The Final Ride: When Should Old Bikers Hang Up Their Helmet? 

I'm 80 - 1944 still able to ride safe and hard from the UK 🇬🇧

At 74 and about to turn 75, I've hung it up. Better safe than sorry. After 14 motorcycles I have enjoyed riding in every single state of the Union. All of the scenic roads and windy roads are behind me. So, I've graduated to driving a 1978 MGB. Top down still feels like I'm out there. See you on down the road...

I’m 62. I still ride as often as I can but I avoid night riding at all costs. I’ve gotten rid of all electronic distractions while riding too. No music, no phone, etc. and I keep a full bottle of ibuprofen in my saddlebag!

At 73, I enjoy strategizing a safer ride more than I enjoy a speed rush. I never ride tired or sick. And, I pay plenty of attention to what MCrider has to say. Thanks MCrider!

I’m in my early sixties. What has worked for me shedding the extra 20 pounds and exercising regularly (includes upper body training like pull-ups and push-ups). This makes a huge difference on the bike. Enjoy your rides 😊

74 years old and still riding my R1.

Just turned 80. I begin each ride with practice of basic skills in a parking lot, low speed turns and braking. I ride every chance I get and take classes at least once a year, there are plenty available. Practice, practice, practice and ATGATT and I am sure I will "know" when it's time to quit. All your video was great.

At 76 I’ve been riding for 60 years, always street bikes. I have a 2015 Goldwing now that I’ve owned since it was new. Keep your leg strength up and practice your turning at least monthly.

Hey Kevin, I'm 63 and have 2 bikes that I ride regularly- a Kawasaki ZZR1100 and a Suzuki VStrom 650. I enjoy both equally at different times and for different routes and my aim is to ride for as many years as possible. Obviously when the time comes when maybe I cannot see or hear so well anymore, then I would have to reconsider. Until then I am quite at home on either.

I sold my 1969 Honda CB750 in '82. Didn't ride again until 2021 when I bought a Harley Davidson FXST. Got 19,000 miles on it now and love it. I'm 83, feel great and looking forward to another riding season next year. (Ohio winter has me in pause mode)

My grandfather was riding his ex military Royal Enfield Flying Flea, seeing friends and dealing with swarms of his bees until he was 90. He only gave up when he could no longer get insurance. I learned ride on that Flea and still have it.

Birthday 1953, Harley Davidson training class of 2018. 11,000 plus miles on my Iron 883 and loving it. I’m the same weight as high school and I thank God every morning for the day. I never rode a motorcycle until I was 64. I was a single parent of a 7 year old boy and a 13 year old daughter when my wife passed. I couldn’t do anything dangerous. I had to stay healthy to raise those kids but when I retired at 64 being a tool and diemaker working with precision parts on my life, I needed a sportster because I love the look at the engine.

I’m 67 going to be 68 this April and I’ve ridden often on all my life since I was 14 years old on a minibike I built from 69 to 70. And I’ve been riding Homebuilt choppers for a number of years from 99 till about 2020 and I was about to hang up riding because These bikes pretty much beat me to death even though they had rear suspension designed around Harley softail. But I went to the local dealership here in Wichita and saw this beautiful blue street glide and thought I’m gonna give that a shot and my whole riding world changed what a beautiful bike. How smooth And great it felt compared to the choppers that I’ve been riding. But I did notice the weight weight difference and that bothered me. So every year since then I’ve been taking skilled rider courses and will continue to do so and I’ve noticed the weight is a non-issue now as my parking lot slow maneuvering skills are greatly improved and my riding confidence is better now than it ever has been. I recommend anybody riding any age to take ongoing skill rider courses because the skills they teach are not intuitive. In fact, they are counterintuitive and you must continue to practice them to stay sharp. Thank you Kevin for your videos and all that you do for the motorcycle community. I’ve been following you now for a few years and always enjoy your videos.

67 here, in good physical and mental shape. Recently retired, I sold my car and have only bikes. I've put a pin in it: I'm planning to ride until I've 75. This focuses my mind: I've got 8 1/2 years left, so every ride counts. And I've still got so much to learn.

I am 83. I started riding on a friends Whizzer motor bike when I was 8. I bought my first Harley when I was 14, a 1942 "45" flat head foot clutch hand shift in 1955. I have been riding most of my life. I now ride a 99 Harley Softail, Custom. I live in a rural area where the closest town of 7500 is 2 miles away. I ride mostly short rides of around an hour or so in the back roads around where I live. When riding in town, I keep a good distance in the vehicles ahead of me. I also do not trust people to do what is obvious at intersections. With the dark windows in most new vehicles you cannot tell whether they see you or not. And there is always the possibility they can look right at you and not see you. I have a bad back, but the layed back riding position, the buckhorn bars, and the pillow seat is as comfortable as my Lazy Boy recliner. Cell phones make it possible for me to keep riding. I can always call my wife if I have trouble to come get me. It has only happened once when my battery died at a convenience store. I may go back to a lighter bike. I rode an 84 Iron Head Sportster for 23 years. But I love the comfort of the Softail. So that is pretty much where I am now. I may be able to ride a little longer. I had cataracts surgery a few years ago so my vision is 20-20 without glasses. I still have quite a bit of physical strength, but not much stamina. I am 6' tall and only weigh 170. Winter weather is keeping me at home now, so all I can do is play Willie Nelson " on the road again" and sit in the garage with a cup of coffee and admire my Harley.

Always a pleasure viewing your vids & learning from your vast knowledge base. Being 60, I switched to a Versys 650 a few years ago from a heavy cruiser. Completed a few mods to make it fit me perfectly like handle bar risers, a lower Sargent seat, highway pegs to stretch out & a Booster Plug to smooth out the engine braking then added full luggage and as it turns out this thing is more comfortable than any cruiser I have owned. I'm never going back. I'm only 5'7" so I have all the room I need and a 250 mile range per tank. It's way more fun in the Ozark twisties as well. I do have my eye on a new NC750X w/DCT.... but the Versys is just too good to let go for now. Thanks again Sir for putting your passion to good work. I've become a much safer, confident rider because or your advice. May God continue to bless you.

I'm 72. Just had my annual physical two days ago. Pulse 62, BP. 117/68. I routinely walk 3 to 5 miles a couple times weekly. I never rode till age 58 and hate the thought of quitting but the question has been in my mind lately. Last summer I rode three days in a row, 700 miles from SW IN to Idaho on a Super Tenere. Smaller, lighter.. yeah I think about that too. Good topic for sure.

Don’t. Stop. Moving! I’m a firm believer in you’ll live longer if you just keep your body moving. I’m 30 years old and had witnessed my grandparents, my parents and even myself go through these changes as we age and how our fitness and activity level plays into your abilities and stamina as we age. My grandpa that didn’t do much but sit around and watch TV, dead. My grandmother who gardens, riders her 4-wheeler, picks up sticks in the yard, tends to the bird feeders, etc is doing quite well. I myself have noticed some changes, and it happens FAST. I went from 29 and working a high activity job as a ranch hand moving feed buckets, fixing fences, feeding hay, moving 50lb mineral bags, run down a calf to tag. and etc daily to being 30 and sitting in my home office on a computer. Sure the pay is better, but man. My reduction in stamina to hike any distance was greatly reduced after just a few months of not changing anything by my physical activity of my job. Luckily I’ve avoided weight gain. But it was really apparent to me this hunting season when hiking and walking in waders while duck hunting. Took me a month of walk in duck hunting to not get winded again walking in to hunt and set up decoys. After I noticed that, I’ve started going on walks around my nighborhood near everyday, and started stretching before and after I start working at a desk for the day. You gotta keep moving and keep your body and mind up to the task of riding.

I'm a 71-year-old oath keeper. We choose how we live our lives. And to some degree we can choose how we die. I've seen many dozens of people die in diapers in nursing homes. If given a choice I would rather die in a fire fight with an enemy of our Constitution, or on a bike doing 100+. Live Free and Ride

I think you hit on something that could be amplified, not just to include older riders, but even younger ones. I'm 59 years old and have been riding since I was about 10. I never dropped my bikes on the road before, but in the last year I've dropped my motorcycle twice - both times trying to leave the driveway. Now I'm a smaller rider - 5'4" (female) but it's not because I can't handle my bike or because I'm weak but rather because I have to leave for work very early in the morning (around 5am) and if I don't get a really good night's sleep, I can make a mistake in my awkward driveway that causes me to drop it. After this second event, now if I'm not feeling wide awake and aware, I'll take the car in the morning. Better that than breaking my clutch or brake lever yet again.

I’m 64 and noticed it was a little harder to keep my K1200LT upright the last couple of years. However, I started doing a little more exercise such as squats and light weight lifting (dumbbells mainly) and found it made a huge difference. I will need to downsize to a light bike in the not too distant future, but I think resistance exercise and delay this several years at least.

I'm 78 and nearly every day (when it's not raining) I ride at least 25 miles a day. My latest bike is a RE 650 Interceptor which I bought because it has all the power and features (like anitlock brakes) I need and to to remind me of my wonderful Triumph 650 that saved my sanity back in the late 60's when stationed on Guam. Thanks to frequent practice and those riding skills I learned about from places such as your channel, I feel I am a competent rider still and certainly a safety cut above the nuts on their overpowered and overdriven sports bikes. I look ahead, think ahead and avoid having to use my skills (except for practice), just as you suggest. Even as I approach 80, I feel I'm a safer rider today than I was back in my youth, when I didn't have these skills or know all these ways to ride and be safe.

At 64, after crashing my Honda Fury and a broken leg, I used the payout money and bought a Can-Am Spyder. When I went to the dealership I was able to test ride with a cast on my leg. I find the Spyder is safer and easier to handle and you can't drop it. Other than leaning in the corners, which I miss, the ride is virtually the same. Very happy with the opportunity to ride a few more seasons.

I will be 73 years old this July. I am having some trouble with my knees, & I am a 3 time cancer survivor. I ride a 2007 Harley Davidson Fatboy which I plan to have converted into a trike, so I can continue riding for several more years. I have been riding for approx. 50 years.

Hi Kevin, All great points. As a life-long rider, now 69, I appreciate you pointing out that we don't have the stamina and strength we had when we were younger. Nor do we have the sight, hearing and reflexes of our youth. I think that if we admit that we are slowing down (mentally and physically) and need to assess our riding situations further in advance, we can still ride safely a little longer if we ease up on where our "limit" used to be. That said, it's January19th in snowbound Ontario, and I'm already suffering from "Parked Motorcycle Syndrome". This tells me that I'm not ready to hang up the helmet just yet! Keep up the great videos. Each one is gem.

I'm 70 YO. Changes I made recently are I changed bikes . I went from a 1300 Yamaha to a Honda Rebel 500 ABS. I also ware more safety gear.

Hi Kevin, the first time I sat on a bike was just after my 67th birthday. The day after I passed my test I bought a Harley Sportster and have now changed it for a Sport Glide. The only regret I have is that I should have sat on my first bike 50 years ago. Thanks for the videos from the UK

We do not have to lose strength nor flexibility as we age. It is up to us to take care of ourselves.

A few weeks short of my 78th birthday and I reciently turned my FLHTP back to the escort company I have been employed by and riding for. It wasn't the riding I was having trouble with, it was the excessive noise I subjecting my failing hearing to. When riding escort, leading 2 or 3 of dozen vehicles through busy traffic in a large city, you have to be sure of what you hear. Next "right" makes a big difference when hearing over the radio "next light". The noise of multiple accelerating Harleys, the electronic sirens, the 2 separate channels on your radio inside your helmet, the closeness of riding elbow to elbow at high speed, the ever present cross traffic and unexpected danger that pops up makes riding as a traffic control officer a serious challenge. It was great riding, I did it well and I loved every minute of it but I realized that I was becoming a liability to the safe movement of my assigned charges. I now keep my riding to myself, my Road King, which is a hundred pounds lighter/quieter, and under conditions that I can control. I have been riding consistently since the 60s, and see more years in front of me, but also realize that my days in the saddle are not infinite. One day I will have to park it and walk away, just not tomorrow.

My uncle rode until 102, Honda Melody 125, he had his first bike at age 7 in 1923, this is legit, no rules then, Jock Stares on RU-vid, he died at 103. I’m 65 and have a Ducati 950 Supersport, I won’t live to his age tho, very small and compact man, no vices other than motorcycles. UK

I don’t know all my pain goes away when I get on the bike I’m 63

Paul from Australia 🇦🇺, I was a motorcycle instructor here , haven’t instructed in around 6 years or so I’m 56 years old and around 3 years ago had my First BIG off in 40 years off on and off road riding . It was a result of a bad front tyre , riding to quick for that tyre ( that I should of changed ) and not riding to the conditions. So even the best of us can make bad decisions at times . I now have backed off around 10% so I can keep riding into my 70,s . BUT all the courses , safety gear and experience will mean nothing if you push the button to much . A fellow rider Died in a motorcycle accident 2 days ago “ amazing when I found out I wasn’t surprised “ as he always rode VERY FAST ( even after losing 2 mates and ended up in hospital for 6 months 2 years ago ) . It’s a attitude of the mind and even heart ❤️, to slow down .

I agree with you that a 3 wheel solution may be in my future at some point, but not yet. I've told my wife more than once that if it gets to where I can't hold the bike up I'm getting a side car. Then Harley quit making side cars (I've heard recently they've started again, but I'm not sure). That's my solution and I think it might just work.

Loving my Harley Tri Glide for the last 4 years at age 73!

I will not give you my opinion, just my story. 2 years ago, after 2 divorces I decided bikes were for me probably safer than women. I am more of a car guy than a bike guy and I have tinkered with cars all my life. However I took the decision to start riding a bike again. I had not riden a bike for over 35 years. I was/am used to the practical side of a car so it had to be a bike with storage space. I always loved the looks of the ST1100, so I bought one. I was 69 at the time. Traffic was a bit more busy, I had never riden a bike as heavy and powerful as the ST, but hey no risk, no fun. Riding the ST was no problem, handling it in the garage with confidence did take a bit longer. I have always been a road race guy and did some road racing when I was young. An ST is nice, yet it is an old man's bike. So I got myself a VFR750. Had problems riding it, it did not feel right. Traded the VFR for a XJ900S, I decided I had to stick to touring bikes. But I just love the 4th gen VFR... So I got myself another one. I had now over a year of renewed biking experience and riding the VFR was no longer a problem. I swapped the ST for a R1150RT, I had to find out which one was the better touring machine. If it is not snowing/icey I commute on one of my bikes, mainly on the BMW. So I did about 23000 km's (I'm from Europe) in my first year of renewed biking. And that helps, I also do a lot of practice: u-turns, slow riding, braking, that kind of stuff. After all, as Sir Paul McCartney once said, age is just a number. I'm too insignificant and poor to attract young women, but I can still ride a motorbike 🙂. My plan is to continue doing this for at least another 10 years. And I also still work, in a warehouse doing physical work. And that helps a lot to keep me fit. After all 70 is the new 50!

I am 70, and my wife is the same, and still riding. 2 years ago, after riding 56 years, I had to go to Harley Davidson Triglide Ultra 's, and traded in my Heritage and her Deluxe. We love the 3 wheels. I still try to get a lean in corners.

I’m almost 68, been riding since I was 4. Owned hundreds of bikes, my dad owned a Honda Dealership, hundreds of thousands of miles. Arthritis has got me about every where. I still enjoy riding my Indian Roadmaster and my Honda Goldwing, but they are getting harder for me to handle. Last year I bought a used Can Am Spyder. Really strange to ride, I didn’t like it at all. But every one said ride it about 1500-2000 miles before you make the decision. Took me about 8000 before I felt comfortable on it. I really enjoy riding it now, but I still have my other bikes too. Riding with a few other guys I like 2 wheels, but by myself I like 3. I took my first long trip last year on the Spyder, 2400 miles 6 days, really enjoyed it. Can’t wait to do it again. I know the days not far for 2 wheels, but I’m comfortable on 3 so I can keep going. Bill

I've increased my following distance slightly as I age, I'm 66 now.

First time it crossed my mind to learn riding was when I met 84 yo Harley rider at motel in Canon City, Colorado. He was on his ride from NYC to Los Angeles to visit a friend. He looked 60ish to me. He said he rode since he was 19, never crashed and never rode faster than 65mph. When I tell story to people they tell me his Harley probably could't go faster. 😂 Regardless, hat off to the old man. I rarely remember ten minute random chat with somebody on the read. This guy was hard to forget.

Hi Kevin, I’m about to turn 66. I have three bikes, a cruiser, an ADV bike and a Hyper naked bike. I ride whenever the weather permits which is generally good in Northern California. I am a proponent of defensive riding and wear all the gear all the time including an airbag vest. Also I am an organ donor for those who might need worn out parts and also have a DNR in place. I am a childless widower and am beholden to no one. If I ‘gotta go’ then I’ll go. Happy trails! 😊

We had a fella in our Blue Knights chapter who was 83 and rode an Electra Glide. He's gone now but he was no slouch and he still inspires me to this day to keep going 30+ years later.

69 but I feel half that while I’m riding. But a lot smarter. Thanks for another session Doc McRider.

Had a 92 year old customer that used to bring his bike to us for service. He switched to smaller bikes. 250s and such. He was about as steady on his feet as many other people his age. But on his bike, he was confident, and smooth. Good rider. I'm sure he's hung it up by now one way or another.

Nearly 70 here and bought a new bike last month. Been riding to get around on the farm since I was 10, and on the road since I got my licence aged 15. Have seldom owned a car, and never since 2001. Reckon I’ll be riding until near the day I die.

I’m approaching 70 and have been riding a Yamaha Tmax maxi scooter for 4 years after selling the cruiser. Love using the Yamaha for shopping, highway and touring the back roads. With the weight down low, CVT transmission, it is a breeze to ride in the city. Frequent riding seems to be keeping me a sharp rider, at least for now.

I am 78 and still riding. I hope to do a couple more years of moto camping. I recently purchased a Moto Guzzi Mandello and plan on using it as my touring motorcycle. I had to give up my Moto Guzzi Audace as it got too awkward for me to handle at slow speeds due to steering stem rake, large amount of trail and overall weight. I also have a Moto Guzzi V7lll 750 in the garage which I use mainly for local errands and such. I know it will become my main ride in the near future, after that, ???? I am not interested in a trike or a sidecar. I do plan to force myself to ride fewer miles in a day. I have been the type to grind it out. I need to stop sooner and just kick back with a cold and just smell the roses.

Hang up your helmet? I fought with ABATE for 35 years to get our right to chose to wear a helmet or not and won, So i mostly don't wear one in my state. Now before you criticize me, I am a retired MSA instructor from the early 1980s and in the US and UK, 58 years on 2 wheels riding, racing of all types, touring 3 continents owned over 60 bikes and well over 750K + miles.. My father rode till he was 89 and passed at 90.. I'd like to know what makes you an so-called expert, Since i'm what ya call a professional?

I am 73 and restarted riding a couple years ago after a 40+ year layoff. While I am feeling comfortable on my Honda CTX 700, I am considering giving it up. I have hearing damage from gun fire and riding makes my tinnitus much worse. I have tried it all: the quietest helmet made, custom ear plugs and all types of ear plugs. Nothing stops the increase of the ringing in my ears. Probably should call it quits to save the hearing I have.

What about old bikes..my R1 is nearly 26 ...ive pushed it home a few times and im 64...TRY PUSHING AN R1 5 MILES...

Hey Kevin, been riding since a kid, now 72. Graduated from a home made mini bike, to a Honda cb360, HD Sportster XLCH kicker, KZ 900, then into Harley baggers. Now that I’m older and the knees are starting to weaken, I’m downsizing. Lost 300lbs of bike by getting a Softail Standard. No bags, no faring/windshield or long trips planned, and my knees are thanking me! As long as I can see well and reflexes are good, I will ride till some body parts disagree. And if I have to downsize again, so be it.

At 73 1/2 It just doesn't seem as much fun as it did when I was 23 in 1973 riding a chopped 650 BSA. Now with all the distractions cagers don't even see my F-150. I now ride mostly back roads. I trust deer more than other drivers.

Im 68 with a worn left knee . I bicycle, hike , and ride my motorcycle pretty much year round. Driving a car for any distance is more of an issue than riding. Last year I road about 12,000 miles on three different motorcycles. I feel at my best on two wheels. I will quit riding when they pry my cold dead hands from the grips.

There was a guy in Globe, AZ. Owned the Maytag repair shop. Didn't have much work. But he had a bike collection and repair shop in the back downstairs. He rode Harleys and other old stuff. Always said he wanted to die in the saddle. Well he had a heart attack. Instead of going to hospital, he go on his bike and started riding toward Miami, AZ. There's a bridge in between. He fell over dead in the middle of that bridge. No BS. A real story

I started riding in early '64 , I am 76 , and ride my mid '70's , 93 cu in Shovelhead FLH , owned and maintaind by me for 40+ Years my '84 FXWG , owned and re-built , maintained by me , for 23 Years , and my 1982 Kawasaki z1300 , assembled from a box of parts in 1985 , and I am still riding . Not as fast , and , to be truthful , not the thousands of Miles a Year , Home and Abroad , but I do still ride .

Russ here from Napa. Thanks I am 77 and quit 8 or 10 yers ago after hitting a deer and then going wide on a curve into a ditch that had a boulder in it and went over the bars. Never had been down before those times but read the writing. Lucky I was gear protected but still hurt with recovery. Can not understand how the flip flop, shorts and T-shirt crotch rocket imortals sometimes achieve old age

I am 76 soon to be 77 ride a Indian scout bobber Still can handle it well but only take short rides But do them as much as I can Being a caregiver for wife, doesn’t give me the time for long rides Still love to ride started 1976

I'll be 75 next month and still ride sport bikes and just finished building a drag bike for racing this season, my reflexes are still relatively good and I lift weights three times a week and speed walk 5 miles or more a day. I plan to continue riding as long as my reflexes and health are good.

I'm 70, have three bike which are a Suzuki Bandit 600s, CB65O and a Royal Enfield Himalayan and planning a long camping trip into the mountains this summer because I'm still fit, have good eyesight with glasses, and people think I'm about 58. I've been riding since 1972 and hope to be riding well into my eighties providing I'm still feeling healthy. I hope I'll know when it's time to hang up my crash helmet but meanwhile I want to put lots of miles on my bikes because time is definitely running out.

Me and my wife have rode side by side for 20 years. Last year I put Sena coms on our helmets so we can keep each other out of trouble things change out there so fast and the quality of driving is nonexistent

In addition to the fact that I can't ride as long as I used to, a recent experience has made me think about riding a heavy HD. I was approaching a traffic light and the intersection was under construction, with the pavement scraped off ready for new asphalt. My front tire caught a deep gouge in the pavement and the bike tipped over. Luckily, I was just about at a stop when this happened. However, lifting the bike was difficult as it was slanted downward away from the direction to get it back up and it was right up against the curb. So trying to get my feet flat was difficult. On the fist try, I didn't get too far before I felt it in my back. Luckily, there were three guys that got out of a car and helped get the bike back up. The point of all this is that at 61 years old, that 900 pounds is near impossible to put back upright. That said, I did get a motorcycle jack to help out if I should need it in the future. While I had practiced picking up the bike years ago at a demo with my local dealership, you realize that they give you all the advantages to pick it up - level ground, padding below, assistance nearby, etc., its much different out on the road. In all my years of riding, I can say that I have never had to lay the bike down, so this experience was an eye opener. Will I stop riding because of this, no, not in the foreseeable future. I enjoy it too much.

I am 64 and can still capably ride my 99 wing, but just sold it and bought a CanAm Spyder RT Limited 3 wheel motorcycle. This will extend my ability to ride for some time to come.

Im 64 i have a 450 wr and an R1 ...ive cut down on wheelies...A BIT

I quit this year at 74. I purchased a King Quad 750 ATV and my dog and I are going into the mountains to get to the glacier. Fishing and hunting may ensue…

I'm turning 70 next month. I love my Rocket 3 Touring, (2300cc), but it is a pain to back it out of the garage. I got me a Suzuki M50 (800cc) last May for when I need to permanently downsize. It's much easier to handle when stopped, but not as nice when on the road. I'll keep the Triumph till I can't hold it up anymore!!

Good stuff! I've had my 1800VTX since 2006, but seriously considering selling it and going back to a 750 for more easy handling and weight. Love my 1800, but it weights about 40 tons and I just don't need all that. Loving the content!

Thank you., I've always said that as you age and reflexes slow but your experience helps compensate. That's true if you keep riding continuously. If you stop for 5,10 or more years, you lose the experience and the reflexes. If you start riding for the first time at 60 and buy A Harley because you always wanted one then that's a recipe for disaster. The least you can do is take the MSF course and then maybe some extra lessons. If you're a doc who just bought his first bike, you can afford some training to save your life.

Great Vid and Commentary. I have already done some of the things you reference. I have dropped down from a much heavier 1000cc Machine to a Suzuki Bandit 650GSF. It is much lighter to "Manhandle" exactly the points you raised. I have found the Suzi very quick all about power to weight? Very nimble footed, got great balance and manouvers really well, great fun to ride. Wish i had done it years ago, much, much better on fuel. I am an ex-British Marine and still am reasonably fit & strong. But one thing you learn in the Marines is your body. I decided once i am not strong enough to manage the bike around my home and out on the road at lights etc..I will Retire. My sight is still good i always do the basic sight tests and keep up the Eye Tests. That is crucial. I try hard to keep my mind as sharp as possible but my recall is not as good. Age creeps up on you and ever since my 70th somehow i feel older? I use my Bicycle frequently to keep the limbs exercised i go for endurance riding, 20 30 miles each time and i feel huge benefit. It keeps the heart and lungs tested and as strong as i can manage. I fell out of the apple tree in the autumn when pruning this year really foolish idiot, pulled too hard on a cut branch and ended up doing another parachute landing on my shoulder and hip from about 15feet which at my age aint done me much good. Again, i believe you have to exercise injuries where my bicycle helps me hugely again. So yes your points are great, i still find i retain focus and reactions are pretty good. But i think your advice was brilliant. Giving up my bike is going to be very hard. I wont go anywhere near an electric machine - That's not a Motorbike it is a massive ego trip for people with too much money! Sod all to do with the environment care. Thanks for the vid, superb!

62 years old and still can't get enough of riding one of my many RD350YPVS.

I’m 55 riding for 6 years on a Softail Deluxe but recently traded up to a Road Glide. I was fine until a rotator cuff injury and now concerned about tight spaces and slow maneuvering. Not sure what to do

Nearly 64 now and have been riding since age 18 or so. One thing I haven't seen mentioned in the comments is the rampant distracted driving we face today. Nearly everywhere you look drivers are looking at their phones and not paying attention. Back in the day we didn't have to worry about the phones in vehicles and there was certainly less traffic on the roads. These days I try to restrict riding to very rural and low traffic roads, especially when my wife is on board. Even so, we all need to be acutely aware of distracted drivers. Be safe out there....

I'm 70 and started riding 2016. I've had some very heavy bikes but now on a Honda Rebel 1100 DCT which suits me fine and easy to move around. I also cycle which keeps me fit and for my 70th last summer I cycled 350 miles in 5 days which included nearly 20,000 feet of hill climbing. Key is fitness and being alert together with continuous practice and training. How long more will I continue? I suppose I will have to see from season to season!

Yep, all of that. I started noticing my tiredness even on the most comfortable of touring bikes. Also the safety of my wife when she rides pillion. So downsized to a 900 Bonneville that is easier to live with and easier to flatfoot when necessary at junctions. Also building strength with weights and other exercise is important. Also being mindful of all the advanced skills I once learnt. (Seventies - 🇬🇧)

I don't bounce anymore. I am 69 and have been riding my whole life. Been thinking about selling because I was only riding about 1000 miles a year. Three months ago the road in front of my house was seal coated with oil. Two months ago I took my first ride since June because TX is too dang hot to ride in the summer. Pulling out of the driveway like I have done many times I shifted into second and let out the clutch. The back end slid out from under me so fast - that seal coat has a much lower coefficient of friction. I was only going fifteen mph, but I bounced hard. It was six weeks before I could do my 3x/week pull-ups again. I don't bounce anymore so when the bike gets fixed it is up for sale. They were good years and I wouldn't trade them for anything, just time to quit.

Got to ask Kevin.... what is your age? I'm 70 and still riding my '19 Goldwing DCT Tour and routinely ride 300-400 mile day rides, but avoid the 600-900 miles day rides now. Despite riding for the past 30 yrs with about 380K miles on 4 GWs and still riding daily, I will be attending a local PD Motorcycle Safety Course at month's end. Always interested in what safety tips are out there and besides it's a free course that the AZ DOT funds - Win-win event for me!

Amen. Smaller bike, shorter rides, slower roads and still enjoying it. And a Corvette for back up!

I'm 69, in the UK, and have had bikes since I was 16. There may come a time when I can no longer kickstart my Triumph Bonneville, but I also have a Suzuki GS550 which has electric and kick, so that will keep me on the road longer. I don't ride any longer than about an hour at a time now before getting off to get the legs working again, but I ride nearly every day, all year round, and it's my main means of transport. Although everything hurts, most of the time, I'll keep riding as long as I'm physically able.

I am 73 and currently trying to answer that question.

When my doctor tells me to send my licence in because I am medically unfit, that will be the day.

G'day MCr. Just turned 65, and have been riding for the last 50 years. Had to downsize from my fjr1300 to a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor due to major spinal damage ,(Aussie vet) suffererd a long time ago, but final caught up with me! The nerves in both legs are now pretty useless, and walking is becoming a major problem. As you say mate, you can adapt to your suit your own problems. Just bought a 2024 Z900 RS-SE for my birthady as it is light enough to move around and hustle around the twisties. My decision to downsize is paying dividends as I still get out on the bikes when the weather permits, but my trips are now shorter, and I rest when I feel like it. Will certainly consider a trike when the time comes to get off two wheels. Great stuff as usual brother, so stay safe and have fun. Cheers from Oz.

The answer could be "when you get anxious or frightened of riding" - you make bad decisions if you start to worry too much. Short trips, good pauses! Choosing the time and conditions (light, weather, a good nights sleep before) helps a lot.

I rode the Tail of the Dragon on my 81st birthday, BMW R1200 GSA, 1 month after 3 600 mile days CA to NC. Always careful and vigilant.

I'll be Serious , 61 years old and stepping off of the 200 MPH Bike's , Reaction time ,and Vision , are Important Factors ! I'm rely enjoying the Wide Glide ! Bless , AZ

At 72, I'm still going strong. I focus on fitness and good nutrition. I spend almost as much time on a bicycle as I do on a motorcycle. I ride a 1983 Honda Goldwing and an RE INT650. The wing is great for cruising down the highway, and I have not yet had any trouble managing it's 650 pounds. The RE is about 200 pounds lighter with a shorter wheelbase. I took a 3000 mile trip on it last summer all on secondary roads. It's fun in the Twisties and fast on the straightaways. I hope to be riding both bikes for many years to come.

I’m 72 and thinking of getting back in the saddle after 20 years - thanks for your advice!

I'm 71 years young. Started riding at 15 or 16 on a dirt bike (there are a few skills transferable, but one must be discerning...) and rode BMWs for decades. After a VERY expensive speeding ticket on my '96 K1100RS, I laid out for a few years. Now we ride a '03 HD Anniversary FXSTS at reduced pace and stay away from all the distracted drivers on the Interstate. A good day is to meet up with a few like-minded and skilled friends, ride a few hours to find a place to eat or for ice cream on secondary roads, enjoying the scenery. I stay physically fit and mentally alert using every trick I can. And of course, practice, practice, practice. Enjoy your channel!

Thanks for your great channel! Im 74, been riding since I was 16. I still ride both vintage and modern trials competition (TY175/TRS250) as well as some ice racing(CRF100) and street riding my KTM390 Duke. Lots of the guys I ride trials with are my age or thereabouts so I don’t consider myself gifted or special - especially since I am regularly humbled by my score! I wear all the protective gear I can and wear contact lenses when riding for maximum vision. Naturally I try to stay in shape as much as possible just to continue to ride, even though I know I’m slowly deteriorating. I’m not the rider I used to be but my experience and focus on safety are what keep me out of trouble. As Clint Eastwood says : Don’t let the old man in.

Circa 1947. March '22 got a new GL1800DAD, put my partner on the back and rode from Vancouver Island to Mexico... Broke my leg and had to fly back... four months later flew back retrieved my bike and returned home... two 'sleeps' on the way back and on time for dinner. Now February, I exercise every day to stay in shape to ride again when it warms up and the rain stops.... Soon!! Can't do this forever, but still have a few good years left. We always wear air vests, and the bike has a built in airbag, but now my bones are getting brittle, looking serious about the new airbag jeans rated AA or AAA. In the highly unlikely I drop the bike it will help to keep bones from breaking... If my hip breaks... end of riding for me. 😭

I started riding at age 55 and I'm happy with a lighter bike. I rode a friends Gold Wing for a few months last year, but my fj-09 is just easier to handle but has plenty of power.

More power to grey power. If you have good health, happy riding my friends. There is nothing like it. I'm 64 yo and getting back into it after 40 years. Drive safe!

Going on 82... my skills and reaction are not a question and I ride a Honda GoldWing SE 1500. But the increased number of vehicles on the road and the road hazards have made riding a lot more stressful and less enjoyable. And, because of the road conditions, I find that drivers have gotten a lot more careless, impatient and road-raged... I will make a decision this year because I enjoy healthy living with my limbs intact.

I agree with everything MC said in this video. I would add that your eyes have to be working right. no blurriness. Your sense of balance has to be top notch. No dizziness. If you get dizzy from your heart medication, please do not ride ,at least then. You have to be honest with yourself about your capability. And the real drag is, that after forty years old, your capabilities start taking a real dive, especially if you are not working out, you are drinking lots of alcohol and eating whatever you want. If you are on the bike, and you lean yourself over, and get the feeling that you just want to keep leaning over, get off the bike. There are times when a car is just a much safer place to be. In most of these diminished capability cases, as a passenger. Don't chance it. If you get dizzy and cross the center line, it's all over in a flash.

👍 I’m 70 in 2 weeks, still take 2 week moto camping trips around the Notthwest. My 650 Yamaha carries my camping load at any speed and I can pick it up. Also, I don’t do urban riding, just out to nature.

This is a valid topic. At 76, I've been riding since age 8. I recently dropped my bike at a stop sign (stuck my foot in a rut), but it made me start thinking.

I'm about to turn 67, the thing for me that changed my riding style is loss of that 6th sense. I no longer have the awareness of surrounding traffic that I once had and as you mentioned I no longer have the strength I did as a younger man. I sold my Harley and bought a Moto Guzzi V7 (smaller and lighter) and now mostly ride in town or short rides on surrounding black-top's where the speed is less and I can ride at a slow relaxed pace and can control my gaps in traffic. I'd like to ride into my 70's even if it is just a few hundred miles each year.

.....ahh, at 64 years of age, a fistful of Alieve (Naproxin Sodium) takes care of any aches and pains associated with a 64 year old "bio chassis" with heavy milage. 🤣👍....Thanks be to my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, I can still do a 600 mile road trip up Interstate 95 in one day (3 stops needed for fuel and ah..."water drainage"), in order to visit a daughter in Virginia! Yeehaw...praise God!!! ...also love my tricked-out "Hardly Davidson Ultra Limited Electra Glide with rear-end stabilizer and air adjustable suspension...ahhh...just like a 2 wheeled Rolls Royce Corniche. Again brother, thank you soooo very much for your "invaluable safety reminders/briefings. One simply cannot get too many safety briefings, as far as I'm concerned. Again, thank you and God bless you brother. May He RAPTURE us both from atop our saddles. I'll be honored to catch you: "Here, there on the road somewhere, or IN THE AIR!!!" 😎👍

My solution (I'm now 65) was downsizing. Started riding at 13; didn't get a big motorcycle until the late 80s (KZ1000) and later owned a ZRX-1200 and ZX-14. 4 years ago I downsized to a Z400--it's light, quick, fun as hell, and reminds me of the RD350 I owned in college. There are lots of small motorcycles out now, thank goodness--I just wish someone would make a light 2-stroke EFI for us old 2-smokers. Great video BTW!

After shattering 7 ribs and a collapsed lung! 67 years old.. and can take a hit, but maybe only one! Back to mountain biking!

77 and still riding but have gone to smaller bikes. Sold my Kawasaki Ninja 1000 and bought a Kawasaki KLR 10 years ago. Rode the KLR from So.Utah to Butte, Montana in one day. Sold the KLR and now I'm riding my 44 year old Yamaha XT 500. Thinking about getting my 250 YZF out of storage and do a couple of MX races.🤣

best answer MOST will give you.... TWO if you are older then TWO YEARS OLD you are to old to ride a motorcycle WHY? because the DRIVERS cant see a motorcycle

I'm 68. I just sold my 1200 Sportster. It's quick and nimble. Had it since 91. Loved that bike. Now I'm riding a Honda Helix 250 cc scooter. I ride on the back country roads.