TOO OLD to START RIDING? Brutally HONEST impressions of a 34 year old NEWBIE RIDER

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And this is my first ever motorcycle. It's a yamaha... I'll tell you more about it later. I did xx km with it so far, and these km account for my entire riding experience on an actual motorcycle.
But the interesting thing here is that I'm probably one of the more ill suited persons to take up motorcycle riding, because I'm not your average 34 year old. How come? Well for one I learned how to ride a bicycle at 29, I was thought by my wife. And ever since then I have ridden very little which means that all the 2 wheeled related skills and subconscious stuff that should have become embedded in my brain over the decades simply isn't there. And now I'm at an age where acquiring new skills is much harder than back when I was 4 or 5.
When it comes to learning how to ride I have to say that it feels like an extremely steep learning curve and I feel like I progressed from absolute zero to lane filtering within minutes. And I have to say that I'm really surprised by this. I consider myself a clumsy person and I always had trouble turning verbal instructions into bodily motion.
Before I started riding I tried to imagine and visualize how to do it and I always ended up feeling like I would fall because a motorcycle looks and feels unstable. When it comes to leaning a motorcycle I was 100% certain that I would immediately fall. I completely understand the physics of what keeps a motorcycle moving and why it doesn't fall that easily, but my instincs were overpowring my logic and convincing me that it will be very hard to master even the most basic stuff. Now you're probably wondering „what is this guy talking about“? Didn't he get a license before riding?
I definitely have a license see, I got it five years ago when I realized that I will definitely want to try riding some day. But you see I got it on Vespa px125...a scooter. And in my opinion you don't really ride a scooter. You sit on it. In the same way you sit in a restaurant or on the toilette. I was convinced that an actual motorcycle that you have to throw your leg over and where you shift your gears with your leg is somehow different and I couldn't visualize how to do it.
So I started small...the first task was just taking off and covering a very short distance in first gear, the next time I tried shifting, after that I joined traffic and took a little trip of around 8 kilometers. All of this happened in the span of a single day. I immediately realized that a scooter and a sports bike are pretty similar. Twisting the throttle gets the thing going and keeps it stable. Just as physics said it would.
But I was still surprised by my rapid progress and wondered where it came from. And then I realized....I'm not really clumsy. I'm probably an average person, the only difference is that this time I did things my way and I because I'm 34 I now feel like I have nothing to prove. I proudly duck walk whenever I feel it's necessary.
I got on the bike, started riding and I calmly listened to my body. I know this may sound strange but I decided not to watch any videos on how to ride a motorcycle or do any research. As I said, I'm not very good at interpreting verbal instructions on how to perform a physical action. But more than that I feel that a lot of really popular topics online have created certain dogmas and the validy of these dogmas is increased through endless repetition and regurgitation despite them not being suitable for everyone. So I decided to forego being told what to do and instead I just listened to my body. After 15 minutes of riding my wrists started to hurt..so I realized I was trying to do everything with my hands. I felt that in order to take pain away from my wrists I had to take weight away from them....so I used my thighs to hug the gas tank more tightly and it worked like magic. I still have to remind myself not to do everything with my hands but I'm getting better at it. And by hugging the gas tank I also realized that the bike is controlled more with your legs than with your hands. The hands are sort of a secondary set of controls and the initial inputs seem to be coming from the legs.
When you're very young this comes naturally because you're unable to overthink things. But when you're older you can do things naturally only if when know yourself well....and that doesn't happen in your teens, or your early 20s....it usually happens after you lived with yourself a bit longer.
A special thank you to my patrons:
Daniel
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Brian Alvarez
Jack H
Dave Westwood
Joe C
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#d4a #newbieriderdiaries #firstbike
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3 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 2,3 тыс.

@d4a 2 года назад

Phone mount: amzn.to/3y18zlT Backpack: amzn.to/3krtiaz Best selling helmets: amzn.to/3s30edu Best selling jackets: amzn.to/3LDTMl1

@ralphwarom2514 2 года назад

So, i think the fact that you know how to ride a bicycle is so important. Have fun. Be safe.

@toddsmith8608 2 года назад

Big fan of the channel, this episode was a delightful surprise! I like your idea of learning how to ride oh your own and also what you said about just buying some basic gear instead of spending dozens of hours researching. I often find myself over researching things to the point of frustration. You mentioned your wrists hurting. That is how it is with those low clip on handlebars at speeds under 100kph. You have to be going fast enough for the wind to push your torso back and take the weight off. Try riding different bikes if you can, the super moto / streetfighter style bikes will be a lot more comfortable to ride with a more upright riding position and you might find yourself enjoying riding even more. You might even see if there Is a way to mount a handlebar to the txr. Raising the hand position even a couple inches makes a huge difference. Stay safe brother!

@InvisibleJiuJitsu 2 года назад

DO YOUR HELMET UP. it's useless if you crash and the first thing that happens is it comes off your head

@A..T..M.. 2 года назад

Bro , para cuando el video de los motores de pistones opuestos, lo llevamos esperando hace mucho tiempo

@fastinradfordable 2 года назад

1:50 Motorcycles are death traps if you cut people off!

@martinh.6016 2 года назад

I first rode a motorbike at the age of 65. I passed my test at that age and my first bike was a Triumph Rocket 3. You’re never too old to do anything. It’s all in the mind!

@Jan_Miklas 2 года назад

Triumph Rocket as a first bike? 😄😄😄 Wow!

@SoulTouchMusic93 2 года назад

@@Jan_Miklas absolute mad lad. They literally don't put a bigger engine on a bike.

@SGTMARSHALL1 2 года назад

Nice choice, does it handle smoothly?

@froedlmetallmann4643 2 года назад

I'd like to try that one out, as well. The fuel/gas tank is a bit small, so you'd have to stop every 200 km to refuel. I think I'd be anxious all the time in fear of running dry.

@mattgoodmangoodmanlawnmowi2454 2 года назад

Never happen. Most cagers fear motorcycles. They’d ban motorcycles to be able to avoid 2 wheelers above 10mph

@dalegarrard9446 2 года назад

I think I may be the oldest biker in the group. I'd enjoy hearing from someone older than I am. Here goes...I started riding when I was 21, it was the most fun I had had with my clothes on. It was a Suzuki Hustler 250...pretty fast for a 250...almost unbelievably fast. 15 sec quarter mile times in the low 90s. I then moved up to a Suzuki Titan 500cc. Very nice bike...also a 2 cycle. I rode that bike until my mid 30's. Took a few years off during some job transitions. At 44 I bought another Suzuki...a GS1100e. Awesome bike. It was the most bike I had ever ridden...pure luxury from anything I had ever owned. It was very fast for the 80's era. I rode that bike 11 years and gave it to my son. I was 59 at the time. My wife passed away in 2013...she never approved of my motorcycle ventures. We were both 72 at that point. I took a few years off from cycling...in honor of her memory. I turned 80 in July of 2020 and bought a Honda Monkey. It was a fun little bike but pretty restrictive on where I could go. In 2021 I traded it for a Honda Rebel 500se. I loved getting on 2 wheels again. I don't do crazy stuff anymore. 55-65 mph is my typical highway speed. Back country rodes are my preferred style of riding...less traffic. I did a considerable amount of parking lot refreshing before boldly engaging traffic. So far so good...I love it! I'm hoping for at least 10 more years.

@craigfinnegan8534 2 года назад

Glad you're still with us, Dale. Sorry to hear you're wife is no longer at your side. If I can sum up your comment, you're saying if you knew you were gonna live this long, you never would have bought a 2-wheeled death machine?!

@dalegarrard9446 2 года назад

@@craigfinnegan8534 Quite the contrary Craig...had I known how much fun these "two wheeled death machines" are, I'd have probably bought one earlier in life....anyway, I'd rather be riding and enjoying life than sitting in a rocking chair...gotta live your life and not give in to a bubble wrapped life style. Hope you're doing well

@drodrigues3451 2 года назад

This is very inspiring...Thank you for sharing your experience..Do write a book of your adventures with some life anecdotes..sure it'll help us all

@dalegarrard9446 2 года назад

@@drodrigues3451 I've always been a big fan of motorcycles. It just won't subside. I am very careful however; much more so than in my 20's. I've also done some motocross in my earlier life. It was a blast at the time, but far too strenuous at my age. I'm content just cruising these days.

@midnightrider287 2 года назад

I always get sad when I see older guys hanging up the helmet and giving up one of their life loves. So this was great to read! 10 more years would be great why the hell not 👍

@rafaelschmitz2985 2 года назад

"The same way you sit on a toilet". Dude, you just killed the scooter riders.

@AlessandroGenTLe 2 года назад

Well here in Italy we often call them "bidet" for the very same reason :)

@fintonmainz7845 2 года назад

Sitting on the toilet is the best part of my day. That's why I ride a Vespa.

@mayuravirus6134 2 года назад

Not me i don't sit on my toilet i squat

@mmllmmll22 2 года назад

I own a 50ccm scooter, i agree with that at 1000% :D

@CZ350tuner 2 года назад

In the UK, since the 1960's, the majority of bikers regard all scooters as toilets.....

@TheAncientBiker 2 года назад

Brilliant video mate and love your humour. I started riding at 16 and rode 'til I was 26, big gap then (marriage, kids and so forth) and restarted when I was around mid 60s and still loving it at 80. Too old? Never! :-)

@martinrea8548 2 года назад

I told a girl who works at the reception of the gym I go to that I ride a motorcycle. She said her Dad used to have a bike too, but then he got a pram. I thought it was funny at the time.

@eskertoo 2 года назад

I started riding at 57 never even having driven a car!Passed the test in 2009 and bought a brand new Street Triple.....which I still ride now.50,000 miles on it.Not long after buying the Triumph I bought a 2006 Aprilia Tuono 1000R which was stolen in 2017 after I put 52,000 miles on it.I replaced it with a 2005 Speed Triple which I have put 20,000 miles on.I taught myself to do all my own maintenance....fork seals,head bearings,valve re-shimming,swingarm bearings chain and sprocket replacement etc.Now aged 70 I'm thinking this may be my last year in biking as it's hard running 2 bikes on the State Pension now that my redundancy money has all gone.And war has been declared against the internal combustion engine!

@Andrew-ix6rb 2 года назад

Keep riding like that and you won't be riding Long. There is some great lessons to be learnt from the internet. And they won't hurt like learning the hard way 😂😉?

@blastfromthepast7119 2 года назад

What! No! What are you saying! Sell one! But one is too expensive? Sell both! Buy a light, powerful, cheap scooter/moped, mix it up. Maybe a 90s 250cc 4 cylinder that revs to 20k. Something, anything but stopping riding! I'm much less than half youd age and it is satisfying to have a 200cc modified chinese economy scooter that cost me 300 bucks and hasn't even done 1000km. The guy I bought it off had a heart attack quite young(overweight, self induced diabetes) and his wife made him stop riding his brand new top of the line chinese gy6 engine chameleon paint scooter, which he put a 200cc kit on. That was 10 years ago, it sat in the garage all that time until I found his ad online to buy it. Lucky. I'll get a bike oneday. Hopefully a 250 4 stroke 4 cylinder honda or kawasaki. Or one of those kawasaki 400cc 4 cylinder sport ones. In 20 years time theyll be worth 10x what they are now.

@stephenwilliams6103 2 года назад

Earn a bit of cash on the side repairing/servicing other people's bikes.If you have a half decent tool kit🤔, use it. & It's apparent that you have got the knowledge 😁, If you give up biking😓, what you gonna do🤔.,sit in you old arm chair, & wait for that grim reaper to come banging on your door😠. Doesn't sound like you. I'd much rather have the grim reaper tapping me on my shoulder @ 160mph🤫😲🤣🤣🇬🇧🇬🇧

@r2d2aa 2 года назад

I am 49 now and I started riding 3 years ago. It's a pity that I didn't decide early .. It's a great fun to ride a motorcycle. The beginnings were surprisingly difficult.

@vripiatbuzoi9188 2 года назад

The electric bikes are even more fun although their range sucks for now.

@rnormandeau 2 года назад

I got my license and first bike at 46!! I'm now 50. I wish I had done it sooner. I love every second I spend on the bike. I've taken 2 courses, and spend a lot of time in parking lots trying to improve my skills, practicing u-turns, figure 8's, collision avoidance and emergency braking. I'm a competent and confident rider, but I feel like every time I get on the bike is an opportunity to learn, seeking that perfect launch, the perfect shift, the perfect line. At this age, I don't feel like I need to go at ridiculous speeds to master finding the perfect line around a corner. It's incredibly fun to learn the capabilities and limits of the bike. With age there comes a certain amount of self preservation that you don't necessarily have when you are younger.

@deusexaethera 2 года назад

How did you get around before age 46?

@rnormandeau 2 года назад

@@deusexaethera Sorry, I meant that I got my motorcycle license at 46. I’ve had my car license since 16. So I definitely had a few miles of driving experience before getting the motorcycle, somewhere around a million kms. Regardless of my driving experience, I chose to take a training course as part of my journey to get my motorcycle license, which is not a requirement in Canada. I still feel strongly that taking the course made me a much better and safer rider. After having a small KTM 390 Duke street bike for a few years, I decided to get KTM 790 Adventure. I went back and took another course that was focused on riding off-road. Never too old to learn! 🙂 Anyone can ride a motorcycle fast, but it takes practice to ride slow! 😉

@marianix1591 2 года назад

Love this comment!

@nicerides9224 2 года назад

When you are younger you tend to rely on dunb luck and fast reflexes to keep you alive. I started riding at 19 and was lucky enough to only have minor falls as I learnt. A few grazes to remind me that being an idiot on a bike hurts. Now in my 50s my bike is much faster than the one I started on and I ride a lot faster but I also pick my spots much better. I don't think my desire for self preservation is any stronger than when I was 19 but my skills at self preservation are definitely better.

@dcxplant 2 года назад

Keep up the good work Ric!! Never stop. I've been riding for over 45 years (yes I'm old) and I regularly perform full-lock turns and "panic stops". I tune up at the beginning of the riding year. Do not push your own limits, and when around other vehicles in towns etc. realize no one can see you and they all want to kill you. You're not paranoid if they really are out to get you! Have fun!

@timallix4407 2 года назад

As a veteran rider of mountain bikes, dual sport bikes, and big displacement street bikes, I KNOW that my mountain biking experience gives me a definite advantage when riding my dual sport bike. This is when it is SO IMPORTANT to understand how to "pick your line" and also how to modulate between front and rear brakes in changing situations. Controlled drifting through corners in loose traction, knowing how to ride over slippery roots, and popping wheelies over log obstacles, are skills that takes years to build. I am 62 years old, a bit overweight, and I consistently out-ride the younger guys in the dirt. Also important to note: My first bike at 20 y/o was a 750, and I came close to killing myself on it because all 20 y/o boys have overconfidence and I was no exception. But as to the question of when are you "too old to ride", it depends on the person. My wife learned to ride last year, never rode or owned a motorcycle, and she was 60 y/o at the time. Her first bike is a KTM Duke 390. She is a pretty decent rider on the street, but she has always been a skilled car driver. She takes no chances on a motorbike and rides conservatively, but the skills didn't take long to develop, and she aced her road test. Love your channel, and your excellent technical explanations of everything "Petrol-head"!

@timallix4407 2 года назад

And I would love it if you would do a video about motorcycle COUNTERSTEERING, which is a counter-intuitive technique which could save a person's life if going too fast or too wide into a corner.

@toddsmith8608 2 года назад

@@timallix4407 maybe he hasn't figured that out yet. I've spoken to some riders with years of experience who didn't believe me when I said push on the left handlebar to go left. But this dude seems to know his physics so I'm guessing he knows about gyroscopic precession.

@timallix4407 2 года назад

@@toddsmith8608 When I see his other videos, he has that instinctive understanding of principles of physics, and he researches his work thoroughly. I'm sure if he researches counter-steering he will appreciate its importance.

@kananisA75 2 года назад

True!!! riding mountain bikes and BMX as a kid is the reason that i ride motocross better than all my friends and we all started at the same time.

@Platos-Den 2 года назад

I'm 61 and going for motorcycle training course this month. Thanks for your input.

@rodintoulouse3054 2 года назад

Started riding at 50. Love every second of it and regret all the time wasted by not starting earlier. The most stupid thing I did and of which i am not proud of , was every metre I rode on the street thinking I could learn this in an organic way. Not only did I put myself in danger, but my family at risk of losing me and also taking into my hands the life of stragers. The best thing I did: investing in lessons, buying proper equipment and recognising that the learning never ends. Just as I watch you to learn mechanics, I watch other informed people to learn about bikes.

@nicerides9224 2 года назад

Learning organically without lessons is possible. I bought a bike and rode it for 3 months without a licence or any lessons. Rode it to the licensing center to get my licence. A week or two later I was a motorbike courier riding all day in heavy traffic without any lessons. At least not any formal lessons. When practising emergency braking for my license in the wet I locked up the front and had a nice graze on my hip which took a while to heal. I learnt just how far I could push it and falling hurts. As you can imagine as a rookie rider I received many more lessons in a short space of time as a courier. Plus I listened to the advice of the much more experienced and skilled riders I worked with. You survived and learnt so don't feel bad about it. Formal lessons are recommended though especially when you're older and you probably haven't ridden a pushbike for many years. Pushbike experience is underrated I feel when it comes to motorbikes. The basics of counter steering and balance and braking are all the same whether you have a motor or not. It would be a very painful experience trying to learn to ride a motorbike without first learning to ride a pushbike. I accidentally popped a wheelie riding my first motorbike home when I bought it. All the wheelie practice on a pushbike paid off and it was a non event.

@rodintoulouse3054 2 года назад

@@nicerides9224 i guess the difference is that in my old man’s learning style i haven’t had painful falls or near misses… even though I also ride every day. Not only that, i haven’t endangered antone else by learning from my errors on the road.

@nicerides9224 2 года назад

@@rodintoulouse3054 Close calls will eventually happen. Falls maybe or maybe not depending on how careful you are. In my case they taught me lessons quicker. One thing I learnt was always check the road surface on corners. Also always keep up with bike maintenance. Tyres, brakes and chain slack should be checked regularly. I have slid out due to sand/oil on road, I have slid out due to bald tyres and I've slid out due to loose chain coming loose and locking up rear in a corner. My first bike bike copped a lot of abuse. Also lubricate the chain pretty regular or it will last only a third of the time. I never bother cleaning mine and it doesn't seem to make much difference in how long it lasts. If it ever starts to look clean I know it needs more oil. Stay safe.

@rodintoulouse3054 2 года назад

@@nicerides9224 you are clearly a danger not only to yourself, but for everyone else on the road…no insurance either, I presume.

@nicerides9224 2 года назад

@@rodintoulouse3054 You're comparing yourself now as someone in their 50's (I presume) to me when I was 19 and had barely started riding. Sure you are more mature and have much more experience on the road (in cars at least) than I did then. I was a reasonably experienced and competent rider by the time I was 21 though thanks to 18 months working as a motorbike courier. I went from filling the tank once a week (riding every day) to filling it every day as a courier. I did a hell of a lot of riding when I first started. So naturally I made a lot of mistakes in a short space of time until I learnt to ride better and smarter. I'm in my 50's now and I've had several bikes since then and have done over 120K just on my current bike with few dramas. I've also spent a couple of decades as a truck driver without hurting anyone. My safety record on the road is surprisingly good considering the stuff I did back when I first started. I was lucky not to make any really stupid mistakes early and learnt from the ones I did make.

@darylclifford 2 года назад

This video was amazing! I’m a 62 year old man, got my first 90cc bike at 12, got my riders license on a 750cc Honda when I was 17. I’ll admit that your path to riding was different to mine but made total sense given your explanation of events! Stay safe, treat all motorists as blind, law breaking idiots out to get you. That way when someone does something stupid, you were expecting it and will have hopefully avoided an accident.

@peterbianchini1693 2 года назад

I have similar experience, I'm 61 years old (almost 62), got my motorcycle licence in 1978 but haven't owned a bike since I sold my Honda cb750f back in 1985. I had been wanting to get a bike again for years and with my wife's blessing I purchased a Suzuki gsx s750 for my 60th. At first it was like starting all over again. I've now racked up 18000kms and am in heaven every time I go for a run on the local twisties

@WeatherManAP 2 года назад

As with others here, I also started riding in my 30s. I’m 32 now and have ridden a total of 86 miles. It’s good to know many of us are in the same journey!

@001dres 2 года назад

I think you can put the clip on handles higher. This will reduce weight on your wrists. The forgotten blinker is a classic one that everyone does. Good luck and enjoy !

@Pillokun 2 года назад

It is not about hte height of the handle bar, it is more about the angle of the levers. The levers should be in line with your forearm and not be in horizontal placement.

@michaelallen2501 2 года назад

I think mandatory motorcycle riding would make people better car drivers. Just like mandatory military service generally produces better civilians. People need a forced perspective shift to see the bigger picture of things sometimes. If all you know is the quiet safety and security of your 5000 pound luxury SUV, you're a hazard on the road lol.

@d4a 2 года назад

True!

@johnnyblue4799 2 года назад

True that. I always move over when driving my car, to allow the riders to lane split easier.

@waterhouse235 2 года назад

I've been saying this since I was 12yrs old, when first dating my wife, she was a excellent car driver, but after doing a couple hundred miles on the back of my motorcycle, she became a very different car driver.

@Farlig69 2 года назад

Nail on the head.

@zedfender9423 2 года назад

100%

@aaronbirnie7363 2 года назад

As a guy who started when I was 38 I understand what you were going through. In the states we had a mandatory riding class you needed for your DL. That class was great. It got you on a bike that was not yours and taught you the basics in a controlled environment. Flash forward to today and I have just finished my return trip Solo across America coast to coast. I love riding. Now you need to get onto a bigger bike and take the travel to the max. It is a wonderful way to see any country. You just get so much more being out there in it. I like you video.

@saeedhossain6099 2 года назад

I loved the MSF class I took, but it's been a number of years, time for a refresher

@rickparkinmoto 2 года назад

I've been riding for 45 years since I was 16, and I think you've had the right approach there. Anticipating the behaviour of other road users is the number one thing that will keep you safe. Motorcycles for me have always been about the freedom and enjoyment of the ride. I was obsessed with speed in my younger days, but I grew out of that and learned to just enjoy the connection with the bike and the environment, to the point where it is basically a form of meditation. Bikes have the acceleration and agility to get out of trouble, and are perfectly safe in the right hands. That's a really nice classic bike you've got!

@craigfinnegan8534 2 года назад

Good stuff, Rick. I started riding at 50, and the timing was perfect for many reasons. I agree that motorcycles are safe in the right hands (like firearms). The key, as you indirectly said, is to get beyond inviting risk, ignoring risk, and even managing risk, to the wise heights of mastering risk. I also like what you said about riding being a form of meditation...truly it goes beyond mere stress reliever to something spiritual, if the bike has the owner it deserves. 🏆

@stephenwilliams6103 2 года назад

Yes Rick, I totally agree with you saying 'bike is safe in the right hands'. It's the same as any vehicle 🤔, they are safe 🤔, in the right hands. Just that as a motorcyclist😁, you can't be sure if the right hands are the safest 🤔🙄😞😎🇬🇧🇬🇧

@markianclark9645 2 года назад

Hi Rick..I've also been riding motorbikes for 45 years..or 46..but since I was 18..and mostly not for the fun or commuting..for employment..yes..as a courier..from 1975 to present..I smiled when he said at 34 years old he's covered about 600 thousand miles on 4 wheels..it's taken me more than twice that long to cover a million kilometres..he certainly chose an unsuitable bike for a novice..Yamaha power valve 2stroke..most of us go through the wanting to speed in our youth..if we survive to middle age or above we smile and wince at the young making a racket on their 125s..I was born to ride..it's the only thing I've been good at in this life..only like you I don't eat and sleep them like I once did..now I'm a small bike rider..30to 55MPH is quick enough for me..it's never been meditation in my experience..but I think I get you..I haven't much accelleration to get out of trouble in London suburbia..but I'm well adapted to 10BHP..as you rightly state..anticipation is the answer..a skill we develop better the more miles and years that we cover..I have too many scars from 65+ crashes..can't afford crashing at my age..takes too long to heal..that's if I'm lucky..I don't know how many more years I can continue..I'm aiming for about 73ish if I'm still around..I think that'll do..55 years is quite long enough on 2 wheels..you may be fitter and go longer..take care as always..

@rickparkinmoto 2 года назад

@@markianclark9645 I'm 61 now. I've got a Triumph Street Scrambler because of the comfortable riding position (my back's not what it used to be). I'd like to keep riding as long as possible, but I agree with you on the not wanting to crash at our age. Everything hurts for much longer! As you've been a courier all your life I know you must have highly tuned survival skills. One of my friends was a courier and I've never seen anyone as in tune with a bike as him. Take care - cheers.

@markianclark9645 2 года назад

Ah Rick..back pain..that's a whole topic on its own..my spine is twisted and bent out of shape with bad riding position..upper neck pain vertibrae discs compression..lower back pain..shoulder pain supraspinatus tendonitis..nerve damage lose grip in hands..and more..not even touch on the crash injuries..survival instinct..partly yes..and partly learning to minimise injury when crashing..you're on a great bike..never ridden any Triumphs..unfortunately..I'm more in tune in middle age I think than my 20s and 30s..I 'read' the traffic and conditions automatically..I flow better with vehicles..only the arsehole drivers bother me now..but relatively few of them about..you probably like me go a little too quick in certain areas you're familiar with..but then you pull yourself back again after telling yourself shouldn't be doing that at this age..gotta ride sensible..mostly..haha..I've got a huge box on my ANF125 so there's no pillion option..no passengers for me..insurance policies are so different from the 20th century..whereas everything was included back then..too many took advantage of the multibike cover or rider policy and ultimately it had to evolve..no cameras every corner or speed traps..just a rare cop with a radar gun..licenses had to update too..compulsory basic training..no more passing a test on the 250 you'd been riding all year..I was lucky I missed the 125cc restrictions by several years..now I'm on one as a veteran..funny the way things turn out..I bet you just missed that too..

@ZacBernasconi 2 года назад

As a 34 year old who took up motorcycles 2 years ago and who came from cars, track days, racing I can really relate to this video. You have explained this very well.

@ayon46 2 года назад

hey... I'm a 34 yr old and I bought my bike 2 weeks ago. 😂 wish me luck man

@dufushead 2 года назад

Speaking as a rider of over 50 years, I'd say you have the right attitude and perfect approach...you'll go far ! Love your videos and look forward to more.

@Blockbuster2033 2 года назад

I love you approach and your attitude. I'm 23 years old and already notice how I'm being less "reckless". I'm riding bikes since I was 19, but have done nearly 100k km on a variety of bikes. In the beginning I was surely riding fast, and I still am riding fast, difference is, that I am now in control haha. I would love to ride with you. You seem to be a really great guy. I did a tour with my gf last year where we rode from Germany through Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and back. Could have visited you then haha. A few tips that I do have, of which I think they are truly universal, are: - protect your hearing. Bikes are loud, and wind noise in the helmet is even louder. Get a cheap set of 100 pairs of disposable foam earplugs from the hardware store and always keep some in your jacket. - target fixation is a thing, basically any rider has experienced it, many have crashed because of it. Mentally go through what to do when you catch yourself fixating on some tree or even the outside white line of the road. - be sure you know how counter steering works, especially since you only recently started riding bicycles. Other than that you are doing great and I wish you the best of luck :)

@c63amgblack 2 года назад

I freaking love this video. Definitely a fun one. Your an adorable person for filming and putting this up. Extremely thoughtful video. Cheers to fun, and safe, riding!

@MrAlexshellard 2 года назад

Definitely worth watching "twist of the wrist" you'll learn so much and it will help you stay safe! When i started on my 125cc i didn't realise just how much i didnt know. When your moving your lower body your actually counter steering which is great! Once you know how and why it works that's when you can have more fun, just be careful with the breaks, most accidents not involving cars are because of breaking and its not like driving a car. Break too much without abs and you can high or low side. Stay safe dude, and strap that helmet :p

@russianrick8403 2 года назад

I totally agree with this, but I read your comment as needing to work on my ab muscles, not Antilock braking systems :). I certainly don't have the best abs, but my bike does have ABS.

@rvdboomgaard 2 года назад

Got my license one year ago when I was 47. I really don't feel it is to late, far from it. You can however be too young to ride. A healthy insight in t traffic is absolutely elemental for your safety as well as some self control.

@johnnyblue4799 2 года назад

Hey, absolutely great stuff man! I absolutely think you've done a great thing by starting your motorcycle journey. Never stop riding. Are you too old? Yeah, you're far too old to become the next Valentino Rossi! BUT you're absolutely not too old to learn to ride well and put your knee down on a race track, or jump over small obstacles on a dirt bike if you so desire. I started at around 30 on a Kawasaki ZX600R and never looked back. I do have a few tips for you though (I'm also former motorbike instructor): 1. Always look where you want to go. Not where you are, not at obstacles, but at the place you want to end up in. It might be already obvious to you from the car driving, but it's much more important in motorcycling. Your sense of balance will be greater improved if you train you eyes to look at the proper stuff instead of "hunting" obstacles. That emergency braking in the parking lot would have looked a lot more elegant had you looked forward instead of down. I find the eyes are the hardest to train. 2. Great discovery to grip with the knees to get some relief on the wrists, BUT the "body English" is not the main way to get the bike to steer. Handlebars are called HANDLEbars for a reason. Research counter-steering understand it and use it (it really works, except at very slow speeds in a parking lot) 3. Duck walking is not good. Practice slow speed maneuvers in that parking lot. Hold constant throttle a little bit over the idle speed and use the friction point of the clutch and little dabs on the rear brake to stabilize the bike at very slow speeds (parking lot). 4. The brakes are not on/off. Apply brakes progressively, to load the suspension w/o locking the wheels (unless you'll get a bike with ABS; the ABS will hide poor braking habits and prevent loss of front wheel). Always apply both brakes unless you're in the parking lot where you typically avoid using the front brake while turning. Also careful with the rear in the turns on the road. Practice emergency braking in the parking lot going progressively harder on the brakes. You'll be surprised how much grip you have on that front tire. On dry, clean pavement, the limit is when you get into a stoppie! :)) 5. Relax! Don't grip hard on the bars, especially while braking, or in strong crosswinds. Let the geometry of the bike work for you. It will self correct. Trying to muscle it will usually make matters worse (like that wobble you did on the hard braking). 6. It's not a car. Suspension matters. Set it properly for your weight and riding style. Never inflate your tires to the max pressure in the bike's manual (most sport bikes I've seen use 36/42 PSI front/rear). That's for max load at max speed. 7. Do invest in decent gear. Stay dry and warm on those rainy rides. Some of the best rides I had were in the rain! 8. It's okay not to waste time reading reviews about gear, but do learn to select it properly. For instance, a helmet that fits perfectly when brand new, will be very soon too big, after the lining gives in. 9. Always have fun! I encourage you to watch instructional videos about riding techniques. We never stop learning. I apologize if my comment is too much, or if you consider it intrusive. BTW... great first bike. Love the 2T.

@kurtvw4 2 года назад

I bought my first bike some months ago on my 40th birthday. I always wanted to try riding since I was a teen, but I was always afraid of it being a "death trap". I'm still a newbie rider, only done about 300km on it and I generally wait for Sunday afternoons when traffic is less to do slightly longer trips, but I'm getting there. If 6 year old me could see me now... 😁

@gautamasakyamuni6688 2 года назад

You are never "too old" ,I'm 65 and I'm riding motorbikes since I was 15....it's a matter of "Passion and dedication" I could never do without riding a bike, I'll do it until my strenght will allow me to ride 👍

@gorangavranovic9323 2 года назад

Svoju motociklističku priču si počeo u "najboljim", onim razumnijim godinama. Motocikl je strašno opširna priča, kako u tehničkom, fizičkom, tako i u filozofskom pristupu svakog motocikliste ponaosob. Učenja, znanja i iskustva nikad dosta. Cilj je osmijeh na licu i vjetar u kosi! Sretno...👍

@sarezfx 2 года назад

I'm now 36 and am riding for 20 years, started with small 125cc, was interesting to see, how someone of my age experiences this. Something I have to say, even after 20 years I still get the same thrills out of just riding a bike around, it just never gets old. And don't get me started on the joys of travelling with your bike, or take it to the track. Wish you all the best!

@JuliusBriggs 2 года назад

I sky dive, I rock climb, I free style ski, I race cars etc. etc. Motorbikes seem so cool and my dad had a Kawasaki but I've always elected not to start it just because you're such a target out on the road and it's not even about your own skill. You could just be sitting at a light and some muppet behind you clutch slips and you're on their hood. In a way the motorcycle is a stupendous idea to begin with that only spawned in an era of technological evolution. If someone came up with a concept today where you ride on an engine with two wheels and no seat belt you'd be questioned if you've hit your head a bit too hard (probably while motorbiking). That being said it does seem like a lot of fun though and I don't think anyone should ever feel too old to try out something new.

@CrazySaVaunT 2 года назад

exactly, I think the only way i feel comfortable would be on a race track and not the open road. That way you get to ride even faster and relatively safer experience.

@captainwin6333 2 года назад

People rode horses for thousands of years and there's no seat belt on them plus there's always the chance the bugger could fall over, get scared and bolt or just plain have a mind of it's own and refuse to jump an obstacle. You've probably as much chance of being glassed on a night out as being hit from behind at the lights by a car.

@JuliusBriggs 2 года назад

@@captainwin6333 I don't like riding horses either my friend because I would not like to turn into Christopher Reeve just because my stallion is having a bad day at the office. I don't know how you behave in bars to have as high a chance of getting glassed on any given night out as you are of dying on a motor cycle but to each their own. I'm merely pointing out, that fatalities on bikes in traffic are seven times higher than they are in cars and I enjoy having control over my own fate in life where possible if I'm honest. I've ridden bikes before and it's fun and I do not believe they are a death trap just the same way he says in this video but in terms of risk vs. reward I believe that I personally don't need a bike in my life as I have plenty of other ways to enjoy myself.

@johnnyblue4799 2 года назад

I don't do any of that stuff you do, but I do ride motorcycles. I think riding motorcycles is a great thing. I guess to each its own.

@robert7622 2 года назад

@@captainwin6333 Yea average life expectancy thousands of years ago was 40 lol.. Riding a motorbike is very dangerous. It's just a fact. You're over 50 times more likely to die on a bike then in a car. There are over a hundred different random scenarios that can kill you through no fault of your own. Oil, pot hole, horse crap lol.. There is no such thing as a small accident on a bike. I had a small 30 mph crash in my car that just needed a new wheel and bumper, on my bike it would have put me in a wheel chair. Thats why i stopped,

@eTiMaGo 2 года назад

"I'm 34, I'm an old man..." Oh my friend, you ain't seen nothing yet :D :D :D Great video, different but interesting to get your point of view on the 2-wheeled beasts... And great cinematography too!

@johnnyblue4799 2 года назад

I was thinking the same when he called himself old. But even at his still young age he's more experienced and knowledgeable than many. He's a smart guy with attention to detail and over average IQ. I'm sure he lived more than the average 34 yo.

@eTiMaGo 2 года назад

@@johnnyblue4799 Without a doubt!

@mrbookends 2 года назад

Great video! As a reference, I'm 42 and I've been riding for 23 years. That includes club racing, weekend track days, knee-down canyon carving, city commuting..... all of it. I don't feel any older and my idol is a guy I met about 15 years ago who was SEVENTY-SIX and destroying younger riders like me in the canyons on a BMW K1200S. To this day, I think about being like him when I'm that age!

@maekong2010 2 года назад

I've been riding for 50 years and I still found this video both entertaining and informative. Happy motoring, my friend. 👍👍👍

@adildewji 2 года назад

This is probably the best video on RU-vid I’ve ever watched, you’ve said the exact things that I would have… wow. You are Awesome. Subscribed.

@charlottesmom 2 года назад

My first time actually "driving" a motorcycle was just a few weeks ago, I'm a 55 yo female. My husband had a motorcycle when we were in our early 20's, spent many hours on the back but never learned how to actually operate one.

@lecoeur1231 2 года назад

awesome!!

@timlilly 2 года назад

Excellent!

@darylclifford 2 года назад

How did you find it? Could you already drive a manual transmission car?

@charlottesmom 2 года назад

@@darylclifford , How did I find it (?), not quite sure what you are asking. Yes, I have driven a manual car for years in the past but not for about 20 years now. 😆

@darylclifford 2 года назад

@@charlottesmom I was hoping you'd elaborate on your first time "actually operating a motorcycle".. Was it easy, difficult, fun, frightening?

@ryanb34n 2 года назад

I'm 34, and just bought my first bike :) I've always wanted a bike, but never really had the means. I honestly wish I'd started years earlier, but the main thing is that I've started, and I Love it! As an Australian living in Switzerland, I have lovely twisty roads right in my backyard! :)

@publicNickname 2 года назад

Hi d4a-guy! I also started riding at 34, which is as of now three years ago and have my third bike since. Started on a 600cc chopper, then a 650 sport tourer and now I'm cruising on a 250cc adventure bike :). I'm also very happy that I started later, because I can ride what I actually like instead of having to show off with a 1000cc superbike or something. Glad to see you enjoying your decision. Ride safe and have fun!

@chrismoody1342 2 года назад

Been riding 55 years now, started at 13. With few pointers on clutch engagement from my brother, I was off and running. I will say that riding off road was the largest contributor to learning to ride with skill. Nothing like riding on loose terrain, rocks, ruts, hills, holes and the like for refining fine motor skills and overall awareness of whats going on. Road skills came with being out there among the jostling of traffic and trying not let others kill you.

@BassOutcast 2 года назад

Great video! And a friendly reminder - Ted Simon rode around the world in 1973 at 42 years of age, having never ridden a bike before that. He later did a second trip, 28 years later at the age of 70. You might be "too old" to be recklessly speeding, but you can have another half a century of beautiful memories on bikes.

@leftymike8730 2 года назад

I’ve been riding since I was 7, I’m now 46. I did take a basic riding course at 27 and can honestly say that it was the best thing I could have done. Yes, I knew how to ride for years when I took it but much if what they taught formed new, better habits, many saved my butt several times. You can start off on your own but do don’t fool yourself into thinking that solid technical instruction, either in person or on RU-vid, won’t help you be a much better rider. Stay safe out there, keep riding!

@G0ld3nB3ar 2 года назад

I 100% agree with your comments. Having maturity and relying on your own instincts can create bad habits with potentially life altering consequences. Put your ego aside, take a course and maximize your enjoyment of the sport. Ride safe!!!

@wradford1 2 года назад

That's very True 👍

@akibmohtasim 2 года назад

One of my friend's father learned riding a bike at the age of 52. Then he taught his son who was 21. His son taught his friend (me). I taught my 2 other friends. Now 4 of us ride and travel with bikes because of that old man. May god bless him.

@mihkelsepp72 2 года назад

Some tips: Keep practicing counter steering (leaning), it can and will save your life in dangerous situations (e.g. mid-corner braking). Keep your head straight up while leaning and your eyes pointed in direction where you want to go (not the possible hazard on the road). Hold on to your bike with your thighs and knees strongly for most of your ride (become one with the motorcycle). Leaning yourself on the bike or showing your inner thigh during corner is more track use thing, to feel how much more can you lean at the limit. Holding on to the bike with your legs helps to take some of your weight off from your hands and lets them do more of the steering. It greatly increases stability during leaning/cornering, high speeds, heavy braking etc. especially when you have a passenger. PS. Teach your passengers to hold on to you strongly with hands and their legs, for advanced passengers let them assist transferring their weight on the fuel tank at least with one hand during heavy braking. It can take time to get used to and be tiresome but greatly helps with the stability, to become one with you as well as with motorcycle. It is much easier to corner if the passenger isn't loose cannon (weight) behind your back or worse, leaning in the opposite direction of the corner. Also, in normal driving, always use both front and rear brakes and adapt your rear brake needs according to your environment / passenger (may need less rear brake while on loose surface such as gravel and more when on asphalt or having a passenger on the back). In most cases locked rear shouldn't hurt overall stability that much during heavy braking, as long as its still on the ground. If you make it a habit, even half a meter can save a life or accident from happening when "shit hits the fan". Take it easy on road surface markings, manholes , in the rain and in autumn, when there are a lot (possibly wet) leaves on the ground. During a wobble, don't fight back with the motorcycle, it will find stability by itself (even if there is no rider), you should just ease off a little. People often are slaves of their habits. When they need to react fast, they do what they are used to do. Be it using (or not using) blinkers when needed or including the rear brake with the front brake or assuming that turning right would make them go right. Welcome to the club and enjoy the ride.

@christie5537 2 года назад

Thanks so much, for your support, your tips are very constructive, confident building, and informative. From all the new and safest Motorcycle Drivers who read your tips, and for providing the best information, and solution for safer street cycling. Many Thanks, 🏍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️

@michaelroloff2804 2 года назад

Yes, as so many others say: You never to old to do anything you like to do! I‘m 53 and get on to motorcycling at 31. For me as it is for you it‘ll work! Not in any case of highperformanceracedrivingvalerossistyle, but for having fun an joy! And on public roads it‘s simply unnecessary to show how fast you can get. So stay healthy and well and get as much pleasure as possible! Thanks for your great channel! Many Greetings from Germany

@mpelevic 2 года назад

Bravo zemljače!!! Obično ovako kvalitetni kanali ne dolaze sa naših prostora. Ti si balkanski Fortnine.

@kazstrankowski8721 2 года назад

Turning tip: It's counter intuitive, but you actually slightly tip the front wheel in the opposite direction to the turn, the bike leans, and that's how to lean to turn. If you don't, you end up fighting the bike in the turns and it wants to upright itself mid-turn. I saw you doing this a couple of times on your video :)

@Lakpaffer 2 года назад

^ this. It's called countersteering, it's vitally important especially in tight situations, and it doesn't really kick in below 30kph. Essentially: turning a motorcycle at speed is mostly based on lean and not wheel angle, but your motorcycle wants to gyroscopically right itself which counters your lean. If you turn your wheel in the opposite direction of your turn, that initiates a lean much more quickly and easily than pushing your body weight around / "turning with your lower body". There's a bunch of "countersteering tutorial" type stuff but it did not help me as much as learning the physics and then going out to practice.

@zedfender9423 2 года назад

A bit of mud grass and gravel will help in that department Making counter steering a bit more natural.

@dirtygarageguy 2 года назад

Countersteering doesn't kick in until above 30 kmph, lol so where's this magic speed where physics changes then?

@borysnijinski331 2 года назад

@@Lakpaffer kicks in at around 10km/h and is the only way to steer at speed.

@hbsupermage 2 года назад

was going to point that out too

@madvince1337 2 года назад

I was almost in the same starting spot like you were. Car nerd, Clumsy, 28 years old, not too much interest in bikes. Only difference is that I learned normal bikes when I was a kid. So far no accidents, did ride my motorbikes A LOT, enjoy them but am still a car guy. I don't compare bike and car though. To me they are completely different things. I commute my bike and I like it but if I had to choose, I'd pick cars over bikes. It was pretty smart from you that you bought a low power cheap old bike. Get yourself a year of training and then upgrade! Good luck with that, have fun riding! By the way: Experiment with the bike types like sport, touring, DS, ......... I bought a sport tourer and then anotherone because i found them beautiful. Now I have a VFR800X Crossrunner that looks like a grandpa bike and I wonder why I ever bought a sporty bike this is so much more fun especially going through bad roads, commuting and doing low speed stuff.

@dirtygarageguy 2 года назад

You'd pick a car over a bike? Lol that's because you're not riding the bike properly...

@madvince1337 2 года назад

@@dirtygarageguy Nah Mate, its just because different people are different and likely because I was raised as a car person. I understand why you love bikes. But I don't usually group them together as stated above. And if I had to pick, it'd be cars.

@nealeburgess6756 2 года назад

I respect your love of cars over bikes. I love both. Don't want to have to choose which is best. On suggestion you made was learn on the small bike for a year then upgrade. Why upgrade? That is part of the media propaganda. Big bikes are more fun they say. I'm not so sure. I have a 1,000cctrack bike, a 750cc road bike and an older 200cc 2 stroke road bike. My little bike always brings a smile to my face. My advice to Driving 4 Answers: go bigger if you want. Or just carry on enjoying your rather special 125. I think it looks and sounds great.

@madvince1337 2 года назад

@@nealeburgess6756 I totally agree with you on the "Bigger=better" thing but I would consider a 125cc as too small. I also don't want to draw a line there but I'd say maybe from like 400cc? I've only once in my lifetime ridden a 125cc and I honestly do not want to do that again. Happy with my 800cc, wouldn't go bigger myself, prolly going to try a lightweight 600 in the future.

@asphalthedgehog6580 2 года назад

Same here. My wife even said driving a car is my 'natural habitat'. Got my motorcycle license at 33, and bought one @ 46. Sold the last one 3 years ago, and never ever I feel I want to drive a motorcycle again. Problem here: I prefer riding a bike if the weather is fine for fun and exercise, and my cabriolet for longer distances and going to work. Never felt 'at home' on a motorcycle.

@dirtygarageguy 2 года назад

Nonsense. You're not too old. I started riding bikes when I was 6, doesn't matter. There are racers in motoGP and WSBK who started racing in their teens and later...

@dieselgeezer18 2 года назад

lol are you the guy roasting alfadan and 2 stroke stuffing haha. Did you change your channel's name?

@dirtygarageguy 2 года назад

I dont know who alfadan is???

@blackmore6468 2 года назад

Alal vera za snimak majstore, sjajan engleski, nisam verovao da si naš Balkanac na prvu! Ja sam počeo sa maltene 27, imam nekih 1000km iza sebe, nismo toliko različiti! Samo cepaj!

@KevinCantDrum 2 года назад

This might be the single most relatable video on RU-vid. I started writing at 33 and the last year a couple months has been some of the most self-fulfilling by a long shot. You are spot on with your evaluations and thought process. I really appreciated this video

@deusexaethera 2 года назад

11:45 - I'm so glad to hear someone else feels the same way about driving that I do. I _loved_ driving when I was a teenager, and it was still pretty good in my 20s, but now I'm 39 and I have to deal with a brain that malfunctions sometimes, leading to recurring mental health problems, and driving is a chore now. On a good day, I can drive for at least 2 minutes before I encounter the first thing that makes me angry; most days are not good days. Driving on the freeway is nearly impossible for me now, because my ADHD desperately wants to pay attention to something else and I have to continuously fight the urge to zone out, and that internal conflict causes immense stress. And I live in the USA where driving is essentially mandatory for adults.

@mmceorange 2 года назад

Hey man, I got my first motorcycle at almost 37. 2.5 years later, I have 4 of them. I do recommend new riders watch some instructional videos on low speed maneuvering and countersteer theory. They made an immense improvement in my ability and confidence on a bike. Also, I recommend checking out early 90s BMW sport touring bikes (I have a k1100RS). They big, but easy to ride long term, and they're basically a car engine on it's side. The K75 is smoother and slightly smaller build

@cammymillard7385 2 года назад

"Parking is no longer an issue" spoken like a man with several seasons behind his belt. It suits you mate, ride safe

@RandolphTuttle 2 года назад

I was age 69 when I first started riding. Scared me to death! :) Now I have 9 bikes, with 3 of them running. Today I rode for 7 hours on my Harley. Enjoy life, you are never too old to learn something new.

@Liberum69 10 месяцев назад

I started riding at 32. Totally agree. After many years of driving, never having been in an accident, having learned to anticipate the stupidity of other vehicles and mitigate the chances of a collision, I felt very comfortable riding a motorcycle. I just had to be sure to be more aware as I am less visible.

@shawnmungur4875 2 года назад

As a long time rider, welcome to the wonderful and amazing world of riding! After 30 years of riding I would highly suggest some track time to get to learn your motorcycle and your abilities. And I'm sad to hear about your GPZ900, still trying to get mine on the road too...

@djsmiles828 2 года назад

I love your attitude about the whole thing. I haven't rode a motorcycle in almost 25 years. However, my wife and I are taking a motorcycle safety course this coming weekend, and I will be buying a bike shortly after. I consider myself a new rider at 45 years old. I hope you have many happy years on 2 wheels. 🙂

@MTNPANTS 2 года назад

I was 34 when I bought my first motorcycle and now - 6 years later im on my 3rd motorcycle and am loving it! Like you said, i also feel it may have been to my advantage by allowing a better sense of judgement to develop as far as riding safely and not feeling like i have anything to prove! Love all your vids keep it up!

@noquedaniuno 2 года назад

This is exactly what happened to me. I'm 38 yo and I'm riding my 2nd motorcycle...

@chrisi7127 2 года назад

I'm 16 and saving up for my 2nd bike, a 125ccm. Small but better than my current 50 😅

@robertstimmel1100 2 года назад

I started riding motorcycles at 32. 37 now. still love it. be safe and enjoy the ride

@philtucker1224 2 года назад

Hi! I’m 68 but although I passed my motorcycle test in the U.K. back in 1970 on a Lambretta at the age of 16, I didn’t actually ride a motorcycle until 50 years later at the age of 66. I’m currently using my son’s old learning bike, a Keeway 125 Superlight cruiser. I am really happy with it (and although I appreciate that at the age of 34 you don’t feel young now), when I look back I remember being 34 was like something that happened soon after being born ha ha! I really loved your video young man and agree with everything you said! Live long and prosper my Friend!🖖😎

@LorenzoDeLeon 2 года назад

52 here, started last week. Riding a 125 to get the feel of it, but I can already smell the scent of a bigger one - need to pass the licence first ;-) Also : having ride a bicycle in Paris crazy trafic for the past 30 years without a single accident makes me « road aware » on many levels.

@motostreet9943 2 года назад

Hey there Laurent, I'm a 55 y/o guy and just learned how to ride a motorcycle just this past week. I passed and got my certification. I am now able to upgrade and get my motorcycle license when I renew my driver's license this year. Imagine this, I am a small-built (52 kg) guy, 5'4" 'undertall' and just bought a Kawasaki RS200 with a dry weight 3 times my own weight. Just like you, some guys like us need some kind of adventure and challenge that are beyond words, right? Have a good day and RIDE SAFE, mate!

@martinrea8548 2 года назад

Bonjour, Laurent. I started on a Honda Cub 90 at 48, riding around town and getting a bit of road sense. Six months later, I bought a Honda CB500F, and now I go touring all over Ireland, where I live. C'est genial! I can recommend this bike-it can do everything you want in a bike. Bon courage!

@jay-rweber4307 2 года назад

I started at 39 (July last year). I love the feeling where the wind hits your body while enjoying the view in cities or rural areas. Though traffic in cities is a hassle since I don't lane filter confidently yet. I recommend on focusing on your braking & throttle control. Having slow hands is the key to have smooth ride. Lastly ride according to your skill. Just accept that you will not be as fast as a tenured rider. Learn slowly until you catch up (skill wise). I had learned this the hard way and had accident.

@PeeFunk2008 2 года назад

I started same time and at the same age. I lane filtered once and a truck driver went out of his way to chase me down and yell that he almost ran me over. Having only ridden a few weeks at the time I'll take his word for it. I don't do that shit anymore.Too many people decide to pull out in front of bikers.

@joemann7971 2 года назад

Started riding at 35. My experience is very similar to yours. My experience driving manual cars helped me out as well. In fact, switching between a motorcycle and my manual car feels pretty seamless, but going to an automatic feels I need to boot up a completely different operating system.

@garycrumrine9538 Год назад

I understand fully. I rode and raced motorcycles from 15 years old. Until when I was above 60 years old, I had two very bad accidents in my car, which ended in two really nasty concussions, which have left me unable to walk without dizziness. That doesn't mean I am willing to give up riding motorcycles. I purchased a new 2023 BMW R1250RT, which is way heavier than anything I have ever ridden. BUT, I am still here, and I am riding.

@TessaTickle 2 года назад

I'm always impressed by anyone who speaks English as a second language and your English is incredible! Your videos are really interesting. Keep up the great work!

@ubergregmoto 2 года назад

Started at 40. Five years and 50,000 miles later I’m loving it even more. Trust me, you will be enjoying this for years to come. My inspiration is an 80 year old German dude who was still teaching. Steely af. Keep that shiny side up 👊🏽

@oknevals 2 года назад

You did fantastic job with this video. Deserved like and sub from me. As I was listening beginning of your story, it was like listening to myself only starting to ride at 47 which was five years ago. I don't think I would have lived this long have I started any earlier though. In the beginning, I relied a lot on my Judo and Jiu-Jitsu to feel the bike and to relax. Safety class was eye opening experience. So far, I travelled 30k miles on three motorcycles and test rode another 50-60 machines on and off road. Just got back from Kawasaki demo to find your vid. Tried three today. Bosnia and Sarajevo, well all of ex-Yu is great place to ride but not popular thing to do. Left in 1993 and never looked back. It was nice to see few familiar places though. Ride safe. Rubber side down :-)

@villesoinine9634 2 года назад

6 months ago when i started riding bikes on public roads the hardest thing to me was the traffic rules since i had ridden dirtbikes for 6 years so my bike control was quite good. I got the license on first try but for like a week i was not confident at all

@KiwiMoto72 2 года назад

Never too old. I’ve been riding for 35 years - i’m 50. 3 years ago i start riding on the track (sport bikes) and on dirt with ADV bikes for the first time. Was like learning to ride all over again. Remember, motorcycling is a learned sport. You have to also always practice. I don’t know where you are, but i highly recommend the California Superbike school if they have one in your country, and at the very least read the original how to ride book -Keith Codes “a twist of the wrist” - keep at it!

@mikestewart9088 2 года назад

Heeyyyyyy I’m 34 tooooo! Keep up the content. You’re the best, and we’re still young!

@azerator1819 2 года назад

Gotta love that TZR, i have the Red Rocket version, one of about 5000 ever made. They`re amazing bikes! Edit: Just noticed your`s has a black frame, meaning it`s either an SP or a Red Rocket, but afaik only the Red Rocket had the rear storage compartment, so your bike might be really really rare.

@jochenstacker7448 2 года назад

I got my motorbike licence when I was 50. So you're starting early.

@seveleleventwelve 2 года назад

A friend of mine said it was stupid to start riding motorcycles at the age of 35. I closed my fist and punched him as hard as I could. He got knocked out for days. When he woke up, he apologised, we did bike course together and both passed. Now we are the bestest friends and we both ride motorbikes 🏍🏍🏍

@FergusJohnston 2 года назад

Great! I'm 63, and bought my first motorcycle when I was 36. You are not alone!

@steveakin1103 2 года назад

I like your attitude. I’m far older than you and I’m just learning now myself. And you really put things in a very reasonable, calm manner. My six-year-old self appreciates you.Thanks for your video.

@fancyesquire8888 2 года назад

I too owned an MR2 (89 Supercharged) in my 20's and started riding when I was 35 (last year!). I completely agree with you, the one thing that made it really easy was all of my previous driving experience, and the fact that I've driven standard cars my entire life. I was lucky enough to try a few different bikes before settling on my own. I highly recommend a standard bike for beginners, they ride more upright and have superior slow speed maneuvering. With gas prices out of control, I bought my bike just in time. The smiles per gallon are not comparable to a car 😎

@myturkishlife1777 2 года назад

56 Year old guy here, still out hooning around on my 2000 Yamaha R1 over here in Turkey, great roads smooth and grippy... Enjoy your ride... Also for me the fun is not just the riding but the cleaning and maintenance just looking after and understanding your ride.. BTW I had a GPZ 900r back in the day, it was stripped down and had a 4into 1 exhaust, a great bike sounded awesome .. Cheers ....

@marcusnolte7476 2 года назад

This video is absolutely spot on on so many levels! Thank you and 👍👍👍 . Starting late means indeed, you only have to focus on the bike, but rules, traffic signs and anticipating other drivers behaviours is in your blood by then and is priceless.

@EricLeePiano Год назад

I started riding motorcycles last year as well. I have rode bicycles my whole life though. I love your videos, you are an amazing teacher! Also I just realized your English is extremely fluent and your communication skills are really good too, for someone who necessarily may not speak English as his first language 👍🏻

@thecarrotmonster8827 2 года назад

Hey I'm 33 and just past motorcycle licence last year in the UK. What stopped me getting it younger was a fairly slow speed head on crash I had on my 125 back when I was 18 that resulted in a decimated left knee, not my fault but I couldn't put my parents through that worry, but I was the same. I've always loved bikes and I just couldn't hold it off anymore. Cars do nothing for me nowadays,even fast ones, so I convinced my folks that I wouldn't be an idiot, since I have bus and truck licenses and have been driving a car for 14 years aswell. I'm now the proud owner of a Z900rs café and have booked 3 weeks off in July to tour Europe, and I've not been this excited in a long long time. I don't think we're that old, I'd say we're the perfect age. Great video man

@speedjunkie78 2 года назад

I'm 44 and i just bought my first bike (Suzuki RV 125). And I don't feel I'm old to start riding, as a matter of fact I'm happy like a little boy when I'm on the bike. Pamet u glavu i sigurnost na prvom mestu. Želim ti puno uživancije i bezbednih kilometara 😉

@supabika2339 Год назад

The best thing about bikes is that the feeling never disappears, they're always a joy and the spirited driving you struggle to get from cars is so casually accessable on a bike.

@petercassimatis9157 2 года назад

Thanks for sharing your motorcycle experience. It reminds me of my upbringing too where I was disuaded from riding motor bikes. I learned when I was 48, and currently ride a 3rd gen Suzuki SV650. What you said is so true, at an older age you have years of driving experience which leads to a much higher level of situational awareness than a youthful rider. Hats off to you for teaching yoursel how to ride. Your approach is logical, graduated and practice techniques such as heavy braking and swerving on an empty parking lot. Best advice. Listening and riding to more experienced riders who give comstructive feedback is good too, but you are right in saying that you are the master of yourself and with common sense you can simply purchase bikes and accessories that will work for you instead of using the internet to research and over think what to purchase. I have known someone did so much research on gear and bikes before they got their license and bought a bike. It took them a few years before they took the plunge.

@JBond73 2 года назад

Bravo! You are never too old to experience new activities. Motorcycling is one of the best pastimes to help with mental health and just generally raise your spirits. As to never being as experienced as others, it doesn’t matter. Every day is a school day on a bike. Keep it up. Great video. 👍

@with1nt3mptation23 2 года назад

having the mechanical knowledge on how to fix the bike is a big plus. well done!

@ProfFrank 2 года назад

Everybody else gives a testimonial, so I will, too. I was 56 when I first rode a motorcycle. I bought it and rode it coast to coast and border to border in the US. I have 159,000 miles on it now and am still riding at the age of nearly 73. It's a Honda Shadow VT600, a small cruiser some people disparage as a "starter bike." I think I disproved that many miles ago.

@lukebagdarrel 2 года назад

This video speaks to me man. I just turned 37, started riding at 34 myself. I had wanted to ride since High School but with zero support from family and no other friends that really pulled the trigger either it kind of got put off then life, career, school, later a wife and kids pushed it to that age. My wife is a nurse and has nurse friends so she is to say it lightly, not a fan of motorcycles. But hey you only live once. I bought a cruiser and six months later it ended up in a ditch, I walked away with a scratch (thank you gear) and finally getting around to buying another this weekend. I had ridden bicycles all my childhood so well versed in at least how the two wheeled "vehicle" functions, passed my safety course no problem and got comfortable quick. I had a work related back injury so I too had to learn the best posture for me on the bike and even then I need a break after say 2 hours. But yeah, if you want to do something DO IT! Just be smart about it. And get the right gear for you, and definitely use it EVERY time you get on the bike. Cheers!

@robertgiantonio7357 Год назад

56 years old here and just bought my first bike (MT-07) last month. The learning curve is steep. I've already dropped it a few times, but it's a naked bike, so with sliders, no damage. It's frustrating, exhilarating, exciting, and maddening; exactly what I needed in my life at this stage of the game. Live your live, love your life.

@madarchermoto4955 2 года назад

Bro I’m 36 years old and JUST bought and started riding my new Ninja 650….. I’m just as healthy and MORE flexible than I was when I was 26….. it’s all about staying in shape, doing routine chiropractor visits and being active…most people mistake me for being 26 when they meet me, and they’re surprised to find out I’m 36…my back doesn’t hurt at all and I’m loving it …. I have about 400 miles TOTAL riding experience so far….. it’s actually BETTER to start riding at a later age …. Less testosterone and less risk taking that’ll only keep you alive …. You’re wiser at an older age

@Josh-ew1le 2 года назад

Your first motorcycle is a two stroke that you have to kick start? That's amazing, ride safe brother!

@Adroit1911 2 года назад

I enjoy the way you speak, where you ride looks beautiful and your editing is done very well! Definitely happy the algorithm brought you to me.

@dingoniner5528 2 года назад

Hey, what a great and refreshing perspective on riding. And life in general. Congratulations to you, and thank you for the video!

@spudmurphy764 2 года назад

That was an exceptionally well-written and presented film - excellent! (73 year old here, but only been riding since my late 30s).

@ecrusch 2 года назад

You are completely right. When you get to the age where you don't have to prove anything, you can just take it easy and enjoy the ride. That is where I'm at. Great video by the way.

@cengizozbek5285 2 года назад

Ride safe; Ride fun. I started riding at 57. Now 63 and still enjoying. Great and very informative videos on your channel.

@verlinswarey507 2 года назад

Man,you have some really good points in here about simply LEARNING by doing! Not by watching vidjas or listening to experts. Not that these people don’t have something to offer,but I think we’re forgetting that experience is still the best teacher! And if you’re not smart enough or intuitive enough to learn from your mistakes,than you probably shouldn’t be doing whatever it is that you’re trying to do anyway! Whether it’s riding,or whatever.

@briannone-ya618 2 года назад

Bravo! I wish more men would admit at least half of what you’ve said in this video. I’m 47 and just received my motorcycle endorsement 3 months ago. Most of my reasons for not, were exactly what you mentioned. Point: you are never to old to learn, something, anything.

@yoso585 Год назад

If you get tired of all that, you’ll have the option of trying out the cruiser style bike, an open face helmet, kick back and relax style of riding. Whole different ride experience. Like a Harley Heritage with some awesome sounding pipes. Depends of course on where one rides as to whether something as such would be of value. I’m one of many that simply am not interested at all in a sport bike or full face in warm weather. Just as soon be in the truck. But thank goodness for all the options.

@ryanbrandes9131 Год назад

I came to the internet researching if I need a standalone ECU, and I’m leaving researching motorcycles. Great video. Your internal combustion stuff is super thorough and helpful, and the live your life videos are very inspirational and down to earth.

@fredericetancelin1105 2 года назад

Expériment same ....at 62 years ! Tried à vespa 125 cc and found me stupid sitting .....then bought a brand New 500 cc Benelli leoncino to avoid any mechanical troubles....... Coming back to the future....and yes it hurts my old bones but it is so good to feel you are alive.

@silversaver82 2 года назад

I got my motorcycle license in the USA at age 19 but just like you, I didn't purchase a motorcycle for another 17 years. I finally got one at age 36 and I'm loving it. I have a 2017 Yamaha FZ07, it's an amazing motorcycle. Great video.

@blimaadv 2 года назад

I decided to start riding at 39, cause a doctor said I needed a hobby, cause I was stressed. I've always wanted to learn and bought my first motorcicle 1 year ago. It's just amazing! The only thing that I did differently was that I saw everthing teaching youtube video (especially DDF Crew). The rest, I also choose a low CC bike to start (150 cc), and get gear (jacket, gloves, boots etc) to be safe. Congratulations for the video, you're not alone!

@mrluxta 2 года назад

Nice bike 👍🏼 It’s getting very hard to find 2 strokes these days. Stay safe 👍🏼

@dionnedionne2045 2 года назад

The year you were born I already had my license for 14 years. I currently ride a Ninja 900 and a KLR650. Every ride is exactly as good as the first. Your just a kid, not spoken in slander but you got a lot of motorcycles and riding ahead of you. I took the beginner course in 2009 and learned a lot, it was a step becoming certified as a trainer. Be humble, the motorcycle community has a lot to give you.