Giving up.

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I'm 74 and realized that my riding days were numbered 2-3 years ago. I figured then I'd quit riding at age 75.
My 50-something nephew wanted to buy a Commando, so I sold mine to him. He stores it at my house and
I keep it hydrated and maintained. I have unlimited use of it whenever I like. I find my 2020 Triumph Street
Triple to be much easier to ride. Having dropped 6 bikes in my career, all in the garage or driveway at no or
very slow speed. Now, with a herniated disc, Sciatica and a weak leg I am diligent about planning slow riding
or stops. In Go-Fast mode I feel completely comfortable and secure. I wouldn't dream of trying to kick start
the Commando for fear of hurting myself. So, I found the cNw electric leg allowed me to continue to ride it.
I'm contemplating a fast sports car as I transition to old age.
 
I'm with Dave. See the doctor. It might be something as simple as an inner ear issue. Do you have a cold at the moment?

Charlie
 
i have been mulling a similar step the car/truck/SUV drivers around here are getting worse i ask God to watch over me every ride and i'm not joking
 
Sorry to hear it Ken (and others in the same boat). Hope you find, or already have, sumthin else to take the place.
 
Age will catch us all!!! Sorry to hear, but it is your wise decision. I always feel bad for the family who has to make that decision. I'm sure you have a lot of knowledge hopefully you can mentor a grand child!!
 
Fullauto, what did you do to your bike to make it wobble so much?
Sorry, couldn't resist.
This was Fullauto's "advice" to me some time ago in a thread on headshake and the use of steering dampers.
 
@Fullauto sorry to hear it, man. Glad it wasn't a bad crash that made your decision for you. I hope the balance thing doesn't throw off driving a car also...

More and more people I know, and people on the forums, are "aging out" of m/c riding. Such is life.

I broke my leg in November and just today on a test-ride on my VR880 replica, I found out my right foot can't upshift with a standard rearset shifter. Haven't tried my BSA yet, I hope I can still use a normal shifter. On my moderns, I can operate the brake pedal fine.

I'm 63, and I'd like to make it still riding into my 70s, many folks I know have done so without significant issues.
 
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Possible translation.
I woke up this morning and couldn't find one shoe so have decided to get that leg cut off.
Update.
Back from the hospital and you wouldn't believe it, I found the other shoe under the couch.

#

Unless there was something leading up to this as in a progressive problem it seems like a over reaction. (unless there is more to it)
If it was a sudden balance problem (if the case) its not rocket science as far as what to do and who to see.

Is it possible to ride so slowly the forces of centrifugal force are overcome to the point ones motorcycle will wobble or even fall over.
Failing that make sure there is air in the tyres/tires especially at the bottom.

Perhaps the reality is, you can wake up one day and not want to do what you have done up to that point enjoyable or not.
 
I'm 68 and hope to ride forever, did 2 months physical therapy to get ready for riding season. Made the world of difference for start up riding . I would recommend it to anyone. Medicare pays for it!
 
My friend who is in his 70s experienced bad balance issues and stopped riding. The doctors told him he had a brain tumor. Then they changed their mind and said he has Parkinson’s. Now they changed their mind again and upon final tests decided his balance issues are due to deficiency in B12. He has to go have a shot of B12 once a month and he will be ok again. I am glad he is going to be ok again... He still has his Triumph.

Good luck with it. I know you Ken, you will never be far away mate, it’s in the blood. Cheers for now and I wish you best of luck.

Jerry
 
Don't over-react. Could be wax buildup in the ears. See your doctor first , then one more. My surgeon saved my life and I'm riding again.
 
Peter R said:
Sorry to hear this, but we all will have to make this decission sooner or later.
This said, I cringe with the idea to give up motorcycling.
However, it would be wise to stop before something seriously goes wrong, we all must know our limitations.
Click to expand...
I'm also very sorry to hear this and also cringe at the thought of giving up riding. Presently, I avoid freeways and metro areas as much as possible and stick to the back roads and secondary highways. I am fairly certain I'll be done in five to eight years.
 
Thank you one and all for your kind thoughts.I hear you all but, my riding days are indeed done. Having diabetes for more than twenty years has added to the problem and it has made a set of problems of its own. With regard to Jerry's question. I think the Norton Commando will always have a future with people who ride. The reason ? Commandos are such fun to ride. In varying conditions and terrain they are one of the few bikes that are easy to ride and just a joy to be on. Excellent spares availability, ease of maintenance, not to forget relatively cheap spares make the Commando a very viable day to day bike. Set it up properly and they are just fun to be on.
 
I have had type 1 diabetes since about 1989 - which was diagnosed right about the same time as I bought my current mk2. I feel for you man, having just had lowish speed off and shattered my collarbone (per profile pic). Not quite as old as you yet, and hopefully my diabetes wont interfere in the next 10 years.

Many thanks for your efforts Ken, FA #172 is phat and happy!

Best wishes, Mate.
 
I taught my 8 year old grand-daughter to ride a push-bike. I showed her how to operate the brakes and told her if she stops, the bike will fall over, so she always needs to put her foot down. I also told her that the bile only has to be rolling slowly to stay upright. She started pedalling and rode off down the footpath like as champion. She has not crashed even once.
What you have probably got is brain fade. Commando wheels are quite large and heavy - once they are turning it, is almost impossible to drop the bike. When you ride, you should be totally relaxed and never do anything suddenly. It is all in the mind.

I think the last time I raced was about 7 years ago. I went extremely well, but the motor stopped when I was in the lead in my last race. My problem is I did not finish the race, so I really need to go there again. But my wife thinks I am too old and she worries a bit when she does not really need to. I can ride my bike in my sleep. I once raced when I had the flu really badly. It can never get worse than that.
 
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A couple of years ago, I woke up in the middle of the night and could not stand up without falling. Called for an ambulance. At hospital, after two days of thorough checks, got a training program which turned out well. After a few weeks, completely OK again. Turned out that it was Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. But it could as well been something very serious. So please get a check.
 
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