Confidence, ever lose it ?

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Stew
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Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Stew »

Ive just took the GPZ out for an hours ride to try and get a bit of confidence back in my riding, previous to this bike Ive not ridden anything since the D650 and that was about 5 yrs ago, the GPZ is a big old Skool bruiser without about the same power output as the D650 but heavier and with different handling characteristics, in fairness she's not too bad a ride for a 30 yrs old bike, thing is Ive been trying to get back on it all week and constantly making excuses for reasons not too, anyway, just curious, anyone ever feel the same way ?
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Perkles »

I had a silly crash on the road (lost the front going down a hill on the brakes) and hurt my wrist and bumped me noggin.I lost my confidence for a month or two especially on track after that.Just take it steady and it will come back in time
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Cavetroll87 »

I find it takes me a fair while to gel with a new bike and my 6r took ages to feel enjoyable to ride, didnt help I threw it up the road a month after getting it due to a puncture in the rear which did sap my confidence a bit and not to mention I got it at the start of winter so had ages of wobbling around in crap conditions so didnt feel overly confident on it for a while. so maybe its just that mate. Just take it slow and ride within your comfort zone and im sure it will get better.
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Bratty »

I had just over a year off July 2010-August 2011 after a bad smash and when I picked my next bike which at the time was a new Hornet I proper fecking shite myself, I was fine when I ordered it and fine when I went to pick it up but the first time I rode it from the dealer was really scary and what made it worse was 200 yards down the road and it started to rain.
I get knocked down but i get up again.
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Monty »

Best thing for confidence Stewie is more riding. I've noticed a big difference since I became a fair weather rider and stopped commuting every day. I'm riding around like little miss daisy at the moment!
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Perkles »

amazing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNKuesBVmYs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Si. »

I had a decent-ish off last year, smashed the bike up and broke 2 ribs and other hurty bits. On a right hander. I've deffo lost a bit of confidence (i think) on right handers and looking at the road for gravel etc.... i went out on a Wales run with the Slappers last year to port merion shortly after and wasn't my usual self.

But, i am using the bike every day for work, and ive got a 10 day euro trip soon and have booked a trackday when i get back. I think the secret to overcome any fear etc is simply to use the bike more. But i agree, it does get in your head.
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Stew
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Stew »

I think with me its just a case of getting on and doin it basically, Ive got a trip up to Bonny Scotland next month so better get meself sorted ;) thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated :)
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by DaytonaBuff »

Short, regular rides would help too. Get you used to getting in the mindset of riding so you don't psyche yourself out. Take it easy and enjoy it mate.

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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Binno »

I've totally lost it since having my daughter. Right now I'm not sure I'll ever get back on.
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Frankie »

Little trips out is the key, possible doing a bike safe ride out is another. Or a ride out with others in general is always good.
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Godzilla »

If you have lost a little confidence the I suggest doing the IAM course. It will make a massive difference to your confidence and overall riding.
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Stew
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Stew »

Think youre right guys, just need to get on it , cheers :)
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Stew
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Stew »

Binno wrote:I've totally lost it since having my daughter. Right now I'm not sure I'll ever get back on.
I'm sure you will :)
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Godzilla »

Stew, you are not too far from me, if ever you want to go out for a bimble and chat about IAM and stuff let me know.
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Stew
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Stew »

Godzilla wrote:Stew, you are not too far from me, if ever you want to go out for a bimble and chat about IAM and stuff let me know.
Yeah might well take you up on that mate, thanks :)
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Godzilla »

Anytime (y)
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Monty »

And me Stewie, I'm not that far away either if you fancy a bimble around the Peaks.
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Stew
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Stew »

Thanks guys, much appreciated :)
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Re: Confidence, ever lose it ?

Post by Spudda »

I had another bike hit me on a bend 2004 .... he couldnt hold the bend and dropped it, all I saw was a bike spinning in my direction which sent me flying down the road with a combined impact speed around 90mph

I know we all (should) take easy on blind bends but I've just got an unnerving niggle, expecting something to becoming my way (tmi)
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