Beginning Rider Fear is real — at least to many.
I frequently receive questions about ” this fear when I’m riding.”
Each rider defines it differently. To some it’s an uncomfortable feeling. To others it’s closer to a panic attack.
Does every beginning motorcyclist experience this fear? Probably not. But from the emails I’ve received, many DO — some to the point of doubting everything… including their decision to ride in the first place.
I vividly remember having this FEAR when I started riding again. It’s hard for me to describe my feelings in words. At times I felt anxious, awkward, and overwhelmed. I questioned everything – including my abilities and my sanity.
- What if I dropped it at a busy intersection (how embarrassing).
- What would it feel like if one of those steel boxes hit me?
- Is this really a good decision?
- Am I being selfish? (My family/friends were against it).
- Did I purchase the wrong motorcycle?
- Do I even enjoy riding?
This uncomfortableness was so real, that I can picture the exact spot when I made this promise to myself:
“David, if this doesn’t get better [fear goes down, enjoyment goes up]… I’m going to quit riding a motorcycle.”
I gave myself 2 months. As it turns out, things changed… slowly, but steadily.
When will this fear go away?
Each rider is different. For me, this uncomfortable feeling decreased as my riding skills improved. It wasn’t immediate, but it was steady. After every new riding experience (rain, cold, traffic, interstate, left turns, right turns) I became more comfortable… and confident.
As a beginner, I was using most of my cognitive skills to operate the motorcycle. I had no processing left to prepare for ‘what if’ scenarios… or to enjoy the ride.
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Is this real? Did you experience ‘fear’ when you started riding? Maybe you still do? What are the best ways to work through them? When should a beginning rider say “no more?”
Related posts:
10. December 2010 at 6:54 pm
I too was afraid when I started riding. I got over this gradually by riding a lot in parking lots. It also helped me to take the MSF course. I did not overwhelm myself with busy traffic. I started out riding on non-busy streets and riding through the quiet Cleveland Metroparks.
I think the more one builds skill, the less the fear factor. Hopefully though there is always an onguard feeling so the rider stays alert.
11. December 2010 at 10:25 pm
@Karen: I agree… a little fear [call it what you want... maybe 'awareness of the potential risks] is a good thing!
10. December 2010 at 9:30 pm
I’m a beginning rider at age 48 and I’m afraid but I’m taking it slow and practicing in parking lots and I too took the MSF course. I’m going at my own speed and comfort level. I’m less fearful each practice session and try to attain a new goal each ride. I’m hopeful in a few more weeks to be much more comfortable. Now I know what I need to practice on and am doing so in order to build my skills and become a responsible and safe ride.
10. December 2010 at 9:45 pm
At 38 I asked myself, “Why Not?” Why did I think this was something I could not do? It was a tough road, starting in parking lots, lots and lots of lots…. Taking the course really propelled me, yet that first ride on a real road had me trembling. I seemed to make so many mistakes I was questioning if this was right for me, or was I doing it out of stubborness. I stuck with it and rode every chance I could. I would gage if I was having a good day or bad, and alter my route accordingly. I worked on specific issues each trip. I was amazed at the speed of my improvement, and resulting level of confidence. Now you can’t keep me still, until the snow fell. It’s going to be a long winter!
11. December 2010 at 10:28 pm
@Robin: Sounds very similar to what others have told me. In the early days, I went through a mental exercise after each ride. I analyzed what I did well, and what I needed to improve.
14. December 2010 at 8:53 am
I started riding in the mid seventies, through the eighties and then went for many years without a bike. I took up riding again in 2006. I took the riders course at the local community college as a refresher. I realized I had to”unlearn” my numerous bad habits. For me there is always a small amount of nervousness when the kick stand goes up, some may call it adrenalin rush but at 52 I know the difference. One thing I remember hearing during the course was when you get on your bike always say ” How are they going to try to kill me today.” Nervousness combined with awareness may equate to heightened alertness.
My grandfather owned a small plane for many years and sold it when he failed to have that small butterfly knot in the belly at take off. He thought he was becoming too confident in his abilities. He always said “There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old, bold pilots.” Maybe a motorcyclist is just a two dimensional aviator.
Becoming to complacent and over confident will probably place you at the Pearly Gates ahead of schedule. Know your abilities and limitations, respect your fellow riders regardless of the brand, fear the cage drivers and you will probably end up an “old pilot”.
Riding our Ultra Classic with my wife is one of my favorite things in life. She always thanks me for bringing us home safely. I always respond “You’re quite welcome but that’s my job.”
14. December 2010 at 9:24 pm
If this is the Kim I think it is, she moved to the road in the small back streets of our small town. I am her husband and got her interested. I have a post elswhere about my first ride on my Yamaha XVS 1100 Silverado that reminded me to take the class,to get back what I had 27 years ago. A must read just for humor. Not sure how you would search to find it, but funny. I think it under the am I to old forum.
The day after kim’s post I rode her new XVS 250 to the parking lot she speaks of. Couple of laps, couple of stops, and she told me to get in the car and go home and she would see me there. I did and she did. No stopping her now.
Garry
16. December 2010 at 5:19 pm
Fears or worries at first is good. What helped me when I first started was to get as much information as I could and practice often. If you can find an experianced rider that understands the “fears” of a new rider and is willing to “hold back” and ride with you (not far ahead), they can be of great help with riding tips and suport. Not only that but they will be there if questions arise and can might make you fell more at ease knowing your not alone. Ride your Ride at your pace.
20. December 2010 at 12:57 pm
I think a healthy level of fear is a good thing – it keeps you alert and aware of hazards and other drivers. However, if that fear becomes paralyzing, then it can be dangerous.
Practice, practice, practice is what helps to alleviate the fear. Basically, time in the seat. I stuck to rural roads and stayed away from traffic until I felt comfortable. Don’t let others push you to do things you aren’t ready for. Ride your own ride – meaning, go at your own pace. Definitely take the MSF course, if you haven’t already.
The fear will subside as you gain more experience. For me, knowing I am doing everything I can to be safe, also helps. This involves three things:
1. My bike is ready. (I’ve done all the safety checks before I get on – tires, signals, etc.)
2. I’m physically ready. (I wear ALL the gear ALL the time. I’m rested, etc.)
3. I’m mentally ready. (I always do a “head check” before I get on my bike. I ask myself if I’m ready to ride – if I’m mentally in the game. If I’m too stressed about my day or am distracted, I don’t ride.)
3. January 2011 at 7:11 am
I got my motorcycle licence 15 months ago, bought the bike, started to take short rides to gain some road time and to try to build my confidence. As all the people around me have been riding for years & years they do not seem to understand the “fear” I have of not having enough confidence in what I’m doing. After about a dozen short trips here and there, my confidence was severely dented after a few incidents when coming to a stop, and I either locked up by reducing speed too quickly, downed gear to 1st (instead of coming to a stop in 2nd & then changing back to 1st gear when taking off). I went back to riding around empty carparks and deserted new estates but it didn’t seem to make any difference. I seemed to have close to a panic attack of putting myself in that situation again and having no control. I ended up selling the bike and haven’t ridden a bike since and it’s been about 9-10months (although I have no problems riding pillion).
Partner has just bought himself a second bike 600cc with low riding position; as I have just found out he did that with the intention of me possibly throwing my leg over again. I would dearly love to get over this “fear” I have, but I’m not really sure how to go about it. Partner has suggested going through the learn to ride course again, but even that has me in a bit of a state – and I really want to get back on a bike again too! Even though I’ve explained to my partner how I’m feeling, he doesn’t seem to really understand as he’s been riding for 25years and it’s just second nature to him. Please help!!
12. March 2011 at 9:42 pm
Saustin,
Wow, I have just read your story and I was like reading something I had written, as everything you have said is me spot on!
Even down to my partner just purchasing a 600! And them not understanding me!!
Have you done anything to overcome it yet??? My partner just went out on the bike and I’m sitting at home as I just don’t have the confidence!
24. January 2011 at 3:02 pm
what state do you live in? what would be Very helpfull to you is having another female ride with you and take it slow one day at a time, wish I were close to you, I sure could use a female rider to ride locally with so that we could encourage eachother =0)
23. February 2011 at 12:05 pm
I bought a HD Heritage Softail, took the class on a 500cc but im terrified to ride mine. It is big and my main fear is going on a curve. I had no problem turning with the smaller bike. I’m not going to sell mine and but a smaller bike, I just need to know how I can get over this one fear…there aren’t many completely straight roads
28. February 2011 at 8:28 pm
OMG Tracy! I have the EXACT same issue! I used to ride briefly 25 yrs ago so took a refresher course on a 250cc bike. No issues! I made the curves with no problem, leaning in, etc. My husband bought me a Harley Street Glide and had it lowered and put a reach seat on so that sitting on it would not be an issue. I can start, go straight, shift with no problem but when I go to turn or take a curve I wind up going wide and into the grass or up on a curb..etc. Altho it hasnt caused me to wreck I am HORRIFIED! The more I try to get used to taking the curve the more anxiety i feel and I forget all i have learned about making the turn. I try to explain to my husband its the SIZE of the bike. I cant return it so any advice someone can give me would be great! I feel for you Tracy. HELP!!!!!!!!!