Has anyone else seriously doubted themselves after their first motorcycle lesson?
Two days ago I had my very first motorcycle lesson, and I honestly haven't stopped thinking about it since. Some things actually went okay. My instructor said my clutch control, throttle, braking, and balance were fine. But I really struggled with taking corners at speed. I was very tense, and the lesson took place on an industrial estate with cars, vans, and even pedestrians walking across the road. It all felt like a lot to process at once. At one point my instructor said I should really think about whether motorcycling is for me. He clearly noticed how nervous I was. I value honesty and have been thinking about his comment a lot.
I'm genuinely wondering:
- Has anyone else felt this discouraged after their very first lesson?
- Did your instructor ever question whether riding was for you?
- If you were extremely tense in the beginning, did that improve with experience, or is it a clear sign that riding isn't for me?
I'm trying to be realistic. If motorcycling isn't for me, I'd rather accept that. I’ve been feeling down ever since the first lesson. It never crossed my mind that I had to be the best or quicker than the others. I’d already assumed I’d be a bit less talented and slower. But I thought that, with hard work, I’d eventually be able to ride too. I don't mind putting in extra work; I am used to it.
But when the instructor picks up on something like that as early as the first lesson, you just start to have doubts.