Riding into the 70's

[active1951_imp]

So tomorrow marks 2 years since I first started this thread. Still riding at 76, though both the CB1100 and the Fury are gone, both having been traded in on my second Harley, a 2019 Sport Glide. I'm still around on this forum, just more lurking than posting. I've seen some new members come and some old members go, and I've been wondering if any of the newer members have any inspirational tales to share, or if any of the older members care to contribute or update those previously-related memories...

I am 69yo, recently went from Harley Low Rider to CB1100.

So far, I am quite inspired by the CB. Sure is much better than those older inline-4s, with those 4 carburetors ......

I live in Brunswick Georgia. You watching those hurricanes lining up?

[michael1954]

I just retired and I turn 66 on the 25th this month. I will tell you and it is true. Teaching 'kids' these past 34 years as kept me very young at heart and I believe in body as well. Just conversing with them daily kept me tuned into what kids do nowadays, and they mostly love my 'old' rock music. Most think I am about 50, bless their hearts, but something has kept many wrinkles off of me. Genetics? I like to think it is their young energy I have tapped into for over 3 decades. And now for my motorcycles. They all seem to love them, and I have actually turned several of them onto riding them. They think if I can ride, they certainly, they can too. They seem drawn mostly to the Kawasaki than either CB. Girls seem to like the EX better.
But, reading your comments here makes me feel even better. Knowing that I may be riding 10 years from now keeps from thinking I was at the end of my love of riding. Thanks guys!

[decarmine_imp]

I just retired and I turn 66 on the 25th this month. I will tell you and it is true. Teaching 'kids' these past 34 years as kept me very young at heart and I believe in body as well. Just conversing with them daily kept me tuned into what kids do nowadays, and they mostly love my 'old' rock music. Most think I am about 50, bless their hearts, but something has kept many wrinkles off of me. Genetics? I like to think it is their young energy I have tapped into for over 3 decades. And now for my motorcycles. They all seem to love them, and I have actually turned several of them onto riding them. They think if I can ride, they certainly, they can too. They seem drawn mostly to the Kawasaki than either CB. Girls seem to like the EX better.
But, reading your comments here makes me feel even better. Knowing that I may be riding 10 years from now keeps from thinking I was at the end of my love of riding. Thanks guys!

...and I read Rocky's comments whenever I think I'm getting near the end. He's going strong at 82 so I guess I, too, may have at least another half dozen years.

[Rox_imp]

I've been reading lots of posts lately where it seems the person posting is at least 70 years old -- and at least one (Rocky) into his 80's

I'm 74 years old and have been riding about 50 years -- even did the Iron Butt (1100 miles in 19 hours) a couple years ago. I expect I'll be riding at least several more years -- just sold my Wide Glide and bought a Honda Fury to go along with my CB1100.

How about all you old-timers taking a little time to give a little of your history, number of years riding, memorable experiences, hopes for the future, or anything else that pops into your minds...

Let's make this inspirational for those younger riders...

I did similar. I bought my CB to compliment my Valkyrie. But I'm in my 40s.
The CB1100 is VERY 70s tech with exception of the fuel injection, the brakes and a few other small touches.

[Wisedrum]

I just retired and I turn 66 on the 25th this month. I will tell you and it is true. Teaching 'kids' these past 34 years as kept me very young at heart and I believe in body as well. Just conversing with them daily kept me tuned into what kids do nowadays, and they mostly love my 'old' rock music. Most think I am about 50, bless their hearts, but something has kept many wrinkles off of me. Genetics? I like to think it is their young energy I have tapped into for over 3 decades. And now for my motorcycles. They all seem to love them, and I have actually turned several of them onto riding them. They think if I can ride, they certainly, they can too. They seem drawn mostly to the Kawasaki than either CB. Girls seem to like the EX better.
But, reading your comments here makes me feel even better. Knowing that I may be riding 10 years from now keeps from thinking I was at the end of my love of riding. Thanks guys!

This is good description of what I experienced over some decades working with and teaching young people. And still do. Nothing can walk more on your nerves but spread great joy too. This fountain of youth. Kids can show you how the interest for life can be kept. Always. It's not a matter of age.

Mostly when they know that I ride motorbikes and I tell them about it, sometimes show pictures or even the bikes, they like these retros. Some would like to ride too, but there are a lot of reasons why they will not do it. Their hindering parents, money, too lazy for making a driving license, wrong imaginations about motorbike riding that don't fit reality and so on and so on. So it will stay a dream for nearly most of the interested ones. But so what, sometimes dreams, that don't come true, are the best ones.

[cooldrum_imp]

I responded to this thread about 2 years ago almost to the day. If we are blessed with good health and our skills are still sharp for riding, why stop? When I swing a leg over and fire up the bike to go for a ride. It still feels fresh and engaging. Other than I'm riding the CB and not my previous bikes.

On Youtube there's a channel called "TheMightyGarage" a sub topic is "Tales from the cul-de-sac." Look up the '74 CB750 in orange and you'll see me sharing my story on the Honda. Mike is a friend of mine and this is his channel. Though he features British Iron, he's branched out to feature other brands. Enjoy the bikes.

I know, eventually I'll age out of riding someday. Until I make that choice, I'll keep on truck'n and enjoying the roads around the PNW. Cheers!

[pekingduck]

I started riding 50 years ago, just starting junior college. My first real job was assembling bikes in a Honda shop, and it's been motorcycles ever since. Back in the '70s, we put crash bars ("don't call them crash bars, they're safety bars") chrome racks with backrests, and windshields and fairings on customers' bikes.

We were young and stupid then, and that stuff was dead weight. We took centerstands off, put 4-into-1s on, along with low bars, K-81s and S&W shocks. I could see then that as people matured, comfort and safety were more important than speed and style. I was not looking forward to those days.

Nowadays, among the 3 bikes I'm regularly riding (not including the scooter - a separate embarrassment) all have the stock upright bars, 1 has a bar riser, heated grips, "engine guards (safety bars)" a rack and Givi cases. The other 2 have seats with more padding, and either a rack or a tail trunk. I even sold my 2014 Std so I could buy a 2017 with more mufflers.

I guess I have another 10 years riding, hopefully more. When that time comes, hopefully I'll look forward to a 20 mph tilting wheelchair. Gonna need my helmet for that.

[the Ferret]

I'm only 68 so have a couple years to go to get into the elite 70 group.

Started street riding in 1965 and have ridden most days since.

Bought a new Sportster in 1994 and had to put a deposit, pay retail plus and wait 6 months to get it from Harley Davidson of Cincinnati (where I bought my fist bike in 1965)

Well, a couple of months ago I joined the 70+ club, and still riding every day. Still have my 14 Dlx which now has 54,000 miles on it and my 18 FJR Yamaha which I have put 33,000 miles on.

Hoping to ride a few more years yet.