Aging riders
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 3:15:01 PM
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Lopoetve
Posts: 407
Joined: 4/21/2008
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stupid statistic. 16-40 vs 40-90... how many years in each catagory? You do the math.
Ignore what news places tell you, they don't know a number from their dick.
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2007 Sportster 1200R - The first, but not the Last
Stage 1 Intake
SE Slipons
Fueling kit.
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 3:49:51 PM
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rfranz1952
Posts: 218
Joined: 3/12/2007
From: Salina, KS
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The thing these "scare tactic" articles never mention is that if more than half of all riders are over 40, then one would expect more than half of the fatalities to also be over 40, all other things being equal.
The 2007 Harly demographics indicate that the median age of harley riders is about 47--meaning half are over 47 and half under. That means that quite a bit more than half are over 40. If they are experienceing only half of the fatalities, that means that older riders must have a lower fatality rate than younger riders.
Of course, you can't draw that conclusion based on only Harley demographics, as some other segments of the market are younger. However, it wouldn't surprise me if the median age for all riders was about 40.
This is just another example of the press being stupid, or deliberately trying to mislead the public in pursuit of it's own agenda.
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2005 XL 1200 Custom
"THOR" The Sound of Thunder
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 4:06:32 PM
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Dixie Dreg
Posts: 611
Joined: 12/30/2007
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99% of the people who are presently dead have eaten carrots.
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 4:41:10 PM
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deadman77
Posts: 2289
Joined: 7/12/2007
From: Chicago, NW suburbs
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quote:
ORIGINAL: snakeinthegrass
I am presently 66 years old, soon to be 67. Last year I bought my first Harley and you know what, I became younger overnight. My reflexes improved my vision improved, my outlook on life improved, I don't need Viagra anymore. Life is Good and I credit it all to my Harley. Screw it, just ride.
+1
Just turned 53 Wednesday.
Had my bike for 1 year now. Today is the 1 year anniversary.
Hadnt ridden for 23 years and I cant believe how much I missed.
I feel great!!!
Get the **** out of my way.
MikeM
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05 Fatboy
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 4:42:03 PM
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skootchnc
Posts: 377
Joined: 1/30/2008
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Most of motorcycle accidents happen to inexperienced riders..... 50 year olds who "remember" how they rode 25 years ago, often make mistakes...... and mistakes on a motorcycle can be deadly..... the news isn't really new.... it's the same old story....
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AMA
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 4:50:06 PM
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Paniolo
Posts: 569
Joined: 4/30/2005
From: SoCal
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quote:
ORIGINAL: skootchnc
Most of motorcycle accidents happen to inexperienced riders..... 50 year olds who "remember" how they rode 25 years ago, often make mistakes...... and mistakes on a motorcycle can be deadly..... the news isn't really new.... it's the same old story....
Which is probably why most of the riders who sign up for Ride Like A Pro are in that age bracket. They know they cannot ride like the did 30 years ago, anymore than they can hit an inside fastball like they did 30 years ago. So they wise up, take a course and practice.
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 5:24:12 PM
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harleydude68
Posts: 511
Joined: 9/26/2007
From: Uxbridge, Ma
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All I know is I sometimes visit our local insurance salvage "pool" and on occasion I walk past the wrecked bikes that they keep inside their garage and If there are 100 bikes there at anyone time I can tell you for sure that 85% are motorcycles other than HD's mostly crotch rockets. I don't know anyone over 40 that owns a crotcher. So for me actually seeing the results of reel crashed bikes and the type of bikes I can honestly tell you that it is the UNDER 40 crowd that is usually the statistic. It makes sense with the rise in poularity that motorcycle crashes are going to increase when there are more motorcycles on the road today than ever in history. - DUh! I sometimes thing that reporters have nothing else to report so they find an interesting topic but don't put in the research before they release their story. I guess that what makes the world go around.
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 5:32:49 PM
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kwoozn
Posts: 326
Joined: 2/21/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: snakeinthegrass
I don't need Viagra anymore.
Um.........
You can send me your leftovers!
A little help can't hurt!
Not easy asking for help, in fact it"s hard!!!! 
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'07 Road Glide
Vivid Black
S/E Stage One
The missing stripe from Hells Foundry
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 5:43:57 PM
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Sam Handwich357
Posts: 24
Joined: 2/5/2008
From: Rock Valley, IA
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Right behind ya Mr. Snake. I am 65+ and just picked up my first HD Softail Heritage today. Open the gate and let me OUT!!!!
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 6:04:05 PM
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jbphoto
Posts: 615
Joined: 8/8/2007
From: Belle, West Virginia
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Dixie Dreg
99% of the people who are presently dead have eaten carrots.
OH CRAP... I'm a goner!! Chaulk another biker death up to carrots.
No, I'm NOT a senior citizen. An old fart most certainly, but not a senior citizen. I'm only 63.
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Jerry
2008 FXDB vivid black
A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving - Lao Tzu
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 7:09:32 PM
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jeffbcn
Posts: 923
Joined: 5/9/2007
From: Southern California
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quote:
ORIGINAL: deadman77
quote:
ORIGINAL: snakeinthegrass
I am presently 66 years old, soon to be 67. Last year I bought my first Harley and you know what, I became younger overnight. My reflexes improved my vision improved, my outlook on life improved, I don't need Viagra anymore. Life is Good and I credit it all to my Harley. Screw it, just ride.
+1
Just turned 53 Wednesday.
Had my bike for 1 year now. Today is the 1 year anniversary.
Hadnt ridden for 23 years and I cant believe how much I missed.
I feel great!!!
Get the **** out of my way.
MikeM
Just turned 56. Had mine just over a year. Best thing I ever did, should have done it years ago.
_____________________________
06 BrandyWine Wide Glide
But I'm tryin' Ringo.....I'm tryin' real hard....to be the Shepherd
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 7:19:18 PM
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*NIGHT TRAIN*
Posts: 1497
Joined: 2/8/2008
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"But in 2006, the most recent year examined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half the fatal crashes claimed riders over 40."
So....MORE than half the fatal crashes claimed riders UNDER 40...
And the startling news here IS??.....
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The Pussification Of The American Biker Is Upon Us.
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 7:33:04 PM
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SamStone
Posts: 922
Joined: 11/16/2005
From: New Carlisle, Ohio
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Someone tell me a better way to die!
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 7:37:56 PM
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LdyMjo
Posts: 419
Joined: 11/17/2007
From: Puget Sound Area
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I first read those stats after I bought my bike, and before I took my MSF class. That and some nasty gore sites gave me the heebie jeebies, until I looked at ALL the stats and realized how much they support beating the odds if a rider is smart and takes the right steps. Yes, we've all heard the arguments that we shouldn't board a plane then, or cross the street, or drive a car if we are that worried about it...yeah, yeah, yeah... Not a good logical argument for me, but the stats themselves are, as is the confidence and learning that increase with each ride. And we can cut our odds by getting a proper license--check; safety class--check; don't drink/ride impaired--check; don't drive in dangerous conditions--check; maintain/pre-check your bike--check; all the gear, all the time--check; know your safety zone and have a backup plan ready--check; keep learning and practicing--check. I don't know--this is the best after 40 life-extending decision I've ever made. I've added 10 years to my life because of the extra hoo-rah and stress relief my Nighty gives me. I'm smilin' more, and that's all I need to know .
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2008 Nightster-1200XLN, vivid black, tribal paint, Rush 2" baloney-cut pipes, SE A/C, SE Race Tuner, Corbin Classic.
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 7:41:17 PM
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KBFXDLI
Posts: 8064
Joined: 2/4/2006
From: Cleveland, Ohio USA
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Well I'm going to be 55 in August and I can tell you that sometimes I forget to
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Our contest is not only whether we ourselves shall be free, but whether there shall be left to mankind an asylum on earth for civil and religious liberty. Sam Adams
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 7:42:05 PM
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gandy dancer
Posts: 155
Joined: 12/18/2006
Status: offline
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How about some of us old bikers, 55, that have never quit riding---this month marks 41 years in the saddle for me---how about these folks driving with cell phones stuck in their ears, or like the lady who I passed today who was eating a cup of ice cream---maybe these reporters should look at the causes and not be so quick to point out "old" bikers--------------------------------------
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 7:48:04 PM
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streeteagle
Posts: 286
Joined: 2/20/2007
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I'm 67, & started riding again after a 20 year hiatus. I'm riding much more than I did then, & I'm enjoying it much more also. It seems the more I ride, the better my skills, reaction time, etc. seem to be. My thinking is, if you're going to ride in you're golden years, ride as much as you can to keep you're skills honed, & keep on riding as long as you can, which I hope will be a long time.
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 '07 Deuce
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RE: Aging riders - 5/10/2008 7:48:43 PM
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LAMing
Posts: 162
Joined: 11/3/2007
From: Eastern Oklahoma
Status: offline
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I just turned 56 also.
Got my first HD last part of last November. Have logged 5000 miles on it so far. I come from almost 40 years of off-road motorcycling and I have found that is MUCH easier and less hassle to simply swing a leg over the HD and head out for ??? than load up my gear, load up one of my off-road bikes, drive to the targeted riding area, unload the bike, unload the gear, get geared-up, finally RIDE for a bit... then get back to the truck, take off the gear, load the bike, drive home, unload the bike, unload the gear, clean the bike, service the bike, clean the gear... didn't this used to be fun????
So, the HD is becoming my primary way of enjoying biking. Though there are many things about off-road riding I still intend to enjoy aboard an off-road bike, the HD is my primary get-away machine. (Confession: I get goosebumps riding that thing sometimes.)
Don't know where I fit in statistically, for this IS my first geniune "street" bike and my first HD... BUT... I've got previous experience. I have a friend that still RACES off-road (and wins) that's in his 70s... in fact I know MANY off-roading friends in their 60s... and they're still faster than stink.
For those of you that are younger and riding: KEEP riding. Your experiences will help your skills to grow, and that same experience will help you continue to enjoy the sport (and stay alive) as you age and your skills aren't as razor edged as they once were.
I read once: You don't quit riding because you get old, you get old because you quit riding.
How true. Back in the 70s I used to ride off-road with a fellow that was only a few years older than I was. He quit riding in the late 70s. I continued riding and riding and riding... still riding to this day. I saw him about 10 years ago. He missed riding, but was concerned that he had been off bikes for so long, that his skills would be very rusty... so to my knowledge, he's never got back on a scoot to this day. Man, just look at all the fun he's missed, both off-road and on!
Keep on ridin'!
Andre Ming
Eastern OK
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RE: Aging riders - 5/11/2008 12:18:03 AM
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fonemann
Posts: 268
Joined: 3/16/2007
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Hell, I've been riding a while my self(55) and they are right, damn near turned my lawn tractor over today, cant counter steer it
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RE: Aging riders - 5/11/2008 2:47:37 AM
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62trvler
Posts: 382
Joined: 7/15/2007
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More bikers, more accidents, too many young distracted drivers and all in a big hurry. Also to many old cagers not paying attention and should not be behind the wheel. My buddy just lost his leg due to elderly lady making left turn in front of him while he was passing. She didn't use a turn signal and didn't look to see before she turned. All on a vacant country road, no traffic.
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RE: Aging riders - 5/11/2008 4:10:45 AM
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dog155
Posts: 4625
Joined: 11/5/2006
From: Windham,Maine--God's Country
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I stopped believing any statistics that are published for the world to see.They are always done because some zealot has an agenda.
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RE: Aging riders - 5/11/2008 4:18:43 AM
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skootchnc
Posts: 377
Joined: 1/30/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Paniolo
quote:
ORIGINAL: skootchnc
Most of motorcycle accidents happen to inexperienced riders..... 50 year olds who "remember" how they rode 25 years ago, often make mistakes...... and mistakes on a motorcycle can be deadly..... the news isn't really new.... it's the same old story....
Which is probably why most of the riders who sign up for Ride Like A Pro are in that age bracket. They know they cannot ride like the did 30 years ago, anymore than they can hit an inside fastball like they did 30 years ago. So they wise up, take a course and practice.
yeah Jerry.... many do sign up...... but there's still way to many who will show me their scars, and tell me, "everything I need to know, I learned from this wreck...." or some such
don't get me wrong..... we got those "bumble bee" sport bike riders, who think dive bombing on a busy street is great fun..... and the cops are hasselin them, for speeding....
_____________________________
05 Road Glide
AMA
Greater Raleigh SCRC
MRF
Wet Butt Riders Assn.
Rhino Riders
Raleigh NC
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RE: Aging riders - 5/11/2008 4:35:34 AM
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JBaker421
Posts: 7388
Joined: 3/13/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: dog155
I stopped believing any statistics that are published for the world to see.They are always done because some zealot has an agenda.
Well, I just keep my own statistics. Here's the front fender of my car.
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Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice Doggie' until you can find a rock. - Will Rogers
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RE: Aging riders - 5/11/2008 4:51:15 AM
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HDRick
Multiple Time Contributor
Posts: 262
Joined: 5/1/2007
From: Ocala, Fla.
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Is it true that Viagra is what Heritage riders use for "No More Saggy bags"? Guess at 60 I have that to look forward to. The story reminds me of an old adage:
"Liars Figure & Figures Lie" You can make any statistic say anything you want it to say. With Viagra, there must be a lot of hardened riders on Softys...
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RE: Aging riders - 5/11/2008 5:13:19 AM
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BadBobOk
Posts: 2966
Joined: 12/4/2006
From: Central Oklahoma
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SamStone
Someone tell me a better way to die!
A heart attack while trying to do all of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders perhaps?
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RE: Aging riders - 5/11/2008 5:21:48 AM
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Perch
Posts: 513
Joined: 5/20/2007
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Got my motorcycle license and first motorcycle just before my 50th birthday. I'm in my 4th riding season now. I think because I was an "older" rider when I first started out, and even still, that I am more "cautious" than some young pups might be, perhaps because with age comes the knowledge that none of us is invincible. My reflexes are not dulled because I am "older", but I know they may not always be as quick as I might want/wish them to be, so again, I am cautious. Again, maybe this knowledge comes with age? I don't mean I'm timid or scared, just cautious - about my own riding, and also am super aware of everyone else on the road.
I do think riding has made me feel younger - whatever it is, I am in a good space. Love my hubby of a year and a half, love riding together, hell, life is good at (almost) 53!!
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“Ignore the dragon and it will eat you. Try to confront the dragon, it will overpower you. If you ride the dragon you will take advantage of its might and power.
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