When are you too old to ride a motorcycle? Maybe never. Check out some of the blog articles other folks have written about this topic and you’ll see people in the 70s, 80s, even 90s who are still riding. We’ve collected some of their wisdom here:
Keep in decent physical shape. You can use leverage to pick up a heavy bike, but you do need enough physical strength to be safe on the road. If, as happens, your bike is getting too heavy, try a lighter type of motorcycle.
Balance is more difficult to control. The more frequently you ride, the easier it will be to stay balanced. If you have a hiatus, then take some time to practice, in an empty parking lot for instance. And, if you still have trouble, then consider a three-wheeler, or a sidecar, or outriggers.
Reflexes slow down as we age, and that can be a problem. You could get a motorcycle with ABS to help with braking, but your on your own otherwise. It’s up to you to ride more slowly, leave more room between vehicles, and be judicious about riding in heavy traffic.
Vision tends to deteriorate as we get older, so see your eye doctor and make sure your lens prescription is still what you need. Get checked for glaucoma, too, especially if you see halos around streetlights. Night vision, according to the elders posting on blogs, seems to be the first to go, so you may need to plan trips in a way that avoids night riding.
Wear the right gear. Older bones can be brittle. You might want to look into armored gear. In any case, a full-face helmet, boots, gloves, and leather jacket may save you from painful injuries.
Above all, keep a positive attitude. Remember New Zealander Burt Munro, who set several records at Bonneville Salt Flats when he was in his 70s.
Yet, there’s no denying it: Unless you plan to ride exclusively around the Southern United States, you’ll face some chilly winters. And even before it...
