Horrible fear on the freeway - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Anville · 10-05-2007, 02:27 PM

This is a long synopsis of riding from a new rider, so settle in with a drink or something...

just racked up 1500 real motorcycle miles on my bandit (by real I mean 50+ mph, I rode a scooter for a few years).

Im noticing that I have this GOD-AWFUL feeling when I gun the bike and get on the freeway. I have this fear, even though I got my tires checked (needed a new rear, which I purchased) that my front tire will blow out, or some other mishap and Ill wreck. Its getting better, the first time I got on the freeway going 65mph, my feet were wobbling so much with fear I could barely shift.

Now, I can cruise at a comfortable speed, but anything over 90 just scares the hell out of me, due to this irrational FEAR that my tire will blow out and Ill die any second.

One other thing that adds to my fear, is from around 3.5k to 4.2k the engine just rattles like mad. This does not help my comfort level. After 4.3k the bike smooths out, and at 4.8-5k it just cruises.

I think a brand new bike would quell these fears (thats a great excuse to buy a new bike actually...) but I just have this feeling like any second anything could go wrong and Ill just crash. Sometimes, Ill be having fun, then this thought will creep in..."Im on a rocket a foot above the ground, with no protection"

and the fear comes right back.

Does this go away? The bike is technically fine, Im starting to think the engine is supposed to vibrate like that at speed (no weird noises to speak of), and there is no shortage of power getting on it. Cruising on the streets is a breeze, super smooth riding all around, just the freeway has this forboding feeling to it.Maybe I need to relax?

Ext1jdh · 10-05-2007, 02:35 PM

This is easy. Just don't go over 90. Its not terribly safe on public highways that fast anyway.

It'll eventually die down, but a healthy fear of the road and, to a lesser extent, the bike is good for you.

**intimid8er** · 10-05-2007, 02:50 PM

Anville...

The most important piece of advice I could give you is this:

Remember to breathe. Concentrate on your breathing.

Once you get that niggling detail out of the way, concentrate on operating your bike in ranges that don't create those vibrations, or worse yet, them nasty debilitating thoughts. By operating the bike in ranges you are comfortable with, you can concentrate on the ride, and the good aspects of it. This in turn builds confidence, and you soon forget about those nasty things that are hindering you.

**Clint** · 10-05-2007, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anville

I think a brand new bike would quell these fears

No, no, no. Almost any bike has some vibration, and that's not your problem. Why would you go that fast anyway, if you're nervous about it? That type of riding requires quick thinking and quicker reflexes. You're putting your life in serious danger!

Get the bike tuned up. Mine buzzes slightly, but not enough to affect my riding. Adjust the valves and synchronize the carbs. Put lead shot in your handlebars. Get some better grips, maybe with gel. There's a lot you can to to smoothen it out if it's really that bad. I suspect your mind is exaggerating it a bit, though. Sounds like you have serious confidence issues. Maybe it's time to take a break from riding?

Ext1jdh · 10-05-2007, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intimid8er

Anville...

didn't i just say that

**intimid8er** · 10-05-2007, 02:53 PM

Who said what to who?????

Anville · 10-05-2007, 05:43 PM

Thanks for the replys all.

I should take a break, I ride about an hour every day.

The streets and feeder roads I ride perfectly, almost too comfortably but always alert. I have no qualms staying below 90, I think right around 70 I just get nervous. At first, the feeder roads bothered me, but now 50 is just cruising speed to me. Ill chalk it up to experience.

I tried the breathing technique on my way home tonight, it really helps! Ill be taking the car for a few days....

kay · 10-05-2007, 05:56 PM

Take you time. The bike won't disappear.

And like Joe said, a healthy fear is good, but if you're stiff and nervous on a bike, that itself can hinder quick and smart maneuvers that you might be forced into making, IF something creeps up.

There's no need to rush into the faster speeds either!

Have fun with your rides cuz that's what's most important.

frostbitevinnie · 10-05-2007, 06:01 PM

Motorcycles are not for the faint of heart. Do what I do. Drink a couple of beers, make sure to crush the cans on your head and take off.

robertc729 · 10-05-2007, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frostbitevinnie

Motorcycles are not for the faint of heart. Do what I do. Drink a couple of beers, make sure to crush the cans on your head and take off.

frostbitevinnie · 10-05-2007, 06:11 PM

It's a joke. Maybe in poor taste but only a joke. I also quit smoking wussy tobacco for high quality crack. Stick that in your piggy bank.

SNAFU · 10-05-2007, 06:15 PM

Some good advice here, except for vinnie. It's gettin' cold so he might have frost bite in the brain and is jealous of the weather down there.

Keep riding safely and with time and miles on your bike, your confidence will grow.

frostbitevinnie · 10-05-2007, 06:26 PM

Sorry, just being a little stupid today. Does it show? I did get frostbite on my butt 17 years ago, which I have been told is in close proximity to my brain. Of course always respect the power of any bike, wear your gear at all times and don't ride beyond your comfort zone. Never ride even under a little chemical influence. As far as the weather it rained most of the day but it's supposed to be 82F tomorrow. Taking a long ride to MPLS/St.Paul tomorrow and possible to WI. Ride safe and enjoy our short stay on this rock.

Kodatech · 10-05-2007, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

No, no, no. Almost any bike has some vibration, and that's not your problem. Why would you go that fast anyway, if you're nervous about it? That type of riding requires quick thinking and quicker reflexes. You're putting your life in serious danger!

Get the bike tuned up. Mine buzzes slightly, but not enough to affect my riding. Adjust the valves and synchronize the carbs. Put lead shot in your handlebars. Get some better grips, maybe with gel. There's a lot you can to to smoothen it out if it's really that bad. I suspect your mind is exaggerating it a bit, though. Sounds like you have serious confidence issues. Maybe it's time to take a break from riding?

Bandits tend to buzz a bit, but I dont think I have ever heard a bandit rattle.

kay · 10-05-2007, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frostbitevinnie

Sorry, just being a little stupid today. Does it show?

Yeah, sure does.

IntruderCruiser · 10-05-2007, 11:49 PM

if your riding at 90, you need your head examined -
at least in my opinion

as I told someone else -- its not that I can't, Its I am smarter than that

aliefj96 · 10-06-2007, 12:44 AM

You should always ride within your skill level. It is important to open it up on a wide open straight and push those limits up every now and then so that when you do ride at 65 it doesn't feel intimidating.

Way back when on my first bike I would feel a bit of anxiety riding 70 on the interstate. I worked nights and the way home there were a few straight that I would roll back on the throttle for a bit, check the speed, and then coast back down. I did this once or twice a week for a couple of months until I hit 145. I did it once and never again. I wasn't nervous. I just accomplished what I set out to do; being comfortable at a safe speed. On the down side it ruined amusement parks. Roller Coasters became sleepers.

A ten year absence from riding and I'm back on two wheels. I felt that same anxiety when I rode the bike home for the first time. I think I went ten under the limit the whole way home(60 miles: Tallahasee to Panama City). I live far off an interstate now so I haven't had a chance to build my confidence back up with this bike. I've hit the 90s a few times, but way too brief. I'm not comfortable with the vibration my M50 gets over 52mph. The bike definetely needs a 6th gear.

frostbitevinnie · 10-06-2007, 07:16 AM

I have never looked at the speedo on any sport bike. What mph does the stock one go up to on various bikes?

**Clint** · 10-06-2007, 08:27 AM

180+, usually.

floridajay · 10-06-2007, 10:10 AM

I have just the opposite feeling. Thats why I got a cruiser and not a busa. I have become to know my limitations and what I would do on that kinda bike

10-05-2007, 02:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
Anville Seat Tester Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 1997 Suzuki Bandit 1200cc Location: Houston Posts: 72	Horrible fear on the freeway This is a long synopsis of riding from a new rider, so settle in with a drink or something... just racked up 1500 real motorcycle miles on my bandit (by real I mean 50+ mph, I rode a scooter for a few years). Im noticing that I have this GOD-AWFUL feeling when I gun the bike and get on the freeway. I have this fear, even though I got my tires checked (needed a new rear, which I purchased) that my front tire will blow out, or some other mishap and Ill wreck. Its getting better, the first time I got on the freeway going 65mph, my feet were wobbling so much with fear I could barely shift. Now, I can cruise at a comfortable speed, but anything over 90 just scares the hell out of me, due to this irrational FEAR that my tire will blow out and Ill die any second. One other thing that adds to my fear, is from around 3.5k to 4.2k the engine just rattles like mad. This does not help my comfort level. After 4.3k the bike smooths out, and at 4.8-5k it just cruises. I think a brand new bike would quell these fears (thats a great excuse to buy a new bike actually...) but I just have this feeling like any second anything could go wrong and Ill just crash. Sometimes, Ill be having fun, then this thought will creep in..."Im on a rocket a foot above the ground, with no protection" and the fear comes right back. Does this go away? The bike is technically fine, Im starting to think the engine is supposed to vibrate like that at speed (no weird noises to speak of), and there is no shortage of power getting on it. Cruising on the streets is a breeze, super smooth riding all around, just the freeway has this forboding feeling to it.Maybe I need to relax?

10-05-2007, 02:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ext1jdh Top Gear ! Full Throttle! Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: Sold Location: Elgin, IL, US Posts: 5,223	This is easy. Just don't go over 90. Its not terribly safe on public highways that fast anyway. It'll eventually die down, but a healthy fear of the road and, to a lesser extent, the bike is good for you. __________________ I am lurking. I am likely to be eaten by a grue.

10-05-2007, 02:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 30 41'47.99" N 83 11'26.54" W Hold My Beer Posts: 9,560	Anville... The most important piece of advice I could give you is this: Remember to breathe. Concentrate on your breathing. Once you get that niggling detail out of the way, concentrate on operating your bike in ranges that don't create those vibrations, or worse yet, them nasty debilitating thoughts. By operating the bike in ranges you are comfortable with, you can concentrate on the ride, and the good aspects of it. This in turn builds confidence, and you soon forget about those nasty things that are hindering you. __________________ Song Pick of the Week 09/03 Buckcherry - Too Drunk To F..... (NSFW) <Insert nothing original in this space>

10-05-2007, 02:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 30 41'47.99" N 83 11'26.54" W Hold My Beer Posts: 9,560	Who said what to who????? __________________ Song Pick of the Week 09/03 Buckcherry - Too Drunk To F..... (NSFW) <Insert nothing original in this space>

10-05-2007, 05:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
kay Refrigerator Magnet Test Engineer Joined: Oct 2006 Bike: Kawasaki Zephyr750RS, Suzuki GSX-R600, Ducati 999S Location: Crappy Little Island!!! Posts: 3,650	Take you time. The bike won't disappear. And like Joe said, a healthy fear is good, but if you're stiff and nervous on a bike, that itself can hinder quick and smart maneuvers that you might be forced into making, IF something creeps up. There's no need to rush into the faster speeds either! Have fun with your rides cuz that's what's most important. __________________ *Suzuki GSX-R600* Cherry blossom season is here! Yay!!!!

10-05-2007, 05:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
Anville Seat Tester Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 1997 Suzuki Bandit 1200cc Location: Houston Posts: 72	Thanks for the replys all. I should take a break, I ride about an hour every day. The streets and feeder roads I ride perfectly, almost too comfortably but always alert. I have no qualms staying below 90, I think right around 70 I just get nervous. At first, the feeder roads bothered me, but now 50 is just cruising speed to me. Ill chalk it up to experience. I tried the breathing technique on my way home tonight, it really helps! Ill be taking the car for a few days....

10-05-2007, 06:01 PM	#9 (permalink)
frostbitevinnie No Significant Other Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 07' C90T 76' MT250 Location: 3rd house NW of the Depot Posts: 2,422	Motorcycles are not for the faint of heart. Do what I do. Drink a couple of beers, make sure to crush the cans on your head and take off. __________________ "People are more violently opposed to fur than leather, because it's easier to harass rich women than Bikers..." ---Unknown

10-05-2007, 06:11 PM	#11 (permalink)
frostbitevinnie No Significant Other Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 07' C90T 76' MT250 Location: 3rd house NW of the Depot Posts: 2,422	It's a joke. Maybe in poor taste but only a joke. I also quit smoking wussy tobacco for high quality crack. Stick that in your piggy bank. __________________ "People are more violently opposed to fur than leather, because it's easier to harass rich women than Bikers..." ---Unknown

10-05-2007, 06:15 PM	#12 (permalink)
SNAFU Leaned over, knee down Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '06 M50 Black Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 4,779	Some good advice here, except for vinnie. It's gettin' cold so he might have frost bite in the brain and is jealous of the weather down there. Keep riding safely and with time and miles on your bike, your confidence will grow. __________________

10-05-2007, 06:26 PM	#13 (permalink)
frostbitevinnie No Significant Other Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 07' C90T 76' MT250 Location: 3rd house NW of the Depot Posts: 2,422	Sorry, just being a little stupid today. Does it show? I did get frostbite on my butt 17 years ago, which I have been told is in close proximity to my brain. Of course always respect the power of any bike, wear your gear at all times and don't ride beyond your comfort zone. Never ride even under a little chemical influence. As far as the weather it rained most of the day but it's supposed to be 82F tomorrow. Taking a long ride to MPLS/St.Paul tomorrow and possible to WI. Ride safe and enjoy our short stay on this rock. __________________ "People are more violently opposed to fur than leather, because it's easier to harass rich women than Bikers..." ---Unknown

10-05-2007, 11:49 PM	#16 (permalink)
IntruderCruiser TurtleWax Taster Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2003 Intruder 1500 Posts: 585	if your riding at 90, you need your head examined - at least in my opinion as I told someone else -- its not that I can't, Its I am smarter than that __________________ Ride to Live, Live to Ride Member Iron Butt Association Save the Racetrack antics for the race track Yes I Can Do It, But I'm Smart Enough To Know Better

10-06-2007, 12:44 AM	#17 (permalink)
aliefj96 Seat Tester Joined: Apr 2007 Bike: Black M50 Location: Originally from Houston, TX, but now in the Redneck Riviera, FL Posts: 63	You should always ride within your skill level. It is important to open it up on a wide open straight and push those limits up every now and then so that when you do ride at 65 it doesn't feel intimidating. Way back when on my first bike I would feel a bit of anxiety riding 70 on the interstate. I worked nights and the way home there were a few straight that I would roll back on the throttle for a bit, check the speed, and then coast back down. I did this once or twice a week for a couple of months until I hit 145. I did it once and never again. I wasn't nervous. I just accomplished what I set out to do; being comfortable at a safe speed. On the down side it ruined amusement parks. Roller Coasters became sleepers. A ten year absence from riding and I'm back on two wheels. I felt that same anxiety when I rode the bike home for the first time. I think I went ten under the limit the whole way home(60 miles: Tallahasee to Panama City). I live far off an interstate now so I haven't had a chance to build my confidence back up with this bike. I've hit the 90s a few times, but way too brief. I'm not comfortable with the vibration my M50 gets over 52mph. The bike definetely needs a 6th gear.

10-06-2007, 07:16 AM	#18 (permalink)
frostbitevinnie No Significant Other Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 07' C90T 76' MT250 Location: 3rd house NW of the Depot Posts: 2,422	I have never looked at the speedo on any sport bike. What mph does the stock one go up to on various bikes? __________________ "People are more violently opposed to fur than leather, because it's easier to harass rich women than Bikers..." ---Unknown

10-06-2007, 10:10 AM	#20 (permalink)
floridajay Where Am I ? Joined: Sep 2007 Bike: 06 c90 bully Location: tall fl Posts: 39	I have just the opposite feeling. Thats why I got a cruiser and not a busa. I have become to know my limitations and what I would do on that kinda bike

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