Could an older rider go heavier?

[Aaron D.]

Yes, a loop frame will feel fantastic. Definitely the best recc of the bunch.

[stevet]

Post surgery?  Get involved with physical or occupational therapy for a couple weeks.  Then continue what you learned with your own exercise routine that you form for yourself.  A little conditioning with regular exercise 3-4 times a week will do you wonders and pretty much give you the ability to ride whatever motorcycle you want.

I've watched both of my parents rot themselves into nursing homes, and the grave (for dad, so far), at too young of an age.  They both sat down on retirement day (age 62), to "rest for a bit", and then spent 15-20+ years withering away.  What a waste.  They had a great nest egg they could have had a lot of fun with, and so far most of it has gone to nursing homes instead.

A lesson learned.

Steve.

[OlderSlower]

I appreciate the dilemma of aging, loving to ride and being mindful of uh, er changes in strength and endurance.  I still feel fine riding and pushing my Norge around the garage, but it is definitely heavier than my Triumph Bonneville.  I think that bikes like the V7 and Bonneville are great bikes to grow old with.  They can do anything I need including long distance, have panache and are significantly lighter feeling than some of the big bikes.  YMMV...

[Sheepdog]

I have a fantastic trio of bikes in my shop: a California Vintage, a Hinckley Bonneville, and a Piaggio BV500 scooter. I'm sorta saving the Bonneville for my son and I love my CalVin, but for quick trips into town, that scooter is fantastic. Great acceleration and handling, lots of storage space, light weight, and good gas mileage...if you get past the stigma, they are loads of fun and very practical.

[azguzzirep]

 :1: on what Stevet said.
-
It's not the bikes weight but your own physical fitness that should be a point of concern.

I'm 57 and do physical fitness training. I need my back, arm and leg muscles in good working order. If one is fit then one has a larger pool of bikes to choose from.

Our old friend J.N used to walk 5 miles a day. He rode till he was what, 85?

[Nic in Western NYS]

I truly appreciate every ones' thoughts.  I'm sort of bummed and want to get back to where I was before surgery.  Maybe I should give it a bit more time (like into next spring) and see where I am at that time.  I'm exploring a few possibilities that'll keep me on two wheels and still let me do some long distance traveling if I find I'm able to do it.

It's times like this that I truly appreciate the WG forum.

Regards,

Bob

Sounds wise to give more time for healing and then assess.  You'll know your ultimate capabilities better plus your body will be less vulnerable to reinjury.

[oldbike54]

:1: on what Steven said.

It's not the bikes weight but your own physical fitness that should be a point of concern.

I'm 57 and do physical fitness training. I need my back, arm and leg muscles in good working order. If one is fit the one has a larger pool of bikes to choose from.

Our old friend J.N used to walk 5 miles a day. He rode till he was what, 85?

 92 .

 Dusty

[wavedog]

Bike weight as I age is a concern. I find myself more and more attracted to lighter, smaller bikes and bikes with a lower center of gravity. My V-Strom is lighter than my Guzzi but has a noticeably higher center of gravity. It makes a difference. I am 59 1/2 and not in very good health altho I do try. I started going to the gym almost two years ago. ( When I was young and up to my late 40's I exercised like a gladiator, then contracted some weird life threatening illness. If I live to be 70 no one will be more surprised than me.) Worked with a personal trainer for a while and now I go 3x a week and walk every day. That and keeping my weight down has done wonders for my riding. It has helped with my balance, strength and mental alertness. If you are recovering from surgery or a medical condition, as others have stated work with the physical therapist. Be patient and give yourself time to heal. Be kind to yourself. Get some exercise whether that be weights or yoga or riding a bicycle or whatever. Examine your thought process. That has a lot to do with riding. Whether you think that you can, or think that you can't, either way you are probably right. And if you have to go to a smaller lighter motorcycle so be it. My around town transpo is a 150cc scooter and I really enjoy it. I feel like a kid when I ride it. As long as you feel confident and safe then enjoy and keep riding.

[Tom]

Scooters are very under estimated by a lot of motorcyclists here and elsewhere.  3 wheeled options too.

[Kev m]

I suspect there are a lot of good answers here, but I'm not sure any one sums it up.

* Yes, it's not just about weight, but center of gravity. Lower center of gravity may feel lighter and be easier to pick up then a taller/lighter model.

* Narrowness is a big component as it effects perception of center of gravity.

* We don't bench press bikes, but WE DO occasionally have to push them so it's not all center of gravity.

* Physical fitness is an important aspect as it changes the limits of height and weight.


Edit - I forgot to add that one got a 70+ y/o acquaintance who needs a double knee replacement, and has hip problems, and still rides his Road King.

[charlie b]

If you get a Gold Wing with reverse you don't even have to push it  :)

[Travman]

Didn't you used to own a Kawasaki W650?  You could try one of those again.

[tpeever]

Since surgery, the old BMW R100GS seems a bit too tall (it always has been), and the 1200 Sport is a bit top heavy.  Which brings me to my point ....... I see a lot of older riders on very heavy HD cruisers, seemingly having no issues with the 700 pound machines.

Question is ....... would a bike like a Guzzi Cali 1400 be an easier bike overall to ride/manage than a taller, more top heavy bike like the 1200 Sport?

I'm not a fan of the B17 Flying Fortress, but the original platform (Cali Tourer and Custom 1400) has some appeal to me. 

Maybe I'm only dreaming, and should consider going way lighter, like with a v7/ll, V9, or a new Bonneville 900.

Any thoughts?

Bob

KTM 690

[Rich A]

I think a Convert is considerably easier to handle in slow speed maneuvers than a bike you have to shift; it's also much easier on arthritic hands.

Rich A

[Moto Rizzi]

I truly appreciate every ones' thoughts.  I'm sort of bummed and want to get back to where I was before surgery.  Maybe I should give it a bit more time (like into next spring) and see where I am at that time.  I'm exploring a few possibilities that'll keep me on two wheels and still let me do some long distance traveling if I find I'm able to do it.

It's times like this that I truly appreciate the WG forum.

Regards,

Bob
[/quote

I would stay away from a cruiser with a bad back as the pressure is on your lower back at all times. Buy something that has you upright with a slight lean forward to keap the pressure off the back. I have disc problems in lower back and the Breva 1100 has been great. Look at the Griso or if wanting a cruiser look at the Audace.

[Triple Jim]

I guess it depends on just what type of back problem one has, Mike, but I agree with you.  In my worst of back problems, when I have great difficulty standing or walking, I can get on my racing style bicycle and go 20 miles, getting an hour of relief that's so total that I forget the injury until I get off the bike.  I assume it has something to do with supporting my weight on my rear end and arms, bent over with very little compression on my spine.

[rodekyll]

If you get a Gold Wing with reverse you don't even have to push it  :)

Have you seen the discussions of failed reverses on those things?   

[Bulldog9]

Interesting thread...... 

I see an awful lot of Old Guys riding Goldwings and Full Dress Harleys, so I think the answer is yes, but that all depends on ability, health etc.  I would work to fully recover then see how you feel. Highly recommend you do some weight training as well.

There are so many factors here, weight, center of gravity, balance, seat height, etc. but most of all your comfort and confidence not just riding but moving around, maneuvering in garage or parking situations, on off center stand, etc.  This may sound dumb, but thicker sole boots with better stability made a huge difference for me. I've found that my foot ware makes a real difference.

I've always been drawn to the 550-600 lb ride, heavy enough for stability but also not too bad to push/roll around. Having had my back, knees, hips and balance destroyed by the Army my riding has really changed over the last 5 years and I figure I may have 5-10 years left in me. Not sure what will prohibit riding first, but if I cant make it on 2 wheels will be 3 and I dont mean a Trike. Will go sidecar.  Cant ever see myself on a Goldwing or Full Dressed Harley, but I would like to check out a full dressed California. At 700+/- and a low COG its not up in fat boy goldwing 900lbs and still a Guzzi.

Recover! Dont push it, if you are not 100% and have an 'oops' you may get hurt worse. (listen to me riding 3 weeks after open knee surgery) But I had a brace it was ok............. lol

[Kev m]

I guess it depends on just what type of back problem one has, Mike, but I agree with you.  In my worst of back problems, when I have great difficulty standing or walking, I can get on my racing style bicycle and go 20 miles, getting an hour of relief that's so total that I forget the injury until I get off the bike.  I assume it has something to do with supporting my weight on my rear end and arms, bent over with very little compression on my spine.

I'll also add that many Harleys or what people might label as "cruisers" from other brands actually have the riding position about which Moto Rizzi was talking.

With mid mounts or floorboards it's just a matter of the right seat and bars or risers to give yourself a slight forward upper body position.

[Rough Edge racing]

I suspect there are a lot of good answers here, but I'm not sure any one sums it up.

* Yes, it's not just about weight, but center of gravity. Lower center of gravity may feel lighter and be easier to pick up then a taller/lighter model.

* Narrowness is a big component as it effects perception of center of gravity.

* We don't bench press bikes, but WE DO occasionally have to push them so it's not all center of gravity.

* Physical fitness is an important aspect as it changes the limits of height and weight.

 Yes yes and yes....I'm 69, 6 foot 170 pounds and in reasonable shape but a stiff neck...I get on an old familiar twin like a 60's Triumph and it's like a bicycle....On modern wide sport bikes, despite some weighing only 20 pounds more than the vintage Triumph, it seems heavier than it is...

[Moto]

I second the recommendation of the California Vintage, based on test riding one. That is, assuming you want to go on some trips. Smaller feeling, good seating position, good brakes (especially compared to a Loop), not an antique with the attendant maintenance problems (ditto), it oozes Guzzi character in its sound and vibrations.

[mjptexas]

Well, I guess I'm getting old too, but currently in denial.   I've had first hand experience with a number of the bikes mentioned so I'll throw my 2 cents in.

The Cali 1400s are great bikes, but they are a load to push around.  I'll probably keep mind for a few more years, but at some point I know it's going to be too heavy.  I couldn't recommend it for a recovering rider.

The newer Bonnevilles are pretty good bikes, easy to ride, bullet proof, and not outrageously heavy.  I thought the one I had was going to be a keeper, but i got bored with it (and don't really miss it).

The V7s are really decent all around bikes.  They are lighter than the Bonnie and really easy to wheel around.  I suspect the one I have could ultimately replace my Cali 1400 as my main touring bike when the time comes.  This would get my vote as a 'regular' motorcycle replacement.

But as mentioned earlier, don't discount some of the big scooters.  I have a Vespa GTS300 that will go down the road at 70 mph all day long.  I know of an 82 year old rider that rode one from Texas to Maine and back.  Traded it for a newer one because he wanted ABS.  Some of the bigger Paggios have a little more oomph if that's what you need.

Good luck & hope you get back out there to ride.

[donn]

Scooters are very under estimated by a lot of motorcyclists here and elsewhere.  3 wheeled options too.

Have your cake and eat it too, with the Piaggio MP3.  They aren't light, and I've never been near one so have no idea if they're hard to wrangle around in the garage etc., but if you want a motorcycle that doesn't tip over, here it is.  I've never been near a fixed frame 3 wheeler either, and have no plan to - I'd rather get a convertible - but the MP3 looks like fun.  Until the front-wheel suspension fails, which would be some scary, but never heard of that actually happening.  New models have fancy ABS, 13-inch front wheels.

[PeteS]

Bob, what was done to your back? FWIW I had a fusion with titanium screws put in three years ago into my lower back. I was riding 6 weeks later and the first bike I got on was my Goldwing. I picked it because it sits low, I can flat foot it and also it has the cushiest ride. I didn't want to shock my spine too much. Took me three years to get on the 850 LeMans as my bender doesn't work like it used to. Now I can ride it without bothering my back, just hurts my wrists but thats nothing new with this bike. The bike that usually leaves the garage is my KLR. Light and and comfortable for me. I can ride it all day, day after day and barely get sore. If I drop it I can pick it up. Lots of choices out there. Just give you back some time to heal. It takes a while.

Pete

[Lannis]

Back when I was 18, I rode a Yamaha R5 350cc two-stroke twin everywhere.   It would do anything I want to do on a bike.

Time, marketing, and "image" has transformed that class of bike into a "kid's bike", a "woman's bike", a moped .... but I'm not going to let that sort of thing warp my mind and perception.

I'll ride whatever I can throw a leg over on two wheels, and when it's time to quit, it's time to quit.   None of us are getting out of this alive.

Lannis

[oldbike54]

 Yo Bob , buy the SV 650 , keep the R100 GS and the Sport , come to Cedar Vale next year , bring Tom 

 Dusty

[Triple Jim]

Back when I was 18, I rode a Yamaha R5 350cc two-stroke twin everywhere.   It would do anything I want to do on a bike.

Time, marketing, and "image" has transformed that class of bike into a "kid's bike", a "woman's bike", a moped .... but I'm not going to let that sort of thing warp my mind and perception.

I'll ride whatever I can throw a leg over on two wheels, and when it's time to quit, it's time to quit.   None of us are getting out of this alive.

Lannis

That's sort of what I was getting at.  I'm not terribly old yet, and I happen to have long legs, so can ride about any size motorcycle I want to.  Yet after almost 40 years of riding I often choose a 320 lb, 28 rear wheel horsepower bike over my bigger, heavier ones.  It's not because I'm not man enough for a big bike (well, in my opinion, that is), it's because the little ones are often way more fun to ride.

[Jake]

seems a Loop frame might be a good idea - my T is pretty heavy (but it doesn't look it, lol.)  I keep working on my fitness - figure someday it'll be a trike or a sidecar (working on the latter for my vintage BMW 750 :)