Sport rider special edition riding tips

What happens to sport bike riders when they get old? And this stereotype has some truth to it, since the attitude and ergonomics of sporting machinery suggests a fast and young lifestyle. But, many older riders do keep a sportbike in the garage if their body can handle the demands on aging bones, muscles and soft tissue.

A lot of sport bike riders move gradually to more upright machines with less demanding ergonomics and softer power delivery. While the hair beneath the helmet may be gray, the desire to express mastery at the handlebars is as strong as ever.

Thankfully, I happen to have a slim physique, which makes me able to climb onto a sport bike with relative ease. This makes riding a sport bike possible. There are a lot of things I could share about aging. But, there are a few notable observations I think are worth mentioning.

While there are times when my inner squid emerges, I am much less prone to riding beyond the limits. I am closer to the edge of the risk:reward ratio than when I was young and felt invincible. Now, I ask myself whether riding a certain way is worth the possible aggravation. How is it that I can get through a two day track day event riding multiple groups and still get up the next day and go to work? I see a lot of track day riders many years my junior pack up halfway through the afternoon because they are too tired to go on anymore.

How am I able to do this? This means hanging off the bike only as much as necessary to achieve the goals of keeping the pegs off the pavement and the tires in their sweet spot and perfectly loaded for maximum traction.

It also means being relaxed as much as possible. Getting old forces changes in behavior. At some point you have to recognize the fact that the mind, eyes, muscles and stamina are not what they used to be. Everyone is different, but from my experience, the rate of decline seems to accelerate once you pass 50 or so. This means I have to pace myself. I am more aware of the need to warm up my body for a few laps just like I do my tires.

The possibility of getting hurt is present no matter what age, but what may be a simple injury, quickly healed, can turn into a long, drawn out healing process if you are older. Riding smart and wearing really good personal protection is important for minimizing those injuries.

I walk almost every day, but I used to run. I lightly stretch when I need to, but not as often as I should. I have never smoked and my vitals are good. Thankfully, I can still manage a full day of street riding and both days of a two day track day event without much trouble.

Staying in shape is harder as you get older. Weight gain is a real problem for many. Weight can creep up on you slowly. There is a real danger in complacency. This perception leads to diminished skills, which can lead to a crash. Motorcycle riding skills are perishable. So, keep those skills sharp!

Practice in a parking lot, attend a safety course periodically, and ride a track day or three. You need to update your mental software and learn things you may not have known before that can literally save your wrinkled ass. I recommend taking the Basic MSF course , followed by an advanced training course.

But, another benefit to writing and teaching is that it makes me a better rider. I constantly think about my riding, which keeps my skills sharp. Learn the physics and language of communicating the complex concepts of motorcycle riding before you claim expert status. At some point, we all must hang up our helmet for the last time.

In my case, that appears to be several years away. I can still do things I did when I was younger, it just takes more effort. What are your experiences with aging behind the handlebars? If you liked this article and the many other articles on this site, please toss a buck or five into the hat. If you liked this article and the many other articles on this site, please toss a few bucks into the hat.

Check out other track day and riding technique related posts. I turn 59 xmas, so I bought myself an early gift. I found a really clean 1 owner ZX Stay safe out there. Sold my last bike, a GS Suzuki, in Just purchased a Ducati Supersport, and am having the time of my life. Always wanted to learn to ride a sport bike. Now I have the time. For a beginner, this was such a pleasure to read and take notes. Looking forward to years of efficient and smart riding. I started riding when I was 16 but took quite a break due to marriage and professional study commitments.

I ride out most weekends, weather permitting, with a younger friend. Have to say I still love to ride but at 65 I do back off on some corners when my buddy keeps the gas on!!

Ride safe everyone and enjoy. I liked this article so much I shared it for others to read. Ride for the fun for the smile, not for the fear. I own two. But when we bring a friend we pop this on and can carry 4 bikes.

It's really a great thing to have to bring a friend or two. The onl downside is that you have to adjust for the different bikes to fit without rubbing or touching one another. There is a lot of flexibility in the wheelbase adjustability so bikes can slide far right or left to all be happy and not contact other bikes.

However, sometimes this takes a few minutes to get just right. AND since they carry up to 50 lbs some ebikes will work. I've been very happy with our system weather it's road tripping to the Tetons and Yellowstone with just the two of us, or biking local rail-to-trail rides with friends. I did lose one of the hooks but orderd new ones. Didn't take long to get them either. Love our bike racks! Not to be used on front hitches Not to be used on any trailer, fifth wheel or towed vehicle.

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