Home
Guest Posts
Old Boy Blues
Guest Post Received 24 May 2024
By Ian Douglas
There is a Facebook site entitled "Over 50 and Still on Two Wheels in the UK", I'm nearly 25 yrs over that entry level which makes me feel distinctly elderly. Time to call it a day? At the Section Meetings I notice the people there are getting younger as it were. Worse, as I speak to them I find my attitudes are somewhat frozen in the past. I haven't their optimistic outlook, the do and dare they have. I observe this in a dismal kind of way. The latest machines aren't for me, things like fuelling, comfort and wind resistance are more important to me than they were. I might be better off at home in the garden listening to next door's radio 4. Actually, I hate that, somehow it is OK if I put a radio programme on but somebody's else's choice grates.
Eventually it seems, one has to take a long hard look at one's bike fleet especially when some are beginning not to be used. Even if SORNed (kept off road) it is still wise to keep insurance going and that's a cost, plus vehicles deteriorate if left for any period of time. On the other hand the used market isn't good at present so it is a question of fixing a minimum price that I'd be prepared to let any go for thus beginning the process of downsizing. Most of you won't be anywhere near this stage but unfortunately the twilight zone is threatening my run of good fortune. Partially it's a financial thing too, inflation has taken a toll in recent years.
A good day for me means being prepared for roughly 40 miles of what I regard as clag to reach a point where development starts to thin and what one loosely might call open roads make themselves evident. I do what I can to duck and dive round the built up nodes but there's only so much one can do in that department. On the other hand, being penned up listening to radio 4 in the garden isn't really what I want and the motorbike is a better means of escape than a car, the latter being less of a joy and susceptible to congestion. There we are then, pair down to that last machine if I can bear to let the others slip through my fingers, we almost want to keep them for their own sake.
I'm not sorry to say goodbye to the used bike motorcycle purchase phenomenon, the deal that one is so pleased with turning out to not be quite the great value that you supposed. One bike I bought looked great but once apart one could see numerous inner fairing lugs were damaged, presumably by the bike having gone over at some point and the exterior having been put right. Still, so far that one hasn't been any trouble to speak of.
One bike is 1000, another is 900 and the last is 600. The bigger ones are heavier and more to road tax, the smaller one is lighter and more flickable. It's nice owning and riding larger machines but the fact is, at least in the UK, that the authorities are closing in as 20mph speed limits are increasingly applied. Not only that but motorways aren't a barrel of fun with so much traffic out in the faster lanes. Speeding penalties are ever more onerous and the roads more thoroughly monitored. The larger bike doesn't like doing sub 20 mph, I have to change down into first, maybe it is my fault putting longer legged cogs on. Being old is like getting caught doing something or other against the rules at school and being put in detention.
I couldn't give up motorcycling entirely, it's worth maintaining the ability to attend an event that might be enjoyable or for a spell of good weather when things seem a little quieter. To date, no serious aches and pains but the worry is mostly to do with getting dopey, distracted or forgetful - a longer ride can do that to you anyway but particularly if you tire prematurely as with ageing as one's attention span can diminish. We don't perhaps realise it but humans, like classic bikes, become fragile and less able to take punishment in their stride. Better to appreciate this earlier rather than later methinks. It's all rather depressing but that's life as they say at each stage, there are pluses and minuses though.
Advertise here - contact ren@bikesandtravels.com
Reader's Comments
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Sounds very sensible to me Ian, why pay hard earned wonga on a garage ornament. To clarify though, that's pretty much what we all do, isn't it? My VSTrom has hardly turned a wheel yet this year and we're approaching the longest daylight of the year!
When I sold the Pan, it started to be a pain, I thought it would too. Then I thought what you thought, just get rid, life's too short.
I put it on an ebay auction for a price I'd be happy with and let the fun commence. Sold after two days to someone who paid almost twice the starting price just to get it off the auction. You just after ignore the idiots and the hard luck stories and take the money and run.
Good luck fella and enjoy it whilst you still can.
Upt.
11/06/2024 16:20:32 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
When I was reading Ian's post I was thinking - he's got a 1000, a 900 and he thinks of his 600 as his "small" bike. I think of my 500 (actually 471cc) as my BIG bike and it seems plenty quick enough for me. As you point out Ian with the UK's 70mph max on motorways and dual carriageways, 60 elsewhere and the perpetual expansion of 60s becoming 50s, 50s becoming 40s, 40s becoming 30s and 30s becoming 20s - my 47hp "beginner" bike is already way too fast.
I hope I can still enjoy my riding when I'm 75. I've a friend who's 82 and just returned from a week's blast around Scotland with friends, there's plenty of time Ian.
13/06/2024 08:16:34 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
I'm a similar age Ian and have gone through similar thought processes. Ten years ago I was perfectly happy hauling a 955i Tiger around but soon found it too much and progressively "downsized" to my current stable of a Yamaha SRV250 - which I think I have eventually got sorted - a BSA Starfire fitted with a DRZ400 engine - currently beining titivated - and a Norton Electra 400 scheduled to arrive today. All of which have elctric starts as I was starting to feel tottery kickstarting the Norton ES2 which hopefully will be sold in the next few days as it is fast becoming a shed ornament. But as you say it's not a seller's market at the moment....
One advantage of the older bikes is free road tax and no need for MoT which reduces costs significantly especially when the lower insurance premiums are taken into account.
I also find that anything over 50 miles or so riding makes me very tired (although am currently suffering what is known as post-viral fatigue after shingles). But it's not the distance it's the fun involved. And as I also enjoy fettling as much as riding I'm not bothered about racking up stellar distances.
13/06/2024 10:36:49 UTC
nab301 said :-
Interesting post , while not in the 70'ish age group I did enter my 60's in recent years and have found I don't seem to have the same levels of biking stamina that I used to have for long trips . The 1100cc bike I have barely gets used because while comfortable enough to ride it produces a lot of discomfort afterwards and also running costs are quite high .
Currently I spend most of my time on smaller bikes but I find that I need a regular biking fix even if it's just a short commute to keep my endorphin levels up! See link
Nigel
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/blog/why-motorcycling-shoul...
13/06/2024 13:24:30 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Interesting article Nidge.
I usually return from long multi day rides slimmer (less fat) and feeling generally strongerer.
That despite eating and drinking like the proverbial pig. And I'm not talking about water and lettuce.
Upt.
13/06/2024 13:58:15 UTC
Glyn said :-
Without this starting to sound like the "four Yorkshiremen", Monty Python sketch, I also am in my 70th year. The bigger bikes that I enjoyed only a year or two ago are getting too much to handle in the garage, let alone on the roads. My main issue is osteoarthritis That gets better and worse several times a day. I have decided to sell the Deauville (smaller engine at 650 but heavy and tall for the shorter more mature gent), keep the BMW because I love it andno-one would want it then start looking for a Honda-ish 250 or similar. I can't imagine having no bikes at all in my garage.
15/06/2024 09:48:09 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Glyn, you can buy what you damn well please. Obviously!
One reason I am now Pan less is at around 500 + kilos with Er'Indoors, me and the luggage onboard it could be a tad heavy at times. I wished I could blame it on the missus but she's like a gypsies whippet.
Downsizing to the STrom was a revelation, still is, not only is it actually a lot lighter but it feels even more so. No noticeable loss of oomph and very capable.
I don't think you'll have to go all the way to 250 to get something manageable. There is a plethora of 4/500's out there now which are swifter, lighter, more practical and yet just as useable as the Dullville.
Good luck buying/selling.
Upt.
15/06/2024 13:02:46 UTC
KiwiJeff said :-
Interesting post Ian definitely a theme here. Having carved out some budget from the wife's travel fund I have also been looking for some months for a smaller bike for short rides and gravel roads. While the Bandit is "only" a 600cc it is still 225kg with a full tank and having had to arrest it's fall in the garage when it got off balance some months ago my slightly torn left knee joint is yet another reminder that I'm getting old! 69 last month. The modern over complicated, expensive to fix, high seated 250 to 300cc motorcycles don't really do it for me but finding oil/air cooled, carburetor motorcycles that aren't wrecked and neglected is difficult in our small market. Have bid on a few older 350 royal enfields and Himalayans but they are still very popular here so people are happy to pay a bit more than I want to spend for what can be 7 year old bikes. The Honda CB300R while a bit modern for me is light and being a Honda will no doubt go forever so have looked at those as well. It's always fun looking and bidding, something will no doubt turn up. The Bandit stays in the fleet it is a great open road bike that costs nothing to run and I still enjoy longer runs of up to 200 miles on it Regards Jeff
16/06/2024 00:19:44 UTC
ian said :-
thanks for your various comments guys
17/06/2024 11:55:44 UTC
Mp3 said :-
Hellow after having for 6 months the honda nt1100 dct I saw that is too heavy for me now at 52 .
I sold it and now 8 months I have the hornet 750. Just perfect for a 52 year man light agile ,and fun.
Ride safe everybody. Greetings from Greece.
15/08/2024 16:18:31 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
OK, I have been putting this of for a few weeks now. As regular readers on here will know I purchased a BMW R 1150 RT over 5 years ago as a stop gap bike, and like a few others on here I am advancing in years.
So, I have stated on here that my next bike should logically be a downsize. BUT
In April I was considering a newer RT, but by the time I made up my mind it had sold.
In May I saw the bike of my dreams in the same showroom, and at the same price! 6 years old and 16500 miles.
Now I have prepared all of the excuses why I have purchased the biggest and heaviest bike I have ever owned, but I guess it was now or never.
So the RT went in May, and I collected my new to me bike on the 1st of June.
15/08/2024 23:12:15 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Hello Mp3 - and 52 is not old! I'm 52, I don't feel any different than I did when I was 22. Except for the sore bones. And the weakening muscles. And the middle aged spread. And the tiredness. Etc etc etc. Enjoy the Hornet 750, I've yet to test ride one but the reports I'm reading seem very positive.
ROD - what ya got what ya got? I've re-read your comment and you don't specifically state what your new ENORMOUS bike is? I'm guessing an RT1250?
16/08/2024 07:08:52 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
52! Old! I'll have you know young man 52 is not old!
That's told him.
I've only gone as far as sitting on the 1100, didn't like the way it felt. I was hoping it would be CBF1000 like, but it wasn't.
The Hornet looks fun.
Enjoy.
Upt.
16/08/2024 08:39:48 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
Ren:-
There is a psychology idea as to why you say you still feel like you are 22, in your case, this is often different in others.
We are aware that we are not the same person in the way the way we think as we were when we were children. From birth our brains are forming, neurons connecting up in various ways to form what will become our adult brains.
At some point this process reaches its final iteration ( neuroplasticity aside) and at this point you become you. So from this point we always feel we are the same person. Thus in your case you will ever feel no different to the you at 22.
Might be all rubbish but seems to explain things.
Thus I remain ever 14.
16/08/2024 08:58:50 UTC
Rev. Mick! said :-
Thus I am amazed that in a few short months governments will give a 14 year old the old age pension. You know that payment to real old people.
16/08/2024 09:01:59 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
It used to be thought that brain cells were never renewed and were fixed at birth but recent research shows that they are. See link below. All other cells - muscles, nerves etc - are regularly renewed throughout life. So you're not the same person you were at age 14. An interesting question however is whether the "you" is in fact the sum total of your experiences, thought processes etc and is an emergent property of the brain and hence all dies when those cells cease their function. I suspect Mick and I will have different answers to this; my view is that nothing but others' memories of you are left when you pop your clogs.
"Heraclitus: 'No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man."
https://www.brainfacts.org/thinking-sensing-and-behaving/brain-development/2016/...
16/08/2024 11:14:31 UTC
nab301 said :-
Interesting article Ian , now, I wonder does Motorcycling count as cognitive enrichment and exercise thereby encouraging neurogenesis! Where's my keys?....
Nigel
16/08/2024 16:10:43 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
K1600GT
16/08/2024 19:19:06 UTC
Mp3 said :-
After the disappointment with the nt from now on naked bellow 200kg bikes.Maybe next will be mt09 or for sure the cbf1000 when honda decides to release it.i am not for heavy touring bikes.
16/08/2024 19:44:00 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Oooooooo, that's a biggun Rod.
16/08/2024 21:19:31 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
Just had another looksy Rod, those engine bars appear to be the best I've seen on a 16.
17/08/2024 08:50:58 UTC
Ian Soady¹ said :-
That strikes me as an excellent machine to hurtle down the autoroutes to the South of France. I'd be much less keen to attempt anything nadgery - or even a gravel drive to a hotel.....
17/08/2024 16:14:07 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
Upt', The crash bars came with the bike and are R&G items. Let's hope I never have to find out if they are any good.
17/08/2024 19:13:19 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
Ian, In general your analysis is correct, the bike has a long wheelbase and is designed to carry two people with luggage. So you can't flick it around like a light weight sports bike, but I think you would be surprised how manageable it is for it's weight and size.
17/08/2024 19:30:57 UTC
KiwiJeff said :-
Wow Rod that is a beautiful bike, however for me it is a bike that I only read the road tests on and dream a bit about riding it across continents! Enjoy the bike it is a beauty! I have also added a bike to the garage but the only thing it had in common with yours is the colour! It is a bit more at home on gravel roads which is what I bought it for. Soft power and soft suspension means it actually handles the vagaries of our gravel roads quite well and has enough speed to come home efficiently on our sealed A roads.
18/08/2024 05:10:48 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
And also with sturdy engine bars.....slightly used?
18/08/2024 13:01:42 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Sublime to the ridiculous ROD! I don't think they make them much bigger than that. If my brain is working that's the straight 6 engine which means perfect primary and secondary balance which means it should be smoother than a telescope mirror. Is this the case? I'm figuring this is for you and your partner to traverse the UK and possibly European roads in comfort and style.
As for KiwiJeff's 'Zuma - Yarp that'll do it won't it KiwiJeff. Here in Blighty gravel roads that you can legally ride are rare, most are private lanes for farms. How much public gravel road is there out there?
19/08/2024 08:00:47 UTC
KiwiJeff said :-
Upt': The Inazuma is a bit used, been down on both sides but the substantial crash bars and the solidly mounted Givi box limited the damage to a few cosmetic scuffs. These are learner bikes in NZ so most have a bit of damage. 2013, 12,000 miles and some service history means at £1200 it was a useful buy for gravel roads and there is every chance I'll lay it down on a gravel road somewhere so I didn't want something too pristine. Interestingly, I have noticed the 40 Kg weight saving over the Bandit I can scoot the Inzumza around on flat surfaces quite easily it is also less top heavy than the Bandit.The Bandit rules on the open road it has lovely roll on power even in sixth gear.
Ren: Gravel roads are everywhere in NZ consequence of low population and not enough money. If you grow up driving and riding on them they aren't seen as an issue they do cause problems for tourists who have never driven on them in their own countries. Dual sport motorcycles are very popular in NZ in fact all the motorcycle rental companies in NZ rent dual sports because you will encounter gravel roads somewhere.
The Inazuma is my dual sport as I'm too tight to spring for a proper dual sport! Given that the Inazumas were sold all through Asia and India where the roads can be challenging it will do me just fine.
19/08/2024 09:45:14 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
Yes Ren, a straight 6, 1649cc very smooth and under stressed. Under 30mph in top gear and pulls away without any hesitation, and at 3000 rpm it travels along at 66mph.
The bike has silly power and torque figures, which I will never get close to using.
19/08/2024 10:34:07 UTC
nab301 said :-
Lovely bike Rod , on paper it's 340kg with fuel so not overly heavy for what it is ... It's mad that a manufacturer can supply a bike like that with a vulnerable engine / crankshaft and leave it to aftermarket suppliers to supply protection . My favourite like about them is the engine note when ridden hard .
I'd imagine the only thing stopping Ren from purchasing one is the thought of setting/ checking 24 valve clearances!
@KiwiJeff , lovely Inazuma, what amazes me about them is the huge front mudguard , it looks like something off a Hayabusa ! Useful as it is I'd imagine it might handle a bit better without the large topbox or at least with it relocated as far forward as possible.
Nigel
19/08/2024 11:55:47 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
It's hard for me to image having access to so much unpaved roads. With the rise of adventure motorcycles and 4x4s anything remotely "off road but legal" gets oversubscribed, which then leads to complaints from locals and walkers, which then leads to the track soon becoming re-classified as bridleway (cycles, horses, walkers) or footpath (pedestrians only).
There's about a half mile of track near here. It's definitely absolutely legal to ride there (with Tax, MOT, insurance and licence), even so on the rare visits there I've been shouted at and pulled up for being a lout, hooligan and general law breaker. It surely doesn't help when the more "enthusiastic" off roaders (4x4 + crossers) go off the legal track, church up the adjacent embankments and cause mayhem. I give up - I'm a road rider.
As such ROD - we might as well have big mile munchers!
19/08/2024 15:15:51 UTC
Upt'North ¹ said :-
When you're right Ed, you're right.
I'm old enough to remember unmade roads in Scotland but I'm going back 35 or more years, and even then there weren't too many. I can't remember the last time I found one.
I was lucky enough to have dispensation to ride on Cannock Chase many years ago. I had a TS250 at the time and it loved being flat out on the gravel. There was more nadgery stuff too but the gravel roads were a blast.
As for the comment on the 16 being not too heavy, I bet that 340 KG can feel real heavy at anything other than upright when stationary. The Beast always used to concentrate ones mind when stopping, a boot on gravel or a little bit of camber was always entertaining. Plus you never park them facing downbank more than once. Pushing that much backwards on a bit of gravel is no fun. But I spose the Beemer might have reverse.
Upt.
19/08/2024 17:58:15 UTC
ROD¹ said :-
Upt', the Beemer does have reverse and like you say you think about which way you park a heavy bike so normally the reverse is not needed, however I have used the reverse twice today. Once to get out of a gravel carpark at the campsite because the bike had sunk into the gravel overnight, and again on returning to the carpark to get the bike facing the right way to ride out in the morning.
19/08/2024 20:46:32 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I perhaps need to think more about what Sharon struggles with. To me her Z250SL is a tiny teeny little bike and her Z400 is a small middleweight. But to her it might be that her 250 is as big as a MT07 would be to me and her 400 is akin to me being on ROD's big Beemer. But ROD's big Beemer needs a reverse so regular sized men can get it out of gravel car parks, I should be more considerate when Sharon needs the odd very gentle push to get her 400 out of gravel car parks.
I started riding 34 years ago Upt' but Scotland to me was as far away as Mongolia, a different and mythical world to an 18 year old yoof on a H100. I thought I was the big man because I made it to Southport on my own.
20/08/2024 07:18:06 UTC
Name
Comment
Add a RELEVANT link (not required)
Upload an image (not required) -
Uploading...
Home
Guest Posts