Getting back on the motorbike

Jgrrl

Well-known member
Greetings,
My name is Jen I used to be active on this forum some years ago but I sold my last motorbike about 5 years ago (FZ1) and have not ridden since. I didn't quit for any particular reason, I just felt I needed a break. The passion was less and the fear had increased.

Fast Forward to now! With all that is going on in this world, I really want to get back on and enjoy that feeling, the complete focus required for street riding clears the mind from all the noise.

Anyways I'm trying not to make this too long and rambling but I'm looking for an experienced rider to help me get back on. I purchased a used Vstrom 1000 that I had the owner deliver to my garage in Daly City and I've just been staring at it everyday, making excuses not too ride (too smokey, Covid, etc). My fear is unreasonable because I have over 20 years riding experience, did many track days, Keith Code, etc.. I even had a big accident and got back on.

So what I'm asking is not training, just someone to get on my bike take it to a big parking lot ( I will follow in my car) and leave me there. I know in an open flat piece of pavement I will overcome this fear. I guess I'm just afraid to jump on and be immersed in traffic while I'm still getting used to the feeling of friction zone, braking, slow turns, etc.

I will gladly pay you for time. I live in Daly City.
Thanks,
PM Jen
 
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motomania2007

TC/MSF/CMSP/ Instructor
Jen,
Welcome back to Riding!
I know you don't feel like you need training but I would suggest that since you've been away from riding for a while that a class may be just the thing to get your confidence back. And something new is available now that wasn't available back when you were learning how to ride and that's the intermediate riding clinic that's offered at most of the CMSP training ranges in the area. I suggest that you reach out to one of those facilities as they can set you up in that class and get you riding again while at the same time clearing up the cobwebs and correcting any bad habits you might have.
 

greenmonster

Well-known member
Another idea is to venture out early in the morning before the streets are too crowded. Maybe get up at dawn and just putt around the neighborhood, go around the block a few times to get the feel of the bike. You know how to ride so that isn’t the problem, you’re just rusty but that will clear with a little time.
 

Jgrrl

Well-known member
Thanks for the info. I checked out the site and it looks like they are not offering anything at the moment. I think the Advanced Level 1 would probably be a good starting point for me. I will definitely sign up when I get the bucks and something opens up!

But the main problem is just swinging my leg over and even riding to the course location, that's why I would like someone to ride it to a parking lot for me, like Serramonte. It's big, flat lot nearby and I know I could get comfortable again. I just don't want to hit the rode all tense, not good for riding.
 
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motomania2007

TC/MSF/CMSP/ Instructor
Thanks for the info. I checked out the site and it looks like they are not offering anything at the moment. I think the Advanced Level 1 would probably be a good starting point for me. I will definitely sign up when I get the bucks and something opens up!

But the main problem is just swinging my leg over and even riding to the course location, that's why I would like someone to ride it to a parking lot for me, like Serramonte. It's big, flat lot nearby and I know I could get comfortable again. I just don't want to hit the rode all tense, not good for riding.

Unfortunately I'm logistically not very able to take you out to a parking lot and help you out with that or I certainly would.

As for the class being available there are plenty of intermediate and advanced classes coming up at one or more of the local sites. I'm teaching a couple of them in the next couple of weeks in the San Jose site and in the Livermore site and I know there are also classes in the other sites that are near to you.
 

Holeshot

Super Moderator
Staff member
+1 on George's comments.

My only addition to you Jen is: lack of confidence is a really tough one and it happens to all riders, ESPECIALLY racers when they put bikes on the ground (repeatedly is the worst). I feel your consternation.

When you do swing your leg over, know two things:

1. "It's like riding a bike" is absolutely truth. It comes back much quicker than you think. In fact, ride a bicycle around for a few minutes and then swing a leg over your bike.

2. "Just do it". I don't mean this in a cavalier manner, but in a "do so with confidence". You muscle memory and previous skill set is still there, it's just in hibernation and things will come back slower than if you were riding daily. They will come back when you get on the bike. Try sitting on the bike in your garage and closing your eyes. Visualize what you last remember what you rode, etc.

I've put a lot of bikes on the ground and had to figure out how to trust the bike again, a few minutes after putting it on the ground. Faith in yourself and your bike.

Good luck and seriously consider George's path. I like that one alot.

Safe riding! So glad you're back!
 

Jgrrl

Well-known member
Back On The Road Again

Thanks for your input Guys!
I think I got it sorted out. The bike just felt bigger than it is when I sat on it with the centerstand. The dude I bought it from was like 6'4" (I'm 5'11") and he had lowered the footpegs and had these wide Motocross type bars that stretched out my arms. So fortunately he left some of the original parts and I put the old footpegs and stock bars on and it felt much better.

Took it out for a spin this AM before it got too Hot and it felt great. Forgot how much pickup those big 2 banger's have. Found a place to do some slow speed stuff and then gassed it up and did a couple of runs on Guadalupe Canyon. Took it easy (lots of slick tar snakes, and a few cops).

Can't wait to ride it again, just have to keep my brain in check because I'm still a new rider as far as getting my body and mind back in riding shape.

:ride:ride
 

motomania2007

TC/MSF/CMSP/ Instructor
Sounds great! I am teaching in San Jose a Wednesday and Thursday this week.

If you want to go for a ride one evening, let me know.
 

rodr

Well-known member
The Strom is kind of a big top-heavy bike to start with, and those mods explain a lot. Sounds like you'll do just fine. Enjoy!
 

Cincinnatus

Not-quite retired Army
Hi, Jenn!

Welcome back to BARFing and congrats on getting back on two wheels!

'Way back in the day, I took an unwanted vacation from riding and after the divorce :teeth, I went to a dealership to see if the bug was still there. I did force the issue by bringing my helmet, leathers, etc. :laughing It just took a half-mile or so before my muscle memory kicked in and I had a blast, the test ride lasted over an hour. :party

Now that you're actively riding again, stretch your legs & get out there. Yeah, the fires are screwing up the air quality, but there are areas relatively unaffected - https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=37.86835,-119.63562&z=8&b=sat&o=r&n=0.3&a=c,mba,modis_mp,wxd_wspd-01

Have you thought about doing any adventure riding on the 'Strom?
 

Frisco

Well-known member
Welcome Back, Jen!

I remember you from your days on an SV1000. We were both active on the SVPortal and rode together a couple times. I’m still in El Cerrito and up for a weekend ride most weeks.:ride
 

Jgrrl

Well-known member
I don't think up for long rides quite yet because I have cervical issues I'm going to physical therapy for. Anybody ever get that Fire down the middle of your back on long rides? I need to get that sorted out so I can take longer journeys.

The Strom 1k is a great bike, I've always wanted one after having the SV and then a WeeStrom. Can't beat those Suzuki VTwins. I accidentally did a wheelie just gassing the sucker in 2nd, and the engine braking will toss you over the bars if you are not careful. :rofl

It doesn't seem quite as top heavy as the FJR which I used to have and dropped many times. I believe the redesign in 14 basically is a whole new Strom. I'm going to stick with pavement for now because I bet that big of bike would be a handful on dirt.

Would love to get together in the future Frisco. You still have that cute Cat pic

At the moment I'm just buzzing around old familiar spots nearby. I used to ride to Alice's at least once a week and then head down to the coast. I don't know the current situation up there but I'd like to go see for myself. I still grieve for all the loss, it feels like my backyard is on fire. :(
 

dennis11rr

New member
Another idea is to venture out early in the morning before the streets are too crowded. Maybe get up at dawn and just putt around the neighborhood, go around the block a few times to get the feel of the bike. You know how to ride so that isn’t the problem, you’re just rusty but that will clear with a little time.

I love to ride before streets get are too crowded, early in the morning. Streets are totally yours. Can you recommend some useful websites and resources where you can get the latest news about biker's world? I mean websites like this reference which I could find recently, with all the needed articles about choosing and purchasing clothes, helmets, headsets and boots for bikers?
 
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Lucytriple

Wrrrench
Just seeing this, Jen. I'm actually in Daly City too. Have you gotten on much? Don't know exactly where you are, but that canyon is in my backyard and I often run up and down once or twice instead of going straight home, and our bikes are cousins :)
 
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