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

[flying_hun]

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.

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.

 

[ST Guy]

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.

 

[Norton Margie]

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.

 

[motocatfish]

I thought this video was relevant to older riders, like me.

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!!! ;-)

 

[PaulR]

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!!! ;-)

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

 

[budman]

@progress49 _ That is tough. A lighter bike is a good call, but honestly the worries about the spouse and such is legit.

Best wishes.

 

[bikewanker]

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]

Time to weigh all options with qn honest mind, thanks for the feedback

 

[GAJ]

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?

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.