Renewing bike interest

[JohnnyQ]

May I just ask, I have been away from biking for some time, many of my non biking friends say and putting it politely saying I'm not the right age to get back into biking as I'm 68yrs old. I last rode a gs1000 twenty yrs ago. I feel that I'm fine for biking. I have a chance of a beautiful 2003 GSX 1400 in prestige condition with low mileage 16k miles for £5000. Comments please.

[Phill P]

I'm now 57, had a 12 year break from an xjr1300, feel absolutely fine. Probably ride the gsx a little slower than I did the xjr.
Your friends are dullards just envious that you've got the Billy bollocks to start riding again, go for it 

[BanditsHigh]

My first big bike was a GS1000 and I still have it (albeit in pieces).

If you are physically capable then I don't see why not, just take your time ... not only because you you are older, but due to being away from bikes for 20 years.

Ride to your abilities and you should be fine 

All the best ... Barry

[JohnnyQ]

Cheers guys,I appreciate your views and yes I feel good and yes I know I'm a bit older now and I would only use the bike at a sensible speed ie cruising speed.also treat the bike with respect. The bike is 2003 immaculate condition with only 16K on the clock, do you think it's a good price at £5000.

[KiwiCol]

If you can drop 5k on a bike and it not be a financial concern, then yep, 5k appears to be the going rate for what you're looking at. 

You can wait & try for a bargin, but most owners know what good examples of this breed sell for these days, what you have to be aware of is high priced one that's just not worth it.

[gsxbarmy]

I'm 68 (not far off 69 actually) and still riding, if you've been away for a while, can I respectfully recommend maybe doing an IAM or RoSPA course, the GSX1400 is a fab bike but has massive torque and can be unforgiving if you are not used to it. That aside - enjoy!

[Roo]

At 74 years old, I have changed my riding habits. Stay away from towns and traffic lights etc.   I have a 160 to 170km ride where I ride mainly country roads with a few twisty sections thrown in. Some places i can safely get up it a bit, but usually just cruise.  (tyres last a lot longer these days, better than shagging sports tyres in about 5oookms).
Don't ride in the rain or wind either. 

[Speedy1959]

I remember when I got back into biking after a 35 year break!!
Some people I knew said "OOOh Bikes have come on a long way since you used to ride so you better start again on maybe a 250!

I told the "My right wrist has also come on a long way (keep it clean! )..
In the 9 years or so of being back into bikes Ive had 12 bikes all over 1000cc and I havent had a single incident where Ive felt overfaced / regretful...
Actually If I am being totally honest back in the first year or two there were two incidents thats happened (neither on the 1400) purely because I was trying to keep up with some guys I had met thats rode way too fast everywhere.. It wasnt the bikes fault at all.. Nor my choice of bike.. It was me riding way out of my comfort zone.
These days I do the majority of rides on my own, but the friends I do ride with have a proven track record for my riding style/pace, so I never feel out of my comfort zone.
So I would say pick your riding "mates" carefully and take your time in forming your relationship with your bike when you get it.
A bike (any bike) definitely gives a healthy zest for life..
As a Paramedic mate who I have known since I was 11 (I am 64 now) said, A "bike makes an adventure of going for a packet of fags"..
Go for it and enjoy it and as Mr GSXKing does, go for some early morning rides..
PS Where are you based?

S

[GSXKING]

I had a Guru rider trainer named Fred Davies and I quote him often.

"A thinking rider is a survivor"

"A non thinking rider is a statistic waiting to happen"

Make of it what you will. My awareness level is always high as I am a professional Driver of 30 years. When I'm riding I check my mirrors every 10 seconds or so especially in traffic.

[grog]

Im pretty similar Chris. Driving for work last 32 yrs, forever checking mirrors.

[Batkwaka]

If you made it this far you most likely have the intuition to survive a Motorcycle, just be realistic with your ability and skills, then you will be fine. Not much you can do about other road users however.

[grog]

Johhny, IMO only, starting out on your own is a better way than riding in a group. Just you to consider. Riding course a great idea but if not, take it easy, get an idea of its weight, brakes etc. Its power not a problem, youll love it. Planning your decisions is the biggest thing.

[Phill P]

Johhny, IMO only, starting out on your own is a better way than riding in a group. Just you to consider. Riding course a great idea but if not, take it easy, get an idea of its weight, brakes etc. Its power not a problem, youll love it. Planning your decisions is the biggest thing.

I totally agree with Grog and what's been said before, group riding leads to the dark side, and we all know how that turned out. Used to ride with a friend, I swear he had a death wish, I now ride on my own and I'm fully aware of what's happening around me and see the idiots very early on and avoid problems, I generally avoid riding in the rain and dark also, takes away extra risk.

[VladTepes]

many of my non biking friends say and putting it politely saying I'm not the right age to get back into biking as I'm 68yrs old.

Get new friends

[BanditsHigh]

I've never understood why people riding in a group feel that they need to 'keep up' with everyone else, it's probably one of the dumbest things you can do ... ride to you abilities and not to the ability of someone else!!

I had a mate who followed me once, when we stopped for a ciggie he commented on how many times he'd nearly come off trying to keep up with me (and I wasn't that fast) ... I just shook my head!

All the best ... Barry