Comments on: When Should I Stop Riding a Scooter or Motorcycle — Not Yet!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 05:00:45 +0000

Things have improved enough physically that I can go for a long ride. At least whenever my work schedule or chore schedule allows the time.

The scooter remains a comfortable ride. Worse stuff is in hot weather when my backside starts to sweat…

My shocks are still in good shape despite the MV input. No bouncing or bottoming out. Yet…

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 04:56:52 +0000

In reply to Geoff James.

Spending a few months with the bad back had me sort out my fall-back interests. They may even be my first interests. But I’ would rather still be able to ride. All evidence points to more riding.

I certainly understand the stop riding thoughts. We each have to listen to our own heart and mind for that decision.

Be safe and best wishes for many more miles on two wheels.

By: Jim Zeiser

Jim Zeiser — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 16:29:15 +0000

As stated previously my 90 year old Father is still riding a 750 Kawasaki a few times a week. When to stop is so varied with people, physically and neurologically, that it is really personal. I’ve been blessed at 64 with no physical ailments so I can’t foresee an age. I’m still wrestling with what kind of ride to settle on with seven bikes in the garage to experiment with. I thought scooters might be the answer but after a two year sabbatical away from motorcycles a one day ride on a smallish bike put that thought to rest. Right now a 250 Nighthawk is heavily on mt mind but a ride on my 750 Spectre always confuses even that issue. Hopefully I’ll have plenty of years to find the answer.

By: BWB (amateriat)

BWB (amateriat) — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 20:49:20 +0000

In reply to Steve Williams.

Even though – knock on wood – I’ve been quite lucky in regard to back issues, I’ve never taken my condition for granted. To that end, I’ve always kept aware of comfort/positioning issues with every two-wheeler I’ve owned and ridden, with or without an engine. My GTS is likely the most comfy ride I’ve ever had, with what I regard as “just-right” positioning, leaning slightly forward as opposed to bolt-upright, just a bit more relaxed than my bicycles are (all three of which have drop handlebars).

Also, don’t forget the rear shocks: I think we discussed that in a thread over at MV.

By: Geoff James

Geoff James — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 18:02:25 +0000

Hi Steve,
When to stop riding is something I increasingly think about. I hit 70 this year and whilst in generally good health, old sports injuries to my knees give me grief from time to time. Riding a bicycle helps with that. Riding motorcycles has been a passion since I was 16 so giving it up won’t be easy. However, I think in our heart of hearts we know when it’s time. The real trick is to have a fall-back interest that we can channel our passion into. I’ve got a couple of things up my sleeve so think it’s going to be ok when the time comes.

Best wishes!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 12:35:17 +0000

In reply to Kathy. I do love to ride but realize it's not enough to overcome the physical limitations. I'm hoping my body recovers to a point that I can do some sort of riding. Thanks for the kind words about the things I write and post. By the way -- are you having another February blogging challenge? That really helped pass the frigid, non-riding days last year!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 12:33:02 +0000

In reply to Bill+H. Not yet!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 12:32:48 +0000

In reply to Mike. Thanks Mike. Picking days to ride will be the future, at least for the short term. Perhaps I'll get back to reckless abandon in regard to riding but I'm not betting on it...

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 12:30:29 +0000

In reply to Mike. Yeah, I think you're right. One more thing to manage.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 12:29:50 +0000

In reply to Steel.

Thanks for the suggestions Steel. I rode yesterday and experimented a bit with position and posture, not to eliminate discomfort, but to try and affect some pain. I was good in pretty much everything. That was different. A month ago I had to ride in one specific position to avoid discomfort and I could sustain that for a long period of time.

As opportunities arise to experiment with motorcycles I may take advantage…