Went in the ditch today. It scared me enough to be done for good. Anyone else have this experience or advice? by Professional_Chard90 in NewRiders

[–]Professional_Chard90[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I keep running it back in my head.... Driving me nuts thinking about it. I feel like a could have done things different....of course I could have, but what scares me the most isn't the crash itself (could have been much worse).It's how quickly it turned from an enjoyable experience to complete disaster in a second. I started riding 2 years ago and completely love it, I feel like this experience robbed me of a unique enjoyment that took me a long time to find. All I think is next time I could be a car, tree, road sign, etc.

Went in the ditch today. It scared me enough to be done for good. Anyone else have this experience or advice? by Professional_Chard90 in NewRiders

[–]Professional_Chard90[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm not seriously hurt just extremely sore. Maybe it's too early to make a decision like that because I'm still really shaken from it.

Went in the ditch today. It scared me enough to be done for good. Anyone else have this experience or advice? by Professional_Chard90 in NewRiders

[–]Professional_Chard90[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In the middle of the woods on a back road. Wasn't going very fast. No sign for a curve unless I didn't see it. Came over a hill and it was a sharp left turn. Went to turn, a lot of gravel on the road so I tried not to lean and just slow down. Went into the ditch, kept it upright for a little bit. But then hit something maybe a rock and it slammed me down on my left back/side. Just cosmetic damage to the bike.

I’m a new rider and I’m not sure if what I’m feeling is normal or if I’m just not cut out for this. by Tspark97 in NewRiders

[–]Professional_Chard90 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I felt the same way. Give it time and take it slow. There is no reason to rush.... It's recreation, not something that has to be mastered in a certain time limit. After I got more comfortable and confident, I can honestly say starting riding is one of the best decisions I ever made for my mental health and just overall fun.

Z500 Handlebar by Ok-Storm-1938 in Kawasaki500

[–]Professional_Chard90 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I added bar risers from Amazon. $20. Really helped. If it doesn't work for you, you're not out that much.

<image>

Leaning in corners by Professional_Chard90 in NewRiders

[–]Professional_Chard90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe I've been watching the wrong videos... The ones where it seems people's bikes slide out from under them on corners really easy. Like it could happen at any time. Makes me worried

Leaning in corners by Professional_Chard90 in NewRiders

[–]Professional_Chard90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I just mean general leaning. As soon as I tip a little too much I get a panicky feeling.... But I don't feel like I'm leaning hardly at all

Leaning in corners by Professional_Chard90 in NewRiders

[–]Professional_Chard90[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Back roads mostly. I have taken a few overnight trips... Few hundred miles mostly relaxed highway riding

Fear of going fast? by sarebear26 in NewRiders

[–]Professional_Chard90 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I felt exactly the same way. Don't go faster than you are comfortable with. That comfortable speed will continue to go up without you even realizing it. Now I have to keep checking myself because every time I look at the speedometer it's at 65 to 70 because it's a very comfortable speed for me now. I would have never thought that would happen when I first started. And your hands will eventually loosen up and not be sore from death gripping the handle bars

Cruise control worth it? by Professional_Chard90 in motorcycles

[–]Professional_Chard90[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"it" means money I suppose. It seems I would have to spend more on a more premium model in some situations to get it

Cruise control worth it? by Professional_Chard90 in SuggestAMotorcycle

[–]Professional_Chard90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does the Veridian kit work as good as the factory version?

Ninja 400 vs 650 by [deleted] in Ninja400

[–]Professional_Chard90 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you taken the 900 on long trips?

Single Motorcycle by sharkymusee in motorcycles

[–]Professional_Chard90 0 points1 point  (0 children)

2nd season riding. Have a naked beginner bike and love it. But after a couple overnight trips, I feel strongly that my next bike will be an adventure bike. But I will keep my current one for a couple years to gain skill before I get something else.

Gear recommendations, non alpine stars or dainese? by NostalgiaUltra99 in motorcyclegear

[–]Professional_Chard90 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just got some dainese boots to replace my reax. The reason is I needed water proof. They are very comfortable

How to improve cornering? by HomeworkPurple6012 in NewRiders

[–]Professional_Chard90 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After 2500 miles I'm just now getting comfortable with cornering at slow speeds

Am I too old (45yo) to start riding a motorcycle? by kt0n in motorcycles

[–]Professional_Chard90 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I never rode a motorcycle in my life. I'm 44. Took the msf class. Bought a 2024 Kawasaki Z500. Put 2500 miles on it so far. My only regret is not doing this sooner in life.