So, when are you no longer a newbee?

[rjo3491]

It will be a year Tuesday since I received my endorsement and I now have 5K miles under my belt (no drops, lay downs or close calls). I realize I'll continue to learn until far too old to ride a bike, but can I now drop the newbee label?

 

[VEGASRIDER]

Never, I learn something everyday. Whether it's reading someone's post on this forum or riding.

And if you have never encountered any close calls, you certainly don't have enough miles underneath your belt. How will you know whether you will do the right thing to avoid the collision? Mentally and your riding ability.

 

[rjo3491]

Never, I learn something everyday. Whether it's reading someone's post on this forum or riding.

You know, I think you're right. We need to stress this more in riding classes. I've learned a ton from reading about motorcycle accidents. I think that has already stopped me from getting into trouble on gravel a couple of times.

 

[FZ1inNH]

Here you go... a thread already dedicated.

http://www.600riders.com/forum/new-riders-q/5931-when-you-no-longer-noob.html

 

[Stumbles06]

Vegas hit the nail on the head.... You'll never stop learning.

I've been riding motorbikes on the road for 22 years now, and I still learn things everytime I go out. Mainly because of in-atttentive drivers not giving half a second to check their blind spot...etc....

Maybe not a newbie, but still very vigilant EVERY time you go out, and you'll get to ride for many many years.

Stay safe.

:rockon:

 

[chunkygoat]

With 6 months and 7,000 miles on my baby (hit 7,000 today) - i would say i am slightly experienced. I know the feeling of having somebody cut you off, almost t-bone you, I've felt the back end slip out, had a really close call with a cinder block, and a few of other "oh s**t" moments. I am definitely still a newbie and I'm not trying to deny it.

There's a number of things I have experienced while riding and reading. But there is so much more out there for me to learn. Given that you have a similar amount of riding time and distance as me, I would say don't ever let your guard down and consider yourself an NOT a newbie. Newbies are constantly learning, so if you consider that definition then we are all newbies all still learning and trying not to crash or die.

I have yet to crash, so until that day there's at least one thing I haven't experienced.


Stay alert, aware, humble, and willing to learn - regardless of how long you've been riding and how far you've gone.

 

[Raid The Revenge]

Never. I find the term "noob" to be completely redundant. Concentrate on your actions, don't race and you'll drive better than most people.

 

[frt96]

I put 800-1000 miles a week on my bike. I have been riding just under 2 years and put a ton of miles on my bike, but I drive the same roads every day. I still drive like a noob whenever I am on new pavement. I think you are no longer a newbee when you feel like you can drive anywhere with out feeling tenetive and a little stiff. Thats just me though. I keep my head on a swivel know matter what.

 

[sm00thpapa]

Your not a noob anymore once you can beat Rossi on a track...... Until then, you will always be a noob and learn something new everyday.

 

[chimneydoc]

I 've got 20K on my bike and just now I feel that I have a grip on the basic's. Now I'm ready for the advance stuff. I feel that I don't have to watch the DVD ride like a pro every time I get back from a ride. I still go to a deserted street to pratice U-Turns. Never, never, never let your guard down. ( my two cents worth ).

Doc

 

[lonesoldier84]

even rossi learns everyday. he just does it when dragging his chin around a corner.

the problem with the term "noob" is it implies a green-horn bright-eyed and bushy-tailed motorcyclist. you will stop being that within like 2-3k km. But a surprising thing happens then....your chances of getting into a motorcycle accident actually go up (fatality rate drops, but accident rate goes up).

so when you are no longer a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed greenhorn.....your REAL motorcycle career starts in which you are trying to make it to your 100th birthday in one piece. not everyone does....but those that take a proactive approach to safety and learning like vegas is driving at.....they will have enjoyed a lifetime of the most amazing activity out there.

don't worry so much about earning your street cred as a rider. it comes in time and no matter who you are someone out there has more of it than you do. at the end of the day we are all riders and if you take a positive attitude towards your riding you will find you meet tons of amazing people and find some of the most amazing places in the world around you.

good luck bro, the world is your playground. use it wisely.

(btw im up to about 18k km now. )

 

[jmerch44]

Not until you drop it! (while moving)