Riding/racing again at retirement age

you only live once! 

I’ll be 50 in July and still moto as much as I can and i’ll be getting a new 24 350 to celebrate! I took a 12 year break from riding because everyone said it was time to grow up, it’s too dangerous, you keep getting hurt blah blah blah. When I helped with my father before he passed 6 years ago he had so much regret for the things he never did and always wanted to so i promised myself I would always do things that bring me joy in the last part of my life. I have focused on relearning and improving my fitness, technique and corners, I love smaller technical jump combinations that the younger folk have trouble doing… anyone can huck a big jump on a 4 stroke these days without any talent! I say do it without hesitation, ride within your limits, have fun with it, buy the stuff you always wanted but couldn’t afford in your prime … did i say have fun with it? 

71 next month and I select a few races to ride every year. Track days one day a week at the MX track and Shifter Kart track one day. Don't have a care where I finish - well maybe

Have several bikes, 2022 YZ250, and a 2023 YZ144 for track days and a KTM 300 for offroad riding. Best 4T that I had was a KTM 350 - great bike.

I work at being fit and don't drink as it makes a big arse difference at this age.....the YZ144 is the most fun!

My intention is to ride into the sunset with a big effen smile on my face

56 here but the body is worse than a 86 yr old. According to my back& neck mri , I see a Dr in a hr to get a plan for injections. Last summer was the 1st ride in 12 yrs , all my bikes etc where stolen. I jumped everything the 1st lap with out walking the track.  I just concentrate on being really smooth & aggressive as the track allowed.   I did 4-5 lap heaters passed every teenager on new 125,s. Track is hard pack with deep square holes,etc & slippery . I surprised myself the track owner- promoter even said 12 yrs since your last ride . Your looking fast & smooth. So you might be surprised on how well you ride. I would get a 125 if your weight is in the ball park. There more fun, you get away with more with out crashing. Less weight so you can use diff lines to carve up the track.

I’m going to 60 in a few months and ride a 250f, tire out a lot easier but this will be my 44th year of riding mx. I say have fun and get a smaller engine size. I like the 450s but I can ride a 250f longer and harder than a 450 nowadays.

Kenny, old guys NEED to ride!! 

Drop a brother a PM and we’ll take a 125, 350 & 450s out to the track & trail and see “what’s what” for you.

Your friend,

Manny 

I was at Perris yesterday racing as well. I am 55 years old. 

Both OTHG and OTMX ran a quick program. I was in race 2 and race 5 (only 5 races). Even after taking my sweet time loading and hanging out I was on the road at 1:30. 

I would recommend a 250f

Also look into the saturday races at Glen Helen. Quick days as well and lots of vets to ride with. 

I'm 60 and race with the OTHG and OTMX up here in Nor. Ca... I'm in good shape, row and ride Peloton 2-3 times a week and race all the OTHG stuff up here. Bikes of choice are YZ250 and 125... they both do it for me. Not a 4 stroke guy. 

I race the 58+ expert class with a bunch of good guys from all the OTHG chapters. It's a good time for sure. 

I'll buy that for a dollar !       Sounds like the deal of the week right there

If you’re in good shape go for it! I know a lot of guys that are 60+ that still moto

Kenny, I say go for it! I'm still racing at 61, and love the riding and racing, although I wish I could get more time to do both! The best bike for me actually is a 450--the reason is, if I want to hit something out of a corner or need a bit more motor to haul my old arse over a bigger jump (for me), I found the 450 did the trick. I still love my 2-strokes, but in a race, I'll take the 450, and it's ability to get me around faster than I am with my 250 2 stroke.

65 this year and still tearin it up. I'll ride until I cant which hopefully is never.

Go have fun, but don’t think you’ll be taking it easy. Within a year you’ll be going faster and flying farther than you ever did as a kid on those old bikes 

SPROINNG !!! That things unreal congratulations you crazy old fucker  well done. Good times ahead   

 Im 62, this is my race bike

1980 rm 125

Go for it!!!

Race a local hare scramble! GNCCs have plenty of older folk at the races, your local series would even be more relaxed and fun, as the competition is a alot lower.

Awesome. You'll certainly keep moto memes in business with that sexy bike at your age LOL

I can just imagine you smiling under your helmet. Keep us updated. You'll need a Sprinter to go with that.

Congrats on the new bike. It looks great and I envy you. I am 67 and still think about riding almost everyday. My last race was in 1994 with the OTMX at the old L.A County Raceway. All my buddies I use to ride and race with either quit or moved away so I was going to the races alone and I just wasn’t having any fun. Would love to ride again but with my back hurting the way it does now and one knee that is giving me problems I know it will never happen for me. 

Enjoy your new ride. 

"Time to get it out on some trails/open areas before I make an attempt on a moto track". 

Ocotillo is good right now...

Holy sheep shit Kenny!!!!

That is one awesome machine and that was the bike I recommended although I wasn't sure if you were ready to go in that deep with cost and suggested the 2016. 

But you made the right choice, there is nothing like a new bike and you don't have to worry about previous owner neglect. 

Congratulations, good luck trying to get good sleep before you ride it! 😀

62, Race vintage MX, ride 300 off  road, ride a trial occasionally.

Do it!

Congrats! That's one heck of a bike!

wait until you ride it, your eyes are going to pop out of your head. we did not have anything like these bikes, back in the days.  They are amazing, and the tech is so far ahead of what you first imagine when you jump on it.  Congrats!

I am only 36, but I hope I can moto until I’m 80. Tons of respect for you guys. This was a good article on older folks and extreme sports. No mention of moto though!
 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/02/22/extreme-sports/

66 here and never really quit racing. However, where I live MX is on life support and actually racing has gotten to be a pain in the ass. Wait around all weekend just to ride a couple of 4 lap motos. I have been lucky enough to continue riding with life long friends, most of whom are in ther 70’s!

Nice bike Kenny. I'm 55 and just back at it after a 27yr break. 

Some of the things i struggle with are what your capable of and what you should be doing as a fragile Vet. ??? Any advise on muffling my competitive instinct and ego. ?? I got a 22 YZ250 2-stroke last year but local tracks are deep sand so found it hard to dial it back and ride 80% as it's on the pipe or buried in the sand (I'm big lad, tall so heavier) 

Just picked up a YZ450 hoping this gives me a better chance to back it down to 80% as i'm guessing the 4T should have broader torque range. (god i hope this theory works) 

Good luck Kenny - start slow and practise all skills big and small. 

65 and ride/race almost every weekend. I find myself riding more than racing but it’s all good. 

 I’ll be 65 in April and ride off road as much as possible, as others have said you only live once. 

Way to jump in!! Sweet bike. 65 here in June and still looking for that factory ride. Enjoy!