Leslie Reyes

Mindfulness on the Road: How to Overcome the Fear of Riding a Motorcycle

During the COVID pandemic, motorbike purchases and riding rates skyrocketed They have continued to climb, particularly with women, as the number of women riders has doubled in the last decade.

Riding a motorcycle comes with a lot of stereotypes, some of which have changed over the years (as stereotypes tend to do). Motorcycles have often been associated with fearless risk takers and rebels from the wrong side of the track. And, the truth is, motorcycle riding can be a dangerous sport. For this reason, many people who are interested in learning to ride are held back by their fear.

If you want to learn how to overcome motorcycle anxiety, keep reading. This article will teach you how to face your fears, get out on the road, and learn some valuable life skills by doing so.

Get Trained

Any new activity is scary if you have no idea what you are doing. Especially one that could result in injury if you do something wrong. But, when we are anxious, it is hard to make rational decisions.

For this reason, it is important to do your homework. Understand and be completely comfortable with all the functions of the bike and how to use it.

You also might benefit from professional motorcycle instruction. I highly recommend signing up for a motorcycle safety foundation (MSF) riding course.

Getting trained by professionals can help reduce anxiety by knowing that there are professionals who have your back. When you pass an MSF course, the DMV will waive your road test requirement, so all you have to do is take the written test to obtain your endorsement!

In addition to the basics, there are also advanced MSF courses which train you how to identify and avoid road hazards and dangerous riding conditions.

This can go a long way toward increasing your confidence and overall safety, which will help decrease any anxiety about riding a motorcycle.

Ease Into It

Whether you want to learn to ride recreationally or for commuting (or both), there is no rush. Take things slow, so that your experience on the bike is a positive one. It took me eight months of practicing on my motorcycle in a parking lot before I felt safe enough to get onto a public road.

If you have access to a smaller, lightweight bike (which are inexpensive to rent), consider beginning on one. They are great for improving your skills and will help give you a feel for things like starting and stopping.

Respect where you are and what your limitations are. You're not in a rush and are on nobody's timeclock but your own.

Ride With Other People

Riding with a friend is another way to decrease anxiety on the bike. It will assure you that someone is there to help direct you or deal with any issues you encounter.

A friend can also act as a model for how to ride and handle the bike. Companionship can help you balance the freedom of being out on the open road alone (which riding brings) with a safety net.

Time and Practice

Your fear of riding a motorcycle will not magically go away after your first outing. Keep at it, but do so at a reasonable pace.

You do not want riding to become more of a chore or a challenge than an outlet for freedom and enjoyment.

The more you ride, the more comfortable you will be. You will learn new skills and become more confident with your own instincts. All this will further diminish any anxiety or fear of riding a bike.

Learn More About Overcoming the Fear, Not Just on the Motorcycle, but in Life

Now that you know some tricks to overcome your fear of riding a motorcycle, you can embark on the journey. Once you have started down that path, you may discover that riding translates to all kinds of positive real-world attributes and outlooks.

My book, "The Zen of Learning to Ride a Motorcycle," is about how I overcame my fear of riding a motorcycle. I came up with ten habits that helped reduce my anxiety when I was learning to ride, and found that I could apply these habits to everything in my life. I wanted to share how riding a motorcycle can bring healing and release from mental health challenges, including anxiety, codependency, and depression.

Check out my book "The Zen of Learning to Ride a Motorcycle" to learn more about overcoming your fears so you can enjoy your life!

Pick up your copy today, and feel free to reach out to me with any questions you might have.

Leslie Reyes

The Best Beginner Motorcycles for Women: What You Need to Know Before Buying Your First Motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle can be a very freeing experience. That is a big reason why more and more women are starting to ride motorcycles. In the past, women made up only 10 percent of all riders, but in the past decade, that number has doubled.

There are over 13 million motorcycles in the United States, and figuring out which bike is right for you can  be overwhelming.

Many riders would recommend that a first timer should start off on something with a small engine under 400 cc to gain confidence. Several of the most commonly recommended beginner bikes are the Kawasaki Ninja 400, the Honda Rebel 300, or the KTM Duke 390.

However, I've seen many women outgrow these motorcycles within weeks. So, I thought I'd offer some other suggestions for bikes that are slightly larger, but still good options for the beginner.

Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 SuperLow and the Iron 883

Both the Hardley-Davidson Sportster 883 SuperLow and the Iron 883 could arguably be two of the best motorcycles for beginners available on the market.

Harley-Davidson is considered the standard for motorcycles in the United States. Last year, the brand  sold over 117,000 motorcycles in North America. As a result, riders tend to trust what Harley-Davidson brings to the table.

Both the Sportster 883 SuperLow and the Iron 883 are two of the lightest bikes that Harley offers, weighing in at 554 pounds and 576 pounds respectively, making them two of the best entry-level bikes for women who want to be part of the Harley-Davidson lifestyle.

Not only are these two bikes relatively lightweight, the seat heights are lower as well. With both options having a seat height under 26 inches, either one of these are a great option for new riders.

Pros: Low seat and lighter weight make it a great option for beginners

Cons: Base models start at nearly $12,000 new

Yamaha R7

The Yamaha R7 is another motorcycle that women may be interested in trying out. The R7 is relatively lighter, thinner, and easier to maneuver than most sports bikes, making it a possible option for beginners.

The R7 also offers the new slipper clutch assist, which reduces hand fatigue by 20 percent, as it makes the clutch easier to squeeze. The footpegs on the R7 are lower than most sportsbikes, making it more comfortable on long distance rides.

Pros: Light, thin, easy to maneuver

Cons: Seat height is nearly 33 inches, which could be a bit tall for a beginner

Honda Rebel 500 (manual) or 1100 (DCT)

The Honda Rebel is probably the most popular "first motorcycle" out there. They are lightweight and reliable. Both motorcycles offer low seat heights as well, with the 500 at 27.2 inches and the 1100 at 27.5 inches.

The Rebel 500 weighs a mere 416 lbs, is small enough to gain confidence with for the first time motorcyclist, but has an engine big enough for you to grow into when you're ready for the freeways.

While most people would advise against getting a motorcycle with an engine larger than 700 cc as your first bike, the Rebel 1100 offers an automatic DCT transmission option for beginners who are nervous about shifting gears, Because the DCT transmission is automatic, it allows the beginner to focus more on the road. It comes in at 509 pounds, making it easier for the beginner to maneuver.

For those of you looking to avoid breaking the bank on a motorcycle, the Rebel 500 can be an affordable option for you. Brand new, the Rebel 500 costs around $6200.

Pros: Hondas are affordable, reliable, and hold their value. Many affordable used Rebel 500s are available on the market.

Cons: The Honda 1100 is a bit expensive for a first bike, starting at nearly $11,000

Find the Best Beginner Motorcycle for Women

These are just a few motorcycles that could be in the running for the best beginner motorcycle for women. It is important that you do your own research and spend a lot of time sitting on different motorcycles to figure out which one would be the most comfortable for you.

Overcoming Anxiety and Fear as a New Rider

One of the most common questions people ask as new riders, is how to overcome the fear of riding. If you are panicking on the motorcycle, it is hard to learn to ride safely. But if you practice good habits as a beginner, you can overcome your fears. Do you want to learn more about how to overcome your fears, not just on the motorcycle, but in life?

Check out my book "The Zen of Learning to Ride a Motorcycle" to learn more about overcoming your fears so you can enjoy your life!

Leslie Reyes

Is It Hard to Learn to Ride a Motorcycle in Your 40s? Here's What You Need to Know

Learning how to ride a motorcycle can change a person's life. I can honestly say, it changed mine!

This is why there are over 13 million motorcycles in the United States. However, if (like me) you are over 40 years old and have never ridden a motorcycle before, you may be intimidated to try it out now. I am a woman, and I got my motorcycle at age 50. So I can assure you, it can be done.

Is it hard to learn to ride a motorcycle over the age of 40? This guide goes over some of the biggest factors.

Lighter Models

Something you want to consider as a more mature rider, is what type of motorcycle they are going to get. If you find yourself in this position, think twice about purchasing the biggest and heaviest motorcycle on the lot.

The average motorcycle weighs over 300 pounds. However, most models can be more than 500 pounds.

You have to consider how you are going to maneuver this heavy machine and keep control of your motorcycle when it is not moving. The fact of the matter is that you will have an easier time learning how to do this stuff properly on a lighter model that you feel like you have more control over.

Getting a lighter motorcycle until you feel more comfortable on the road is one way to get started.

Automatic Transmission Motorcycles

The majority of motorcycles have manual transmissions, meaning, you will have to shift gears using a clutch. For those of us who might be in the early stages of arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, it can seem like an impossible task to learn to ride a motorcycle.

However, there are a few models out there offering a clutch-free riding experience. As a middle-aged motorcyclist, you might want to consider getting an electric motorcycle such as the Zero SR/F or the Harley-Davidson Livewire. Honda also offers five different motorcycles with DCT transmissions: The Rebel 1100, the Goldwing, the Navi, the Africa Twin, and the NC750X.

Sor the more mature rider, the automatic transmission might be a more comfortable option worth looking into.

How You Sit

Speaking of comfort, the next thing you need to keep in mind is how you sit on a motorcycle. Sport bikes tend to put you in an aggressive, and not very comfortable, seating position. Even younger riders on a bike like the Suzuki GSX-R will complain of painful forearms after a long ride.

You may want to opt for a less sporty bike, and choose either a cruiser, which has a laid back seating position and lets you stretch your legs out in front of you, or a naked bike, which lets you sit upright with your legs beneath you. So, consider your physical comfort when choosing a bike.

Another thing to watch is your posture. Poor posture could mean getting sore in certain parts of your body. Unfortunately, we older riders tend to be more vulnerable to things such as a sore back and numb legs.

Keeping your back straight and your chin up, can help save you from aches and pains after a ride.

Stretching and Yoga

Consider joining a yoga class, or at the very least, do some stretches before and after each ride. I've known a lot of riders who've said that attending yoga classes helps with focus and balance on the motorcycle, and also reduces cramping, aches, and pains after a long ride

This can help loosen up the muscles that you tend to use while riding a motorcycle continuously. Give those muscles some support and take your body to a yoga class.

Is it Hard to Learn to Ride a Motorcycle?

So, is it hard to learn to ride a motorcycle? The truth is that if you stick with it and go into it with a humble attitude, anyone can learn how to ride a motorcycle. The hardest thing about learning to ride a motorcycle, is your own state of mind.

Those of you who are older and reading this article should know that there is no maximum age to ride a motorcycle. You just have to be more mindful of your body as you get older and go at your own pace.

The Zen of Learning to Ride a Motorcycle

Do you want to know more about how I overcame childhood trauma and clinical anxiety in order to learn to ride a motorcycle at age 50? Check out my book here today!