Too old to ride??
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 653
From: Atlantic Canada, eh
This reminds me of an adventure I had a couple of years ago --- I left Las Vegas on my old Electra Glide for Boise to see my 2 of my grandbabies, made it 124 miles and ran out of gas. And no cell service. After the first 3 hours of waiting, it wasn't funny any more. After close to 5 hours, a super nice guy in his late 70's early 80's on a big Honda pulling a trailer stopped, and he had a 2 gallon gas can. It took him a few minutes to get off his bike, as he was on oxygen and had to unwrap the tubing off his handle bars. He and his wife had been on the road for 3 years as I recall. He would not take the 100 I tried to give him, just asked that I pay it forward. I thanked him, and me and my sunburn headed on down the road.
They are still out there !
I hope we are all some of them.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 94
From: Massachusetts
I will be 70 in the spring. I got my m/c license in 1967 and never looked back.
I just retired 2 weeks ago.
I thought it was the thing to do for an old guy and I bought a Tri-Glide. I rode it for about 1-1/2 years and never shined up to it so I went back to two wheels last fall.
We now have an Electra Glide Ultra Limited.
My wife and I plan on taking about 6 weeks next summer and riding the bike from Massachusetts to Sturgis.
I'll be 70-1/2 when we make that trip. Been riding 53 years and have no plans on quitting anytime soon.
I just retired 2 weeks ago.
I thought it was the thing to do for an old guy and I bought a Tri-Glide. I rode it for about 1-1/2 years and never shined up to it so I went back to two wheels last fall.
We now have an Electra Glide Ultra Limited.
My wife and I plan on taking about 6 weeks next summer and riding the bike from Massachusetts to Sturgis.
I'll be 70-1/2 when we make that trip. Been riding 53 years and have no plans on quitting anytime soon.
Last edited by ElectraGlideSteve; Nov 15, 2020 at 04:38 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 4,245
From: U.S.A. Upstate N. Y.
Old to ride
Only you known when it's time. Old friend rode till he passed at 86. Had over 30 Harley's in his lifetime. Rode all year long even in the winter months in a snowmobile suit. Rode over 1 million miles in his life, eight times to Alaska..
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 147
Likes: 61
From: Mulkeytown, IL
I am almost 60, but only 35 in my mind. Unfortunately, I have a pretty busted up body from 20 years in the military that reminds me that I am NOT 35! The only thing I feel going is my balance. Sometimes slow speed maneuvering and pulling up to a stop and getting my feet down on my Electra Glide seems a little clumsy. I have already been looking at trike kits so that I am prepared when the day comes. I have always thought that trikes were for old men, but better to be called old than a non-rider!
I hate the ride of a Harley trike. They are way too stiff.
I hate the ride of a Harley trike. They are way too stiff.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 2,863
From: IL
I am almost 60, but only 35 in my mind. Unfortunately, I have a pretty busted up body from 20 years in the military that reminds me that I am NOT 35! The only thing I feel going is my balance. Sometimes slow speed maneuvering and pulling up to a stop and getting my feet down on my Electra Glide seems a little clumsy. I have already been looking at trike kits so that I am prepared when the day comes. I have always thought that trikes were for old men, but better to be called old than a non-rider!
I hate the ride of a Harley trike. They are way too stiff.
I hate the ride of a Harley trike. They are way too stiff.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,929
Likes: 301
From: moved to Florida!
My dad was the inspiration for me riding and he rode til he was 81. I GOTTA go at least that long! I’m almost 67 now and started when I was 12. I can’t imagine not having a bike. I am fortunate to have two bikes now, and still enjoy it just like when I was a kid. Besides, it makes me the cool Gramps!
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 73
Likes: 32
From: Florida
After 35 years of being without a bike, at 61 I got my first Harley (Road King) 1 year later I now have a Limited Low at 62 years young. I plan on riding until my funeral! I guess 60 is the new 30 LOL!
Wow! as I am typing this & reading that I am 62, it kinda freaks me out! In my mind & am no where near this old!!!
Wow! as I am typing this & reading that I am 62, it kinda freaks me out! In my mind & am no where near this old!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,003
Likes: 11,441
Knowing my sons and daughter would do right I gave them the authority to make that call. If I can no longer exercise good judgement they can take my keys. They know me. I trust them I will not stop riding until it is just no longer an option.