Modern Vespa

So, I've finally purchased my scooter: a 2001 125 et4.

I bought it a week ago on Sunday and came off on Thursday so my confidence is a bit knocked. Some guy overtook me but as he did he knocked my front wheel and I came off and he drove off. I got back on and rode home. (Also reported).

Up until this point I was feeling confident, I live in London near the vauxhall roundabout and the embankment. But now I feel hesitant, I'm questioning my (limited) skills. I've been taking my time as a new rider, remaining within the speed limit and largely remaining in lane (not filtering) when there's traffic.

I guess what I'm wondering is if there's riding groups that could maybe help me with my confidence? Or if anyone had any suggestions other than going for my test.

Thanks in advance
Chan.

hi i am a new rider myself just outside of london but completed my cbt in london... what a place to ride no one cares for you even more so in central london, there is a place in harrow called passmaasters good prices and even better service(even have vespas to use if you dont want to take your own) they do extra training and give you help and informatilon on supervised road rides to help sure up your riding and make you aware of others if you can ask for tony such a great instructor, dont let it stop you riding theres horrible people on the road there on 4 wheels.

I'd suggest booking a bikesafe/scooter safe day with the met police.

Well worth the money.

I did an RAC/ACU training scheme when I had my first Vespa (1981), me mom wouldn't let me ride it otherwise .

Sadly, the RAC/ACU no longer exists, it was an excellent grounding, and has helped me to stay pretty much accident free for nearly 35 years.

I would certainly recommend the extra training option if it's available.

Although this accident wasn't your fault, I hope it hasn't dented your confidence too much.

Yes, do a BikeSafe: http://www.bikesafe-london.co.uk/

It's great for confidence, and will also help you avoid incidents like that one, by giving you greater awareness of when other drivers are going to behave like idiots.

Bikesafe is good, well worthwhile.

Metropolis Motorcycles also offer training if you are looking for something a bit more local, probably more expensive though.

http://www.metropolismotorcycles.com/training/courses/

Thanks everyone Bike Safe sound amazing.

I'm not too sure about Metropolis, but thank you for suggesting them.

I went back out on Friday but the wind also had me freaking out, so remained in for the rest of the weekend!

Don't worry about it! First time I rode a scooter, it was a horrible windy, rainy day. I was terrified that the scooter was just going to slide and throw me off at with any cornering or braking. Reckon I must've ridden my 10 miles home at about walking pace - and even slower on bends!

But then I had a few years of compulsory scooter commuting, had no chance but to ride to work whatever the weather. I rode my little Chinese 50cc through storms, gales, frost, fog and floodwater. It never once let me down. Just keep scooting and you'll get your confidence back in no time

P.S. I ride in London too, everyone is mental and you can't blame yourself for their lunacy

Look out for rideouts around London on the Rallies & Events board, too. Riding in a group is a nice confidence boost

https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/safety/road-safety-advice/motorcycling-in-london?intcmp=5453 saw this on the TFL website. Might be useful to you....

You're quite brave for riding in London as a newbie.
I would never have dreamt of that when I was learning how. Take a very small trip next time, and when you return home your confidence should be partially restored.
Everyday successes will accumulate and before you know it, you will be confident again.

Thanks Benelli. Interesting that TFL are also involved with Bike Safe, apparently some work place schemes cover the cost of it. I'm still thinking about doing the course.

I've managed to relax again though and I'm enjoying riding again. Which is great now that it's my main form of transport!

Darqmommy - it's where I grew up. I learnt to cycle this year and I understand why people ride on the pavement when they can. London roads are interesting on a scooter, I love it! When I can I often just go into the bus lanes too.

I've found it's mainly about confidence and keeping your wits about you.
Be big and be seen, use the lane to ride in and not the gutter.
Keep calm, ignore abuse, don't put yourself anywhere you're not confident of going. Learn from others, both how to filter and how not to!
Do a Bikesafe course for sure.

Bike Safe course seems to be really helpful. Is there a place without much traffic where you can practice? I have a small airport out by me and i take my new bikes there and get used to them. Then gradually go into more and more traffic. Even tho i've been riding since i was 8, every bike is different. Set some cones up in a parking lot. Don't let this drop get you down. Even experienced riders drop bikes. Shit happens. Don't beat yourself up. Might want to read "proficient motorcycling by david hough). Good read and some good pointers. Good luck. Oh and ride like everybody wants to kill you. Sadly they do.

I agree with all the sentiments of people already posted. I started my scooter experience in London and got the scooter to get me to Uni. I drove from Edgware to London bridge via Hyde park corner from the 2nd day i had the scooter having only done a CBT. The first time i got taken out was about 6 months down the line but you did the right thing to get right back on and ride home. Confidence will come with time but definitely do the courses suggested here to help you if your a bit shaken.

Don't be put off driving in London by this experience

Hi mate when you first ride your naturally anxious as your very vulnerable
and falling off because of someone else's stupidity i,m sorry to say is just part of riding.
getting the mindset of focusing to the exclusion of everything else is not always just experience,i ride with life long riders with all manor of advanced riding courses but some of them are still easily distracted ,my son showed an interest in bike racing i waxed and waned about the fun and exhilaration,he showed great skill his bike control was excellent but he,s just not capable of "boot up 100% focus"

lots of the advice on here is excellent ,keep calm keep your wits about etc i was given some great advice many years ago by a chap to make a ritual out of putting on your helmet boots ect and buy a thick rubber band put it round your wrist and give it a pull,snap onto your wrist ..............get into character , just don't see pretty girls walking by ,focus totally on riding and possible hazards ,don't know if it will be any use but its cheap to try

be safe
george

No need to loose your confidence when it was the bastard that cut you off... and ran away! I
am saying this world is full of scoundrels. Pissses me off.