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….
I’m going to be 69 at the end of the year, I currently own a Honda CB1100 and an old Honda CB750, both I have no problem riding. I’m on a health kick and am in the process of losing some excess weight and doing some weight training with a paid trainer. I really want to buy a new BMW R1250 RT but when I sit on it, it seems so large and heavy. I’m 5’11 and 200 pounds, are these big heavy bikes difficult to move and maneuver? I’ve had this lifelong dream of owning a BMW cruiser but I wonder if I’ve waited too long. Thoughts?
Really enjoyed reading everybody’s comments. I just turned 70 today and started riding a about six years ago. I think I’ve logged well over 30,000 miles. Union have lots of back issues and had cervical durian six months ago that damaged the nerves in my right arm and hand so I don’t have enough grip strength to make good emergency stops on a standard motorcycle. So I’ve crossed over into the world of maxi scooters now riding a 2012 Honda Silver Wing 600. Absolutely love it and hope it will keep me too for years to come. Riding is my passion that gets me up in the morning. I hope it inspires all your lives.
I am a 92 year old male and have been riding 75 years. I ride a 160 hp Triumph Rocket III, and 5 other motorcycles. 4 Honda Valkyries and A Can Am Spyder. I ride fast, but I don’t ride reckless. I consider my Can Am Spyder the best all around motorcycle I have ever owned and I have owned approximately 30. When I joined the Senior motorcyclists I was told that I was the oldest rider in the world with this group.
I will turn 75 in a few months and have been riding since I was 16. I quit riding for some years while I was busy being a mom and traveling for work but took it back up about 7 years ago. Riding makes me happy. Nothing like it. I will ride until I absolutely cannot anymore. I’m not unrealistic and after losing some inches going from 5’3 to 4’11, holding up a bigger bike did become a concern. I now have a Ryker 900 trike and I love it. I feel safe and secure again and I hope for plenty more years to enjoy it.
@Peter from Australia. You’re an inspiration!
I live in Australia and will be 78 in July….and I’ve motorcycled all over the world, mostly two-up.
25 tours of the US in 49 States, including three traverses of the Alaska Highway, in 1999, 2013, and 2017.
Mexico, Chile Peru, Africa twice, Japan, Norway, Alpine Europe, and New Zealand 45 times. And of course around Australia. I’ve had a number of BMWs, K100, 1100GS, 1200GS, and currently GT1600. But I reluctantly sold a 2013 Ducati Multistrada to buy the GT1600. I keep a 1200GS in Arizona, which now has 72000 miles up.
I want to shout from the rooftops that if you are mentally and physically capable, riding is the very best therapy for absolutely anything that ails you. It transports me to another place, and I’m not speaking geographically.
Oh yes, I weight less than 70KG (145lbs) and have no problem riding the GT. Cheers
I’m just short of 69 ride a KTM1290 Adventure R and a KTM 690 Enduro R, both bikes guaranteed to put a smile on your dial. The 1290 I save for tar and gravel tours and the 690 I use for more off road technical riding. I keep fit and in good physical shape and figured that I would probably be able to ride into my mid to late 70’s
A big thank you to all the posts from the old codgers who are still riding in there mid 80’s. All of you have provided the rest of us with inspiration and a huge amount of hope going forward.
I’m 69, female, will be 70 this year. My husband got me into riding, and we rode for about 7-8 years, then he suddenly stopped, saying,†This isn’t fun anymore.†And that was it. I rode alone for awhile, which wasn’t a lot of fun for me. I missed him riding next to me. Then last year we both sold our bikes. Since then, I’ve been mourning that decision. I made myself go without a bike all last summer, trying to “ get over it.†Since then my husband has moved on with his new activities and clubs. He enjoys his shooting clubs, which keep him pretty busy. He invites me to participate, which I have, but it doesnt give me the thrill of riding. I’m thinking of buying a used Sporster (I had a Softail before) and riding locally with a Christian group nearby. Does this sound crazy and too risky? I miss the fun of riding. No family members support me in this.
I don’t think there’s such a thing as too old. Fun has no age limit, there’s only capable or incapable, or want or don’t want. I’m 63, I have MS and 9 years ago I could barely walk. I sold my motor bikes because the MS made my riding dangerous. After years of working on the body I regained my balance and strength. I started again with push bikes and when I was clocked doing 60kph 3 years ago on the push bike I decided, what the hell if I am doing that without problems I might as well get something with a motor and have a real blast. So I bought some more motor bikes and roll them out whenever the feeling for a ride strikes. I even went back to my roots, sports bike and nakeds are the thing for me.
I’m 63 years old and on disability with a bad back I want to get back on a bike but worried this could cause an issue with my disability payments. The back pain will never go away it started back when I was 34. I have taken a couple bikes out for a short test drive a vlx 600 Honda and a suzuki intruder 800 both were easy to handle. I do miss the feel of the open road.
Been riding since 16 years old and thinking of hanging it up at 66, presently ride a lowered Heritage that is a very easy big bike to ride due to counter-balanced engine and low center of gravity, owned Sportsters, Road King, Dyna Glide,Street Gide and Honda. Riding on back roads gives me a sense of all the wonders we have on the open road and age has no factors as in the the rest of the world of social security, AARP, or discounts for being a Senior. Some how riding gives me a sense of purpose, maybe a reward for life around me. Last couple of years ride alone due buddies moving or just hanging it up based on medical conditions. My mine- set is that I will become a couch potato not having this activity in my life. Your Life isn’t Lived unless you take risks and motorcycle riding does come with that element, yet your mental health gives you the drive to keep moving forward. A doctor once told me don’t retire unless you have a positive plan in place to fill your employment void. Not sure I will be able to fill the void of the open road on my face at this point in giving riding up. Be Safe
As a Green Beret I jumped out of too many aircraft and helicopters hovering at 40ft. under live enemy fire. As a result my hips and knees are shot. The VA won’t help or treat me because I’m not J*wish. Shortly thereafter I was hit by a rocket and blown off a fifty foot cliff, leading to six years of physical therapy before I could get back on a bike! Basically it all comes down to how much pain you are willing to tolerate! I’ve been riding bikes of all genres for fifty years. Recently did my last adventure-travel tour in riding 5,000 miles to Honduras on the way to Patagonia (solo). Got caught in a typhoon, acquired pneumonia and had to cancel the trip. I ride a Honda Shadow 1100 now, but it doesn’t have the acceleration to do freeways; so I don’t ride on them. Looking at a Yamaha MFJ1300 now as a good all-around bike. But with outrageous new-bike prices and the fact that I may not be able to handle a heavy bike with my physical condition, it’s now a problem! But when you want to ride…you want to ride! At this age we all fear not passing the DMV eye test, which would make all our vehicles obsolete! So now indecisive and on-the–fence! When is OLD…too old?
You might consider taking an advanced rider training class before you go. I try to do at least one every year. Having my skills honed has saved my bacon more than once. Another tip. If you’re not used to long trips, make sure you stay hydrated. It keeps you more alert and saves you from getting cramps. I wear a Camelbak so I can sip away while I am riding. Other than that, I’d say make sure you wear ATGATT, go for it and enjoy. Safe travels!
Okay I will turn 75 in May2021, I have been riding off and on since I was 18. I now ride a 2002 Silverwing. I have this cross country trip in mind for my Birthday. From Columbus,Oh to Lakewood Colorado. 2,128miles. I Estimate four to five days. I will have a wingman, and my daughter is driving camper van. Some people have been trying to talk me out of it. So I am dammed if I do and dammed if I don’t. Physicaly I am in average shape for my age. I have been on two long rides last season 200miles average.
Anita has spoken my truth. I got my first bike at … 62. In short, I’ve found the thing that will keep me young in retirement. My everyday car is a roadster, and I’m still nimble enough to keep that thing out of trouble. As I see it, if you can keep a bike on two wheels, see what’s around you, and dig the bugs out of your teeth, learn to ride or keep on riding.
I am 84 and have owned 7 motor cycles. Considering a KTM 690 Duke. Weighs only 330 pounds. My wife is not happy. What to do?
Congratulations on a life well lived! You really have had a great life. Best wishes for many more miles of safe riding.
First bike was a 1938 Indian 81. That was in 1950, age 16 and rode I joined the Marines, in 1953. Returning from Korea, in 1955, I was stationed in Calif. Had a couple Harley’s, and my first Sportster. Rode with a group (Outlaws), Santa Anna Vipers, until I went to Hawaii in 1957. Did not ride, again, until I picked up a used 883 Sportster, in 2010. In 2012, decided biking is what I needed to do here in Florida.
Summer, 2012, bought a new Sportster. Packed luggage on the back and rode to NC to visit a cousin. I immediately returned to Florida and traded the Sportster for a new 2012 Orange Herritage and started traveling. Ride with Space Coast, Harley Owners Group, American Legion Riders, VFW Riders and a lot of solo rides. I’ve been group rides all over East of the Mississippi, Milwaukee, Michigan, Eastern Canada, The Appalachians, Rolling Thunder, Tail of the Dragon, .
In 2015, on my new Deluxe CVO, I did a solo of the lower 48 states. Stopped at, at least, one Harley Dealer in each state. In 2018, on my 2016 Ultra, a friend and I rode to Alaska and back, 44 days. Celebrated birthday #84 in Fairbanks. We toured Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory. While our bikes were being serviced in Fairbanks, we rented a truck and followed the Alaskan pipeline to the Arctic Circle.
The ride to Alaska, completed an item on my bucket list. I have been to all 50 states. I was stationed in Hawaii when it became a state. But, it is the only state that I have not ridden a Harley. Made plans for a Hawaii vacation in July. Even reserved a Harley to ride on my birthday, July 18, #86. Well, the virus hit us and has changed many things. I, of course, had to cancel the vacation and ride in Hawaii. I am planning to make that ride in July 2021, on my 87th birthday, Unless I find out I am “too old to ride”.
In the mean time, I have two rides scheduled for this Fall, a High School class reunion, and a tour of the Harley plant in Pennsylvania.
I am 75 an still ride every day I have a 2020 harley sport glide and a yamaha mt 10 which is a very fast sport bike i ride every day in heavy traffic in tampa fl i do not know any one else my age riding on 2 wheels i am starting to wonder if i am to old to be doing this but makes me almost sick to think about giving up my bikes it is the most enjoyable thing i do every day i do not know what i would do with out my bikes
Don’t I know this feeling — I have the “do I , or do I not” battle almost daily. 1st posted about 9 months ago, and still stuck. 60 now, will be 61 in August. Here’s where I think I am; if I do this, I only ride in non populated places ….not in the middle of Houston where I live. Take the bike out to country locales and ride around out there. Find a buddy or two to do it with. If it really sinks in, then maybe plan a trip — again, using all the back roads.
The favorite bike is a 2018 or 2019 Harley Fat Bob . Most comfortable bike that I have sat on , not as expensive as their touring models, and they get rave reviews for performance and handling .
I’ve had 8 motorcycles, From 185 Suzuki to my last one, a Yamaha FJR 1300, with BMW’s scattered in between. I’ll turn 65 in June and have been bikeless for 4 years. I’m in good shape minus a bad low back. Happily married for 40 years with two great daughters, son-in-laws and 4 sweet grandkids. I hunt and fly fish, crave adventure and admire those who venture out. I recently binged watched Long Way Round and Down with my wife and she seems as engaged as I was. The whole thing….riding…..freedom and touring has come back with a vengeance. I visited my local BMW dealer over the weekend and sat on a F750GS. My son-in-law has expressed an intense desire to go through the MSF rider course and start his riding career too. As a Dad and Grandfather now, I can’t help but feel some liability in promoting this more risk prone hobby. You get the picture. I’m on the fence and the internal voices of do it and don’t do it are raging loud in my ears and while I sleep. I did notice on Saturday that sitting on the bike, just didn’t bring me that deep energizing feeling it use to. Stuck on the fence and really appreciated reading these posts on the same topic and personal challenges we all go through. I’m bored, that’s my problem and I’ve done so much, (pilot too) that it’s hard to identify something new. Any words of wisdom…….appreciated. My gut says no but I can’t seem to listen.
Hi guys. As I approach 70 and been riding for 5 years, I am feeling angry that soon my insurance will be increasing due to my age.
Are you paying more? Do you think its right that we should pay more when we’re wiser and more experienced?
I am 75 and just sold my 2002 Road King.Yes I can still put back up on it’s wheels but decided I didn’t need a large touring bike but plan on a new RE Interceptor this spring. So go for it if you can.
To Nigel Borain,
you 16 year old males are all alike, shiny, fast and noisy and the heart starts beating faster. There is a 1981 BMW R100T in our garage, not started in 30 years. That bike is the lie I tell myself. “One day….., some day…….” Whatever happens, Nigel, I hope your bride sees the 16 year old smiling out from under the helmet your always wear when you ride.
I’m 65 and ride a YZ125, an R6, a bunch of Kawasaki H2 triples and CB750K7. I have no intention of stopping. We get a bit wiser with extended age and are able to mitigate much of the risk. You can live in a shell, sit in front of a TV, watch the stock market or you can ride a motorcycle-especially on a limited budget. Motorcycles like many toys can keep a person young, fit, happy and in the play mode.
March 2020, I’ll be 64, and I’m thinking about getting a bike. It’s going to be a Yamaha R3 or Kawasaki Ninja 400. I have been practicing tai chi and standing chi kung for over two decades and, thus, at 5’6″ and 145 pounds have strong legs, a strong back, and excellent reflexes. I’ll take the BRC some time in January. I know how to ride a bicyle, and in my younger years I rode a scooter (150cc). But that was a long time ago, so essentially I’m a raw beginner. The holidays are on, as an instructor I’m on break, and thus I have gotten bitten by the motorcycle bug. Maybe it’s not a bad disease to have, I guess. My plan is to commute on the bike, a total of about 25 miles a day and go for joy rides. That’s the plan anyway. Maybe it’ll change.
I’m 84 and I still ride. A have Victory Vegas here in Alaska and a Victory Cross Country in DesMoines that I ride across the nearby states. Grew up in South Dakota so love riding across the Dakota’s and the Black Hills. I exercise and keep my weight down and am careful. Take online MC courses all the time to stay sharp. I’ll quit when I feel like it.
In 2018 I developed a strong urge to ride and figured that I probably had 9 or ten good riding years left. When I broached the subject with the wife, I felt like little chicken likken with the sky falling on my head.
After much yearning and deliberation, mid 2019 (without discussion or consent) at 66yrs old, I bought a Ducati Multistrada 1260 S. Not having ridden for a good number of years (25 odd), I rode 40km to the Ducati dealer, felt good so extended the ride by 234km to Belfast, still felt great so extended the ride a further 191km to Sabiriver Sun Hotel. Felt great and slept like a babe.
Family are not to happy and the wife is still upset. Sometimes a man must do what a man must do. In my mind I figured that I could realisticaly ride until I was about 75 yrs, after that it would be bonus years.
I have since completed a 1900km solo trip and am loving every minute of riding. At sometime in the future I will have to scale down to a smaller bike but in the mean time life is good.
I do not enjoy commuting around town to much, my heart yearns for the open roads less traveĺled and the beauty of God’s creation. To this end I need a full on adventure bike that can handle dirt roads so will trade my bike in on the Ducati Multistrada 1260 enduro (should have bought it first time round) Once that becomes to much to handle there are a lot of mid sized adventure bikes comming onto the market.
As Bob Lewis so wisely said, listen to your body and facuties and stop riding when you get the message. It will differ for each one of us.
A big well done and congratulations to all the oldies who have chosen to follow their hearts. Motorcycling gives you a freedom and fills ones heart with joy.
Nigel (Johannesburg, South Africa)
I am heading to 75, got my first bike in 1965, a Harley Hydra with the suicide shift. After a few years I quit riding – family, career etc.
In 2009 I found myself on my own and bought a brand new Kawasaki Vulcan, took some courses and had to get licensed – in ’65 none was required!
I kept that bike for two years then traded up to a 2012 Kawasaki Nomad – wrong reason – my friends were all riding bigger bikes – ego is a bad advisor! I found that the heavier clutch pull killed my hand and I felt it was unsafe to ride so after a year I quit riding and sold the bike.
This year, 2019, a friend who had a hip injury asked me to take his bike out for a ride as he was concerned about it sitting so long. It was a 650cc Yamaha and was great to ride. No problem with the clutch or my arthritis at all. That did it I wanted back on so, at 75, I bought a Suzuki Boulevard C50T; it was a 2009 and only had 22000klm on it (about 15,000miles). I rode that this year and at the end of the season I ordered a brand new C50T. Can’t wait til next spring.
One thing I can’t stress enough is that everyone should take some courses; especially seniors even if you had a lot of experience. In 2009, 10 and 11 I had taken three different courses the last being and Advanced Technical Riding Course and then we headed off to “tame the Dragon”. Well I can’t say I tamed “her” but I am sure I put her into slumber.
Ride on my friends – it beats sitting around the seniors home playing “Bridge”…
I’m a couple of weeks away from 73. I ride a 2014 Indian Chief Vintage trike, 1964 Cushman Eagle (modified), a vintage Honda and a Suzuki Blvd Savage 40 (cause it’s so light). I can ride 6 to 8 hrs a day without an issue, but over 8 hrs I have wrist pain from arthritis, ouch. Three days after hip replacement I was able to straddle my bike. Rode 2 weeks later during Daytona bike week.
It’s more of taking what you have and pushing thru. Riding out to Sturgis, in one day, it’s mid 90’s, same day we rode thru hail. It’s getting soaking wet in an unexpected rain and riding ’till you’re dry. I guess you need “grit”. Oh, by the way I’m female. I’ll keep riding as long as I can.
Don’t think it’s a question of actual
age as much of a question of physical age Hearing, vision, reflexes, etc
It’s not how old you are but
how well you’re aging
I never really got into motorcycle until till I was 74 years old. I got my endorsement at 74 and schools were reluctant in endorsing me because of my age. It took three tries and then I was endorsed. I practiced on a 250 cc bike and built up to a 750 Harley soft tail. At the age of 80 which I am now I bought a 2114 Harley street glide special and hope to ride for at least five more years.
For your height? – you got me there?? Go for what fits you best – but beware, the power of the bigger machines needs to be treated with care!
Good luck let us know what you get.
Harold
P.S. how many horses for your wife; hope it’s on a one to one basis.
So here is the trade off Harold; the wife said — after exclaiming her displeasure at the thought of a bike ever since I’ve been on this track — if I get a bike, she can get a horse. Done deal. So, back to what to get. I’m 6’2″, 200 lbs. MSF schools have me on 250’s and HD 500’s, and I’m eating my knees. I want something bigger and more comfortable, so I’ve looked at the Kawasaki Vulcan S, the Indian Scout, and a used Honda Stateline …. all w/ ABS. The Stateline is in Wisconsin — not too close to Houston — so I can’t actually sit on that , but I’ve sat on others, and they are fine. Any thoughts on those ??
You say “How’s that for indecision ?!?â€
Indecision is a good starting point; means you are weighing up the ‘pros & cons’
First hurdle is to get the rest of the family to agree with your decision, this important and probably the most difficult.
Once you have the green light the rest is easy. For my money’s worth – my advice is don’t go for the a big mean machine; rather start off small, 250 to 400cc; only when you have more experience think of going to a bigger bike. Get to know all you can about riding a bike. This forum has excellent advice; also search the web – there is a lot of advice available.
Motorcycles ARE one of the coolest man has made!
Wish you good fortune and that you will soon experience the exhilarating pleasure of riding a motor cycle, be it to the local store for a loaf of bread, or a long trip over ‘hill ‘n dale’.
Yeah, this is tough. I’ll be 60 in 4 months. Have the M on the license, taken the Basic Course a couple of times — 1st time back in 2007 — but have never pulled the trigger. I think about it all the time, think that motorcycles are one of the coolest things God ever allowed man to make…..but with great health, a great life, and wanting more of the same, I battle with the dilemma of trying to figure out if a motorcycle would enhance or destroy that great life. The appeal is to learn something new, something really out of the box , acquire a new skill, all those things……..but not hurt myself in the process. I plan to play competitive tennis soon, have 4 great kids (3 out of the house, one more left ), married, and want to keep experiencing life to it’s fullest —- I just don’t know.
How’s that for indecision ?!?
I just turned 50 and I just realized I can’t afford the Porsche. I can’t afford a new fast car (still have my old fast BMW) so I am drooling over an Indian. Stupid, no?
I’m about to turn 65 and got passionate about riding a motorcycle again last year. I bought a fairly large bike (Triumph Tiger 800) as I’ll be mainly doing long trips – touring and moto camping. While I’ve got 12-14 years of riding experience, I last rode 28 years ago and am assuming I know nothing. I took several training classes and regularly go to parking lots to practice panic stops, swerving, low speed maneuvers, etc. I don’t commute on my bike and honestly don’t like riding around in traffic at all. I work out regularly and the bike is a big reason I work hard to stay physically fit. I’ve had two close calls, both with vehicles. One I simply trusted not to make a u-turn from the right hand shoulder (my bad), the other simply pulled into my lane without seeing me. I have replayed both instances many times and I think my instincts were very solid; I would not have reacted better when younger. So for now I move ahead but I will absolutely hang it up when I lose the edge I need to stay safe. I’m also thinking of moving to off road adventure riding at some point where the biggest peril is generally dropping the bike, maybe a broken leg or ribs, but few/no cars to contend with.
Whether you’re driving a car or riding a motorcycle there is a point at which you should no longer be on the road. For our purposes, I am going to stick to the reasons that would apply more specifically to motorcyclists.
1. When you feel you are too old you probably are. You know when you’ve lost the touch and your mojo (your confidence). Listen to your gut.
2. When you can’t handle the physical requirements to ride safely, e.g., strength, endurance, reaction time, ability to handle the motorcycle (e.g., your ability at slow-speed manoeuvring has tanked, you find countersteering more difficult), etc.
3. When you have lost the mental requirements to ride safely, e.g., focus, concentration, staying calm in emergency situations, etc.
4. When the incidence of your “close calls” has gone up dramatically—it may be time to quit.
Some riders may do OK into their eighties. Others may falter in their sixties. I think the key is to listen to your gut and to be honest with yourself. We will all have to quit sometime and there is no set age. I think most people would agree that quitting a little too early is preferable to too late. R.I.P. Just a couple of thoughts. I am sure there are more.
Reason I want to stay with the lighter bikes is that if it falls over , want to be able to pick it up. Almost forgot, also own an electric moped. Not too fast, but then again no real maintenance other than recharging the three 12v batteries.
At 71 years old, I bought and am riding a Kymco People 50cc moped that has the bigger wheels. Really enjoy riding it and so far, no spills. Thinking about moving up to a bigger 250 or 400cc. Only issue is that above 50cc, need a motorcycle license vs a moped license. Wondering if I can pass the course to get that license? Maybe soon? Not sure if a 71 year old should even be riding a bigger bike, any thoughts? My wife worries I will get injured but I try to be careful and ride defensively as vehicles can run you over and barely even notice. Lol
ill be 60 this year.started at 14yrs. dirt bikes.now touring bikes.(HD).I sold my motorcycle last fall 2018.now im in panic mode as to what im going to do now! im looking for a new one! really life without my bike?it keeps me going.just changing the oil is fun.no this is my retirement hobby.know when to ride,and be safe.good luck!
Hi John,
Are you quitting or have you decided not to get a bike to ride? Frankly I do not think your age justifies your decision not to have a motor cycle, must be something else such as a health issue or wife/family pressure.
As for been dangerous, I’m sure every older biker agrees with you, but we face risks every day – life is a risk. Be aware of the limitations of age and ride accordingly. But riding a bike is still exciting, fun and adds a little more spice to life, even if it is only at 90km/hour. Now we can see more and meet many with similar interests. Contrary to the general misconception that biker are bad dudes, the older bikers I have met a real nice people; friendly, interesting, and helpful.
Amazing how many non-bikers are interested in making conversation with older bikers.
The decision is yours to make! I wish you well in whatever you decide.
Harold
I’m 59 years old and have decided I’m too old to ride. It’s a fact that reflexes are slower with age and now with the onset of foolish texters on their cell phones it’s become increasingly more dangerous to ride. I love life and want to continue enjoying without some idiot taking it away from me.
Hell I am 84 retired Navy and its been a few years since I rode a Bike, But every day I look at them and wonder can I still do it, Price hold me back and I don’t think I could hold the big ones up, or if I get down get up my self. But that ego is always there that I think I can. I Cant reach the price today, even that fact I am retired and have no bills, But I am more concern that I may hurt some one not so much my self. I doubt I get back on but the thought will always be there as I miss that freedom and the ride.
At the age of twenty I bought a 2nd hand Triumph Bonneville, obtained from a family whose son was killed in an accident with the bike. There was minor damage to the bike but he wasn’t wearing a cash helmet, came off on a corner and went head first into the curb.
Having a “dead man’s’ bike did not phase me at all, but it did in a small way, make we aware of the dangers of biking but at the age of 20 me and my mates were indestructible. In the early 60’s the Bonneville was the superbike of the day and I loved it. I rode it for three years then sadly sold it to buy a car as the girls were not keen on going to a drive-in movie or to a dance on a bike. The car was a Morris Minor – it was like going from a Ferrari to a soapbox, but for the sake of love and romance I changed; it was a painful change and my day dreams were more about the Bonneville than the latest gal in my life.
Then my life style changed from living in the country to the city of gold, ‘Johannesburg’.
Now it was the hell run through traffic to do the 20 km from home to work. Being an innovative guy I convinced my wife that it would be quicker, easier, cheaper and less stressful if I had a motorcycle, so at the age of 26 I soon had a Yamaha XJ650 in my garage, a lovely bike and for a while my wife and I enjoyed the Yamaha with breakfast runs on week-ends away from the city.
The city was not for me and within a year we moved back to country living in a small town in Natal. By this time the kids arrived; having a family, a new job that entailed much travelling and buying a house there was little time for biking besides times were tough so the bike was sold.
But the thrill of a bike never left me and I would always notice a motorcycle be in on the road or parked; besides I still had my leather jacket that was a constant reminder.
Once retired the yen to have another bike grew stronger. One evening I announced to my wife, “I’m going to buy a motor bike!†I expected a virulent response but she calmly asked, “Why? You’re 77 years old; do you think you can still ride? I do not think it’s a good idea.†After much discussion and my unwavering decision to get a bike she agreed.
Most of my friends and family think I’m crazy except for my wife, a reluctant ally, and especially my daughter who said, “Go Dad Goâ€.
With the high price of new bikes I began searching for 2nd hand bike in the 500 to 650cc range. Took a few for a ride; the one that that got me hooked was a 1981 Honda 500CX shaft drive, it was in excellent condition but it was heavy – as was the price.
As my search continued I realized that I was setting my sights too high and the one thing that worried me was the mass of the bigger bikes; I doubted if I could lift a bike weighing +200 kilograms, also I needed a mechanically simpler machine that I could work on, this narrowed the field to a single cylinder; besides speed was no longer my ambition, I just wanted to ride a bike!
I ended up buying a Yamaha YBR 250cc; it was in pristine condition, had done 9733km and the price was right. The previous owner suffered a stroke and had to sell.
Having had bikes in my younger days I thought that being back on a bike would be like ‘a duck taking to water’. Surprise, surprise, after 50 bike less years there was a lot to be learnt. My cornering was poor as was riding at slow speed less than 10km/hr, taking off one a steep incline, smoothness in gear change. I dropped the bike thrice when stationary and my confidence level sank to an all time low.
I browsed the net for advice and tips on motorcycling; the information gleaned was a great help and so I began my own training programme. Threet months ago my overall rating was probably 30% but now I reckon I’m close to 90%, wonder if you ever get to 1005? As they say practise makes perfect and practise I do. Recently I managed a nasty situation when a car pulled out in front of me – this was a great boost to my confidence.
Have had a number men come and chat all saying they would love to have a bike.
“So get one!†I reply, but in most cases the excuse is the wife would not allow it; probably more than anything else it is the risk of motorcycling that scares them off.
At a shopping centre an old lady stopped to admire my red Yamaha and wistfully said, “My husband and I rode a bike for many years; they were wonderful yearsâ€.
Having a motorcycle is an exciting, pleasurable and relaxing experience – I’m a very Happy Chappy! Maybe, just maybe, sometime in the future I’ll up-grade to a bigger machine; but for now the Yamaha and I are very good friends
I think if you love to ride…you will find a way…I am a Disable American Vet and have a bad back, a long with severe leg pain. I tried the Spyder and really didn’t care for it. I sat on a HD Trike, it didn’t feel right. So what did I do with my 2017 H-D FLHTCU? I searched and came across the “Landing Gear, Leg Up” System. If you are concerned about being too old or having a disability with the possibility of dropping your ride, check out this system from a company out of Florida. Ask for Pete. No more fears. Ride free! Go a head Google it. Bye!
And now, count me among the thousands of Boomers with the time and disposable income to completely outfit the bike and myself before ring the first mile on it: pair of Givi 48L Trekker Outback side cases, Happy Trails HD skid plate and crash bars, Hepco & Becker center stand, Barkbusters Storm handlebar guards, Alpinestars Andes V2 jacket and pants, Forma Adventure boots, Arai florescent yellow XD-4 helmet. Time to start training!
And I passed the BRC, one of four graduates out of six who began and more than 40 years older than all of the others.. I now have the coveted M endorsement on my DL. Waiting for the Happy Trail crash bars and skid plate to arrive.
I’m a 69 y.o. male retired soldier. I don’t know how old is too old, but I’ll soon find out. Signed up for an 18-day adventure bike tour with my son, an experienced cyclist, in Patagonia next year. To train for the tour I bought a virtually new BMW G650GS, presently parked in my garage awaiting my successful completion of the Basic Rider Course next week. That’s right. I’m a newbie. Previous experience limited to tentatively driving my daughter’s Yamaha V-Star in the relative safety of our neighborhood. If I fail the BRC beyond hope I’ll cancel the trip and sell the bike, never having ridden it. In the meantime, nothing ventured . . . !