New biker, just passed DAS.. still very nervous

[BakesBeans]

Hi all, I'm new...

I just completed my direct access course and now have bought myself a VFR400 NC30 bike. The reason being is it's small, like me, and not stupidly powerful.

However, I'll admit, I'm bloody scared of it. I've only done 80miles, and haven't got above 65mph yet... I've only been out on it once so far.

I learn't on an ER5, which I got to 80mph but with no fairing I didn't feel comfortable going faster.

So, how long did it take you new riders until you're happy doing 100mph?

I'm starting to think maybe I should have got a Yam Fazer or something.

[dungbug]

Just take youur time fella & ride for yourself, there's no benchmark that says you should be doing x speed after x amount of weeks from passing your test. The first few times I took the Thundercat out I rode to the speed limits, I've opened her up a few times but ride to how I feel comfortable.......Which is usually just keeping up with the traffic and sticking to speed limits, took me bloody long enough to get a license so I don't want to lose it.
The VFR400 seems like a nice bike, just enjoy it and ride in a way that you feel comfortable & in control. Faster speed riding will come in time when you're used to the bike and got some miles under ya belt I reckon.

Oh & congrats on passing your tests! Ride safe.
____________________
CBT: Pass 25/06/2011 Theory Test: Pass12/06/2012 Mod 1: Fail 08/07/2012
Mod 1 Retest: Pass 15/0702012 Mod 2: Pass 03/08/2012
Suzuki GN125 (Sold) ~ Current bike: Yamaha YZF 600R Thundercat

[BakesBeans]

Cheers, I'm absolutely fine around town, although I haven't filtered yet. I'll wait for that.

I'm actually quite surprised how quick I passed my test, my instructor said I'm quite good apart from going too slow round corners on open roads.

I did have a little scare on my third training day, I was doing 60mph and suddenly hit a side wind, and with the camber of the road it started to push me towards the hedge which did shit me up. The instructor did wonder why I suddenly went from 60 to 35mph..

Oh, just to add I'm 31 so no 33bhp restriction too.

[Pete.]

The VFR isn't a very powerful bike but it does have quite strong low-down torque for it's size which can make the delivery a bit harsh for the novice. The weight being very biased towards the front doesn't make it ideal for learning either, though many people have had one for a first bike. Just keep your elbows bent and relax your grip on the bars.

If you had a bike with a more natural seating position you'd find it a lot easier to build your confidence, but you'll still get there on the NC30.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Andy_Pagin]

I've got a Fazer 600 and it goes like a rocket!
However It's all in the right wrist, just take it easy and slowly build your confidence, you really only start the process of learning to ride a big bike once you've passed the tests, getting really proficient takes a few hundred miles.

We all have an "oh shiiit" moment where we aim for position three and the bike decides position zero would be nice, It's just one of the rights of passage to becoming a real biker.
____________________
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

[Billo63]

As a recently passed rider I see exactly where you're coming from.
On my er5 I plod along with the traffic conditions dictating how I ride, so it's great for confidence building.

However, on my zzr I do ride it in a differing manner, it's probably that extra power that gives me a + when overtaking, filtering etc:
But everyone rides different & you will build up not only confidence, but also knowledge each time you ride.

Just remember that throttles work both ways & the rest will take care of itself as you go.

And as for been 31 - you're only a pup mate so absolutely no rush to cram everything in too soon.

As I was rightly told by my instructor after passing mod 2 " Right you've got your licence - now the learning really starts ".

Ride safe & enjoy
____________________
I might not be a gynecologist, but I know a cunt when I see one

[Rogerborg]

[Islander]

Pretty much what everyone else has said really. It's not a competition so ignore the knee/elbow/ear 'ole down bullshit.

There's no rush to ride quickly, rather concentrate on riding smoothly and safely at a speed you feel comfortable with and getting your observation right. You'll soon build confidence that way and the rest will follow

[Islander]

[shereen]

[BakesBeans]

Thanks for your kind replies. Just had my third outing on my own, and it was a million times better.

I got up to 80 going the same stretch between two round-a-bouts, which is far better.

[Nick 50]

Like others have said, confidence will come with time and experience. There is no hurry and you will build your confidence as you continue to learn.

You'll probably find that you'll quickly get to stage where you are unaware just how fast you are going till you look down and then go "Oh 5hit.......". Then you'll wonder what all the fuss was about in your head.
____________________
Current Bikes: ZX7r 97 (Black Beauty), VFR400 NC24 (The banana)
Previous Bikes: Aprilia Tuono 03 (The Beast), CBR600f (97)
First bike: A GZ125 Lemon.......

[Cunnington]

Why are you fixating on how fast you get up to? As long as you are keeping up with traffic for now, you're doing fine.

Try to get as many miles under your belt as you can, and you will begin to get to know your bike and how it responds eg. once you get used to the acceleration, you will become more confident in overtakes.

It is early days - you have years of biking ahead of you.

Well done for getting your licence, and enjoy the experience.
____________________
'82 C50, '81 CB100, '84 GS125, '95 NTV650, '00 Bandit 600, '06 SV650, '56 Z1000, '89 NTV600
The Shaggy D.A. wrote: "You are invisible. Those who can see you are trying to kill you."

[BakesBeans]

Your right, it was just my concern of not keeping up with moving traffic.

I hit 15k revs today in first, and fooook me... it's a little pocket rocket. It kind of turned me on a bit
____________________
Current: Kawasaki ZX636
Previous Bike: Honda CBR600F ABS, Yamaha XJ6 F Diversion ABS, Honda VFR400 NC30

[Skudd]

[_matt]

@ OP
Don't panic!

Speed isn't everything *. I've been going 4 years now and i rarely go above 65mph (unless it's a straight rode and i'm feeling stupid).
I pretty much live at 45-55 mph when i'm out. Confidence will come with time, but speed doesn't really matter.

*i ride cruisers, im sure sports bike riders or people who trackday might disagree with me
____________________
1990 Yamaha XV 535 (Alive Again!) / 2007 Jinlun Texan 125-11 (formerly 2k3, wrong details, now going rusty in the back garden )

[Billo63]

As I only obtained my licence very recently I am still very much finding my feet too.
Yesterday for example on my zed I went on what is known around these parts as "the rabbit run" - basically a very decent long stretch of road between 2 counties etc:etc:
In first 30 mins or so I found myself knocking the power off everytime I was hitting bends or cornering etc, as I wasn't sure of myself hitting them at speed. I was soon finding that cagers were getting right up on me & began to understand that I needed to try & maintain a constant speed through these as best I could.
So I started to lean the bike more & discovered that it was a much smoother operation & had no trilby brigade up my exhaust.
I did this continously for the remainder of the ride - an hour or so in total & it was like a whole new experience, a learning "curve" - no pun intended. In the few weeks I've had my bike(s) this is by far the most adventurous I've been, but realised I could soon get out of my depth & come to regret been a clever fooker.
It's all about time spent riding to me, learning something new only comes from experience & as for speed, I've topped 70/75 & for now that's plenty for me.
____________________
I might not be a gynecologist, but I know a cunt when I see one

[PiercedMrsP]

I'm with _Matt, speed isn't everything (I too am a cruiser rider). Although I haven't passed my test yet (fingers crossed for the next 2 weeks) I do have well over 9000 miles under my belt on my 125 since getting her in june last year so I'm pretty confident on the road. I know most people don't rack that sort of mileage up before passing their test and I'm guessing the OP is one of that majority.

Hubbs and I have intentionally subjected me to properly long rides on a wide variety of roads and weather conditions precisely so that I have confidence for my bigger bike when I pass (I've an 1100 shadow waiting for me). I was incredibly nervous when I first started out - my CBT tuition wasn't very good looking back so I had no confidence in what I was doing, but I think even if it had been ok I'd still have been nervous. What has built my confidence is all the experience I have gained since. I ride almost everyday and that built my confidence not only in my own ability to control the bike but in dealing with other road users.

Ironically the biggest confidence boost for me was hiring a baby Shadow in Lanzarote. I realised that actually if I can ride safely on an unfamiliar bike on the wrong side of the road in a country I don't know I'm probably an ok rider and that tangibly made me a better, more confident rider back in Blighty.

As others have said, there is absolutely no substitute for experience. If you're nervous then for the first few trips stick to quieter roads on routes you know so you're not worrying about getting lost. As your confidence builds don't stick to "easy" roads - challenge yourself a little bit but in a sensible way. Go for different routes with more challenging traffic conditions. That doesn't mean faster! I reckon town riding with heavy traffic, lots of traffic lights, crossings, etc is much more difficult than bombing down a dual carriageway or country road. If its just speed you want then maybe try a track day.

Hubbs gave me a good bit of advice yesterday as I said I was nervous about getting on a 500 tomorrow for my DAS course - don't be scared of the bike because you'll only freeze up, make mistakes and get worked up (he knows me so well). You control how fast it goes, when it goes, where it goes and when it stops. If all else fails, I can give you the details of the hire company in Lanzarote lol

Having said that I am definitely no expert and most definitely will be seriously bricking it the first time I get on that 1100 beast and head down a motorway slip road...
____________________
Can sadly no longer be seen tearing up the road on my Honda Shadow 1100 ACE as she was stolen by thieving scum on 3/7/13.
Now the proud owner of a Suzuki VL800 Volusia and a huge Almax security chain

[P.addy]

The VFR400 is a fantastic little bike, its more than capable in a newbies hands Handles like its on rails! Rev it loads, you'll love it!

I passed my test in 2007, carried on with 125s for a year then got a GS500, the speed difference was mental and I just wanted to go go go! Took it down the motorway in the dark and just pinned it!

[BakesBeans]

I'd thought I'd give a little update, I've now done 400miles on her and feel much more confident. I agree about the speed issue, but what worries me more is having cars queued up behind me. Especially as cars perceive me to be the fastest thing on the road with that bike - when I'm not.

I did 200miles yesterday, and had lots of breaks. I find my hands and back get tired, so need those breaks.

I need more confidence with corners, and I agree with that Billo says - I need to maintain my speed around corners - corners where I would happily go round fast in a car.

I also did my first filtering too... But you really have to hammer it when it goes green, else the car drivers get miffed. I surprised how many bikers filter with no gap/exit plan, just expect to push in at the front.

I'd go out today, but I've ate far to much at a BBQ.
____________________
Current: Kawasaki ZX636
Previous Bike: Honda CBR600F ABS, Yamaha XJ6 F Diversion ABS, Honda VFR400 NC30

[Rogue_Shadow]

Speed does not equal confidence.
Stop trying to keep traffic behind you happy and focus on what your doing. Of course if you being stupid, 40 in a 60 ect, then you'll get alot of rear traffic agro. But seeing you've passed your test, you must be confident travelling at the speeds of the road.
Stop trying to hit the same speeds on straights or corners as a car would, because YOU ARE NOT A CAR. Coming from someone whose taking to biking, after 4 years of driving a car and work van 5 days a week, you need to get rid of those targets.
Just because you can travel at those speeds on road X or corner X in a car, does not mean you MUST do the same riding a bike.
Ride at your own pace & as for traffic, if your doing the speed limit or what's safe for the road ... let them take the risk of driving faster, focus on what's in front.
After all, given their attitude, it wont be long before they are "stuck" behind someone else.

Take it easy, ride safe
Speed limit not target

[BakesBeans]

[dungbug]

[shereen]

[BakesBeans]

Thanks...

I'm still amazed how many pedestrians stop and look. I even had some teenagers come up to me in traffic and said "nice bike".
____________________
Current: Kawasaki ZX636
Previous Bike: Honda CBR600F ABS, Yamaha XJ6 F Diversion ABS, Honda VFR400 NC30