How Old is too Old?

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Dan1950

Dan1950

1974 MK II Roadster
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After 35years of marriage that ended in divorce I ended up with a nice settlement and I think it is time for me to enjoy life again. I'm thinking about getting a pre MK2 850 Commando. I have about 5 years experience with BSA A65 and knew every part on my 1967 Thunderbolt. I never saw any need for electric start on a British bike as long as they were tuned properly and one knew the proper starting sequence. I even preferred kick start on my 1964 86 cu in Panhead stroker.

Is 70 too old to start riding again? I am in b very good health and feel about 1/2 my chronological age.
 
There is a lot to that question. 5 years total riding experience? How old were you then?
 
If you can pick the bike up and have no infirmities that impede control 'control' (!) then go for it..
But if you're a liability to yourself, you WILL be a liability to others....
Totally your call....
(Mind you, I can jump into bed like a 20 year old, but sometimes crawl out of it like I'm 120..)
 
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concours said:
There is a lot to that question. 5 years total riding experience? How old were you then?
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Only 5 years on the BSA, about 20 years on the Panhead. Started riding in high school on a 250 Sprint. Bought my '67 Thunderbolt in 1969 and traded it and some cash for the Panhead in 1975. I know how to lace and true wheels , rebuild engines/transmissions, adjust Amal carburetors for one kick starting, wire a classic British Twin from memory and learned all of the idiosyncrasies of Lucas electrics. (the prince of darkness)

I do not lack experience and can do all of my own maintenance that doesn't require machine shop service. I have many years experience working in skilled trades.
 
EstuaryBoy said:
If you can pick the bike up and have no infirmities that impede control 'control' (!) then go for it..
But if you're a liability to yourself, you WILL be a liability to others....
Totally your call....
Click to expand...
If I didn't feel that I was physically capable I wouldn't consider it. I was hoping to hear from rider of similar age. I have had both knees replaced (2013) and get around better than I did in my late 40s. Just wondering how long rides might affect me. I live in the Northern Adirondacks and might want to do 200 miles in a day round trip.
 
maylar said:
There are many of us here close to or even above your age who ride regularly. You just need to know your limitations.
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Yes that's what I wanted to hear. The only way I can learn my limitations is to give it a try and find out.
 
There is no "right" answer to this question.

There either are or are not many wrong answers, depending on the INDIVIDUAL.
 
Dan1950 said:
Only 5 years on the BSA, about 20 years on the Panhead. Started riding in high school on a 250 Sprint. Bought my '67 Thunderbolt in 1969 and traded it and some cash for the Panhead in 1975. I know how to lace and true wheels , rebuild engines/transmissions, adjust Amal carburetors for one kick starting, wire a classic British Twin from memory and learned all of the idiosyncrasies of Lucas electrics. (the prince of darkness)

I do not lack experience and can do all of my own maintenance that doesn't require machine shop service. I have many years experience working in skilled trades.
Click to expand...
What about TRAFFIC? are you comfortable with the madness that is part of today's normal? Countersteering? Panic braking drills? Sounds like your experience was extensive. 70 is not too old.
 
concours said:
What about TRAFFIC? are you comfortable with the madness that is part of today's normal? Countersteering? Panic braking drills? Sounds like your experience was extensive. 70 is not too old.
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Fortunately I live in a rural area. I have experienced 3 "left turners" in my riding career. 1 left me hospitalized, 1 a quick trip to get stitched up in the emergency room and the other just left me a bit shook up. I learned to use cars to run interference in traffic as much as possible.
 
All that being said, I don't see me riding with the reckless abandon that I relished in my 20s and 30s. To be quite honest, I don't know how I survived.
 
Welcome Dan. You don't say if you've been riding recently ? Cycling 112 miles in a day, respect, I hope I can do that when I'm your age. If you said you were going to buy a 225 HP sports bike, I would definitely advise caution & some sort of advanced rider training, but the Commando should be fine in my opinion.
 
cliffa said:
Welcome Dan. You don't say if you've been riding recently ? Cycling 112 miles in a day, respect, I hope I can do that when I'm your age. If you said you were going to buy a 225 HP sports bike, I would definitely advise caution & some sort of advanced rider training, but the Commando should be fine in my opinion.
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It has been many years since I rode my Panhead. As far as my choice in motorcycles? I feel that the 850 Commando should have enough power/performance to provide some thrill in riding let light enough and docile enough to keep me out of trouble as long as I use my head. I love British bikes for their handling but always hated the buzz in the handlebars ay highway speeds with my BSA. I'm hoping the isoelastic suspension will make things more comfortable. Looking for something that can get to 100MPH without pushing it and cruises comfortably 65-70 MPH on the highway. My Panhead had a sweet spot at 75 MPH.
 
70 is definitely not too old if you have your health, strength, and reflexes. Many colleges and race tracks around here offer refresher courses for licensed riders that have not ridden in a while. In my opinion, you can never have enough knowledge - there is always something to learn.

So +1 for getting back out there and enjoying some great roads on an even greater motorcycle.
 
I have an 80 year-old friend who last year went to "Wheelie School" so he could perform more impressive wheelies then he could prior! I agree with others that, assuming you can physically handle the bike, it will just be a function of getting familiar again with actually riding. I have another friend -early 70's - who rides a 220HP V4 Panagali and will leave most folks behind in the twisties, regardless of their age. ;)
 
MexicoMike said:
I have an 80 year-old friend who last year went to "Wheelie School" so he could perform more impressive wheelies then he could prior! I agree with others that, assuming you can physically handle the bike, it will just be a function of getting familiar again with actually riding. I have another friend -early 70's - who rides a V4 Panagali and will leave most folks behind in the twisties, regardless of their age. ;)
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Love the "twisties"!
 
Dan1950 said:
It has been many years since I rode my Panhead. As far as my choice in motorcycles? I feel that the 850 Commando should have enough power/performance to provide some thrill in riding let light enough and docile enough to keep me out of trouble as long as I use my head. I love British bikes for their handling but always hated the buzz in the handlebars ay highway speeds with my BSA. I'm hoping the isoelastic suspension will make things more comfortable. Looking for something that can get to 100MPH without pushing it and cruises comfortably 65-70 MPH on the highway. My Panhead had a sweet spot at 75 MPH.
Click to expand...
22 teeth on the gearbox sprocket. The Isolastic is what clenched the deal, as opposed to the paintshakerfromhell design of others. :p
 
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