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Message started by zipidachimp on 01/23/16 at 03:20:32

Title: Getting old sucks!
Post by zipidachimp on 01/23/16 at 03:20:32

Having spent 3 hours at our annual new bike show, and having sat on every bike I would like to buy, I have reluctantly accepted the fact that I have become a 'feet-forward' rider. At age 72, I can no longer keep my knees bent without agony. In no particular order, I tried the Duc Scrambler 400, Triumph Street-twin, Yam FZ07, KTM Duke 390/690, BMW 700/800, Hon CB500F and X and numerous others. I love all of them to no avail.
Even the cruisers are getting too heavy. On my way out, I tried a Suz Burgman 400, and the real neat Piaggio MP3 3 wheeler. Both are attractive.
At least I'm still vertical....... :-/

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by engineer on 01/23/16 at 06:59:29

You saved me a lot of time with your post. Your list of bikes lines up with the ones I was planning to try out this winter and spring with the exception of the Triumph which I have already tried and found too heavy. I have the same problem as you with foot peg placement.

Some pegs can be moved forward and down fairly easily, especially the brake side. The shifter side is obviously more difficult but I have been able to move it down and forward about an inch in each direction and sometimes that is a big help.

I'm planning to keep my Savage but I would like to thin out the rest of the herd and get one new bike with ABS. But it has to be light weight and have lots of torque. The Moto Guzzi V7II (400 lbs) is one I am considering but since I already have an MG I would like to try something different.

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by Art Webb on 01/23/16 at 07:32:54

there's these things called highway bars, you can even put them on sport bikes ;D
Seriously I never like the idea of highway bars but my knees are more or less in agreement with yours
that's one of the good tings with my Silverwing, boards with a good 'feet forward' position
if and when I get another Savage, I'll put forward controls or highway bars on the bad boy

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by old.indian on 01/23/16 at 07:41:00

Know the feeling....73 &1/2 and I recently fell in lust with a Honda CB1100... Then the boss reminded me that we plan on replacing the flooring in the hovel this summer ....

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by raydawg on 01/23/16 at 07:43:29

C'mon guys, you should be thrilled you can still twist your throttle ;D

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by Art Webb on 01/23/16 at 07:55:26

7F6C74696C7A6A0D0 wrote:

C'mon guys, you should be thrilled you can still twist your throttle ;D

at 49?

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by MMRanch on 01/23/16 at 08:58:53

Zip

I been looking at that Duc Scrambler 400 too. Air cooled is good , light weight is good. Thought the KTM might be good too but no dealer where I normally go.

One of the guys in our CMA groop is 74 and last year traded into a 1800cc new goldwing. His favorite is still his Harley Dyna , he rides it like he was still a 30 year old. ;)

I'll only be 63 this year but I'm trying to catch-up with ya ! ;D

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by raydawg on 01/23/16 at 08:59:53

42515754464141230 wrote:

[quote author=7F6C74696C7A6A0D0 link=1453548032/0#4 date=1453563809]C'mon guys, you should be thrilled you can still twist your throttle ;D

at 49?[/quote]

No....at 60 and 70's.

49, just a wee pup, goodness, I got socks older than you Art ;D

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by MMRanch on 01/23/16 at 09:57:35

;D

Seems like the older I get the more I find myself waiting-up on my younger counterparts ! :o

also

Seems like the older I get the longer it takes to get started in the mornings . ::)

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by zipidachimp on 01/23/16 at 11:40:53

Engineer: tried the V7 also, most uncomfortable seat of all I tried, jumped off quick. The scrambler 400 is almost identical in size to the larger one, 400cc smaller, but only $1000 cheaper. The KTM Duke, only a single, probably faster, is $4000 cheaper! Looks better also. My 2 favs are the KTM and the FZ07.
Time to count my blessings, pursue refining my S40 hotrod and enjoy my Vulcan 500. Maybe next year a Burgman 400. Cheers! 8-)
ps: it looks like Honda has given up on scooters, nothing larger than 279cc in Canada.

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by springman on 01/23/16 at 13:13:06

Hey Zipi. Like you said, getting older sucks. But it is still better than the alternative. Dude, if you are in your 70's and you ride a motorcycle you have my respect. I hope I am still able to ride when I hit my seventies. 72, it is only a number. Ride on my friend. :)

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by zipidachimp on 01/23/16 at 14:00:39

better than the alternative! yeah, I thought about that as soon as I posted ;D. haha!
Still a kid at heart, If I'd had the means 40 years ago that I have now, probably wouldn't have made it to 70, counting my blessings, still dreaming! 8-)

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by raydawg on 01/23/16 at 15:24:12

0C1E0C1E13000F0209410 wrote:

;D

Seems like the older I get the more I find myself waiting-up on my younger counterparts ! :o

also

Seems like the older I get the longer it takes to get started in the mornings . ::)

Ja...... but getting started really has no bearing on where you finish, and that my friends is where memories linger, uh, I think ;D

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by KennyG on 01/23/16 at 17:16:46

Getting Old Sucks Out Loud!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will be 78 next month and will begin my 64th year of riding motorcycles.

The weight of motorcycles bothers me more than any other aspect of riding, but I must admit that I don't ride the corners as hard as I did a half century ago. LOL

Kenny G

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by zipidachimp on 01/23/16 at 19:36:53

Kenny: agree with you on the weight. The new bonnie weighs 500lbs! Of all midsize bikes, ours is the lightest, followed by the FZ07 and the Duc scrambler. Midsize rules!!!

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by MMRanch on 01/23/16 at 19:39:27

Kenny

In 64 years a man could ride a lot of Motorcycles ! 8-)

You ever add them up ? If ya count "Friends bikes" that you've ridden and got to know the count might be a bunch. :-?

Like Two of my friends had Honda CB450's , one of them was stock and the other was second over size bore with 8" over front forks (wheelie machine) totally different machines. ;)

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by KennyG on 01/23/16 at 20:06:08

MM,

I am going to try to count all of the motorcycles that I ever rode.

I can remember going to Nutley, NJ to pickup my 500CC Gold Star Racer and riding it for 2 seasons. Also, Triumph in Baltimore owned the 500CC Scrambler that I rode for one season. And Berliner Motors in New Jersey provided a Norton that I rode in Steeplechase in California. And the list goes on.

I am going to have to sit down with a pencil and paper to try to get an accurate list.

Kenny G

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by springman on 01/23/16 at 21:11:55

Great picture KennyG. Looking good.

I always wanted to ride but it wasn't until my kids actually bought the motorcycle riding class for my birthday about 4 years ago that I ever really considered buying a bike. Well I took the class, passed, got my endorsement, and a couple of months later bought my 06 S40. I have not ridden as much as I would like, but I have ridden and have had a great time.

I do not really regret having waited so long to get my bike since I believe I was not mature enough in my earlier years. The idea of so many of the forum member having been riding for 20, 30, 40, and even 50 plus years is just mind boggling for me. :)

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by KennyG on 01/23/16 at 22:40:33

Springman,

The important thing to think about is not the years that you missed riding, but all of the years that you still have to ride.......

Kenny G :)

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/23/16 at 22:47:48

Yeah, getting old sux, but, you CAN fight back. Lose weight, exercise, blahdeblahdeblahblahblah....
Years ago I figured out I had three options.
Get over it, die young, or live frustrated.

Im down to two, count them, Two options.
And I ain't gonna live frustrated.

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by Paladin. on 01/24/16 at 04:57:38

322D2B2C31360737073F2D216A580 wrote:

Heh! I can't do "die young" anymore, so I guess all I can to is "Get over it!" At my retirement breakfast one of my older Mentors said we all have problems, deal with it!

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by Art Webb on 01/24/16 at 06:53:46

76657C65686D6F6465617C0C0 wrote:

The Maxi scooter market is dead in the US, they just aren't 'cool' (read, macho and overblown)
If you want a good deal track down a NOS 2013 Silverwing ABS, dealers still have them, or can get them, and the smart ones are dumping them at fire sale prices
of the Burgies, stick with the 400, the 650 has a fancy shmancy electric CVT that seems prone to expensive repair (non electric CVTs are simple and fairly bulletproof)

Honda SW forum is slow moving, and members will tell you the main 'issue' the SW has, aside from needing a better windshield (this come from guys stepping off Goldwings) and a lack of issues ;D
my perspective: the Givi screen all the Swing forum riders praise is probably much better than the stock one, but the stock one is worlds better than no screen

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by KennyG on 01/24/16 at 07:27:59

The BMW dealer here in Denton, TX has a BMW scooter. the price of that thing is out of this world. You can buy 2 real motorcycles for the cost of one BMW Scooter.

Kenny G

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by Art Webb on 01/24/16 at 07:38:43

Yup, the SW was $9200 brand new, that'l almost buy 2 brand new S40s
I'm pretty sure I'll get another motorcycle sometime though, the scooter is nice, but it's not the same

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/24/16 at 09:08:51

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by KennyG on 01/24/16 at 12:19:44

Justin,

I ain't dead yet and have no immediate plans to do so.

Being dead is a long way in the future for me, but some rainy days the aches and pains get to me. As soon as the sun comes out and it gets above 40 degrees my mental health dramatically improves, and the I go ridin'....LOL.....

Kenny G

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/24/16 at 21:34:45

Some days I take enough hot showers to need a third towel.
When the aches and cramps hit, it's tough. And, ohhh muh Gawd, a Quick drop in barometric pressure and I have Two heating pads going.

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by jcstokes on 01/25/16 at 01:13:28

Why do you seventy plus year old people remind us sixty something year old people, what is waiting for us around the corner?

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by springman on 01/25/16 at 11:42:53

I think you hit the nail on the head KennyG. I do think about the riding still left to do. I really just cannot believe that I actually got 2 of my dream rides done last year (The 3 Twisted Sisters and The Tail of the Dragon). Hopefully by the time I retire the political situation in Mexico, Central and South America is good. I would love to ride from here to South America and back. Heck, a nice 1 to 2 week ride would be from here down to Merida in Mexico and back. And that would be at a leisurely pace.

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by old_rider on 01/25/16 at 15:58:26

Guys... I have BEEN THERE...
My last big bike was a 2007 Harley Road Glide... great balance, but when loaded.... (Me, Wife, clothes and camping equipment) 1,000 lbs...
I added an insta-trike kit from Tow-Pac.

http://towpacusa.com/product/instatrike/

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5gLD-cV1YY [/media]

I bought mine off of ebay and drove six hours one way to pick it up.
Saved me 400 bucks still.....even after mileage for gas on my pickup :)

The smaller ones will run you in the low $3,000 range with shipping ect.....
You have to figure in what you will be paying for the new bike/scooter vrs. a trike kit.
I drove the Glide for about 2 years with the kit on it, but decided I really didn't want a bike I could not push backwards (It did not come with the reverse kit, which costs a bit).
So I went from a 3 wheeler back to a light two wheeler.... the savage...
My suggestion to you gents is to go three wheels with a kit that has reverse.... you know your bike and the mechanical issues it has or will have, a new one... well, its a learning curve all over again, plus maintenance costs if you have to take it in.
But you fella's know all that....
All I am saying is if you really don't want to go above $4k or can't afford it.... try a trike system. The steering is a bit different and you can't "lean into it", but a small bike with a trike, add reverse..... is what I will most likely do in the future.

Also i've been looking around and found this.... little more expensive but shows it can be used on the 650

http://www.voyagertrikes.net/will-it-fit-my-bike.html

Yet another, if you got some mechanical skills... only $1,500

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TRIKE-CONVERSION-KIT-/251011809285?hash=item3a71784005:m:mzLmjRMM78eAzSxh-ym523Q&vxp=mtr

And one of our older gents used the axle off one of these.... he bought the axle by itself and welded up his own frame/w reverse.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trike-Conversion-Kit-for-any-year-Harley-Davidson-Sportster-/271561105652?hash=item3f3a4da0f4:g:ypoAAOSwYHxWJQEj&vxp=mtr

Pic from the ebay, it is a belt drive...

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by MMRanch on 01/25/16 at 21:48:50

That guy at the Dragon last year had a three wheeled Savage. Don't recall his name but it was a super cool looking machine. :)

could his name have been Don ? :-?

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by verslagen1 on 01/25/16 at 22:17:01

6340484A494040495E2C0 wrote:

OK Don, I got a round tuit tonight and here are your photographs.

To use them, type some comments in the post box and immediately underneath it you will find a place to reference a picture.

Think of it this way,

you write the comment you want to write about the picture in the post text box,

then you click inside the picture box right below the text box

it tells you to go find the picture ....

then go to the picture you want to use and click on that pic and the URL will appear in your picture box.

Clear as mud, huh?

One of you guys explain it to him, his pics are hosted and he can pick whatever he wants to use.

;)

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000125.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF001013.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/thumbs/DSCF00058.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/thumbs/DSCF00257.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/thumbs/DSCF00226.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/thumbs/DSCF00139.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/thumbs/DSCF000910.JPG

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/thumbs/DSCF00058.JPG

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by Ruttly on 01/26/16 at 00:12:19

I refuse to realize my age ! Just go ride !

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by don on 01/26/16 at 15:06:49

Hi guys, Yes that is my trike and it is the only way I can keep riding. The savage is a very simple bike to convert and still have good performance. The total cost for building the swingarm including buying a stock swingarm from EBAY is less than $40.00 The wheels have a Chevy bolt pattern so you can use anything. I may work up a set of drawings for someone to post. Don

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by Art Webb on 01/26/16 at 15:21:28

I'm not sure i could deal with not leaning
I don't have a link, or know if they still make it, but there used to be a sidecar company that made sidecars that mounted on s setup that allowed the bike to lean in corners, and the sidecar with it
Don that is a nice bit of workmanship, I'd love to see a how - to wind up in the tech section as a sticky , because if I absolutely had to, I'd want one at that price point ;D

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by don on 01/27/16 at 09:12:06

Hi Art, About leaning the next time you are in your car feel the sideforce that is what you will feel on a trike, its not much at all. My trunk moves back and forth at the touch of button, and with the fat boy solo seat And Intruder 800 shocks, it is really comfortable. The savage is a good choice for a trike because of the front end. If you use Honda or Harley you have to buy a raked triple tree which is $650 to $750 they call it an EZsteer. You don't need it with the savage, it has plenty of rake. Mine likes to run between 62 and 65 mph that's when the motor vibes go away. The final drive is a little lower than a two wheeler. Save some big bucks and go savage.

Title: Re: Getting old sucks!
Post by Art Webb on 01/27/16 at 09:17:57

If I went 3 wheeler at all it'd be a Savage
That's still years down the road, but I really would love to see your write up in here and become a sticky, for the day that that might come
Right now I'm on a Silver wing scooter, and while it's a nice ride, I do miss my S40 some