help me out : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

mlo517 · 08-24-2008, 02:49 AM

Ive recently bought my 636 and began riding, Im 19 and I love it. I really wanna keep riding but for some reason I have become scared out of my mind about hurting myself on my bike. Im mainly just concerned about spinal injuries and being in a wheelchair for the rest of my life and crap like that. I'm not debating weather or not to sell my bike and quit riding or to man up and pursue what I want to do.

anyone have any input, Is my fear even rational? I wear a back protector and im geared up all the time.

MTizzle · 08-24-2008, 03:37 AM

When I started riding I also was afraid of falling. My First 2 Months of riding I only rode with group of friends which help me get comfortable & relax don't even think about that much now. It's about comfort level I'd say keep riding to you get more relaxed.

BULLDOG · 08-24-2008, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlo517

Ive recently bought my 636 and began riding, Im 19 and I love it. I really wanna keep riding but for some reason I have become scared out of my mind about hurting myself on my bike. Im mainly just concerned about spinal injuries and being in a wheelchair for the rest of my life and crap like that. I'm not debating weather or not to sell my bike and quit riding or to man up and pursue what I want to do.

anyone have any input, Is my fear even rational? I wear a back protector and im geared up all the time.

It's all psychological , it's the same as say a bungee jump or parachuting, as soon as you get into a comfort zone , you will find that what scares you today will not even enter your mind tomorrow.
If you live life worrying about what if's then you would never go out of the house in the first place.

Jaywheel · 08-24-2008, 10:13 AM

Hey, hopefully your fear won't overwhelm you, but keep you alert and focused. Take your time and Keep riding. Try to find some experienced riders in your area to ride with. Ones that will take time to show you the ropes. The best thing you can do is take a certified MSF Course (Motorcycle Safety Foundation). This will teach you all the basics and allow you to get comfortable on your bike. The more you ride, the more you learn. The more you learn, the safer you ride. The safer you ride, the more comfortable you will feel.

mlo517 · 08-24-2008, 11:37 AM

I feel really comfortable riding (I cranked it to 150mph last night and It didnt even phase me), and I have taken the MSF course. I consider myself to have pretty refined motor skills, so Im not too worried about trusting myself. I guess I have always been a worrier though, and always think about the what ifs.

mlo517 · 08-24-2008, 11:38 AM

are back injuries even that common in motorcycle accidents? it seems to me like either you die or you just get up and walk away in most cases

Shifty1 · 08-24-2008, 12:32 PM

All injuries are common from a motorcycle wreck. And I don't want to freak you out anymore or anything like that but you may have to consider that street riding isn't for you. If you're geared up and are comfortable on the bike but not with the other people on the road then maybe you should take it to the track. As far as I see it, if you are that worried about crashing and getting hurt then you are not 100% and alert and possibly posing a danger to others on the road and a greater danger to yourself. Street riding takes a lot of concentration.

freighttrain · 08-25-2008, 05:09 PM

had a friend with the same thing going on... very natural... two suggestions...

find some people to ride with... hopefully with some experience.. and i'm not just talking about years on a bike.. ride with people that know the road as well... learning the road will help a lot ..
i also agree with shifty.. track days. i recommend them A LOT.. in one track day you will learn more about your bikes' capabilities , and your own, that would take a lot longer to find out on the street.
knowing the road, and what you and your bike can do... it will help you enjoy your rides a lot more..
other than that...good medical insurance as well... the less to worry about the better...

wheelieshane · 08-25-2008, 06:13 PM

There is two types of riders, Those thats been down, and those that are goin down, And the chances are those that have been down are goin down again.. Its a part of it and its a chance u have to be willing to take. The only thing you can do is watch out for other drivers and ride within your LIMITS.. And then theres always that Pray for the best...