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When should we stop riding? -- perspectives of an older rider

progress49 said:
Now my issue, I'm 77, have had MG since 1996 and am getting gun shy about getting on the bike again. I miss the riding, but am concerned about damaging my body and being a burden to my SO and being a handicapped old man.
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MG? I did an acronym search and came up with myasthenia gravis. If that's right, I'm out of my depth here, and my only suggestion would be a lighter bike. Best wishes on coming up with a good solution.
 
At this point in your life I’d seriously consider giving up riding.

About 5 or 6 years ago I was thinking I might get another bike. (I gave my ST1100 away.) Then my wife died and then 7 months later I had a stroke which made the decision for me. I’m now nearly 75 and though I still miss riding, my memories of nearly 40 years of riding sustain me.
 
One suggestion: get a smaller and lighter motorcycle. The 1200 may be too tall and heavy for the 2026 edition of you. One idea might be a Royal Enfield Himalayan. Also take the advanced rider edition of the motorcycle safety course, which might give you some valuable tips.
 
Erbuck said:
I thought this video was relevant to older riders, like me.

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That's a good video for us old farts to watch. Thanks for sharing.

At 72 & after 57 years of riding, I'm still CRAZY addicted to cornering briskly when me, the moto, & the road are in sync. My cranial GPU is still quite good at reading & reacting to blind corners. But not every road or every day any more, so I slow when necessary to always come home.

I know my balance, stamina, & strength need to improve & I'm trying, but my arthritic throttle hand prevents the workouts from lasting as long as they should. I suspect that will be the reason I stop riding one day.

A decade ago, I was sure I'd ride into my 80s. After 6 surgeries since then, my current goal is to reach 60 years of riding. I think I'll make that. Not sure about further though.

My skin is so thin & lost most of its elasticity. Absolutely the last person who should be riding & crashing.

But its the 2nd best thing for my head!!! ;-)
 
motocatfish said:
That's a good video for us old farts to watch. Thanks for sharing.

At 72 & after 57 years of riding, I'm still CRAZY addicted to cornering briskly when me, the moto, & the road are in sync. My cranial GPU is still quite good at reading & reacting to blind corners. But not every road or every day any more, so I slow when necessary to always come home.

I know my balance, stamina, & strength need to improve & I'm trying, but my arthritic throttle hand prevents the workouts from lasting as long as they should. I suspect that will be the reason I stop riding one day.

A decade ago, I was sure I'd ride into my 80s. After 6 surgeries since then, my current goal is to reach 60 years of riding. I think I'll make that. Not sure about further though.

My skin is so thin & lost most of its elasticity. Absolutely the last person who should be riding & crashing.

But its the 2nd best thing for my head!!! ;-)
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I considered stopping riding recently……after you passed me on my GSA 1200 on your 390 KTM….Geez🤪
You can still ride for sure…..
PaulR
 
@progress49 _ That is tough. A lighter bike is a good call, but honestly the worries about the spouse and such is legit.

Best wishes.
 
I’m pondering the smaller bike but want the safety of cornering abs etc. The trickle down to middleweights seems slow. My balance is good over 5 mph. 😝
 
progress49 said:
Been riding since 1973, had a 2002 back then, so naturally I chose a Toaster Tamk. Here I am 7 bikes later on my GS. Retired and was riding the local backroads since I moved from the east coast. Quit riding for a few months as I had dropped the bike in a gully, it fell on me and cracked a couple of ribs. Long story short, went to hospital later with some breathing issues and they kept me. I had a lung embolism, blood clots in my leg and a blockage in my heart that required stent work. Never would have figured that out if the bike hadn't sent me to the hospital, so I credit it with saving my ass. Now my issue, I'm 77, have had MG since 1996 and am getting gun shy about getting on the bike again. I miss the riding, but am concerned about damaging my body and being a burden to my SO and being a handicapped old man. Any suggestions on deciding to keep it on or calling it quits?
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Just sold my last moto and if I get another it will likely be a Triumph 400 XC.

No physical issues on my part thank goodness but something lighter to push around the garage would be nice but I need to get my moto "spark" back as I'm mostly on bicycles or in the Miata.

Logically a Vespa would likely be ridden more often as my moto buddy I gave my DRZSM to a few years back swears by his.
 
"A decade ago, I was sure I'd ride into my 80s. After 6 surgeries since then, my current goal is to reach 60 years of riding. I think I'll make that. Not sure about further though.

My skin is so thin & lost most of its elasticity. Absolutely the last person who should be riding & crashing.

But its the 2nd best thing for my head!!! ;-)"

I can relate to this completely, the other day I bumped into an open cardboard box cover and it broke through skin. I don't think the ambulance would get to me in time if any bare skin hit the pavement. I've discovered trimix, it's an acceptable consolation prize.
 
progress49 said:
Been riding since 1973, had a 2002 back then, so naturally I chose a Toaster Tamk. Here I am 7 bikes later on my GS. Retired and was riding the local backroads since I moved from the east coast. Quit riding for a few months as I had dropped the bike in a gully, it fell on me and cracked a couple of ribs. Long story short, went to hospital later with some breathing issues and they kept me. I had a lung embolism, blood clots in my leg and a blockage in my heart that required stent work. Never would have figured that out if the bike hadn't sent me to the hospital, so I credit it with saving my ass. Now my issue, I'm 77, have had MG since 1996 and am getting gun shy about getting on the bike again. I miss the riding, but am concerned about damaging my body and being a burden to my SO and being a handicapped old man. Any suggestions on deciding to keep it on or calling it quits?
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Make sure you have plenty of insurance to cover any contingencies. Then go an enjoy yourself.
Get a bike you can flatfoot at a stoplight, and one that is light enough so you don't struggle to keep it upright.

Or, get a trike. Honda Goldwing trikes can be quite a blessing.

 
greenmonster said:
Make sure you have plenty of insurance to cover any contingencies. Then go an enjoy yourself.
Get a bike you can flatfoot at a stoplight, and one that is light enough so you don't struggle to keep it upright.

Or, get a trike. Honda Goldwing trikes can be quite a blessing.

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Trikes are expensive but no more balancing issues like on a two wheeler. And they are a good alternative to stopping riding altogether.
If you're thinking about touring you can fit a trailer on the back to carry more stuff.

CanAms and Slingshots are also alternatives to consider although personally I find those variations repulsive.
 
Honestly, I just don't get trikes. They strike me as the worst of both worlds. They don't lean, they can't split, you're still the crumple zone, you're still exposed to the weather. I'd rather drive a Miata, and that's not a slam on Miatas. It's obvious that lots of folks like them, but they're not for me.
 
I actually got to chew on some bumpers, uphill yesterday, and they let me pass,
Slow bike, wound up, to 35, barely keeping up, I was tailing a Ford from Fairfield Ca. Chet Monez, Ford, long gone.
I passed it. My mini is a fairly good street bike, for a 125.
The way down is easy to keep up, I managed to follow a local, we flew, speeds into the 40's all the way.
This road used to be 55 & up, now, 40 and below, it had passing lanes, about 5, now only two.
Oak Creek Canyon, 89A
 
You can get side cars that lean with the bike. The best of both worlds.
 
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