A man's got to know his limitations...

[Idaho45guy]

I'm only 53 years old, a bit overweight, with bad knees, but still not in that bad of shape.

When I was a kid, I loved riding dirt bikes in the mountains. Later in life, I owned a couple of street bikes, and a dual sport, and loved riding. But, was married and ended up having to sell them.

Now that I'm divorced and can afford a toy or two, I bought a 1994 Harley Davidson Road King in Arizona in January for cheap and have been wrenching on it ever since to try and get it reliable. When it runs, it is comfortable and a blast to ride.

Then I had knee surgery and the doc advised me to get a lighter bike. I could no longer fit in my Honda Pioneer UTV since my knees have to bend too sharp and I am in constant pain now when driving it.

So I sold it and bought a brand new Kawasaki KLR 650, with the intention of selling the Harley and buying an ATV. I thought the KLR would be a fun bike to ride to work on with it's 50 mpg rating and occasionally use to explore logging roads up in the nearby mountains.

I have about 150 miles on it and it scares me. It is "twitchy" on the highway, is loud, buzzy, and unpleasant above 50 mph. It is extremely tall and top heavy. I am 6'2" and 300 lbs and this bike will tip over if you look at it wrong.

I tipped it over on it's first off-road trip up a muddy road. Getting back on the bike. It was literally on it's kickstand on a slight incline and it tipped over when I tried to get on it. Took me several tries to pick it up and I hurt for days afterwards.

Then today, I was on a group ride with ten other people and pulling out from the side of the road, the front tire hit loose gravel and slid out from under me and the bike and I hit the pavement hard. Bike has at least $500 in damage to it, but I was wearing all the appropriate gear and was uninjured.

I came to the realization that I am just too old, too out of shape, and not skilled enough to handle a motorcycle anymore.

Getting both bikes repaired and will be selling them ASAP and getting a mid-sized ATV for slowly exploring the woods.

[poppy42]

Yep I feel your pain! Both literally and figuratively! You know you’re not doing your body any good when your orthopedic surgeon is number one on speed dial. It’s hell getting old and it ain’t for sissies. You are right, as I have learned many times the hard way, “man’s gotta know his limitation”

[GregLaROCHE]

I know how you feel. I have an old Moto Guzzi that I haven’t ridden in probably ten years. There’s a young guy who has been bugging me to sell it to him for years. Maybe it’s time to part with it, but in a way it will be parting with a part of my life.

[Idaho45guy]

I know how you feel. I have an old Moto Guzzi that I haven’t ridden in probably ten years. There’s a young guy who has been bugging me to sell it to him for years. Maybe it’s time to part with it, but in a way it will be parting with a part of my life.

Yep. It's hard to face reality. My dad is 80, diabetic, can't hardly walk, yet keeps talking about buying a new camper to use for fishing trips and hunting trips. He desperately needs to be in a retirement home with CNA's. Every time I try to bring it up, he says he will never move to town and will commit suicide before doing so. Just sad.

[square butte]

Us "old guys" like to keep on writing checks in our minds that our bodies can no longer cash. You'll live longer on an ATV. Prayers for you dad.

[Land Owner]

...was married and ended up having to sell them..

Remember those days? Jeff Dunham, Ventriloquist, as "Walter", said it best, "You can run to the end of your chain and bark!"

Now, feel those knees, neck, and back? You've been off the chain and wandering around again "unsupervised". GOOD FOR YOU! ENJOY the ATV!

[FISH4BUGS]

It is always a tough realization to come to.....that we are wearing out.
Younger days I rode enduros with Pentons (that long ago, yes) then KTM's.
That was then.......

[pworley1]

Getting old is not for sissys.

[dverna]

I used to split wood with a maul and sledge and wedges. Did that until I was 62 and got a log splitter.

Our minds think we are still in our 20's or 30's but our bodies know better. It does not help that many of us work behind a desk, and eat too much.

You are lucky you did not get hurt and are smart for realizing it is time to "shift gears".

[GhostHawk]

Getting old Sucks. Only thing that sucks worse is the alternative.

Find a hobby for your brain and your hands that leaves you sitting on a comfortable chair is my advice.

[buckwheatpaul]

I agree with square bute and all the other guys...wait till ya get to 70! Was working cows two days ago and about to the point where they will have to go except 4 or 5 and then they will be our meat source. I said all this to advise that ATV's and UTV's are not certified for paved road use. We have one ATV but day to day I have a Kawasaki Mule, 2 seater, and I love it. It hauls wood, calves, barbed wire....and is yet to buck me off of it. Of course it wont go 50 but I'm not into racing....got to the age that old and slow is a good thing! Paul

[Thumbcocker]

You make a good case for proper equipment when riding. Glad you are ok.

[Gator 45/70]

Bought a new Honda 420 in 2007, Still have it, 2nd gear is my friend but when I really want to fly I hit 3rd.
Pretty sure it has more gears but I don't use em!

[georgerkahn]

Yep. It's hard to face reality. My dad is 80, diabetic, can't hardly walk, yet keeps talking about buying a new camper to use for fishing trips and hunting trips. He desperately needs to be in a retirement home with CNA's. Every time I try to bring it up, he says he will never move to town and will commit suicide before doing so. Just sad.

What you/your dad may be -- I so think it in my case -- is what I've referred to as "hopeful immortality". Hey -- a lot of people start selling things off at mid- to later- ages, knowing they're going to die and wish not to burden those left behind with the disposal of their "stuff". Others have the time of upcoming death nowhere on their plate! Through the years I've known several people who were figuratively, but actually killed by their (car) driving privileges being removed! Not that many months after, either...
I am a firm believer that mental state has a most important role in longevity -- and, as long as a person has a want or a vision -- even though any/all else know it is not in any way a real possibility -- they have something to continue living for. Their infirmities from accident and or old age are a passing stage -- they WILL recover and again function as before.
...um... I bought a Stihl chainsaw last year -- to complement more than a dozen others I have -- and can now not "walk" without two canes... hmmm....
geo

[elk hunter]

Time does catch up to us. I rode until age 70 and discovered that I didn't have the upper body strength to pick up my Gold Wing if I needed to. My mind said I could still ride, my body said NO. It was a sad day when I watched the new owner ride it away. I figure I rode for 58 years. Not nearly long enough.

[Froogal]

The gas tank from my Yamaha dirt bike is resting on top of an iron pile. The tank is the only thing left of it. My son drug in a couple of decrepit crotch rockets a few years ago and then abandoned them. Pieces and parts of both are now resting peacefully underneath a cedar tree.

I am more than happy to be driving something with windows that are closed, and the A/C functional.

[Buzz Krumhunger]

I had a KLR 650 too. I got rid of it because it was too tall to kick start without standing on the pegs.
I’m thinking about one of the Yamaha TW200 dual sports. Low seat height and electric start.

[square butte]

What you/your dad may be -- I so think it in my case -- is what I've referred to as "hopeful immortality". Hey -- a lot of people start selling things off at mid- to later- ages, knowing they're going to die and wish not to burden those left behind with the disposal of their "stuff". Others have the time of upcoming death nowhere on their plate! Through the years I've known several people who were figuratively, but actually killed by their (car) driving privileges being removed! Not that many months after, either...
I am a firm believer that mental state has a most important role in longevity -- and, as long as a person has a want or a vision -- even though any/all else know it is not in any way a real possibility -- they have something to continue living for. Their infirmities from accident and or old age are a passing stage -- they WILL recover and again function as before.
...um... I bought a Stihl chainsaw last year -- to complement more than a dozen others I have -- and can now not "walk" without two canes... hmmm....
geo

Yes, And as Paul can tell ya, He dicsovered after his Father passed, that his Moto had been " If one is good, five is better" - Apologies Paul - I just had to tell the story one more time. I bet I use that at least once a week. But I don't know for sure cause I can't remember :)

[MrWolf]

Us "old guys" like to keep on writing checks in our minds that our bodies can no longer cash. You'll live longer on an ATV. Prayers for you dad.

UTV's are more comfortable on the back. I have a Polaris Ranger 570-4 crew. My back/neck can't do an ATV.

[GregLaROCHE]

“Youth is waisted on the young”

[farmbif]

dont know your exact situation but maybe if you can find a good swimming hole, lake or pool, and swim at your own pace its one of the best way to try and get back into shape at your own rate. seems a shame to give up bike so quick after all you went though to get the one you wanted. im dealing with my own demons right now trying too raise funds for a new tractor or lawn mower to take the weeds on about 20 acres of my property., right now I'm slowly chipping away every day or so at some with weed eaters. a life changing accident back in October broke my neck, but I still try to get out and do some shooting with light loads and swing the weed eater a little bit. I figure if I give up trying it will all go downhill real fast. a good swimming hole is about the only thing I miss about living where I do.

[blackthorn]

Yep. It's hard to face reality. My dad is 80, diabetic, can't hardly walk, yet keeps talking about buying a new camper to use for fishing trips and hunting trips. He desperately needs to be in a retirement home with CNA's. Every time I try to bring it up, he says he will never move to town and will commit suicide before doing so. Just sad.

I am 3 years older than your Dad, pre-diabetic and overweight AND---I agree with his position!


I used to split wood with a maul and sledge and wedges. Did that until I was 62 and got a log splitter.

I still split the wood to heat my shop with a maul, wedges (only build a fire when I want to work out there).

Our minds think we are still in our 20's or 30's but our bodies know better. It does not help that many of us work behind a desk, and eat too much.

I'm retired, but ---you are right!


I agree with square bute and all the other guys...wait till ya get to 70! Was working cows two days ago and about to the point where they will have to go except 4 or 5 and then they will be our meat source. I said all this to advise that ATV's and UTV's are not certified for paved road use. We have one ATV but day to day I have a Kawasaki Mule, 2 seater, and I love it. It hauls wood, calves, barbed wire....and is yet to buck me off of it. Of course it wont go 50 but I'm not into racing....got to the age that old and slow is a good thing! Paul

My oldest son is 62 and he just got rid of his ATV and bought a Chevy Tracker. Good for the bush and road legal.

[Land Owner]

How many have said, "If I knew I was going to live so long, I would've taken better care of myself!"

[Finster101]

How many have said, "If I knew I was going to live so long, I would've taken better care of myself!"

You can do that all you want, but sometimes genetics kick in and there you are with a heart attack and seven stents at 54 and then an implantable defibrillator at 60.

[fastdadio]

I had a KLR 650 too. I got rid of it because it was too tall to kick start without standing on the pegs.
I’m thinking about one of the Yamaha TW200 dual sports. Low seat height and electric start.

Fastlady has a Yamaha XT250. You might want to look into this one before you buy the TW... Life long rider here also. On and off road. As I get older (64), my bikes keep getting smaller and lighter. I'm currently riding a Suzuki DRZ400. 301310

[Winger Ed.]

Bad knees are a problem for ya with a big bike.
There's several older fellas around here that have moved over to trikes.

I keep putting off building one myself.
So far, I have the welder and a fresh Chevy 350 for it.
But that's as far as I've gotten on the project.

[Finster101]

I just can't do a trike. I will put a sidecar on the Roadglide first.

[45workhorse]

I just can't do a trike. I will put a sidecar on the Roadglide first.

Well, you can take your best friend with you, and don't have to worry about tipping over.

[MarkP]

I am your age a little taller and was about your weight 285 - 290. I dropped 40 lbs two yrs ago over about 6 months. My balance is way better and I have so much more energy. I am not as strong as I was at 285. I think the reason I have more energy is a sleep better than I did, my wife says I do not snore anymore. My feet and legs also feel better than they did.

[fast ronnie]

I'll be 70 in a couple of months, but still race a Top Fuel Drag bike. May be my last year or two, but not ready to give up just yet. Still in reasonably good health, but will have to put someone else on the bike eventually. Several of the guys I race with are within a year of me and are still competing. Someone said getting old is not for the weak and I can certainly attest to that. I still do a lot of the things I have always done, but can't do the real heavy stuff anymore. That's why I have a fork lift.

[MT Gianni]

I had a DR 650 Suzuki for ten years and sold it last year. It is 50 lbs lighter than the Kawasaki but power is close. I decided I wanted to be around to finish raising my grandkids.

[rbuck351]

I have ridden motorcycles since I was 14. I will be 74 in August and about 3 years ago bought the bike I have wanted for a long time. I bought a 1994 BMW r 1100 rs. I'm not giving it up until I can't pick it up. Off road I ride a 1973 Honda TL 125. This bike is pure magic on the mountain trails. I will probably get a dualsport of some sort but it will not be larger than a 250 and more likely will be 125 to 175cc.

I worked as a motorcycle mechanic for about 8 years and I saw more people buy bikes that were over their skill levels than bought bikes they should have. The bigger dualsports are to heavy and geared to high in first to work well on rough trails.

[truckerdave397]

I was out on the Harley Road King tonight and I will be 70 in August. Your health is your wealth.

[Thundarstick]

Sorry to hear your woes!

I'm 59 and ride a Honda NC750X known as the most boring motorcycle ever made! However it's deadly reliable, gets between 65 and 80 mpg depending on how it's ridden, and will get you a ticket on any road in America. My ridding buddy has a Honda CTX700 and is 74! Your limitations aren't you, your limitations are the bikes you picking. There are several lighter Japanese crusers that are great if you need low seat hight.

[nueces5]

my bike survived my divorce
I have it for 22 years, it is a honda nx650
The difference between you and me is that I don't take her to the mud, hahaha
I have traveled with her throughout the south of Argentina, doing kms of roads in poor condition, of loose stones
I am 47 years old and a right shoulder surgery a few months ago,
I understand that everyone knows their limitations
If you like to ride a motorcycle, it may be a matter of finding a smaller and easier to handle

[Wal']

Sorry, I'm 75 & still hauling ass on a 1200cc Harley & ain't about to stop any time soon.........:-P

[GregLaROCHE]

I just can't do a trike. I will put a sidecar on the Roadglide first.

A side car is not a bad idea.

[MaryB]

Someone needs to make a trike with a small cab for bad weather trips... a small engine for gas mileage... I keep looking at those 150cc scooter trikes(tradition chopper style) especially with these insane gas prices. Something for trips to the doc or pick up a few groceries... those 50 mile round trips are hard on the wallet right now!

[fastdadio]

I just can't do a trike. I will put a sidecar on the Roadglide first.

I plan on buying a Miata when I get to this point.

[pcolapaddler]

I understand somewhat how you feel and am sorry that you're no longer able to enjoy riding.

My dad rode motorcycles for probably close to 60 years. He raced them in the California desert and made much of his living servicing them.

Last year, at 84, he sold his last one. He hadn't ridden it in several years.

He's still in quite good shape and works on various projects at his homes in Washington and in Arizona. It's surprising how much he's able to do and humbling to see the skills he's acquired over the years.


Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

[Handloader109]

Look at the Polaris trike. 2 seater, its not a bike, but way better than adding a sidecar.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

[Finster101]

Look at the Polaris trike. 2 seater, its not a bike, but way better than adding a sidecar.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk



Uh, no. I've seen those things as well as the Spyders and others. Not at all for me. Does not feel, look or ride like a motorcycle. Hey it's what you like. I hate Glocks and Goldwings but don't rag on anybody that has one. I even ride with some wingers every now and then.

[waksupi]

I'm like the OP, too crippled up to ride anymore. When I lived on the reservation, I loved putting around on the old trails on a dirt bike. Summer highway riding has been a real hazard for years, due to tourists looking at everything but the traffic around them. I always wanted a Rokon for off road, but that won't happen now.

[Gewehr-Guy]

I have a Suzuki DR 650 that hasn't been ridden in several years, jut too hard for me to kick start. It was fun to ride, but was too much bike for me, too tall and too fast, and I could see myself getting easily hurt on it. I started out riding a Honda SL70, and will probably keep my 74 Trail 90 as my last bike. I do like the looks of the recently made Royal Enfield's though, might have to find one of those.

[rond]

You just need to get in shape. I'm 71 and still ride. I have 4 motorcycles and enjoy all of them.

[4given]

I'm only 53 years old, a bit overweight, with bad knees, but still not in that bad of shape.

When I was a kid, I loved riding dirt bikes in the mountains. Later in life, I owned a couple of street bikes, and a dual sport, and loved riding. But, was married and ended up having to sell them.

Now that I'm divorced and can afford a toy or two, I bought a 1994 Harley Davidson Road King in Arizona in January for cheap and have been wrenching on it ever since to try and get it reliable. When it runs, it is comfortable and a blast to ride.

Then I had knee surgery and the doc advised me to get a lighter bike. I could no longer fit in my Honda Pioneer UTV since my knees have to bend too sharp and I am in constant pain now when driving it.

So I sold it and bought a brand new Kawasaki KLR 650, with the intention of selling the Harley and buying an ATV. I thought the KLR would be a fun bike to ride to work on with it's 50 mpg rating and occasionally use to explore logging roads up in the nearby mountains.

I have about 150 miles on it and it scares me. It is "twitchy" on the highway, is loud, buzzy, and unpleasant above 50 mph. It is extremely tall and top heavy. I am 6'2" and 300 lbs and this bike will tip over if you look at it wrong.

I tipped it over on it's first off-road trip up a muddy road. Getting back on the bike. It was literally on it's kickstand on a slight incline and it tipped over when I tried to get on it. Took me several tries to pick it up and I hurt for days afterwards.

Then today, I was on a group ride with ten other people and pulling out from the side of the road, the front tire hit loose gravel and slid out from under me and the bike and I hit the pavement hard. Bike has at least $500 in damage to it, but I was wearing all the appropriate gear and was uninjured.

I came to the realization that I am just too old, too out of shape, and not skilled enough to handle a motorcycle anymore.

Getting both bikes repaired and will be selling them ASAP and getting a mid-sized ATV for slowly exploring the woods.

I had a similar experience. I grew up in Idaho riding dirt/trail bikes. I am now 64. Bought a TW200 a couple of years ago. Took it out on a Saturday, sold it the next Monday. Wife & I now ride a Polaris 570 Touring and have a great time. Ya just gotta adapt as you get older! :)

[Springfield]

I am 67 and have owned and ridden motorcycles since I was 15.5 and got my permit. 25 years ago I bought my BMW R100(1000cc's) and I met my wife because of that bike. When I was 48 we had our first kid, and i didn't get to ride much, mostly used the small pickup to take them around. But then I put a sidecar on it and have driving them and myself around in that most of the time since. Now both kids are late teens so i bought a '77 Kawasaki foro them to learn to ride street on, figured knowledge is always good. It is fun for me to ride too, but a bit small as I am 6'2" tall, 200 lbs.
2 weeks ago my brother gave me a deal I couldn't refuse, and I bought his BMW R100 RS, Paris Dakar model. Holy smokes this thing is tall, and feels way heavier than my old R100, even though it actually weighs the same. I don't think I have even got to 4th gear yet, and I certainly haven't taken it on the freeway. I think I am going to sell it, and stick with my sidecar. Apparently I have become more sensible in my old age, or more afraid of getting hurt, because it just doesn't seem the same as when I was younger and bullet-proof, and bouncing off the roadway just doesn't appeal that much anymore! I do like the sidecar, much more than I thought I wold, and prefer it greatly over those 3 wheeled Can-am type vehicles. Those just don't feel like a motorcycle,where my sidecar mostly does. And I would like to be able to enjoy some grandkids later without being all busted up. i do have 2-3 '64 Hondas I want to restore in my garage, but I think I am done with big street bikes.

[todd9.3x57]

when i was 20yo, my right knee had an accident. i was on top of the ground and i hopped into 4' ditch. my right foot went one way and the rest of me went another way. the right knee didn't know where to go and it stretched out the ligaments and tendons. i was told, that i'd be better off if i would break the ligaments and tendons. anyway, i was between a passing out and throwing up when i attempted to stand up. i figured at the time i was good and let me lay there and be a part of the waterline fill. it took me about 3 months to take off my crutches and walk again. when i was about 30ish, my right knee said "no, you will not run" and it planted me on my face.

back in my younger, 25yo, i drink ALOT and i would get into fights quite frequently. it was around midnightish and i was drinking and for some reason or another, my wife(now ex-wife) made me mad and i punched out the window of my screen door, instead of my wife. the shattered glass was up and down my yards, i later measured a piece of glass 52 feet from my door. anyway, for some reason, i look at my arm and i noticed i had a gash on my right forearm. i looked at it and said, "well, a Band-Aid isn't going to cut it". so to the hospital i and my wife go. it was 27 layers of stitching and i don't know how many stitches it was. now i have a scar on my right forearm and ever since then the "accident" has calmed me down.

i was 39yo when i had my stroke. i had to learn how to walk and talk(not so good) AGAIN. 4 days were spent in intensive care(i was out of it) and for 3 months i was in the recovery room to learn how to walk/talk. 12 months were spent at home and going to rehab center. in my mind, i was going back to work, but it ain't happenin. i can see me now, a crippled up guy that can't talk like a normal person is going to a heavy equipment operator and laborer in the water/sewer mains and buildings.;-)


i've learned what my limitations are, like can't drive an atv, flinching from gunshots (took me about a year not to) and other things. i drive a Polaris Ranger and i have a cane and a shovel handle for the woods. i walk about a mile on the road, 80-100 yards in the woods. coronary artery disease is prevalent in my dad's family. my dad had it and he had a heart attack from it. oh, i got pleurisy from the stroke. the stroke just keeps on giving.

and i'm only 49yo. "suck it up, sponge lips" as my drill sergeant used to say.

[Remmy4477]

Been on a bike (pedal) since I was 5 years old.
Rode all over the country side, jumped creeks, mail boxes, rows of kids, jumped a car once. All kinds of stupid stuff. Would crash and get skinned up real good and walk it off and all was well.

Teenage years graduated to mopeds, 125 dirt bikes and up, had a blast and never broke a bone!
Early thirties, started a family, sold the bikes!

Late forties started messing with bikes again, had to keep up with my teenagers!

When I turned 49 bought a retro 50's pedal bike and added a 2 stroke engine to it, what a blast, fast and fun, loved that darn thing.

At 52 took the little motorbike for a short ride around town, probably doing about 35 mph when a stray dog decided to try and bite my front tire, woke up a day later in ICU, busted up hip and very sore noggin!

Once home from the hospital and able to walk on my own I sold the wrecked motor bike, and every other motorcycle I had left!

I decided I was better off on 4 wheels than on two!

Limitations, yep I learned the hard way!