I'm a 66 year old woman, built close to the ground and ride a Honda Rebel 300. It weighs less than 400 lbs. I can flat foot and pick it up fairly easily. After 2017, the foot positions moved back from the usual cruiser forward position and it is a lot more comfortable for me. I sit more upright with my legs and feet directly underneath. Better for my back and neck. Love the ride!
100% I'm downgrading to a 300cc scooter. 🤣🤣During a recent trip to Thailand where I drove scooters, I realized I had more fun on a "lowly" scooter than I had on any of my other bike for many years.
I'm 83 and just sold my Honda rebel 500,the best bike I've ever owned. Three months ago ,I saw this Indian, my heart melted,and I bought it. It was the worst decision I ever made. It's like riding a steam roller. Very hard suspension.
I appreciate your wisdom here. Retired police officer who has attended many crashes. I also commute daily and have no car. I still feel the bikes listed are too big and frankly overpowered. I agree on the comfort aspect of the adventure style of bike but just traded my G310GS for a Royal Enfield Classic 350. Both great bikes! Keep up the great work and be safe.
I agree with the overpowered thing. Riding across Canada on a Virago 750, I was often the SMALLEST bike on the road. But you don't NEED anything over 750 - I've done tons of touring on a 400.
300-750 cc are good for around town and light cruising, but out on the highway keeping up speed and power while maintaining rider comfort they are lacking. Plus lets be honest; most of us in N. America are well over 200 lbs which further adds to that underperformance. I think 900-1300 cc is more reasonable if you are interested in a lot of highway touring. Which circles back to the reasons for his recommendations in this vid.
@@shep68 I went across Canada on a Virago 750 (I weigh 210 lb and I had a LOT of baggage). I've toured all over BC, Wash and Oregon on a 400. So yeah, there's no problem touring on the highway with under 750.
I am now 70. Started riding 60 years ago and have had probably around 30 bikes. The biggest was a Road King which was too heavy to do anything fun. All it was good for was cruising on the highway. I now have a DRZ 400 and a BMW F800GS, which is still too heave for rough roads, rocks, sand etc. It is true we are different when older but that only means we must recognize it and adjust. I am a much safer rider than I ever was when I was younger and I ride ever day until winter in the Utah mountains. If people ride with a passenger then they both must face the fact they are adding danger. If you ride in urban areas you also must live with added risk. I know my reaction time is now slower. When I approach an intersection where others can pull in to my path. I have my foot and hand on the brake preloaded and ready. I also look for any possible escape paths. On freeways, I stay out of the left lane most of the time where things are moving at 75 - 80 MPH. I stay in the right lane where I have a chance to bail out if something happens. If I need to pass, to get to a safe spot, I get on the power and do it quickly then move right again. I can’t believe how many I see cruising in the center lane boxed in where 1 person makes a mistake and they get taken out. Forget about age issues and learn how to minimize risk as best you can and that goes for young riders also.
me too 60years of riding the first thing when I turned 15 was get a motorcycle endorsement been having fun ever since as far as what motorcycle I can ride is everyone built
I am a 76 yr old rider! I love to ride and listen to music. I started riding at 74 on my birthday. Bought a Honda shadow 750 and after about a year felt that it was too heavy for my old man leg strength and looked for a light Rebel 1100. Just for all the things you mentioned and that made all the difference in my riding comfort and ability. I love to ride and found all the things you say to be true for me too! It's great to ride and dropping the weight of the bike helped me to stay onboard! Great info from you!
I am the same as you... too dang old to lift anything anymore and I "ain't gonna ride 3 wheels"...ha. I just checked out a Honda Rebel 1100 ABS '"Standard" model with the manual clutch. I think it's perfect for me... time to ditch my Suzuki!
@@baddriver3580 Thanks for commenting! I ride the Rebel 1100 DCT, and i love it! You can shift manually if you want or let the bike decide!!! Best of both worlds, once you get used to it. Go to a Honda dealer and ride one! Then decide... best wishes for a lot more miles!
its been a few months since you commented so you might not see this. Thank you sooooo much for your comment. I am 61, just got my mc license and looking for a bike. Evertime I saw someone say they were old and riding they were in there 50s. A lot just got old while riding. Could not find anyone my age just starting out like me. Seems like everyone I talk to about riding say either you will have fun or you are going to die. I am really excited about getting on one but I go back and forth on wether this is a foolish idea or not. You are an inspiration to me. Keep riding.
After years on Harleys, I kept an old Softail and bought an Yamaha Tracer as everyday transport. At 67 years old and riding for more than 50, I was surprised by the amount of pleasure we can get from an lighter bike.
As an older rider, (67), thank you for one of the most sensible and thought provoking motorcycle videos on youtube. I made the mistake of going too small and while small bikes are OK in town they are dangerous outside city limits when you cant get out of the way of cars and trucks. The small bike is gone, replaced by a Kawasaki W800 which is a delight to ride.
Small doesn't have to be impotent. I'm 61 and have 30" inseam. I do multi day rides on a Suzuki GSX-S1000F. 470 lbs and 150HP. SW Motech Blaze bags and a Nelson Rigg trail bag. Easy to ride and reach the ground. I also have a Kawi Z900. 430lbs and 125HP. Nimble and fun. I don't have a passenger, tho may be a consideration for others.
I decided after trying to pick up my 800 pound Harley, I was going to make a change. In my younger days I loved performance type motorcycles for every kind of riding I did. So I looked into the naked bikes and found 400 pounders from all the big brands. Long story short I bought a Yamaha MT09 and am loving it. 417 lbs with everything topped off, nimble as a cat and a good riding position. Wish I done it earlier!
I had the newer version of that bike. Twitchy in the low end but so much fun. Really enjoyed it. Rode it from Seattle to Phoenix and home again! Had it 2 years but was stolen a week after Phoenix run. That bike was Crazy fast had gr8 brakes and delivered a lot of good times!!
@@kevincraig8257 The Tracer GT Plus is very nice and if I was touring only I would have bought one. It is basically a MT09 with a lot of added plastic and a touch less power. Also it has 45 or so pounds of additional weight located high up on the bike. That weight will go up if you load the bags. If you drop it you best call your bank as it’s going to be expensive. The reason I like the MT09 so much is it is simple. With the crash protection I put on mine, a tip over or a light drop won’t harm or damage anything. When I am out local cruising I have a light buzz bomb that’s free of all encumbering unneeded items. I also have a better power to weight ratio for playing. “I am old school”, on a trip all I need is my tank bag and my little roll bag. I stop at a hotel every 3 or 4 days and do laundry etc.
I'm 66 and that's an easy question: The best machine for people my age is the Can Am Spider R/T Limited hands down. That machine combines the best of motorcycling and snowmobiling in one machine and can't fall over. Combined with it's three cylinder 1330 Rotax Ace (advanced combustion efficiency) engine and push button liquid sump 6 speed automatic transmission, it's a premium piece and handles very well. You up-shift with a button and downshift with either a button, or it automatically downshifts itself. It's another world actually and it works great. I've had two of them. First with the twin, and now with the triple. At 27,000 dollars, it's not cheap, but neither is anything else. (My 2019 was 33 with Nav) The Canadians have done a very good job on it. Check one out if you can find one. And good luck with that; they sell out every year. The Harley trike looks like a giant mobility scooter. I don't care what anyone says. My Honda Goldwing at 1,000 lbs got too heavy for me. I've been riding cross country since I was 18 and snowmobiling took out my back. The Can Am is perfect and I would recommend the Can Am Ryker 900 Ace triple for the ladies or small men. They handle even better and are about 15,000 dollars. A far cry from 27 thousand.
I am almost 69 years old, and started riding at 13, in 2020 got a BMW f900xr which is considered a sport touring bike. It weighs around 480lbs fully fueled, and after having the seat modified by a local, I can ride it for 10+ hours without feeling tired of worn out. I have made many 1200 mile trips on it, and it has been an absolute pleasure compared to my old HD's. It is sleek, fast, agile, comfortable, good on gas and has more than enough horsepower to do anything I want. I have had over 40 bikes over the years and having owned and ridden this one for 3 years and 29000 miles I think it is the best so far. At least at my age. Only time will tell where I go from here but I will not buy a bike over 500lbs again, it is a huge difference to your ridding experience.
@@dennishardy4402 If I am riding just in town and taking it easy I get around 48 -50 mpg. If i am riding mostly highway and going about 65 -70mph i get around 50-55 mpg. If I am in the canyons with lots of twists and turns and not acting like like its race day I have gotten as much as 62mpg. My current avg with about 24k mile on mine is at 50.1 mpg.
I'm 73 and 2 yrs into riding after 40 years off. I have a bad back and shoulders. I considered a lot of different bikes and landed on a 2009 Kaw. Vulcan 900 Classic with low mileage. It's listed at around 635 lbs. On the road,it doesn't feel any heavier than a dirt bike. Very easy to handle in tight curves, and is very reliable. I did all the usual upgrades, the last being a Mustang seat with backrest. That seat has made a world of difference to my riding day! Just came back from riding in Texas on 75-80 MPH roads. The Vulcan handled that speed with ease. And still got 40 MPG. My brother got a 2015 Honda Shadow Phantom 750 this summer. It's about 100 lbs lighter and a little smaller, but ran those same roads with no sweat. He's still working on a comfortable seat. Thanks for a great video! You nailed the subject!
I'm 73, sold my Vulcan 900 LT about 6 years ago. I got the itch again and bought another one 2007Vulcan 900 LT. This bike rides so nice and it's really not too heavy. I love riding it and my wife joins me sometimes. As you get older I think you have to have the mindset that you're not going to get involved with someone else's bad decisions. I try to be a super defensive driver.
@@sjbowman2560 Took mine out to Ark a couple weeks ago. It performed flawlessly in the mountains. No overheat-comfortable, and did everything I asked of it.
The best medicine against an aging body physically is resistance training. As a personal trainer and former powerlifter I'm happy to hear you're in the gym working out. That is an incredibly important message to spread. If this is of interest to you, I highly suggest you take a look at all the data about resistance training and how it slows down the effects of getting older - it's incredible. The closest we'll ever get to a fountain of youth.
I agree! I have been doing it since I was 15 years old. Not always consistently, but it makes you feel better, look better and stay stronger so you can do the things you love, like riding.
Gotta agree. Am 66 with a professional strength trainer. Huge difference in reducing pain and functional fitness for everyday living. Not fun workouts because a good trainer will take you way farther than no-training time in the gym, but the results make the discomfort totally worth it.
I am 73, and still ride, but not so much as I used to. I never liked the freeway, but preferred Cafe Racers and the California hillsides. Resistance training is a big help! I've been doing Internal Martial Arts since I was a teenager (Aikido, Tai-Chi, Pa-Kua) but it doesn't do much for strength. I began weights in earnest in my twenties, but kept overdoing it and injuring myself. Now I own a set of dumbbells and a dumbbell bench (no rack) and have again found that balance of Internal and External. It works for me.
Another informative and helpful video. I’m 74 and a retired motor cop. My particular department had Harley-Davidson road kings. They were excellent bikes for slow speed maneuverability and traffic work. At the time, my personal bike was an ‘06 Goldwing. My Bride and I traveled all over our great country on it while pulling a motorcycle friendly pop up trailer. It was an excellent and reliable touring bike. I’m 2014, while making our way east from Yellowstone, back to Michigan, we decided to stop to check out Sturgis. As we pulled into town, there was a large banner at the Indian motorcycle display announcing Indian Motorcycle demo rides. After standing in line for nearly an hour, I got to ride a new 2014 Chieftain. I got to ride a Springfield and a Scout, before we left. After taking those rides, I was hooked! I waited until 2017, before I purchased a new 2017 Roadmaster! I still have it and after over 61 thousand miles later, it runs the same as when I first bought bought it. The only thing I’ve had to replace on it, other than several pair of tires, is a battery and voltage regulator. Since I’ve retired from law enforcement, I’ve been to the Atlantic and Pacific four times and have blessed to have been able to ride through 48 states. As it’s been said, as long as I can still pick up my bike, I’ll keep riding my iron steed all over the place!
No, not really. When that day comes where I can’t control my bike in slow speed maneuvers, l’ll probably be close to 80 years old. God willing, I’ll be contented with all of my wonderful riding memories and become a proficient porch monkey!
61,000 miles since 61 years old, now 74 yrs and still going! I'd say that's the right bike 👍😎✊ Me 67yrs old w/ 2008 Goldwing.. keeps on going, , carriers all my gear, handles like a ballerina.
I have three bikes. One I’ve owned for 48 yrs. It’s under 500 lbs. and still a blast to ride. Then I have a sidecar motorcycle, my wife’s favorite. My third is a Harley Street Glide Special. That’s a rolling couch. Big and comfortable. It handles well but it does take a certain amount of strength to handle. Depending on where you live and the type of riding you do I feel it’s important to have the motor power to stay with traffic and get out of the way if needed. Royal Enfield has come up with several models that are reasonably priced and fit the bill for smaller and lighter. Their 650 engine is wonderful and their 350 singles are great as well.
Your on it! I’m in my mid 50’s and went to a Triumph Tiger 1200 three years ago from a HD Ultra Limited and it’s been life changing. Can ride further and in much more comfort. Riding a bike that is almost 250 lbs lighter with better safety tech has been a game changer. I have almost tripled the miles I ride each year and actually tour rather than riding to bike nights!
@@Donfleebie1I'm 61 now and I bought my ultra classic when I was 50 and I can definitely feel the difference now when the bike is loaded with camping gear and a passenger. On the highway riding the ultra classic is awesome but any slow or tight maneuvering that is when the weight becomes more than apparent.. I had many awesome years on that HD but I know it's time to down size .
@@Donfleebie1What makes the higher weight beneficially to rider safety, though? Does the twisties handling get better with weight? Does the braking distance get shorter with higher weight? Does the lean angle get better with more weight?
@@kwakithailand IMO, the higher weight is beneficial for long highway miles. It’s like how you feel after a 600 mile day in a Cadillac, as opposed to a lightweight econobox.
Tiger 900 GT Low - 770/790 mm (30.3" to 31.1") unladen seat height. With reasonably long travel suspension, compared to most road bikes, the SAG will bring this seat height way down.
@@csiautodetail Not so much on Triumph 900 gt low because it comes from the factory this way. True, you get a little lower suspension, maybe 3 instead of 4 inches, but the ergonomics are pretty much the same. Easy to handle, rides like a scooter, comes in under 500 lbs and is great for people 5’5” or shorter!
I am 67 and changed from a Harley CVO Streetglide to a BMW R1200 GS which is about 300 lbs lighter and allows for some dirt roads to see something new. My friend and I road our Harley’s to Alaska in 2022 and it was Hard riding on over 100 miles of gravel, dirt and mud road construction. We impressed with all the adventure bikes and switched. In 2023 we went off road some in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado. Lots of fun and less stress.
The fact that a 1200 GS is 300 lbs lighter than a Street Glide really says something. About BMW or Harley, I don't know, but it says something. I am 65, after 50 years on bikes I ride a Triumph Tiger 800 XCA (Adventure bike) for my long distance bike, and have a 1972 BMW R75/5 to keep my wrenching skills up to date. I am sure it was very dependable 50 years ago and maybe someday it will be again ;-)
Something that you can take into consideration is the maxi scooters. I purchased a used one about 3 months ago and it keeps up well with traffic and is fun to ride.
Agree 100%. I'm 64 riding a Piaggio BV350. Lots of storage, easy to manoeuvre, and only 177kg. Will still cruise at 130+ km/hr. Way easier than the Honda VFR800 was and that's considered a Sport Touring bike. Adventure bikes are too tall for me.
Absolutely! I have arthritis in both hands and gout in my left foot. At 66 I’m still plenty strong enough to hold a bike up, but with all that shifting there’s pain. So I bought a Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive. I rode a friends and instantly fell in love with it! Bought one of my own a week later. I can’t stop riding it. Just twist and go with 56 screaming horsepower.
@@leehart1498 Nice. I have a Suzuki Burgman 650. I never thought the day would come when I’d be on a maxi scooter. But old age and a fixed income made it the perfect bike for most any travel. I’ve taken it across the country twice. Best of luck in your travels. And stay safe out there!
At 68 years old and only 5'6" and after 30+ bikes over the years I absolutely love my DR650 which is in the mid 300's empty and has made it a live on full time platform. 35,000 miles in the last 8 months. Zero problems and the ability to take me anywhere which is needed when you need to camp free living and riding on a 35.00 /day ssi budget..
Very nice assessment of us getting older. I’m 70 and just downsized from a 1200Rt to a 650 Vstrom. Took 100 lbs of and really enjoy the difference. Around town it is a breeze to ride. Great fun
You’re bang on right. After 60, heavy bikes aren’t easy to maneuvre as our capabilities do go downstream. I’ve been riding for 54 years and admit enthusiasm and control has declined and silly judgements are becoming greater. Now I‘ve switched to lighter medium size machines and steer on easy adventures. A boxer needs to hang up his gloves before he gets knocked out! Careful happy riding!
My choice (I’m in my mid-fifties) is a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. It’s under 500 lbs (437 dry weight) and is a modern classic style. I’ve loaded it with saddle bags and gone on fully self contained camping trips with it. It has a 31.1 seat height and has lots of accessories. I have a quick release wind screen (large for touring and a dark shorty for around town or just carving the twisties). Royal Enfield has lots of other viable options and styles too. And of course, I still have my WR250r for when I need a dirt fix. I rode with a guy for 3 days at an off road rally this summer who was 72 and had a CRF300L rally version. He did great.
@@ChadWinters congrats. Upgrading might depend on how and where you ride it. The interceptor has the extra power I need for riding in the mountains out west. And it’s good on the interstate but I try to avoid that if possible. Also, right now they are $1000 off (at least at my local dealer) and are a super deal. The 2022s are $4,999 and 2023 $5,399. My dealer let me test ride the ones I was interested in and i fell in love immediately. Can’t go wrong with any of them in my opinion. I may add the new 450 Himalayan (not specked or released yet) to the stable for off-road if it meets expectations. Later!
@@Argo-F-Ur-Sef The Interceptor is an awesome bike. The who Royal Enfield line is super sexy in the classic look. I really hope they do a 650 Classic soon. I'd drop coin on that model pronto.
Royal Enfield has introduced their crusier version of the interceptor this year, The Super Meteor 650, although I have yet to see one, which I would think would be a good choice for geezers or new riders that like the cruiser style.
Good advice. I had a Yamaha TDM900 for eighteen years, but I was finding it too heavy for me, also struggled to back it out of the garage and was worried about dropping it, so I treated myself to a Royal Enfield 350 Hunter for my 80th birthday. Great little bike, it has made riding fun again.
I appreciated the mortality stats. However one stat was missing. Helmets and protective gear. I live in a helmet optional state and the vast majority of riders without helmets are older guys on Harleys. The young guys on their sport bikes have their helmet and gear. As a former trauma surgeon I know helmets save lives. I am 63 and personally ride a Vulcan S. 500 pounds, low seat, more power than anyone my age needs and fun to ride.
I'm 69, been riding for decades and totally agree with your point. I ride shorts and tee shirts but, helmets have saved my life twice. I've never been to a doctor or hospital for a motorcycle injury, never hit another vehicle on the road and never allowed one to hit me. I would say a lot of the fatalities he's talking about are; rides 600 miles a year, no helmet, rides a motorcycle just like they're driving a car, never uses the front brake and drinks when they ride. Did you know that motorcycle fatalities are the highest percentage while under the influence of all vehicle groups?
Also, alcohol/drugs play a major role in motorcycle deaths. A lighter/smaller bike helps as most deaths occur as riders fail to judge their entry speed into corners and over-shoot the turn; bigger is just more challenging in that situation.
You could also add rider training, many older riders get back into riding after the kids have gotten older, and don’t re-train. Yes, they then get the big heavy touring bikes and want to live out their bad boy days again.
I’ve been riding street bike now for over 4 years, coming off of dirt bikes. I raced and rode off-road for decades, which came with it’s fair share of injuries. Some pretty serious and some not so. Dirt bike riding was an adrenaline rush. Since switching to street bikes, first a Yamaha Super Tenere (600#) which I still ride to a recently purchased Kawasaki Voyager (900#). Both bikes are heavy bikes, and you have to respect that. I do not ride in town. I’ve learned that some drivers do not like motorcycle riders, I think my dirt bike skills gave me a one up on safety. Recently came back from a ~3000 mile multi-state ride with my oldest, he rides a Victory Cross Country. Both my bikes have racked up the miles, because I ride them. Even when I rode my dirt bikes to my street bikes it’s ATGATT always. Keep up on your skills and be vigilant.
A very wise discussion, and thank you for it. 70 here, living in Australia, and 61 years into 'my motorcycling life', with never a year off. I have been obsessed with motorcycles' weight for most of that time, and have reduced the weight of most of my bikes, and believe that 'if you can't pick it up, you shouldn't be riding it'. None of my bikes exceeded about 450 lbs (204 kgs) fully fuelled to begin with, until my new Honda 750 Transalp, a bike I bought to replace/augment my ageing Cagiva Elefant 750. The Honda isn't as light as my (modified) Elefant (and nowhere near as light as my extensively modded Ducati sports bike) but it is fairly ideal within the criteria you describe for 'older riders'. It belongs on your list, as it has been built with lightness (and older riders?) in mind. And importantly, it is happy at any speed - fast or slow. I too am just over 5' 9". I should add that I worked on motorcycles as my job for much of my working life (more recently working in health care) and have done many miles by bike. And have had mainly Ducatis since 1974... Simply removing the amazingly heavy Honda rear rack takes 7 kgs (15 lbs) weight from high on its rear, taking it down from 208 kgs (458.5 lbs) to 201 kgs (443 lbs) and I will be making a lighter replacement. So now it is already lighter than its competitors (from Yamaha and Aprilia) which don't come with a rear rack (and oddly, is much lighter than the Suzuki alternative) although for off-road use it needs an engine bash-plate, which it doesn't come with. A few lbs to add there. I bought the bike with some reservations, but after 2,500 kms (about 1600 mi?) it is definitely growing on me. I will continue with the lightening process - lithium battery, alloy spacers, lightweight fasteners and so on. I believe it is worth adding to your list of recommended models in this context, and is a very smooth and inexpensive alternative. It can happily 'see where that dirt road goes' - many unmade roads around here - the exhaust note is pleasant, and the fuel economy is just remarkable.
I bought a Sachs 650 Roadster for my wife who started riding at age 56. Of all the bikes she owned it was her favourite. At 156 kgs is was very light and with 100+mph performance you could take it anywhere. The engine was a (bullet proof ) 650cc Suzuki DRZ and the frame was designed by Fritz Egli and made in Germany. There was an 800cc version with Suzuki Boulevard engine but only available in Europe. Comfortable and a perfect bike for an older rider. After nearly twenty years she has given up riding. She never liked pillioning.
I’m 59 and i went to an adventure bike but I realized that if you go off-road and you will it’s hard to resist . But you will go down and picking up that bike depending on the weight might be a challenge. I have a T7 and got a KLX300 which I was having a blast on super light and great off-road but a little lacking for highway speeds. The thing is I got too cocky riding it when I did a huge wheelie and lost it. Now I am out for at least a year until I get back in the saddle again because of my injuries. So just remember to respect the bike and your old ass abilities when you go lighter peace.
The wheelie was intentional?! Dude, you’re 59. Gotta cut that stuff out! Pray you’ll be all healed up and riding again soon (but no more off-roading or wheelies at our age!) Cheers from Virginia! t. I’m 57 and riding since 16.
3 years ago, at the tender young age of 73, I went from a Kawasaki Concours 14 to a Versys 1000. 150 lb lighter, and a lot easier to push around the garage.
I have a 1999 Concours it weighs in at about 680 lbs and is very top heavy, but handles well at speed.I bought a 2006 ZX14 nine years ago it is about 150 lbs lighter and with 1inch bar risers and the seat from a later model Concours like yours it is very comfortable, handles great. I don't ride in town much I like country roads and do do love the 185 hp that are on tap when I want it. With bags for it and a tank bag it makes a great sport touring bike. I hardly ever ride the Concours the ZX14 is so much more fun. I wouldn't mind going even lighter with an Aprilia or older model GSXR Suzuki. As long as I am able and have good reflexes I will continue to ride, hope you do too!
I’ve been wanting to downsize from my 2012 Harley FLHTK, to a Goldwing Tour DCT. The BMW 1250RT is on my radar, but I love that DCT and the low center of gravity, and it’s still 100 lbs. less than my Harley. Good video, and I’ll admit that at 73 years old, I don’t have the upper body strength to push the Harley around in and out of the garage. Another plus for the Goldwing with reverse, and slow walking gears.
I get everything you said. I sold my old Hartley fully loaded glide and now I ride the Royal Enfield Super Metor. I can't get NHS knee replacements in England so a lighter bike made sense to me. Especially as my childhood life long partner passed away from covid. So at almost 70 years young I go out and just cruise when I want or need to, just to put my head in the right place when I'm feeling down. I know she's still riding along with me! Happy cruising bro and be safe 👍.
I agree wholeheartedly! I sold my k1600gt and got a 1250gs! Boy what a difference. I’m in my 60’s and the handling is amazing with this lighter bike. Appreciate your comments.
I’m in my mid-50s and love my K1600GT, but being taller helps. I’ve also got experience on the 1250GS. While I’d say the GT handles better overall on the open road, there’s no doubt the GS is much easier to move around a parking lot, maneuver around a garage and at very slow speeds. I can do tight figure 8s all day with a GS. But I do use the optional reverse on the GT in a parking lot when needed. The GS’ very low center of gravity from the boxer engine makes it feel much “shorter” than it is.
Those 1250 GS bikes are still monsters. I have an 800GS and it too is still to heavy for rough dirt roads like in Utah. I may go down to a Yamaha Tenere 700. Someone has got to find a way to build a 400 pound ADV bike.
This gentleman makes a lot of sense. Not talking about lane splitting, getting a knee down or track days. Just making smart choices to extend your your time riding motorcycles. Smart!
Great video. I am eighty and have not ridden since my BMW K1200S got to be too much for me a couple of years ago. I turned to bicycling and found that an electric bike allows me to choose the exact level of work I want to do while getting my exercise, enjoying the outdoors, and retaining my sense of balance on two wheels. I feel so good now that I decided to make an attempt to recapture motorcycling magic on a machine lighter than any sport tourer. After a long look at all of the retro styled bikes I chose the Yamaha XSR 700 and purchased one a few weeks ago. It weighs about 412 pounds wet, is very comfortable and controllable and economical to operate. On the down side, I quickly found that the bicycle is no substitute for motorcycling when it comes to retention of skills. Basically I am a beginner again, even though I still have traffic savvy. I am using the recommended break in schedule for the motorcycle as a way to start off slowly and work my way back to the level of confidence that I need to continue to ride. If I don't get there, I will sell the Yamaha to some lucky biker and hang up my helmet. Your news about the casualty rates for older riders has reinforced to me that I must proceed with caution. Ride safe.
Excellent summary and my exact situation. I single track trail ride on medium level mountain bike courses on an electric trek class 1 that still requires constant pedaling to move. After my congestive heart failure and pacemaker, I needed assist but wanted to still ride. Keeps me fit and outdoors. I still ride my Honda 500 turbo, but its time to sell that I feel. A new DCT maybe....
I agree with what your saying,i went from a v srom 1000 jumped up to a Harley street glide. That bike being a tank didn't work for my wife and i. I actually went down to a scooter lol. I bought a kymco ak 550 touring and we love it with the top box and under seat storage. We have been on big trips and it hauls around at highway speeds with no problem, and by the way we are in are mid 60s
Got my licence at 69 and bought a Honda Rebel 1100 DCT. After a highway trip, I added a Puig wind screen and control extenders to stretch my legs out a bit but still sitting in an upright position, and an Airhawk seat cushion. Regardless, I stop every hour and a half or two hours to get off the bike, refuel, walk around and have a coffee etc. Around town, the DCT in standard mode makes for easy handling, and the cruise control is great on the highway. Running in sport mode is an invitation for speeding tickets;-) I am 5' 7" so love the low seat as I can flat foot it when stopped. At just over 500 lbs, the bike is very easy to handle on the road, and when stopped or moving out of the garage to go for a ride.
When I started riding, I was lusting after a Goldwing, but was intimidated by their size. An experienced riding friend said, "over 5 MPH, the weight of the bike doesn't matter". After 12 years of riding a Goldwing and Vstrom 650, I agree with him. It's all about how hard the bike is to maneuver around parking lots, gas stations, etc. I find the Goldwing just as easy in those situations for 2 reasons. First, I'm on my toes trying to push my Vstrom whereas I have much more leverage w/ the lower seat on the GW. Second, reverse gear on the GW. It's a game changer. No worries about parking slightly downhill or on gravel. My 2 cents.
Yes, I'm starting to get comfortable pushing it from the side. At first, I feared pushing it over, but now I'm getting the hang of it. @@LivingOffTheSlab
@@LivingOffTheSlab I don't see how you can give this comment a heart . He says that a lower bike is better even if heavy because he can flat foot it. Try that on a GS1200. Ask Ewan McGregor how those taller bikes are. Lots of light dual sports are 33" and higher seat height.
Agree with everything you say, after riding big sports kwackers most of my life i gave up for about ten years but after a forced retirement i decided i needed something lighter to get about on just to do the shopping and visiting relatives etc , health issues stopped me doing long journeys anymore ,so at the old age of 62 i bought an old '91 535 virago which i renovated and put a backbox on and throw overs , now at 70 i am still enjoying it, every time i go out it brings a smile to my face , it is used mainly in traffic and is low and light , and is easy to get along with , i don't intend to give up biking till i have to ,and hopefully that will be a few years yet ,lol , keep on riding people ,it keeps you young at heart !!!
I’ve ridden and loved my Harleys for years. I’m 65, and the weight didn’t bother me near as much as the riding position. My back and hips were aching terribly after a ride. I sold the heavy cruiser and bought a Triumph GT Pro. The feet forward riding position looks cool, but I can ride my Tiger all day with very little discomfort. The fact that it’s under 500 lbs. is a bonus, too. My advice is to check your ego and buy a lighter bike. For me, going smaller rekindled the joys of riding. Great video. Ride safe.
At 68 I downsized from a BMW R1200GS Adventure to a Suzuki V-Strom 650T Adventure. After two years of riding the smaller bike, I do not miss the bigger heavier bike. At 70 I put over 13,000 miles on the Wee in 2023.
I rode a Triumph Thunderbird 1600, put 60K miles on it and loved it. However, this past January I traded it for a 2022 Triumph Speedmaster. My wife doesn’t ride with me anymore and the bulk of my riding is within 200 miles of home. I saved about 150 lbs and the better maneuverability makes it easier for me.
Amen to this concept. I'm 66 and went one step further. Went from a 550 lb. bike to a 400 lb. KTM adventure bike. It is so much more maneuverable, making it more enjoyable to ride. And if I drop it while off road, I can easily pick it up. I will be able to ride for many more years.
I’ll be 65 in a couple of weeks and I actually upsized from an F850GS to an R1250GS. Although it’s a heavier bike, it handles lighter with the boxer engine keeping weight low. I appreciate everything said in this video. It’s nice to have content directed toward us ‘gently used’ riders. Keep up the great work
I'm 70 years old and have riden since my teens. I currently have a Honda GL1800, but I'm thinking about downsizing. Maybe a BMW R1200RT?? Great article 👏
I so agree the the BMW R1200GS withe weight low is an easy Bike to ride . I’m 76 and have 29 inch inseam and really like my GS .I have demo a few other most feel top heavy . Planning a trip to out west next summer.
This subject has definitely been on my mind as well. I'm now 69 years old and my 800lb+ beast is wearing on me. Yes, I also workout 5 days a week which helps greatly but doesn't stop the clock. I'm thinking one more year and I'll be down-sizing to a middle weight bike of some kind.
Hello and thanks for this video. I’m 69 and exercise 6 times a week to help stay strong and in health.. We should all do a risk assessment and take measures as required to enjoy activities in relative safety. Good luck to all and ride safe!
I'm 73 and recently downsized to a Kawasaki Eliminator 450 SE ABS, and love it. At 390 lbs and 51 HP, it's easy to handle, comfortable, plenty of speed and torque.
I had not ridden a motorcycle for more than 30 years. After watching Itchy Boots Season 6 by the time I reached episode 35 I decided to buy another motorcycle. I chose a new 2021 Kawasaki Versys 650. I began riding it mid August last year and now have over 18,500 km on it. My last long ride lasted 18 hours from 5:30 am until I got home at 11:30 pm. The night before that ride was spent sleeping on my mat under a tree in Sycamous, B.C. I had arrived late in the evening, long after dark and my tent was wet from the night before. Needless to say, I slept very little and yet spent 18 hours with my bike the next morning. I practice all the time when I ride. I don't take risks, as in speeding where it is not feasible. On the Banff Jasper Parkway, (Hwy 93) I hit 110 m/ph, clocked by an American rider on his BMW 1200 GS. I will be 73 day after Christmas.
I had a Versys 650 for two years. (2018 model) Good overall bike, but one thing I did not like about it: It's VERY top heavy. Made worse by a 5.5 gallon tank...up high to worsen things. Also high seat height...which worsens things more. Slow speed maneuvers are difficult. Controlling it at a stop requires more attention. None of this matters over about 10mph. But it's not a good urban bike. I'm glad you like yours. If you have ridden 18.5k km in one year...you are definitely not doing a lot of urban riding!
Here in the UK...I see a lot of older and /or smaller riders going for a lighter smaller bikes here at a bike meet I saw 5 Royal Enfield Hunters 350 I spoke to some of the riders ..men and women ..all were delighted with their bikes ...easy to get in and out of the garage...easier to ride 100 mpg ....I see these bikes a lot over here they are a big hit 😊
With a lighter motorcycle one is more likely to go more places than one would do on an overly heavy, overly chromed monster machine such as a Harley Davidson. Good looking bikes but much too big and heavy for most riders. Lots of dumb folks fall for the Harley 'thing' and buy a bike much too large for their riding skills. They get on the monster and it scares the bejeebies out of them. Lots of Harleys end up parked for most of their lives and have very little mileage on them. My Kawasaki has over 20,000 km on it in six months of riding. Why have a motorcycle if you don't ride it? Eh?If you can not pick up your bike when it tips over, then it is too big for you, bottom line.@@willyrackham2957
Excellent! I had two of those bikes (2012 / 2020) and I loved them. That bike is unfairly hidden in the weeds of bikes and isn't fully appreciated. It's amazing how fast it can go and be happy there. The way asian bikes are marketed doesn't help their loss in the weeds.... unlike Harley, most of these sports shops dealers sell so many brands of so many different types of things. Harley is a different experience as they are specialized and the service is also. Sports shops service centers feel like somebodies hobby. I retired to Harley at 60, Street Bob, 114 upgraded to 131 Stage IV (2,100cc) now. It's a different kind of fun. It's a softail with a retro look.....
When I hit 65 years old I have some health issues and I got to where I couldn't push my 705 pound Yamaha Roadliner around very easy (I lost the strength in my legs due to medications), but I still missed the joy of riding -- so I bought a Honda Ruckus Scooter. Yes a Scooter! I ride it around in town all the time. It's fun and I get my riding fix :)
I agree. I''m 69 and I ride a scooter for 9 years now: Yamaha Majesty 250 and Honda Silverwing 400. It's a relaxed way of riding and the cvt is an invitation to smooth (=safe!) behaviour in traffic. I experience this as well in my current car which also has a cvt. The Silverwing weighs 247 kilograms (quite heavy for a scooter) but that can be managed and has more than enough power for the highway. At least here in the Netherlands where the speedlimit during daytime is 100 km/h (little over 60 mph). Top speed is around 145-150 km/h.
I turned 64 today and ride a Z900RS. It packs oodles of classic styling, ample power (for what I need/want) and with a wet weight of 474lb is very manageable. I also now ride very differently to when I was in my 20's!
67yrs, 5'7" riding vintage goldwing and 500 silverwing. I'm enjoying the 500 and find myself choosing it over the wing for all the reasons and logic you present in this video.
I agree with you. I recently traded my Street Glide for a Pan America. It’s a great motorcycle, very comfortable and capable for local rides and long-haul touring.
Great advice. I'm not too old (47), but I spent a lot of years as a competitive athlete. I've maintained my strength, but after a few low back and hip surgeries, my Electra Glide Classic became painful to ride. I recently downsized to a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor and it made motorcycling fun again.
I have done the same. From a HD Sportster to a Royal Enfield Himalayan and guess what. I have fun again on my bike. I am 76 years old, live in Switzerland and drive a lot in the mountains. This was a pain with the HD. But as the old man said, its every person own choice.
I appreciate this video very much! I’m 66 years old and in good health. About 2 years ago I told my wife I need to sell our GL1500 Honda Goldwing. It was a great motorcycle, but I could tell it was getting too heavy for me especially with a passenger. So I sold it and began looking for a smaller motorcycle. Finally settled on a Honda NC750X DCT model. I’m so happy I down sized to something with a lower center of gravity and much more enjoyable for me to ride. As your video mentioned this down sizing has extended my riding by years I predict! Thank you.
Smart! You know that where the center of gravity is makes a huge difference. There may be a NC700 in my future depending on where I move to. For now, the motorcycle I'm riding most is one I bought to ride the local 25mph parks, a Honda CB250 Nighthawk. It keeps up with traffic in town and on the country roads, is so easy to ride and a lot of fun.
@@jerrym3261 My only bike currently is Royal Enfield 350, same it does fine up to 70 MPH or so, which is surprisingly as fast as I want to go on two wheels these days
I’m 75 years old and ride 2 up almost exclusively. My wife and I love touring and have had great results with our 2022 BMW R1250RT. I chose it for the comfort, relatively light weight, and the rider safety technology (ABS Pro, adaptive suspension, adaptive lighting, active cruise control, etc.). I put Russell Day-Long seats on it soon after getting it and we have been very satisfied with the bike. I had a 2012 BMW GS prior to the RT and liked it a lot but the RT is in another league for 2 up touring.
That's really well discussed, Craig. And an honest assessment of reality. And your data update on biker safety and tragic events is spot on. There are a large number of bikers in the 50-70+ age group and a rethink is really on the cards. I'm 72, 5'6",145 lbs. In over 50 years of riding, I moved from 250 to 350cc standard classics (Jawa & RE Bullet) to a 650 cruiser (Kawasaki Vulcan) to a mid size Neo classic (RE Interceptor 650) and currently on a Triumph Tiger 850 Sport. The last is really good. But in reality, next year I am looking at a 400-450 cc lighter bike, upright stance and around 170-180 kilo or less. Better to handle, more confidence inspiring and can do everything I already do, which is basically weekend rides of 100-300 km or overnighters on road/rubble but not single tracking. I humbly accept my reality but certainly do not need to stop the enjoyment of riding just yet. In Mumbai, India where I live and areas I travel, 80-120 kph is the best touring speed given the road and traffic conditions. So no need for a very over the top powerhouse and electronics loaded bike at all. Truly, if my current bike came in a 450 cc version, I would go for it straight away. Happiness is a combination of enjoying what you do and being realistic too. Cheers. Happy riding, safe riding.
Excellent points throughout your video. Your comments about Adventure bikes and Sport Tourers hit home with me. I'm 61 and recently downsized from a Suzuki C50 (800cc Cruiser) to a Kawasaki Versys 650 (Adv). The weight difference is only 80 lbs less. But the riding position, suspension and handling are much better for my spine, which has a couple of degenerative discs and arthritis. I can easily ride the Versys twice as long (and more) than the C50. The fact that I can ride a dirt road or light trail is a bonus. The Versys is the perfect bike for my needs at this age and time, and it'll keep me in the saddle for a few more years. I'm thankful for all the motorcycle choices we have these days. There seems to be a bike for everyone.
I am 76 years old. I came to realize that there were no more 500 mile days in my future. Riding was not a problem, but hucking a 700 lb+ ST1100 without the motor running got to be an issue. So - now on a Kawasaki z650 equipped with Givi monokey hard bags and a V-stream windshield. Sort of a baby sport tourer. It works surprisingly well and is about 300 lbs lighter than the beloved ST1100. I still have the necessary balance, tactile senses, etc., but the reaction times are slowing down. I do practice in parking lots on a regular basis and am considering doing another MSF course to get a more formal evaluation of my current skill level.
I ride a Ninja 650, and find it a capable sport tourer, cruising at 130 kph. The fairing helped cut wind and made the bike stable at 130 kph on Chinese super highway. The Chinese would build tall long bridges to cross valleys, and dug tunnels through hills. My companions were riding 1250 GSs, and were complaining about cross winds on those tall bridges.
I am the same age as you, and I decided on a Royal Enfield Hunter. Very manoeuvrable and weighs 181 Kg, about 398 pounds. Not for long distance, but that’s what a car is for!
Great Video. I am 81 and have been riding since 14. My first bike was a AJS 350 which I swapped for a camera. I've had bikes all my life and I now ride a Suzuki Bandit 1250. Had it for 8 years. I also have a W800 which I thought would be a good move. But to be honest, with it's skinny wheels and over sized 19 inch front wheel I don,t like the way it handles. Yes its lighter but its not a Bandit! I feel a lot better and safer with the extra power and much better braking on the bandit. I ride every day if only to the shops or down the road and I think that is part of the safety factor. Keep current, keep riding daily. I am also fortunate that I can ride all through the year with a great climate. Just keep riding and forget about your age if you can walk you can ride. Graham, Bundaberg, Australia.
Thanks for the good info. Glad to see that I'm not the only one stopping every 100-150 miles to stretch out and take a break. That worked out well on my August ride around Lake Michigan. 2013 BMW R1200R.
I'm a Beemer guy. I loved my K1200LT when was 50 years old. It was very comfortable After awhile the 850 lbs and top heaviness was too much. I downsized to RTs. About 2 years ago at age 73 It occurred to me that maneuvering the 600 lb RT at low and zero speeds was keeping me from riding much. I downsized to a F750 GS. I hadn't done road trips for a couple of years. I didn't know how the GS would work for me. It is a low suspension version. I sent the seat to Russell and installed a Madstad windshield. Last year I set out on a 10 day trip. Before leaving I told my wife my trip might be over after the first day. By the first hour I knew the GS was going to work well for me.
@@demotors070161 the BMWs are nice but way too expensive and hard to get worked on if you have a problem, just not really a good bang for the Buck. The Yamaha, FJR is similar and probably more reliable.
You are right on! I'm 58 and ride a Ninja 400 abs outfitted for solo touring. It's easy to control, with relaxed ergonomics. I'm never concerned in cities or tight mountain twisties. But it's also stable at interstate speeds. The Z400 has even more relaxed ergonomics, Honda has a 500 series of comfortable bikes and the upcoming Triumph 400 thumpers should also be great all-around bikes.
I am 69 and just purchased a Harley Davidson Sportglide as my second bike as I’ve only been riding one year. All I can say is I love it. It seems to be fairly easy to control and the weight at approximately 699 pounds does not seem to be a problem yet. if I want, I can just remove the bags and the faring and go naked and really get up and enjoy myself. Wonder why Harley decided to discontinue this bike in the United States as it is still one of the number one Harleys being sold in Europe.
A really GREAT video, THANKS! I'm 74. I gave up riding in 2007 at the age of 58 (when I was still as sharp as could be) because cell phone use in automobiles changed everything. Two horrifying near misses at 70mph while commuting to Huntsville Alabama to work convinced me that the risk had become untennable. A soft shoulder at the speed is suicide. In both cases the cagers were on their phones. Being dead because I love to ride was no match for enjoying my grandkids, so that was the end of it. I cried when my Triumph Executive 900 drove away under its new owner. A fantastic bike in every regard. I am no where near the strength I was at 58......shockingly so, still even now I fantasize about having a small bike to just cruise around the subdivision, so this video was tremendously instructive. Thank you so much. And no, I have no immediate plans to get another bike. It's pure torture thinking about it, though. I miss it terribly.
True for me! I traded my 2018 Goldwing for a 2020 Spyder and also ride a 2021 Honda CB500X and 2021 Himalayan. I’m a lady rider and now 70 years old. The smaller bikes took away the stress! The Spyder is for longer trips when I need to carry more “stuff”! LOL
I just bought a Triumph Bonneville, and it is super easy tor ride. Soft hand controls, low seat, light enough, power and torque enough. Plus, easy to maintain. Only drawback: chain drive (I am used to BMW and Moto Guzzi). I can only recommend it to those who are above 60 It has no ABS, but I have a wrist-built-in ABS: when it rains, I twist the throttle gently
Great video and on point for a lot of us. I'm 65 years old and I ride an Africa Twin. It's a great "do most everything" type of motorcycle. I'm not a big fan of interstate travel, preferring back roads, paved or not. An adventure bike's suspension is made for rough old paved/dirt roads that I commonly ride. I ride alone most of the time, so I don't ride very challenging off road, but slightly rough dirt/gravel roads take me to where I like to camp. Your mention of maintaining an adequate fitness level is spot on as well and something I need to do more of. Appreciate your content. Thanks!
Thanks for this video! I was 71 when I downsized from a large 825 pound cruiser to the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster, which is 575 pounds. That's a difference of 250 pounds, which has made this bike so easy to move around parking spots and my garage. The weight is low-down, so it's easy to turn and maneuver at slow speeds. I feel much safer on this bike, and it is still very planted at higher cruising and freeway speeds. It's also got a fabulous engine that sounds great.
I am a 58 year old male; been riding an assortment of bikes for 40 years. My current bike is a Yamaha FJR 1300A sport-tourer. It is the favorite of all of my bikes...Past and present. It has an upright seating position, bar risers and handles equally well at low and higher speeds. It has a large fuel tank (almost 7 gal.)and a range of 200 plus miles per tank of fuel. Great video!
It can be a challenge sometimes 🙄. I always park it in the front of the garage, and backed in (all I have to do is ride it out). But, it does way almost 700 lbs., so I use extra caution when backing it in to park in the garage.@@tarekhamdy9499
@@tarekhamdy9499 I'm 67, 5ft 9, 66 kgs, fit and have an FJR again. It's a heavy but stable bike, not for the inexperienced. I love them, this is my 4th.
Good video. I went up and sideways, at 60 I can't handle the ergonomics of the sportbikes I've ridden, so I got the GSXS 1000GT +. It's not too heavy, handles well in the twisties, and has enough power to cruise in 6th gear at 4800 rpm. It also allows me to sit more upright, and my knees aren't bent too much. It's also a great value for money.
I’m 73 and just bought a new 2023 Goldwing. This is my fourth Wing among many other bikes, but I don’t feel it is too big or heavy. Of course, I don’t ride like a mad man, but still feel perfectly competent. I hope to be able to ride for several years into the future.
At 63 years old I have a 163cc scooter at 300 lbs that gets me around town and keeps up with traffic just fine. I had a Honda Night Hawk 250 that I used to get around town on, it was fun to ride. I have looked at the Royal Enfields, I might get one. But also thought about one of the adventure bikes when I retire.
I’m a 71 year old rider. A year ago I downsized to a Suzuki 650 Vstrom from a 1200 BMW RT. Dropped a hundred pounds. Comfort went down but fun factor went up. I really enjoy riding again. Thanks for sharing your experience
I’m 63 years old and still ride regularly. My current ride is a Suzuki 1250 bandit. Sufficiently narrow and a manageable weight. I’ve begun to work out again, lifting and getting in walks. I am considering switching to an adventure bike. I recently rode a triumph 1200 scrambler and I can say I’ve never had a bike fit me better than that motorcycle fit me.
I turn 62 next month and was considering the same bike but am a tad concerned about the weight as it weighs 727 lbs, not 600 lbs. Not sure where you got that info from as I just double checked the Harley website and it does weigh 727 lbs. I wrote a very long post yesterday which I deleted because I shared some very personal information I decided I wanted to keep private and I thank Livingofftheslab for such a wonderful and thoughtful response. After reading every comment and realizing that a 727 lb bike is too much for this frail 62 year old, I decided to go with the new Indian Scout 101 which weighs 549 lbs and has great torque and HP. Congrats on that beautiful Low Rider ST with that powerful 117 M8. If I was younger and stronger that would 100% been the bike I purchased. Safe travels my friend🙏
You don't need to pick a small bike. Honda redesigned the gold wing just for this purpose. It is very low center of gravity. Very easy to handle. It's the perfect bike for older folks hands-down 2018+ Gold Wing.
I'm 67 and I ride a BMW R-1200-RT. It was an upgrade from a Triumph T120 (which was/is a great cruiser). What was interesting is that the BMW is a taller/heavier bike, but rides much more balanced and smooth at all speeds (slow tight turns, long fast curves) than the Triumph. It's also way more comfortable for long rides, and corners like it's on rails. It reads your mind. My only complaint would be that after 200-ish miles my knees start to get a bit tight (90-degree knee position for the control location), so I need to stand up on the pegs, or stop and stretch (as mentioned in this post), which isn't such a bad idea anyway. Love this post. Hate to see everyone unnecessarily going to Trikes before their time.
Very good video with excellent advices, thank you Sir ! I'm riding motorcycles for 65 years and I had 18 of them. The last one was a Goldwing 1800 - the best bike in the world of all times - in my humble opinion. I sold it because it got too heavy for me. Now, at age 80 I ride a cute Honda CB500X. My next bike - when I'll be nearly 90 will be a Honda Super Cub C125 !
I'm with you as I got rid of my FJR at 640 lbs & have a NC 750X (DCT) @ 490 lbs & a CB500X @ 430 lbs & at 76 (yoa) under 5'7" & 148 lbs it was the correct decision - & the FUN factor is a 10.
I’m 75 and I went to a trike for all the reason this video gave. It’s not 2 wheels but it is just as much fun! Plus one up or two up with riders is absolutely no concern or problem. Give it a try you will be happy you did.
I bought at the beginning of 2023 a new Triumph Tiger Sport 660. After a season of riding, I appreciate that it has plenty of power (81 HP) and it's light (454 lbs) so I felt it was a better option than others I've tried like the V-Strom 650. Riding position is comfortable and the price tag won't hurt your wallet too much (even with the options). I hadded the heated grips and I feel like it helps to keep your reflexes and hands nimble when it gets cooler wich is good for control and safety! Ride safe everyone!!! 😊
I bought a 2014 Triumph Bonneville (500#) two years ago, and after much practice and riding, I have concluded that, because of its small lock to lock, it is more difficult to handle at slow speeds than my Road King. At higher speeds, the weight of the Road King does not matter, and in fact, improves stability. So, it is not just about weight. Check out the full range of handling for whatever you are considering--for me, weight only matters when I am stopped on a sandy or slippery roadway, or trying to park the bike.
Very interesting video. I'm 63 and bought a 2018 Goldwing DCT Tour almost six years ago and zero regrets. So far, I've ridden the bike through 30 States and have 73,300 miles. I find the Goldwing to be quite easy at slow speeds with its low centre of gravity.
Another great bike to look at is the moto guzzi v9 bobber 835cc,and it comes in at a weight of 485 lbs. Abs and traction control leds it loaded .If anyone is onto a more classic looking bike .
I am 72 and I moved from a 750 bagger to a 400 lbs Honda Rebel 500 and it is a perfect bike for me as I ride very conservatively and within my age limits and I am having the time of my life riding.
After 30 years of abusing my body (military and federal law enforcement), I was forced to retire when I reached 57 (yep, that is Uncle Sam telling you we don't need you anymore 😂). I was riding a customized Yamaha 1100 bobber. I loved that bike, but after a stupid fall (not motorcycle-related), I injured my back and legs. The riding position on my bike was very uncomfortable as well as the bike. I heard Dirty Harry saying to my ears, a man has to know his limitations, so I sold my bike, and the bastard I sold it to wrecked it in just a week. Well, I still have the itch to ride, and after looking all over, I bought a Royal Enfield (OK, guys, I am ready for your flames 😂😂) 350 Classic. When I went to college in 1978, I learned to ride a Honda CB350; I missed that bike. The Enfield is an outstanding bike with a retro look. I ride solo, and I thoroughly enjoy it. Now that I feel more comfortable, I am considering upsizing the Enfield 650 classic for “long-distance” riding; I am not selling my 350. I just turned 63 a couple of days ago and got my license renewed tester for eight more years (😂😂😂 perhaps for the last time). Stay safe, Live Long, and Prosper 🖖.
Amen to everything you said in this vid. 77 years old here, riding since 1971. Gave up my wonderful 2018 Honda Goldwing DCT Tour in late 2021 for a 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120, wet weight 520 lbs. Outfitted it with windscreen, hard luggage, comfort seat, highway pegs. Much easier to handle at slow/no speed, and very comfortable for touring. Your Tiger is awesome ! The 900 version is the favorite of Doodle on a Motorcycle.
Great discussion. Now at 60. Just spent a 3 day weekend riding TN, NC and GA mountains roads with a friend on my HD Ultra. Definitely noticed that it took a lot out of me. Same thing when we rode the triple nickel in July. Really noticed the weight on these trips. I also work out 4-5 days a week and that allows me to keep up so to speak. But the last two trips have definitely put the smaller bike thought in mind.
This is a good tough love message to us senior riders. Thank you for this! At 74 I'm realizing I don't need to suddenly end my passion for two-wheel-touring: instead, I'll make adjustments. I've recently purchased a new Kawi KLR650 and it has opened a whole new world. I like its lightness and maneuverability. I'm continuing with riding my Harley FLHTCU, although not two-up these days. Next move is a dilemma.... I'm not sure yet, what to do for long distance touring. But I do know it will be nice to have EFI and ABS - and maybe a shaft drive. The Tiger 1200 is interesting!
At 75 years old, I ride both a Royal Enfield Himalayan, and a Yamaha TW200. The RE is a fantastic machine for long distances, good on gas, weighs 431lbs wet, super comfortable, and doesn't come with all the bells & whistles the higher priced (and LOTS more expensive) ADV machines come with, so there's quite a bit less to break in the hinterland. It's not as fast nor powerful as something like the Tiger or the BMW, but I've had my share of crotch rockets. At our age, we're supposed to be retired, so the schedule goes out the window. I'd caution anyone though, about the TW. It's so much fun to ride, it can turn you back into a 10 year old before you know it! I use it for our Backcountry Discovery Routes. The downside is, it's not a bike I'd take on any high speed pavement, so trailering or a hitch rack is necessary, unless you live close to the dirt. And weighing a little over 270lbs, I can pick it up easily.
Hello from sunny Greece! Totally agree with your point of view. Right now at 61 I ride a Moto Guzzi V11 when I feel like going a little faster, a BMW R1100GS when I want to travel a little further and a Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500cc when i want to take it easy and enjoy myself and the scenery
Great video. Please consider that many of the over 50 motorcycle deaths are the result of men that FINALLY retired and are FINALLY going to get the Harley that they’ve yearned for all their life. They’ve never ridden before, but now they FINALLY get to go “on the road” with little or no experience. I believe that this demographic make up a large part of the over 50 stats to the point that said stats are actually skewed by this group. (This group also applies to Corvettes)
At 71 I hadnt rode for 45 years. Thats why I bought a Kawasaki 450 that is 386 lbs. and taking three day class in two weeks. It has enough piwer for me. Great video
I'm 64 and I ride a multistrada, works great for me. My brother, 69, was driving a big tourer and I persuaded him to switch to a tiger 900, he is very happy with it. I am quite convinced that adventure bikes are the right choice for older guys. Sport bikes are a non-starter, and tourers are too heavy.
I'm just starting out in the bike world at the ripe mid age of 58. I bought a 160cc Yamaha scooter :) I ride in town and round town only. Works wonderfully.
I wont go through the whole list of bikes I tried as I aged, just the last two. One of my favorite bikes was my 2018 Yamaha FJR 1300 which got to tall and I feared marring it's outsides on the pavement. Found an avid touring/sport rider who now loves the bike. After the FJR I was able to handle my 2020 HD Road King for around 4k miles of casual local riding. But it became stressful moving about in the garage or in a tight parking situation. Getting it off of the sidestand took a concerted effort. So I lucked out and a friendly dealer took it in trade on a new Versys X 300. At under 400 lbs it's easy to move about and offers great wind protection on the road. At 85, it's time to slow down and smell the roses and enjoy the sights in my local area.
At 61 I'll probably ride my Heritage for a while but I also have a versys x300 which is really a fun little bike. Heading to the Blue Ridge Parkway with it this weekend!
there are a few comments that mention the 300X.I'm 79, 60+years riding with a comp license. My current bikes--300X, PE175Z, KDX200 (83), and my current favourite XT225(110kg). If you like dirt and single track and lonely traffic free dirt roads get a 225 and talk a friend into one. Use the car for the tar.
I'm a 66 year old woman, built close to the ground and ride a Honda Rebel 300. It weighs less than 400 lbs. I can flat foot and pick it up fairly easily. After 2017, the foot positions moved back from the usual cruiser forward position and it is a lot more comfortable for me. I sit more upright with my legs and feet directly underneath. Better for my back and neck. Love the ride!
Good choice. Great bikes.
I’m going to borrow your saying, “built close the ground.”
100% I'm downgrading to a 300cc scooter. 🤣🤣During a recent trip to Thailand where I drove scooters, I realized I had more fun on a "lowly" scooter than I had on any of my other bike for many years.
I'm 83 and just sold my Honda rebel 500,the best bike I've ever owned. Three months ago ,I saw this Indian, my heart melted,and I bought it. It was the worst decision I ever made. It's like riding a steam roller. Very hard suspension.
Everyone, just get a van van. You can thank me later
I appreciate your wisdom here. Retired police officer who has attended many crashes. I also commute daily and have no car. I still feel the bikes listed are too big and frankly overpowered. I agree on the comfort aspect of the adventure style of bike but just traded my G310GS for a Royal Enfield Classic 350. Both great bikes! Keep up the great work and be safe.
Would agree with what you say. The weight of some of these bikes is bizarre.
Same, I’ve downsized to a Classic 350 and I’m totally loving it.
I agree with the overpowered thing. Riding across Canada on a Virago 750, I was often the SMALLEST bike on the road. But you don't NEED anything over 750 - I've done tons of touring on a 400.
300-750 cc are good for around town and light cruising, but out on the highway keeping up speed and power while maintaining rider comfort they are lacking. Plus lets be honest; most of us in N. America are well over 200 lbs which further adds to that underperformance. I think 900-1300 cc is more reasonable if you are interested in a lot of highway touring. Which circles back to the reasons for his recommendations in this vid.
@@shep68 I went across Canada on a Virago 750 (I weigh 210 lb and I had a LOT of baggage). I've toured all over BC, Wash and Oregon on a 400. So yeah, there's no problem touring on the highway with under 750.
I am now 70. Started riding 60 years ago and have had probably around 30 bikes. The biggest was a Road King which was too heavy to do anything fun. All it was good for was cruising on the highway. I now have a DRZ 400 and a BMW F800GS, which is still too heave for rough roads, rocks, sand etc. It is true we are different when older but that only means we must recognize it and adjust. I am a much safer rider than I ever was when I was younger and I ride ever day until winter in the Utah mountains. If people ride with a passenger then they both must face the fact they are adding danger. If you ride in urban areas you also must live with added risk. I know my reaction time is now slower. When I approach an intersection where others can pull in to my path. I have my foot and hand on the brake preloaded and ready. I also look for any possible escape paths. On freeways, I stay out of the left lane most of the time where things are moving at 75 - 80 MPH. I stay in the right lane where I have a chance to bail out if something happens. If I need to pass, to get to a safe spot, I get on the power and do it quickly then move right again. I can’t believe how many I see cruising in the center lane boxed in where 1 person makes a mistake and they get taken out. Forget about age issues and learn how to minimize risk as best you can and that goes for young riders also.
you are showing that you are a person with expierence and common sense alert riders are safe riders always think about the unexpected
me too 60years of riding the first thing when I turned 15 was get a motorcycle endorsement been having fun ever since as far as what motorcycle I can ride is everyone built
Great post
Great advice!
You are wise and sensible. Us riders should learn from your wisdom.
I am a 76 yr old rider! I love to ride and listen to music. I started riding at 74 on my birthday. Bought a Honda shadow 750 and after about a year felt that it was too heavy for my old man leg strength and looked for a light Rebel 1100. Just for all the things you mentioned and that made all the difference in my riding comfort and ability. I love to ride and found all the things you say to be true for me too! It's great to ride and dropping the weight of the bike helped me to stay onboard! Great info from you!
Dobrze, że spełniłeś swoje marzenie jazdy motocyklem !
Pozdrawiam z Polski
I am the same as you... too dang old to lift anything anymore and I "ain't gonna ride 3 wheels"...ha. I just checked out a Honda Rebel 1100 ABS '"Standard" model with the manual clutch. I think it's perfect for me... time to ditch my Suzuki!
@@baddriver3580 Thanks for commenting! I ride the Rebel 1100 DCT, and i love it! You can shift manually if you want or let the bike decide!!! Best of both worlds, once you get used to it. Go to a Honda dealer and ride one! Then decide... best wishes for a lot more miles!
I bought a Yamaha v Star 950 tourer last year I love it.
Weighs under 650lbs
its been a few months since you commented so you might not see this. Thank you sooooo much for your comment. I am 61, just got my mc license and looking for a bike. Evertime I saw someone say they were old and riding they were in there 50s. A lot just got old while riding. Could not find anyone my age just starting out like me. Seems like everyone I talk to about riding say either you will have fun or you are going to die. I am really excited about getting on one but I go back and forth on wether this is a foolish idea or not. You are an inspiration to me. Keep riding.
After years on Harleys, I kept an old Softail and bought an Yamaha Tracer as everyday transport. At 67 years old and riding for more than 50, I was surprised by the amount of pleasure we can get from an lighter bike.
OK OK OK, this video was really good… but the comments are absolutely awesome! Thanks for stirring this pot and starting this dialogue!
As an older rider, (67), thank you for one of the most sensible and thought provoking motorcycle videos on youtube. I made the mistake of going too small and while small bikes are OK in town they are dangerous outside city limits when you cant get out of the way of cars and trucks. The small bike is gone, replaced by a Kawasaki W800 which is a delight to ride.
Small doesn't have to be impotent. I'm 61 and have 30" inseam. I do multi day rides on a Suzuki GSX-S1000F. 470 lbs and 150HP. SW Motech Blaze bags and a Nelson Rigg trail bag. Easy to ride and reach the ground.
I also have a Kawi Z900. 430lbs and 125HP. Nimble and fun.
I don't have a passenger, tho may be a consideration for others.
@@Pabloman333I personally would not consider a liter engine 'small'.
The w800 is on my short list to get. It reminds me of my first bike, a 1965 Triumph 650 Tiger.
I decided after trying to pick up my 800 pound Harley, I was going to make a change.
In my younger days I loved performance type motorcycles for every kind of riding I did. So I looked into the naked bikes and found 400 pounders from all the big brands. Long story short I bought a Yamaha MT09 and am loving it. 417 lbs with everything topped off, nimble as a cat and a good riding position. Wish I done it earlier!
I had the newer version of that bike. Twitchy in the low end but so much fun. Really enjoyed it. Rode it from Seattle to Phoenix and home again! Had it 2 years but was stolen a week after Phoenix run. That bike was Crazy fast had gr8 brakes and delivered a lot of good times!!
Try the Tracer GT+ maybe best of both worlds
@@kevincraig8257 The Tracer GT Plus is very nice and if I was touring only I would have bought one. It is basically a MT09 with a lot of added plastic and a touch less power. Also it has 45 or so pounds of additional weight located high up on the bike. That weight will go up if you load the bags. If you drop it you best call your bank as it’s going to be expensive.
The reason I like the MT09 so much is it is simple. With the crash protection I put on mine, a tip over or a light drop won’t harm or damage anything. When I am out local cruising I have a light buzz bomb that’s free of all encumbering unneeded items. I also have a better power to weight ratio for playing.
“I am old school”, on a trip all I need is my tank bag and my little roll bag. I stop at a hotel every 3 or 4 days and do laundry etc.
I'm 66 and that's an easy question: The best machine for people my age is the Can Am Spider R/T Limited hands down. That machine combines the best of motorcycling and snowmobiling in one machine and can't fall over. Combined with it's three cylinder 1330 Rotax Ace (advanced combustion efficiency) engine and push button liquid sump 6 speed automatic transmission, it's a premium piece and handles very well. You up-shift with a button and downshift with either a button, or it automatically downshifts itself. It's another world actually and it works great. I've had two of them. First with the twin, and now with the triple. At 27,000 dollars, it's not cheap, but neither is anything else. (My 2019 was 33 with Nav) The Canadians have done a very good job on it. Check one out if you can find one. And good luck with that; they sell out every year. The Harley trike looks like a giant mobility scooter. I don't care what anyone says. My Honda Goldwing at 1,000 lbs got too heavy for me. I've been riding cross country since I was 18 and snowmobiling took out my back. The Can Am is perfect and I would recommend the Can Am Ryker 900 Ace triple for the ladies or small men. They handle even better and are about 15,000 dollars. A far cry from 27 thousand.
I am almost 69 years old, and started riding at 13, in 2020 got a BMW f900xr which is considered a sport touring bike. It weighs around 480lbs fully fueled, and after having the seat modified by a local, I can ride it for 10+ hours without feeling tired of worn out. I have made many 1200 mile trips on it, and it has been an absolute pleasure compared to my old HD's. It is sleek, fast, agile, comfortable, good on gas and has more than enough horsepower to do anything I want. I have had over 40 bikes over the years and having owned and ridden this one for 3 years and 29000 miles I think it is the best so far. At least at my age. Only time will tell where I go from here but I will not buy a bike over 500lbs again, it is a huge difference to your ridding experience.
Well said, for older guys😅
I appreciate your response. I had not considered your bike until I read this. I'll have to check it out.
I rode and liked this bike but my concern was the realistic fuel range out of a small fuel tank. What miles are you looking to fuel up?
Thanks
@@dennishardy4402
If I am riding just in town and taking it easy I get around 48 -50 mpg. If i am riding mostly highway and going about 65 -70mph i get around 50-55 mpg. If I am in the canyons with lots of twists and turns and not acting like like its race day I have gotten as much as 62mpg. My current avg with about 24k mile on mine is at 50.1 mpg.
I’m thinking of the F900XR as a change to my K1600GT. I find the K1600 just too heavy at slow speeds
I'm 73 and 2 yrs into riding after 40 years off. I have a bad back and shoulders. I considered a lot of different bikes and landed on a 2009 Kaw. Vulcan 900 Classic with low mileage. It's listed at around 635 lbs. On the road,it doesn't feel any heavier than a dirt bike. Very easy to handle in tight curves, and is very reliable. I did all the usual upgrades, the last being a Mustang seat with backrest. That seat has made a world of difference to my riding day! Just came back from riding in Texas on 75-80 MPH roads. The Vulcan handled that speed with ease. And still got 40 MPG. My brother got a 2015 Honda Shadow Phantom 750 this summer. It's about 100 lbs lighter and a little smaller, but ran those same roads with no sweat. He's still working on a comfortable seat. Thanks for a great video! You nailed the subject!
After the last touring bike(Honda Valkyrie Interstate 820lbs) I went straight to a 400lb Yamaha MT07...Love it.
I'm 73, sold my Vulcan 900 LT about 6 years ago. I got the itch again and bought another one 2007Vulcan 900 LT. This bike rides so nice and it's really not too heavy. I love riding it and my wife joins me sometimes. As you get older I think you have to have the mindset that you're not going to get involved with someone else's bad decisions. I try to be a super defensive driver.
I have a gl 1500 goldwing. Fixing to turn 60. I was thinking the Kawaski Vulcan 900LT as my next bike! Checks all the boxes for me.
@@sjbowman2560 Took mine out to Ark a couple weeks ago. It performed flawlessly in the mountains. No overheat-comfortable, and did everything I asked of it.
The best medicine against an aging body physically is resistance training. As a personal trainer and former powerlifter I'm happy to hear you're in the gym working out. That is an incredibly important message to spread. If this is of interest to you, I highly suggest you take a look at all the data about resistance training and how it slows down the effects of getting older - it's incredible. The closest we'll ever get to a fountain of youth.
I agree! I have been doing it since I was 15 years old. Not always consistently, but it makes you feel better, look better and stay stronger so you can do the things you love, like riding.
100%
Yup. Rubber bands at home. Resistance training. Cheaper than the Gym and saves a lot of time
Gotta agree. Am 66 with a professional strength trainer. Huge difference in reducing pain and functional fitness for everyday living. Not fun workouts because a good trainer will take you way farther than no-training time in the gym, but the results make the discomfort totally worth it.
I am 73, and still ride, but not so much as I used to. I never liked the freeway, but preferred Cafe Racers and the California hillsides. Resistance training is a big help! I've been doing Internal Martial Arts since I was a teenager (Aikido, Tai-Chi, Pa-Kua) but it doesn't do much for strength. I began weights in earnest in my twenties, but kept overdoing it and injuring myself. Now I own a set of dumbbells and a dumbbell bench (no rack) and have again found that balance of Internal and External. It works for me.
At 80 we changed to a Can Am Spyder. After 50 years on motorcycles it is the best move we have ever made.
Another informative and helpful video.
I’m 74 and a retired motor cop.
My particular department had Harley-Davidson road kings.
They were excellent bikes for slow speed maneuverability and traffic work.
At the time, my personal bike was an ‘06 Goldwing.
My Bride and I traveled all over our great country on it while pulling a motorcycle friendly pop up trailer.
It was an excellent and reliable touring bike.
I’m 2014, while making our way east from Yellowstone, back to Michigan, we decided to stop to check out Sturgis.
As we pulled into town, there was a large banner at the Indian motorcycle display announcing Indian Motorcycle demo rides.
After standing in line for nearly an hour, I got to ride a new 2014 Chieftain.
I got to ride a Springfield and a Scout, before we left.
After taking those rides, I was hooked!
I waited until 2017, before I purchased a new 2017 Roadmaster!
I still have it and after over 61 thousand miles later, it runs the same as when I first bought bought it.
The only thing I’ve had to replace on it, other than several pair of tires, is a battery and voltage regulator.
Since I’ve retired from law enforcement, I’ve been to the Atlantic and Pacific four times and have blessed to have been able to ride through 48 states.
As it’s been said, as long as I can still pick up my bike, I’ll keep riding my iron steed all over the place!
You have started thinking about down sizing yet then , Which is the point of the video.
No, not really. When that day comes where I can’t control my bike in slow speed maneuvers, l’ll probably be close to 80 years old.
God willing, I’ll be contented with all of my wonderful riding memories and become a proficient porch monkey!
61,000 miles since 61 years old, now 74 yrs and still going! I'd say that's the right bike 👍😎✊
Me 67yrs old w/ 2008 Goldwing.. keeps on going, , carriers all my gear, handles like a ballerina.
I have three bikes. One I’ve owned for 48 yrs. It’s under 500 lbs. and still a blast to ride. Then I have a sidecar motorcycle, my wife’s favorite. My third is a Harley Street Glide Special. That’s a rolling couch. Big and comfortable. It handles well but it does take a certain amount of strength to handle. Depending on where you live and the type of riding you do I feel it’s important to have the motor power to stay with traffic and get out of the way if needed. Royal Enfield has come up with several models that are reasonably priced and fit the bill for smaller and lighter. Their 650 engine is wonderful and their 350 singles are great as well.
Your on it! I’m in my mid 50’s and went to a Triumph Tiger 1200 three years ago from a HD Ultra Limited and it’s been life changing. Can ride further and in much more comfort. Riding a bike that is almost 250 lbs lighter with better safety tech has been a game changer. I have almost tripled the miles I ride each year and actually tour rather than riding to bike nights!
I can’t understand this logic. The Ultra Classic is the perfect long haul tourer, and the weight is actually beneficial on a long road run.
@@Donfleebie1I'm 61 now and I bought my ultra classic when I was 50 and I can definitely feel the difference now when the bike is loaded with camping gear and a passenger. On the highway riding the ultra classic is awesome but any slow or tight maneuvering that is when the weight becomes more than apparent.. I had many awesome years on that HD but I know it's time to down size .
@@Donfleebie1What makes the higher weight beneficially to rider safety, though?
Does the twisties handling get better with weight?
Does the braking distance get shorter with higher weight?
Does the lean angle get better with more weight?
@@kwakithailand IMO, the higher weight is beneficial for long highway miles. It’s like how you feel after a 600 mile day in a Cadillac, as opposed to a lightweight econobox.
@@Donfleebie1 higher weight (longer braking distance, worse handling) is beneficial to "safety"?
Yeah, right 😁
78 years old, been riding since i was 16 . started with 197cc Francis Barnet now still going strong on a 2016 BMW r1200rs your never too old !!!!
I agree with you. The problem with the adventure bikes is the height of the seat for shorter riders
Lots of solutions, lower seats, lower suspension, changes in how you mount and dismount.
Tiger 900 GT Low - 770/790 mm (30.3" to 31.1") unladen seat height. With reasonably long travel suspension, compared to most road bikes, the SAG will bring this seat height way down.
Take a look at the Honda CB500X
@chadkuntz267 Low seat is a good option, but once you mess with the suspension the ergonomics of the bikes change completely
@@csiautodetail
Not so much on Triumph 900 gt low because it comes from the factory this way. True, you get a little lower suspension, maybe 3 instead of 4 inches, but the ergonomics are pretty much the same. Easy to handle, rides like a scooter, comes in under 500 lbs and is great for people 5’5” or shorter!
I am 67 and changed from a Harley CVO Streetglide to a BMW R1200 GS which is about 300 lbs lighter and allows for some dirt roads to see something new.
My friend and I road our Harley’s to Alaska in 2022 and it was Hard riding on over 100 miles of gravel, dirt and mud road construction. We impressed with all the adventure bikes and switched.
In 2023 we went off road some in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado. Lots of fun and less stress.
The fact that a 1200 GS is 300 lbs lighter than a Street Glide really says something. About BMW or Harley, I don't know, but it says something. I am 65, after 50 years on bikes I ride a Triumph Tiger 800 XCA (Adventure bike) for my long distance bike, and have a 1972 BMW R75/5 to keep my wrenching skills up to date. I am sure it was very dependable 50 years ago and maybe someday it will be again ;-)
Something that you can take into consideration is the maxi scooters. I purchased a used one about 3 months ago and it keeps up well with traffic and is fun to ride.
Agree 100%. I'm 64 riding a Piaggio BV350. Lots of storage, easy to manoeuvre, and only 177kg. Will still cruise at 130+ km/hr. Way easier than the Honda VFR800 was and that's considered a Sport Touring bike. Adventure bikes are too tall for me.
Also way easier on fuel. My Suzuki burgman an400 has a fuel guage where most of my previous motorcycles did not.
Absolutely! I have arthritis in both hands and gout in my left foot. At 66 I’m still plenty strong enough to hold a bike up, but with all that shifting there’s pain. So I bought a Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive. I rode a friends and instantly fell in love with it! Bought one of my own a week later. I can’t stop riding it. Just twist and go with 56 screaming horsepower.
Have been riding Kymco xciting 500's since 2009. Longest day was 1,004 miles.
@@leehart1498 Nice. I have a Suzuki Burgman 650. I never thought the day would come when I’d be on a maxi scooter. But old age and a fixed income made it the perfect bike for most any travel. I’ve taken it across the country twice. Best of luck in your travels. And stay safe out there!
At 68 years old and only 5'6" and after 30+ bikes over the years I absolutely love my DR650 which is in the mid 300's empty and has made it a live on full time platform. 35,000 miles in the last 8 months. Zero problems and the ability to take me anywhere which is needed when you need to camp free living and riding on a 35.00 /day ssi budget..
No issues with wind pushing you around at hwy speeds?
The goat of dual sports
Very nice assessment of us getting older. I’m 70 and just downsized from a 1200Rt to a 650 Vstrom. Took 100 lbs of and really enjoy the difference. Around town it is a breeze to ride. Great fun
I am doing the same, with 71 looking for the Vstrom after selling my XX
I agree the 650 V Strom is a great bike that's not too heavy and if I get back into riding, the V Strom would be my pick of the bunch.
Totally agree, recently went from a Yamaha Venture to a Vstrom 650 and loving it
I am only 65 and am grateful to hear from people in their70s that are still riding. You folks make me feel young. Thank you!
You’re bang on right. After 60, heavy bikes aren’t easy to maneuvre as our capabilities do go downstream. I’ve been riding for 54 years and admit enthusiasm and control has declined and silly judgements are becoming greater. Now I‘ve switched to lighter medium size machines and steer on easy adventures. A boxer needs to hang up his gloves before he gets knocked out!
Careful happy riding!
My choice (I’m in my mid-fifties) is a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. It’s under 500 lbs (437 dry weight) and is a modern classic style. I’ve loaded it with saddle bags and gone on fully self contained camping trips with it. It has a 31.1 seat height and has lots of accessories. I have a quick release wind screen (large for touring and a dark shorty for around town or just carving the twisties). Royal Enfield has lots of other viable options and styles too. And of course, I still have my WR250r for when I need a dirt fix. I rode with a guy for 3 days at an off road rally this summer who was 72 and had a CRF300L rally version. He did great.
Got my first bike last year at 51, a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and I’m loving it, considering the interceptor but not sure I will like it more
@@ChadWinters congrats. Upgrading might depend on how and where you ride it. The interceptor has the extra power I need for riding in the mountains out west. And it’s good on the interstate but I try to avoid that if possible. Also, right now they are $1000 off (at least at my local dealer) and are a super deal. The 2022s are $4,999 and 2023 $5,399. My dealer let me test ride the ones I was interested in and i fell in love immediately. Can’t go wrong with any of them in my opinion. I may add the new 450 Himalayan (not specked or released yet) to the stable for off-road if it meets expectations. Later!
@@Argo-F-Ur-Sef The Interceptor is an awesome bike. The who Royal Enfield line is super sexy in the classic look. I really hope they do a 650 Classic soon. I'd drop coin on that model pronto.
Riding dirt is a great way to keep your skills sharp.
Royal Enfield has introduced their crusier version of the interceptor this year, The Super Meteor 650, although I have yet to see one, which I would think would be a good choice for geezers or new riders that like the cruiser style.
Good advice. I had a Yamaha TDM900 for eighteen years, but I was finding it too heavy for me, also struggled to back it out of the garage and was worried about dropping it, so I treated myself to a Royal Enfield 350 Hunter for my 80th birthday. Great little bike, it has made riding fun again.
Good oyna mate!
I appreciated the mortality stats. However one stat was missing. Helmets and protective gear. I live in a helmet optional state and the vast majority of riders without helmets are older guys on Harleys. The young guys on their sport bikes have their helmet and gear. As a former trauma surgeon I know helmets save lives. I am 63 and personally ride a Vulcan S. 500 pounds, low seat, more power than anyone my age needs and fun to ride.
I'm 69, been riding for decades and totally agree with your point. I ride shorts and tee shirts but, helmets have saved my life twice. I've never been to a doctor or hospital for a motorcycle injury, never hit another vehicle on the road and never allowed one to hit me. I would say a lot of the fatalities he's talking about are; rides 600 miles a year, no helmet, rides a motorcycle just like they're driving a car, never uses the front brake and drinks when they ride. Did you know that motorcycle fatalities are the highest percentage while under the influence of all vehicle groups?
Also, alcohol/drugs play a major role in motorcycle deaths. A lighter/smaller bike helps as most deaths occur as riders fail to judge their entry speed into corners and over-shoot the turn; bigger is just more challenging in that situation.
You could also add rider training, many older riders get back into riding after the kids have gotten older, and don’t re-train. Yes, they then get the big heavy touring bikes and want to live out their bad boy days again.
I’ve been riding street bike now for over 4 years, coming off of dirt bikes. I raced and rode off-road for decades, which came with it’s fair share of injuries. Some pretty serious and some not so. Dirt bike riding was an adrenaline rush. Since switching to street bikes, first a Yamaha Super Tenere (600#) which I still ride to a recently purchased Kawasaki Voyager (900#). Both bikes are heavy bikes, and you have to respect that. I do not ride in town. I’ve learned that some drivers do not like motorcycle riders, I think my dirt bike skills gave me a one up on safety. Recently came back from a ~3000 mile multi-state ride with my oldest, he rides a Victory Cross Country. Both my bikes have racked up the miles, because I ride them. Even when I rode my dirt bikes to my street bikes it’s ATGATT always. Keep up on your skills and be vigilant.
@@sirdirtydog705 Dirt bike skills definitely do help !
A very wise discussion, and thank you for it. 70 here, living in Australia, and 61 years into 'my motorcycling life', with never a year off. I have been obsessed with motorcycles' weight for most of that time, and have reduced the weight of most of my bikes, and believe that 'if you can't pick it up, you shouldn't be riding it'. None of my bikes exceeded about 450 lbs (204 kgs) fully fuelled to begin with, until my new Honda 750 Transalp, a bike I bought to replace/augment my ageing Cagiva Elefant 750. The Honda isn't as light as my (modified) Elefant (and nowhere near as light as my extensively modded Ducati sports bike) but it is fairly ideal within the criteria you describe for 'older riders'. It belongs on your list, as it has been built with lightness (and older riders?) in mind. And importantly, it is happy at any speed - fast or slow. I too am just over 5' 9".
I should add that I worked on motorcycles as my job for much of my working life (more recently working in health care) and have done many miles by bike. And have had mainly Ducatis since 1974...
Simply removing the amazingly heavy Honda rear rack takes 7 kgs (15 lbs) weight from high on its rear, taking it down from 208 kgs (458.5 lbs) to 201 kgs (443 lbs) and I will be making a lighter replacement. So now it is already lighter than its competitors (from Yamaha and Aprilia) which don't come with a rear rack (and oddly, is much lighter than the Suzuki alternative) although for off-road use it needs an engine bash-plate, which it doesn't come with. A few lbs to add there.
I bought the bike with some reservations, but after 2,500 kms (about 1600 mi?) it is definitely growing on me. I will continue with the lightening process - lithium battery, alloy spacers, lightweight fasteners and so on. I believe it is worth adding to your list of recommended models in this context, and is a very smooth and inexpensive alternative. It can happily 'see where that dirt road goes' - many unmade roads around here - the exhaust note is pleasant, and the fuel economy is just remarkable.
I bought a Sachs 650 Roadster for my wife who started riding at age 56. Of all the bikes she owned it was her favourite. At 156 kgs is was very light and with 100+mph performance you could take it anywhere. The engine was a (bullet proof ) 650cc Suzuki DRZ and the frame was designed by Fritz Egli and made in Germany. There was an 800cc version with Suzuki Boulevard engine but only available in Europe. Comfortable and a perfect bike for an older rider. After nearly twenty years she has given up riding. She never liked pillioning.
I’m 59 and i went to an adventure bike but I realized that if you go off-road and you will it’s hard to resist . But you will go down and picking up that bike depending on the weight might be a challenge. I have a T7 and got a KLX300 which I was having a blast on super light and great off-road but a little lacking for highway speeds. The thing is I got too cocky riding it when I did a huge wheelie and lost it. Now I am out for at least a year until I get back in the saddle again because of my injuries. So just remember to respect the bike and your old ass abilities when you go lighter peace.
The wheelie was intentional?! Dude, you’re 59. Gotta cut that stuff out!
Pray you’ll be all healed up and riding again soon (but no more off-roading or wheelies at our age!)
Cheers from Virginia! t. I’m 57 and riding since 16.
3 years ago, at the tender young age of 73, I went from a Kawasaki Concours 14 to a Versys 1000. 150 lb lighter, and a lot easier to push around the garage.
I have a 1999 Concours it weighs in at about 680 lbs and is very top heavy, but handles well at speed.I bought a 2006 ZX14 nine years ago it is about 150 lbs lighter and with 1inch bar risers and the seat from a later model Concours like yours it is very comfortable, handles great. I don't ride in town much I like country roads and do do love the 185 hp that are on tap when I want it. With bags for it and a tank bag it makes a great sport touring bike. I hardly ever ride the Concours the ZX14 is so much more fun. I wouldn't mind going even lighter with an Aprilia or older model GSXR Suzuki. As long as I am able and have good reflexes I will continue to ride, hope you do too!
I’ve been wanting to downsize from my 2012 Harley FLHTK, to a Goldwing Tour DCT. The BMW 1250RT is on my radar, but I love that DCT and the low center of gravity, and it’s still 100 lbs. less than my Harley. Good video, and I’ll admit that at 73 years old, I don’t have the upper body strength to push the Harley around in and out of the garage. Another plus for the Goldwing with reverse, and slow walking gears.
what did u get?
I get everything you said. I sold my old Hartley fully loaded glide and now I ride the Royal Enfield Super Metor. I can't get NHS knee replacements in England so a lighter bike made sense to me. Especially as my childhood life long partner passed away from covid. So at almost 70 years young I go out and just cruise when I want or need to, just to put my head in the right place when I'm feeling down. I know she's still riding along with me! Happy cruising bro and be safe 👍.
I agree wholeheartedly! I sold my k1600gt and got a 1250gs! Boy what a difference. I’m in my 60’s and the handling is amazing with this lighter bike. Appreciate your comments.
and that's still a very heavy motorcycle! Imagine how much easier a 400 lbs motorcycle would be!
I’m in my mid-50s and love my K1600GT, but being taller helps. I’ve also got experience on the 1250GS. While I’d say the GT handles better overall on the open road, there’s no doubt the GS is much easier to move around a parking lot, maneuver around a garage and at very slow speeds. I can do tight figure 8s all day with a GS. But I do use the optional reverse on the GT in a parking lot when needed. The GS’ very low center of gravity from the boxer engine makes it feel much “shorter” than it is.
Those 1250 GS bikes are still monsters. I have an 800GS and it too is still to heavy for rough dirt roads like in Utah. I may go down to a Yamaha Tenere 700. Someone has got to find a way to build a 400 pound ADV bike.
This gentleman makes a lot of sense. Not talking about lane splitting, getting a knee down or track days. Just making smart choices to extend your your time riding motorcycles. Smart!
Great video. I am eighty and have not ridden since my BMW K1200S got to be too much for me a couple of years ago. I turned to bicycling and found that an electric bike allows me to choose the exact level of work I want to do while getting my exercise, enjoying the outdoors, and retaining my sense of balance on two wheels. I feel so good now that I decided to make an attempt to recapture motorcycling magic on a machine lighter than any sport tourer. After a long look at all of the retro styled bikes I chose the Yamaha XSR 700 and purchased one a few weeks ago. It weighs about 412 pounds wet, is very comfortable and controllable and economical to operate. On the down side, I quickly found that the bicycle is no substitute for motorcycling when it comes to retention of skills. Basically I am a beginner again, even though I still have traffic savvy. I am using the recommended break in schedule for the motorcycle as a way to start off slowly and work my way back to the level of confidence that I need to continue to ride. If I don't get there, I will sell the Yamaha to some lucky biker and hang up my helmet. Your news about the casualty rates for older riders has reinforced to me that I must proceed with caution. Ride safe.
Outstanding. Welcome back brother. You are an inspiration.
Excellent summary and my exact situation. I single track trail ride on medium level mountain bike courses on an electric trek class 1 that still requires constant pedaling to move. After my congestive heart failure and pacemaker, I needed assist but wanted to still ride. Keeps me fit and outdoors. I still ride my Honda 500 turbo, but its time to sell that I feel. A new DCT maybe....
I am a 70 yo man...5 feet 8inches and i ride a Ninja ZX14R. Its quiet powerful and so smooth. Best expressway bike i ever had.
I agree with what your saying,i went from a v srom 1000 jumped up to a Harley street glide. That bike being a tank didn't work for my wife and i. I actually went down to a scooter lol. I bought a kymco ak 550 touring and we love it with the top box and under seat storage. We have been on big trips and it hauls around at highway speeds with no problem, and by the way we are in are mid 60s
Got my licence at 69 and bought a Honda Rebel 1100 DCT. After a highway trip, I added a Puig wind screen and control extenders to stretch my legs out a bit but still sitting in an upright position, and an Airhawk seat cushion. Regardless, I stop every hour and a half or two hours to get off the bike, refuel, walk around and have a coffee etc. Around town, the DCT in standard mode makes for easy handling, and the cruise control is great on the highway. Running in sport mode is an invitation for speeding tickets;-) I am 5' 7" so love the low seat as I can flat foot it when stopped. At just over 500 lbs, the bike is very easy to handle on the road, and when stopped or moving out of the garage to go for a ride.
When I started riding, I was lusting after a Goldwing, but was intimidated by their size. An experienced riding friend said, "over 5 MPH, the weight of the bike doesn't matter". After 12 years of riding a Goldwing and Vstrom 650, I agree with him. It's all about how hard the bike is to maneuver around parking lots, gas stations, etc. I find the Goldwing just as easy in those situations for 2 reasons. First, I'm on my toes trying to push my Vstrom whereas I have much more leverage w/ the lower seat on the GW. Second, reverse gear on the GW. It's a game changer. No worries about parking slightly downhill or on gravel.
My 2 cents.
Reverse is cool. Had it on the BMW. For the Tiger, I don't try to maneuver on my top toes. Rather, I just push it from the side, much easier.
Yes, I'm starting to get comfortable pushing it from the side. At first, I feared pushing it over, but now I'm getting the hang of it. @@LivingOffTheSlab
VStroms are easy to lower. We’ll worth doing. An excellent bike.
@@brucewalker5890you can only Lower it so much.
@@LivingOffTheSlab I don't see how you can give this comment a heart . He says that a lower bike is better even if heavy because he can flat foot it. Try that on a GS1200. Ask Ewan McGregor how those taller bikes are. Lots of light dual sports are 33" and higher seat height.
Agree with everything you say, after riding big sports kwackers most of my life i gave up for about ten years but after a forced retirement i decided i needed something lighter to get about on just to do the shopping and visiting relatives etc , health issues stopped me doing long journeys anymore ,so at the old age of 62 i bought an old '91 535 virago which i renovated and put a backbox on and throw overs , now at 70 i am still enjoying it, every time i go out it brings a smile to my face , it is used mainly in traffic and is low and light , and is easy to get along with , i don't intend to give up biking till i have to ,and hopefully that will be a few years yet ,lol , keep on riding people ,it keeps you young at heart !!!
I’ve ridden and loved my Harleys for years. I’m 65, and the weight didn’t bother me near as much as the riding position. My back and hips were aching terribly after a ride. I sold the heavy cruiser and bought a Triumph GT Pro. The feet forward riding position looks cool, but I can ride my Tiger all day with very little discomfort. The fact that it’s under 500 lbs. is a bonus, too. My advice is to check your ego and buy a lighter bike. For me, going smaller rekindled the joys of riding. Great video. Ride safe.
At 68 I downsized from a BMW R1200GS Adventure to a Suzuki V-Strom 650T Adventure. After two years of riding the smaller bike, I do not miss the bigger heavier bike. At 70 I put over 13,000 miles on the Wee in 2023.
I rode a Triumph Thunderbird 1600, put 60K miles on it and loved it. However, this past January I traded it for a 2022 Triumph Speedmaster. My wife doesn’t ride with me anymore and the bulk of my riding is within 200 miles of home. I saved about 150 lbs and the better maneuverability makes it easier for me.
Amen to this concept. I'm 66 and went one step further. Went from a 550 lb. bike to a 400 lb. KTM adventure bike. It is so much more maneuverable, making it more enjoyable to ride. And if I drop it while off road, I can easily pick it up. I will be able to ride for many more years.
I’ll be 65 in a couple of weeks and I actually upsized from an F850GS to an R1250GS. Although it’s a heavier bike, it handles lighter with the boxer engine keeping weight low. I appreciate everything said in this video. It’s nice to have content directed toward us ‘gently used’ riders. Keep up the great work
I'm 70 years old and have riden since my teens. I currently have a Honda GL1800, but I'm thinking about downsizing. Maybe a BMW R1200RT?? Great article 👏
I so agree the the BMW R1200GS withe weight low is an easy Bike to ride . I’m 76 and have 29 inch inseam and really like my GS .I have demo a few other most feel top heavy . Planning a trip to out west next summer.
The mighty GS is the Swiss knife of all motorcycles . That low distributed engine weight makes all the difference!
This subject has definitely been on my mind as well. I'm now 69 years old and my 800lb+ beast is wearing on me. Yes, I also workout 5 days a week which helps greatly but doesn't stop the clock. I'm thinking one more year and I'll be down-sizing to a middle weight bike of some kind.
Hello and thanks for this video. I’m 69 and exercise 6 times a week to help stay strong and in health.. We should all do a risk assessment and take measures as required to enjoy activities in relative safety. Good luck to all and ride safe!
I'm 73 and recently downsized to a Kawasaki Eliminator 450 SE ABS, and love it. At 390 lbs and 51 HP, it's easy to handle, comfortable, plenty of speed and torque.
I had not ridden a motorcycle for more than 30 years. After watching Itchy Boots Season 6 by the time I reached episode 35 I decided to buy another motorcycle. I chose a new 2021 Kawasaki Versys 650. I began riding it mid August last year and now have over 18,500 km on it. My last long ride lasted 18 hours from 5:30 am until I got home at 11:30 pm. The night before that ride was spent sleeping on my mat under a tree in Sycamous, B.C. I had arrived late in the evening, long after dark and my tent was wet from the night before. Needless to say, I slept very little and yet spent 18 hours with my bike the next morning. I practice all the time when I ride. I don't take risks, as in speeding where it is not feasible. On the Banff Jasper Parkway, (Hwy 93) I hit 110 m/ph, clocked by an American rider on his BMW 1200 GS. I will be 73 day after Christmas.
Amazing.
I had a Versys 650 for two years. (2018 model) Good overall bike, but one thing I did not like about it: It's VERY top heavy. Made worse by a 5.5 gallon tank...up high to worsen things. Also high seat height...which worsens things more. Slow speed maneuvers are difficult. Controlling it at a stop requires more attention. None of this matters over about 10mph. But it's not a good urban bike. I'm glad you like yours. If you have ridden 18.5k km in one year...you are definitely not doing a lot of urban riding!
Here in the UK...I see a lot of older and /or smaller riders going for a lighter smaller bikes here at a bike meet I saw 5 Royal Enfield Hunters 350 I spoke to some of the riders ..men and women ..all were delighted with their bikes ...easy to get in and out of the garage...easier to ride 100 mpg ....I see these bikes a lot over here they are a big hit 😊
With a lighter motorcycle one is more likely to go more places than one would do on an overly heavy, overly chromed monster machine such as a Harley Davidson. Good looking bikes but much too big and heavy for most riders. Lots of dumb folks fall for the Harley 'thing' and buy a bike much too large for their riding skills. They get on the monster and it scares the bejeebies out of them. Lots of Harleys end up parked for most of their lives and have very little mileage on them. My Kawasaki has over 20,000 km on it in six months of riding. Why have a motorcycle if you don't ride it? Eh?If you can not pick up your bike when it tips over, then it is too big for you, bottom line.@@willyrackham2957
Excellent! I had two of those bikes (2012 / 2020) and I loved them. That bike is unfairly hidden in the weeds of bikes and isn't fully appreciated. It's amazing how fast it can go and be happy there. The way asian bikes are marketed doesn't help their loss in the weeds.... unlike Harley, most of these sports shops dealers sell so many brands of so many different types of things. Harley is a different experience as they are specialized and the service is also. Sports shops service centers feel like somebodies hobby. I retired to Harley at 60, Street Bob, 114 upgraded to 131 Stage IV (2,100cc) now. It's a different kind of fun. It's a softail with a retro look.....
When I hit 65 years old I have some health issues and I got to where I couldn't push my 705 pound Yamaha Roadliner around very easy (I lost the strength in my legs due to medications), but I still missed the joy of riding -- so I bought a Honda Ruckus Scooter. Yes a Scooter! I ride it around in town all the time. It's fun and I get my riding fix :)
I agree. I''m 69 and I ride a scooter for 9 years now: Yamaha Majesty 250 and Honda Silverwing 400. It's a relaxed way of riding and the cvt is an invitation to smooth (=safe!) behaviour in traffic. I experience this as well in my current car which also has a cvt. The Silverwing weighs 247 kilograms (quite heavy for a scooter) but that can be managed and has more than enough power for the highway. At least here in the Netherlands where the speedlimit during daytime is 100 km/h (little over 60 mph). Top speed is around 145-150 km/h.
🚬👴🏿🥃 SOOO HOW OLD IS U 900 ?
@@janvandamme8920🚬👴🏿🥃 SOOO POP DID U FIGHT IN THE CIVIL WAR IN 1860 ?
I ride a 350cc, 550cc, 650cc scooters, also have 950cc and 1300 cc motorcycles, nice to have variety 😂
Pauly Ricca, still in diapers eh.?
I turned 64 today and ride a Z900RS. It packs oodles of classic styling, ample power (for what I need/want) and with a wet weight of 474lb is very manageable. I also now ride very differently to when I was in my 20's!
LOVE that bike! I think that’s my next bike after my 1000sx…
67yrs, 5'7" riding vintage goldwing and 500 silverwing. I'm enjoying the 500 and find myself choosing it over the wing for all the reasons and logic you present in this video.
I agree with you. I recently traded my Street Glide for a Pan America. It’s a great motorcycle, very comfortable and capable for local rides and long-haul touring.
Great advice. I'm not too old (47), but I spent a lot of years as a competitive athlete. I've maintained my strength, but after a few low back and hip surgeries, my Electra Glide Classic became painful to ride. I recently downsized to a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor and it made motorcycling fun again.
Surely, any bike would be more fun than a Harley!
I have done the same. From a HD Sportster to a Royal Enfield Himalayan and guess what. I have fun again on my bike. I am 76 years old, live in Switzerland and drive a lot in the mountains. This was a pain with the HD. But as the old man said, its every person own choice.
😊❤👍🙏😊
I appreciate this video very much! I’m 66 years old and in good health. About 2 years ago I told my wife I need to sell our GL1500 Honda Goldwing. It was a great motorcycle, but I could tell it was getting too heavy for me especially with a passenger. So I sold it and began looking for a smaller motorcycle. Finally settled on a Honda NC750X DCT model. I’m so happy I down sized to something with a lower center of gravity and much more enjoyable for me to ride. As your video mentioned this down sizing has extended my riding by years I predict! Thank you.
I have been seriously considering this bike
Smart! You know that where the center of gravity is makes a huge difference. There may be a NC700 in my future depending on where I move to. For now, the motorcycle I'm riding most is one I bought to ride the local 25mph parks, a Honda CB250 Nighthawk. It keeps up with traffic in town and on the country roads, is so easy to ride and a lot of fun.
@@jerrym3261 My only bike currently is Royal Enfield 350, same it does fine up to 70 MPH or so, which is surprisingly as fast as I want to go on two wheels these days
@@jerrym3261 Yes, I enjoy the smaller bikes too. I have a CRF300L I use for trails and dirt roads.
I’m 75 years old and ride 2 up almost exclusively. My wife and I love touring and have had great results with our 2022 BMW R1250RT. I chose it for the comfort, relatively light weight, and the rider safety technology (ABS Pro, adaptive suspension, adaptive lighting, active cruise control, etc.). I put Russell Day-Long seats on it soon after getting it and we have been very satisfied with the bike. I had a 2012 BMW GS prior to the RT and liked it a lot but the RT is in another league for 2 up touring.
That's really well discussed, Craig. And an honest assessment of reality. And your data update on biker safety and tragic events is spot on.
There are a large number of bikers in the 50-70+ age group and a rethink is really on the cards.
I'm 72, 5'6",145 lbs. In over 50 years of riding, I moved from 250 to 350cc standard classics (Jawa & RE Bullet) to a 650 cruiser (Kawasaki Vulcan) to a mid size Neo classic (RE Interceptor 650) and currently on a Triumph Tiger 850 Sport. The last is really good.
But in reality, next year I am looking at a 400-450 cc lighter bike, upright stance and around 170-180 kilo or less. Better to handle, more confidence inspiring and can do everything I already do, which is basically weekend rides of 100-300 km or overnighters on road/rubble but not single tracking.
I humbly accept my reality but certainly do not need to stop the enjoyment of riding just yet.
In Mumbai, India where I live and areas I travel, 80-120 kph is the best touring speed given the road and traffic conditions. So no need for a very over the top powerhouse and electronics loaded bike at all.
Truly, if my current bike came in a 450 cc version, I would go for it straight away.
Happiness is a combination of enjoying what you do and being realistic too. Cheers. Happy riding, safe riding.
The new Triumph 400s look good and they're made in India.
Look at a Scram 400 or the other RE 350's. KTM 390 duke and adventure are good too. Hope you find something that suits.
I would advise you to test ride a TVS Ronin or the Triumph 400 speed which would suit your requirements.
Excellent points throughout your video. Your comments about Adventure bikes and Sport Tourers hit home with me. I'm 61 and recently downsized from a Suzuki C50 (800cc Cruiser) to a Kawasaki Versys 650 (Adv). The weight difference is only 80 lbs less. But the riding position, suspension and handling are much better for my spine, which has a couple of degenerative discs and arthritis. I can easily ride the Versys twice as long (and more) than the C50. The fact that I can ride a dirt road or light trail is a bonus. The Versys is the perfect bike for my needs at this age and time, and it'll keep me in the saddle for a few more years. I'm thankful for all the motorcycle choices we have these days. There seems to be a bike for everyone.
I am 76 years old. I came to realize that there were no more 500 mile days in my future. Riding was not a problem, but hucking a 700 lb+ ST1100 without the motor running got to be an issue. So - now on a Kawasaki z650 equipped with Givi monokey hard bags and a V-stream windshield. Sort of a baby sport tourer. It works surprisingly well and is about 300 lbs lighter than the beloved ST1100. I still have the necessary balance, tactile senses, etc., but the reaction times are slowing down. I do practice in parking lots on a regular basis and am considering doing another MSF course to get a more formal evaluation of my current skill level.
excellent choice
76, impressive.
Gives us all hope and a nice looking bike
I ride a Ninja 650, and find it a capable sport tourer, cruising at 130 kph. The fairing helped cut wind and made the bike stable at 130 kph on Chinese super highway. The Chinese would build tall long bridges to cross valleys, and dug tunnels through hills. My companions were riding 1250 GSs, and were complaining about cross winds on those tall bridges.
I am the same age as you, and I decided on a Royal Enfield Hunter. Very manoeuvrable and weighs 181 Kg, about 398 pounds. Not for long distance, but that’s what a car is for!
Great Video. I am 81 and have been riding since 14. My first bike was a AJS 350 which I swapped for a camera. I've had bikes all my life and I now ride a Suzuki Bandit 1250. Had it for 8 years. I also have a W800 which I thought would be a good move. But to be honest, with it's skinny wheels and over sized 19 inch front wheel I don,t like the way it handles. Yes its lighter but its not a Bandit! I feel a lot better and safer with the extra power and much better braking on the bandit. I ride every day if only to the shops or down the road and I think that is part of the safety factor. Keep current, keep riding daily. I am also fortunate that I can ride all through the year with a great climate. Just keep riding and forget about your age if you can walk you can ride. Graham, Bundaberg, Australia.
Thanks for the good info. Glad to see that I'm not the only one stopping every 100-150 miles to stretch out and take a break. That worked out well on my August ride around Lake Michigan. 2013 BMW R1200R.
R1200R is an overlooked and under rated bike here in the US. The Harley folks I ride with just don't understand and never will.
I'm a Beemer guy. I loved my K1200LT when was 50 years old. It was very comfortable After awhile the 850 lbs and top heaviness was too much. I downsized to RTs. About 2 years ago at age 73 It occurred to me that maneuvering the 600 lb RT at low and zero speeds was keeping me from riding much. I downsized to a F750 GS. I hadn't done road trips for a couple of years. I didn't know how the GS would work for me. It is a low suspension version. I sent the seat to Russell and installed a Madstad windshield. Last year I set out on a 10 day trip. Before leaving I told my wife my trip might be over after the first day. By the first hour I knew the GS was going to work well for me.
@@demotors070161 the BMWs are nice but way too expensive and hard to get worked on if you have a problem, just not really a good bang for the Buck. The Yamaha, FJR is similar and probably more reliable.
You are right on! I'm 58 and ride a Ninja 400 abs outfitted for solo touring. It's easy to control, with relaxed ergonomics. I'm never concerned in cities or tight mountain twisties. But it's also stable at interstate speeds. The Z400 has even more relaxed ergonomics, Honda has a 500 series of comfortable bikes and the upcoming Triumph 400 thumpers should also be great all-around bikes.
Man, going on the bike is the dream. Far better than in some medical facility or home alone.
I am 69 and just purchased a Harley Davidson Sportglide as my second bike as I’ve only been riding one year. All I can say is I love it. It seems to be fairly easy to control and the weight at approximately 699 pounds does not seem to be a problem yet. if I want, I can just remove the bags and the faring and go naked and really get up and enjoy myself. Wonder why Harley decided to discontinue this bike in the United States as it is still one of the number one Harleys being sold in Europe.
A really GREAT video, THANKS!
I'm 74. I gave up riding in 2007 at the age of 58 (when I was still as sharp as could be) because cell phone use in automobiles changed everything. Two horrifying near misses at 70mph while commuting to Huntsville Alabama to work convinced me that the risk had become untennable. A soft shoulder at the speed is suicide. In both cases the cagers were on their phones. Being dead because I love to ride was no match for enjoying my grandkids, so that was the end of it.
I cried when my Triumph Executive 900 drove away under its new owner. A fantastic bike in every regard.
I am no where near the strength I was at 58......shockingly so, still even now I fantasize about having a small bike to just cruise around the subdivision, so this video was tremendously instructive. Thank you so much.
And no, I have no immediate plans to get another bike. It's pure torture thinking about it, though. I miss it terribly.
Get a Vespa. Ciao bella!
True for me! I traded my 2018 Goldwing for a 2020 Spyder and also ride a 2021 Honda CB500X and 2021 Himalayan. I’m a lady rider and now 70 years old. The smaller bikes took away the stress! The Spyder is for longer trips when I need to carry more “stuff”! LOL
I just bought a Triumph Bonneville, and it is super easy tor ride. Soft hand controls, low seat, light enough, power and torque enough. Plus, easy to maintain. Only drawback: chain drive (I am used to BMW and Moto Guzzi). I can only recommend it to those who are above 60
It has no ABS, but I have a wrist-built-in ABS: when it rains, I twist the throttle gently
Great video and on point for a lot of us. I'm 65 years old and I ride an Africa Twin. It's a great "do most everything" type of motorcycle. I'm not a big fan of interstate travel, preferring back roads, paved or not. An adventure bike's suspension is made for rough old paved/dirt roads that I commonly ride. I ride alone most of the time, so I don't ride very challenging off road, but slightly rough dirt/gravel roads take me to where I like to camp. Your mention of maintaining an adequate fitness level is spot on as well and something I need to do more of. Appreciate your content. Thanks!
Thanks for this video! I was 71 when I downsized from a large 825 pound cruiser to the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster, which is 575 pounds. That's a difference of 250 pounds, which has made this bike so easy to move around parking spots and my garage. The weight is low-down, so it's easy to turn and maneuver at slow speeds. I feel much safer on this bike, and it is still very planted at higher cruising and freeway speeds. It's also got a fabulous engine that sounds great.
I'm 58 and ride a Piaggio BV 400 and it does everything with ease.
I am a 58 year old male; been riding an assortment of bikes for 40 years. My current bike is a Yamaha FJR 1300A sport-tourer. It is the favorite of all of my bikes...Past and present. It has an upright seating position, bar risers and handles equally well at low and higher speeds. It has a large fuel tank (almost 7 gal.)and a range of 200 plus miles per tank of fuel.
Great video!
Is it heavy in parking in garage?
It can be a challenge sometimes 🙄. I always park it in the front of the garage, and backed in (all I have to do is ride it out). But, it does way almost 700 lbs., so I use extra caution when backing it in to park in the garage.@@tarekhamdy9499
@@tarekhamdy9499 I'm 67, 5ft 9, 66 kgs, fit and have an FJR again. It's a heavy but stable bike, not for the inexperienced. I love them, this is my 4th.
Good video. I went up and sideways, at 60 I can't handle the ergonomics of the sportbikes I've ridden, so I got the GSXS 1000GT +. It's not too heavy, handles well in the twisties, and has enough power to cruise in 6th gear at 4800 rpm. It also allows me to sit more upright, and my knees aren't bent too much. It's also a great value for money.
I agree...I went from my Fat Bob...with forward mounted foot pegs..and a lot of pain...to a GSX-S 1000 GT+ myself! It's fun to ride again!
I’m 73 and just bought a new 2023 Goldwing. This is my fourth Wing among many other bikes, but I don’t feel it is too big or heavy. Of course, I don’t ride like a mad man, but still feel perfectly competent. I hope to be able to ride for several years into the future.
At 63 years old I have a 163cc scooter at 300 lbs that gets me around town and keeps up with traffic just fine. I had a Honda Night Hawk 250 that I used to get around town on, it was fun to ride. I have looked at the Royal Enfields, I might get one. But also thought about one of the adventure bikes when I retire.
I’m a 71 year old rider. A year ago I downsized to a Suzuki 650 Vstrom from a 1200 BMW RT. Dropped a hundred pounds. Comfort went down but fun factor went up. I really enjoy riding again. Thanks for sharing your experience
I’m 63 years old and still ride regularly. My current ride is a Suzuki 1250 bandit. Sufficiently narrow and a manageable weight. I’ve begun to work out again, lifting and getting in walks. I am considering switching to an adventure bike. I recently rode a triumph 1200 scrambler and I can say I’ve never had a bike fit me better than that motorcycle fit me.
I’m 62, just bought a Harley Low Rider ST. 600 lbs and 117 ci. Mid controls and can flat foot at a stop easily.
I turn 62 next month and was considering the same bike but am a tad concerned about the weight as it weighs 727 lbs, not 600 lbs. Not sure where you got that info from as I just double checked the Harley website and it does weigh 727 lbs. I wrote a very long post yesterday which I deleted because I shared some very personal information I decided I wanted to keep private and I thank Livingofftheslab for such a wonderful and thoughtful response. After reading every comment and realizing that a 727 lb bike is too much for this frail 62 year old, I decided to go with the new Indian Scout 101 which weighs 549 lbs and has great torque and HP. Congrats on that beautiful Low Rider ST with that powerful 117 M8. If I was younger and stronger that would 100% been the bike I purchased. Safe travels my friend🙏
You don't need to pick a small bike. Honda redesigned the gold wing just for this purpose. It is very low center of gravity. Very easy to handle. It's the perfect bike for older folks hands-down 2018+ Gold Wing.
I'm 67 and I ride a BMW R-1200-RT. It was an upgrade from a Triumph T120 (which was/is a great cruiser). What was interesting is that the BMW is a taller/heavier bike, but rides much more balanced and smooth at all speeds (slow tight turns, long fast curves) than the Triumph. It's also way more comfortable for long rides, and corners like it's on rails. It reads your mind. My only complaint would be that after 200-ish miles my knees start to get a bit tight (90-degree knee position for the control location), so I need to stand up on the pegs, or stop and stretch (as mentioned in this post), which isn't such a bad idea anyway. Love this post. Hate to see everyone unnecessarily going to Trikes before their time.
Very good video with excellent advices, thank you Sir ! I'm riding motorcycles for 65 years and I had 18 of them. The last one was a Goldwing 1800 - the best bike in the world of all times - in my humble opinion. I sold it because it got too heavy for me. Now, at age 80 I ride a cute Honda CB500X. My next bike - when I'll be nearly 90 will be a Honda Super Cub C125 !
The CB500X is a very capable bike for riders of any age, and nearly bulletproof as well.
I'm with you as I got rid of my FJR at 640 lbs & have a NC 750X (DCT) @ 490 lbs & a CB500X @ 430 lbs & at 76 (yoa) under 5'7" & 148 lbs it was the correct decision - & the FUN factor is a 10.
Outside of Europe and NA, the roads are so bad anything more than 250cc is overkill.
I’m 75 and I went to a trike for all the reason this video gave. It’s not 2 wheels but it is just as much fun! Plus one up or two up with riders is absolutely no concern or problem. Give it a try you will be happy you did.
I'm 66 and I downsized to a Moto Guzzi V7 Special. I use my bike for shorter rides and town riding, and I find that the
63 yrs old. Yamaha XSR 700. Day trips with or without my wife. Light and nimble bike with smoothe power delivery.
Great video.
I bought at the beginning of 2023 a new Triumph Tiger Sport 660. After a season of riding, I appreciate that it has plenty of power (81 HP) and it's light (454 lbs) so I felt it was a better option than others I've tried like the V-Strom 650. Riding position is comfortable and the price tag won't hurt your wallet too much (even with the options). I hadded the heated grips and I feel like it helps to keep your reflexes and hands nimble when it gets cooler wich is good for control and safety! Ride safe everyone!!! 😊
This is maybe the smartest vid I ever saw. I’m 74, still ride and every point you made makes sense. Keep up the great work.
Thanks 👍
I bought a 2014 Triumph Bonneville (500#) two years ago, and after much practice and riding, I have concluded that, because of its small lock to lock, it is more difficult to handle at slow speeds than my Road King. At higher speeds, the weight of the Road King does not matter, and in fact, improves stability. So, it is not just about weight. Check out the full range of handling for whatever you are considering--for me, weight only matters when I am stopped on a sandy or slippery roadway, or trying to park the bike.
Very interesting video. I'm 63 and bought a 2018 Goldwing DCT Tour almost six years ago and zero regrets. So far, I've ridden the bike through 30 States and have 73,300 miles. I find the Goldwing to be quite easy at slow speeds with its low centre of gravity.
Another great bike to look at is the moto guzzi v9 bobber 835cc,and it comes in at a weight of 485 lbs. Abs and traction control leds it loaded .If anyone is onto a more classic looking bike .
I am 72 and I moved from a 750 bagger to a 400 lbs Honda Rebel 500 and it is a perfect bike for me as I ride very conservatively and within my age limits and I am having the time of my life riding.
After 30 years of abusing my body (military and federal law enforcement), I was forced to retire when I reached 57 (yep, that is Uncle Sam telling you we don't need you anymore 😂). I was riding a customized Yamaha 1100 bobber. I loved that bike, but after a stupid fall (not motorcycle-related), I injured my back and legs. The riding position on my bike was very uncomfortable as well as the bike. I heard Dirty Harry saying to my ears, a man has to know his limitations, so I sold my bike, and the bastard I sold it to wrecked it in just a week. Well, I still have the itch to ride, and after looking all over, I bought a Royal Enfield (OK, guys, I am ready for your flames 😂😂) 350 Classic. When I went to college in 1978, I learned to ride a Honda CB350; I missed that bike. The Enfield is an outstanding bike with a retro look. I ride solo, and I thoroughly enjoy it. Now that I feel more comfortable, I am considering upsizing the Enfield 650 classic for “long-distance” riding; I am not selling my 350. I just turned 63 a couple of days ago and got my license renewed tester for eight more years (😂😂😂 perhaps for the last time). Stay safe, Live Long, and Prosper 🖖.
Amen to everything you said in this vid. 77 years old here, riding since 1971. Gave up my wonderful 2018 Honda Goldwing DCT Tour in late 2021 for a 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120, wet weight 520 lbs. Outfitted it with windscreen, hard luggage, comfort seat, highway pegs. Much easier to handle at slow/no speed, and very comfortable for touring. Your Tiger is awesome ! The 900 version is the favorite of Doodle on a Motorcycle.
Great discussion. Now at 60. Just spent a 3 day weekend riding TN, NC and GA mountains roads with a friend on my HD Ultra. Definitely noticed that it took a lot out of me. Same thing when we rode the triple nickel in July. Really noticed the weight on these trips. I also work out 4-5 days a week and that allows me to keep up so to speak. But the last two trips have definitely put the smaller bike thought in mind.
This is a good tough love message to us senior riders. Thank you for this! At 74 I'm realizing I don't need to suddenly end my passion for two-wheel-touring: instead, I'll make adjustments. I've recently purchased a new Kawi KLR650 and it has opened a whole new world. I like its lightness and maneuverability. I'm continuing with riding my Harley FLHTCU, although not two-up these days. Next move is a dilemma.... I'm not sure yet, what to do for long distance touring. But I do know it will be nice to have EFI and ABS - and maybe a shaft drive. The Tiger 1200 is interesting!
At 75 years old, I ride both a Royal Enfield Himalayan, and a Yamaha TW200. The RE is a fantastic machine for long distances, good on gas, weighs 431lbs wet, super comfortable, and doesn't come with all the bells & whistles the higher priced (and LOTS more expensive) ADV machines come with, so there's quite a bit less to break in the hinterland. It's not as fast nor powerful as something like the Tiger or the BMW, but I've had my share of crotch rockets. At our age, we're supposed to be retired, so the schedule goes out the window. I'd caution anyone though, about the TW. It's so much fun to ride, it can turn you back into a 10 year old before you know it! I use it for our Backcountry Discovery Routes. The downside is, it's not a bike I'd take on any high speed pavement, so trailering or a hitch rack is necessary, unless you live close to the dirt. And weighing a little over 270lbs, I can pick it up easily.
Hello from sunny Greece! Totally agree with your point of view. Right now at 61 I ride a Moto Guzzi V11 when I feel like going a little faster, a BMW R1100GS when I want to travel a little further and a Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500cc when i want to take it easy and enjoy myself and the scenery
Great video. Please consider that many of the over 50 motorcycle deaths are the result of men that FINALLY retired and are FINALLY going to get the Harley that they’ve yearned for all their life. They’ve never ridden before, but now they FINALLY get to go “on the road” with little or no experience.
I believe that this demographic make up a large part of the over 50 stats to the point that said stats are actually skewed by this group.
(This group also applies to Corvettes)
I've heard many stories of people crashing their shiny new toy before they even get it off the dealer's lot. Sad.
@@kingkrimson8771 proof these people are dang ignorant. their own fault.
At 71 I hadnt rode for 45 years. Thats why I bought a Kawasaki 450 that is 386 lbs. and taking three day class in two weeks. It has enough piwer for me. Great video
I'm 64 and I ride a multistrada, works great for me. My brother, 69, was driving a big tourer and I persuaded him to switch to a tiger 900, he is very happy with it.
I am quite convinced that adventure bikes are the right choice for older guys. Sport bikes are a non-starter, and tourers are too heavy.
I'm just starting out in the bike world at the ripe mid age of 58. I bought a 160cc Yamaha scooter :) I ride in town and round town only. Works wonderfully.
I wont go through the whole list of bikes I tried as I aged, just the last two. One of my favorite bikes was my 2018 Yamaha FJR 1300 which got to tall and I feared marring it's outsides on the pavement. Found an avid touring/sport rider who now loves the bike. After the FJR I was able to handle my 2020 HD Road King for around 4k miles of casual local riding. But it became stressful moving about in the garage or in a tight parking situation. Getting it off of the sidestand took a concerted effort. So I lucked out and a friendly dealer took it in trade on a new Versys X 300. At under 400 lbs it's easy to move about and offers great wind protection on the road. At 85, it's time to slow down and smell the roses and enjoy the sights in my local area.
At 61 I'll probably ride my Heritage for a while but I also have a versys x300 which is really a fun little bike. Heading to the Blue Ridge Parkway with it this weekend!
Love the Heritage, gave it to my son who is piling on the miles and loving every one of them.
there are a few comments that mention the 300X.I'm 79, 60+years riding with a comp license. My current bikes--300X, PE175Z, KDX200 (83), and my current favourite XT225(110kg). If you like dirt and single track and lonely traffic free dirt roads get a 225 and talk a friend into one. Use the car for the tar.
Downsized from an 850lb Kawa 2000 cc crusier to 650lb Yamaha fjr1300.
58. My daily commuter is a 2023 Z900 and my sport touring bike is a 2021 H2SXSE.