Returning to biking after a short time off

[The Original Muzza]

Hello all again. Three of you may remember me from a couple years ago when I posted regularly.
I have today bought a F650 Bmw after not having a bike for over a year and not having a decent bike for over two! (Thanks local thieves). I got rid of the cage I had for a short time as cars just aren't for me.
Now my last bike was just awful at handling and I suspected it had misaligned something somewhere as I came off twice in the rain. Once under heavy braking and once again under light acceleration.

This has absolutely stunted my confidence and I found myself tensing up and not cornering how I used to And the wind had no problem moving me about on the road as I was nervous when riding into it. I NEED my confidence back if I am to return to using bikes for a daily commute. Has anyone got any tips or should I find a more forgiving and modern bike with a low center of gravity?
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Current Bikes: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 (2020)
Former Bikes: Honda MSX125 (2014), BMW Funduro (1996), Honda VT500 (1983), Yamaha FZR250 (1989), Suzuki GZ125 Marauder(2005),:Triumph TT600 (2002) (stolen)
From then on, I and the bicycle feelings deeper.

[RhynoCZ]

I'd advise you to ride alone, on the roads you know well enough, at your own pace. Don't try to do anything, that would make you feel unsafe = overtaking at stupid places.

That's what I do every spring, gradually getting up to the level of confidence I was at the last season. Do not try to be Rossi in a week.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[monkeybiker]

Start off slow and ride at a pace you feel comfortable with. Don't try to build speed up just let it happen on it's own.

When I had an off in the wet about 4 years ago it took me a while to get confident again. I would go out when when it was dry but as soon as it started raining I was scared to touch the brakes or give it some throttle. At roundabouts in my head I had visions of it sliding out from me.

You just need to give it time and trust that the bike will do what you command it to do.

As for you being blown around in the wind the best thing you can do is have a lose grip on the handle bars and grip the tank with your legs. What is happening is most likely you on clinging onto the handlebars for dear life and as the wind hits you it cause you to steer the bike. You need a lose grip on the bars and if the wind hits you let you body move with the wind but use your legs to support yourself not the handlebars.

Go out when traffic is quiet and focus on good road position and steering inputs around the bends while travelling at a comfortable speed and focus on riding correctly rather than fast. Brake early for the corners so they don't rush up on you. Speed will come as you get more confident but don't force it.

[The Original Muzza]

Think that's about right Regarding the gripping tank with knees. Been so long i forgot that tip. I'm trying to keep loosened up when riding but I do feel myself tense up when there's a gust.
I'll leave early in the morning for the next few weeks to avoid heavy traffic.
Cheers
Kris
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Current Bikes: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 (2020)
Former Bikes: Honda MSX125 (2014), BMW Funduro (1996), Honda VT500 (1983), Yamaha FZR250 (1989), Suzuki GZ125 Marauder(2005),:Triumph TT600 (2002) (stolen)
From then on, I and the bicycle feelings deeper.

[monkeybiker]