most important part is to have fun and NOT get in a strop otherwise WHATS THE POINT IN RIDING?
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Current Bikes - BMW S1000RR ‘17 & KTM 690 SMC-R ‘12

[iooi]

[jimspeed]

i would take them out too.. after all just because you now have say 60 bhp available it doesn't mean you have to use it all..
plus the bike will be more responsive and maybe even better on fuel too.
i went from a 14 bhp 125 to my 33 bhp 250 kawasaki and found i didn't use any more of the power 90% of the time
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Hyosung cruise 125(passed test on, sold) Kawasaki el 252 (better than expected but sold on) Kawasaki GPZ500S first "big"bike.(sold) ZZR600 E5..Z750 2007,ER5, currently on a 2008 Enfield bullet electra x and loving it..
,"Alpha-9: Is there any correlation between dyno rod and dyno kits?"

[That_Hornet]

1+ for taking them out. You never know when you might need it.

[manuka]

Thanks for all the opinions.

She is due a retest for the MOT on friday, and all going well, I will be doing a route up to Skye before the derestriction date so that should help bed-in my riding skills.

After that I'll take the plunge and have the restrictors removed.
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"ouch!" said Mr Bump

[ajbsmirnoff]

I'd take them out, the bike will only go as fast as you ride it.

Ride at a speed you're comfortable with - ride within your comfort zone, most traffic just dawdles along, go with the flow and get lots of experience and confidence. I liked the GS500 in my DAS, it was such a nice bike to ride. (I imagine the CB is equally nice or better))

Since passing my test i've gradually increased in confidence (and speed). The ZX6r quite frankly scared a panic wee out of me the first time I rode it after riding a GS500 (and I thought the Gs was excitingly fast). But I rode at a speed I was comfy with, didn't mind looking a bit of a berk dawdling along, and got used to the bike and its power. My riding has gotten alot smoother over the past few months this year, and a bit faster as a result. Take your time and enjoy it.

I use my bike for commuting, and a big mental hurdle was filtering for me. Initially I felt really frustrated sitting in traffic (watching all of the bikes from my village saunter past), but not confident enough to wobble inbetween the cars. But I started doing a titchy bit in places where I knew the road layout well and what the traffic would be doing (comfort zone). Now I filter most of the way through town, nearly halving my journey time.

[Pickledswede]

Whatever you do, DO NOT be influenced by what anyone else says. That's when accidents happen, I know from experience. Just ride at your own pace, take the restrictors out if you wish, you can always ride more gently, but if you don't feel comfortable, keep them in, it's not going to do you any harm.

The more you ride the more comfortable you will feel and you will find yourself being able to ride faster and being happy doing so, don't push too hard at your limits (which it sounds like you're doing if your BP is off the scale!). Plenty of time over summer to ride for yourself and enjoy improving at your own pace.

Personally I hate riding with other bikes because I know I get tempted to 'race' or keep up far too easily, and when I'm concentrating on that I don't concentrate enough on what's safe for ME, then I end up steaming up to a corner and panic breaking, when if I had been concentrating I could have got round it easily!

Hope this helps!