Triumphrat

PaulMattoon · 12-22-2012, 10:56 PM

Not an attractive topic, but it's a serious one given the number of riders who are older.

What would be those indicators where you say "Woe, as much as I love it, I'd better hang it up"?

Hope I'm wise enough to get off it when I'm a hazard to myself or others, but this is a generality.

dogtired · 12-22-2012, 11:01 PM

2 reasons to give up motorcycling.
Death: - self explanitory.
If you are turned into a zombie: - Your reaction times are too slow, fraught with danger in the twisties.

Seen people riding quite well into their 80's.

StevenAB · 12-22-2012, 11:08 PM

If you're becoming nervous when you ride. I'm not talking about being cautious and respectful of the dangers around you, but nervous to the point of almost being scared. Wouldn't be fun anymore. Guess it would also be if you're physically unable to ride safely.

Ropeferry · 12-22-2012, 11:11 PM

When either confidence or trepidation takes over. Both are required in equal doses

Trophy4 · 12-22-2012, 11:13 PM

The day I'm not scared to ride my motorcycle is the day I quit riding. And I've been riding since 1963! A little bit scared is a good thing -- tends to keep you alive!

I'll quit riding 2 wheels when I no longer can safely keep the bike upright. I then hope to be able to switch to 3 wheels (maybe a Spyder?) Health issues are probably the only thing that will cause me to quit riding.

Tremor · 12-22-2012, 11:40 PM

This is what I'm dealing with right now. I've had 3 injuries in the last 4 years. First was four ribs, shattered shoulder blade and broken collarbone. It wasn't the pain but the 7 months it took me to heal. (Collarbone wouldn't heal and had to get a plate). Second was a simple broken ankle. Still took a longer time to heal. I'm not very good at growing bone. Now it's a Tibial plateau fracture. Looks like I'm going to be off work for 7 months.
I love riding bikes of all kinds. I really enjoyed my Street Triple. I never knew how much fun it was to carve a perfect turn, leaned over so far I thought my knee was close to touching. And I live in an area that has hundreds of miles of good roads with great turns.
My problem is I don't heal very well since turning 50. Is it worth the risk of another wreck with two to six months off work. I'm sure my employer isn't real happy with me either.
Too old to ride! NO! Worth the recovery time? I don't know. I still have till May before I can go back to work so I have a long time to think about it.
Did I mention I loved that Street Triple.

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Ropeferry · 12-22-2012, 11:46 PM

Tremor: almost a crash a year with serious injury? That's not good.

If you love your Street Triple, I hope you never decide on a Speed. It wont end well. Go easy. Bone breaking crashes don't have to be common.

Tremor · 12-22-2012, 11:49 PM

Maybe if I was on a Speedy I would have run over the deer!

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FasTriumph · 12-23-2012, 12:09 AM

“I have only five words for you: From my cold, dead hands.”

Kirkus51 · 12-23-2012, 12:39 AM

I think it's a matter of mindset....... if you've been getting off a fast bike then mebbe you get one that's more reasonable.

I freely admit my skills are deteriorating so I'm not the canyon carver I was in my youth.

BUT...... I still love to swing a leg over and go for a fast ride, just not as crazy fast over the speed limit as I once did. Now it's more like OK I'm at my speed limit and no more.