Just Do It – Conquering Your Fears

Moh-ter-sahy-klist: A person willing to take a container of flammable liquid, place it on top of a hot moving engine and then put the whole lot between their legs.

Wait, what?

I really want to learn to ride a motorcycle, but I’m scared. Those exact words went through my head at the start of my motorcycling journey. I don’t blame you. It can seem scary at first to be on a motorcycle exposed with no walls surrounding you while you’re riding, but that’s what motorcycling is all about. It’s a new way to experience the sights and sounds surrounding you. It gives us a chance to reconnect with our environment.

Everyone has a different way to overcome their fears. I was lucky to have access to a motorcycle and an experienced rider in my household to help me just sit on and practice riding in empty parking lots with my permit. After I decided that I really wanted to pursue riding I enrolled in a motorcycle safety foundations course. The course is a safe and great way to learn how to ride. The course provides an entry-level motorcycle, often 250cc or less and is all done in the safety of a facility not impacted by traffic. Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden before. This course is designed for complete beginners, who may not even have had a chance to sit on a motorcycle, let alone know much about them. This is your chance to learn to ride with peers of all age levels and experience levels. It will also teach you motorcycle and riding safety and awareness. Don’t be surprised if after getting home from your first day of riding you discover muscles you didn’t know you had. I know I did. Anyways, the course is a great way to boost your confidence and help mitigate your fears.

After completing the course, the best way to continue overcoming your fears is to ride. It’s all about building your time spent in the saddle. The more you ride, the more confident you will get.

Ride your Ride

Don’t give in to peer pressure. If you are uncomfortable riding as fast or aggressively as your friends, don’t.  If that means you take a bit longer getting to your destination, that’s okay.

Don’t be afraid. Instead of fearing the motorcycle, respect it. Respect the motorcycle and be confident in your ability.

Harley-Davidson Ride Simulator

If you are still unsure you want to start motorcycling, come in and try our motorcycle simulator.  Check it out here.

Jump Start

If you have any questions you can contact us or schedule some one-on-one time with one of our Product Specialists and talk to them about their experiences.

Check out other resources for people that are getting in to motorcycling and let us know how we can help!