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

96886 Views 378 Replies 266 Participants Last post by  wags, 
G
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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Just turned 64. Riding since 13. Sold my ST1300, Ducati 1100 Monster evo, (retirement Ferrari). After bombing fireroads, and national forest roads with my NC700 set up for adventure, ready for something "real". Called my son who has my old 1992 VFR, come get the NC.

Bought a used 2018 Adventure Sport. Came with 2 seats, 2 windscreans, and Beumont soft panniers no brainer. Bike does that of 2 and then some. Love the Red White and Blue, gold tickles the nostalgia too.

There is no bike an "old fella" can ride except maybe a unicycle.

Now what's those BDR rides everyone's doing?
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My wife got me swimming with ladies at our YMCA. I was the youngest at 64, doing stretching guided exercises in the water. I discovered with water resistance weights, the exercises were perfect for biking, core, upper body, leg work. Started 3x per week now up to 4. I'm able to touch and stretch like never before. And if you miss a day they get on your case.
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220 mile a day highway riding is no problem for this 64 year old frame. When off rode and stand up is added there's a whole new set of muscles to contend with. Add aggressive riding and fatigue sets in fast. Added fatigue means, at least for me, poorer judgement and slower reaction times.

Just riding age is not a big issue, pushing the bike and endurance, you have to have some fitness or good insurance.
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"50 times around the sun" we're you in the space station?
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64 and 8 bikes too, with a new used 2018, must be a twin....
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Welcome to site. Made the exact decision last year retiring an ST1300 and the NC700x to the boy. Triumph makes a quality bike. New engine is fantastic too. You'll go blind with comparing the stats and features. The Adventure Sport shines on road still being dirt capable. A bit (top) heavier due to increased fuel.

Be sure to test ride what ever you buy and move it around when off the seat to get a good feel for what you're up against.

The Adventure Sport scene is an adjustment for me with 50 years of riding. Just have to keep remind my self I have 500lbs and 1000cc not 240lbs and 50bhp when I'm blasting in the dirt. The ABS and traction systems don't necessarily slow me down either.

The only bad decision I found was waiting to long. Inventory availability arises and lost riding experiences. I see a fair amount of guys retiring their adventure bikes at our local dealership in their mid to late 60s after several years of riding. Some going to lighter dirt bikes most have multiple bikes to ride.
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I rode my son's wife's Honda Grom.......Now that's small too small, easy to back up though.
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One of the disadvantages of the bike is actually my favorite things. The height, once I learned how to mount and dismount the beast. I love looking over the hoods of cars and have a great view far down the trail. I feel like a Canadian mountee, or horse mounted police person. Standing gives an even greater presence.

You're never hunched over in the saddle and moving the bike puts grab handles above the waist level. Balance has always been a primary skill while motorcycling, you just have to maintain a high level. You can't get lazy and kick out the side stand and jump off the bike, like a cruiser.

Enjoy the bike and your new travels. Lack of pavement is no longer a limitation.
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Let us know how you like the switch from the versys. The versus has a good following as well.
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I love my 2018, the more you ride it the more you appreciate it for what it does. _just had my 1st ride after winter. Once you get acustom to the height and mush over rough terrain you'll appreciate the long travel suspension. A jaunt off road demonstrates this.....even if you ride roads exclusively, take it down a rutted dirt road on a dry day so it can show you what it can do. 70 mph on the highway with a 350 mile range, take a turn and your taking a less traveled dirt road through the woods with no traffic reminding you why you started riding in the first place.

Forget the endless YouTube videos, and comparing stats. You got a great bike with great engineering at an affordable price. Get out and ride on rode and especially off. You'll be amazed at the amount of dirt roads that connect the paved ones. I wish they had this bike 16 years ago when I was 50.
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