CBT was pretty bad

[Retro Creps]

So turned up for my CBT really excited but it didn't go to plan, I did okay gear changing was smooth, bike control was okay but the helmet was extremely claustrophobic and really put me off so much so I chose not to go on the road ride and ended my day early...

I am quite disappointed but left feeling that maybe biking just isn't for me I didn't see this coming but what can you do, The way the helmet made me feel added a real feeling of vulnerability if I went on the road I am sure this would of got worse and I mite of started panicking.

The instructors said to book up straight away and get back on the bike etc... But am I the only one that has felt like this as a beginner or is biking really not for me??
By the way I am gutted to say the least
____________________
Current -2007 YBR 125
Next - Ninja ZXR

[Teflon-Mike]

Invest £20 in an open face helmet and try again!

Open face hat. you dot have anything in-front of your face closing you in, no-where near as hot or claustrophobic.
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My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[stinkwheel]

I sometimes get a similar thing when I first get on the bike and it's worse if you're not moving much because the airflow is severely reduced. I hardly ever have my visor down unless I'm going very fast or it is raining or there are a lot of flies.

Try an open face lid instead. Nowhere near as bad in that respect although they still impinge a little on your peripheral vision.

Or if you're worried about face protection (which is minimal at best anyway) leave the visor up and wear safety glasses or maybe try a motocross style helmet which has the chinbar much further away from your face. Or would you feel better if you had a flip-front lid that you know you can open quickly?
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[SQL]

on the road its much better open your visor and pin it

[MichaelWhite9...]

That was like a guy who was doing their CBT with me, he pinned up the visor and wore sun glasses.

I'd go back and try that, then I'd be stumped if that didn't work.

[Matt-]

I never like wearing my helmet indoor's feels weird...

Keep going at it, don't give up

Try riding with your visor up
____________________
RIP jack (wheelie king), you will never be forgotten.
Current Bike's - Road Legal TZR 125 Pitbike, Aprilia SR50R 2010

[Rogerborg]

You bought a YBR before you'd put a helmet on?

Get down to the local bike shop and try some on, you'll find one to suit. I got myself a full face and a cheap open face when I started out, and chopped and changed until I'd found what I was happy with[*]. They feel very different, it's well worth experiencing them both.

Visor up is also good - I'd suggest getting some wraparound sports / cycling glasses with foam backing that seal well around your eyes.

[*] A flip front...
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Retro Creps]

[thepuma]

Most jackets have Velcro tightening straps....might be worth seeing if you can loosen those, might help. Mine has them on the side around the waist and the arms.

With Regards the helmet, did you try it with the visor up? To be honest the first time I wore a helmet I hated it, but after a couple of wears you just get used to it.

Personally I think you should have forced yourself onto the road ride. I mean, I used to be a bit like you, when faced with situations I wasn't comfortable with I'd tend to shy away from them...but I've learnt over the years that the best way to deal with your fears is to just bite the bullet and hit them head on. You more often than not look back and think 'what was I so worried about?'

With your helmet, try wearing it for a couple of hours round the house or in the garden....you'll be surprised how quickly you get used to wearing it.
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YBR125 (SOLD) - CBR250R(SOLD) - CBR650F(SOLD) Current - Street Triple
765 RS

[DreadHead]

[Flamzypants]

Have to agree with some of the above, first time I wore a helmet I was very claustrophobic, I had to take it off a few times and undo the straps in a panic to prove to myself I -could- take it off when I wanted >_<

But now it only bothers me indoors, visor up and everything's ok. When riding around I prefer visor down but whatever suits you. It's definitely something you will get used to, and quickly. On my CBT I was too excited about riding a bike to care!
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CBT - 30/06/11. RIP Sinnis Stealth 18/07/11. Theory passed! CBR125R 16/08/12. Mod 1 Booked.

[shereen]

[Retro Creps]

Okay my bad not round my neck so much but under my chin but around that area I find it very uncomfortable because its near my throat.
The jacket isn't leather its some snazzy waterproof sheltex shiz but the problem with the jacket is I'm only 5"7 but I'm a body builder so whilst its a perfect fit with pads in place its very very tight around my shoulders, arms, back and chest but the larger jackets the pads were not in place.

I know this is something I will have to push myself through its going to take more time than I originally thought but I would rather be safe and confident in what I'm doing, I understand that facing your fears head on is an affective way to deal with it but with me fear leads to hesitating an that is dangerous on the road which is why I'm feeling the slow approach to this one.
____________________
Current -2007 YBR 125
Next - Ninja ZXR

[covent.gardens]

The CBT didn't go well and you're disappointed, not to worry because loads of people have a nightmare CBT, but they come back... just forget about "failing" and not getting out on the road that day, practice wearing your helmet and IF you really don't get on with it, buy one that you can get along with.. honestly, as far as problems go, this one isn't really that bad, there's no reason why you cannot carry on.

[thepuma]

[Rogerborg]

Fair enough. Are you sitting with your helmet on just now? If not, why not? I did, much to the resigned amusement of Mrs Borg.

Motocross helmets are airier, and you should be able to take the peak off for road use. However, the Wulfsport one I tried had a weird bendy visor that created visual artifacts. Still straps under your chin though, you're just going to have to get used that.

Flip front is worth a try as well, if it's the feeling of being trapped that's getting to you. It's great to be able to just flip it up while you're stopped. You'll doubtless be told that it's illegal to ride with it flipped up (because most of them are only be homologated in the closed position), but as far as I can see, there's nothing in the regulations that actually makes it an offence.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[MCW]

[Sid_The_Sloth]

I work in an indoor karting centre and find this happens quite a lot. People often feel claustrophobic with helmets on, I've seen a few just refuse to do the session because of it but most just grin and bear it. After the first 10 minute session they never normally really complain much. I have had them tell me they don't want to wear the strap done, or the balaclava, but me being me I insist they have to... force them to if you will cos otherwise the session wouldn't go ahead... They do it and end up forgetting about it.
Only you will be able to tell if biking is for you or not, but I personally think you done the right thing by not going out for the road ride because if you're scared and severely uncomfortable you will end up panicking and making every little thing worse, including your judgement. That said, I'd say try to get as many carpark sessions as it takes for you to feel more comfortable and see how it goes from there.

[sidewinder]

Just a small suggestion.would a pillion ride help build up your feelings with the helmet?you can then ride round withnit ope/n and closed to get a proper feel on the road im sure your instructor can help
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"Nitrous is like a cheap hooker, you want to hit it but are scared of the consequences

[Rogerborg]

[symonh2000]

If it was me I would try wearing the helmet around the house until I was used to it.

There is a lot to take in on a CBT, and if your mind is all over the place at the same time you are trying to get used to the helmet it won't help.

Maybe try playing Gran Turismo with it on. (I am being serious) after a while you will almost forget you are wearing it as your concentration will be elsewhere.
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Four strokes is two strokes too many.

[MCW]

[mysterious_rider]

It's about having a cold cup of man the fuck up.

So drink up, cupcake, It's only a helmet.

[Lord Percy]

Open faced, closed faced, all the same to me, the only difference being that a closed face keeps my chin and eyes from getting cold on a cold day.

But now my ex biker gang uncle is giving me stick for having a closed faced one so I may cave in to the peer pressure and go the badass route, hah!

To be fair, open-faced is way more free, just it's a fair deal more to consider when it comes to adverse weather. I started out riding in Australia and had an open faced helmet there. It was summer when I bought it, but then winter set in and it was 2 degrees in the mornings, plus the odd rain shower. Come to think of it, I got pretty good experience of riding in horrible weather. Why do I now have a closed helmet? Time to de-restrict my face! HELLO WINTER! Hahaaa

[trisers]

I have to say when i did my CBT last year i used a borrowed helmet that was far too big...even with the strap done up tight it didn't press on my throat and it felt like at any speed whatsoever it might flip back and the chin area come up over my eyes!

I invested in a helmet for my tests, tried several on before i found one that felt really comfortable and i've never looked back...when it's on and done up it doesn't feel like it's around my throat and it doesn't wobble on my head when riding.

In fact i feel more secure and confident when i'm wearing it as a result...so my advice is get out and about to the dealers/accessory shops and try loads of different helmets, i think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you find 'the one'