New Motorcycle Rider Anxiety 

Passed the test and bought my bike but I’ve only mustered the courage to drive it two times in the last month. This video gave me the nudge I needed. Thank you!

When I first started riding a few years ago I would almost force myself to commute to work each day (25 miles each way). I knew that if I wasn't riding, I wasn't learning. Of course some days I didn't feel great and would take the car but the most important thing for me was forcing myself to commute the MAJORITY of the time until I felt comfortable. Now it really is second nature and the things that used to scare me before don't phase me lol. Gotta make yourself comfortable with being uncomfortable in the beginning. Thanks for the awesome content man 👍

As a therapist, I bought a Scout Bobber recently to practice what I teach my clients. Challenge your anxieties and fears, embrace the challenge, and overcome. I, too, play in punk and metal bands, which has been my self-care, but I needed to learn something new. Something terrifying to overcome. Thank you for sharing!

My biggest fear was stopping and going on hills.

Oh yeah bro I feel the anxiety big time. I got a 2021 Indian scout bobber twenty as my first bike. I had the "typical" anxiety from being a new rider but also I had the anxiety of riding on a expensive purchase for me as well. You're right though exposure and basically just getting out there and riding as silly as that sounds is the only thing you can do. That's what helped me get over it and become a lot more confident in myself as a rider. I did however have an accident, I was not doing anything reckless I was with family members who also ride and hit a pot hole doing about 35+mph which does not seem that fast but I am here to tell you it completely changed my life. First off I was not wearing a helmet the biggest and dumbest mistake I have ever made. ALWAYS wear a HELMET do NOT be like me! The Dr. said I was extremely lucky to not have bleeding in my brain from the hit I took. This happened in July of this year and I still to the day get dizzy on somedays because I have post concussion syndrome and to top it off a nice fracture on my lower back. It was a real wakeup call to how fast your life can change to me. Doing the speed limit and next thing I know my bike just came out from under me and I am in and out of it hearing my Uncle telling me to stay down as ambulance shows up. Crazy thing is my bike is still in amazing shape there is a little scratch where the belt is and cracked left mirror thats it lol. I did manage to get enough courage to ride it a few times and let me tell you I have more anxiety now then ever before. It's so weird its not like I am scared it's like I know what can happen so it's almost a paranoid tunnel vision feeling. I am writing this whole thing in hopes of changing one persons mind about not wearing a helmet if I can do that I will be happy. I am totally lucky as my accident wasnt even bad I get a little dizzy here and there and I am working on healing my back some people don't even get to write their story. So please all riders who don't wear a helmet for whatever excuse you have and thats what it is an excuse wear one for me. Keep the head safe and the deuces low boys.

On a bike I learned to look much further down the road than I usually do in my truck. When I drive my truck now, that awareness transfers over. It makes me a more conscious driver, and also a more present and forgiving driver. On the bike, I assume that everyone is going to pull out in front of me. Now in my truck, I expect that and don't let my emotions take over.

I’ve been watching a lot of videos for new riders of late. You’re the only one who has done a deep dive into the particular fears and given a helpful prescription.

What a great video and very inspiring. I’m new to riding and I haven’t been on my bike for nine months now and I’m feeling extremely lost. I want to ride, but then my anxiety gets to me and I don’t. I keep downing myself. I was doing really good for a while there and then I had a couple of injuries, and that sort of sent me back. I hope to find the courage again.

I got hit by a van a few years back and broke some fingers. When I finally recovered I was scared as hell to get back on the bike and I LOVE riding. It took me a good few months before I really came back into myself again and regain my confidence. All I can say to new riders or riders who have been through a similar situation, ride through that fear, seriously. You'll thank yourself in the long run.

Awesome video. I dropped my bike first week I got it just because I put my foot down weird. Took me a good month to not freak out every time I felt the weight shift at slow speed. Great tips and perspective 👍🏻

Starting back after 23 years, Thanks

I’m 62 years old. Took the 2 day MSF course, where I struggled with slow speed maneuvers. In fact, I dropped the bike twice during the u-turn training on the morning of the test. I was about to leave, my riding coach talked me out of it. When it came time for the test, I somehow passed everything without any points taken off. I got my endorsement and the DMV issued my license. I now have a 700lb beast of a bike waiting for me in my driveway. I bought it before I even took the MSF course. I had zero confidence and anxiety about taking it out for the first time. I got my license and know the basics, but that wasn’t good enough for me. How am I going to get on that bike and make it back in one piece, undamaged? I had to psych myself up just to get on it and take it around the block. I procrastinated, took about 20 minutes before I took it out. I made it ok, but now I realize just how heavy that bike is compared to the 250 I used at MSF. This same thing went on for the next 5 or 6 rides, all of them short in duration. I no longer have that anxiety and I’m doing quite well, but I’m not yet where I want to be. It was only recently when I can truly say that I love riding. I have a lot to learn still but I keep on practicing, and my confidence level is growing. I’ll be damned though if I didn’t have anxiety for several rides.

I suffer from anxiety, and I started riding last year first time ever. I do notice that when I don’t ride consistently, I regress and go back to feeling like when I first started riding. I also get major anxiety on the highways and for some reason I can’t get past riding faster than 65 miles an hour. It’s weird, but there’s something in my brain that’s keeping me from going faster. I guess I just need to ride more consistently to get over it.

Fantastically helpful! So nervous to ride my new bike and the way you lay this out helped me recognize that the anxiety is potentially more dangerous than the ride itself.

the one thing i have had as a guiding star for all the years i have been riding is, Safety First, for the simple reason i want to ride for as long as i can.

Great vid man! I think this is an important topic that doesn't get discussed enough because people kinda wanna tough it out without having to say a word about it. I'm 29 and gonna have my exam for the license soon. Needless to say, anxiety levels are through the roof and I expect them to be for a while. But I do love riding, from the practice that I got so far, it's a wonderful feeling.

Definitely had it. 25 yrs off a bike N bought a 1600 marauder. The power is crazy. Panic attack and all. Took deep breath, went thru my progressions and said fk it. 😆 Still learning but still riding.

I'm a new rider I just started this year in the summer and I went for the first time on the highway a few days a go at first I was so scared but suddenly somehow I connected with the bike and it became a part of me it was doing exactly I wanted her to do but I didn't pushed because I don't know my limits yet but it was awesome, you feel alive in real time.

Thanks for your great video - and to share this! 👍 I lost my beloved husband 10 years ago, when a car driver texting on his phone - hit and killed him on his bike after work. 😢That scared the living daylight out of me, when it came to driving...🫣 Now, after 10 years, I am taking my motorcycle license. Scared stiff, when I started 15/6 - but it gets better for every lesson. ❤ And it has already helped me get rid of the fear IN THE CAR completely! 🙏 Its absolutely wonderful. 😊 By forcing myself to face the fear, and keep going -I have liberated myself from that trap called Fear and Anxiety. ✨️ Practise, practise, practise - as you say - in your own pace, and it goes away! ✨️ Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪

Fam, you’re extremely ballsy to be riding up 45 like that. Good shit!

Your channel is just amazin, bro. Got my first custom bike this weekend, and im kinda anxious about riding, but im pushing a step at time. I ride a Yamaha XV Virago 535 from 1994, for a first bike, its pretty strong. But ill get there. Thanks for your content man.

New rider myself. I'm scared alot over 40mph won't lie. Today I hit 45 for a second and was like score. My mental health is horrible and my gf can do as she pleases for hers but I can't have a bike. We're gonna split I can see it over my bike. 30 miles in 6 weeks with my permit. Such a biker ehh

You make great points! I used to ride (like a maniac) when I was a teenager. I recently got interested in it again but have been sitting on fence whether to do it. The reality of a car hitting me is scary to say the least. However after watching some great teaching channels, I believe doing a training course and practising before you get out on the road is vital. Good and safe riding is so much more than just having the physical riding skills.

Hey SW, thanks for making your vulnerability on display for everyone to know that "new rider nerves" are a good thing to have! It helps a "newbie" to become comfortable with being on two wheels! Your videography helps to get your experience across in a non-threatness style(A Major help!) Doug, from a "newbie" 🏍️!

Men like you should exist in society to show way to others. I wish I could have a chance to learn directly from you some day. I have a severe anxiety of bike riding, since I was never given one when in college, while most of my classmates had. Now I am working at a corporate where they offer cab service, so I am little cozy about trying motorcycle. I had this intense desire to ride it but my father couldn't afford and I hesitated asking friends, afraid of hitting it. However, I learned a little and could manuever but taking it in on roads gives me a big time anxiety. I am 25 now and my negative mind has almost accepted this as a reality. When I see young kids riding, my heart beats faster and I feel emotional, looking at those people. I am happy for them but I also wanted to be like them. Writing this itself is making me feel very bad that its been 2.5 decades of my birth and I never tried riding on roads. One day surely I will, even if I get hit I will do it soon. Thanks for the video, subscribing for your authenticity and bringing this topic up.

Can’t wait to get this bike man. I passed my msf course recently.

UPDATE : I went for a ride today with a new outlook and LOVED it. I'm over the hump of fear and back to FUN of riding, and I just need to practice U-Turns more and slow riding, otherwise I'm so happy that I'm over the "nervous" hill and onto the fun hill.

subscribed. in my case, I started taking on off-road. riding on dry dirt really spiked up my anxiety levels. I found a dirt road with a nice incline close to my apt and started going through it repeatedly. that did it. now I'm 97% comfortable riding on dirt . exposing yourself to a more controlled version of what generates your anxiety is the way to go.

I love riding, it is the thought of crashing that terrifies me

Great points man. Also with highway riding. It is actually safe. No blind corners or hidden side streets. Everyone is going the same direction at relatively the same speed.

MTC bright and early for me in the morning...wish me luck! Thanks for sharing your insight.

Been riding a can am Ryker for over a year and recently purchased a indian scout barber. I plan on taking some private lessons and then the MFS course. I'm not afraid of the speed but my anxiety comes from other drivers who do not pay attention to cars let alone bikes

Another commenter said what I was going to, if you are avoiding you aren't learning.

Buying my first bike tomorrow morning. Apart from bicycles 25 years ago as a kid my two-wheel experience is only the MSF course I took, and passed, one month ago. I know I’ll be nervous my first time on a real road, at real speed, with real traffic. Almost makes me feel like I’m 16 again and driving a car by myself, but this time around I’ve got the patience of older age

Great video and great perspectives! I've been telling myself and everyone around me that one day I will own a motorcycle. It’s slowly coming to fruition and I can not wait! My eyes are set on the Indian scout bobber sixty 😍🏍

It’s like most new things, you’ve gotta leave your comfort zone to improve and adapt. It’s a very achievable skill and I think anyone with interest in motorcycles should give it a go.

Only anxiety I get is when riding with a passenger on back

This is really good. Underrated topic.

Thank you!!! I just got my first bike a few days ago, its 250cc i know its a small displacement bike it kinda intimidate me in a way. Imma take it slow and practice at my own pace

I couldn’t even make it out of the driveway yesterday. I literally walked the bike into my garage and parked it. I then cried and smashed the visor on my helmet.

Very thoughtful video 👍 thanks..it was very helpful 😌

Great video! I had a near fatal accident back in 2021 after only riding for about 6months. Approaching one of the busiest intersections in my city, this chick jetted out in front of me turning left across 3 lanes and I couldn’t swerve due to the vehicles next to me and I slammed on brakes and smashed into the side of her suv, my pistol had jammed into my pelvis, I flew up into the air and landed like a rag doll right on my back. I shattered my right arm elbow down and broke my right ankle and my pelvis in 3 places. Obviously totaled my 2014 Heritage. I was conscious the whole time and it was fuckin crazy experiencing that. Worst part, she never even got out to check on me as I screamed profanity laying on the street. A couple other people checked on me, thankfully. It took my a year and a half to fully recover and just last week I finally bought another bike, a Road King like I always wanted. It’s definitely scary being back, I pretty much ride….well practice everyday. I just ride around my neighborhood and practice skills in this lot up the street. My family and friends don’t hesitate to share their fears and concerns about me riding again, which I understand but when it’s not something I can give up. The anxiety does get a little better everyday. I’m very nervous about riding in traffic again and I even get anxious approaching intersections in my car to this day. But it has gotten easier. Definitely don’t want it to stop me from riding. Hopping on the bike was so exhilarating and therapeutic, I’d even say cathartic. So I’m back at it slowly but surely. Thanks for the video, ride safe g! 🤘🏾

Heck, I45 will give most people anxiety in a car. My biggest problem is dealing with the wind. Especially on a windy day. '05 Harley Sportster 1200 Roadster. New rider... I get up to about 50 mph and then get the creeps about people behind me probably wishing I'd speed up.

Good words! I'm beginning again after 50 years. kinda like when Dom showed his & dad's blown Charger to Brian. I remember him saying " it's a beast!" " you ever drive her?" " No" " Why?" " It scares the shit outta me!" It's that fear of the unknown basically. Building confidence only comes with riding. I think I'm just going too slow?

This looks like small town texas. I grew up in a similar town. Super nostalgic. Once i get comfortable on my scout i think I'll visit family more lol

Been riding for a year, get anxiety having to ride on the highway. Still working on it.

My anxiety is high in traffic but calm when there no traffic

Motorcycle is sitting in the garage. I'm nervous about getting on cos last summer I dropped it twice and someone kindly stopped to help me pick up the second time. Honda rebel 500... 454 lb. Now, I'm afraid yet I know I need to get on and practice. I wish I had someone to ride with.

Nice job on this thank you 🙏

Just bought a 2024 ninja 500 krt se. I'm more nervous around town but the moment I hit the highway I'm fine. I need more practice on taking off while turning and having a car behind me makes me even more nervous.

I bought a bike YESTERDAY for the first time owning a bike in over 20 years. I was young then, and my mind feels the same, but my body has aged. I have a bad left knee and I'm scared to death of riding, but I want to ride.This morning I got all dressed up, put the helmet on, let the bike run for five mins, and I was so shaky I turned it off and went inside. I will try again another day. I NEED to force myself like @thechunkyhen said or I will not learn and I will not do it. This feeling sucks, but I know it's temporary. I need a riding buddy.

My anxiety kicks in going anything over 70mph having the wind push me or cornering on the highway.

I've just been knocked off my bike and suffered a fracture and multiple injuries after riding for 20 years.. I think I am done, the cost of everything added to the danger is just not justifiable any more

What about anxiety attacks at the msf course?

Good ole Anderson TX

Great videos man.

I'm just barely learning to ride a motorcycle @ 56. To me the antidote to anxiety is prayer. I almost feel that God allows circumstances in my life that are totally out of my comfort zone just so that my prayer life shoots up. Of course it was my choice. Philippians 4:6-7 To God be the glory! New King James Version 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I'm a new rider in the uk and I have to sike myself everytime as I sit on my bike before setting off. My heart is pounding and my mirrors seems to move on me but I start the engine and turn in my go pro and my anxiety seems to disappear.

The more times you change lanes, the more times you are risking an accident.

i find it interesting watching US riders and how much they under take cars. do car drivers just pick a lane and stay in it? in the uk if you’re not over taking you should return to the inside lane. not everyone does it. but no one seems to do it in the uS. are the rules different? undertaking cars i’d super dangerous.

Does anyone know if he has a different channel or is still around?? Cheers

Commenting for algorithm.

What court house was that ??

sub'd ..

You mention idiots in cars while you're going around people on the right on the freeway. That's one of the quickest ways to get hit on a bike 🙄🤦

I like the vids but I really miss the sound of the bike and the actual riding. Im certain that you can spread your message without the lounge jazz and mute video clip

I love your videos, but I wish you would get rid of the pounding music over your narration.

Hope dudes still alive.

Wtf kind of name is squarewhite lol.

I have zero anxiety when riding even after serious accidents. One day i just hot 130 MPH on the freeway after an accident knocked me unconscious just to get what fear remained out of me. I ride on the street/racetrack so no anxiety exists which is due to fighting in OEF as an US Army Infantrymen. Ive been riding for 12 years so ill gladly answer any questions