Who rides motorcycles?

[deserteagle71]

Great old man's bike. I'm getting a kick out of the map taped over the fuel tank.

Old man...that's me!

I ride some of the most remote country in the lower 48 so GPS and maps are essential - sometimes roads I was intending to ride turn out to be closed for one reason or another. The map taped to the gas tank gives me a larger picture of the area I'm in - and in some places where roads are iffy I also roll up some 2' x 3' topo maps and fasten them to the handlebars, as seen here. At Whitmore Point on the Arizona Strip.

 

[CalG]

I got my first bike when I was 18. A Honda CB750. In later years, I had a Honda Interstate Goldwing. I've maintained the MC endorsement on my drivers license(s) (just in case) but I only have a mini bike now to pick up the mail down front and patrol the property. I'm 71 now but still miss the road.

I'm 73, have a sport bike, an Italian lightweight, and a Vespa.

GET OUT THERE!

 

[CalG]

A friend that was on the county sheriff's department said most of the officers think they sound good and don't want to piss off a group that does do some events yhat benefit local causes.
I don't see how that should give them a pass on violating noise ordinances.

I think they should get a pass!

Talk to those that ride, then you might understand.

Still, My bikes move by with a whisper.

 

[Bocephous]

That's what my friend made clear, ultimate traction comes from new, square, knobbies. Once they start rounding off they still work but not nearly as well. LOL he knew I needed all the help I could get!

As well as skill it took a lot of strength to ride that heavy bike like that two-up. I recall an ad Honda ran with Scott standing holding up a XR650L in his arms.

It's amazing what top riders are capable of be it dirt, trials, or track.

XR600R. About a 50lb weight difference. Still beastly strength.

 

[Bocephous]

Yup. Especially as you age and your balancing ability and reaction time deteriorates. Seems like not so long ago I had (all at one time, fit the bike to the terrain) a 600, a 500, a 400 and a 250. Now that I'm about to turn 80 years old I'm down to one bike - my little (and light) XT225.

View attachment 5336822

That's amazing, off-roading or riding at all at 80. Hats off to you, sir.

 

[CalG]

I just came across a great quote:

"It's better to suck at riding dirt bikes
than it is to be good at sitting on the couch!"

yup!

 

[big e]

This is the only 2 cylinder middle weight dual sport. Reviews are pretty good. With exceptional commendations on street riding. The Himalayans are heavy offroad and the a DR is always a good choice. I went with the Husky/KTM line strictly for the lightweight aspect. At 72 yrs old picking one of these things up is a challenge...and I do drop them, usually at low speed or no speed...
In my research I saw some light older bikes and I went out and test road a couple but in the end the new bike bug bit me.

Re: 2 cylinder middleweight...
There's the new KLE500.
(I don't post much so I hope this link works)