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I took the MSF and today was my first ride in the real world. I bought a 1984 CB 750S Nighthawk. First thing....it was a blast. Very addictive. However the second thing....I don' like yet. Passing. I get an anxiety type thing every time I pss somone. I'm not talking tearing off like a moron, I mean just riding on a two or three lane road hand just casualu passing the car in the next lane. I keep saying the what if to myself. It's the whole passing through the blind spot I dont like. Or just some crazy donkey not paying attention and comes on over. I'm using the right lane position but I still dont like it.

jetmech727 wrote:I took the MSF and today was my first ride in the real world. I bought a 1984 CB 750S Nighthawk. First thing....it was a blast. Very addictive. However the second thing....I don' like yet. Passing. I get an anxiety type thing every time I pss somone. I'm not talking tearing off like a moron, I mean just riding on a two or three lane road hand just casualu passing the car in the next lane. I keep saying the what if to myself. It's the whole passing through the blind spot I dont like. Or just some crazy donkey not paying attention and comes on over. I'm using the right lane position but I still dont like it.

I try not to hang out next to cars, I lag behind until it is clear ahead then quickly move to a position ahead of the car.

Congratulations, I remember the same feelings.

Kev

Congrats on your first ride! The paranoia is normal, don't worry about it. In time you'll learn to relax and enjoy the experience but make sure you NEVER let the fear completely die. Cagers (what we riders call the great unwashed masses who cower inside their cars, in case you didn't know the term) are the dumbest lot on the planet, right after deer, moose and assorted small slow moving furry rodents. Always expect the unexpected and regularly practice the skills you've just learned on the course.

And show us a pic of your bike!

Pass like you mean it. Stay next to other vehicles as little as possible. You want to get past them as quickly and safely as you are able.... dont "mosy" if you dont have to.

When I pass I make a point of staying behind the car I'm going to pass until it is clear far enough ahead of me that I can get by them all the way. Then I gun it and shoot past them as quickly as possible, I'll slow down again once I'm past them, but I hope this will keep me safe when I'm going...

It's become habit for me now to position my thumb above the horn button whenever I enter into a potentially hazardous situation ( so, basically whenever I get on the bike? ).

Er, but yes, wait for enough room to make a full pass, and keep your loud-button ready and able.

Thanks for the input. Ill post a pic of the bike on here. It's in mint condition. I went riding again last evening with a more expierienced friend so he kept an eye on me, made the lane changes first behind so I'd have a block so to speak. I started just holding back for the pass untill clear enough to shoot right by, I felt better about that.

I am amazed at how much more I notice when on a bike. It was automatic. Almost like a radar. I found myself picking up every movement around me in my whole visual field, it was almost sensory overload. I hope that keeps up. Fortunately I didin't come across any really stupid asse's but there were candidates.