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

[Banned_imp]

Around here there are two distinct groups of riders that I worry about whenever I see them, saw one today from the first group and thought she was going to crash for sure.

That first group being the "empty nest riders" where now that kids are gone the wife decides to take up riding and join the hubby on his motorcycle adventures. Unfortunately most don't rack up the requisite miles to be proficient before setting off x country on her new BMW. The one I saw today was from Québec and I have no idea how she made it this far. No offense meant to women riders in general who as a whole are quite safe.

The second is the most dangerous (I can think of several recent examples just in my small town of 1100), the "bucket list riders". These are the guys and gals who for whatever reason waited until much later in life to take up riding, they also tend to let their ego get in the way when selecting their first bike (a 500 is for teenagers!). You will never convince me that 60 is a good time to learn how to ride - eyesight, reflexes, muscle tone/strength are all in decline. Those of us who grew up riding can to a certain extant mitigate those declines with experience and muscle memory but even we can identify we aren't the riders we once were. If we can see this in ourselves what does that mean for those who don't have those skills?

I suppose my views may not be popular amongst many here but I call them like I see them and believe that "political correctness" is a form of communism.

[the Ferret]

You are right about those over 60 losing skills, reflexes, eyesight, hearing, timing, strength etc, ... It's all part of the aging process. At 68, I have certainly noticed it in myself, and realize my skills are not what they were 20 years ago. I ride almost every day, all year round, which helps keep my skills as sharp as they can be for my age, and I certainly ride "less risky" than I did in my 40's. With regards to bucket list riders, I can't imagine someone taking up motorcycling in their 60's. It may have been a life long dream, but nature has put such a handicap on you, it's a really risky proposition.

[Guth_imp]

Quite honestly, I think a number of skills begin to decline before the age of 60. However I also feel that the wisdom and intuition gained over the course of many years of riding continue to grow long past that age and help to compensate for such losses to a large degree. But at the point when the physical decline gets bad enough, or when both sides of this equation begin to decline to some degreee then it's probably time to start having some tough internal conversation that most do not look forward to.

[riggies_imp]

Quite honestly, I think a number of skills begin to decline before the age of 60. However I also feel that the wisdom and intuition gained over the course of many years of riding continue to grow long past that age and help to compensate for such losses to a large degree. But at the point when the physical decline gets bad enough, or when both sides of this equation begin to decline to some degreee then it's probably time to start having some tough internal conversation that most do not look forward to.

It seems to me the answer to that question around my parts seems to be “buy a trike.”

I hope I never have to buy a trike.

[postoak_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.

[misterprofessionality]

Quite honestly, I think a number of skills begin to decline before the age of 60. However I also feel that the wisdom and intuition gained over the course of many years of riding continue to grow long past that age and help to compensate for such losses to a large degree. But at the point when the physical decline gets bad enough, or when both sides of this equation begin to decline to some degreee then it's probably time to start having some tough internal conversation that most do not look forward to.

It seems to me the answer to that question around my parts seems to be “buy a trike.”

I hope I never have to buy a trike.

me either, i'll just buy bikes with fatter and fatter rear tires :-p

[use2b_imp]

I will never own a Trike . Our Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Leonard B. Keller of Pensacola died on a Goldwing Trike in a curve.
those things do not turn like a motorcycle.
instead I plan on building a water cooled mobility scooter with a small to mid size engine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy5rkw4SeP4

[jdinaz_imp]

They say we start losing our sense of balance in our mid forties, I'm 20 years past that and it is what I notice the most. Being aware of it and taking measures to compensate help, but it's not what it used to be.

[Django]

This problem of awkward riders might be prone to the USA.

Here in Germany we have to do hard lessons (theoretical and practical) to get a driving licence for Motorcycle. Altogether that would cost you approx 1,300 Euro.

Then, the first 2 years the newcomers are restricted to ride not more than 48 hp, to build up experience. To get the unlimited licence after those 2 years, you had to do an additional practical test.

Well, kinda pricey, but at the other hand there is more safe traffic .

That said, loosing abilities when aging is another true story.

[the Ferret]

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.