Comments on: Should You Stop Riding Motorcycles When You Reach A Certain Age?

By: John Sullivan

John Sullivan — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 15:02:44 +0000

I am a 72 year old rider. I own a BMW K1200RS. I am 5’5″ and 133 lbs and I am in excellent condition. I can still rope climb without using my legs. Don’t believe me check out my website. Drjohn1.com (videos) But what I have seen is a bunch of fat old guys with no mobility trying to ride motorcycles. Some of them should not even be driving cars. My experience has been that my reflexes are no longer as fast as they were nor is my reaction time. Combine that with vision changes and I have had to slow down quite a bit. A motorcycle adds the dimension of balance to the equation. I used to skydive and what we experienced in that sport was that the people who jumped the most had the fewest mishaps. I think the same is true for riding in your later years. If you are a weekend or once in a while rider and you are getting older I would suggest that you ride more often and practice your skills a few times a month. A few quick U turns should tell you if your skill is shot. Once your skill level deteriorates either get in shape and get it back or sell the bike. Being a statistic because of ego is dumb. Stupid sayings like “Well he died doing what he loved to do are just that, Stupid sayings. Accidents can and do happen but I try not to be the cause of my own demise or taking a chance on hurting someone else. Trikes suck. 🙂 . Get a convertible sport car and be a real dirty old man :).
Stay safe.
Drjohn
Oh. I forgot . The BMW is getting a bit heavy for me. I am going to set something easier to handle. My ego will suffer I know but its less painful than a busted ass.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Tue, 23 May 2017 18:10:14 +0000

In reply to Sandie [Member].

What’s wrong with me??
I’m going on 73 and got the urge to ride 2 years ago. I still have pretty quick reflexes and no major health issues as of yet. Took the MGS course….bought all the Ride Like A Pro videos and constantly practice in parking lots when I can. Also watched and learned more from some great YouTube videos.
Enjoy a Mullholand run and a trip to Malibu once in a while.

If some asshole runs a red light and nails me you know they’ll say it was my fault because of old age!
I’ll know when to hang it up and will continue to enjoy it while I still can by keeping the odds in my favor by staying sharp on the bike and paying attention by riding like everyone is out to get me.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Tue, 23 May 2017 17:45:42 +0000

In reply to Sandie [Member]. You nailed It! Everyone is different and should know when to hang it up. Robert Redford rides fine at 80 and will know when It's time as thousands of others in that bracket. As long as reflexes and sight are good....no problem for conservative riding.

By: Ray Jackson

Ray Jackson — Wed, 10 May 2017 11:09:30 +0000

I have been riding since I was sixteen, I am now 63. Started on an Italian scooter, on my fifth two wheels, a 2007 Harley Road King.
I am a Lone Wolf. It’s my preferred style, go where I want to go and when, no dues necessary.
I am considering taking the road with an RV now, but in order to do so, the bike might have to stay home (don’t like Toy Haulers, too confined).
I do think about my safety, even recently lost a friend to a careless driver and read about people being killed almost what seems daily.
I have kids, grand kids and great grandkids whom I want to visit with for many years to come.
I don’t ride as often as I use to, not because of desire, but because I babysit a great grandson nearly five days a week, but I can’t go anywhere with him unless I have access to four wheels, which my wife needs for work.
My wife also rides less, she has fibromyalgia and riding is quite difficult with her and I feel guilty taking her for an extended ride of any kind (which is not often).
I’ve tried to sell my bike multiple times, but get cold feet when I think about being without it, so I pull the “for sale” sign and ride when I can.
I have considered downsizing to a more easier to handle bike, but money is not as easily obtained when you’re on social security (lost my job and hard to find one at my age).
So, at my age, what does one do?
My self made patch says “Ride to live and live to ride” yet the bike stays under cover 90% of the time. Yet when I get a chance to ride again, it’s like I’ve never been off.
So, I could use the money if I did it to get my RV, but the anxiety I go through to sell it doesn’t seem to be worth it. And not riding it as often seems out of whack as well.
Growing old is hell in many ways. It’s a ordeal I only get to go through once, but here I am, still thinking about my next ride, my next bike, and when is being too old an issue. Apparently I won’t know until it happens.

By: Ron

Ron — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 14:08:55 +0000

I still ride at 69. I had a fifteen year hiatus due to an accident, guy jumped a red light put me through his windshield. Once I got back on a bike that was it I became addicted again. I am riding a Vulcan Classic 1500 and this past summer over eight thousand kilometers. I find now as most before have said I have slowed my riding speed and tend to be far more cautious regarding everything from road conditions to weather. I feel I will stop when I can no longer hold the bike up straight. Someone said they talk to themselves inside their helmet I talk and sing, love riding nothing compares to it.

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 23:54:25 +0000

I am 62 years old and ride an FJ1200 (have for years). I have been riding motorcycles since I was 15 years old and I am the most skilled rider (off the track) that I know. Every time I ride (which is whenever I can), some bonehead on a cell phone (or just a bonehead) causes me to take action to avoid (my) injury or certain death. Somehow I get a rush from riding in heavy traffic or at speed on the open highway. Did someone say “Canyons”? How I miss California. I break all of society’s rules when I can do it without endangering others and get a rush every time. When reaction to a hazard is second nature, you are ahead of so many younger riders who only know how to look cool. I have often wondered if and when I should stop riding; when I’m dead is the only answer I can “live” with. P.S. I’d rather be lucky than safe.

By: Tony

Tony — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 10:52:06 +0000

I ride every day and have done since i was 15years old ..now at 55 i ride a triumph 900 scrambler and im thinking it might be my last bike.There is a world of difference between the roads and traffic of the mid 1970s to what we have today in the uk. There is no doubt you need to be much more aware today than ever before…But riding every day keeps you sharp even at 55..If you are going to ride..ride evry day and ride in all weathers..get to know your bike and its capabilitys and always ride within yours. After i post this im out on the bike..im not going anywhere i have no plans im just going to ride ..and to me thats the best thing in the world ..well apart from my grandchildred ….RIDE SAFLEY FOLKS

By: Jim Laney

Jim Laney — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 04:38:31 +0000

I’ll be 75 next month and still ride dirt bikes, mostly off road. One is street legal, but seldom ride on the street. It is too dangerous. I mostly trail ride, but the places are scarce in Kansas, so I go to Colorado and Utah to ride a couple of times each year. Those rocks and trees don’t pull out in front of you. Don’t know what I’ll do when can’t ride anymore. It’s about the only fun I have anymore.

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 17:51:44 +0000

I rode a Kawasaki 250 street bike to work every day in Florida. That was 36 years ago. I am in NC, and I have the urge to ride again however I am 71 yrs old. I have been looking at a Suzuki 400 or 650 scooter. No shifting sounds great to me. I am physically in great shape, 165 lbs, walk 4-5 miles daily and gym 3-4 days a week. I still have concerns about riding because of my age. I have a couple of friends who ride BMW’s and are urging me to get back on two wheels. Any comments yea or nay would be great. Thanks

By: Lem Mason

Lem Mason — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:52:11 +0000

I think one needs to use self-introspection and reason even if it hurts. I’m “young” at 57, but just lack the strength and “killer instinct” to handle a big, fast motorcycle anymore. People will say they are a lot older and still riding fast, but that is where the introspection part comes in. Me, I simply have lost the desire. When that goes, you need to be very careful. I will always ride, but just slower and smaller bikes. To be on a bike that’s bigger than your desire or reflex’s, you are asking for rash.

By: Steven Rafferty

Steven Rafferty — Thu, 26 May 2016 00:49:00 +0000

In reply to Walter.

Can you offer a comment/opinion on the importance of changing to a relatively light bike when one reaches your age or older? I’m older than you and could live with a Versys or a Triumph America or equivalent-sized bike. But I have my eye on an FJ1300, having ridden with love an 89 FJ100 years ago. I’m still very strong, work out 4-5 time per week with relatively heavy weight, practice and train others in martial arts, run, bike, etc. But I know my reaction time – while not slow – are not those I had as a young man. Think a big, beautiful FJ might be too much? It seemed fine for me when I test rode it. My riding would be almost all country in WY, MT, SD and the like. No commuting.

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 16:38:55 +0000

In reply to carol wyeth. Start* Buying*

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 16:37:32 +0000

In reply to carol wyeth.

Much respect!!!
I actually planning on getting a Triumph Street Triple R. I’m 34 years old, and reading as much as i can about how you have to ride and treat your motorcycle, and soon i’m gonna strat with the courses before byuing the bike. I hope that i’ll reach your age while riding safely!!
People like you inspire us!
Thank you

By: Jerry

Jerry — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 23:38:14 +0000

I also wonder when the time will come, it is my life. I get out as much as I can and that isn’t enough. Hundreds of thousands of miles, yet over the last few years I have also started to change some of my thoughts about safety. I avoid riding with people I consider a hazard, I bought a vented jacket so I am never bare skinned, I moved to DOT helmet and it goes on. Thankfully Polaris has put out some pretty cool three wheelers and maybe Harley, will have some as well by the time I wan’t to give up the 2 wheels.

By: Charley Blunt

Charley Blunt — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 00:52:26 +0000

I forgot to mention that I did an Ironbutt SaddleSore 1000, last yr ( 1000 miles in 24 hours) and an Ironbutt Buttburner 1500 Gold along with teh untold road miles rode thruout the year..

Quiting is not an option..:)