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

96874 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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ssokolich
Geeko said:
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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I’m 62. Getting back to my roots too. My first bike was a Yamaha 125 enduro. I’ve been riding street bikes ever since. The ATAS is my second foray into the enduro world. Close to 49 years later. I’m 5’8” as well. 31” inseam. I’m still adjusting to the height. And yes. The top heaviness when not moving. But once you’re moving that top heaviness goes away. I plan on taking some off road courses. And I’m sure it’ll get dropped. Which is why I’m adding crash bars. And armor for myself. 🙂
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ssokolich
Bfair said:
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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Yes. I bought a 2022 ATAS ES manual when it hit one of the local dealers. After missing out on one at a different dealer. There’s certainly nothing wrong with riding a smaller bike. Many advantages to it. For its size . The AT is relatively low weight. But it is tall. Which gives me incentive to exercise and do some weight training so I can handle the weight. Maybe when I’m 70 I’ll drop down to a 650. 😉
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ssokolich
Hood said:
56 in a few days, started riding on the beach when I was about 14 or 15 with a free CZ175 trail bike then got an XL100 for the beach. As soon as I was 17 I got my licence and had bikes until I was about 30 when I sold (my third CBR600) to buy a lathe. Always wanted another bike but something else always took my money but last year I was looking again and the boss said I better go for it now as I am not getting any younger :D
Loving the 1100 DCT and no regrets at all..
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The XL100 was a great bike!
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ssokolich
Davy F said:
I’ll (hopefully) reach 59 in December....I’m still 18 in my head. >:)
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Ditto!
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