Riding a Motorcycle - how old is too old ?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I've not ridden either my 400 or 500 since late 2024 following the wifes stroke on the 13th April 2025.
I had both bike engines running last year whilst Wendy was in hospital, they have stood idle this year, my energies have been re-directed as her main Carer.
I have slowly re-started work on the CB 400NA Superdream rebuild as I would like  to finish that by early summer 2027 (God willing).
I'm 78 yrs of age, I suspect in reality my riding days are numbered, I've no intention to sell the CB400 or CB500, they are keepers.

I am a dry weather rider when I'm feeling physically up to it, my eye sight is still good (with specs) my upper body strength has taken a battering having lost almost four stones in weight in the last half of 2025. I'm now under 11 st 8 lbs. Presumably bike insurance might be expensive like car insurance when you hit 80.

This got me thinking how old are our older riders on this forum?
Is there a magic potion/formula  to keep riding - Royal Jelly lol ?

[Athame57]

This got me thinking how old are our older riders on this forum?
Is there a magic potion/formula  to keep riding - Royal Jelly lol ?

I'm 69, I think the day I can't get my leg over the saddle anymore is the day I hang up my spurs. I too am a dry weather rider, but I've rediscovered the pleasure of riding in the small hours, having hardly any traffic to cope with makes a lot of difference in London. 

[Laverda Dave]

I'm 64 and been riding since I was 17.
I was out on the RE Interceptor yesterday. I rode to Harpenden about 40 miles away where there was the annual Classics on the Common event. I've only been out on the bikes four or five times this year and to be honest I felt absolutely knackered today, full of aches. Was it because I'm getting old, no, it was because of a lack of quality bike riding time and I'm not 'Bike Fit'. Riding a motorcycle makes you use muscles you wouldn't normally use. Ride your bikes Ted because a) they keep you fit and healthy and b) they are an escape from the everyday stresses of life. As George rightly points out, when you can't swing your leg over the bike that's the time to reconsider.
I was riding a speedway bike three weeks ago, I loved it although the next day I felt as though I'd been put through a mangle! I'm doing it again next month, you are never too old to ride any kind of motorcycle 👍

[Yetanotherbike]

I learnt to ride when I was 15 and now I'm 65 and still working (unfortunately). I ride 17 miles each way to work on my Honda CBF 500 and I'm an all year round biker. I believe that in many ways it keeps you physically and mentally active, besides that I'm still 16 in my head at least.
One of the few luxuries I have allowed myself is heated grips, I see no virtue in being cold.
We moved to beautiful Anglesey last November and made many new friends, including a neighbour that I went out for a ride around the island with today. Me on my CBF and he on his Kawasaki 650 adventure bike, I should mention he's 79!
So if you can still ride and you enjoy it, then keep doing it, I know I intend to. 

[Johnny4428]

I think if we can ride safe and have the confidence and ability to ride we definately need to keep going.
The benefits of just getting out there, either with mates or just solo are worth reaping. I’m 68 years young and can’t imagine not getting out on the bike, and even have a couple of C90’s standing by in case I can no longer handle the bigger bikes. 😂👍

[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



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[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

[Coppertop1234]

I am 69 and unfortunately on the slippery slope with prostrate cancer.

I have rode bikes from 16 years old with a few breaks, but recently started again with the 400 resto.

The fun  was the build, but the ride outs are also good just keep my wits about me and watch the idiots.

Both sons ride so we try every Sunday ( Dry weather rider now) to do a 40 mile coffee stop to keep my hand in.

 I do think I am more hesitant on the bike but while its possible keep up the rides out and it is such fun the aches soon go away for a while.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

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.

Hi Micky, so there is a member here a tad older than me still riding, good to hear.
I'm not sure how the 400 Superdream will compare to my CB400/4 for ease of pulling onto the center stand, it will be interesting to find out as although the SD was a runner I've not ridden it yet.

[Johnwebley]

Ted

Both my small bikes are a real hassle to get on the centre stand

The 500 is far easier

Worth checking any future acquisition

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[Athame57]

Both my small bikes are a real hassle to get on the centre stand

Well try doing them one at a time! 

[Orcade-Ian]

Some very interesting comments on your post Ted, thanks for starting it!  Hope your SD does prove easier to put on the stand - strangely, my 550 is far easier than either the 350 or 400 in that respect.
Dennis, I hope you don't have to give up altogether, surely there are other ways of staying on 2 (powered) wheels?  Please don't dismiss it straightaway but have you ever had a shot on a Maxi Scooter?  CVT and very light throttle, not that heavy and very practical for storage space.  I have nothing to prove these days and if folk want to take the piss and tell me it's not a proper motorcycle, that's up to them, at least I'm still riding!
Julie, I was surprised that you are ok with being pillion, after so many years riding solo - I had scary experiences 'when I were a yoof' and have not dared try it since!
I hope they get your cancer under control Coppertop, that 400 deserves to be ridden after all of the work you have put in.
Incidentally, this post has created interest from folks 'of an age' - are there many under 40 or so on this forum?

Ian