Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on July 23, 2026, 11:35:15 PM
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 ?
Post by: Athame57 on July 23, 2026, 11:54:04 PM
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. ;)
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 ?
Post by: Laverda Dave on July 24, 2026, 12:09:47 AM
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 👍
Post by: Yetanotherbike on July 24, 2026, 01:56:10 AM
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. :)
Post by: Johnny4428 on July 24, 2026, 07:02:08 AM
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. 😂👍
Post by: Johnwebley on July 24, 2026, 07:31:57 AM
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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Post by: TrickyMicky on July 24, 2026, 08:13:57 AM
Post by: Orcade-Ian on July 24, 2026, 09:00:44 AM
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
Post by: Nurse Julie on July 24, 2026, 10:19:37 AM
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.
Post by: Spitfire on July 24, 2026, 12:11:43 PM
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
Post by: Coppertop1234 on July 24, 2026, 12:20:54 PM
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.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on July 24, 2026, 01:07:23 PM
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.
Post by: Johnwebley on July 24, 2026, 01:14:43 PM
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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Post by: Athame57 on July 24, 2026, 01:18:32 PM
Well try doing them one at a time! ;D
Both my small bikes are a real hassle to get on the centre stand
Post by: Orcade-Ian on July 24, 2026, 01:28:27 PM
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
Post by: Spitfire on July 24, 2026, 01:41:29 PM
Cheers
Dennis
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/4905/Tjtuij.jpg)
Post by: Johnwebley on July 24, 2026, 02:05:46 PM
DamnWell try doing them one at a time! ;D
Both my small bikes are a real hassle to get on the centre stand
Why didn't I think of that
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Post by: Johnwebley on July 24, 2026, 02:07:37 PM
Hi Ian, I would not dismiss the idea of a Maxi Scooter, my riding partner of old has a 750 Honda scooter which he loves and I struggle to keep up with !Maxi scooters are very popular in Italy, and can certainly move
Cheers
Dennis
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/4905/Tjtuij.jpg)
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Post by: exvalvesetdabbler on July 24, 2026, 03:10:52 PM
I guess it's just me.....
Regards
Dave
Post by: Bradders on July 24, 2026, 04:53:03 PM
I'm coming up 67, the thing I struggle with most is coming to a stop at a roundabout, looking right and trying to stop without a wobble the last two meters. Thought it was the swing arm bearings, had, the suspension apart re greased bushes, no play. Front end is nice and tight as well.I have exactly the same problem with balance. My other problem is arthritis in my knees ( I’m coming up to 65 years old ) so after riding with my knee scrunched up I get a lot of pain. A friend of mine who rides ( he’s coming up 79 years old ) has suggested trying his Kawasaki Vulcan cruiser for size with a more stretched out riding position, which maybe an alternative for the future.
I guess it's just me.....
Regards
Dave
Post by: Athame57 on July 24, 2026, 05:32:22 PM
Probably not, they would be younger than their bikes! ;)
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?
Post by: Oddjob on July 24, 2026, 06:30:43 PM
If I can’t manage the 13 I’ll finish the 500 over winter and see how that feels. Even at 70 I was wringing the neck of the 13, knee down, full throttle. I fully expect to get back to that standard eventually.
Post by: Johnny4428 on July 25, 2026, 08:32:53 AM
I'm coming up 67, the thing I struggle with most is coming to a stop at a roundabout, looking right and trying to stop without a wobble the last two meters. Thought it was the swing arm bearings, had, the suspension apart re greased bushes, no play. Front end is nice and tight as well.
I guess it's just me.....
Regards
Dave
😂😂 sorry to laugh but this did amuse me somewhat!
Post by: taysidedragon on July 25, 2026, 02:54:19 PM
I did 130 miles on Wednesday on my 400f and I had a lot of aches the next day. I must get a "Sons of Ibuprofen" tshirt!
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on July 25, 2026, 03:01:43 PM
Post by: Bryanj on July 25, 2026, 04:33:58 PM
Post by: exvalvesetdabbler on July 25, 2026, 06:49:53 PM
https://youtube.com/shorts/r7wRnFPWoWg?is=VrzNSgEBf48QVagt
Regards
Dave
Post by: Bryanj on July 25, 2026, 07:51:45 PM
Post by: Ken4004 on July 25, 2026, 09:22:22 PM
Does anyone remember this motor cycle that won’t fall over , a cleaver idea but probably extremely expensive but just what you need if you don’t want to put your foot down !
Post by: Athame57 on July 26, 2026, 09:30:06 AM
https://youtube.com/shorts/jUMLpc8qGVo?is=esNd323Fz526PniuProbably went the same way as the Honda 400 automatic, we like changing our gears and riding for real! ;D
Does anyone remember this motor cycle that won’t fall over , a cleaver idea but probably extremely expensive but just what you need if you don’t want to put your foot down !
Post by: Orcade-Ian on July 26, 2026, 10:45:20 AM
[attach=1]
Or even this?
[attach=2]
Ian
Post by: Bryanj on July 26, 2026, 12:53:21 PM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on July 26, 2026, 01:55:09 PM
More frights were in store as I swept round some tight bendy roads realising that left hand bends were ok, right bends felt odd.
After a couple of hours I returned the Ariel, provided I spent more money I would be given what I paid for it as long as I spent more. I returned home on a Maico Letta 250 scooter that was the best and last scooter I ever owned. It was black with yellow side panels & front mudguard, silver wheels. Only recently did I understand why it sounded odd when you pressed the electric starter button - pendulum starter that rocks the engine rather than rotates it.
#(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53541198689_fe4086fd5a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2pzfD2k)PXL_20240220_113522224 (https://flic.kr/p/2pzfD2k) by Macabe Thiele (https://www.flickr.com/photos/187487200@N03/), on Flickr