Are You Too Old To Start Riding A Motorcycle? - The Benefits - And Some Advice 

I am a female that started riding at 53. Learned on a Honda CBR 300 then switched to a CBR 600 RR 6 months later. 58 now and just switched to a triumph street triple r. So much fun, makes me feel like a kid.

Got my first bike, a Honda Rebel, at age 74. Practiced in my neighborhood and on back roads, then got my motorcycle license. Age 75 now, and ride every chance I get.

I started riding at age 61 after never having been on a bike in my entire life and generally being intimidated by them. That was 17 months ago. I’ve put about 14,000 miles on two bikes since then.

A good riding friend of mine told me he was just shy of 50 when he got his first bike. He'd ridden to 49 states to Alaska twice) , several Mexican states and all the Canadian provinces. He shed the mortal coil a few years ago at the age of 94. He was riding up until about six months before he passed. I kept telling him that I wanted to be like him when I grew up. ;-)

I started riding at 16 and will be 72 this year and don't plan on slowing down anytime soon. I ride to stay alive and as a Combat Vietnam Vet use my riding as part of my therapy. Ride safe guys.

Im 72, been riding since 1963 and love riding bikes. Just bought a KTM 1290 Superduke GT, what a bike !!!. Ive got a mate whos 85 and races bikes. Just do it. Regards from the UK.

After not riding for over 4 decades I restarted in my late 50’s. Best thing I’ve done in over a decade! ❤️ riding!

I am 83 and still riding a 1200 cc Harley Buell, a 650cc BMW adventure bike and a Suzuki 4 cylinder 4stroke GSX- R, but not at the same time ....started riding when I was 16 years young ....

This helped so much, brother. I’m 40 and getting my first motorcycle. I appreciate the words and safe riding to you.

My neigbour is 83 years old, last week he bought a new BMW 1250 GS.

49 and just started riding a zx6r after 30 years of not riding.It`s been fun.

71 Got back to riding after 25 years . Suzuki SV650

Honda monkey 125cc Is my last bike. 25 years I have had powerful bikes that I got bored with. The new Monkey is pure fun. But also practical.

Being 58 and now single after 34 years I bought a HD Street Bob and I LOVE IT....!!!🏍😎👍

Agreed, I’m 52 and recently passed my test here in the UK. Now ride a Yamaha Fazer FZS 600, love it. It’s the most fun you can have with your clothes on!!

I agree. I'm 68, and took up motorcycling last year. I did have a motor scooter when I was in my teens, and rode it round like a madman ( that's what teenagers do ) I now have two bikes, a Honda NC750X and a Royal Enfield Himalayan. Neither are sports bikes, but I have a lot of fun on them . In September I'm planning to do a beginner's " off road course " which I think will help improve my " on road " skills as well as allowing me to have, even more fun, getting off road as well.

I’m in the U.K. I’m 47 and recently bought my first bike, a Honda Monkey. I live in a coastal town a couple of miles from where I work. I love it to bits. Great fun. I honestly don’t want or need anything bigger or faster.

i'm 73 and have something to say, never say OLD, always add the er and say OLDer, for everyone gets older but not everyone gets old, old is an attitude.

I’m 64 and have just bought a SV650. 6 months ago I hadn’t even thought of becoming a Motorcycle rider, but on an off chance the opportunity arose that a friend of mine was selling his bike, so I bought it. I am putting myself through all the courses and am looking forward to getting out on the roads in the Summer. You’re never too old. I love it. Thanks for your advice, you are a very grounded young man. 👍🇬🇧

When I took the MSF course, I was the oldest one doing it in my sessions, except for one of the instructors. I was 47, and I left the course, with my license, not knowing if I really wanted to take up riding. The one thing on the test I had a problem with was the sweeping right curve. We were supposed to do that at 30 km and then come to a stop between the pylons at the end. The problem was, for right turns, I tended to inadvertently apply more throttle, and with no speedo on the bike, I had no Idea how fast I was going. I clipped a pylon but stayed in the defined area and stopped in the right spot, and was deducted 3 points from the test. The only points I lost on it, but enough to make me think about that right curve. Two weeks later, I was riding my new CBR300r out of the dealer. I purposely bought from a dealer that was a 2 hour drive from where I lived. Had a friend drop me off and I was forced to ride it home or die trying. I took only side streets and twisty roads because well, new tires and they advised me to break in with a lot of gear changing and change revs. So back streets. Took 3 hours to get home, including a coffee shop stop about half way, but it forced me to be way more comfortable on right curves and basically pretty much fixed that problem first day. My point is I guess, I think had I gotten my license earlier, I probably wouldn't have had that second thought and just got a bike without a care in the world. But I put some thought into it and planned it all out. From the type and size of bike, to the gear, to the dealership and the route home. As I get older, I start to realize a little more every single day, I am not invincible and I think about that every time I throw my leg over the bike, but I don't let that keep me from riding. I have days when I feel the day has not gone my way, start the morning spilling my coffee, stub my toe going to get the hand towel, bang my head bending over to clean it up, that sort of day, and I choose going out on the bike because that just resets my day. There's almost nothing that gives as much pleasure as riding. Almost. Keeping it clean here. :) Good video man, keep it up.

got my license at 42 years old and got my first bike at 42 years old. now im still 42 years old. 😁

63, riding since 14. My wife and I both have cancer, I've had two heart attacks. Picked up a '19 W800 last month. Daily rider, we are both over the moon with this bike. Wise words, thank you my friend.

I'm 45, just learned how to ride last year...took the riding course through Harley Davidson, then purchased my first bike, a 2018 Indian Scout.

Very informational and supportive. I’m 69 and just completed the Trans America Trail Virginia to Oregon, camping half the time. 5000 miles of dirt on Suzuki DR650SE. Fun bike.

I'm 70 now and have riding since I was 14. I have a 2006 Big Dog Pitbull. It's my stress release. I spend just as much time polishing it up as I do riding. I'm self employed and still work full time and I feel I owe it to myself to enjoy my bike as a hobby to enjoy it long as I can have good health.

My dad is 80 years old and still riding his bike. Next week we're visiting Germany (I am from the Netherlands) so that's a 250 mile trip with more riding from the hotel we booked there. You're never too old to pick up riding

Just turned 69. Been riding for four years. Since a year ago, I own a 1250 GS and ride it mostly on (light) Offroad. Took a private offroad class yesterday. I did alright but I clearly need to hit the gym to (re) develop some strength, and take up zumba to improve my endurance. In a couple of years, I guess I’ll switch to a cruiser, and then go back to flying drones in my living room whenever my wife is not home. We do what we can.

I agree with everything you said. I’m a 56 year old female. I started riding at 52 and I love it. We call riding,“wind therapy” Woohoo!

Dude, I'm 31 and just got my first bike a couple of days ago.. I thought I was starting late! More power to everyone just starting *thumbs up* Also, I enjoy your vids way too much man! You honestly deserve a million subscribers.

Well said. Had motorcycles when aged 16-19yrs old. Was Wild, bad crash at 19 ended that ! I often think how much life ive lived since then, when it could so easily have ended. Started riding again aged 56. Much calmer, wiser, appreciative of life !! Enjoying 2wheels within the speed limits, tootling up the coast to watch the sunset. Life is good.

Hi , from Perth Western Australia. My husband started riding a motorcycle when he was 17 . Gave up in those middle years . We are both 63 he bought a Yamaha 1300 Tourer last year . I’ve never been on a motorcycle till a few months ago. I’ve had two total hip replacements. Well my sister passed away suddenly and that gave me the gutz to get on the back of my hubbys bike. Omg! I’ve missed out in so much fun! We love going out for a cruise. Life’s too short not to enjoy life to the fullest.

Hello. Thanks a lot for this video. You hit the nail on the head. You are totally right. I`m driving motorbikes since 42 years here in germany. Everything has changed....the personnel feelings, experience about traffic and life, money situation, no more kids at home. I drove many bikes...from my first Benelli 125 cc to Harley Panhead 1200..all the Japanese marques, Moto Guzzi, Ducati...much Oldtimers..many 2 Strokes. Now this year I bought my first brand new bike : A "Kawasaki Z900 RS SE" - for my 60th birthday. This was - may be - my last dream to ride. And it's so much fun to ride, I`ll never regret it. So I`m with you.....try to ride, you will never regret - you are never too old. Regards from germany to all the older bikers and the truth speaking, Mr. Gas Works.

I am 62 years young. Have been riding Harley's since age 16. That was 46 years ago. Wonder "full" video with points well stated. Another few points which were not covered. When we get "older", our response time to sudden events are "slower" than when we were younger, so allow some distance between yourself and the other vehicle while on the road. Staying "fit" is very important. Exercising daily, be it swimming laps, is a good thing bc it not only improves muscle mass/contracture, but also improves attention span while SpO2 (blood saturation of oxygen) is maintained at a normal level. RESPECT the machine.........always and view vehicles (cages) as they are "potentially" going to kill you. Then you would think twice about speeding or doing anything foolish. Most accidents are caused by the motorcycle rider taking/making foolish choices. Leave the ego out! Ride responsibly, respect others on the road and have fun. Thank you! A+

almost 40 , after seeing this , i am going to get myself a bike.

nice video! im 50 and i just got back into riding and you're absolutely right, let's ride for fun and get back to our family at the end of the day! ciao!

Turning sixty next month, and nothing gives me a feeling of peace more than having a blast on my new Bonnie .

Biking is Zen. On the bike you are in the moment, your worries are put aside, your stress is relieved. I'm over 60 and bought a Ducati Scrambler which I love. Go for it.

Wow, at 37, I wondered if I was too old to start riding but watching this vid and reading these comments of people 50 and over just starting, I now know I’m not too old. Thanks everyone!

I bought a 2000 Honda Valkarie CT1500. I have a healthy respect for it. It is my first bike and I am really liking the ride . I practiced on it for 3 weeks before I took the motorcycle Safety course. I admit I as taken aback by the contrast of a 250 cc bike to what I was actually practicing for to ride on the beast at home. But I learned a lot and it has been fun putting to practice what I've been learning from riding in these streets. Oh , I'm 53 yrs old, a California vet, US Army Huaaah!

I’m 70 & have been riding for decades. This is a fantastic video ! Always wear all the motorcycle gear or don’t ride period.

I'm 46 and just picked up my first bike. I love my Bonneville

Love your video! My husband thought I was crazy when I told him I wanted to learn to ride a motorcycle at age 61. Now, I will be 63 in October and me and my Kawasaki z650 are doin’ just fine. I love my bike even though everyone is shocked that I don’t have a Harley(I wanted something sporty). It the best “hobby” I’ve ever had for all the reasons you named👍🏻🏍

I'll be 54 this year, & I've been riding for at least 4 decades, started riding dirt bikes & such, I currently have a '97 Honda Shadow 600 VLX, a 1999 Harley Davidson Road King twin cam 88 (1450 cc), & a 2009 Honda Shadow Aero VT750...I see no reason to stop anytime soon...my 79 year old father has a Suzuki V-Strom 650...he still loves it...🖖🏿😎👍🏿

Hi I got my motorbike licence at 64yo.. My first year of retirement! Bought a Honda CB125.. To help me get my licence. Now I have a bike licence>>> I bought a 250cc Suzuki Vstrom adventure bike. Having lots of fun buying all the gear. Learning so much! Made new friends... Being retired..I have time to ride regularly. Lots to learn..still! Good retirement toy. Cheers Steven in Cairns Queensland

Daughter has been raised & I’m buying a bike next yr @ 49. Reassuring I won’t be an Idiot on it @ 49 yrs of age!

I agree with much of what is presented here. I began riding after I retired. Went to MSF and got licensed at 67. Rode my first bike, an old Ninja EX500 all last summer, fall, and winter, in New England. This Spring I added a Triumph Thruxton to the garage as a 68th Birthday present. Since I'm retired I ride almost daily.

Absolutely agree with everything you said. I’m 58 and just got my motorcycle endorsement in June. Bought and learned on a Suzuki 200 Van Van. Fun little bike and great to learn on, but I quickly “outgrew” it and traded it in for a Kawasaki Z900RS which I absolutely love. I regret not starting when I was younger, but as long as you can still move around YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO START RIDING MOTORCYCLES!

I'm 36 and just started 3 months ago. Loving every minute of it.

I wanted to say your videos have been encouraging since I started learning to ride bikes I'm 40 been driving cars since I was 17 and last week completed both my mod 1 and mod 2 tests in the UK giving me an unrestricted motorcycle licence. This video really means alot as I'm now looking for a motorcycle but very much going to take time to find the right one and looking to get safe and sound gear to wear before purchasing a new machine and going out to enjoy it fully.

I am 79 have 1500 goldwing had for 30 yrs + 6 other bikes,still ride regular just done 1700klm with wife on back in 2 days went to india on my 70th to ride the Himalayas up to tibet and around 2000 klms ,i think i love my 650 burgman scoot best now easy to get leg over heated seats and grips top speed 110 mph great all day bike recommend never give up,live to ride & ride to live 👌

got my first harley at 58 years old - last time i rode was at 19 on a kawasaki 400. really wish i had done this like 20 years ago, but so glad i got back into this!

I'm a 73 y/o returning rider. Sold my last bike in 89(1980 Suzuki GS850 G) I commuted from 1965 to 1989 on a bunch of different motorcycles, from 90cc to 850cc, chain and shaft drive. I must agree with your taking the beginners course, I did as well, as my riding skills were a bit rusty. I must say that the machines now are vastly superior to those of the 60's and 70's . I don't believe a novice should start on anything bigger than a 400, these new bikes are just that fast. My riding skills are returning fast since I bought a Rebel 500 in late July, but I won't trade it, it's now my second first bike. Your videos are excellent and full of sage advice. I believe in the ZEN of motorcycles, best therapy there is.

Was 60 and bought my first bike, a Yamaha V Star 950 tourer. Loved it but needed a 6th gear so at 61 I traded it in for a Kawasaki 1700 Vulcan Voyager. Nice big bike that cruises at 75 @ 2500 rpm. I ride safe and smart while the Lord is my shield.

Now in my 50s I’m about to return to biking after a 30 year break, found your advice and shared experiences really helpful. Many thanks and keep em coming please :-)

I'm 70, started riding at 15. Still love riding when the weather is just right (not too warm, not too cold). I still do a wheelie every time I ride and drag a knee every chance I get.

I bought my first motorcycle as a birthday present for myself for my 76th birthday. Picked up the bike Thursday evening, took riding instruction Fri eve, all day Sat and Sun and was licensed biker on Monday morning. Enjoyed it for 10 years, then was heading for Southwest renting places through Airbnb, decided the bike had to go so I reluctantly gave it up. Still miss immensely after 4 years without, I'll be 90 at the end of November.

I love it when you say "daily grind" with a sigh. Really sounds like you've been through a lot. Thank you for the video.

Started riding trail bikes from 15yrs, crashed a lot, broke bones and teeth. Rode harleys in my 30s. Now in my late 50s I ride a DR650 and 1290 Super adventure R. Riding motorbikes puts a smile on my soul.

I agree your opinions. I started riding at 13 years old with 50cc bike. I thank God I survived without fatal accidents. Had all size bikes, biggest 1200cc. Now I’m 67 and I ride Honda Monkey, one like you are sitting in front of in this great video. Safe riding and God bless.

Great thoughts about riding... talking from the heart....we need more videos like this. Thanks man!

Congratulations - this video is absolutely spot on! I'm nearly 60 and my wife is 55 - we are born again riders training for our full UK licences and we both feel better equipped to be good riders than we were in our early 20s. We both have a Honda CB125F - so easy to ride, costs £10 to fill up both tanks and they do 100mpg. Like you suggest we have been jumping on them in the evening after rush hour over the summer and going out to practice. What could be better than that? Love your gear by the way!

Great video! Just bought a Honda Monkey at 63! I am having so much fun and learning to be a better driver in a car also! Thanks so much for this video of encouragement!

Thank you for this video! I truly love this video and everything you brought up was good to hear! Thank you again

Im a woman that has been riding since I was a kid but took a few yrs off. Missed it terribly so recently bought an enduro..Oh did I say im 55? Its good to see a video like this. Thanks!

Although I had ridden a few friend bikes over the years it was nothing more than having a go. At the age of 55 I bought my first bike (Honda 500). Now 56 I have 2 Triumphs ( Tiger 800 XCA and a Bobber Black 1200) + a Vespa. I am absolutely loving it, still learning but it has changed my life.

turned 53 in july watched motorcycle reviews and safety vids starting with motojitsu and now discovered your channel you guys are all great, and an asset to motorcyclists everywhere . i studied safety for months before even purchasing my 1st bike and glad i did. no regrets at starting late(r). spent years atv'ing in the woods. never too old !

Great work Sir with this :) getting all these posts from older riders *coughs* such as myself. I've told my story in reply to your video about what got us started with riding. But to see people maybe not twice as old as me talking about their riding experiences is great and assuring for the future ;) Thank you!

Most meaningful video on the subject! Thank you for making it! Safe riding brother!

I'm 46 years old and have been riding motorcycles since I was 9 years old. Several people in my age group have indicated to me they want to learn to ride and I have taught some on dirt bikes. We make a weekend of it where I teach the fundamentals and do some light trail riding, and if it continues beyond that I'll take it up a notch to test skills on more difficult terrain. I want my riders to experience difficult obstructions/terrain when riding a bike and to develop good natural responses to surprises. We then go to street riding on one of my supermotos and work on more fundamentals in a parking lot for a weekend before we hit the streets and then they're on their own. For Traffic Awareness I strongly suggest SIPDE. I learned this method when I was a teen and stuck to it by the book and I credit it for keeping me out of many potential accidents. I rode with a group in HighSchool and out of 9 of us, I'm the only one who has never been in an accident and I put approximately 40,000 miles on motorcycles a year. One of my friends died in a loss of control crash (head injury), two friends have horrible injuries from accidents everyone else wrecked but fortunately survived and recovered well. I believe most accidents, even though caused by other drivers can be avoided and it's up to the rider to determine how to conduct oneself on the road. Being older, your vision, reflexes and attention span are not as sharp as your youth. Take that heavily into account when considering riding. Everybody is distracted on the road. I would say 70% of drivers are using their phones, messing with their built in infotainment centers in their cars, looking at books and newspapers, etc. Even if not having a phone in their hand people have been warped to this restless need to have something to occupy their minds when stuck in a cage in traffic. Ride with that awareness and work hard to read your fellow driver. Take notice of the idiot who is clearly distracted by the phone and avoid. Most of all learn to ride with a cool head and avoid road rage or confrontations on your bike, no matter how tough you may think you are, you can't compete with any Car in an intentional collision.

You have a nice voice, easy to listen to and good advice in all your videos.

I'm almost 42 and starting my search for my first motorcycle. Perfect timing for me to stumble across your video.

Great information. Just what I needed. Thank you.

I started this last March at age 59. Never been on a bike before except for once when I was 12. I've already got about 2,000 miles under my belt and go every day the weather lets me. Having a blast!!

Thanks for remembering old guys like me. Fred

Lots of great advise here. Real down to earth stuff. Thanks

I needed this video. 41 and two months into it with a brand new CBR500r. Loved the video!

60yrs old, seriously considering a return, some intresting observations, thanks for sharing 👍👍👍👍

Great video Gas Works, I’m 33 and have just started riding a month ago, and I absolutely love it, as much I wish I’d done it earlier in life, when I think of how I used to drive a car I’m very glad I didn’t do it earlier, I’m now well past the ‘young male testosterone fuel’d I’m invincible’ stage, plus I’ve been a truck driver for the last 10 years so I’m used to reading traffic and being aware of my surroundings. Love your channel, keep pumping out the great content 👍

Thanks for the advice mr Thompson

Very useful tips and honest video. I started riding two months ago and I'm 40 now. Always wished to do it and I love it. I bought an mt03 and it's my gate to relax world even if it's just for a 30 mins ride like you said it really makes a big difference in my head. Thanks again and keep up the good honest work

What an inspirational video, not only about biking but also life in general. Thank you. I started on a Triumph Tiger Cub 200cc back in 1967 and realised that we can fall in love with a block of metal that moves. I then had a succession of parallel twins over the years, now waiting for a 2001 T100 to arrive and I am like a kid at Christmas. Now 70 and through a life of sport I have a new hip and knee, but electric starters have arrived and technology and traditional designs have merged well. Survival for me means slowing down and taking more care with the decision making, allowing the brain to make full use of all the past experiences. Plus riding smart will allow the extra speed with safety. Liam from Hemswell in Lincolnshire, UK.

Glad to see all the new riders both old and young alike. Doesn’t matter when you start or if you started when you were 10 and never stopped riding... as long as you’re riding!

I really wish more kids would realize a lot of what you said at the beginning of the video. There is so much to learn on the road, and so much invincibility that they need to get out of the way before they start running around on two wheels.

I really enjoy your videos which are honestly very genuine, intelligent and just awesome to watch! Thanks for going this! Peace

ㅣ began riding last november..I am 49 now..I feel free when riding..10years later..I am gonna get the last one that will live with me until the end..Thanks for your invaluable advice..

Another great topic. Well said, and all points are relevant and so true. Wish I had more room for motorcycles, but unfortunately that is my limiting factor.

Thank you for putting all this into words. Same here. I’m a late comer to riding, and you said it all

This is an awesome video! I’m 46 years old, recently passed the motorcycle safety course and looking to purchase my first motorcycle. This video was very insightful and I appreciate that you took the time to address older riders who are new to the hobby!

I'm turning 61 in a couple of weeks and earlier this year, I finally scratched the 40 year itch. Just for me. No one else. I ride by myself almost exclusively and totally love it. Best thing I've ever done for myself. I finally said, "If not now, when?". Got myself a brand new 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 - just perfect for me. No regrets and a whole lot of adventure ahead. Your video totally resonated with me - thanks!. By the way, completely agree about MC Rider and MotoJitsu - my go to channels for great advice. And now subscribed to Gas Works too!

Small bikes like the Grom and Monkey are not only good first and last bikes, but good forever bikes! No sweat to keep, bloody useful when the big bike throws a wobbly and just an un expected joy Brilliant video! I’ve been doing this 50 years and having a new Monkey is the best money I’ve ever spent on a bike, period.

this is awesome i got my first bike the day you put this video up lol i'm 58 and everything you said is what was going thru my mind and what i did got a little crf 250L and love every bit of it thanks for the video's i've learned alot

I just started riding 4 months ago. I took my MSF course 5 years ago in 2015 and got my mc endorsement on my DL. I had been on RU-vid for over 3 years studying different type bikes and narrowing down to the one that fits me. I finally got a 2005 Honda VTX1800, that had only 13k and was garage kept, at an incredibly reasonable price. In fact the owner knocked off $200.00 because I drove 3 plus hours to pick it up out of state. I own it free and clear. It fits me like a glove. Although it's a big bike, I stay physically fit and I'll be 65 y/o in November. It helps me unwind and channel my energy. I'm not getting much bedroom action these days as when I was younger, so this helps to channel that energy. It's not a substitute, just a release valve. I also watch a lot of RU-vid m/c training and info to keep me fresh and informed. I am selfish. My wife wants to know when I'm getting her a helmet. I told her I don't presently feel comfortable putting someone else on the back at this early stage. Also, I like being on it by myself, and to myself.

I'm 42 and from the UK. I've just done my CBT and got a cb125r. Best thing I've ever done and look forward to progressing onto a full licence in the future

Although I rode in my late teens or early 20's, I have ridden in earnest after retirement...I currently am 72 and ride every day...frankly, it is about as therapeutic activity as I have ever experienced! I currently switch back and forth between my 2019 Triumph Speed Triple and a 2018 BMW R1200RT...pretty much ride them every day!

Preach, just started riding at 53. I love it

Great advice, full of wisdom my friend. It's refreshing to listen to someone as wise as yourself talk about not only riding, but also living and simply doing things right, especially for mature people thinking about riding motorcycles. Without a doubt this is the best video with the best advice of this sort I have seen or read. God Bless my friend. Take care.

I started riding at 66 and passed my A licence in UK, i now ride a Honda CB650 and love it. Sorry I left it so long, but I was a tear away younger so I would probably be dead now I guess! Biking is great, but keep doing it and it gets a lot easier in my experience. Marvelous.

I am 55 yrs & I have been riding since 4 decades. Currently ride a HONDA CBR 650F. what you have said is true. With age you ride the pair of wheels more maturely and tend to enjoy. Risk appetite is less and you know your rules better. I would like to ride as long as my body and reflex permits. I am sure many will do as well. A nice topic you have chosen. My regards to you and all your subscribers from Bangalore, India. Ride Safe.

This felt like therapy, sir! Thank you very much!