Other Stuff > Misc / Open
Riding a Motorcycle - how old is too old ?
Johnwebley:
I am only 77
I have been riding almost daily in the sunny weather
My 500 is getting heavy too push around,
My 200 is good, recently did the HOTE run,about 180miles on it
My other CS5 is waiting for a reg number from DVLA
I have found I have lost strength and stamina,
But I am not giving up
Sent from my SM-A546E using Tapatalk
TrickyMicky:
I got my first bike (?), a Raleigh Runabout moped, in 1964. The next one was a Honda in 1967, and the 'boring old fart' syndrome started then, as I have only ever owned Hondas. I am now 79 years old, and yes, there are bits of my body that do not work as well as they used to but the grey matter is still functioning well, meaning that just occasionally as I approach a bend, I have to remind myself of my age and perceived wisdom. The 400 is starting to make its weight felt in the garage, so I bought a couple of Sealey moving dollies. The second one being for the GB250 Clubman, which, being over 100lbs lighter than the 400 is an absolute hoot to ride and corners like a dream. The 400 is still the chosen one though for anything over 50 miles. Most times, the prop stand is used on the 400, but when back in the garage I run the rear wheel up onto a piece of wood about 2 inches thick as it makes getting it on to the centre stand a lot easier. If I use the hydraulic lift, I have to seek assistance for the 400, but can just about manage the 250 unaided. Remember Clint Eastwood, "A man has to know his limitations". My main concerns now being, at the end of each ride out, there follows a quick check on body and bike to see who is going to be incontinent first!! You don't stop riding beacuse you're getting old, you get old because you have stopped riding. Regarding aching limbs, I own a car with a manual gearbox, and if you think about it, to drive it, you have to physically move all four of your limbs, whereas onve you've managed to get astride the bike, the actual driving/operation is a piece of p--s, and it's far better for the grey matter. Stay upright and keep riding everyone. Mike.
Orcade-Ian:
All very valid and sobering comments - as you would expect from this wonderful forum, which also has a beneficial effect on our mental well-being.
I was 77 back in June and still riding the 'fours' occasionally but seem to prefer this new ADV Scoot - at least it's still a Honda! It's only 2 years ago that I went to Germany and Austria from Orkney with a group of 3 bikes and 4 other fellow travellers without any issues - had my 75th birthday on that trip. The bit that has slowed me up a bit is being diagnosed with kidney failure last year - not needing dialysis but a bit more restricted in the length of rides, although being catheterised and having a leg bag means I only need to stop for fuel and food, not for a pee 🤓.
I still feel in full control of any bike I'm riding but no heroics these days. I also, have a C125 Super Cub which would allow me to keep riding if the others become too heavy. It's only just over 3 years ago that I stopped riding a 1500 GoldWing.
Continental touring was always my thing but although I still want to be there, I don't relish the thought of actually going there. That might just be an age and experience thing with the way traffic density has increased.
I will keep riding as long as medics and insurers allow and would only give up if I thought I was becoming a danger to myself and others.
Ian
Nurse Julie:
I turned 65 a couple of weeks back, have been riding since 17.
I still love riding and feel I'm still very capable of doing so safely. My bikes are feeling a lot heavier to push around these days but once riding, it still feel so good.
Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are now an integral part of a ride out. I don't ride as often as I did and having been a total non pillion for so many years, I quite enjoy it now when we go off on our long trips across Europe.
I know I'll keep riding for as long as I possibly can safely but I can see the size / weight of bike will gradually decrease as time goes by.
Spitfire:
I am 74, I am still fairly fit, I cycle daily and do a lot of stretching exercises and walking.
However after 3 hand operations and one on the way I am seriously considering my biking future, due to the various operations I did not do any riding last year but will give it a go this year to see how I get on.
My CB750F1 is in far better condition than I, but having bought it new in April 1976 I am now getting to the view that it is too big and heavy for me and particularly the throttle is also too heavy for my battered right hand.
Depending on the outcome of my riding attempt this year I might either sell the F1 and buy a smaller lighter bike of just sell the F1 and give up riding.
Cheers
Dennis
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version