Just curious, how many of you sportbike riders are over 40 years old? I've ridden dirt bikes and still do, but now I have the bug to ride a sportbike. I ride an XR400R right now. Am I crazy? I think I have the maturity to ride responsibly and still have some fun. I've always wanted a sport-bike. I really just want to get a sportbike to commute to work in the summer months and for some fun weekend riding or light "grocery-getting". I'll be taking the Team Oregon basic rider course in a month. I'd like to start riding a Honda 600f4 or f4i. I am finally in a position financially to be able to spend the money for a sport-bike that will only get ridden during dry weather here in Oregon. I'd like to hear from the older riders out there. And, NO, I don't think I'm having a mid-life crisis.
Older Riders: Am I crazy at 42?
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Never too old. Never I say!
I've riden and still ride with seasoned riders and riding is riding. As long as you're having fun! The F4i will be perfect for what you're looking for. It's comfortable and pretty fast when you want it to be.
If it's been awhile since you've taken a motorcycle safety course, I highly recommend the Experienced Rider Course with the MSF. You'll have some bad habits from dirt biking and the instructors will help you through to successfully ride a non dirtbike/sportbike/cruiser.
Welcome to the site and you have to let us know, with pictures, when you get your new ride.
....you've waited long enough. Stop torturing yourself! Be safe.
I've riden and still ride with seasoned riders and riding is riding. As long as you're having fun! The F4i will be perfect for what you're looking for. It's comfortable and pretty fast when you want it to be.
If it's been awhile since you've taken a motorcycle safety course, I highly recommend the Experienced Rider Course with the MSF. You'll have some bad habits from dirt biking and the instructors will help you through to successfully ride a non dirtbike/sportbike/cruiser.
Welcome to the site and you have to let us know, with pictures, when you get your new ride.
....you've waited long enough. Stop torturing yourself! Be safe.
I don't even think about my age (almost 59) when I ride. It is just something that I have always done. I am definitely more conservative than I was when I raced motorcycles, but I still get my blood pumping pretty good. I don't really care what anyone thinks about my riding. I probably get a lot stiffer after a long ride than the younger guys.
I think you definitely should try a sportbike.
I think you definitely should try a sportbike.
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I am 47. I own a K2 GSX-R1000 and a K6 GSX-R1000. I ride as often as I can, get on the track occasionally and have done all 4 levels of Keith Code's superbike school. I plan to ride as long as I enjoy it; this will most likely be for many years. ENJOY!
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I'll be hitting 38 this month, and I'd still rather ride one of my bikes rather than drive a cage. The only thing I've noticed as I've aged is I don't ignore my discomfort, rather, I look for a solution. There are so many companies that offer aftermarket pieces like seats, bars, adjustable rearsets, etc., that you can make almost any bike comfortable for your style.
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242 Posts
age has nothing to do with the decision, it's mindset..you mature now, chase that dream...it's now or never!! that's what i did... :banana
Iam 59 years old and have ridden road bikes since I was 17. I now ride an FZ6S. Here in Western Australia I am a member of a bike club for over 50 year olds. Our motto is "Grow Old Disgracefully" As long as arthritis in my wrists allow me to hold the throttle and operate a clutch I will ride. My bike is used to commute a round trip of 60 kms per day and for weekend pleasure.I have ridden 30,000 kms in just over a year.
So what is your problem?
So what is your problem?
:cheersbadgixxer said:
I rode nothing but Gold Wings' for over 10 years before getting my Trophy 2 years ago. Think of it as going from a Caddy to a 'Vette.
Then again when squids saw the (small) size of the chicken strips on my last 'Wing they would ask "Dude, dont you scrape your heads?". My response? "Sorry kid- That would be called a low side."
Years on this planet should only define experience.
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225 Posts
I say go for it. I'm 42 and I love my (naked) sportbike. I've been riding since I was 20 or so. I've got to say I really love the time I spend on my bike. Even when it's raining 
It's really been a big part of me. Some guys fish, some play golf, some mess with old cars, some collect stamps. But everyone needs a passion, and you could do worse than motorcycles.
I've met some great folks and had some great times. You'll find that some of the best people ride bikes. We all seem to laugh a little more than average. We tend to look out for each other, we fall into conversations with complete strangers. And only WE know why dogs like to ride with their heads hanging out of car windows. Good people. I believe a lost 6 year old is safer at a bike rally full of Hell's Angels than at Disneyland.
Seems unusual that you haven't fallen into the "40 yr old guy buys new Harley as first bike" scene. See that a lot. kinda funny to watch a banker dress up like a pirate on Sundays.
As far as bike choice goes I would suggest you check out a lot of bikes, maybe start with a used one. Odds are it's going to fall down once or twice as you learn about stuff like sand on parking lots and kickstand technique.
Enjoy.
It's really been a big part of me. Some guys fish, some play golf, some mess with old cars, some collect stamps. But everyone needs a passion, and you could do worse than motorcycles.I've met some great folks and had some great times. You'll find that some of the best people ride bikes. We all seem to laugh a little more than average. We tend to look out for each other, we fall into conversations with complete strangers. And only WE know why dogs like to ride with their heads hanging out of car windows. Good people. I believe a lost 6 year old is safer at a bike rally full of Hell's Angels than at Disneyland.
Seems unusual that you haven't fallen into the "40 yr old guy buys new Harley as first bike" scene. See that a lot. kinda funny to watch a banker dress up like a pirate on Sundays.
As far as bike choice goes I would suggest you check out a lot of bikes, maybe start with a used one. Odds are it's going to fall down once or twice as you learn about stuff like sand on parking lots and kickstand technique.
Enjoy.
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