Lessons you've learned the hard way, racing motorcycles

I was hoping you all could share some anecdotes on lessons you've learned the while racing motorcycles.

Could be anything from acquisition, prep, technique, relations, to random epiphanies, and everything in between. Anything goes.

This should be fun.

 

Being cheap and saving $5 today will cost you $50 tomorrow

 

FIFY

 

Don't buy a line of bullshit from a guy you know is bullshitting you.

 

What I've learned is that no matter what I do I'll never be fast enough.

 

Never look behind you.

Motorcycle racing and real life - this is a good way to get yourself hurt pretty badly.

 

Do more cardio....throwing around a 400+ lb chunk of metal in anger for 20 minutes at a time can wear a person out

 

Crashing sucks.

Racing is expensive.

 

Chicks dig scars.

 

Chicks dig racers.

 

DAMMIT!

 

You will probably never have as much fun as your last year of racing as a novice. Unless you are racing a Grom or a 300

 

Just because a racer is MA-fast doesnt mean they're honest.

 

Every moment you don't spend prepping at home is a moment you'll spend fixing something at the track when it's a thousand degrees and 100% humidity.

I didn't learn that one the hard way but I have seen a lot of other people learn it.

 

We're all friends until the flag drops

 

Don't beleive you have to buy and install every go-fast part to make you fast.

It won't.

Learn to ride a slow bike fast, that will make YOU fast.

 

Gravity works.

 

Don't try to drag elbows on a 2002 Aprilia Rsv-Mille. You'll end up dragging elbows, shoulders, and helmet.

 

Okay, time out. Why would you even try and drag your elbow?

 

Stupidity