70 years old this year

[baconsarney]

And I need a bike… been a few years since my last one, but here’s the short list of bikes I’ve loved/always wanted… Norton 750 Commando, Triumph 650 Bonnie (pre oil in frame), Kawasaki GPZ 900R, early Busa, pretty much any Ducati, Yamaha XT500.

Won’t get used a lot but would be well looked after. Oh, and I’m pretty fit and strong for an old bloke

Thoughts? (Yes I know some will think you’re too old to get back on two wheels)

[Mr Tidy]

Congratulations on your upcoming milestone.

That's a pretty broad spread of bikes! I'd just try to work out which one I really wanted the most and focus on that.

[Krikkit]

H2?

[Mr Tidy]

I doubt it is what you mean but I'd love an H2 from the 1970s, but they don't come cheap any more!

[baconsarney]

Agree… a 70’s Kawasaki for me would have to be a Z1.. my last bike was a ZX10, fastest bike MCN had ever tested in 1989…. (IiRC)… back in the early ‘70s my brother in law bought a Suzuki GT750 (kettle) great bike but a tank slapper in long high speed corners

[baconsarney]

Mr Tidy said:

Congratulations on your upcoming milestone.

That's a pretty broad spread of bikes! I'd just try to work out which one I really wanted the most and focus on that.

Thank you! Have to say much as I love British bikes I’ve had a hankering for the GPZ900 for a long time now… that said I worked in Italy for a good while, and the idea of a Ducati is very appealing…. I’ll probably end up with a moped
Or a mobility scooter

[phazed]

Hi Richard. A have always liked big trailies. Quick enough and all day comfortable.

Favourite was my Cagiva Elefant in Lucky Strike colours.

Whatever you choose, a bike makes a nice addition to the garage.

We’re only getting older so now is the time!

[Wacky Racer]

6k brand new,

[Iminquarantine]

I don’t think you are too old at all. But maybe you do need that Haysbusa you mention. Just put some bar risers on it

[Chipchap]

The nicest GPZ900R available in UK for sensible money.

https://www.bikesanctuary.co.uk/used-kawasaki-gpz9...

[black-k1]

You are definitely not too old. You'd be a good way off from challenging for the "oldest on the trip" spot on any of our recent Old Gits trips.

As for what bike, I'd suggest spending some Sunday afternoons wandering around the local dealers, looking at lots of bikes and sitting on a few. See what works for you and what you feel comfortable on then start looking for test rides. That approach will be much more informative than asking a bunch of strangers on the Internet, but do tell us how you get on and what works/doesn't work.

[SteelerSE]

baconsarney said:

Thoughts? (Yes I know some will think you’re too old to get back on two wheels)

You're absolutely not too old.

I'm not sure from your post whether you are looking for an old bike or just highlighting what it was that you liked..?

Getting something older is great because of the nostalgia factor and the enjoyment of getting it up and running but can be a huge pain in the arse (spares, reliability, poor tyre options etc).

If you haven't ridden bikes for a while, the difference between modern bikes and older ones is amazing. Doesn't necessarily mean better for you but there have been a lot of improvements. Well worth riding a few to find out what floats your boat.

[KTMsm]

Too old my arse - I took a 90yr old green laning earlier in the year

[Wacky Racer]

Chipchap said:

The nicest GPZ900R available in UK for sensible money.

https://www.bikesanctuary.co.uk/used-kawasaki-gpz9...

I had a brand new one in red/black in 1986. Very nice.

[Chipchap]

Wacky Racer said:

I had a brand new one in red/black in 1986. Very nice.

The one in the link is an A7 so it has 17" front wheel, 4 piston front calipers, wider rear wheel so it can take a 150 section tyre. This modernises it a tad making it eminently more useable.

[graham22]

My Dad's 73, has a FZ1 Fazer and a 1954 BSA A10.

He was looking for something a little newer & more reliable than the BSA, something like a 1969s Triumph T100.

I questioned if a 60s bike will be much better than a 50s bike and suggested a newer, Hinkley Triumph.

He's bought a 1200 Thruxton R and is never off the thing - there's reason these appeal and are popular (still has the other bikes though).

Go for it but don't be blinkered by getting something you used to aspire to.

[srob]

baconsarney said:

Thoughts? (Yes I know some will think you’re too old to get back on two wheels)

You're not too old!

My dad's 81 and still has his old race bike which he's now put on the road. He still bump starts it!

[leighz]

the new triumph trident

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/triump...

went up hartside top with one last summer (I was on my triumph tiger sport) and he was clearly enjoying the twisties. Spoke to the guy at the summit - he had a big st eating grin and was very much over 70.

[phazed]

Richard, where are you?

Are you out shopping for a bike, were you successful?

[spoodler]

Fair play, and good luck.
You're definitely not too old in years... some folk are born too old, and some never grow old...(not quite literally, but I'm sure you know what I mean).
One thing I'd keep in mind with the old Bonny, Commando and XT is that they need a good kick to get them going. Age can take its toll on knee joints and a kick back from a healthy Commando won't do you any favours. Some old Brit's can have modern starters fitted, but most of the originals weren't much cop, even when new.
Most of the new "retros" don't feel much like the older bikes (if that's what you want) and the modern Enfield is a very soft, fairly uninspiring bike.
If you fancy something that evokes "old classic", but without the faff, a solid mount Harley Sportster might be worth trying.
One of mine is an early '70s Laverda, huge character and solid reliability, no oil leaks and a dependable starter... or, go for the GPZ 900. All these years later, I still remember the first one I rode as a game changer.