Use your brakes
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
1. The number of older riders has gone way up, compared to the number of younger riders.
2. It's not uncommon any more for someone to get their first bike when they are older. Lack of experience.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,322
Likes: 2,500
From: Tennessee
The main reason that older guys get in more crashes these days in because of the huge influx of older beginners.
Guy's that have either never ridden or haven't ridden since they were in their 20's and now, in their 60's they go out and buy the biggest loaded up garbage barge ultra that they can buy and head out on the highway....Lookin' for adventure and whatever comes their way.
In many cases, what comes their way is a crash.
Next time your around a bunch of Harley riders, just sit and watch the sheer number of old fools wobbling around and duck walking their bikes around turns because they really have no clue how to ride a motorcycle.
It's not guys like me that have been riding almost every day for 46 years that are dropping like flies, it's "Joe Accountant" that "always wanted a Harley" and now that he's a geezer his wife finally gave him "permission" to "pull the trigger" on a new Ultra boat anchor and $5,000 worth of Harley gear, so the idiot can truly experience the "biker lifestyle".
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 196
From: Boise, ID
According to what I've read, there are two main reasons for older riders having more crashes:
1. The number of older riders has gone way up, compared to the number of younger riders.
2. It's not uncommon any more for someone to get their first bike when they are older. Lack of experience.
1. The number of older riders has gone way up, compared to the number of younger riders.
2. It's not uncommon any more for someone to get their first bike when they are older. Lack of experience.
This makes sense to me. Now when I think about it some of the guys I know who are near my age bracket don't ride anywhere. Just putt around town. Too scared to go across state lines I suppose...
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 356
Likes: 2
From: Maine
Both of them. I've seen people posting about just using the front brake... Bad habit.
The problem with just using the front during normal riding, is that in an emergency thats all you'll grab. The rear brake may not do much stopping, but it helps keep the bike straight in an emergency stop.
The problem with just using the front during normal riding, is that in an emergency thats all you'll grab. The rear brake may not do much stopping, but it helps keep the bike straight in an emergency stop.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 196
From: Boise, ID
The main reason that older guys get in more crashes these days in because of the huge influx of older beginners.
Guy's that have either never ridden or haven't ridden since they were in their 20's and now, in their 60's they go out and buy the biggest loaded up garbage barge ultra that they can buy and head out on the highway....Lookin' for adventure and whatever comes their way.
In many cases, what comes their way is a crash.
Next time your around a bunch of Harley riders, just sit and watch the sheer number of old fools wobbling around and duck walking their bikes around turns because they really have no clue how to ride a motorcycle.
It's not guys like me that have been riding almost every day for 46 years that are dropping like flies, it's "Joe Accountant" that "always wanted a Harley" and now that he's a geezer his wife finally gave him "permission" to "pull the trigger" on a new Ultra boat anchor and $5,000 worth of Harley gear, so the idiot can truly experience the "biker lifestyle".
Guy's that have either never ridden or haven't ridden since they were in their 20's and now, in their 60's they go out and buy the biggest loaded up garbage barge ultra that they can buy and head out on the highway....Lookin' for adventure and whatever comes their way.
In many cases, what comes their way is a crash.
Next time your around a bunch of Harley riders, just sit and watch the sheer number of old fools wobbling around and duck walking their bikes around turns because they really have no clue how to ride a motorcycle.
It's not guys like me that have been riding almost every day for 46 years that are dropping like flies, it's "Joe Accountant" that "always wanted a Harley" and now that he's a geezer his wife finally gave him "permission" to "pull the trigger" on a new Ultra boat anchor and $5,000 worth of Harley gear, so the idiot can truly experience the "biker lifestyle".
First off thank you for your response. This also makes sense to me (see above).
I do wish my wife would give me 5 g's worth of Harley gear...LOL Oh well maybe when I retire.
I do feel practice is better than reading or watching videos. But I also feel learning some things and then practicing those things is better still. I think where the big problem comes up is there are never 2 situations that are exactly the same.
I don't feel you should ever stop learning, and there is never a time that you "know everything".
Perhaps if those 60 year olds who haven't been riding for 40 years should go get some training. I realize a bike isn't completely new, but some things have changed. Last time some of those guys rode they probably didn't have front brakes.
I myself do not have the luxury of riding almost everyday. I wish weather and work/family schedules would allow for it. I have noticed in the spring my muscle memory is a bit rusty. Being able to practice every day would prevent that I would think.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,013
Likes: 7,139
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
ABS braking systems should be outlawed. They are inferior to standard braking systems. They do nothing to shorten braking distances. In fact, ABS is shown to lengthen 60 to 0 braking distances by 8+ feet. And thats on clean, dry asphalt. The difference is even more dramatic in rain. On dirt? Forgetaboutit! You got no brakes!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 698
From: nowhere
Older riders
Sooner or later, we will all crash. No mater what your skill level is, sooner or later some clown is going to turn left in front of you. Older riders have more wrecks? Maybe, but after 30-40 years of riding, it's just might be their time.
If you ride for 2yrs, you have a limited window of time to wreck you brains out. If you ride for 40yrs, you have 20 times that opportunity. Just saying..
If you ride for 2yrs, you have a limited window of time to wreck you brains out. If you ride for 40yrs, you have 20 times that opportunity. Just saying..
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,322
Likes: 2,500
From: Tennessee
ABS braking systems should be outlawed. They are inferior to standard braking systems. They do nothing to shorten braking distances. In fact, ABS is shown to lengthen 60 to 0 braking distances by 8+ feet. And thats on clean, dry asphalt. The difference is even more dramatic in rain. On dirt? Forgetaboutit! You got no brakes!
Oh Now you've gone and done it!!!!
You're gonna get the ABS nerds riled up.....
I agree with you though.....
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 442
Likes: 26
From: Sac
Sooner or later, we will all crash. No mater what your skill level is, sooner or later some clown is going to turn left in front of you. Older riders have more wrecks? Maybe, but after 30-40 years of riding, it's just might be their time.
If you ride for 2yrs, you have a limited window of time to wreck you brains out. If you ride for 40yrs, you have 20 times that opportunity. Just saying..
If you ride for 2yrs, you have a limited window of time to wreck you brains out. If you ride for 40yrs, you have 20 times that opportunity. Just saying..