AM I TOO OLD FOR BIKES??

[@millinutz]

I'm 71 and doing a 3 week tour this summer. I was a professional driver before retiring at 66, which kept me "up to date" with traffic and its ever demanding requirements. You don't get old until you stop riding. As long as you are fit and alert, you'll stay able to ride. All I have done to compensate for my increasing number of years is change to a lighter and lower bike. Ride safe and stay vigilant.

[@bostinbrummie]

Thanks mate for your reply. Thanks for all those kind words and the encouragement you gave me.Wishing you all the very best for the future happy riding and stay safe.👍

[@keitht3055]

To old?? Never! I'll be 70 this year and no way does it ever cross my mind to pack in bikeing. I've already booked the ferry from Hull to Rotterdam mid June, no idea exactly where I'm going but, definitely south😎👍. You keep rideing and keep enjoying yourself 👍🏍.

[@bostinbrummie]

Thanks Keith I really appreciate your comment mate. Many, many thanks, safe riding mate. 👍

[@michaelorr2064]

I'm 73 and still riding my Bonnie although not as fit these days and it does get heavier every year so I have been looking at smaller, lighter bikes too. I'm seriously thinking about the new Triumph 400 single 😊 Keep on riding as long as you can - it keeps you young! ❤

[@bostinbrummie]

Thanks muka all power to you mate 👍

[@DavidBangk]

Good for you sir, Keep riding as long as You can, That is why I moved to A smaller lighter Bike, My BMW was starting To feel too heavy, Allso not having to Change Gear is a Bonus, Ride Safe.

[@DavidBangk]

I am 82, And just bought a new ADV 350CC. Still enjoying riding Out. You are only a spring chicken .

[@bostinbrummie]

Thx David, much appreciated mate 👍

[@DavidBangk]

@@bostinbrummie very pleased to hear from You again. Take Care. Ride safe

[@keithwhitewood9342]

Good morning Baz good to hear from you again. Never to old for riding! Like yourself i also teach the new generation of bus drivers and lorry drivers. I couldn’t agree more about the forward planning, these are the skills you put into your riding everyday! Keep riding you would only miss it if you ever did stop. Lower cc bikes are brilliant I’ve still got that Honda Forza 350 that we have talked about in the past grate little thing. Glad you are well and on the mend.

[@bostinbrummie]

Morning Keith mate, yea getting there Keith, I'm getting there. I'm going to do another video soon about what I think would be the perfect bike for me and then a follow up video of the one I've chosen. Be it a Scooter, bike, anything really. I've got some thoughts I want to throw out there, so I think it will make an interesting video mate. I'm just grateful for all the comments and the interest in my latest video Keith. Hoping this little message finds you and your family well mate. All the very best Baz 👍

[@nubbypk]

I was 65 when I had my first lesson on a bike, and because of Covid 67 when I got my full licence and bought my first "big bike". I'm now 70 and have been out today in the spring sunshine on my Triumph Street Triple RS. I've never felt more alive. Keep on keeping on.

[@bostinbrummie]

Thanks mate, all the very best to you and all the best for the future. Stay safe out there 👍

[@glynjopson2873]

Never too old for biking as long as you know your still fit enough to handle a bike safely, then ride and enjoy

[@bostinbrummie]

Thanks Glyn much appreciated mate 👍

[@stevellewellyn7192]

Sounds like our bike paths have been in parallel recently... Forza 350 up to a year ago, now a NC750x DCT currently. I'm thinking of the Piaggio Beverly BV400 next (399cc). I enjoyed the smaller, lighter capacity scooters following many many large motorcycles over 40 years of riding. Prior to the Forza I had a SH300i and a Piaggio Beverly 350 and for me they are more than adequate for all sorts of riding, and advantageous in many ways over bigger bikes now. There are so many to choose from in the sub 400cc category and, soon to be Knocking on the retirement door, I see this phase as both exciting and much cheaper. Chin up... we're still riding!

[@bostinbrummie]

Thx for the reply buddy much appreciated the comments you made. I've got a 660 triumph tiger Sport. I'm having a ball with it. This definitely will be my last bike. I can't afford to get another one. I've actually found a hack to soften my seat as well. It's made a ton of difference to the bike. I've been all around Europe with various bikes over there years and I would never have seen half what I did see if it wasn't for my bikes. Those memories will last a lifetime for me. Really loved the comments you made. Take care all the very best Baz 👍

[@michaelarchangel1163]

Keep going fella. I'm 66 and have been riding since I was 16, offroad on an old BSA twin initially, then passed my test on a 250cc bike, immediately buying a 750 Triumph Trident at 17. Pay no heed to mealy mouthed twats and may I suggest, your health issues permitting, doing a regular pressup routine 3 times weekly, to maintain upper body strength, as I've been doing for over 40 years. My bike's a 1000cc V twin, kerb weight of about 460 libs, which I can push around easily. Best regards from Wales.

[@bostinbrummie]

Hiya mate, great to hear from you. Yes I will take on board and I am definitely going to do some sort of physical exercise be it, push ups or with my weights. Hoping this little message finds you in good health. Take care buddy out there. As I say great to hear from you 👍

[@pilotdaffy]

Just a few months to 72, my 23 NC750X dct is waiting to go out too. I've found bikes getting heavier as the years pass,but once the wheels are turning, it feels the same as old, lol. I changed back up from my Honda Forza 300 about same time you made your change. I think when time comes, I'll be back to a Forza or ADV 350. Don't like the KTM reliability, so I've never been near them.

[@jonathandeeley6276]

Hiya Baz, glad to hear you're fully recovered! 🙂 Right, let's talk bikes, ignore those who say you're to old - utter utter rubbish!! Yes, as we get older our reactions and muscle strength diminish, it's a sad fact of life, you just adjust your riding style and type of bike to suit your needs/abilities. I'm 66 and have downsized to a smaller bike, currently a Royal Enfield 350 Classic and 350 Meteor. You have to be realistic about your abilities and capabilities and one of the key things for me is seat hieght - the lower the better particularly when moving the bike around. The need for power, do you actually need it? My Enfields will do 70mph all day long and I'm quite happy with that, may not suit everyone but I'm happy with that. Do you need all the tech on a bike? Another thing to think about or will back to basics Motorcycling/easy to work on bikes serve it's purpose of enjoying your Motorcycling? When I picked up my new Meteor recently there was a 91 year old chap picking up his new Sym 125 twist and go Scooter, he was like a kid in a sweet shop bless him, but wonderful to see! I also know a chap who is 87 and still regularly rides his 500 Bullet but never goes over 45mph, so what! He enjoys it! As I say, ignore all the doom and gloom mongers, find a bike that's right for you that you feel happy on, in control of and puts a smile on your face. The sub 400cc market is growing day by day as Manufacturers have woken up to the fact that pure Motorcycling isn't always about power, glitz and glammer and that something simpler can give the same amount of pleasure. Try a few bikes out first before you make your decision and think what it is you want/need from a Motorcycle going forward, check out owners reports on reliability and maintenance costs and I'm sure you'll come to the right decision. All the best but please don't give up on someone else's say so, do what's right for you and feel happy with.🙂👍

[@bostinbrummie]

Hiya Jonathan, what great advice mate. Thank you so, so much for your reply. I'm not going to give up motorcycling I love it too much. I will be having a look at the KTM but if I feel it's not for me then I'll just keep my 750. The point of the video was in fact to say one day I'm going to get a smaller cc bike. Those disparaging remarks from that guy I just dismissed. He doesn't know me at all. I'm not too bothered about the power of the bike as long as I can keep up with motorway traffic. I love the new Triumph 400 scrambler as well so I will be having a look at that one as well Jonathan. There are some others in the mix as well. So as you say I'll get the right bike for me in the end. If I can travel to France on my Forza 350 then I've proved you can go anywhere on a smaller capacity machine. All the very best to you mate 👍

[@jboggs3275]

When you get too old just buy the 3 wheelers you can still get the feel of riding with the extra safety and comfort.

[@bostinbrummie]

Thanks mate 👍

[@dannyvan5792]

hi barry nice to see you . fine video , nice picture of you on the triumph 400 . you are rigcht , a smaller motor is much easier . i like the triumph 400 .but i am 67 years old , en y go to stay with my old bmw r 1150 rt .ho have 120 000 km or 75 000 miles .i hope you are wel . keep save and sound , kind regards from belgium from danny

[@bostinbrummie]

Danny! It's really great to hear from you mate. I am going to have several test rides on different bikes around the 400cc. My favourite is the KTM at the moment because it's really light weight. It also has a lot of features I'm looking for. Like adjustable front forks, preload and rebound. The back suspension is also adjustable. The suspension is one of the main things I'm looking at. The seat is crap! For me Danny but they do a comfort seat.its got a 14.5 litre tank and approximately 400 km range that's good enough for me Danny. There are also a couple of other things on it I like. The only things I don't like are the seat and the front headlight. That looks like a wasp! 😮 As I said Danny really great to hear from you again. I hope your health is ok? and your family are well. Take care Barry 👍

[@dannyvan5792]

@@bostinbrummie dear barry manny thank for your mail grts from danny

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

I'm 70 and am a firm believer in taking care of myself. I am a believer is resistance training (going on 50 years) and eating at an energy balance. I currently own 5 motorcycles. I have been riding since I was in dippers and hopefully will be riding until I'm in dippers again. I traded in my 2017 Street Glide for a lighter and better 2022 Heritage Classic. I also have a 2018 Iron 1200, XT250, and just bought a Ninja ZX4RR. I also still have a 1965 Triumph 120 hard tail chopper with a girder front end. (I've owned for the past 35 years) I'm planning some long trips this summer. That little Ninja is a blast. 5'6" 150 lbs. KZbin influencer as a bodybuilder for older people.

[@bostinbrummie]

Well done, I myself have been riding all my life. I'm having a blast coming up to 70 next year so I will be keeping my motorcycle. Take care really great to hear from you 👍

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

Us old guys have to stick together. We know what a motorcyclist life is. We've seen a lot of history. @@bostinbrummie

[@dannyvan5792]

dear barry look at you tube ktm 390 stalling issue . and other tech problems before you by .grts from belgium danny

[@bostinbrummie]

Thanks Danny I will have a look at it 👍

[@petersheppard6085]

As the saying goes...You don't stop riding when you get old...you get old when you stop riding....72 and still riding....but the Speedmaster had to go, and I bought an X Max 300...it's a hoot

[@bostinbrummie]

Thanks for the reply Peter. Yes I agree with everything you say mate. All the very best for the future mate 👍

[@youngeroldie5089]

Great video content, Firstly ignore any negative comments, they don't know you, they dont know that as a bus driver you will have a wealth of road skills and far more than them. to teach it as well takes a lot more skill. My channel content contains a lot about mature riders, I am 66. We know when its time to pack up due to health reasons not anyone else. Sure we have to make changes I swapped my ZZR 1400 for a GTR 1400 as I have more leg room so it helps my ageing knees on a long run on tour. The GTR is 300 kilo so yes its hard work getting in and out of the garage and I am careful where I park. I am aware the next change will have to be for something lighter, I am prepared to make changes to allow me to continue something that I love. In the next video I do I will be talking about the average age for a UK motorcyclist is 54, I am a volunteer instructor and hardly see the younger ones coming for lessons. You are still a safe rider with vast experience on our roads so just keep going, make the changes you need and enjoy. Liked and subbed.

[@bostinbrummie]

I really appreciate all you've said. Many, many thanks for your reply. I might do some more videos like this one. It seemed to have had a positive response. I have got some ideas so I will test them out to see if people like them or not. On a lighter note, people used to ask me what I did for a living. My reply was, " I sit in traffic jams all day and I listen to obnoxious people moaning at me all day"!! 😜👍Well I'm glad I'm out of it now. So now I can start enjoying life on the things I love doing like biking and tons of other things. I also have toured on bikes all around Europe. I really loved it because I'd have never seen so much, if it wasn't for my bikes. So no, I'm not ready to give up at the moment or any time soon. That guy can stick that in his pipe and smoke it. 😂 As I said, brilliant reply, all the very best to you. Baz 👍

[@TommieTrumper-TFC1200]

Never, all the benefits of biking outweigh any negatives. I understand some see it as a playing with toys but it’s so much more, it’s therapy, freedom, camaraderie, community and more than anything it’s fun. Stay with us life is short and regrets are long…ps I think the triumph 400 scrambler looks good…

[@bostinbrummie]

I am going to have a look at the triumph 400 scrambler as well by the way. Great to hear from you by the way 👍

[@invictus9578]

Still a spring chicken, hey you ride until you know when YOU are unsafe professional drivers understand aspects of safety that most have no clue Keep what you have, smaller bikes make you ride harder from my experience. You could join the RE 350 cc guys as they seem to bimble around happily

[@bostinbrummie]

Thx muka really appreciate the message 👍

[@millinutz]

Sod it, I forgot the ? after the word cancer. I was not saying it is that..., but it might just be a very small contributing factor to you having such doubts!

[@bostinbrummie]

Thanks buddy, I'm free at the moment from Cancer so I do look after my health now. My driving career certainly took its toll on my health. I'm ok now but it was a hard slog to get back to where I am at the moment. I really appreciate your comments. Take care out there and great to hear from you 👍

[@dannyvan5792]

Dear barry ,wath does you think about the royal enfield 45o ? water couled .grts danny

[@bostinbrummie]

It's good Danny, that's one of the bikes I'm going to test. 1st test ride will be on the KTM 390. Then I will have a test ride on all the others.👍

[@ragarse3]

At 75 riding a Vulcan S I understand your concerns. First ignore the ageists, most people admire us old gits for having the go...still!! Yes as we get older bikes, like everything else, have to be costantly evaluated. So the bikes get lighter and speed is less important than comfort. Economy and reliability also nudge our diminished wallets. In my case I am turning into a fair waether rider but still chuck on a tent for a monthly tour in Europe - solo. I still love biking but on MY terms. If I feel good I go, if I feel hesitant I don't but everytime I do go I get that warm satisfaction that most bikers feel for a job well done. How long will I continue? If aches and pains normal with ageing stay under control then I review each year and if I have to go to a 350 scooter so be it. You obviously are at the cross roads and it's a personal decision but if you are still (honestly) riding wellthen I truly believe the benefits to state of mind far outweigh the niggles and expense. Good luck pal.

[@bostinbrummie]

Thanks mate I really, really appreciate all that you have said. Have a great day. Baz👍

[@dannyvan5792]

dear barry you are never to old to drive a motor .you dont need a 1000 cc to have some fun on the motor . even a 250 cc may does the trik . grts danny

[@bostinbrummie]

Thanks Danny, that is why I'm going to get a smaller cc eventually. Great to hear from you mate. Looking at a 390 cc. In this country Danny you don't have to pay as much tax for any bike under 400cc 👍 one these days I'm coming over to see you Danny. If that is ok? 👍

[@dannyvan5792]

@@bostinbrummie yes thats ok verry good

[@thodoris3790]

as lemmy was saying.."if you think you are getting old,then you are"

[@bostinbrummie]

Yea thx mate, I don't feel I'm too old at the moment. Having thought about it for so long. I still get a tremendous amount of joy when riding my bike and I feel very comfortable on it. Thx for the reply mate, I appreciate all replies 👍

[@dannyvan5792]

i have make an accound on ko-fi , and i found jour pictures ,great , fine grts danny

[@bostinbrummie]

Great stuff Danny. All the best 👍

[@DougBrown-h1n]

Blimey - you're back! I wondered where you'd gone. Glad to know you're over the hump with your health and the financial problems - nice to hear from you after so long.

[@bostinbrummie]

Thx mate nice to know someone cares out there. Much appreciated 👍

[@millinutz]

I've forgotten something... as you are at a point where you find yourself asking if you're "fit for purpose", then there might be an underlying niggle slowly chewing away at your confidence..., that cancer So.., I would suggest not taking a pillion anymore, which automatically gives you more control over the bike, and of course drive only to your limitations and not to the guy's pulling away ahead of you. I know that this summer is my last tour..., makes me sad but i've given myself enough time to come to terms with it, and anyway, my daughter is wanting to inherit it, so it'll still be around for a future Sunday bimmel should I feel the need.

[@bostinbrummie]

Yes my wife no longer comes with me. I was distraught but I realised it was for the good. Many thanks for the reply again. Take care and have a good life ❤️👍

[@Jodmart]

As the saying goes, keep on keeping on ! As long as you feel comfortable and capable when riding and still enjoy it then why stop. I wouldn’t let what anyone else thinks put me off at all. As for the comment you’re too old, it’s just a thoughtless, mindless comment which could have been meant as a joke which has backfired. I’m 63 now with a NC750dct and intend to ride as long as I possibly can. Remember we are only here for a visit so do as much as you can while you’re fit and well. 😊

[@bostinbrummie]

Thanks mate, it's just been on my mind a lot since that guy commented. I've been all over Europe on my bikes and wouldn't have seen what I had seen if it wasn't for bikes. I really appreciate the time you spent in sending me the message all power to you👍

[@JohnRichardson-v2l]

A guy in east Yorkshire rides a CBR600.....he's 82.....you know when you need to give up, but you're doing everything right, keeping fit and active.... 'Ull' east yorkshire.

[@bostinbrummie]

Thanks for your comment very much appreciated

[@dannyvan5792]

dear barry how are you ? wath does you tink of the triumph 400 grts from belgium danny

[@bostinbrummie]

Hi Danny, I've been really poorly the past few weeks but my health is ok now. I am looking forward to take my bike out and put another video out there. I sat on the triumph scrambler at the NEC bike show Danny. It was great, the seat was super comfortable and the riding position was great as well. I'm going to have a test ride on one hopefully in the near future. I'm hoping to film it as well Danny. I'm also going to get a test ride on the KTM 390 adventure. I sat on one and it was just right for me. I like the suspension on the front of the KTM Danny. If it is any good then I might go for that bike or maybe the Triumph? Who knows. I will film both test rides Danny. I'm looking forward to riding my bike again after my ill health problems. Great to hear from you Danny. Take care out there mate. All the very best to you and your family. Barry 👍

[@dannyvan5792]

@@bostinbrummie manny thanks and kind regards .i hope it is ok with yous health . and that everithing will by ok .take caire .grts fom belgium from danny .hope to here again with the adventures on the motorcycle

[@dannyvan5792]

does you have a facebook paige ? grts from danny

[@bostinbrummie]

No Danny I've come off Facebook because there are too many scams! and adverts. I'm on messenger Danny. I have got another site. It's got some pictures and other videos on it. If ever you want to have a look. The site is Ko-fi.com/bmvey If you want to talk anytime just send me a request on messenger Danny ok 👍

[@dannyvan5792]

@@bostinbrummie ok i will does so grts from danny