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Any Old Guys (Over 50) Riding the Africa Twin?

96886 Views 378 Replies 266 Participants Last post by  wags
I'm over 60 and used to ride Enduros in my teens and 20s so when a road worthy dirt bike the size of the Africa Twin, after researching the possible alternatives (KTM, BMW, Ducatti, Triumph, Yamaha, etc.), it stimulated my desire to get back in the saddle again. It's a different world with issues like no insured medical coverage for motorcyclists with my insurance company (in my state?) and a lack of bikes on the road but a plethora of automobiles. Finally I hopped on a section I-24 for three exits and while crossing the Ohio river at 75 mph was blown about a bit then was blown passed by a Harley bagger and a much smaller Suzuki dual sport. Am I just getting Old? I enjoy the twisties through the woods and the dirt roads, small stream crossings and logging roads even with the stock 90/10s but I'm sure this might be more fun with say a set of Shinko 804/805 combo. I have Nelson Rigg panniers, 15 liter rolls and a 30L Tail Bag but haven't used anything but the panniers for shopping and extra weather gear. Also I have a Oxford First Tank Bag that I don't recommend. The plan is to do some camping, if time permits? I am relatively short (5'8") with a mid life gut and find that wrong footing like stopping beside an unexpected pothole (patched) is enough to cause a critical shift in the bikes gravity (I fell) and subsequent embarrassment. So feel free to share yours!
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Don't forget us old ladies - I'm 60 and just upgrade to an AT from a NC700X.
That is awesome KD - congratulations! How is the AT?
Sorry, young guy here over fifty. I am pretty excited about the AT. Winter is hampering riding days, but I dream daily.
Liar.
Welcome to the Forum Pluribus - and congratulations on your upcoming AT experience.
61, and after the ownership of a 2016 CRF1000 DCT and 2018 CRF1000ATAS DCT, waiting on the delivery later this spring of the 2020 CRF1100 ATAS ?
Sounds like you are missing a few model years in your set. :)
Some serious klickage for Roy B. That is more than FOUR round trips to the moon and back.
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Hear, hear Cuch. We can all certainly hope and do our part.
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Awesome JJ. May there be many, many miles of new found joy.
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Excellent Peter. Congratulations on retirement, as well as your 2019 AT acquisition. And finally, welcome to the Forum.


P.S. I have seen the Majesty 400 perform tours well above expectation.
I am 71 and was a serial VFR owner, a Gen4, Gen5, Gen6 and Gen8. After buying a NC700X several years ago, I found I preferred the more upright riding style and as much as I like the NC700X, it is designed to a price, so suspension and brakes are fine for street riding, but were a little lacking once the road was broken or unpaved. I've been riding since I was 19 and have had 13 bikes ranging from 80cc two-strokes to the VFR800. As some have noted, the leg leftover height for the Africa Twin means that us older folks have to practice to maintain the "over-the-seat" dexterity which comes more easily in the 30s and 40s. I bought a new 2020 ATAS/DCT model (my first DCT) and am frankly enjoying the difference of the dual-clutch transmission. I expect over the next several months to conquer the various electronics which are native to this machine. I'll likely keep the NC700X, as it is a great fuel-sipper for commuting, but not nearly so confident on the slab or eating up the miles. Looking forward to becoming accustomed to the bigger Africa Twin!
Welcome aboard the Forum Edgett. The NC7xxX are indeed fuel misers. Congratulations on your 2020 ATAS DCT acquisition. Enjoy with care.
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If I am still twisting the throttle at the age of some guys on here, I'll consider my life a success.
Hmmm, there is wisdom in your words @InedibleRider.

When the time comes, I should ensure my rocking chair has a throttle I can twist. Might be good for the arthritis.
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52. Haven't ridden mine yet but intend to just as soon as the snow thaws here in Colorado.
Maybe this year CO will thaw before TX. ;)
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I’m 62. Bought my Vespa GTS 300 Super at age 50. Bought the AT this past fall, right after turning 62. Love ‘em both.
Decent scooters surprisingly provide a rich riding perspective that is uniquely different than a street motorcycle and augments that of the AT.
Rule #89: If you are over 50 and don't own an adventure bike you are no longer hip or cool.
lol

Rule #721: If you are over 50, sometimes you have no hip.
  • Haha
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Oh, you kids... Riding since... well, the records were on clay tablets, lost in the Great Flood. Sat behind Methusela in the 3rd grade. Glad I learned first in the dirt (50cc Cub). Ride 12 months/year if the roads are dry (and I can negotiate the occasional ice rink in my driveway), it's therapeutic. I've learned that The Secret to Riding More is to ride. More.

The beast weighs every one of the pounds in its ¼ ton when I'm shifting it about in the garage, but I like its long legs with the big tank. I'm shrinking, but I like its height, and standing (installed better pegs) is great.

"Bin Ich kein 'Expert,' nur Historiker."
lol - Welcome to the Forum @Freezin' Geezer.

Feel free to introduce yourself at the New Member Introductions area of the Forum.
just turned 71 and have 44K on my 2017

Thanks Tom
Nice Tom. And Happy Birthday!
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I am 50, bought a new one very recently. 1st bike and looking forward to ride it.
Congratulations @Michiel, and welcome to the Forum! Post some pics? Show off your beast.
...
Riding is one of the few things keeping me from losing my sh!t in the current climate, and I'm not talking about the weather.
I hear ya. (y)
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Welcome back, and happy birthday @JackedSquatch! :D

Sumthin' a little easier on the joints (?) and just freshly released ...

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I'm 64 and purchased a 22 Twin AS DCT on April 1st. I grew up on dirt bikes. I have a gold wing for comfort and this twin for the days I want to ride in the dirt. It's very special just to get on a dirt road and twist the grip and feel the rear end spinning, trying to come around. Makes you feel a little younger. As the saying goes, "mans got to know his limitations".
I hope to have many years riding the twin. I'm going to replace the 2x4 with a RDL!
Excellent - and congratulations @punishthetarget. Hope we can all continue to do as well.
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