Too old to ride??
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 801
From: Colorado
Since you can always downsize a bike in weight and size to keep you riding, the only guys that I have seen give up riding too soon, are guys that where not die hard skilled/ safe riders to start with, and really more afraid to be on the bike to start with.
Or
Just got up in years where their body/mind motor skills and even reaction times got to the point from age, that it was time to hang up riding (and behind the wheel in some cases as well)..
Or
Just got up in years where their body/mind motor skills and even reaction times got to the point from age, that it was time to hang up riding (and behind the wheel in some cases as well)..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 11,253
From: San Diego, CA
Let's face it.... getting old isn't for the faint of heart... 
I'm 63, luckily still healthy & fit. I currently have no issues handling my bagger or my softails...
But I realize I could be one illness, one injury, or a freak accident away from losing the ability to handle my bikes..... Until then, I'm careful, committed to staying as fit as I can, and I'll do what I can/must to continue to ride as long as I'm able... I've already contemplated adding a side car should my knees or legs develop problems...
I have a 75 yr old friend who still rides... He's no longer on a bagger, but handles his Heritage easily, and does some very long trips on it...
In the end, you will be the first one to know when/if you should hang it up....
When that time comes, all I can say is, "Have you seen the new Corvettes...????"
Stay young my friends....
I'm 63, luckily still healthy & fit. I currently have no issues handling my bagger or my softails...
But I realize I could be one illness, one injury, or a freak accident away from losing the ability to handle my bikes..... Until then, I'm careful, committed to staying as fit as I can, and I'll do what I can/must to continue to ride as long as I'm able... I've already contemplated adding a side car should my knees or legs develop problems...
I have a 75 yr old friend who still rides... He's no longer on a bagger, but handles his Heritage easily, and does some very long trips on it...
In the end, you will be the first one to know when/if you should hang it up....
When that time comes, all I can say is, "Have you seen the new Corvettes...????"
Stay young my friends....
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 180
Likes: 20
Too Old to Ride
I'm 71 with a wore out heart with a pig valve, pacemaker and defibulator . I been thru cancer, joint replacements, three eye surgery's, and one experimental heart procedure, I take 19 different meds a day to keep me on this side of the grass. I love my 07 FLHTC and am the only one who has ever rode it, I have rolled about 350 miles on it in the last 3 years but I still got it . If I sell it I would just **** the money away and all I could say is that I use to be a biker. If I wore any of my Harley Shirts all I would be is a poser. Now all I am is a wore out 71 year old well dressed Biker. My scooter is still there for when I want to roll with the old dawgs that I have rode with most of my life and I do still enjoy rollin it out to the 4 lane, twisting the throttle, hitting a few rev limiters, and enjoy my toy.
Remember that the one that dies with the most toys wins the game of life.
Remember that the one that dies with the most toys wins the game of life.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
I ride with guys in their early 80's here at the Southern Command Post, when they get too old for 2 wheels they do a trike conversion and still keep in the wind
Some days when we go out there are more trikes than bikes, but they make it for KSU at 0800 to ride an hour out for Breakfast and then 2 hours doing the long way home
Some days when we go out there are more trikes than bikes, but they make it for KSU at 0800 to ride an hour out for Breakfast and then 2 hours doing the long way home
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 471
Likes: 103
From: Central California
I agree to what’s been said up above. I feel like you should ride as long as you can...safely.
My parents are both in their 70’s and have been riding together (on their own bikes) for the last 30 years, and just recently my mom had a small incident that has given them the idea that it is time to hang it up.
So after 4 Harleys for mom, and 4 for dad, 100’s of thousands of miles, 8 trips to Sturgis and the Buffalo chip...they are selling their last bikes.
For certain health reasons, I am glad for the decision...for selfish reasons, I wish I could have some more time to ride with them.
My parents are both in their 70’s and have been riding together (on their own bikes) for the last 30 years, and just recently my mom had a small incident that has given them the idea that it is time to hang it up.
So after 4 Harleys for mom, and 4 for dad, 100’s of thousands of miles, 8 trips to Sturgis and the Buffalo chip...they are selling their last bikes.
For certain health reasons, I am glad for the decision...for selfish reasons, I wish I could have some more time to ride with them.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 403
Likes: 44
From: Montana
Hi all,
I'll be 70 this Jan and put 11.5k on this summer which wasn't easy cause of Covid. Several years ago I came up with a goal to ride the equivalent of from here to the moon on my harley. I was planning on doing it on my 99 Road King Classic but I wore her out. Got me a used 15 RGS w/ 4k on her in May 2017, "Lucille" has 57k on her now. Average distance to the moon is 240k, orbit isn't completely circular. Currently 52k from the moon. When I get there I'll decided if I keep going or head back. I have a big note on my frig
"DON'T LET THE OLD MAN IN" ......goldie
I'll be 70 this Jan and put 11.5k on this summer which wasn't easy cause of Covid. Several years ago I came up with a goal to ride the equivalent of from here to the moon on my harley. I was planning on doing it on my 99 Road King Classic but I wore her out. Got me a used 15 RGS w/ 4k on her in May 2017, "Lucille" has 57k on her now. Average distance to the moon is 240k, orbit isn't completely circular. Currently 52k from the moon. When I get there I'll decided if I keep going or head back. I have a big note on my frig
"DON'T LET THE OLD MAN IN" ......goldie
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 310
From: coastal sc
my dad is 81 and just picked up his 5th trike. and he has had 2 bikes with the voyager kits. He still enjoys riding. good luck and ride til u feel u shouldn't. I believe u will know when that time comes.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 469
Likes: 130
From: Portland, Oregon
I'm rapidly approaching 60. I only started riding about 10 years ago. Between 4 bikes I think I'm about 100,000 miles now. I'm overweight but otherwise reasonably healthy. I'm really hoping to be able to ride into my 70's. I see no reason to stop as long as you feel you can ride safely. And even then...maybe moving to three wheels would be an option if your health permits.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,489
Likes: 2,532
From: Lititz Pa
Im going to do it as long as possible I think 72 years young about 20 to 25000 a year. I ride with a group of retired guys on Tuesdays we go between 150 and 200 miles all year long. I lead half of the time and I am one of the younger guys. Our oldest guy just passed away in September he was 93 and only stopped ridding this year.
