Getting back to Moto/riding at 60+?

sandman768
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Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
11/15/2023 11:49am

So, did you do it?  I'm about to hit 61 and seriously considering jumping back in.  I hope you did and you love it!

You know what the answer is ……. Go get yourself a new bike, make sure you start a “Wallet thread” so we can see what color👍

5
KHNC
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East Flat Rock, NC, USA
11/15/2023 12:31pm

So, did you do it?  I'm about to hit 61 and seriously considering jumping back in.  I hope you did and you love it!

Old guys dont MX , they just watch it on tv and youtube with their hot young wives. 

1
2
TDC
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HTown, TX, USA
11/15/2023 12:58pm

So, did you do it?  I'm about to hit 61 and seriously considering jumping back in.  I hope you did and you love it!

Jump! 

Why delay Joy in your life. I'm 61 and now a couple years into MX in H-town. Years of off-road experience in SoCal. The body is healthy and I'm feeling the joy in life again...YAT 

3
mxrider641
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Endicott, NY, USA
11/15/2023 1:12pm

So, did you do it?  I'm about to hit 61 and seriously considering jumping back in.  I hope you did and you love it!

So I did - picked up a leftover but new 2018 XCF-350 - have not ridden as much as I would like, still semi-working - when I do ride I like it. Thought I would do more moto, but some nice trails are getting to be more appealing!

8

The Shop

Hammer 663s
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Forest Grove, OR, USA
11/15/2023 1:22pm Edited Date/Time 11/15/2023 1:23pm

I got out of moto at 60+. Last 2 crashes were both concussions. Can't have that many working brain cells left as it is, so protecting those that remain. 

I scratch the itch with one of my Yamaha RD400 2 strokers, or my MT07. 

4
motomojo
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11/15/2023 1:22pm
OldPro277 wrote:
Took a 34 year complete absence from riding any kind of motorcycle. Raced fanatically from 74-80. Got my Pro card in 77, got balled up pretty...
Took a 34 year complete absence from riding any kind of motorcycle. Raced fanatically from 74-80. Got my Pro card in 77, got balled up pretty good a couple of times and finally hung it up in 1980 . Met my wife to be that summer and didn't swing a leg over a bike until 2015 . Crazy ? probably. A couple of my old racing buddies died within months of each other ( heart attacks, cancer,etc) so me and my closest ex pro racing/travelling buddy decided we better have some fun before its too late, and start buying and building bikes. Been riding and racing since. Even this year with Covid19 messing up schedules this weekend will be our 10th race of the season. I did 16 (?) last year. So my advice is DO IT !! Although I race mainly Vintage MX / X-Country , I have a couple of modern bikes too, one being a YZ250X that is just about the perfect bike for us 60+ dudes ,I have a 12oz Steahly on it, Rekluse set up and its a killer woods bike that you can still get around nicely on a pure Moto track. . Understand I come from the 2-strokes only era ,so I don't have much time or interest in the 4 stroke stuff.

As I write this, I turned 61 today !!

In summary--- buy whatever you like, but if you have any money left over ,build and race a Vintage bike, you'll thank me. That is truly more fun now than it was back in the day !!

The vintage bike is a great idea.                               I raced back in the 70's when i was 16 currently 66 and riding a 2014 yz 125 but i have a very fast 1974 CR 125 that i still ride.

I raced the AHRMA vintage nationals 96 thru 2000 125/ 250 expert and actually won the 1997 AHRMA 125 sportsman expert national championship on it.

Harry klemm motor work and a factory FMF pipe this 125 is a badass 50 year old moto monster.

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Richy
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11/15/2023 1:25pm

Awesome news, even just having the bike there to look at when walking past or tinkering with it is therapy for me. Hopefully you find some more time to get out on it, I'm trying myself 👍

I love hearing about all you older folks still riding though. Firstly it's just plain badass, massive props to all of you. Secondly it gives me so much hope for how much time I have left to ride. But mostly I have a tonne of respect for all of you still riding at even 50+ and moreso for the 60+ and 70+ guys, amazing.

Enjoy everything you can, while you can!

6
11/15/2023 1:48pm

So, did you do it?  I'm about to hit 61 and seriously considering jumping back in.  I hope you did and you love it!

mxrider641 wrote:
So I did - picked up a leftover but new 2018 XCF-350 - have not ridden as much as I would like, still semi-working - when...

So I did - picked up a leftover but new 2018 XCF-350 - have not ridden as much as I would like, still semi-working - when I do ride I like it. Thought I would do more moto, but some nice trails are getting to be more appealing!

Sweet!, now I'm going back and forth between a newish YZ250, an 86 CR250 or a four stroke 450.

So many bikes, so little time - for real!

4
11/15/2023 5:40pm

just back at it after life got in the way early 90's. I'm just a JR at 56........some days it's like old days and Glory. Other days it's wtf am i doing. One day the 450 isn't enough (kidding) and next time out the 250f feels like a rocket ship. But loving seeing old freinds at the track and hanging out is as much fun as riding - let's hope i'm still at it at 60 

 

4
11/15/2023 5:51pm
I got out of moto at 60+. Last 2 crashes were both concussions. Can't have that many working brain cells left as it is, so protecting...

I got out of moto at 60+. Last 2 crashes were both concussions. Can't have that many working brain cells left as it is, so protecting those that remain. 

I scratch the itch with one of my Yamaha RD400 2 strokers, or my MT07. 

Concussions are a concern, glad you hung up your boots with all your marbles!

1
11/15/2023 5:52pm Edited Date/Time 11/15/2023 5:52pm
just back at it after life got in the way early 90's. I'm just a JR at 56........some days it's like old days and Glory. Other...

just back at it after life got in the way early 90's. I'm just a JR at 56........some days it's like old days and Glory. Other days it's wtf am i doing. One day the 450 isn't enough (kidding) and next time out the 250f feels like a rocket ship. But loving seeing old freinds at the track and hanging out is as much fun as riding - let's hope i'm still at it at 60 

 

Glad to hear it! Once you've ridden you never want to stop.

3
joekarter
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Cottonwood, AZ, USA
11/15/2023 6:44pm

I'm 68 and raced last weekend.  The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to be very selective about the tracks you ride.  Not sure about where you live, but here in Arizona we have two active tracks and each has a way tamed down "vet" track along with what each calls a national track.  Could I make it around the national tracks?  You bet.  But, the differences in what I'd clear and what I'd just choose to roll would make it seriously dangerous for me and the kids that are trying to be the next big thing.  Like others have said, ride within your limits, focus on having fun, and don't let the 20 year old in your head make the decisions.  Smile

10
Brent
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Temecula, CA, USA
11/15/2023 7:20pm Edited Date/Time 11/15/2023 7:34pm

Vet riders getting back in to riding on a modern day track need to focus on three things to prevent ending up in the E.R. - 

(1) Fitness

(2)Fitness

(3) Fitness

I see it all the time around here.  A rider or racer who last rode in 2003 on a two stroke sees how easy Jett or even Kris Keefer makes it look, and decides to get himself a brand new 350.  

Next thing you know dude is laying on the side of a vet track somewhere with EMS asking for his wife's phone number, with the meat wagon rolling in thru the pits to collect him, or worse, the helo is looking for a spot to land.

BTW I'm a vet rider, but I take this shit extremely serious.   Yoga, diet, calorie control,  flexibility training, reflex training, proper sleep, and weight training/cardio  at least 4 days a week will lessen chances of injury.  Track riding is a hobby that requires significant commitment off the bike.

 If a vet rider re- entering the sport today wants to experience the awesome fun of a dirt bike without all the prep, trail or desert riding is the way to go.

Haters down vote away.

#truth

17
11/15/2023 7:30pm
Brent wrote:
Vet riders getting back in to riding on a modern day track need to focus on three things to prevent ending up in the E.R. - ...

Vet riders getting back in to riding on a modern day track need to focus on three things to prevent ending up in the E.R. - 

(1) Fitness

(2)Fitness

(3) Fitness

I see it all the time around here.  A rider or racer who last rode in 2003 on a two stroke sees how easy Jett or even Kris Keefer makes it look, and decides to get himself a brand new 350.  

Next thing you know dude is laying on the side of a vet track somewhere with EMS asking for his wife's phone number, with the meat wagon rolling in thru the pits to collect him, or worse, the helo is looking for a spot to land.

BTW I'm a vet rider, but I take this shit extremely serious.   Yoga, diet, calorie control,  flexibility training, reflex training, proper sleep, and weight training/cardio  at least 4 days a week will lessen chances of injury.  Track riding is a hobby that requires significant commitment off the bike.

 If a vet rider re- entering the sport today wants to experience the awesome fun of a dirt bike without all the prep, trail or desert riding is the way to go.

Haters down vote away.

#truth

I agree 100%, in fact I promised  my wife that if I didn't drop 25 lbs and step up my strength training I wouldn't be racing as I know it will be too difficult and dangerous.  Thanks for the advice.

2
11/15/2023 7:32pm
G-man wrote:
Well if the bug has bit you it's hard not to want to ride again. 🤪 Been riding 55 years or so and can't imagine not...
Well if the bug has bit you it's hard not to want to ride again. 🤪 Been riding 55 years or so and can't imagine not having a Bike in the garage.

Have you tried a 350? They are a perfect machine for us old guys. If you can get your paws on one I would try it but be prepared as you're going to want to buy one.
I dig my 350XCFW, but I mostly ride Single track and Dualsport these days.



Kept my 06CRF 450 if I feel the need to go to the track.
I was doing this at 56, I'm 62 now. 😬



Good thing you kept all your gear, like you almost knew you would come back 😃 just make sure those 2005 boots are sturdy enough and not flexy fliers.

Have Fun and let us know how it goes! 👍

Thanks for the info, I'll check out the 350!

2
11/15/2023 7:37pm
joekarter wrote:
I'm 68 and raced last weekend.  The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to be very selective about the tracks you ride.  Not sure...

I'm 68 and raced last weekend.  The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to be very selective about the tracks you ride.  Not sure about where you live, but here in Arizona we have two active tracks and each has a way tamed down "vet" track along with what each calls a national track.  Could I make it around the national tracks?  You bet.  But, the differences in what I'd clear and what I'd just choose to roll would make it seriously dangerous for me and the kids that are trying to be the next big thing.  Like others have said, ride within your limits, focus on having fun, and don't let the 20 year old in your head make the decisions.  Smile

Amen to that, I'm in Georgia so I'll have to look for those "vet" tracks.  You're so right about that 20 year old in our head!, 😂

2
11/15/2023 7:46pm
motomojo wrote:
The vintage bike is a great idea.                               I raced back in the...

The vintage bike is a great idea.                               I raced back in the 70's when i was 16 currently 66 and riding a 2014 yz 125 but i have a very fast 1974 CR 125 that i still ride.

I raced the AHRMA vintage nationals 96 thru 2000 125/ 250 expert and actually won the 1997 AHRMA 125 sportsman expert national championship on it.

Harry klemm motor work and a factory FMF pipe this 125 is a badass 50 year old moto monster.

75 CR125 was my first true moto X bike.  First time I cracked that throttle and hit the power band I was hooked!

3
11/15/2023 7:51pm
joekarter wrote:
I'm 68 and raced last weekend.  The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to be very selective about the tracks you ride.  Not sure...

I'm 68 and raced last weekend.  The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to be very selective about the tracks you ride.  Not sure about where you live, but here in Arizona we have two active tracks and each has a way tamed down "vet" track along with what each calls a national track.  Could I make it around the national tracks?  You bet.  But, the differences in what I'd clear and what I'd just choose to roll would make it seriously dangerous for me and the kids that are trying to be the next big thing.  Like others have said, ride within your limits, focus on having fun, and don't let the 20 year old in your head make the decisions.  Smile

68, that's awesome!  Thanks for the great advice, I'm in Georgia, I'll be sure to locate some "vet" tracks.  Keep on roostin!

2
TDC
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11/15/2023 8:40pm Edited Date/Time 11/15/2023 8:43pm
Sweet!, now I'm going back and forth between a newish YZ250, an 86 CR250 or a four stroke 450. So many bikes, so little time -...

Sweet!, now I'm going back and forth between a newish YZ250, an 86 CR250 or a four stroke 450.

So many bikes, so little time - for real!

Imma 200 guy for a long time. They are an easier riding 125 basically. You'll feel like you can man handle it. I've got mine pulling as quick as the bigger bikes. So it's way stronger than a stock SX. Great re-entry bike.

I now also have a '24 300SX with fork upgrade and custom re-flash. Some how it doesn't make my forearms ache for 3-4 days afterwards, like my Gnar hitting 200SX. So yeah, another good re-entry bike, as it has the tq of a 450, yet the EFI and electronic power-valve keeps it easy to ride. Feels light to the 350-450 bikes. 

Smoker for life!

2
motomojo
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Kingman, AZ, USA
11/15/2023 9:16pm
joekarter wrote:
I'm 68 and raced last weekend.  The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to be very selective about the tracks you ride.  Not sure...

I'm 68 and raced last weekend.  The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to be very selective about the tracks you ride.  Not sure about where you live, but here in Arizona we have two active tracks and each has a way tamed down "vet" track along with what each calls a national track.  Could I make it around the national tracks?  You bet.  But, the differences in what I'd clear and what I'd just choose to roll would make it seriously dangerous for me and the kids that are trying to be the next big thing.  Like others have said, ride within your limits, focus on having fun, and don't let the 20 year old in your head make the decisions.  Smile

Az down to two tracks yikes and they ain't two of the best of the 10 that used to be.

Wanna ride an awesome track check out Gopher Gulch up near Kingman.

 

1
11/16/2023 3:05am

This thread has reminded me of two people I've met over the years. 

One was in his 60s and we went on a hard enduro ride together. He was an expert (equivalent A class) in his day and in the fast stuff he would absolutely smoke me still. The only place I had any advantage over him was on the massive obstacles because as he put it, I'll bounce and have another go but he'll be going home hurting, so he would go around.

The other was when I was in the road racing scene and a man in his 90s who could barely walk was at every meeting racing an old classic 60s 125 two stroke. He couldn't get his leg over the bike so his wife would help him up and then he'd get pushed to the line. I believe that the story was something like he had known the race series organisers father so they turned a blind eye to him and as long as he didn't do anything stupid they were happy for him to roll around.

3
11/16/2023 4:50am Edited Date/Time 11/16/2023 4:53am
TDC wrote:
Imma 200 guy for a long time. They are an easier riding 125 basically. You'll feel like you can man handle it. I've got mine pulling...

Imma 200 guy for a long time. They are an easier riding 125 basically. You'll feel like you can man handle it. I've got mine pulling as quick as the bigger bikes. So it's way stronger than a stock SX. Great re-entry bike.

I now also have a '24 300SX with fork upgrade and custom re-flash. Some how it doesn't make my forearms ache for 3-4 days afterwards, like my Gnar hitting 200SX. So yeah, another good re-entry bike, as it has the tq of a 450, yet the EFI and electronic power-valve keeps it easy to ride. Feels light to the 350-450 bikes. 

Smoker for life!

What brand of 200 do you ride?  I actually considered a 83 CR480 as I thought it may be easier to ride due to the power delivery, so long as I'm careful with the throttle, which is the opposite of how I rode when younger, lol.

wwdiii
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League City, TX, USA
11/16/2023 6:55am

I’m 67, was going to the track this morning but it’s misting rain……….think I’ll hit the taqueria instead!!!

3
11/16/2023 7:11am

At our age it's wise to stick to good track conditions, besides tacos are always great no matter the weather!

2
mooch
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Fantasy
11/16/2023 7:44am

I'm 65 and been riding / racing since I was a kid in the 70s and have never taken a break for any reason...too much fun!  I know at some point, I'll need to back off on the track riding but until then I just try to stay within my comfort zone by not riding over my head and keeping it on two wheels.  I figure if I have too hard of a get off , it might speed up me needing to get out of it.  When weather is decent here in Ohio I try to ride every weekend. 

Grears 2023113 1.JPG?VersionId=zVeXcgNGPW2fpEGzeTiQBekGNbWkMi

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biondo
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Escondido, CA, USA
11/16/2023 2:51pm
mooch wrote:
I'm 65 and been riding / racing since I was a kid in the 70s and have never taken a break for any reason...too much fun! ...

I'm 65 and been riding / racing since I was a kid in the 70s and have never taken a break for any reason...too much fun!  I know at some point, I'll need to back off on the track riding but until then I just try to stay within my comfort zone by not riding over my head and keeping it on two wheels.  I figure if I have too hard of a get off , it might speed up me needing to get out of it.  When weather is decent here in Ohio I try to ride every weekend. 

Grears 2023113 1.JPG?VersionId=zVeXcgNGPW2fpEGzeTiQBekGNbWkMi

01372649f70cf9de0c83e23f1fe3b2ae7e528bed57 0.jpg?VersionId=OFEi3u6VxzR6lUyA5TcqJvHV088qw

4
biondo
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11/16/2023 2:56pm Edited Date/Time 11/16/2023 2:57pm
mooch wrote:
I'm 65 and been riding / racing since I was a kid in the 70s and have never taken a break for any reason...too much fun! ...

I'm 65 and been riding / racing since I was a kid in the 70s and have never taken a break for any reason...too much fun!  I know at some point, I'll need to back off on the track riding but until then I just try to stay within my comfort zone by not riding over my head and keeping it on two wheels.  I figure if I have too hard of a get off , it might speed up me needing to get out of it.  When weather is decent here in Ohio I try to ride every weekend. 

Grears 2023113 1.JPG?VersionId=zVeXcgNGPW2fpEGzeTiQBekGNbWkMi

Hi Mooch Looking like a Pro!! Havnt been on track for a few months ...I started this Crazy sport at 67! Turning 70 so guess i better get on it ! Not getting any

Younger! i tore up my thumb ucl flying too high!! but at least i have Medicare!LOL! Ciao Warren

4
11/16/2023 3:11pm
yz133rider wrote:
Weight, speed? Type of riding? If your riding pure Moto id get an Mx bike, if some trails mixed in the Xc bikes make sense! The...
Weight, speed? Type of riding?

If your riding pure Moto id get an Mx bike, if some trails mixed in the Xc bikes make sense!

The 250fs are really good as well as the ktm 350s. The 350s are really good to me, they let you just focus on you, they don’t have any excess and they don’t lack anywhere really. Something to consider!
mxrider641 wrote:
I would say 75% moto, 25% woods. I had an offer to ride a Husky 350, but I already a few too many laps in me...
I would say 75% moto, 25% woods. I had an offer to ride a Husky 350, but I already a few too many laps in me already and thought it was best to hold off.

Never ride tired and old lol its all just fun and exercise. I think the 250f is a perfect size for all around cruising. 

1
11/16/2023 3:17pm
joekarter wrote:
I'm 68 and raced last weekend.  The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to be very selective about the tracks you ride.  Not sure...

I'm 68 and raced last weekend.  The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to be very selective about the tracks you ride.  Not sure about where you live, but here in Arizona we have two active tracks and each has a way tamed down "vet" track along with what each calls a national track.  Could I make it around the national tracks?  You bet.  But, the differences in what I'd clear and what I'd just choose to roll would make it seriously dangerous for me and the kids that are trying to be the next big thing.  Like others have said, ride within your limits, focus on having fun, and don't let the 20 year old in your head make the decisions.  Smile

I would prefer an old man practice and just stay away from the younger riders honestly. Its just fun, ride to ride tomorrow.

2
11/16/2023 3:28pm

Weird this post came  up. I was talking about missing riding tonight with my wife. She said when the youngest graduates, I can get another bike 🤣. 2 yrs seems so far away. I stopped when I shattered 3 vertebrae and tore every nerve and muscle/tendon in my back and neck. Lots of titanium and therapy etc. you know the drill. That was 5 yrs ago. It was brutal and enough to say Im out. I just want to cruise around and like another post said, it’s therapeutic. No more racing but I really want to ride.  52 yrs old and couldn’t agree more with the fitness post. Surgeon said that helped so much not being frail and no muscle mass when I took the digger. Have fun and hit a berm for me.👍

3

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