Some Advice from Senior Age Riders?

[rotortech71]

Who are the guys 70 and older? I ask, because I'd like some advice / words of encouragement to give my dad. He is 73 yrs old, and just now getting into riding. He's taking the three day Team Oregon safety course, then buying a 2014 V-Strom 650. He's really excited about it, and emails me constantly with gear and accessories questions. But a couple days ago I received a different kind of email from him, where he expressed concern about getting into riding at his age. I think it depresses him to think about it, because he's always been an extremely active guy, in great shape, who can't stand sitting in the house. When he gets into a new interest or hobby, he goes all out, 100%, and wants to do everything right, nothing half-ass, no cutting corners. You get what I mean, he's that kind of guy.

Like I said, physically and mentally he's just fine, (I told him 73 is NOT that old). He just let's the numbers get to him, and it brings him down. What say the guys who are there with him? I'd appreciate any advice I could pass on to him.

 

[Maxified]

If your dad is really mentally and physically ready for a new phase in his life I say more power to him. Sure beats chasing a little white ball around. Sounds like he has reflected on the idea and he has wisely considered the potential for risk to life & limb. I think the Wee-strom is a decent choice for a first motorcycle albeit a bit heavy, almost as weighty as the DL1K. You'd be making some fine memories as you ride together.

An ex-mailman I've ridden with still rides at 72: Ninja 1000, Kawa ZX-12, & HD Sporster.

 

[Ramseybella]

Does he actively ride a bicycle on or off the street and Is his peripheral vision good?
Does he want to ride weekends or full time?

Get him on the back Farm roads first..
Hell I am 54 and that number brings me down!!


Sounds like your Pop is one cool guy A+ for taking on the fun in life.. ::018::

 

[Tippo]

I am 72 and have been riding for most of the last 60 years. A few years ago friend, a few years older than me, wanted to get into motorcycles. He is fairly fit and had been driving sports cars and raced vintage formula Fords. I shared a bunch of magazines with him and agreed when he selected an air cooled Ducati Multistrada 650. He took the MSF new rider safety course and had the dealer deliver his new bike to his house. He rode it to the end of his long driveway, dropped it and never rode again. He couldn't master using one hand for the throttle and brake, one hand for the clutch, etc. I believe he would have been better off if he had started with one of the CVT (auto shift) scooters or bikes that are available now. Fewer new skills to master, less to think about. Your dad will love the Wee Strom if he can get past the initial learning stage. Good luck to him.

 

[pnelson]

On any given weekend there are a dozen dual sport biked on Craigslist for click send to $1000. I'd start on one of those even if only for a month. Also, go for a drive back n a car with him and talk out loud about the safe riding skills you've picked up over the years. Finally' do some slow riding skills and braking drills in a big empty parking lot. That should get him off to a good start. ;-)

 

[scott123007]

I agree with pnelson to not buy a new bike. Just in case it does not work out, it won't be as costly. If he enjoys it and wants to continue, then upgrade. His age should not be a problem if he is in decent shape, and learning to operate a motorcycle is not rocket science. The ingrained defensive behavior however, for those of us that have been riding for many years, will be the tough learning curve. There are soooo many things that we take for granted that new riders have no clue about. It might be best that he rides with someone with extensive experience for a couple of months if that's possible, as a three day school cannot possibly cover all the bases.

Good luck ::003::

 

[Big Blu]

I suggest a smaller lighter bike as a starter bike for him. After he builds his riding skills and confidence he'll be better prepared to make the choice of his next bike. I taught the MSF course for several years and would suggest to the students that their 1st bike be similar to the 250cc they used during the class. Also a used bike, a beater, is a good idea because most new riders are likely to have an unplanned get-off.

Good on him for giving it a go!

Paul

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I suggest a smaller lighter bike as a starter bike for him.

::026:: Having owned or ridden every model of V-Strom they are all top heavy to various degrees.

Last week I taught a first timer who was 57. Obviously a big age difference, but he was fresh off knee surgery and still a bit shaky. I had him roll down the incline of my driveway a few times on the XT250. I took note of how challenging even that exercise was to a true first timer. Even though he has always been athletic and is 6'2" tall, I wished I had something a bit smaller a lighter for him.

Good luck to your dad. Sounds like he's not ready for a rocking chair. Guys like that are a real inspiration.