Too Old For A Sportbike?

Tr!p · 04-10-10, 8:31 PM

Have you ever heard the saying "it's almost time for me to buy a cruiser"? It usually comes from two types of people. The joker who just got pulled over for cruising around 300 through a school zone or the person who is beginning to get up there in age. The later is what I am wondering about because I'm hearing that question more and more. I don't hit any type of speed where I can get myself in trouble so it must be an question of age.
Do you think sportbikes or sportbike types of motorcycles are only for the younger of riders? Opinions?

zrex · 04-11-10, 10:28 AM

I'm 47 and just bought an '09 Buell XB12R, so I don't think whether you think your old has anything to do with it, it's whether you're comfortable on the bike or not. I made a few changes to the Buell to make it a little more comfortable like a superbike bar kit, lower pegs and a Corbin seat. I dought if I'll ever get a cruiser, I don't really find them comfortable. If i ever find that my Buell or ZRX1100 are getting too big or heavy for me I've got an old GS500E just waiting for a full restoration.

Green1 · 04-12-10, 10:15 PM

I'm like the young pup that posted before me, i don't find cruisers very comfortable, they kill my lower back.Its way better leaning forward at highway speeds but i could use a slightly higher handlebar but i haven't found one yet.

Zerzil · 04-13-10, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by Tr!p

Have you ever heard the saying "it's almost time for me to buy a cruiser"? It usually comes from two types of people. The joker who just got pulled over for cruising around 300 through a school zone or the person who is beginning to get up there in age. The later is what I am wondering about because I'm hearing that question more and more. I don't hit any type of speed where I can get myself in trouble so it must be an question of age.
Do you think sportbikes or sportbike types of motorcycles are only for the younger of riders? Opinions?

I am forever hearing this sentiment - that just because someone chooses to ride a cruiser, you either can't drive or you just plain suck. It's like saying that someone can't drive just because they don't (or can't) wheelie, stoppie, etc. Without getting into my normal hour plus rant about this topic, I'll leave it be, and just say "Choose what you choose, but don't knock what other people like just because you don't have a personal liking to what they choose." I got snubbed this morning by a guy on a TRIKE - LOL. Puuhhleeze.

Trip - I know you weren't saying this in your post, but I think it has truly more to do with personal taste than age. Like any bike, you make it more comfortable for yourself, because you're the one driving it. Whether it's lowering it, using risers on the bars, or different levers because you have short fingers - you customize your ride to suit you. This will change for sure as you age - whether it's on the same bike or not, it's up to the individual.

Tr!p · 04-13-10, 4:11 PM

+1 and I hear what you are saying Zerzil. "The fact being, it doesn't matter how old you are, it's how comfortable you are on what you are riding." Especially true for the guys and gals new to riding. You're 50 and looking at a SS bike, more power to ya. 20 years old and all that plastic and tight leather ain't your cup of tea, get a cruiser.
I think age is a huge stereotype when it comes to motorcycles.

Tobiquer · 04-13-10, 7:50 PM

Originally Posted by Tr!p

+1 and I hear what you are saying Zerzil. "The fact being, it doesn't matter how old you are, it's how comfortable you are on what you are riding." Especially true for the guys and gals new to riding. You're 50 and looking at a SS bike, more power to ya. 20 years old and all that plastic and tight leather ain't your cup of tea, get a cruiser.
I think age is a huge stereotype when it comes to motorcycles.

Agree with you on this one Tr!p. I had a few sneers and comments about getting into motorcycling at 50+ but I always beat to my own drummer anyway and don't really care. I work in a super-conservative environment where suits/ties are the norm, one is expected to be professional at all times and all that BS. It's sort of fun to create the "shock factor" --- my employees love it when their CEO rides to work on his cruiser and blacked-out helmet! We're as young as we feel --- it's all a state of mind!

Rocket · 04-13-10, 7:56 PM

All good comments on the age old debate of "too old" for this or that but as said above, it's in what you like and what fits you as a motorcyclist that matters. I ride a cruiser and a dual purpose because I want to, if I wanted a sportbike i'd buy one... Age has little to do with what a person rides, if you can still get the leg over the seat and enjoy the machine you have, then ride!!!

Zerzil · 04-14-10, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by Rocket

Age has little to do with what a person rides, if you can still get the leg over the seat and enjoy the machine you have, then ride!!!

... and when I can't, I'll get one of those sets of stairs like they have for overweight/old pets to get on the bed. LOL

Tankmonkey · 04-21-10, 8:21 AM

Comfort, Comfort, Comfort...........lifestyle!
What do you mean "lifestyle" Tank??
Well for me I have been considering a change for year now (gixxer to cruiser) because my son is at a age where it is a little easier for mommy and daddy to get a sitter and go for a little cruise. The cruiser will be much easier on my wifes back and beautiful bottom

After spending some time with the rocket seen there is only a few select guys I will ride with because they know they are not "Niki Hayden" of the streets!! Because of a few sour eggs the rockets have a bad rep that I'm not sure I want to be a part of anymore. As for missing the rocket.....I think a Nissan 350Z would help fill the void!

To sum it up, I guess it's a matter of what you are comfortable with at that time in your life....

Jay · 07-29-10, 5:59 PM

Originally Posted by Tankmonkey

After spending some time with the rocket seen there is only a few select guys I will ride with because they know they are not "Niki Hayden" of the streets!! Because of a few sour eggs the rockets have a bad rep that I'm not sure I want to be a part of anymore.
To sum it up, I guess it's a matter of what you are comfortable with at that time in your life....

No offense to any cruiser riders or to Tanks point here but there is just as many bad riders on cruisers as there is on sportbikes,and or in cars,I like both but will always be power hungry so it will be sportbikes for me until I need a power wheelchair and probably I will mod that bitch too.

View Poll Results: Is age a factor when choosing a sportbike?
Yes, sportbikes are only for the younger riders	0	0%
No, us old folks need something to keep our heart beating	13	100.00%
Voters: 13. You may not vote on this poll

04-10-10, 8:31 PM	#1
Tr!p 家族生 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Saint John, NB I Ride: Kawi ZX-6R Posts: 2,626	Too Old For A Sportbike? Have you ever heard the saying "it's almost time for me to buy a cruiser"? It usually comes from two types of people. The joker who just got pulled over for cruising around 300 through a school zone or the person who is beginning to get up there in age. The later is what I am wondering about because I'm hearing that question more and more. I don't hit any type of speed where I can get myself in trouble so it must be an question of age. Do you think sportbikes or sportbike types of motorcycles are only for the younger of riders? Opinions?

04-13-10, 7:56 PM	#7
Rocket Sr. Moderator Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Quispamsis, N.B. I Ride: Kawasaki Vulcan, Kawasaki KLR Posts: 996	All good comments on the age old debate of "too old" for this or that but as said above, it's in what you like and what fits you as a motorcyclist that matters. I ride a cruiser and a dual purpose because I want to, if I wanted a sportbike i'd buy one... Age has little to do with what a person rides, if you can still get the leg over the seat and enjoy the machine you have, then ride!!! __________________ You can't fly like an Eagle when your surrounded by turkeys !!!

04-21-10, 8:21 AM	#9
Tankmonkey Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Saint John I Ride: Currently Rideless :( Posts: 966	Comfort, Comfort, Comfort...........lifestyle! What do you mean "lifestyle" Tank?? Well for me I have been considering a change for year now (gixxer to cruiser) because my son is at a age where it is a little easier for mommy and daddy to get a sitter and go for a little cruise. The cruiser will be much easier on my wifes back and beautiful bottom After spending some time with the rocket seen there is only a few select guys I will ride with because they know they are not "Niki Hayden" of the streets!! Because of a few sour eggs the rockets have a bad rep that I'm not sure I want to be a part of anymore. As for missing the rocket.....I think a Nissan 350Z would help fill the void! To sum it up, I guess it's a matter of what you are comfortable with at that time in your life.... __________________ Smile on my face when starting my bike.....PRICELESS

Too Old For A Sportbike?

Too Old For A Sportbike?

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04-11-10, 10:28 AM	#2
zrex Advanced Member Join Date: Nov 2009 I Ride: 2009 Buell XB12R Posts: 18	I'm 47 and just bought an '09 Buell XB12R, so I don't think whether you think your old has anything to do with it, it's whether you're comfortable on the bike or not. I made a few changes to the Buell to make it a little more comfortable like a superbike bar kit, lower pegs and a Corbin seat. I dought if I'll ever get a cruiser, I don't really find them comfortable. If i ever find that my Buell or ZRX1100 are getting too big or heavy for me I've got an old GS500E just waiting for a full restoration.

04-12-10, 10:15 PM	#3
Green1 Advanced Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Saint John I Ride: 1125R,YSR80 Posts: 74	I'm like the young pup that posted before me, i don't find cruisers very comfortable, they kill my lower back.Its way better leaning forward at highway speeds but i could use a slightly higher handlebar but i haven't found one yet.

04-13-10, 4:11 PM	#5
Tr!p 家族生 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Saint John, NB I Ride: Kawi ZX-6R Posts: 2,626	+1 and I hear what you are saying Zerzil. "The fact being, it doesn't matter how old you are, it's how comfortable you are on what you are riding." Especially true for the guys and gals new to riding. You're 50 and looking at a SS bike, more power to ya. 20 years old and all that plastic and tight leather ain't your cup of tea, get a cruiser. I think age is a huge stereotype when it comes to motorcycles.