Posts
549
Joined
4/5/2011
Location
Endicott, NY
US
Edited Date/Time
10/12/2020 3:16pm
Raced/rode Moto starting in the early 80's through 2005 (when the kids were involved in everything and just no time to ride). Kept all my gear (yes a new helmet is in order), and rode a few friends bikes over the years here and there. Always stayed close to my moto friends, went riding last weekend, and the bug bit me! I have to get another bike, am I nuts at 60+? Rode a few of my friends last model (2017-2020) bikes (CRF450, YZ250 2S, CRF250 and my favorite KTM XCF 250), and decided a 450 is a bit much, and the KTM felt pretty nice! With that said at my age/speed the XFC or the Yamaha YZF250X seem like the most logical choice, any other suggestions? Or tell me I am nuts? Thanks!
Moto is the best thing for you mind and body. You don't age when you are motoing at 60+. Have fun, keep it rubber side down, and enjoy the ride. Never too old to act young.
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!
I'm basically being the "moto-dad" to myself now that I never could have had when I was growing up (parents thought it was the most useless possible activity).
I have 3 bikes that I rotate so I always have at least one ready to go. Wear every possible piece of protective gear, and do a lot of foam-rolling after every ride. Having more fun and riding better now than ever! It helps to have resources.
The Shop
My Baja bike has been a 350 for the last 5 years. It does everything with ease.
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 !!
Still a dozen or more older than me each week, some in their 70's
All dirt bikers are nuts, fwiw. It's also really good for your brain to engage in an activity that essentially forces you, with your own safety, to make a hundred calculations per second. You can't get that type of exercise with very many activities.
Pit Row
If you have any sort of cardiovascular or respiratory problems, probably better stay away...
I'd take a full medical check-up before deciding.
Nu dad at age77, je is nog 83, still riding and planning to trade the freeride or a 250 2 stroke.
Be smart and ride yourself into shape and comfort level. don't shit you are not comfortable with....getting hurt is a huge setback 61 here and still ride 1-2 times a week with son, grandkids and buds.
How do I say this so assuredly? I'm 66 and my lifelong riding buddy is 60. After 50+ years of dirt bikes we both still ride. We raced a 3 hour team hare scrambles two weeks ago. We won the Vet60 class and had a blast doing it. We finished 9th overall out of 41 teams.
Be careful. Be willing to compromise here and there and you'll do great.
I would recommend a bike that is a little more versatile than just moto, like an XC-F, or RX
However... There is a time in any athletes life when you must "walk away". As we age typically we become fragile, and at our age we are one crash away from being forced to quit. You maybe the exception, but are probably the norm.
I have an e-bike that I put in about 1000 miles per month, I listen to music and podcasts while riding and absolutely love it with minimal risk. That's my 2 cents
I have the support of my lovely wife and tend to make better decisions on the track these days. I agree with the other guys here that it is lifestyle and makes me a better person knowing I can do what I love on the weekends.
Post a reply to: Getting back to Moto/riding at 60+?