Among the car-driving populace, motorcyclists often have a reputation as being young and reckless, but the improved safety features and handling of modern bikes mean that many avid motorbikers can keep riding their bikes well into their later years. However, age waits for nobody, and the bikes you rode twenty years ago may not be as easy for you to handle today.
Older riders who are looking to buy a used motorcycle should consider their options carefully as some models and brands are far more suitable for older bike riders than others. Keep the following guidelines in mind as you shop around to ensure that the bike you choose is suitable for your needs:
Be wary of powerful engines
A person's reaction times naturally become slower as they age, and many find that their sense of balance also deteriorates slightly. This combination of factors can make it more difficult and dangerous for older riders to ride powerful, high-speed sportbikes. While you aren't suddenly relegated to riding 50cc toys once you hit 50, older riders are generally better off choosing bikes that provide steady, consistent power rather than raw horsepower.
Opt for a smooth ride
Joint and back problems are an unavoidable part of the aging process for many of us, and riding a stiff, unforgiving motorbike over rough roads will hardly help matters. If you want to keep riding your newly-acquired used bike well into later life without suffering too much pain and discomfort, you should try to choose a bike with a relatively soft and smooth ride.
The only way to truly know how comfortable a bike's ride is is to ride it yourself, and any used motorcycle dealer worth your time will offer you a test ride. Touring, sport touring and adventure bikes are designed to be ridden comfortably over a wide variety of terrain types, and most models are particularly gentle on aching, aging joints.
Avoid the heavyweights
Most choppers and cruisers provide a smooth, comfortable ride and manageable power, and many older riders swear by them. However, these types of bikes are also extremely heavy, with huge engine blocks and extensive body moulding, and this can present problems for older riders. You should not ride any bike that you are not capable of picking up and righting by yourself if it falls over, and for older riders, many cruisers and choppers are simply too heavy.
Heavier bikes also have heavier handling and require more force to be put into turns to maneuver effectively. This can also be difficult for older riders, particularly if you are relatively light yourself. As such, many older riders should stick to lighter types of bike without going too lightweight and sacrificing comfort. Sport tourer and adventure bikes generally provide the best compromise between manageable weight and a comfortable ride.
To learn more about motorcycles, contact a motorcycle dealer in your area.