The Best Bikes for Older Riders! Is it Time to Downsize? 

I'm a 66 year old woman, built close to the ground and ride a Honda Rebel 300. It weighs less than 400 lbs. I can flat foot and pick it up fairly easily. After 2017, the foot positions moved back from the usual cruiser forward position and it is a lot more comfortable for me. I sit more upright with my legs and feet directly underneath. Better for my back and neck. Love the ride!

I am now 70. Started riding 60 years ago and have had probably around 30 bikes. The biggest was a Road King which was too heavy to do anything fun. All it was good for was cruising on the highway. I now have a DRZ 400 and a BMW F800GS, which is still too heave for rough roads, rocks, sand etc. It is true we are different when older but that only means we must recognize it and adjust. I am a much safer rider than I ever was when I was younger and I ride ever day until winter in the Utah mountains. If people ride with a passenger then they both must face the fact they are adding danger. If you ride in urban areas you also must live with added risk. I know my reaction time is now slower. When I approach an intersection where others can pull in to my path. I have my foot and hand on the brake preloaded and ready. I also look for any possible escape paths. On freeways, I stay out of the left lane most of the time where things are moving at 75 - 80 MPH. I stay in the right lane where I have a chance to bail out if something happens. If I need to pass, to get to a safe spot, I get on the power and do it quickly then move right again. I can’t believe how many I see cruising in the center lane boxed in where 1 person makes a mistake and they get taken out. Forget about age issues and learn how to minimize risk as best you can and that goes for young riders also.

I appreciate your wisdom here. Retired police officer who has attended many crashes. I also commute daily and have no car. I still feel the bikes listed are too big and frankly overpowered. I agree on the comfort aspect of the adventure style of bike but just traded my G310GS for a Royal Enfield Classic 350. Both great bikes! Keep up the great work and be safe.

Another informative and helpful video. I’m 74 and a retired motor cop. My particular department had Harley-Davidson road kings. They were excellent bikes for slow speed maneuverability and traffic work. At the time, my personal bike was an ‘06 Goldwing. My Bride and I traveled all over our great country on it while pulling a motorcycle friendly pop up trailer. It was an excellent and reliable touring bike. I’m 2014, while making our way east from Yellowstone, back to Michigan, we decided to stop to check out Sturgis. As we pulled into town, there was a large banner at the Indian motorcycle display announcing Indian Motorcycle demo rides. After standing in line for nearly an hour, I got to ride a new 2014 Chieftain. I got to ride a Springfield and a Scout, before we left. After taking those rides, I was hooked! I waited until 2017, before I purchased a new 2017 Roadmaster! I still have it and after over 61 thousand miles later, it runs the same as when I first bought bought it. The only thing I’ve had to replace on it, other than several pair of tires, is a battery and voltage regulator. Since I’ve retired from law enforcement, I’ve been to the Atlantic and Pacific four times and have blessed to have been able to ride through 48 states. As it’s been said, as long as I can still pick up my bike, I’ll keep riding my iron steed all over the place!

After years on Harleys, I kept an old Softail and bought an Yamaha Tracer as everyday transport. At 67 years old and riding for more than 50, I was surprised by the amount of pleasure we can get from an lighter bike.

I agree with you. The problem with the adventure bikes is the height of the seat for shorter riders

I am a 76 yr old rider! I love to ride and listen to music. I started riding at 74 on my birthday. Bought a Honda shadow 750 and after about a year felt that it was too heavy for my old man leg strength and looked for a light Rebel 1100. Just for all the things you mentioned and that made all the difference in my riding comfort and ability. I love to ride and found all the things you say to be true for me too! It's great to ride and dropping the weight of the bike helped me to stay onboard! Great info from you!

I decided after trying to pick up my 800 pound Harley, I was going to make a change. In my younger days I loved performance type motorcycles for every kind of riding I did. So I looked into the naked bikes and found 400 pounders from all the big brands. Long story short I bought a Yamaha MT09 and am loving it. 417 lbs with everything topped off, nimble as a cat and a good riding position. Wish I done it earlier!

I had not ridden a motorcycle for more than 30 years. After watching Itchy Boots Season 6 by the time I reached episode 35 I decided to buy another motorcycle. I chose a new 2021 Kawasaki Versys 650. I began riding it mid August last year and now have over 18,500 km on it. My last long ride lasted 18 hours from 5:30 am until I got home at 11:30 pm. The night before that ride was spent sleeping on my mat under a tree in Sycamous, B.C. I had arrived late in the evening, long after dark and my tent was wet from the night before. Needless to say, I slept very little and yet spent 18 hours with my bike the next morning. I practice all the time when I ride. I don't take risks, as in speeding where it is not feasible. On the Banff Jasper Parkway, (Hwy 93) I hit 110 m/ph, clocked by an American rider on his BMW 1200 GS. I will be 73 day after Christmas.

When I hit 65 years old I have some health issues and I got to where I couldn't push my 705 pound Yamaha Roadliner around very easy (I lost the strength in my legs due to medications), but I still missed the joy of riding -- so I bought a Honda Ruckus Scooter. Yes a Scooter! I ride it around in town all the time. It's fun and I get my riding fix :)

As an older rider, (67), thank you for one of the most sensible and thought provoking motorcycle videos on youtube. I made the mistake of going too small and while small bikes are OK in town they are dangerous outside city limits when you cant get out of the way of cars and trucks. The small bike is gone, replaced by a Kawasaki W800 which is a delight to ride.

I am a 70 yo man...5 feet 8inches and i ride a Ninja ZX14R. Its quiet powerful and so smooth. Best expressway bike i ever had.

I’m 59 and i went to an adventure bike but I realized that if you go off-road and you will it’s hard to resist . But you will go down and picking up that bike depending on the weight might be a challenge. I have a T7 and got a KLX300 which I was having a blast on super light and great off-road but a little lacking for highway speeds. The thing is I got too cocky riding it when I did a huge wheelie and lost it. Now I am out for at least a year until I get back in the saddle again because of my injuries. So just remember to respect the bike and your old ass abilities when you go lighter peace.

The best medicine against an aging body physically is resistance training. As a personal trainer and former powerlifter I'm happy to hear you're in the gym working out. That is an incredibly important message to spread. If this is of interest to you, I highly suggest you take a look at all the data about resistance training and how it slows down the effects of getting older - it's incredible. The closest we'll ever get to a fountain of youth.

At 68 years old and only 5'6" and after 30+ bikes over the years I absolutely love my DR650 which is in the mid 300's empty and has made it a live on full time platform. 35,000 miles in the last 8 months. Zero problems and the ability to take me anywhere which is needed when you need to camp free living and riding on a 35.00 /day ssi budget..

I am almost 69 years old, and started riding at 13, in 2020 got a BMW f900xr which is considered a sport touring bike. It weighs around 480lbs fully fueled, and after having the seat modified by a local, I can ride it for 10+ hours without feeling tired of worn out. I have made many 1200 mile trips on it, and it has been an absolute pleasure compared to my old HD's. It is sleek, fast, agile, comfortable, good on gas and has more than enough horsepower to do anything I want. I have had over 40 bikes over the years and having owned and ridden this one for 3 years and 29000 miles I think it is the best so far. At least at my age. Only time will tell where I go from here but I will not buy a bike over 500lbs again, it is a huge difference to your ridding experience.

3 years ago, at the tender young age of 73, I went from a Kawasaki Concours 14 to a Versys 1000. 150 lb lighter, and a lot easier to push around the garage.

I appreciated the mortality stats. However one stat was missing. Helmets and protective gear. I live in a helmet optional state and the vast majority of riders without helmets are older guys on Harleys. The young guys on their sport bikes have their helmet and gear. As a former trauma surgeon I know helmets save lives. I am 63 and personally ride a Vulcan S. 500 pounds, low seat, more power than anyone my age needs and fun to ride.

At 80 we changed to a Can Am Spyder. After 50 years on motorcycles it is the best move we have ever made.

I am 67 and changed from a Harley CVO Streetglide to a BMW R1200 GS which is about 300 lbs lighter and allows for some dirt roads to see something new. My friend and I road our Harley’s to Alaska in 2022 and it was Hard riding on over 100 miles of gravel, dirt and mud road construction. We impressed with all the adventure bikes and switched. In 2023 we went off road some in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado. Lots of fun and less stress.

You’re bang on right. After 60, heavy bikes aren’t easy to maneuvre as our capabilities do go downstream. I’ve been riding for 54 years and admit enthusiasm and control has declined and silly judgements are becoming greater. Now I‘ve switched to lighter medium size machines and steer on easy adventures. A boxer needs to hang up his gloves before he gets knocked out! Careful happy riding!

Great advice. I'm not too old (47), but I spent a lot of years as a competitive athlete. I've maintained my strength, but after a few low back and hip surgeries, my Electra Glide Classic became painful to ride. I recently downsized to a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor and it made motorcycling fun again.

Something that you can take into consideration is the maxi scooters. I purchased a used one about 3 months ago and it keeps up well with traffic and is fun to ride.

Good advice. I had a Yamaha TDM900 for eighteen years, but I was finding it too heavy for me, also struggled to back it out of the garage and was worried about dropping it, so I treated myself to a Royal Enfield 350 Hunter for my 80th birthday. Great little bike, it has made riding fun again.

I am 76 years old. I came to realize that there were no more 500 mile days in my future. Riding was not a problem, but hucking a 700 lb+ ST1100 without the motor running got to be an issue. So - now on a Kawasaki z650 equipped with Givi monokey hard bags and a V-stream windshield. Sort of a baby sport tourer. It works surprisingly well and is about 300 lbs lighter than the beloved ST1100. I still have the necessary balance, tactile senses, etc., but the reaction times are slowing down. I do practice in parking lots on a regular basis and am considering doing another MSF course to get a more formal evaluation of my current skill level.

Your on it! I’m in my mid 50’s and went to a Triumph Tiger 1200 three years ago from a HD Ultra Limited and it’s been life changing. Can ride further and in much more comfort. Riding a bike that is almost 250 lbs lighter with better safety tech has been a game changer. I have almost tripled the miles I ride each year and actually tour rather than riding to bike nights!

I'm 73 and 2 yrs into riding after 40 years off. I have a bad back and shoulders. I considered a lot of different bikes and landed on a 2009 Kaw. Vulcan 900 Classic with low mileage. It's listed at around 635 lbs. On the road,it doesn't feel any heavier than a dirt bike. Very easy to handle in tight curves, and is very reliable. I did all the usual upgrades, the last being a Mustang seat with backrest. That seat has made a world of difference to my riding day! Just came back from riding in Texas on 75-80 MPH roads. The Vulcan handled that speed with ease. And still got 40 MPG. My brother got a 2015 Honda Shadow Phantom 750 this summer. It's about 100 lbs lighter and a little smaller, but ran those same roads with no sweat. He's still working on a comfortable seat. Thanks for a great video! You nailed the subject!

I’ve ridden and loved my Harleys for years. I’m 65, and the weight didn’t bother me near as much as the riding position. My back and hips were aching terribly after a ride. I sold the heavy cruiser and bought a Triumph GT Pro. The feet forward riding position looks cool, but I can ride my Tiger all day with very little discomfort. The fact that it’s under 500 lbs. is a bonus, too. My advice is to check your ego and buy a lighter bike. For me, going smaller rekindled the joys of riding. Great video. Ride safe.

I agree with what your saying,i went from a v srom 1000 jumped up to a Harley street glide. That bike being a tank didn't work for my wife and i. I actually went down to a scooter lol. I bought a kymco ak 550 touring and we love it with the top box and under seat storage. We have been on big trips and it hauls around at highway speeds with no problem, and by the way we are in are mid 60s

True for me! I traded my 2018 Goldwing for a 2020 Spyder and also ride a 2021 Honda CB500X and 2021 Himalayan. I’m a lady rider and now 70 years old. The smaller bikes took away the stress! The Spyder is for longer trips when I need to carry more “stuff”! LOL

Very nice assessment of us getting older. I’m 70 and just downsized from a 1200Rt to a 650 Vstrom. Took 100 lbs of and really enjoy the difference. Around town it is a breeze to ride. Great fun

I’m 62, just bought a Harley Low Rider ST. 600 lbs and 117 ci. Mid controls and can flat foot at a stop easily.

My choice (I’m in my mid-fifties) is a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. It’s under 500 lbs (437 dry weight) and is a modern classic style. I’ve loaded it with saddle bags and gone on fully self contained camping trips with it. It has a 31.1 seat height and has lots of accessories. I have a quick release wind screen (large for touring and a dark shorty for around town or just carving the twisties). Royal Enfield has lots of other viable options and styles too. And of course, I still have my WR250r for when I need a dirt fix. I rode with a guy for 3 days at an off road rally this summer who was 72 and had a CRF300L rally version. He did great.

I rode a Triumph Thunderbird 1600, put 60K miles on it and loved it. However, this past January I traded it for a 2022 Triumph Speedmaster. My wife doesn’t ride with me anymore and the bulk of my riding is within 200 miles of home. I saved about 150 lbs and the better maneuverability makes it easier for me.

A very wise discussion, and thank you for it. 70 here, living in Australia, and 61 years into 'my motorcycling life', with never a year off. I have been obsessed with motorcycles' weight for most of that time, and have reduced the weight of most of my bikes, and believe that 'if you can't pick it up, you shouldn't be riding it'. None of my bikes exceeded about 450 lbs (204 kgs) fully fuelled to begin with, until my new Honda 750 Transalp, a bike I bought to replace/augment my ageing Cagiva Elefant 750. The Honda isn't as light as my (modified) Elefant (and nowhere near as light as my extensively modded Ducati sports bike) but it is fairly ideal within the criteria you describe for 'older riders'. It belongs on your list, as it has been built with lightness (and older riders?) in mind. And importantly, it is happy at any speed - fast or slow. I too am just over 5' 9". I should add that I worked on motorcycles as my job for much of my working life (more recently working in health care) and have done many miles by bike. And have had mainly Ducatis since 1974... Simply removing the amazingly heavy Honda rear rack takes 7 kgs (15 lbs) weight from high on its rear, taking it down from 208 kgs (458.5 lbs) to 201 kgs (443 lbs) and I will be making a lighter replacement. So now it is already lighter than its competitors (from Yamaha and Aprilia) which don't come with a rear rack (and oddly, is much lighter than the Suzuki alternative) although for off-road use it needs an engine bash-plate, which it doesn't come with. A few lbs to add there. I bought the bike with some reservations, but after 2,500 kms (about 1600 mi?) it is definitely growing on me. I will continue with the lightening process - lithium battery, alloy spacers, lightweight fasteners and so on. I believe it is worth adding to your list of recommended models in this context, and is a very smooth and inexpensive alternative. It can happily 'see where that dirt road goes' - many unmade roads around here - the exhaust note is pleasant, and the fuel economy is just remarkable.

Excellent video and great information. Thank you!!

I appreciate this video very much! I’m 66 years old and in good health. About 2 years ago I told my wife I need to sell our GL1500 Honda Goldwing. It was a great motorcycle, but I could tell it was getting too heavy for me especially with a passenger. So I sold it and began looking for a smaller motorcycle. Finally settled on a Honda NC750X DCT model. I’m so happy I down sized to something with a lower center of gravity and much more enjoyable for me to ride. As your video mentioned this down sizing has extended my riding by years I predict! Thank you.

I’ve been wanting to downsize from my 2012 Harley FLHTK, to a Goldwing Tour DCT. The BMW 1250RT is on my radar, but I love that DCT and the low center of gravity, and it’s still 100 lbs. less than my Harley. Good video, and I’ll admit that at 73 years old, I don’t have the upper body strength to push the Harley around in and out of the garage. Another plus for the Goldwing with reverse, and slow walking gears.

I get everything you said. I sold my old Hartley fully loaded glide and now I ride the Royal Enfield Super Metor. I can't get NHS knee replacements in England so a lighter bike made sense to me. Especially as my childhood life long partner passed away from covid. So at almost 70 years young I go out and just cruise when I want or need to, just to put my head in the right place when I'm feeling down. I know she's still riding along with me! Happy cruising bro and be safe 👍.

Thought provoking for sure. Thanks Craig. 👍

I agree wholeheartedly! I sold my k1600gt and got a 1250gs! Boy what a difference. I’m in my 60’s and the handling is amazing with this lighter bike. Appreciate your comments.

I am 69 and just purchased a Harley Davidson Sportglide as my second bike as I’ve only been riding one year. All I can say is I love it. It seems to be fairly easy to control and the weight at approximately 699 pounds does not seem to be a problem yet. if I want, I can just remove the bags and the faring and go naked and really get up and enjoy myself. Wonder why Harley decided to discontinue this bike in the United States as it is still one of the number one Harleys being sold in Europe.

At 75 years old, I ride both a Royal Enfield Himalayan, and a Yamaha TW200. The RE is a fantastic machine for long distances, good on gas, weighs 431lbs wet, super comfortable, and doesn't come with all the bells & whistles the higher priced (and LOTS more expensive) ADV machines come with, so there's quite a bit less to break in the hinterland. It's not as fast nor powerful as something like the Tiger or the BMW, but I've had my share of crotch rockets. At our age, we're supposed to be retired, so the schedule goes out the window. I'd caution anyone though, about the TW. It's so much fun to ride, it can turn you back into a 10 year old before you know it! I use it for our Backcountry Discovery Routes. The downside is, it's not a bike I'd take on any high speed pavement, so trailering or a hitch rack is necessary, unless you live close to the dirt. And weighing a little over 270lbs, I can pick it up easily.

OK OK OK, this video was really good… but the comments are absolutely awesome! Thanks for stirring this pot and starting this dialogue!

When I started riding, I was lusting after a Goldwing, but was intimidated by their size. An experienced riding friend said, "over 5 MPH, the weight of the bike doesn't matter". After 12 years of riding a Goldwing and Vstrom 650, I agree with him. It's all about how hard the bike is to maneuver around parking lots, gas stations, etc. I find the Goldwing just as easy in those situations for 2 reasons. First, I'm on my toes trying to push my Vstrom whereas I have much more leverage w/ the lower seat on the GW. Second, reverse gear on the GW. It's a game changer. No worries about parking slightly downhill or on gravel. My 2 cents.

You don't need to pick a small bike. Honda redesigned the gold wing just for this purpose. It is very low center of gravity. Very easy to handle. It's the perfect bike for older folks hands-down 2018+ Gold Wing.

Excellent video, thank you!

Thank you for your thoughtful presentation.

I wont go through the whole list of bikes I tried as I aged, just the last two. One of my favorite bikes was my 2018 Yamaha FJR 1300 which got to tall and I feared marring it's outsides on the pavement. Found an avid touring/sport rider who now loves the bike. After the FJR I was able to handle my 2020 HD Road King for around 4k miles of casual local riding. But it became stressful moving about in the garage or in a tight parking situation. Getting it off of the sidestand took a concerted effort. So I lucked out and a friendly dealer took it in trade on a new Versys X 300. At under 400 lbs it's easy to move about and offers great wind protection on the road. At 85, it's time to slow down and smell the roses and enjoy the sights in my local area.

Got my licence at 69 and bought a Honda Rebel 1100 DCT. After a highway trip, I added a Puig wind screen and control extenders to stretch my legs out a bit but still sitting in an upright position, and an Airhawk seat cushion. Regardless, I stop every hour and a half or two hours to get off the bike, refuel, walk around and have a coffee etc. Around town, the DCT in standard mode makes for easy handling, and the cruise control is great on the highway. Running in sport mode is an invitation for speeding tickets;-) I am 5' 7" so love the low seat as I can flat foot it when stopped. At just over 500 lbs, the bike is very easy to handle on the road, and when stopped or moving out of the garage to go for a ride.

Thank you for the good advice.!

Great job and much appreciated!

Great video. I'm in my mid 40's and recovered from a lower back injury. I have a VStar and have been looking for something different to keep me riding. As long rides don't go as easy now. Adventure bikes, trikes and such have been on my radar. Your comment about foot control placement makes sense and I'll keep that in mind as I look at different bikes. Thank you for sharing.

Very good video with excellent advices, thank you Sir ! I'm riding motorcycles for 65 years and I had 18 of them. The last one was a Goldwing 1800 - the best bike in the world of all times - in my humble opinion. I sold it because it got too heavy for me. Now, at age 80 I ride a cute Honda CB500X. My next bike - when I'll be nearly 90 will be a Honda Super Cub C125 !

Thanks for very valuable tips

Great insight and honesty.

I'm 58 and ride a Piaggio BV 400 and it does everything with ease.

Great video. I am eighty and have not ridden since my BMW K1200S got to be too much for me a couple of years ago. I turned to bicycling and found that an electric bike allows me to choose the exact level of work I want to do while getting my exercise, enjoying the outdoors, and retaining my sense of balance on two wheels. I feel so good now that I decided to make an attempt to recapture motorcycling magic on a machine lighter than any sport tourer. After a long look at all of the retro styled bikes I chose the Yamaha XSR 700 and purchased one a few weeks ago. It weighs about 412 pounds wet, is very comfortable and controllable and economical to operate. On the down side, I quickly found that the bicycle is no substitute for motorcycling when it comes to retention of skills. Basically I am a beginner again, even though I still have traffic savvy. I am using the recommended break in schedule for the motorcycle as a way to start off slowly and work my way back to the level of confidence that I need to continue to ride. If I don't get there, I will sell the Yamaha to some lucky biker and hang up my helmet. Your news about the casualty rates for older riders has reinforced to me that I must proceed with caution. Ride safe.

Thanks for all your help.

Thanks for the challenge.

Great discussion. Now at 60. Just spent a 3 day weekend riding TN, NC and GA mountains roads with a friend on my HD Ultra. Definitely noticed that it took a lot out of me. Same thing when we rode the triple nickel in July. Really noticed the weight on these trips. I also work out 4-5 days a week and that allows me to keep up so to speak. But the last two trips have definitely put the smaller bike thought in mind.

I agree with you. I recently traded my Street Glide for a Pan America. It’s a great motorcycle, very comfortable and capable for local rides and long-haul touring.

Thanks for the video.

Good advice. Thank you.

I'm 66 and I downsized to a Moto Guzzi V7 Special. I use my bike for shorter rides and town riding, and I find that the

At 63 years old I have a 163cc scooter at 300 lbs that gets me around town and keeps up with traffic just fine. I had a Honda Night Hawk 250 that I used to get around town on, it was fun to ride. I have looked at the Royal Enfields, I might get one. But also thought about one of the adventure bikes when I retire.

You make a lot of sense, sir. Thank you.

This gentleman makes a lot of sense. Not talking about lane splitting, getting a knee down or track days. Just making smart choices to extend your your time riding motorcycles. Smart!

You are right on! I'm 58 and ride a Ninja 400 abs outfitted for solo touring. It's easy to control, with relaxed ergonomics. I'm never concerned in cities or tight mountain twisties. But it's also stable at interstate speeds. The Z400 has even more relaxed ergonomics, Honda has a 500 series of comfortable bikes and the upcoming Triumph 400 thumpers should also be great all-around bikes.

I bought a 2014 Triumph Bonneville (500#) two years ago, and after much practice and riding, I have concluded that, because of its small lock to lock, it is more difficult to handle at slow speeds than my Road King. At higher speeds, the weight of the Road King does not matter, and in fact, improves stability. So, it is not just about weight. Check out the full range of handling for whatever you are considering--for me, weight only matters when I am stopped on a sandy or slippery roadway, or trying to park the bike.

Very meaningful video...thank you very much!!

ALOT of good advice in video ,and comments . Thanks

Thanks for this video! I was 71 when I downsized from a large 825 pound cruiser to the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster, which is 575 pounds. That's a difference of 250 pounds, which has made this bike so easy to move around parking spots and my garage. The weight is low-down, so it's easy to turn and maneuver at slow speeds. I feel much safer on this bike, and it is still very planted at higher cruising and freeway speeds. It's also got a fabulous engine that sounds great.

I’m 75 years old and ride 2 up almost exclusively. My wife and I love touring and have had great results with our 2022 BMW R1250RT. I chose it for the comfort, relatively light weight, and the rider safety technology (ABS Pro, adaptive suspension, adaptive lighting, active cruise control, etc.). I put Russell Day-Long seats on it soon after getting it and we have been very satisfied with the bike. I had a 2012 BMW GS prior to the RT and liked it a lot but the RT is in another league for 2 up touring.

Very informative and excellent idea that older guys should take into consideration ! Thank you so much bro! God bless!!!

What an excellent video. Though provoking, informed, respectful. I love it. I´be been wondering about those topics for a while, and this has been really useful. Thanks!

Great video and on point for a lot of us. I'm 65 years old and I ride an Africa Twin. It's a great "do most everything" type of motorcycle. I'm not a big fan of interstate travel, preferring back roads, paved or not. An adventure bike's suspension is made for rough old paved/dirt roads that I commonly ride. I ride alone most of the time, so I don't ride very challenging off road, but slightly rough dirt/gravel roads take me to where I like to camp. Your mention of maintaining an adequate fitness level is spot on as well and something I need to do more of. Appreciate your content. Thanks!

I’m 63 years old and still ride regularly. My current ride is a Suzuki 1250 bandit. Sufficiently narrow and a manageable weight. I’ve begun to work out again, lifting and getting in walks. I am considering switching to an adventure bike. I recently rode a triumph 1200 scrambler and I can say I’ve never had a bike fit me better than that motorcycle fit me.

78 years old, been riding since i was 16 . started with 197cc Francis Barnet now still going strong on a 2016 BMW r1200rs your never too old !!!!

Very well put, serve safe riding

That's really well discussed, Craig. And an honest assessment of reality. And your data update on biker safety and tragic events is spot on. There are a large number of bikers in the 50-70+ age group and a rethink is really on the cards. I'm 72, 5'6",145 lbs. In over 50 years of riding, I moved from 250 to 350cc standard classics (Jawa & RE Bullet) to a 650 cruiser (Kawasaki Vulcan) to a mid size Neo classic (RE Interceptor 650) and currently on a Triumph Tiger 850 Sport. The last is really good. But in reality, next year I am looking at a 400-450 cc lighter bike, upright stance and around 170-180 kilo or less. Better to handle, more confidence inspiring and can do everything I already do, which is basically weekend rides of 100-300 km or overnighters on road/rubble but not single tracking. I humbly accept my reality but certainly do not need to stop the enjoyment of riding just yet. In Mumbai, India where I live and areas I travel, 80-120 kph is the best touring speed given the road and traffic conditions. So no need for a very over the top powerhouse and electronics loaded bike at all. Truly, if my current bike came in a 450 cc version, I would go for it straight away. Happiness is a combination of enjoying what you do and being realistic too. Cheers. Happy riding, safe riding.

Great video. Please consider that many of the over 50 motorcycle deaths are the result of men that FINALLY retired and are FINALLY going to get the Harley that they’ve yearned for all their life. They’ve never ridden before, but now they FINALLY get to go “on the road” with little or no experience. I believe that this demographic make up a large part of the over 50 stats to the point that said stats are actually skewed by this group. (This group also applies to Corvettes)

Love your videos & Yamaha video back ground window sticker 👍😊

FACTS - sometimes they suck! Great video with honest concerns.

I’m 50, have been riding a Kawasaki Vulcan S which is considered a ‘big bike’ here in the world’s largest motorcycle market - India ! I recently made an impulse decision of buying the recently launched (in India currently) Triumph Speed 400 which weighs about 60 Kgs lesser than the Vulcan.. It has been such a great experience of riding the lean, light and agile Speed 400 ! I perfectly agree that the older we are, smaller should be our bikes !!

Another great bike to look at is the moto guzzi v9 bobber 835cc,and it comes in at a weight of 485 lbs. Abs and traction control leds it loaded .If anyone is onto a more classic looking bike .

Damn slab…you’re a BEAST!

Great video. mind changer!

I turned 64 today and ride a Z900RS. It packs oodles of classic styling, ample power (for what I need/want) and with a wet weight of 474lb is very manageable. I also now ride very differently to when I was in my 20's!

Thanks for the good info. Glad to see that I'm not the only one stopping every 100-150 miles to stretch out and take a break. That worked out well on my August ride around Lake Michigan. 2013 BMW R1200R.

Nice work! This is a topic that's been on my mind. I downsized from a BMW K1200LT to an R1200RT. The RT has a much lower CoG, plus it's a superior bike. But I'm 65 now and my knees ain't so great, so I think down the road I may move to a 900 Tiger. I've ridden both the 800 and 900 Tigers over the years (as loaners) and every time I do, I'm struck by how capable they are and how easy they are to handle. Plenty fast, light, stable, and comfortable. Thanks again, and keep up the good work.

Great topic!! I’ve personally just downsized from a Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero to a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT. I’m turning 50 in a few weeks. I rode dirt bikes and even raced for a bit, I got a GSXR600 for track riding. We definitely have to do a gut check, we get stubborn as we age but you are right, physiologically we change and have to accept it.

I'm now 76. A bike I had some years ago became too heavy for me to lift when it was laid down. So, my suggestion would be to go for a smaller lighter bike that will not be an embarrassment if you have the misfortune to spill it. There might not always be an obliging passing traveller to help you return the bike to its perpendicular.

I bought at the beginning of 2023 a new Triumph Tiger Sport 660. After a season of riding, I appreciate that it has plenty of power (81 HP) and it's light (454 lbs) so I felt it was a better option than others I've tried like the V-Strom 650. Riding position is comfortable and the price tag won't hurt your wallet too much (even with the options). I hadded the heated grips and I feel like it helps to keep your reflexes and hands nimble when it gets cooler wich is good for control and safety! Ride safe everyone!!! 😊

Great tips

Great video ! None of us want to hear it but you're absolutely correct . I had a hard time with my FJR1300 and went back to a sport bike simply because its all I ever had before that and was more comfortable on one . The 200 lb difference was enormous even with the low bars and relatively high pegs .

I’ll be 65 in a couple of weeks and I actually upsized from an F850GS to an R1250GS. Although it’s a heavier bike, it handles lighter with the boxer engine keeping weight low. I appreciate everything said in this video. It’s nice to have content directed toward us ‘gently used’ riders. Keep up the great work

Hello and thanks for this video. I’m 69 and exercise 6 times a week to help stay strong and in health.. We should all do a risk assessment and take measures as required to enjoy activities in relative safety. Good luck to all and ride safe!

Agree with everything you say, after riding big sports kwackers most of my life i gave up for about ten years but after a forced retirement i decided i needed something lighter to get about on just to do the shopping and visiting relatives etc , health issues stopped me doing long journeys anymore ,so at the old age of 62 i bought an old '91 535 virago which i renovated and put a backbox on and throw overs , now at 70 i am still enjoying it, every time i go out it brings a smile to my face , it is used mainly in traffic and is low and light , and is easy to get along with , i don't intend to give up biking till i have to ,and hopefully that will be a few years yet ,lol , keep on riding people ,it keeps you young at heart !!!

This is great advise and spot on for us older riders, I've been riding since I was 10 years old and now 66. I downsized more than once already but I went too far with a Triumph Classic Twin, I'm struggling to find a bike now that doesn't vibrate my hands to the point of non-functional along with other body parts. I want to stay around 600lbs or less. Living in TN there are lots of country roads that I like to ride but at 90 minutes I'm ready to get off. Recommendations welcome.