Why are motorcyclists OLD & what happens to motorcycling when they are all dead? 

I’m 56 and just started riding in 2023. My wife of 26 years, Sylvia, was suffering from a terminal illness and I was her sole caregiver. She could see the stress I was under and suggested I get a motorcycle. I had always wanted one, but life kept getting in the way. I finally got a Royal Enfield Hunter based on your recommendations. I love that little bike. It’s definitely an excellent platform for learning. Sylvia passed in early March of this year. My bike has essentially become my therapist. It’s loads better than any talk therapy or medication. When I’m riding, I actually feel happy and alive although my heart is broken. I’m writing this as I am about to go meet my new “therapist”. A 2023 Triumph Bonneville T100. I think I’ll name her Sylvia. She’s beautiful and worthy of the name.

Never forget "You don't stop riding when you're old, You get old when you stop riding."

I started riding motorcycles at 17 back in the mid 70's gave up riding when I was 31 and returned at 60. My times on the bike when I was young were the best days of my life. I now ride my bike for pure pleasure now even going out for an hour puts a smile on my face, you never lose that feeling of riding a bike now 64 I hope I can ride until my last days .

When we're going to die anyhow and those running our planet are hell-bent on making our lives a misery, we may as well go out reliving our ol' biker days with a grin.

I'm 67 years old. I rode in the middle 1970's up to the early 1980's. I hadn't been on a bike since then. A few months ago I got the itch to get back into it & I bought a 2024 Kawasaki W800. I was shocked at just how much skill I had lost (not that I had much to begin with) over the past 40 years. I have put about 650 miles on it now & am having the time of my life. I feel 19 again in many ways. The euphoria of riding a motorcycle never goes away.

There are definitely differences between every generation. The last two generations would rather have a new iPhone than tour the countryside on a classic motorcycle.

Descartes: I think, therefore I am. Fillingham: I rode, therefore I will ride.

Started riding bikes at 16 been lucky enough to have a bikes in my life ever since now 78 still riding

I was a baby policeman at 21 when I bought a Ducati 900ss, and rode that until I got married a few years later. Stopped riding because I became a father and I thought it responsible to not do risky things (beyond the already risky job). Now I'm 46, took a retirement due to PTSD and am back in the saddle. Motorcycling helps with the PTSD and is a fun hobby.

I am 60 ish and always had a motorbike first me and my wife but now just me her health will not let her I love every time I am out in my bike ...look forward to meeting friends I'll never give up my bike .. not even for the government

Last year I had a lovely surprise from my wife for our 50th wedding anniversary. A white van pulled up outside our home with a man unloading a brand new AJS 125 Tempest. Now I hadn't ridden for over 30 years although still had an interest in motorcycling. I know it's a small bike but I am enjoying it so much, that when I'm riding it I feel young again. Long may it last. Thank you for the channel. Terry

Married at 21, regained freedom at 24., then started my BMW lifestyle. Almost 71 now and 17 BMW motos later including 2 RE's, never got remarried with almost 400 K miles logged. I believe motorcycles keep you young. Thank you Judy.!! - lol. Living the dream.

I agree with your comments. Net zero is the biggest threat to motorcycling, car ownership and our freedom of movement. This year, and I think most of last year, the weather has had the biggest impact. I look out of my window at the rain in July and I have no urge to get togged up and take my bike out for a ride on our congested pot holed roads so I watch RU-vid videos of biking in better times. It’s all a bit sad really especially as time is ticking away.

Hi I'm 73 and still on the road with a trike due to medical reasons and still enjoy it

Absolutely nailed it with this one, moped 16 to 17 then a car for a number of years got married, the wife had the car for work so l ended up on small cc bikes for work, later on on to larger cc bikes more for pleasure, got to retirement and purchased my first ever new bikes, both Royal Enfield, happy days.

Had 9yrs on bikes before I got 4 wheels and you're right it gets into your blood and never leaves. Cheers Stuart.

I started riding in 1977. I am officially an old biker. Government made learning to ride a bike ever harder and ever-more costly. Many young people were doubtless put off of learning to ride a bike. Went straight to a car no doubt.

I apologize for the mileage mistake, but he will never die because I remember him and if you remember him

I’m a new born biker, at the age of 57 (61 now) having never ridden a bike before, I did a rookie to rider course so full license in 7 days. My only regret is that I didn’t do it 40 years ago. Biking is the most wonderful thing I’ve done and I intend to ride until I can no longer swing a leg over my bike. I got my son in to it and at 27 he too is now fully immersed, it’s up to us to bring on the younger generation.

"Motorcycling is a selfish pastime." Thank you for saying the quiet part out loud, Stuart. As a would-be returning motorcyclist, it is something that I struggle with but that no-one wants to openly admit or speak of. Of the hundreds of motorcycling RU-vid videos that I have viewed over the last 2-3 years, this is the first one that has admitted reality.

I'm an oddity, as I had never climbed on a motorcycle until I was 65, and now 5 years later, I have just bought a RE Super meteor. I love my bike and my 8 classic Lambrettas and Vespas

Cost & over legislation are the biggest headaches for new riders. My youngest daughter (now 30) has just passed her test. Training, kit & caboodle has cost her approx £2,000 to date. She's into cruisers & fancied a Harley 883 or Enfield Super Meteor. Living in Walthamstow with no off street parking, the cheapest insurance quote for either is approx £6000. We're now off to look at an Enfield 350 Meteor as the insurance is approx £1300. Was a similar story for my eldest daughter about seven years ago, but after a couple of years riding the insurance began to reduce. I wouldn't like to guess how much it costs riders under the age of 30. Not good.

Old and crusty on two wheels. I decided, a long time ago, that I can afford not to have car. It sometimes gets a bit cold and wet but so what. The best way to travel.

While there are motorcycles out there, there will be motorcyclists. You don't have to wear a cut-off Levi over a biker jacket with Triumph, Norton, Harley or Sabbath patches to be a motorcyclist, you just need to enjoy the thrill and freedom of jumping on the bike and taking off. For me, that means jumping on my ADV 350 and tearing along the banks of the Mekong in North East Thailand with my girl on the back. No patchouli oil or bike mods required....

Very wise comments Stuart; we don't stop riding-or doing anything else "fun"-because we get old; we get old because we stop riding.

Hi Stuart, I am 1973 vintage, I am a 3rd generation Motorcyclist, I got my first bike at 16, and was lucky enough not to have to give it up, through my mortgage years, i just had a simple Virago 535, but it was enough to keep me in the life, and get out on weekends, today i am happy to say that i am the proud father of 4 girls, aged 13, 9, 2, and 1, i have a few bikes in the stable, my wife rides a V7, and my 13 year old daughter is already on her second PIT bike a Stomp 120, and with a little luck I intend to have all my girls riding motorcycles, as it is the best freedom in life, there are so many positives once you respect what it is, but as with everything you have to live it to understand it.

After 20 years back on the bike.Super.Im 55years old, what thats What is all about. zdravim Czech republik

I got my first job at 16 and bought a Kawasaki AR50 to get to work. I passed my test a couple of months after my 17th birthday in early 1982 on a Suzuki 250x7. My dad bought both bikes, and I paid him back weekly from my wages. I then bought a Suzuki GSX750 and went to the Isle of Man to watch the TT with some mates. I fell in love with bikes back then, and bar a few years in the late 80's when I went without to buy my first home, I've had bikes ever since. Now I'm nearly 60, I'm more a sunny Sunday rider. My 13 year-old son is starting to show an interest in bikes, but I'm pretty conflicted about it to be honest. I really don't know how I survived some of the close scrapes I had in those early years, and the roads and traffic are so much worse than they were back then. It's no surprise to me that parents buy cars for their kids if they can.

I’m 64, started riding at 14. I worked construction for most of my working life, and still ride both street and dirt bikes. I work through a lot of arthritis and other aches and pains when riding, but I’m planning on riding until I can’t throw a leg over a bike!

Hi Stuart, Hit the nail on the head with this one. Dad's BSA Bantum at 15, Bridgestone 90 at 17, Suzuki TS250 at 19, Yamaha TY250 at 20 (really into trials but could not afford a Montessa or Bultaco Sherpa) all in the 1970's & 80's. Now taking it easy in my 70's with a RE Classic 500 these days. Really enjoying your wide variety of videos, keep up the good work. Regards GazDownUnder.

Good morning Stuart, I fully agree with your thoughts! Born in 1952, moped-licence with 16 (Hercules 49 cc), car-licence with 18 (VW 1500 S), started on the job, 15 month army and never went back to motorcycles....until the age of 61 😊 Sold my car and became a motorcyclist again enjoying life! Honda CB 500 (1997) Honda Helix CN-250 (1983) Honda CX 500 (1980) Royal Enfield Classic 350 gun metal grey finally 🏍👍🍀 great bike!!! Meanwhile fully retired with plenty of time for riding, meeting friends, having fun. I do hope, that motorcycle-industry will survive and combustion engines as well! Ride safe 🏍😎

Eventually you reach an age where you need to ride to suppress the realisation that life wasn’t really worth living.

Just bought my 66th motorcycle, five in the garage right now, riding for 56 years. Not born-again biker...never quit riding since I was 18. 73 years young and still riding!

"There is a cycle that most young men go through" -S. Fillingham

My story is much like those already in the comments. Every time I travelled overseas I would hire a scooter. I loved it. When I turned 52 I bought a scooter back home and rode it for a year or two to determine whether I felt confident and safe on the roads. At the age of 54 I bit the bullet and got my license. My first bike was a 250cc. I have been riding ever since. My bikes ranged from 250cc to 1200cc. I am 70 years old and go riding every day that weather permits. One of the best joys in my life.

Stuart, I'm a classic example. I've been on motorcycles since I was 15, almost 56 now. Had a 15 year hiatus attempting marriage and a long term long distance relationship. Finished with that now, and now there is a Gen2 Hayabusa in my (modified for 2 wheeled vehicles) living room alongside 2 pushbikes and 3 kick arse synthesisers! PLUS a tool kit that can fix a space shuttle, not to mention a 'project' Ford Focus ST340 5 pot Turbo Stage 2 beastie sat outside 🤣🤣🤣🤣

I’ve been riding bikes since I was 16, I’m 73 now and just bought a BMW GS 1250 after a two year break. I’m enjoying it more now than I ever was before having time to ride it whenever I wish.

I live in United States in the early 70s I met an old man on a motorcycle. He was over 80 years old. I asked him where he was coming from. He told me San Francisco California I was shocked I live in Alabama I asked him where was he going? He told me Key West FloridaI rode with him to Florida to show him the interstate and say goodbye I checked the distance one-way from San Francisco to Key West. It was 32,087 miles one way I asked him how is he getting back and he said a ride back old motorcyclist don’t seem to die.

Loved coming along for the talk and the ride. I'm 71 and still ride my original 1974 XLCH , have a blessed week my friend

I'm back on a bike (48) due to it being the cheapest mode of transport after my car died. £1200 got me a lovely low mileage looked after XJ600 for commuting. £1200 these days would have only got me a complete shitbox of a car. Allowing £1000 a year for tyres, servicing, clothing etc. I figured its the way forward and in these times and I reckon others might too.

I got my learner license here in Ireland age 43 now 44 and absolutely love biking, wish I had done it years ago!

Motorbikes are an old man’s game- at 26, the DAS, insurance, and even the smaller-CC bikes are still far too expensive for me despite earning just over the average income. I think soon enough you’re going to see a lot of big bikes disappearing: a luxury only the old can afford.

I started riding when I was 35. Yes, a very late starter. I had to undo years of conditioning that motorbikes are bad, dangerous, etc. When my partner’s kids dirtied my car, I decided to ride motorbikes so that I didn’t have to take those kids. 🤣 I’m 53 now. I still ride my Honda Spada. No desire to upgrade because my bike does what I want it to do. Each year I feel financially stretched due to registration and other costs, etc. Yet riding to get my bike checked convinces me to keep my motorbike. It might make no financial sense to own a motorbike but I can’t put a price or value on the feeling of wind hitting my body as I ride my motorbike.

Hi , started riding 1972 50cc by 1976 was on my HondaCB 750/4 have progressed over those 4 years on 5 or so different size un make of bike and keeping my TS 125 Suzuki to go to work on every day through the winters un reading MCN ,following the 70s grate rd racers . Yes I was hooked 😁,so when I met my wife we 😁 I decided to buy a small house so I could keep my (4 bikes by then ) We had 2 children so couldn’t swop the bikes so much so for me I am not a born again biker over the years I have had 46 bikes and counting un yes we have cars 🚘 I loved bikes so much that no big mortgage was going to take them from me .l was lucky I Married the right wife 😁

Hit it on the head on this one. Rode in my teens and twenties. Married life and babies took front and center. Well I have been following you for a few years. Bought a bike last September .am 69 Yao . I haven't smiled and been so happy doing anything for many years . I believe this crazy net zero is winding down. It's an over reaction to unproven science. Many much Larger issues need addressing first .

I've only been without a bike a few years if it was added up. Im 67 and have been riding since around the age of 10 and don't plan on stopping for a good while yet as long as my health holds out. Thank you for your hard work Stuart. Ride safe brother!

I've had continuous motorbike insurance since September 1977 and always had one, two, three, and for a brief time, four bikes taxed and insured and ready to go at a moments notice. Total mileage in that time, in the region of 300,000. That probably does put me in a minority group. I wonder how many of us there are in this 'club'?... P.s. No wife, no kids 😂😂😂

Like you Stuart, Ive been riding bikes since I was 16 and now at the age of 72, am still riding and have a garage full of bikes. Given the appalling state of the roads and the even more appalling state of driving today, when a teenager wanting to start biking or a 40 something wanting to return to motorcycling asks for my advice on what to buy … I tell them to get a Volkswagen Golf.

Started riding in my mid teens back in the 70s and then a move to a big city and new job/girlfriend etc focused my mind on other things. After a move back to the country 15 years later in my mid 30s and the passion reappeared. 30 years later and I’m still at it, it’s in the blood and keeps me sane in a bonkers world. Strangely, I’m trying to thin out my bikes, one for space in the workshop but more importantly my sanity as I get older - too many things don’t make you happy, hence going from several bikes to 1 or maybe two at the most. Lastly and most importantly I will only ride comfortable bikes now, just can’t be doing with discomfort at my age!

started riding in 1975 on a rupp mini bike now 59 still riding never stopped never will

Hi Stuart, I started riding back in 1971 and have ridden bikes all my life as well as working in the motorcycle trade as a mechanic for 48 years. Over the years governments have made it ever more awkward and expensive for younger people to take up riding and it all began with the sixteener 49cc law, at that age I was allowed to ride a 250cc machine on L plates and at the age of 17 having past my test I was riding a 500cc machine. The next land mark down fall was when the engine capacity for learners was reduced to 125cc followed by the bhp restrictions on 125's. Rider training price hikes and two part driving tests followed by age restrictions on full power machines, not to mention huge price hikes on insuring machines. If all these restrictions had been thrust in car driver's laps there would have been hell on, but we all know that over the years governments have protected us from ourselves.......NOT! All these years later the governments plans have worked because as far as youngsters go motorcycles are not even on the map because they are so expensive and restrictive and it's only only those of later years that can afford to take up motorcycling.

If biking ever becomes "illegal", I'll get myself cardboard cutouts and go through the streets making motorbike noises just to irritate the establishment.

I started riding at age 12 on a Honda 50 in 1964. I’ve been riding safely since. 4 weeks ago I was going on a solo ride in the mountains of Wyoming and Montana where I live. Something was in the road when I came around a corner and I swerved to miss it and crashed in the gravel on the side of the road. Some tourists saw me crash and called for help. I was life flighted to a hospital in Montana where I was treated for a broken shoulder, 5 broken ribs, a punctured lung and a concussion. After 1 1/2 weeks in the hospital I was released to home where my wife has been caring for me. I’m expected to make a complete recovery, but I can’t remember the crash. What did I swerve to miss. I’ll never know. My crash traumatized my wife and adult kids. If the tourists hadn’t called so quickly for help, I might not be here. I have 60 years of good biking memories. I’ve decided at age 72 that’s enough for me. Keep the shiny side up Stuart.😎👍

I agree entirely with all that you’ve said. As someone of a similar ‘vintage’ to yourself I have ridden bikes since I was 16 and, despite family responsibilities that you speak of, I have been lucky enough to continue riding throughout my life, (helped by being paid to ride Her Majesty’s Police bikes) and still ride now in my retirement. I’ve just returned from a 2500ml trip around the alpine passes on my BMW R100RS. Motorcycling has changed to being a leisure activity instead of a cheap means of transport but, eco nonsense aside, still has a healthy future I think as means of freedom, excitement and enjoyment in an ever more regulated world.

I'm like you mate, never been off bikes for 50 years! My wife and I have both carried on riding and never gave up, the 80's were the toughest times, rat bikes & ujms and the negative comments of my wife taking a kid on the back (we never did get a sidecar) and being turned away from places with "no bikers" signs! Things dramatically changed mid 90's when the "born again biker" came on the scene, thank goodnes! We were no longer seen as scum of the earth lol! It's great to see more women riding today to! My 70+ year old wife still kicks up the 60's Bonnie she rides!

Never underestimate a grandfather who rides a motorcycle......been riding for 45 years....bit soft now now so much in winter.......my daughter now rides and my grand daughter is her pillion....

Started riding at 38, I'm 43 now and consider it to be the greatest addiction I've ever had.

Got my license and a 1982 CX500 Shadow in 1990 at 23 years old. Kept riding it as my personal transport until 2019 when I retired Betty Boop from the road. And bought Marilyn Monroe: a 1982 CX500 Eurosport. We're still together.

Totalement d’accord avec votre analyse. J’ai maintenant 44 ans et je me suis remis à la moto ( RE Continental GT) et c’est un véritable bonheur !

Exactly correct, in my case. 63 now retired and back on a bike for pleasure but with thoughts of hitting the open rode for several months at a time. Started riding at age 9 put it on pause around 21 did exactly what you said and now back.

I'm 29 and only started riding 3 odd years ago, and I probably wouldn't have started riding if I didn't have my own house. In your day, the cost of your home was around 4x the average annual salary...now its 12x. I don't know many young millenials or Gen Z who can afford to have an expensive passion AND save for a house.

June of 1968. My first motorcycle came into my life (Honda 90cc Super Cub) and has never stopped being an integral part of my life. In fact, it’s so ingrained into who and what I am, that I can’t separate the two. Like you, I spent a good part of my adult life in law enforcement. I understood and accepted the risks of riding and policing, as did my wife. Today at 67, I still ride as often as I can. It never grows old, despite some less than stunning moments. I thank you for you insight into our motorcycling lifestyle and look forward to each segment. Cheers, mate.

I'm 76 and just got back into riding after nearly 50 years not owning a bike. What prompted me was a note my deceased friend left me. Mike said, try to enjoy all the time that you're given. Nuff said eh. Cheers!!

I'm 73 and have been riding since 1964. Bikes were my sole means of personal transportation, my wife drives the car. I retired last Dec., 31st. Instead of being on them 10 to 16 hrs. a week, now I'm down to 2 hrs. I justified in having 1 to 5 at a time because they served my daily needs, and without a doubt I enjoyed it to no end. I'm on a Sportster now, which is easy to take care of and move it around when needed. No more riding in the rain, or on icy roads in the winter because that need is now gone, but the bike stays. 🙂

Don’t worry. Plenty of us young petrol heads tearing up the streets keeping the dream alive. I’m 37 and ride a Royal Enfield classic 350 at the moment. Nearly all my mates ride and I see countless nippers attending bike nights locally on 125s. No fear of motorbikes dying out anytime soon due to lack of popularity. It will be emissions laws and electric crap that kills the industry.

Drew the line at age 60, forgoing motorcycles in favor of fast 4-stroke scooters, Wear & tear, arthritis, etc....... Bonus? No cop will ever pull over an old guy on a scooter as he'd never live it down back at the station, at least here in the USA. 85 mpg at 60-plus mph is just fine! Keep riding!

Heyo, watching and listening to your clips is always a soothing thing, especially when bad weather has the rein of the day and my bikes remain in the garage. To a 65 year old biker from the continent, its also amazing to see you all driving and riding on the "wrong side of the road". Good visual training for my next trip to the UK! I've started my motorcycle career at the age of 14 with various mopeds, who then gave me a sense of freedom when riding. At the age of 18 I started with bigger bikes and fortunately never had to stop riding, after I met my wife, bought a house and raised 3 gorgeous kids with her. One of my sons got the virus and now he owns 4 bikes. Anyway, I am convinced, that keeping on riding doesn't let you feel old and tired, as long as you are able to manhandle your bike in any situation. Therefore, as an "unsporty guy, I started to do powerlifting sessions which are really great for my muscles and this enables me to ride my heavy tourer (506kg kerb weight). Ride on, ride safe!

When I was in the sixth form in mid seventies, none of us had a car. Except one lad whose dad was a mechanic and was doing up an old mini. Fast forward to today. To the local sixth form college. The students cars are parked on the roadside outside the college. I know this as I used to work there. There are dozens of them. Must be at least 40. Only a handful, three or four, mopeds. How on earth do they afford them and the insurance? These look decent cars. Certainly not bangers. My first "car?'' Reliant three wheeler. That really was a banger. Times have changed.

Stuart my brother, Todd from California here. REALLY long story short. Grew up in So. California. Grandparents bought the grandkids dirt bikes when we were early teens. When we visited we rode ALL day. Graduated high school. Bought a 1980 Honda 750F. Drove two years. Joined the Navy. never drove again, never thought I would. That was 1982. Fast forward 2023. Had ALWAYS wanted to travel abroad, hence that's why I joined the Navy, never worked out. After decades of still wanting to visit other countries finally made it in 2011/12. Had always wanted to visit Europe but was always too expensive. I also wanted to go for at LEAST 1-2 months. Summer of 2011 saw a show on 5 countries in SE Asia which was never on my radar. Nov. 1st flew from Seattle to Hanoi. Spent the next 6 months backpacking through Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand. Wasn't able to make it back until Jan. 2023. Philippines to S. Vietnam to Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, Bangkok and finally to Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. After about a month of walking and bicycling everywhere I was like screw this. I'm gonna get a scooter. So I fully intended to get a scooter. Doing on the other side of the road was a bit intimidating which is why I got the bicycle to kinda get used to it. Test drove several 125cc scooters.....then I went to Chiang Mai Kawasaki. They said they didn't sell used bikes.....except for that. They pointed, I said how many cc's. They said 300cc. Perfect size for Asia. And Zendaya and I were to have SO many adventures. I must had made the gods happy because about a week after I bought Zendaya I met a bad ass 24 year old Russian woman who had my same bike except 400cc and it was black. We had MANY adventures all over northern Thailand and Laos. And I'll end it there. Except to say "damn, I missed riding and am SO glad I once again at 62 I'm back in the saddle again. Cheers my friends......safe travels!

They're not dying off here in the US, but the Harley weekend warrior, 1%er cosplay, beer but no gear segment is shrinking, and that's where you find the bulk of the older crowd. Young people don't relate to that scene, probably because it's corny. Meanwhile, dirt bikes, enduros, and especially ADV bikes are selling briskly. MSF courses for the entire state of NH booked solid within an hour of signups opening. Popular bikes are selling for a premium if you can even find them. I rode 1100 miles offroad with a 72 year old guy that could ride circles around almost anyone. Motorcycle riding will endure.

When i was younger i wouldn't be allowed or couldn't afford a bike, so when COVID happened and at the age of 42 I decided to give it a go. Not looked back ever since.

I got back to motorcycling when my kids were 9 & 11 , basically so on my days off during the week I could avoid spending any time with my soon to be ex wife ! To be honest I was so bloody depressed at the time it literally saved my life and now I ride whenever I can it really is my happy place , every holiday I have involves my bike & tent and I've never been more relaxed !

There’s a self-fulfilling prophecy thing at work - most young people, for several decades now, would have grown up not knowing a family member ride a motorcycle, there wouldn’t have been one parked out back somewhere, so they wouldn’t have been seen as the norm, and would be less unlikely to be influenced to go down that route. The licence structure is now very different - the average young motorcyclist needs about a grand to get trained and tested, driving lessons will be seen as more viable gateway to personal transport. Those young people you see taking driving lessons will be in a minority - to most they are prohibitively expensive, even with parents’ support - and that’s before we get to the cost of insurance. Never forget, we were once the ‘youth of today’ - I hate that expression - and were no different, whatever anyone may think. Everything is relative, our grandparents survived the war and rebuilt the country and probably thought we were all feckless with our daft clothes and terrible rock music!

I came “late” to motorcycle at 22 or so. If it had occurred to me to start sooner, I would have. But love at first sight is when it is. Now over 30 years of riding later, it’s still the silver thread upon the hem that is my life. My favorite part, apart from the riding of course, are the wonderful people and places motorcycling has introduced me to over the decades.

I got my first bike in 1968 age 16, rode until I was 34. Had a long break then got back on age 62 and still riding now aged 72. Phew, remembering all that was enough of a challenge. 😂

The younger generation have so many hoops to jump through as well as the horrendous expense involved in getting a full motorcycle license these days. I am 70 years old, passed my bike test aged 18. Passed my car test aged 21 and went back to a motorcycle the following year. Had to trade my bike in for a car when my wife was expecting baby when I was 27. Got motorcycle again in 1995 and now still riding. I really missed being on a motorbike during those years when I couldn't afford to run a bike as well as a car.

I remember the period of the 90s BA bikers coming back with powerful bikes that where more powerful than the bikes in their youth. The accident rate went up exponentially. Hence insurance went up. It nearly killed the resurgence.

Stuart, Fantastic article. When I was 15 & 16 I rode to school on a bycicle. All weathers, didn't matter. It was my mode of transport. At 16 my mates started to get mopeds. Parental disapproval ment I didn't and eventually got a car. Marriage came along, family. The usual story. Then 3 years ago my wife became seriously ill and we had that bucketlist conversation. My list was short, learn to ride a motorcycle. So after the NO! discussion and "I'm not being a motorcycle widow" I did my CBT and DAS and now I'm riding round on my dream Triumph Bonneville and loving it. New rider at 66! Fortunately the wifes treatment was successful so alls good. Now to retire so I can spend more time on the bike!

Just think, when we've all dropped dead ,there'll be loads of cheap bikes out there that no one wants. BUGGER!

Surley, for decades, it has been Government Policy to get motorcycles off the roads. All the stages to gain a full licence were introduced to make motorcycling difficult. There are some young motorcyclists but in the main I meet lots of older men. Why do you think OAPs no longer have reduced price tickets at some events. Go to a BSB meeting and see how many under 25 year olds attend on a bike.

Don't ignore 'Maxi Scooters'...after 40 yrs of riding motorcycles, with a bit of a break in the 90's to early 00's, I recently started riding scoots. So much easier to ride and a hella' lot of fun...with tons of utility to boot.

I wasn't always old though, it just seems to have happened over time... As I was born middle-aged I really should be much older than I am now.

Had a bike on the road continuously since aged 22 in 1992. Been lucky to have a very understanding partner who has tolerated my love of two wheels and selfish two wheel adventures after my motorcycle become my pastime rather than a method to get to work. Net zero will eventually kill or at least change motorcycling. I feel lucky to have lived through what will turn out to be a golden age of personal transport consigned to history

Life has been playing a cruel joke on me the last few years, I'm 65 and started riding in the 70s. Over the years I started to lose interest in motorcycles, starting in the late 80s because of the styling of the bikes and all the frivolous technology being add to them. Then, Kawasaki came out with the W650. That bike flooded my brain with memories from when I first started riding. When a motorcycle comes along that puts insane thoughts in your head like "who do I have to kill to get one of those" you know it has lit the fire in you're soul again. Then, Royal Enfiel brought out the INT 650, and, more recently the BSA Gold Star, simple, beautiful motorcycles that are better suited for a "clearing your mind" style of riding. Life's cruel joke happened last year. I had a stroke which made my right arm useless thus ending my riding days. I was just about ready to pull the trigger on a RE. Now, all I can do is look at the bikes and enjoy the stories. This channel helps me cope with the loss of being able to ride.

Times have changed also. I started at 17. (Necessity). Never been without a bike despite marriage, divorce. When I was at college mid 70's. The car park full of bikes. Mostly young men on apprenticeships in industry. Those jobs mostly gone offshore. We have à generation now in low paid low skilled jobs, tied in with Draconian rules to get on a bike. There enormous numbers of bikes being stolen by mostly young men. There's still the interest. But riding/driving in the UK becoming ever more less pleasant. Cameras, cameras, cameras. There's little freedom anymore. Any small infringment and you're jumped on like a tine of bricks. Labours net zero mindset will only make it worse. Already locally they're going to reduce speed limits that have been in place forever, along with cameras vans being put in place without warning. We had the best times.

It's not just the well known negatives as outlined in many of these posts that dissuade younger riders from joining the ranks, it's also the fact that they can jump straight into a flash car they will never own on PCP. When it was the days of HP or loans it was more expensive - we are in the days of long term rental. In a way maybe it's the unintended precursor of "you will own nothing & be happy".........

Back in the 90s I met a 50 year old man named Harry who got me re-started in motorcycling. Harry rode a Honda Sabre 1100 back then. He graduated up to a couple of Goldwings. Last year at 83 Harry purchased a RE Hunter 350 and made a thousand mile ride to British Columbia. Way to go Harry! Hope I can do the same.

Stuart… excellent commentary on a subject that I think about every day. Bought my first bike the last week of October 1967 from money I earned from a morning paper route. Honda S 90. Followed by a Honda 350, Yamaha XS650. Rode in the dirt for 3-4 years (DT 250) then in 1985 bought my first Harley. I rode that brand up to 2018 exclusively. That year I bought a Triumph Speedmaster. Earlier this year added a T120. Still have the Speedmaster. Absolutely love both my Triumphs. Basically rejuvenated my love for riding, which was waning in 2018. So…. the end of this year I will turn 70. Technically I have ridden since I was 13, with maybe a year off in the early 80’s. It was and is a passion of mine at 13, and still at 69. Cannot imagine life without riding. However, every day I recognize the proverbial clock is ticking. Just as you commented on in your video. I try to stay in the best physical shape I can so that I can still ride. Promised myself and my family that when I realize that my facilities are fading …it will come to an end. Motorcycling equals freedom to me…period. And, I am in total agreement….the political forces at bay both in your country and mine will end BOTH freedom and motorcycles.

Had a slightly different path. For reference, just turned 70. The motorcycle years of my youth were the 70s. Moved to a ski town in 1980, then it was all about skiing and mountain biking along with a career in construction. By my late 60s my body was pretty worn out. New left knee, new right ankle, all incredible but I couldn’t maintain the level of excitement in these endeavors without seriously compromising my replacement parts. Enter the Tiger 900. First bike in 42 years. I can safely putter around and still have a heck of a time.

My dad got me into bikes at a young age. We had a couple of minibikes that I would ride around the neighborhood. So much fun. My dad had motorcycles for about 30 years. I got my first real bike, a '74 Honda CB750, in 1992. I rode it for three years, but had to sell it when I got married and we had to move (still wish I had that one!). I went 25+ years without riding and finally got back into it a few years ago at the age of 49. My wife said she would never ride! Shortly after I got my Scout, she wanted her own bike. So we are in our 50s now with three bikes and I enjoy the freedom that riding provides.

I think there was a big factor that you missed - regulation changes. When I turned sixteen, the legal definition of a moped was: 'A motorcycle with a cylinder capacity of less than 50cc, equipped with pedals as a means of auxiliary propulsion.' Henceforth, you got things like the 'Fizzie', which would do nearly fifty miles per hour and a complete hoot to ride. At seventeen, you could ride anything less than 250cc. Some truly stunning machinery emerged, like Yamaha's RD250 and Kawasaki's S1. When it came time to take your test, it was simply a matter of riding around a set of streets, with an examiner observing your progress from various vantage points. In the eighties, folk had their two-wheeled aspirations truly hobbled. The introduction of strict power limits for mopeds and seventeen year old's limited to 125cc bikes (with a 12 BHP limit). The 'revised' test was a killer though. Not going to waste words here explaining, those who are interested can research it for themselves.

Yes, motorcycling is dying out - and that's the intention of the government. Its prohibitively expensive and a drawn out process to get a license for young riders, so they might as well get a car!

44 yrs old. Riding since 16. Influencing and Inspiring the world around doing 1000+ kms cross countries

No idea why I fell in lov with bike’s. My mum came from a very working class background in London but we lived in an expensive part of town due to my dad. Only reason I can think of is mum used to take us kids back to her family’s place on weekends for Sunday lunch. Outside loo with newspaper loo paper, no bathroom five people including the lodger in a small terraced 2 up 2 down. One summer, playing with the local kids in the street, pea shooters & spud gun wars, while most of the men were in the pub, wives cooking the roast there was this young bloke, shirt off rebuilding the top end of an old British bike in the street. All us kids whooping & charging about he just industrially busy head down working on his bike in the blazing heat. Never forgot that and for some reason the picture has remained with me all my life. Never had a moped I couldn’t afford one when at school but the moment I got work I saved for my 1st bike an old 250 BSA Starfire in the mid 70’s. Never been without a bike since. Can’t imagine not having one on the go. As you say, needed transport for work & play, parents would have laughed if I’d asked to be picked up or dropped off anywhere. So bike or car. Ì chose bike. And never looked back. Must be thousands of hrs commuting, fixing, breakdowns, touring, trouble, strife lol & fun adventure. Or err sitting in a car listening to the radio with the heater on?

I just took a motorcycle class in San Diego, they are full every week. Lots of 20 something's learning to ride. With that being said, I did buy my son a Navi at 17, he sold it after a year and fixed up my car. He now is driving my old car.

What a great post Stuart. Totally agree with everything you’re saying. I passed my driving test when I was 17, but didn’t get my first car until I was 22+ with a bank loan. That was in the days you had to make an appointment to see the bank manager, whom sat behind a big mahogany desk looking down his glasses at you listening to me trying to convince him I could afford the loan… lol Although I passed my motorcycle test back in 1999, I didn’t get my first bike until 2020… I’m now 57, and really wouldn’t want to be without a bike. It’s given me a whole new lease of life.. 😊😊

Sadly Stuart, the cost of motorcycles, insurance, cost of obtaining a licence, and road VED are the big contributing factor. My car is a 1.2 (2015 )and VED is £20, yet my bike, also 1200cc (2012 ) is over £90. All these costs means it's only the older riders can afford this mode of transport. I am 63, and had bikes since I was 17.

Those in charge don't want newcomers to motorcycling; hence the over complicated way to pass a test - but not the same for car drivers. It's just too much cost, and hassle, so people don't bother. However, surely small capacity motorcycles are the answer to overcrowded roads? But there doesn't seem to be the will to make it happen......

I am 72 and for the past 3 years I have been enjoying riding my Suzuki bandit 1200. My daughter bought it for me as a Father's day present. She also bought me a new helmet, riding jacket and trousers and boots and even paid my insurance. Earler I was a biker for 25 years till I got married, when I sold my BMW K100RT. My Bandit is immaculate and only had 11,000 miles on the clock when I picked it up at the shop. I only ride in summer months now, whereas before I rode all the year round in all kinds of weather. Didn't get a car till I was 44.

I’m 68 and can relate to everything you say. I remember selling my CB500 in 1980 to pay the solicitors fees on my first house and buying an MZ150 to go to work on. Happy days!