How long did it take you to get comfortable riding?

[Ms_Kady]

How long did it take you to:

1. Get used to riding your bike in general, i.e. coordinating speed, stopping, control of the bike.

2. Get used to riding on public roads?

I just got my permit, so I can now legally venture out past our neighborhood gates. I've had good practice so far within our neighborhood where I've gotten used to braking, slowing down and accelerating. I live in a hilly area, too, so that was good experience.

I'm really just worried about being around other cars. Do you guys have any tips for a novice rider on building up confidence and getting used to being out on the road? For now, I just plan to cruise around to nearby places like the grocery store and such.

Thanks!

[jfrost2]

Depends how much you ride, the more you ride and build up in small steps, the faster you get the hang of it and become confident. When I first started riding it was in neighborhood roads at 15MPH and that felt fast. Then I began feeling like I needed to go faster. I started out on slow 30-35MPH roads and got used to those. Now I am comfortable at any speed.

[TVB]

It was a gradual process, and it's still ongoing 6 months and 3500 miles later. I guess I had something of a head start because I already rode my bicycle in traffic on a regular basis, so swimming cageless among the sharks was already familiar. Going on a week-long road trip certainly gave me more confidence: when you've survived the Mackinac Bridge, semis passing you in the same lane, creeping up hills at 20mph then going down the other side with only one brake... riding in the left lane in traffic on a city street seems a lot less intimidating.

But the early phases were similar: with every new thing I did that previously scared me, I got over that fear. The first time I rode in traffic, I didn't know what to expect, so I was afraid of it. After doing it several times, I knew what to expect, so no fear. The first time I rode on a 45mph road... same story. The first time I ventured onto the 5-lane busiest street in the county... again. First time I rode at night... ditto. First time I rode after a rain... ibid. And so on.

[bluebuddygirl]

When I bought my scooter, I forced myself to ride it home, from Cleveland to Akron, around 45 miles. I picked out a nice slow route. About half of it was through the Cleveland Metroparks, where there is less car traffic and the speed limit is 30 mph. It took me 2 hours to get home because of the obscure route, but it got me over a lot of that. I still got really nervous on busier roads the first few times. Market Ave. in Akron is 4 lanes, pretty busy, but not real fast. Supposed to be 25-35, but people go faster. I stayed in the right lane and stayed at 25-30. We have a LOT of motorcycles around here, so that helps, in that other drivers are a little more aware.

I did take the MSF course before getting my scooter, and I highly recommend that, as they tell you what to watch out for, and you get some practice in a controlled, safe environment.

I rode every chance I got, made myself ride 40 minutes to work (back roads), etc. I got pretty secure within a few weeks, but I was riding all the time, and still I have off days.

Hope that helps.

[Cheshire]

I stuck to back roads and residential roads until I got comfortable on them, then worked my way up to progressively more trafficked and faster roads a little bit at a time. You get used to traffic faster than you think...but don't get cocky. New-rider overconfidence can get you into trouble. Don't let that make you nervous, by the way. It'll make much more sense in a few weeks to a few months.

Get a local map and start learning all the non-artery roads to get you from point A to B. It's a good thing to have anyway, both the map and knowing those roads.

[beeboytroy]

I always pretend that I'm invisible and that no one sees me. If you drive around with this type of thinking you should be OK.

Pick an errand thats only a few miles away. Go to the bank for a quick deposit, or go to Seven Eleven for a soda. Then set your sights a little further. I try to do a perfect week of only scooter driving and no car driving. Practice makes perfect....Good Luck!

[Ms_Kady]

Thanks everyone! These are pretty good tips so far. I ventured out a couple miles down the road on a semi-busy street. I was able to maintain my speed while other cars were whizzing by. I did feel my bike sway a little as they went by, but I think if I made it over to the other side of the lane I'd be OK.

[ScootStevie]

The more you ride (obviously) the better. Just do all errands you can, short jaunts. Grocery store, rite aid...whatever. Try taking the slower flow streets. I actually felt comfy pretty quick, but am always cautious (something you should never loose). Good luck, and get out there

[peabody99]

I think it important to take the MSF class. I had to wait months to get in, but it was worth it. I was more careful, even fearful than anyone I know for a long time. I think this fear helped me stay accident/drop free in the newbie period

I rode a lot on side streets, parking lots, and sundays to get comfortable. I made sure I had examined a route for hazards before taking it on busy times .

One important thing- I made sure I was comfortable enough not to be that slow scooter people tail gated or passed. Dangerous.

11,000 miles later I am very careful every day, and never over confident. That said there are no non highway roads I am fearful of at this point on the Buddy or Vespa. (and ride the Vespa on most highways)

[cmac]

I think the best advice coming from a noob is as follows.
Take it slow! If you don't feel comfortable, then you aren't.
Approaching turns/corners, slow down more than you think you need to before the turn.
Once you get the feeling of how fast you think you should go into a turn, then do it, but at first take it slow.
Look where you are going! Keep your eyes up! UP I SAY!
Use both brakes when you need too and in moderation.
If it's wet out or you need to brake in a turn, use a bit more rear brake so you dont go down.

Just take it easy, get the feel for certain enviornments and obstacles and be safe.

Most important key for me was to learn from your mistakes.

[Lostmycage]

It takes a while. It takes a lot of practice. The more practice you get, the less time it takes. Vague, no?

Just keep doing what you're doing. As a new rider, wear as much safety gear as possible. The first few months/years of riding have the most potential for a crash due to rider error. That's when you want your safety gear and armor.

Take the MSF Basic Rider Course, read up on Hughes' Proficient Motorcycling there might even be a little tip or two you can use in the FAQ!

As a new rider, I'd be very interested if you find posts on MB that help you out so that I can incorporate them into the FAQ for other new riders.

Oh, and it's perfectly acceptable to feel a little nervous.

Just be sure to secure your lane: don't ride to the far right side of the right lane. Riding in the far right of your lane puts out an open invitation for cars to pass you in your own lane, which is not only dangerous, it can be very unsettling to you.

Do at least the speed limit or 5 over on the speedometer (the speedo is across the board optimistic, 5 over on it will get you really close to the actual speed limit). If you're keeping up with traffic, you're also less likely to have cagers "show you" how to do the speed. If you're uncomfortable with that speed, stay off that road until you are. Work up to it.

Don't ride on a road where the average speed is at the very top range of what your scooter will do. You want to have passing and evasion speed available. This is the #1 reason I won't go on the highway.

[Dooglas]

I just got my permit, so I can now legally venture out past our neighborhood gates. I've had good practice so far within our neighborhood where I've gotten used to braking, slowing down and accelerating. I live in a hilly area, too, so that was good experience.

I assume this means you have not taken the MSF basic course. For your safety and confidence, do that just as soon as you can. A good scoot and good gear are important, but not nearly so important as a trained and experienced rider.

[Ms_Kady]

I just got my permit, so I can now legally venture out past our neighborhood gates. I've had good practice so far within our neighborhood where I've gotten used to braking, slowing down and accelerating. I live in a hilly area, too, so that was good experience.

I assume this means you have not taken the MSF basic course. For your safety and confidence, do that just as soon as you can. A good scoot and good gear are important, but not nearly so important as a trained and experienced rider.

I am planning on taking the MSF course next. I haven't even had my scooty for a month yet! LOL... But yes, I have decided to take it, especially since I do eventually plan to move up to a bigger bike.

[Lostmycage]

I am planning on taking the MSF course next. I haven't even had my scooty for a month yet! LOL... But yes, I have decided to take it, especially since I do eventually plan to add a bigger bike.

I fixed that for ya. Never move to a bigger big. You gotta add the bigger bike. One is never enough and there's no such thing as a perfect, "the one" bike. Those that "move to" often end up buying back into the scooter scene eventually. Those that don't usually pout to themselves when no one else is looking.

[Ms_Kady]

I am planning on taking the MSF course next. I haven't even had my scooty for a month yet! LOL... But yes, I have decided to take it, especially since I do eventually plan to add a bigger bike.

I fixed that for ya. Never move to a bigger big. You gotta add the bigger bike. One is never enough and there's no such thing as a perfect, "the one" bike. Those that "move to" often end up buying back into the scooter scene eventually. Those that don't usually pout to themselves when no one else is looking.

Hahah...good point! I would actually like to keep my scooter if I can. Truthfully, it's a great little scoot and I can see it being useful all year round.

[Perkussion]

For the first 500 or so miles I took it out only on neighborhood suburban streets.

Occasional traffic but most cars were only doing about 35-40 mph.
After 500 miles I felt I could handle heavier traffic.

I went out almost every evening and a few times a day on weekends.
The miles racked up quickly.

By 1,000 miles I was able to handle any traffic flow less than 50 mph.

Taking it out on lonely country roads mapped out by google I regularly
added 100+ miles on a Sat and/or Sun morning.

By 2,500 miles I could easily handle WOT and the only thing
that bothered me was the wind gusts. Pretty gusty here some days!

By 3,500 miles I was able to handle every situation and wind did not scare me anymore.

Unfortunately the more I ride, the less I trust other drivers but that's
the approach I think we have to take these days.

I hit 6,000 miles today and I would have a hard time giving up my Genuine.
It's a great machine.

[Ms_Kady]

For the first 500 or so miles I took it out only on neighborhood suburban streets.

Occasional traffic but most cars were only doing about 35-40 mph.
After 500 miles I felt I could handle heavier traffic.

I went out almost every evening and a few times a day on weekends.
The miles racked up quickly.

By 1,000 miles I was able to handle any traffic flow less than 50 mph.

Taking it out on lonely country roads mapped out by google I regularly
added 100+ miles on a Sat and/or Sun morning.

By 2,500 miles I could easily handle WOT and the only thing
that bothered me was the wind gusts. Pretty gusty here some days!

By 3,500 miles I was able to handle every situation and wind did not scare me anymore.

Unfortunately the more I ride, the less I trust other drivers but that's
the approach I think we have to take these days.

I hit 6,000 miles today and I would have a hard time giving up my Genuine.
It's a great machine.

This is great info! Thank you! I am also thinking that every day after work, I will drive around at least a couple miles around my neighborhood so that I can get familiar with the roads on my scooter. I like how you set up milestones (no pun intended) on your progress. I think I'll do the same.

[jijifer]

This is my only transportation so it didn't take long. I recall being nervous to scoot 40miles to San Diego the first time but that nervousness only happened once.

MSF for SURE helps. I read in another thread you've already pulled the throttle when you pulled the break. For instance, you'll learn at MSF your wrist should be above the throttle. This is so that you'll naturally release to grab the break and also to make you think twice about going full-throttle (you'll have to re-position your hand to do so).

Understanding your skills and being confident is key. I see lots of newbies a little over confident and some not being confident enough. I recall having such a heck of a time turning right for the first week (always going wide) then started to get a hang of it. Then MSF taught me that my scoot goes where I'm looking and I noticed i was looking at the center divide thinking "I don't want to hit that!" each time I cut it close turning right

If you're in So Cal, yes, there's a really good chance you can ride year round.

HAVE FUN!

[myras_girls]

I'd say it took me a few months to feel really comfortable riding. In the beginning I stuck to side streets and sometimes rode in the bike lane (legal in my city for 50cc bikes).

I did a lot of reading and research about safe riding and took everything I learned to heart when I rode. I tried to learn from other rider's crashes and mistakes.

I can remember riding my Honda Metropolitan and thinking that 35mph felt really, really fast. Now I ride my Buddy 125 @ 55+ mph and think I could go faster.

The hardest part about having 6000+ miles under my belt is not letting myself get over-confident or too comfortable. I have to remind myself that an accident can happen at any time.

Just the other day I saw a car drive diagonally across 3 lanes to go from the far right lane to the left turn lane. Luckily I saw it happening and slowed but if I had been riding on the left side of the truck in the lane next to me, thus hidden by the truck, I could have easily gone unseen by the driver of the car and been hit.

Good luck and safe riding! You'll start to feel more comfortable riding soon, but I strongly encourage you (and me!) not to get too comfortable!

[jfrost2]

The MSF really does help like others said +1

When I first had my bike, I bought it 3 days before my MSF class started. I felt like a chicken just going slow, and I had a fear of turning and leaning. After coming home from the MSF and passing it, I felt a lot safer and more confident like I could actually control the bike.

[walky08]

I started practicing in the Metrolink Station Simi Valley on Saturdays and Sundays at. I then cross the street to Sta. Susana Park--and that little crossing was scary. Then I had someone open the way for me in a car and I went into an avenue and around a block into a semi-rural area behind the Sta Susana Park. Yesterday I rode on my Buddy to the range of the MSF course. When leaving the range, I had the great opportunity to practice what I learned (quick STOP) when a light changed on me quickly from red to yellow. The course paid off right there.

[Ms_Kady]

Ok, I'm going to venture out by myself for the first time later this afternoon. Usually my husband rides his scooter with me. Wish me luck!!

[KABarash]

LUCK

You'll be just fine

[Ms_Kady]

I did it! I did it! I went out to the grocery store and back all by myself!!

It wasn't super far, but I had to go down a semi-busy road where the speed limit is 50mph. I also made my first lane change between two cars!

Aaaand now I'm going to make red velvet cupcakes since I have my cupcake holders now, hehe.

[KABarash]

Mmmmmmm........ Red Velvet cup cakes

Glad your ride was a success!!

Now...... Hmmm..... How many BToGs (buddy tanks of gas) would it take to get to SoCal from Pa. for some of those??!!

[Lostmycage]

I did it! I did it! I went out to the grocery store and back all by myself!!

It wasn't super far, but I had to go down a semi-busy road where the speed limit is 50mph. I also made my first lane change between two cars!

Aaaand now I'm going to make red velvet cupcakes since I have my cupcake holders now, hehe.

Lol. This gives new meaning to the term "riding cupcake". Glad to hear you're getting more comfortable. It'll get easier still.

[Ms_Kady]

Mmmmmmm........ Red Velvet cup cakes

Glad your ride was a success!!

Now...... Hmmm..... How many BToGs (buddy tanks of gas) would it take to get to SoCal from Pa. for some of those??!!

Wouldn't a cross country road trip be fun???? We should have an annual Buddy scooter meet! Auto clubs do it all the time! It'd be really neat to meet some of you guys in person.

The cupcake were muy delicioso, btw! Cream cheese frosting FTW!

[Ms_Kady]

I did it! I did it! I went out to the grocery store and back all by myself!!

It wasn't super far, but I had to go down a semi-busy road where the speed limit is 50mph. I also made my first lane change between two cars!

Aaaand now I'm going to make red velvet cupcakes since I have my cupcake holders now, hehe.

Lol. This gives new meaning to the term "riding cupcake". Glad to hear you're getting more comfortable. It'll get easier still.

Thanks! I'm pumped to go on another ride!!

[iMoses]

mmmmm... cup cakes...

Travel safe... no texting or cup cake eating while scooting...

I did what you are doing... in the neighborhood riding, then ventured out further and further. Now I ride to work on dry days and this summer did a short overnight ride (300 mile round trip).

[KABarash]

Lol. This gives new meaning to the term "riding cupcake". Glad to hear you're getting more comfortable. It'll get easier still.

My younger son gets a little 'chicken hearted' sometimes when we're riding, I call him a cream filled cupcake!!
He was screaming in my ear (deaf ear thankfully) like a little girl when I 'pegged' the speedo reciently!!!!