- Joined
- Jun 21, 2011
- Messages
- 1,117
- Age
- 71
- Location
- Ada ( Grand Rapids ) Michigan
- Bike
- '07 ST 1300 & '91 GW
- STOC #
- 8421
They got to catch you first !I'll quit when they finally take my license away . { maybe }
When is one too old to ride?
- Thread starter Ralf_CT
- Start date
Pop-Pop
Site Supporter
- Joined
- Feb 29, 2020
- Messages
- 2,465
- Age
- 68
- Location
- Pagosa Springs Colorado
- Bike
- 1996 ST 1100
- STOC #
- 9037
U should look at the 1100 too. Its smaller. I have one and it does all i need. Im not talking about weight either. The 1300 is just larger.
Im 65 this month and went 40 years without a ride. The 1100 is a really nice ride, and it was very patient with me.
Im 59 , 6 ft tall and bought my st 1100 to replace my aging 86 vt 1100 , which was lighter , and I sat more upright on it . I found I had to be more aware of tipping at slow speeds , or stopping , due to different seating position ,and weight variance , you may find handlebar risers helpful . I was more comfortable with 2 inch risers . seat height of the wing is probably closer to the st , than my old bike, so you will adjust easier, I think . As long as I can hold the bike up , Im gonna ride it. Enjoy!
drrod
Site Supporter
I purchased my second '04 from a friend who had turned 80. He could still handle the bike although it's weight was starting to concern him. He decided to switch bikes while he could make the decision, not have the decision made for him. He got a 650 Burgman and hasn't looked back. Still does multi day tours with us at 86 yrs old.
Like other have said, it all depends on you. You cannot put a number on when you should or should not ride any kind of bike.
Like other have said, it all depends on you. You cannot put a number on when you should or should not ride any kind of bike.
Terminator2
Site Supporter
Too late. I looked. Thumbs up from the class of '74
I'm 68 and been riding since 1970. 2020 was the first year the st13 started giving me problems with its weight. I love the bike but may have to look at something lighter sometime..
Took out a demo Versys 1000 LT last Sept. and was amazed how much lighter if felt but dont really want to go to a chain drive again..also this bike 2K KLM on it, never stopped vibrating..seat,then pegs then bars,,as the revs changed. Others may look at used RT,FJR Vstrom 1000. but I do need a drivers backrest now.
I REALLY like my bike and will probably keep it till it is just too much...only has 67K klm
My old 85 wings were the same weight but never felt as heavy with the weight being much lower and they were more comfy.
Hoping for many more years of riding for sure
Took out a demo Versys 1000 LT last Sept. and was amazed how much lighter if felt but dont really want to go to a chain drive again..also this bike 2K KLM on it, never stopped vibrating..seat,then pegs then bars,,as the revs changed. Others may look at used RT,FJR Vstrom 1000. but I do need a drivers backrest now.
I REALLY like my bike and will probably keep it till it is just too much...only has 67K klm
My old 85 wings were the same weight but never felt as heavy with the weight being much lower and they were more comfy.
Hoping for many more years of riding for sure
OP
OP
True, my '82 GL1100 Interstate was as heavy as the ST1300, but did not feel it due to the frame mounted fuel tank and flat-4. My '81 GL500 Interstate V-twin on the other hand was lighter, but very top heavy.
Some guys like 'em big on top, and some guys like 'em big on the bottom.
No frowns from these guys... just thumbs up. And, you are always welcome back here. At least let us know what you wind up doing. Your info may help the next guy.
rwthomas1
Site Supporter
What is surprising to me is making a decision on such a short period of time. Spring of 20 I returned to riding after 20+yrs. The first month I thought I'd made a mistake. Not so much the weight of the bike, it's heavy, but I had no issue. It was the idiots in cages that scared me. But I persevered, I've been careful, and slowly the confidence returned. Why don't more people make health changes, as in working out, to allow them to keep riding? I know many people who workout/train to keep in shape to allow them to continue their favourite activities. From what ive seen, this isnt a thing in the motorcycle world. I find that odd.
RT
RT
When I was 65 I rode from Key West to Phrudhoe bay Alaska.. Great trip. Sold the Vstrom I rode up there with to a gent that was 75 years old.. He was in great shape but a bit forgetful. Sold the ST to a youngster of 56... I want another bike since I have moved but my physical condition may change things. At 71 I have tinnitus and Meniere's dz.. I get dizzy some times... Not good on a bike!!
mitch
mitch
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
Mitch - Your old ST1100 has over 118,000 miles on her and has been in 49 states!When I was 65 I rode from Key West to Phrudhoe bay Alaska.. Great trip. Sold the Vstrom I rode up there with to a gent that was 75 years old.. He was in great shape but a bit forgetful. Sold the ST to a youngster of 56... I want another bike since I have moved but my physical condition may change things. At 71 I have tinnitus and Meniere's dz.. I get dizzy some times... Not good on a bike!!
mitch
Uncle Phil - The FroST
Phil, thats GREAT!!! When I grow up I want to be just like you!!!
mitch
mitch
I like `em a nice mouthful... or what where we talking about?Some guys like 'em big on top, and some guys like 'em big on the bottom.
... above the Twisted Spoke bar, Chicago
OP
OP
The dealer can't reverse the deal as it was consignment stock, they've collected the bike to check/replace the battery, then they'll drop if of at my place. I've considered all the comments and decided to give this another shot. I'm in a different frame of mind and plan to find myself a deserted parking lot to practice all that needs practicing so I can regain my confidence. Smaller people than me ride an ST1300, so why shouldn't I.
Re the health issues mentioned above, early last year I was suddenly hit with unexpected lower back pain after using a two-way hand pump to inflate a few water bike floats to 7.5PSI, I was down for a few days, and had another two incidents a few months later while carrying heavy shopping. This is a little worrying, I could feel the pinch after wrestling the bike on the weekend.
Anyway, it looks like I'll be here for a while.
Maybe I'll look back on this in a few months and say, "what the hell was wrong with you, you're now handling this baby like a pro!".
Re the health issues mentioned above, early last year I was suddenly hit with unexpected lower back pain after using a two-way hand pump to inflate a few water bike floats to 7.5PSI, I was down for a few days, and had another two incidents a few months later while carrying heavy shopping. This is a little worrying, I could feel the pinch after wrestling the bike on the weekend.
Anyway, it looks like I'll be here for a while.
Maybe I'll look back on this in a few months and say, "what the hell was wrong with you, you're now handling this baby like a pro!".