Total Motorcycle Community Forums

63, eh? Well I'm only 51, but I can tell you this........

In 1971, my legs were partially paralyzed thanks to a bout of viral encephalitis, and I was told that I would probably never walk again. I politely informed the neurologist that he was wrong, and three months later, I proved it. I never regained full strength in my legs, more like 60 percent of normal strength. And I still cannot lift my left foot normally. In order to shift gears on my new Suzuki, I have to hook my foot under the shifter and lift my whole leg.

Needless to say that when I dedided, by golly, that I was going to get a motorcycle, weight was a very important factor. The lightest bikes that I could find, outside of the 250 class, were the Suzuki Boulevard S40, and the Kawasaki Vulcan 500.

I settled on the S40, largely in consideration of weight, not to mention a really good clearance price. And I love it. But knowing what I know now, I would have preferred the Vulcan. I really don't think the extra weight would be a factor. We are only talking about 90 pounds, and most likely a smoother ride.

So, if you are a HEALTHY 63, with average leg strength, all I can say is, "What are you waiting for!?!?!" My 62 year old father in law just bought a Harley. My 63 year old neighbor just bought a Gold Wing. And none of us have managed to kill ourselves. Yet.

You only live once, man. If you are reasonably healthy, with average strength and reflexes, go for it. Just go for it cautiosly, and with a healthy respect for the horsepower you control, and the circumstances that you cannot.

PKB

pkb, tks for the words of encouragement. On 02 Sept I'm scheduled to begin a 4-day Motorcycle Rider Safety Course which hopefully will give me a licence (after I pass the "skills" test) allowing me to ride a bike (without a passenger) during daylight hours. I'll then have to take the Road Test within a year to obtain my full licence. To prepare for the course, for the past 2 weeks I've been working out daily on a treadmill (it also has handles for moving my arms in time with my leg movements) so I'm hoping I'll not embarass myself too much in front of what I assume will be much younger students.

After I've passed the course, it's decision time for me. I can buy a used 2003 Virago that has 2200 kms on it (asking price is $3,300 negotiable;I'd like to get it for $2,500), keep it for a year then trade up or bite the bullet and buy either a Vulcan 900, a Boulevard M50 or a Shadow Aero 750.

pbk and ezbass your words are music to my ears (or is it eyes??). My husband passed the course with me in May and he appeared much more at ease with the higher speed moves than I was! he is 64 and I am 50. He bought a 2005 Shadow Aero off the showroom floor in 06. My starter bike was a Honda Shadow 600VLX 05 model purchased in 06 as my husbands, new. I am trading up to a C50 Suzuki this weekend as I quickly out grew my 600 since starting to ride since early June. You learn alot commuting to work 60 miles a day! Lots of luck to you..... way to COWBOY UP!!

pkb wrote:I settled on the S40, largely in consideration of weight, not to mention a really good clearance price. And I love it. But knowing what I know now, I would have preferred the Vulcan.

pkb, what's up with that? I thought you were digging the S40..... ??

At age 50, I bought a H-D Street Bob after not riding for 25 years. My instructor at the MSF course in Richmond said it would not be a problem, and he was right. It is not so overpowering to overwhelm me, and the weight is not an issue for me.

I did buy some extra insurance in the form of a $190 engine guard. While in a parking lot practicing figure 8's, I dropped the bike. Only the guard got as much as a marred finish, and it easily buffed out. It is on slow maneuvers that the Big Twin feels its weight, but once out on the road, it is as light as a feather.

The only thing I feel uncomfortable about is Interstate driving. I have to get used to the buffeting wind. Fortunately, there are dozens of very lightly traveled country roads in Northern Virginia to use for my commute and for fun riding. I figure after a month of getting re-acquainted with riding, the higher speeds will come easy.

This is just for those who may want a larger bike but are being told it may be too much for them. If you are mature, cautious and prudent, a Big Twin or metric equivalent will be just fine. Enjoy!!

I'm 53 and I've just gotten back into riding after being away from it for 35 years. I knew I wanted a cruiser but wasn't sure of anything beyond that so I checked them out at the dealers and decided on a C50 Boulevard. It's easy to handle has plenty of power (for me at this time) and I drive it every day. I just wish I hadn't waited 35 years to get back into it. You're going to have a blast.

pkb, what's up with that? I thought you were digging the S40..... ??[/quote]

I still am! Just thinkin' in retrospect that the extra weight would have been a non-issue, and really liked the water cooling and twin cylinder config. BUT, I didn't get a chance to put 150 miles on a Vulcan.

I wouldn't trade the S40 for the Vulcan now for the difference in retail. Just might have gone Kawasaki at the outset. Hmmm, I guess I just need to keep the S40 for the short hops, and get a Vulcan for the long runs!

Ezybass, I am 60 and returned this year after 30 years of no bikes. I passed my MSF course more easily than I convinced my wife that it would be a good idea to have a motorcycle again. She reminded me of how many times she took me to the ER when I wuz racing back in the 70's. She relented though and I'm sure that your wife will be happy when you are happy. Who knows, you may try it for a couple of months and then decide that it's not for you this time 'round. Not likely though. I'll tell you one thing...I musta' been oblivious back then. I ride with my mental radar on full strength now and constantly think of things that I could be doing better, and there are so many. Open mind and willing to learn new stuff should stand you in good stead. Buena suerte amigo.