[R6Pnoy]

My apologies if this is long.

What's up all. Dan87 had a thread about his misfortune with a school bus. He mentioned the people he talked to in the hospital all rode and had given up riding because of family, kids, etc. etc. All being good reasons. I'm def still a newbie. Got my bike in January, rode it about a handful of times, still itching to ride it for a good day or even 3 hours. My problem is, every time I think about riding I start getting the itch really bad. I think about the fun and the other people that I share my passion with. Then the times when I'm about to get on my bike, even the short trips, my heart starts pounding. I have a wife and a daughter and I start thinking of the worst. It's been pretty bad weather here where I live so I really don't get much riding in. Every time I want to ride the fear sets in. I've gotten on my bike before and I had very little problem just going but for some reason the fear in me has gotten stronger. I've gotten in a really bad accident before. I crashed my bro's ducati 749. Broke both shoulder blades, fractured a rib and punctured a lung. I asked him to teach me how to ride. No gear and I crashed. Since then I've taken the class, gotten my endorsement, and I know what not to do. Lately I've been thinking about my wife and daughter and the bad that could happen. In turn I start losing interest. Don't get me wrong I still love the bike and the life style but with no stripes under my belt can I really call it a lifestyle? I feel more like a poser. I've worked on getting my gear, 2 jackets, 2 pairs of gloves, boots, and a helmet. I keep thinking about crashing, getting hurt bad, and even death. I know it's bad to say but it's reality that we have to face right? We all run that risk every time we throw a leg over. For those with families or even significant others, how did you overcome this fear? That is if you've ever had the fear of course. I see a lot of threads of riders going down and I know for sure that majority of them are seasoned veterans. It's supposed to be a nice day tomorrow and I'd really love to earn those sore wrists, achy back, and sore legs from a good day of riding. All I've really gotten so far is my balls taken away for some reason. Thanks for reading this through, and to those injured I wish you all a safe recovery. That's probably the most legit thing I can really say I've earned as a rider is laying in the hospital for a week.

 

[sdime421]

I have never been in an accident on my bike, had many close calls. As I get older I think about those things because you don't bounce back as fast as when you were a kid. For me the enjoyment of riding takes over worring about wrecking or getting hit. It could happen any time so I guess when it's my time it will happen. I try not to let fear over come any thing I do. I try and be as safe as possible most of the time watching for others, and wear my gear. I have as much fun as possible and try to make sure i make it home at the end of the day.

 

[tasmike]

A great quote that I heard a while ago is, 'Feel the fear and do it anyway'.

Not that I live by that quote or anything. I have been riding for sportsbikes for about 12 years and still get the heart flutters every now and then and I ride to and from work every day. I would estimate about 1 or 2 near misses a week, ie, a car pulling out in front or losing the back end in the wet etc. It's the near misses that keep you on your guard all the time.

I too have a wife and daughter who is 2 years old and have exactly the same thoughts every day. I personally think that if you don't have those fears then you're off your game and that's when bad things happen.

If you get the nerves before throwing the leg over, take a few deep breaths, feel the fear and do it anyway. Bad shit can happen in a car too, on a bus, in a plane, walking across a road or sitting in your lounge room watching tv.

Ride safe.

 

[jrmul]

Think about it for a minute here, folks. Is there anything quite like the rush you get when doing something potentially dangerous? Why do you think people call us thrill seekers, anyway? Along with people who do white-water rafting, stuff like that? The thrill comes from the fear. Without that fear, it's just not as exciting. The trick is just not letting that fear rule ya.

I've wiped out once on the bike, and I'm not gonna say it didn't shake me up a bit. Not a bad wreck, but I'm just waiting for that one that's gonna stick me with a couple of broken limbs and a bout of unconsciousness. Yeah, there's fear there. But no fear is going to stop me from doing something I enjoy.

 

[ckmerc]

R6P...

"Lately I've been thinking about my wife and daughter and the bad that could happen. In turn I start losing interest. "

Sorry if is this response to your post is "Yoda" like but...

If I were you I would sell your bike and do something else...

Your "fear" can consume you and cause a self fullfilling prophcy.

Look at the facts...

- you have been in a serious accident before
- your confidence is shaken due to your accident
- you are fearfull & nervous something else will happen to you
- you have a wife and daughter and are concerned about leaving them
to fend for themselves..

With all this on your mind everytime you hit the road...you are putting yourself, your family and others at risk. is it really worth it?

Either conqer your fear or do somethig else.

I have a child on the way...I will keep riding until I feel the "fear" as you do. Then I will sell the bike and get into some other kind of hobby that fills the void.

my POV... best of luck

 

[SiC-0]

I feel that when you stop feeling the fear is when accidents start happening. Im comfortable on the bike and with the bike, but i also remember to respect it.

 

[mfrankpdx]

Its all about managing risk. There isn't much to be afraid of if you wear proper riding gear, get out of the city and away from traffic, and ride your own ride.

Is the R6 your first bike? If so maybe you should downgrade. I started smaller, and had just as much fun as I do on the R6. If you love riding, you would rather ride a rat bike than not ride at all... I know I would. I don't have a wife or kids, but if i did, I would probably hang up the R6 for something a little more tame, or use it on the track only.

 

[xcmav66]

My grandfather, who rode indians way back when, used to say that he was always a little afraid of his bike. He said that as soon as you don't fear your bike and you feel "comfortable", you get hurt. I try to live by that.

 

[asdfjklm]

Well, I was going to give MY old man's quote too, It's VERY similar to xcmav66's.

I agree with alot of these guys opinions. My old man always told me...

"You should ALWAYS be afriad of your bike. The day that you're no longer afraid of it, is the day you NEED to get rid of it"

If you're scared, that's okay. It takes a big man to admit that. You're a family man though, so that is a HUGE part of it. Family means alot to me as well, but I like to go out and have some "alone" time and have fun sometimes.
You will do the right thing for yourself, no doubt about it. Either find yourself some SAFE riding buddies and roll with them, ride by yourself to have a good time, or do the undesirable and get rid of your fear *bike* completely.

Good luck in making your choice. Let us know either way.

 

[La Negra]

Its that fear factor that keeps you on your toes.When you stop being afraid of the bike or riding you become complacent or start thinking you are invincible!This is what leads to accidents or worse.As long as i have been driving i still think about a being in a deadly car accident.I used to "fear" getting in my car, but realized this constant "fear" is what kept me from getting in over my head or just forget that you could die driving your car to work or whatever.Friends tell me about motorcycle accident they see or hear about & ask me how i can continue riding, but i tell them this can also happen if your driving in a car.So the way i see it, your not much safer driving than you are riding.Is its not what you drive/ride, but how.Keep your eyes peeled & ears open.Never stop thinking your safe because your close to home or the only one on the road.Stay aware of your surroundings, debris on the road & always keep an eye on the traffic your riding next to or about to pass.These are the things i always keep in mind whether driving or riding.It keeps me from going too fast or doing something without thinking it over first.Also try to imagine what you would do if something were to happen(like if you were cut off unexpectedly).Instead of what could happen to you.Knowing how to react when a situation arises.Is more useful to you than thinking of death while riding.This only leads to furhter thoughts of the fear of dying.Which can make you overreact, making matters worse for you & others.If i witness/hear of an accident ill try to imagine how i would have reacted if it was me.This can help out if/when Im ever in the same situation.These are the type of things i keep in mind always.Even when im not on the road or driving.Well thats my little chunk of philosophy anyway:dunce:.

 

[Dan87]

honestly, think positive when going out on rides and stay within your LIMITS. I didnt do either and those were some of the variables in my accident. The bike demands respect and you must obey it haha

 

[Racer_J]

I know I'm pushing it every time I go out. I kiss my fiance if she's home and I pet the cat for good luck (and brush the cat hair off of me). I have to say that every time I go out I think about what can happen to me... and on my last ride I leaned the bike over farther than ever, with barely a sliver of my chicken strips left (haven't been to the track before); and when I got home there was a huge gash in my tire (down to the belt in a couple spots) from where something got stuck between my tire and swingarm for a moment; not sure what happened, but I got lucky. Bad things coulda happened, I was riding pretty hard...personally I don't believe it was because a guardian angel was looking out for me or anything of that sort; I just say that you go down when you go down. And when you do, all that decides your fate is location, protective gear, and physics. So just keep an open mind about what can happen at any moment...and don't **** up :cheers

Luckily all that I have to deal with is a whole freakin week of sunny days without riding until I get a new tire :nono On a high note, I passed 10k miles on my 06 on this non-fateful ride. :nocontrol

 

[Snakebyt]

you always have that "fear" once you stop "fearing" or respecting the bike is when you should stop riding

 

[Noleman]

Honestly bro, it sounds like you're having anxiety attacks that can only be helped by someone who knows what they are talking about. If it's not that serious than my suggestion would be don't listen to people who tell you that fear is a good thing and keeps you on your toes. Fear can distract you from riding and doing what you're supposed to be doing. Try concentrating on the fundementals while riding. Think about shifting your body, counter steering, line of sight, braking and throttle control. Don't think about the bad things that can happen because thats when they usually do. And before you head out on a ride, tell your family that you love them and that you'll be back soon. Gear up, say a small prayer and go out and have fun.

Also, try going to a race school. Ride on the track with an instructor and learn some of the things you're supposed to be thinking about, not the things that make you fearful of riding.

 

[mfrankpdx]

Honestly bro, it sounds like you're having anxiety attacks that can only be helped by someone who knows what they are talking about. If it's not that serious than my suggestion would be don't listen to people who tell you that fear is a good thing and keeps you on your toes. Fear can distract you from riding and doing what you're supposed to be doing. Try concentrating on the fundementals while riding. Think about shifting your body, counter steering, line of sight, braking and throttle control. Don't think about the bad things that can happen because thats when they usually do. And before you head out on a ride, tell your family that you love them and that you'll be back soon. Gear up, say a small prayer and go out and have fun.

Also, try going to a race school. Ride on the track with an instructor and learn some of the things you're supposed to be thinking about, not the things that make you fearful of riding.

+1000000

 

[gnamsu]

Honestly bro, it sounds like you're having anxiety attacks that can only be helped by someone who knows what they are talking about. If it's not that serious than my suggestion would be don't listen to people who tell you that fear is a good thing and keeps you on your toes. Fear can distract you from riding and doing what you're supposed to be doing. Try concentrating on the fundementals while riding. Think about shifting your body, counter steering, line of sight, braking and throttle control. Don't think about the bad things that can happen because thats when they usually do. And before you head out on a ride, tell your family that you love them and that you'll be back soon. Gear up, say a small prayer and go out and have fun.

Also, try going to a race school. Ride on the track with an instructor and learn some of the things you're supposed to be thinking about, not the things that make you fearful of riding.

+lots

Ditto.. that's sound advice.

 

[R6Pnoy]

Thank you everyone for all of the helpful advice. You'll be glad to know that before I went out today I read this thread and I kept everyone's responses in mind. You'll also be happy to know that I'm still here responding to the thread. I did have a close call, a van almost cut me off on the freeway and I blared the horn and reacted accordingly. The van backed off and I went on my way again. About the only thing I had a problem with was making a u-turn, I took up all three lanes making the turn on the other side lol. One thing I remember someone telling me is act as if no one sees you. I never ride next to anyone and I always look at everyone's head movements. I'm still getting used to remembering what you're supposed to do and enjoy riding at the same time. But that comes over time right? Overall I had fun and enjoyed seeing and waving at all of the other riders. Thank you again and I appreciate all of the helpful advice. Peace and ride safe.

 

[jmejiaa]

I'm going through a lot of this with my new r6, i haven't ridden in 3 years but I remember that my first time riding was about the same. After a while everything comes natural and you become aware of the road and what's around you even knowing. Always look out for dangers and other people on the road but not to the point where you are no longer looking ahead of you.

My advice: take it easy, don't go over your limits and be safe.