Ever worry about a stranger after seeing them on a motorcycle?

[Banned_imp]

Hey! I was a bucket list rider (took it up at 65) and its worked out fine (so far, knock on wood), perhaps partially because at 6'1" and 195 pounds even at my age I have some strength. Just don't ride at your limits and use the wisdom you have gained with years and you should be okay.

Poastoak, it can and does obviously work out for some people... like yourself., and I wish you continued good health, and many years of riding. Not everyone is so lucky and I know riders younger than us (I'm 68) that should not be riding at all due to a deterioration of skills..maybe shouldn't even be driving a car lol. I'm sure you know some like that. The accident rates among older motorcyclists is skyrocketing mainly due to men coming back to riding after an long absence and buying too large and too powerful motorcycles. At least that is what I have read.

Then there are guys like forum member Rocky, who at 81 or 82 are still in good health, still active and in command of their mental and physical facilities and still riding. I can't see me living to 81 much less riding then. No one in my family has ever made it to 80. I'm shooting for 70. If I make that, if I'm still doing well, I will raise the bar a couple of years. If my skills deteriorate too much, I pray I have the strength to park the bike.

It's funny my wife and I were out for a ride last weekend and coming towards us were 5 older gray haired riders, no helmets, all on Harley's and she and I both wondered if they were long time riders or bucket list riders.

Poastoak, it can and does obviously work out for some people... like yourself., and I wish you continued good health, and many years of riding. Not everyone is so lucky and I know riders younger than us (I'm 68) that should not be riding at all due to a deterioration of skills..maybe shouldn't even be driving a car lol. I'm sure you know some like that. The accident rates among older motorcyclists is skyrocketing mainly due to men coming back to riding after an long absence and buying too large and too powerful motorcycles. At least that is what I have read.

Then there are guys like forum member Rocky, who at 81 or 82 are still in good health, still active and in command of their mental and physical facilities and still riding. I can't see me living to 81 much less riding then. No one in my family has ever made it to 80. I'm shooting for 70. If I make that, if I'm still doing well, I will raise the bar a couple of years. If my skills deteriorate too much, I pray I have the strength to park the bike.

It's funny my wife and I were out for a ride last weekend and coming towards us were 5 older gray haired riders, no helmets, all on Harley's and she and I both wondered if they were long time riders or bucket list riders.
Yes, there will always be outliers but anecdotal evidence doesn't subvert hard data which as Ferret says shows older riders are making up a larger percentage of accident stats - which is a relatively new phenomenon.

As a young inexperienced rider, superior reflexes, eyesight and strength can make up for that lack of experience and get you out of some bad situations. Conversely, as an older experienced rider you draw on that experience to make up for your deteriorating reactions/skills. If you have neither you are really starting off with a handicap already built in.

Recent example here, local teacher decided to get her motorcycle license at 50 and join her husband and 9 year old daughter on a family trip to the Grand Canyon. On her first ride after the safety course she missed a turn (very easy turn, unknown why she missed it) a mile from home and hit a rock. She lived just long enough for her daughter to watch her die.

At this point I'm hoping to make to 50 riding but take it one day at a time. I no longer take my wife on my bike as the extra is weight is too much. I definitely wouldn't buy a trike but I have ridden a Spyder and it is good option for those that can't stay on 2 wheels anymore but I'm already prepared for that with my sidecar.