Having taken up riding not so long ago and learning more about motorcycling in general, I seem to notice that there aren't many riders on the road compared to car drivers. Some have just simply stopped riding for personal reasons, but not that many even take up motorcycling. As I was growing up, I didn't know anyone who rode motorbikes and even in adulthood I don't meet people who ride, or some used to ride but no longer do. In comparison, there are definitely less women than men who are into motorbikes, but despite the difficulties, I am determined to be and remain part of this community.
I've always been someone who likes to experience different things and try new adventures, so taking up motorcycling was a challenge I wanted to face. It was, and still is in some ways, very difficult for me personally, and there are definitely a handful of things that could have caused me to just give up this new and stressful hobby. Here are my top five reasons I almost quit motorcycling, but didn't.
1. THE FAILING U-TURNS
I wouldn't necessarily say my balance is bad, because I take part in other activities that prove I have a good sense of balance, including balancing on one foot. So this really baffled me when I struggled to do u-turns on a motorbike. It must be because there is more to it than just being good at balancing. When I first went out on a lesson with my Honda CBF 125 I had the opportunity to practice u-turns, but every time I saw (in my eyes) how narrow the road is between the two curbs I just worried. I also think at that point I was still trying to master riding at slow speed, so all of it combined I found it really difficult. So difficult to the point where I dropped my bike (I say dropped - I mean putting the bike down slowly, so no damage caused). After that initial "drop" I think I am scarred for life!
After that, every time I am asked to do a u-turn I can feel my breathing speed up and many thoughts cross my mind about falling over, dropping the bike again and what an idiot I am going to look like because I cannot do something that is so simple to most people. I want to throw the towel whenever I hear the word 'u-turn'. I didn't though, and like a good student I went to do the u-turn time and time again, dropping the bike and getting up to do it again, even falling with the bike I still got up to do it again.
On my next motorbike lesson I had to ride the Kawasaki ER-6N with a wet weight of 196 kg (432 Ibs) and being someone who isn't very strong no matter how much I work out at the gym - this was worrisome to me. The actual riding of the bike feels a lot nicer than my CBF 125 and cornering feels a lot more stable on a bigger bike, but here comes the u-turn practice again. I dread and dread, and yes - I dropped this big heavy machine. I still got up and kept doing it. I fell over with the bike because I felt exhausted, mentally and physically. I practised until my instructor thought I might just cry, but I could still only successfully do one u-turn in about five attempts.
The day of my Module 1 test approached quickly and I genuinely believed the u-turn is what would cause me to fail. The morning of the test I was given the opportunity to practice more u-turns before heading to the test centre, and as expected I am still no good at them than last time I was on this bike. I went to take my test with the attitude that "I'm going to fail anyway" and "what's the worst that could happen". I came out of the test passing first time with one minor and to my surprise, I did the perfect tight u-turn. I could not believe it! I was so shocked it brought tears to my eyes and I will never forget the look of confusion on my instructor's face when I told him I passed. He thought the tears meant a big fat fail.
This was my number one reason if I were to give up motorcycling. I doubted my ability and lost confidence every time I fell off that bike, but hard work has paid off in the end. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and my number one weakness with riding a motorcycle was no doubt slow manoeuvres throwing u-turns into the mix, but whatever the challenges you face - believe in yourself and the effort you put into achieving it!
2 - THE NERVES
After I completed my one-day CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) I didn't feel like it gave me the confidence to go out and ride, certainly not on my own. I bought my Honda CBF 125 quite soon after the CBT because I had a lot of motivation to finally go on this journey of getting a motorbike license. I was terrified just imagining handling the bike, because I was the worst student out of the four during the CBT, so there was no way I would be any better having to operate a motorcycle on my own. Initially, I rode around the neighbourhood on a Sunday evening, with the goal of going further each time - it never really happened. Every time a car drove up behind me I would freak out and I felt like they were so close that they might just hit the back of me. I've later realised that they feel close is because I am used to driving a car where there is a bigger gap between me and the car behind, so seeing a vehicle so close behind just panicked me and I would go the way they weren't going just to get them off my back.
I managed to ride to the MOT centre and back with my brother escorting me and holding up traffic because I was (and knew I was) very slow on the road. It wasn't until I was out riding with others that I built my confidence. I was told that as a learner the best way to improve is to go out riding with other motorcyclists because you worry less about what you're doing and will focus more on keeping up. I never really believed that until I experienced it myself.
After that, I had a lot going on in my life, so haven't been out on my bike for months, which meant the nerves came back because I lost the confidence I built prior to the short break. My CBT and Theory Test was expiring in about four months' time (two years for CBT and theory test before you have to re-take) and I didn't fancy doing those again, so I decided to try and get my full license before the deadline.
I booked one lesson with my instructor on my CBF 125 and of course I was very nervous, to the point I barely slept the night before. The day went very well other than feeling physically exhausted and dropping my bike during u-turn for the first time. My second lesson was on the ER-6N where I was given the opportunity to get used to the bike, and again I was quite nervous about handling a bigger and heavier bike. The trauma of u-turns has been increased where I dropped this heavier bike during practice. I was starting to believe that I just can't do it and contemplated whether I should give up and just stick with 125s and L plates.
Everything happened quite quickly after that and my Module 1 and 2 tests were booked, so the following week I had another lesson covering everything I needed to know for the Module 1 test. The day was intense and exhausting, bearing in mind it was also freezing cold in February. I felt good about most of the manoeuvres except, you guessed it - u-turns. The more I attempted and failed, the more worried and nervous I felt, to the point where I don't just drop the bike anymore, but I was falling with the bike. Yes, it's intense and I am annoyed at myself for being so bad at something that shouldn't be so hard.
I felt that my nerves got in the way of my performance on test day as well and everything I did do well during training and practice was very clunky and definitely not very smooth. Even though I passed first time with just one minor, I feel like overthinking it all and letting the devil in me affect what I believed really had no benefit whatsoever. Of course it is easier said than done, because I certainly couldn't control my fears. I had many sleepless nights worrying about what if I fail or worse, what if I am actually so bad at this I cause an accident. All those thoughts did not help and the best thing you can do is try not to overthink and believe in yourself.
3 - THE COLD
Being someone who feels the cold all of the time, deciding to ride a motorbike was a decision I had to think about a lot. In terms of whether or not I should bother learning to ride at all if I may just throw the towel because my body can't withstand the cold. Time and time again I have been put off just leaving the house because the weather is nasty. Sunshine is a rare sight in this country and I wear thermals about nine months of the year just to keep me functioning with day-to-day life indoors.
During the months that have been known to snow in the past couple of years in a row I knew it wasn't the best decision to take up riding at this time of the year, so mentally I have been telling myself I have to brace the cold and force myself to not be such a wimp about feeling chilly. Then physically I have been slowly letting myself brace the cold more by wearing less layers and thick clothing than I would normally to survive the winter. I'm not going to lie - it is difficult! I definitely still feel the cold as much as I always have been, but I've been telling myself to just get through it because I need to be able to handle it on the bike.
I invested in a pair of thicker gloves, but that's the only addition to my gear in terms of winter riding. I read a lot of good reviews for the Richa Ladies Arctic Waterproof Textile Gloves, so I decided to give it a try. I ordered it in size medium, but due to the lining and the gloves being thicker, the fit was too snug for me. I exchanged for one size up in large.
I've managed to toughen up and brace the coldest months while I was learning. For me I had to figure out what worked best for me and what made the biggest difference to keep me warm. I wouldn't leave without a fitted base layer, one that would keep you dry. You might think that being out in the cold you wouldn't sweat, but sometimes you may end up stopping somewhere that is just a bit too warm when you walk through the door, especially when it's freezing outside. The other reason to have clothes closest to your skin that will keep you dry is because there is just moisture on your skin and between layers in general. Staying dry on the inner layers makes a huge difference to staying warm. Then I wear a thermal long sleeved top over the base layer for added warmth, followed by a thin fleece top and my current favourite is the one I got from Trespass. On the most outer layer I wear my (removable) thermal lined waterproof motorbike jacket ensuring all the vents are zipped up.
As for the bottom, I wear my DXR Ladies Base Layer, again with drying properties, and over those I add a pair of ordinary leggings. And my third layer would be my waterproof protective motorbike trousers, which fits over all the other pieces of clothing. Sometimes I pair this with jeans, but I find the combination of base layer and leggings more comfortable on longer rides.
Other extras I would highly recommend are thermal socks or my preference of merino wool socks. Last but not least, a thick neck tube/warmer. There are many to choose from and come in so many different colours and patterns.
4 - THE STORAGE
When I first decided to take up motorcycling I was lucky enough to have a relatively empty garage that enabled me to store my CBF 125, but as life went on and circumstances changed, I no longer have the luxury of a garage to store my bike. I also understand that many others don't necessary have the use of a garage to store their pride and joy. I have thought about selling my bike and wait until things changed and then take up riding again. I am so glad I didn't and that I stuck with it to try and find a solution.
What has worked for me on this occasion is using a sheltered space next to my parents' house combined with a heavy-duty chain and decent cover. I have managed to keep the bike out of sight and made sure I have sufficient insurance cover while it is being stored outside. I still recommend insurance even if you do keep your bike in a locked garage not in use. I am hesitant with getting a new motorcycle now I have passed my tests, just because the thought of it not being locked away properly worries me a little. If you could chain the bike to something that doesn't move, i.e. a lamppost or gate then that would help. Having the bike tucked away in the dark may seem like a good idea, but if nobody can see the bike then it also makes a good hidden place for thieves to figure out how to steal your motorcycle, so for that reason it may be safer to keep it visible and ideally somewhere that is well-lit if you have no choice but to keep your motorbike outside.
I have purchased the relatively inexpensive Sightling Waterproof Motorcycle Cover which helps to keep it clean and protected from the rain. Also, if thieves don't know if something is worth stealing then they might just walk away, so having it covered may just be enough for your bike to be left alone.
5 - THE TIME-CONSUMING PROTECTIVE GEAR
We all understand the importance of protection when it comes to riding a motorcycle. There is a saying in Chinese that when you drive a car it is the metal that wraps around your skin, but on a bike it's your skin that wraps around the metal. Basically you're so much more vulnerable on a motorcycle than being in a car. I would have a lot more injuries on me, especially from practising u-turns if I didn't wear protective gear during those falls. My elbows and hips would have definitely been the victims toppling over sideways over and over again.
The minimum requirement in the UK is to wear a helmet while riding on the road, but as much as it is a pain to put on all the gear and having to allow extra time before heading out the door onto a motorcycle, it is recommended to protect yourself as much as possible at all times.
I am certainly grateful for all the gear that keeps me dry and warm during the colder months, but the last thing I want to do in the heat is cover up every inch of my skin. I am yet to find the perfect comfortable and breathable summer gear. I purchased a pair of Oxford Super Kevlar Leggings to wear during the warmer months, but my legs feel so hot in them. They are very comfortable and looks very nice for a pair of motorcycle bottoms, but I'm not sure how suitable they will be when (and if) if does get hot in this country.
No matter how annoying it is to put on full gear each time you ride and however experienced you are as a motorcyclist, I believe in full protection, especially as a new rider. The thing I always struggle to ignore is that I could be doing everything right and be the safest rider on the road, but let's be honest - there are too many idiot (I mean ignorant) drivers out there who don't pay enough attention and many of them get distracted. Even just for one second they look away it can be enough to miss you. As much as it is tempting to just throw on a helmet and ride around in shorts and t-shirt in the summer - your safety is not worth risking, ever!
CHECK OUT Motorbike Module 1 Training
Watch me struggle to get the battery back in. It is my first time giving it a go, but I believe in the hands-on approach before calling for help. Best way to learn in my opinion!
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