My first back in the saddle twisty ride after 7 years yesterday. I cried a little after realizing i panic brake(broke?) in EVERY corner i couldn't see through. 10% knowing if i go down there would be no fixing the bike 10% knowing the ground was wet in spots 10% very little confidence in the bike(come from 600rr that i trusted) 70% NO confidence in myself. Sigh, I miss the old days of Baker, Windy Ridge, rvfr's secrit stash(not so much of this, some of these roads where hard to read, lol)
I felt the same way after a long absence from riding and buying my 2003. It takes time and reading articles on how to improve your abilities and reduce your fears. Some hints: realize your bike is far more capable of corning than you think. Use lower gears and use the torque of the V4 to smooth out your corning rather than attacking every corner at high rpm. Opt for smoothness and steady speed. Keep your eyes on where you want to go, not what's immediately in front of you. You will develope a sense of how to scan for debris and bambies lurking on the sides. Don't beat yourself up, relish your improvements and don't worry about the other guys, there will always be someone faster. I am now in my 70's and I know reaction times are not the greatest, but I can scoot along a satisfying clip for me, which is the only person that matters. Go online and read articles by Keith Code and other experts, lots of information and techniques here too.
What he said lol. The VFR can probably perform better than your comfortable going. I wore the strips clean off my tires first time out. It has no issue leaning over and using the ENTIRE tire. She's capable just needs a tad more coaxing. Throw her into the corner and maintain throttle to keep the rear loaded...you'll be surprised how stable it is. Also you do have decent tires?? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just watch your RPM's with the 500, lot of horror stories on here about bent valves. As your confidence build, think about a more modern bike and keep the 500 as a classic, that is what I did with my 750, which I have had since new.
Yeah, it's an 85 500. Freeway speeds are topped out at 80mph indicated to keep revs down. (I think it's a lot slower, need to break out the GPS, LOL) I'll be upgrading in a year or two max.
Yeah I never saw the 500 thing anywhere. I will bow out because I know absolutely nothing about them lol Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
"I can scoot along a satisfying clip for me, which is the only person that matters." Very, very true. It is much better to be riding at a speed that you are comfortable with, than getting in over your head with too fast, too soon. While I enjoyed my year of VF500F ownership in 1985, I am much happier on a bike with radial tyres and 17" front wheels, two things which make for a lot more confidence. You can only ride as fast as your confidence allows (unless you are a stupid squid).
OP I can relate well to your post, as I have just put over 8,000 miles on my 500 after a 13 year hiatus. I felt exactly as you do, but accepted my situation and just kept practicing. And reading, lots of that, like all the good advice in this thread for instance. Just be smooth, and get your legs strong if they aren't already. As for the machine, the age is certainly a concern, it does get in your head a bit. It bothered me so much, I purchased a spare engine. But I am sure most would agree the 500 is a fine handling motorcycle and is very forgiving and fun to ride. Best wishes. Sent from my XT1031 using Tapatalk
