February 10th, 2019, 01:12 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Mike
Location: Bennettsville
Join Date: Mar 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2004 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 25
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Lessons Learned
I'm sure that when I first signed on here last year many of you got a good laugh, or even rolled your eyes at the noob. Maybe you thought that I was destined to end up on the asphalt as a decoration for a second time. If so, you're absolutely correct. I did, and with it, I sold my bike for dirt cheap, and walked away in tears.
Looking back, I had everything and everyone against me. Every lesson that I learned came with a cost, and I am a better person for it. I want to share what I learned, and what's next for me as a rider: First, I wasn't prepared in the least. I learned that all machines are not equal, and mistakes can cost you everything. I should have done my homework before I bought the bike. I needed training, and I rushed the process. My second mistake was in accepting bad advice. Many had no idea what they were talking about, and with zero support from my family, they just wanted the bike gone. I listened to all the wrong people, trying to do the right thing. My last mistake was selling the bike. I had been taken advantage of from day one by the seller, and it needed some work, but covering it and allowing it to sit in my driveway would have been the best thing to do. I sold it on an impulse, because I was hurt. I am passionate about riding, and I just caved in to all the pressure. Moving forward, I realize that I learned to ride the wrong way. As an Autistic person, I tend to take everything personally, and often find it difficult to succeed because I have failed at things so many times in my life. With riding, I found something that I could focus on, and invest in, and be proud of. I plan to buy another bike this summer, and it will be another 250. I want exactly what I had, and this time, all the failures and injuries won't be for nothing. Thanks to those of you here on this site who reached out and tried to help me. We may never meet in person, but I'm grateful to you just the same. Mike Smith |
2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
February 10th, 2019, 05:39 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rick
Location: Alexandria, Louisiana
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much.
MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14
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Like the saying goes: “You live and you learn”.
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
February 10th, 2019, 08:51 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Kerry
Location: Ventura, CA
Join Date: Jan 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja650 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '18, Apr '17, Apr '16
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I'm glad you're not discouraged about riding and have come away smarter and ready for your next round.
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
February 11th, 2019, 03:42 AM | #4 |
"a legend in my own mind"
Name: maverick9611
Location: Augusta,Georgia
Join Date: May 2017 Motorcycle(s): 2015 moto guzzi norge,2020 aprilia dorsoduro, 2014 yamaha fjr, 85 yamaha fj 1100 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Feb '18
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don't rule out newgen 250r's 2008-2012. lot's of data/tech stuff on them too. good luck and good hunting
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"trying not to get old" |
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February 11th, 2019, 07:12 AM | #5 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Hector
Location: SoCal
Join Date: Sep 2018 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: 272
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Life is a long journey, don't let one stumble stop you move moving forward. Be sure to post photos of what ya get!
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When you see me, it's already too late. |
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February 12th, 2019, 09:42 AM | #6 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
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A story that has been told many times before you.
Soo... I hear you, but what are you doing differently this time? If you haven't started already you are LATE! 3 things; 1. Start getting your gear in order. Keep an eye out for sales as the riding season gets even closer. Do not skimp here. 2. If you haven't already, get enrolled in a BRC course. They fill up fast, so you need to get on their schedule now. 3. Find a couple of well experienced riders and make a good friends of them. Not some goofballs that goes 100+ on the highway and whoolies in the back parking lot. They normally are the quiet ones, many times by themselves. Have them help you over the first humps. Good luck, don't sweat the small stuff and celebrate even the smallest victory!
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School Last futzed with by csmith12; February 12th, 2019 at 03:30 PM. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
February 12th, 2019, 01:23 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: AKA JacRyann
Location: Mesa, AZ
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot.
MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17
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Mike, I applaud you for such insightful introspection. Recognizing that you're learning is great step towards progress!
Another thing to keep in mind is that there's no "place" you're trying to reach. Life is endless continuum of greys. I had been riding for 40yrs before I got serious about track-racing. Boy, did I have lots to learn. And I'm still learning and improving! Don't worry about being "perfect", there's no such thing! Don't be hard on yourself. Just set intermediate baby-steps that can be achieved and pat yourself on back each time you reach another milestone! |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
February 12th, 2019, 02:16 PM | #8 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
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I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
March 1st, 2019, 02:16 PM | #9 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Misti
Location: Vancouver, BC
Join Date: Oct 2010 Motorcycle(s): currently: Yamaha YZF 250 dirt/motard Posts: 787
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Quote:
May I also suggest looking into taking one of our riding schools, you can find out more information at www.superbikeschool.com as it is a perfect place to practice and hone your riding skills with professional coaches that are passionate about their job. I'd also like to pass on this website. https://www.racingwithautism.com. I met Austin at a local race track here in Vancouver, BC and he was such can incredible young man that made a huge impact on me. I love spreading the word about him and his successes in driving. Anyway, welcome BACK to the addiction! May you find lifelong passion and enjoyment in motorcycling.....this time, doing it a bit differently
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"Leap and the net will appear!" superbikeschool.com www.motomom.ca |
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