HE SAID HE WAS TOO OLD TO RIDE. So, now, he and his wife were traveling on a trike. We met at a gas station and talked for a while, before we each headed back out on the road in different directions as part of our separate multi-day rides and they sure looked like they were having just as much fun as I.
As a result of our conversation, that was the first time I considered the notion that there could be a day when I’m too old to ride. That moment was also the first time I entertained the possibility of a three-wheel vehicle. Personally, I found myself contemplating a motorcycle with a sidecar more than a trike. Of course, since I haven’t ridden with a sidecar or on a trike, I have no basis to judge which I might prefer. Having said that, I have ridden a Can Am Spyder, with two wheels in the front and one wheel in the back. Although that machine didn’t inspire me, I think it’s good that there are options for three-wheeled vehicles. (For more info, see Worst Motorcycle Demo Ride Experience).
So, how old is too old to ride?
Heck, for that matter, at what age does this concept of “old” begin?
For me, I know I ride smarter (and slower) than when I was a kid. But I can’t say I have the same reflexes. Nor do I have the same endurance. I don’t know how many thousand-plus miles per day I have ahead of me, but factually, there is very little reason I need to put on those miles in a day anymore, anyway.
So, at what point would I say that I’m too old?
I imagine if I start trying to figure out how to replace a motorcycle seat with a rocking chair, while allowing the handlebars to sway up and down at the same time as the rocker, then I may have passed the point of being sensible. (Actually, I might have passed that point a long time ago, if I was ever sensible at any time).
Back to the point of which I have no answer: how old is too old to ride a motorcycle?
If you have any guidance or thoughts, I’m interested….
In 1964, i took a course riding motorcycle in the cdn army with the military police, i was 19 years old (old Triumph 500 cc of the fifties). Some years after my release, in 1969, i got my first moto a use Honda scramble 175 cc, in 1972 i bought a brand new Suzuki TS 250. After that, i got a CZ 400 1973 for moto cross racing and trail riding, next was a Yamaha YZ 250 1977, then a Yam scramble 500 cc 1979, a short burst on a Kawasaki SR 650 1979 road model that i change with a guy for a honda XR 500 1981( later my young son got a XR 80cc, a Yam 175 2 strokes and finally my XR 500) after giving my 500 to my son i purchase a Kawasaki enduro 2 stoke 250 1985. I change it for the XR 400 1987 with it i got a very bad accident 3 weeks in the hospital with brokens bones! The same summer, i started riding again and change the 400 for the new XR 650 2005 , in 2009 i was 66 years old, may son told me that i was mayby too old for motorclycles and i should buy myself a VTT . So so i got a Honda TRX 700 cc 2009, after that because my son a mecanical ingeneer working at Can Am Valcourt PQ, i got a 2012 Renegade 1000 cc 33,000 km, after a 2016 1000 cc wich i put 54,000 km on the odometer, i use the VTT mostly in the winter, so in beetheen, i was missing riding motorcycle so much i had a use very clean Honda 230 cc and after a 2019 Honda CRF 250F, the F was ok but the guys i ride with all have 400 plus cc and i was always over the capacity of my poor little bike. So i just turn 79 in september , i am pretty much in shape, i work on it everyday ( No more jogging, biking, cross country skiing, wind surfing ect…. but a lot of walking and a minimum of muscle training) I told myself it is not in 2 or 3 years it is right now so i changed my Renegade 16 for a new 2022 850cc and i change my Crf Honda for a brand new Yam WR 250 F, i did’n really like it at first but after a couple ride with my young buddys i came to really like it (over 1000 km on it ) i long for the spring to come. Main time i use my new Renegade on the winter trail and enjoy it with my winter gang older gentleman!!!