Getting on a bike for the first time at 60
Discussion
Just read this thread and it fills me with joy. I am 72 and returned to Biking 2 years ago when I treated myself to a Royal Enfield Classic 350. I have previously owned a BMW GS1100 but had not ridden for about 10 years but decided that age was just a number as I am still reasonable fit and healthy. Riding a bike gives you a sense of freedom and joy which even a classic car struggles to compete, particularly on today’s crowded roads.
My respect to the 80 year old Gentleman still enjoying his BMW, I hope I’m still enjoying my bike in a few years time.
My respect to the 80 year old Gentleman still enjoying his BMW, I hope I’m still enjoying my bike in a few years time.
Pistom said:
So - is it a bad idea to try to get into bikes at 60 when the sum of your life experience regarding motorbikes is hiring a moped in Greece 30 years ago and riding it off the edge of a hill? (only minor injuries).
Where would you start and what's realistic to aim for?
That’s exactly what I did at 60 , for a challenge as much as anything. Cbt ,( that will tell you if you want to continue )and theory , then Mod 1 and mod 2 and ‘boom’ your on the road . Where would you start and what's realistic to aim for?
It’s a great feeling when you pass and a really useful brush up on driving skills weather you get a bike or not .
I’m now riding a Triumph street twin 900 (as recommended by my instructor) and loving it .
Go for it
I started relatively late and did my DAS in 2019 at 58. I’d ridden as a kid without a licence, on the road, in the fields etc but the world was far less busy in those days, st happened none the less.. I’m so glad I did it and regret not doing it sooner. Had a lot of fun learning and enjoying the scene. Done a few trips with a pal to far ish flung bits of Europe, Picos, Black Forest. I even did a lap of the ring! Love a Saturday or Sunday ride out, alone or with a pal, not keen on groups tbh, it’s a real head cleanser though as you just enjoy the whole experience of managing all the variables and of being somewhat hyper alert. To me, riding a motorcycle puts you in a different plane to the other road users, it’s like having wings when everyone else is wearing lead boots. Add to that the feeling you get vs a car is incomparable, I’ve had (have) some fast cars but they don’t come close to the bike for an adrenaline pump when you need one. I would advocate getting past the 125 asap, they are too slow for most traffic situations. I feel much safer on my litre naked beemer.
I'm back on 2 wheels again at 53 after 20 years off.
Must say its fantastic and Saturday mornings are now spent blasting round Bakewell instead of Mountain biking round Ladybower. I do need to work on getting this balance right due to too many bacon butties though .
The sense of freedom in a sea of SUV's is immense.
Its never too late
Must say its fantastic and Saturday mornings are now spent blasting round Bakewell instead of Mountain biking round Ladybower. I do need to work on getting this balance right due to too many bacon butties though .
The sense of freedom in a sea of SUV's is immense.
Its never too late
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff