Author Topic: Baby Boomer Riders  (Read 4280 times)

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Offline Bob Wessner

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Baby Boomer Riders
« on: February 11, 2007, 10:21:36 AM »
This has been touched on from time to time. Just thought I would post this as an FYI. It will be interesting to see what other details they come up with if they dig into this farther. I'm well past their threshold for the beginning of this age group, but I have no near-term plans to stop riding though I do recognize I have limitations that I didn't have when I was twenty.. a long, long time ago.

http://www.mlive.com/news/aanews/index.ssf?/base/news-21/1171180003125210.xml&coll=2
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Offline nickjtc

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2007, 10:44:30 AM »
This is an interesting subject.

I used to work with 'born again' and entry level 'boomer' riders all the time. I think it's too early to draw specific conclusions about our generation and accident frequency, although the accident statistics for 'boomers' do bear observation. The rise in popularity of riding for our age group is still a relatively new thing but in my (very unscientific) opinion these are things that I have seen which may be contributing factors to a higher accident risk:

A lot of older riders are getting into the sport for the first time. They now have the disposable income (kids grown up/left home/college tuition paid for) to be able to indulge that lifelong dream of "owning a ........" (usually a HD). Trouble is the brand of choice may not be the ideal novice bike, regardless of the age of the newbie.

Newer machines have more power, generally, than those of 10, 20 or 30 years ago. Also the 'natural progression', as I call it, of rider developement is no longer an option for entry level riders. I started on a 175 and gradually worked up to a 'big' machine. Nowadays the OEMs want to maximise sales and profit and therefore only offer large machines. So we get the laughable situation where a 750 is considered a 'small' bike, with 1200/1300s being considered 'mid sized'.

Many of the 'born agains' I have worked with have very blurred memories (often rose tinted) about the heady riding days of their youth. They are faced with the reality of the need for proper and safe motorcycle control (a skill they may never have totally acquired in the good old days) as well as the increased stress of riding on modern roads with infinitely more traffic than before.

And of course we none of us are as sharp at the age of 50+ as we were in our teens and twenties.
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Offline gerhed

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2007, 01:16:45 PM »
On target about what bikes the new baby Boomer Riders buy.
No way they start on a Honda 160 like I did even if they could get 'm.

In my area-Virginia-virtually none of the New Boomer riders have the motorcycle assignment on their licence.
Which means they never took a course --which would help them.
I must be sounding ancient.
« Last Edit: February 11, 2007, 01:18:35 PM by gerhed »
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Offline 6pkrunner

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2007, 02:09:25 PM »
The sheer number of boomer bikers now would make up for the difference. In my neighborhood there may have been 15 bikers 20 or 25 years ago. Now almost every driver has a bike in it. So a lot of guys who never started to drive until they are in their 40s get the Harley they could never afford as a kid and have at. And a lot of coins are going throught these guys to the dealers. Not only the brand new Harleys. but the full leathers for him and her, and tons of Harley accessories. I am not picking on Harley, but of the huge increase of later-life bikers more than 50% are Harleys.

Offline toycollector10

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #4 on: February 11, 2007, 02:31:35 PM »
In the 1970's I grew up in a town of about 20,000 people. The dealers had to protect their reputations. As a 17 year old I couldn't just rock on up and buy a 750cc bike. I had to be known to the dealer and to have done my apprenticeship on a succession of increasingly larger capacity bikes before I could get to the heavy metal.

I have followed these late entry inexperienced guys. They blow corners and do all sorts of crazy manoeuvres on the road but they look good doing it in their branded boots, leathers, buckles, bags and doo-rags.

I helped pull a guy out of a ditch a week ago. He had turned his head around to look for his mate behind him and of course he just drifted off the road.  I learned not to do that at 25mph on a Suzuki 50cc, not on a Fatboy monster doing 60mph.

They buy a bike, get the feel of it, sort of but not really then tragedy results.

The people marketing and selling these big bikes have a lot to answer for.
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Offline number13

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #5 on: February 11, 2007, 02:36:00 PM »
I have an old friend now living in Stateline Nevada, working as
a nurse. Last time she visited she related how the hospital
she works at had seen a noticeable rise in MC injuries and deaths.
She attributed almost all the carnage to the popularity
of McChoppers.
How many people have bought these things as first bikes?
Way too many I think.
If you want to start riding late in life, great, just start on a bike
that you can steer, umkay?
Bikes parked out front mean good chicken-fried steak inside.

Offline nickjtc

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #6 on: February 11, 2007, 02:50:54 PM »
If you want to start riding late in life, great, just start on a bike
that you can steer, umkay?

The theory should be that common sense will prevail. Unfortunately we live in a "I want it, and I want it now!" age so supply and demand (or maybe this should be demand and supply) dictates that the dude or dudette with the $$ in their pocket will not go the sensible route, even if they had the choice of new machinery to do so.

It will be interesting to see if the new tsunami of small capacity imports from China and other parts of the far east will have the same effect as that of Honda in the '60s. Somehow I doubt it.
Nick J. Member #3247

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"That which does not kill us reminds us to wear proper motorcycle clothing...."

Offline grumburg

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #7 on: February 11, 2007, 03:36:47 PM »
My first bike in 1972 when I was 18 was a 1969 350 Suzuki. Everyone though it was too big bike to start on. Now newbies start with bigger displacemnt than my first 3 cars. Know of one Harley rider in his 40's who has had a learner's permit for 5 years. Renews it every year.
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Offline toycollector10

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #8 on: February 11, 2007, 03:53:48 PM »
In this country (New Zealand) you have to do a riders course to qualify for the licence. You are then limited to a 250cc bike maximum for 18 months with other limitations such as no pillions etc.

However if you had a motorcycle endorsement in 1970, it never expires, so if you hadn't been on a bike for 35 years your licence is still valid and you can jump right on that Hyabusa and let 'er rip     :o
1969  CB 750 K0
1973  CB175
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Offline TomC

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #9 on: February 11, 2007, 04:16:11 PM »
Hi
     "Baby Boomers" a bunch of young folk.
     In the state of Ohio once you get a motorcycle endorsement it is on your licence as long as you renew it. The test was and as far as I can tell still is Mickey Mouse.
          TomC
TomC in Ohio
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Offline Uncle Ernie

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #10 on: February 11, 2007, 06:44:56 PM »
No way I'm helping anyone out of a ditch.  I'm to old and frail.
I think it's a combination; #1 of course is that there are more deaths because there are more people in that age group riding.  DUH   #2 is, I you haven't ridden in a while, you're new.  I don't believe anyone should try to learn on a feet-forward bike.  They are harder to control.  #3 is, everyone is taking Coumadin.  Hells bells- you nick yourself shaving and bleed out in the bathroom!
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Offline Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #11 on: February 11, 2007, 11:27:30 PM »
I'm older, my eyes don't work as well or as fast, my reflexes are probably slower, I'm more beat up.

On the other hand, I'm older, have more disposable cash.

However I am not as stupid as I once was when I was young and smart. I seem to have forgotten a lot but am more stupid because I do not know everything now like I did when I was young.

I have a really great almost 10 year old daughter (yes,I'm a dirty old man) that gives me good reasons to come back home. My wife is good to me too. (learned my leason there too from my youth)

I almost got taken out 4 years ago by a guy in a van. Hit me head on. Not my fault. I'm more beat up as I said. Shoulda been dead. I was riding as safely as I possibly could have too.

I don't stand up on the seat anymore while going down the road after drinking and burning one. I stay at home if thats the case (usually - once stupid always somewhat stupid).

I don't drag my knees. Never did never will intentionally. I'm afraid of guardrails, street signs, etc. Seen 'em kill friends. I only have 2 wheels and they both stay on the road (hopefully)

I'm gonna die sometime somewhere. I don't know when or where BUT I hope it's of old age or being shot by a pissed off husband.

Call me lucky! I do have a little fear which helps.

ps This isn't a knock on young guys. Been there done that and I'm still alive. Just seen more in my years.
As of today 3/13/2012 my original owner 75 CB750F has made it through 3 wives, er EX-wives. Free at last.  ;-)

Offline grumburg

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #12 on: February 12, 2007, 03:15:27 PM »
I'm older, my eyes don't work as well or as fast, my reflexes are probably slower, I'm more beat up.

On the other hand, I'm older, have more disposable cash.

However I am not as stupid as I once was when I was young and smart. I seem to have forgotten a lot but am more stupid because I do not know everything now like I did when I was young.

I have a really great almost 10 year old daughter (yes,I'm a dirty old man) that gives me good reasons to come back home. My wife is good to me too. (learned my leason there too from my youth)

I almost got taken out 4 years ago by a guy in a van. Hit me head on. Not my fault. I'm more beat up as I said. Shoulda been dead. I was riding as safely as I possibly could have too.

I don't stand up on the seat anymore while going down the road after drinking and burning one. I stay at home if thats the case (usually - once stupid always somewhat stupid).

I don't drag my knees. Never did never will intentionally. I'm afraid of guardrails, street signs, etc. Seen 'em kill friends. I only have 2 wheels and they both stay on the road (hopefully)

I'm gonna die sometime somewhere. I don't know when or where BUT I hope it's of old age or being shot by a pissed off husband.

Call me lucky! I do have a little fear which helps.

ps This isn't a knock on young guys. Been there done that and I'm still alive. Just seen more in my years.

An old guy who had ridden Harleys and Indians (real men) for many years told me a long time ago about the "3 P's"  that can hurt you if you don't know how to handle them: Pistols, Pythons, and Pu++y"
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Snowdigger69

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #13 on: February 12, 2007, 04:31:40 PM »
I ride knowing this. 90% of drivers don't see you and the other 10% are out to KILL you... The right of way isn't worth being killed over! Do yourself a favor take the MSF class again... I didn't know how much I didn't know.  Snowdigger69 51 model riding 78 models..

Offline Einyodeler

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #14 on: February 13, 2007, 08:21:07 AM »
Just look at how many times we see that here in just this forum.
 
" I just bought my first bike , it`s a 197x CB750, and will be commuting 150 miles roundtrip daily on it. I don`t have a manual so can anyone tell me the correct way to get this thing started?"

In Germany we started out on a Moped or Mofa then you progressed up to a 36 or less horsepower bike.Only then could you go for a BIG bike like the 500 or 750.
With all of the manufacturers pushing their bigger is better 1 1/2 & 2 liter bikes propaganda, it`s no wonder the entry level riders think a 750 is on the small side here in the states.

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Offline BobbyR

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #15 on: February 13, 2007, 10:58:27 AM »
This thread and the article has tapped into my deepest fears. I am not 17 years old anymore. I am a smarter rider than I was then. My reflexes are still more than good enough to control the bike, but the ability of my body to withstand a trauma and recover I am sure has diminished.
One thing I have noticed is that older NEW riders, or riders that have come back after a 30 year layoff either ride too little, or too much. My neighbor rides to little and is dangerous to himself. My other neighbor ran full speed ahead and rode everywhere under any conditions. He was great rider up until the point of impact. Riding a bike can be tiring, and when you get tired you lose focus and reflexes.
I live in an affluent area and as was said before, these new guys don't start out on a half shot 250cc like I did. They go for heavy Cruisers, which are harder to handle. I personally feel that these people freeze on curves they find themselves taking too fast. An old motorcrosser told me years ago "if you think about the turn, you will miss it".
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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #16 on: February 13, 2007, 12:31:32 PM »
All the reasons above are viable and these are what I am trying to consider when choosing a bike that I know I can handle in a safe way. Somehow I think my mum was more the baby boom era tho. ;D

Offline Bob Wessner

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #17 on: February 13, 2007, 01:09:43 PM »
All the reasons above are viable and these are what I am trying to consider when choosing a bike that I know I can handle in a safe way. Somehow I think my mum was more the baby boom era tho. ;D

Sure, go ahead, brag about your youth.. I wish I could. :D
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Offline BobbyR

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #18 on: February 13, 2007, 01:21:33 PM »
All the reasons above are viable and these are what I am trying to consider when choosing a bike that I know I can handle in a safe way. Somehow I think my mum was more the baby boom era tho. ;D

Sure, go ahead, brag about your youth.. I wish I could. :D

Bob, to last this long we have aquired both wit and guile. Youth only gives you stamina.  :o
Dedicated to Sgt. Howard Bruckner 1950 - 1969. KIA LONG KHANH.

But we were boys, and boys will be boys, and so they will. To us, everything was dangerous, but what of that? Had we not been made to live forever?

Offline cb350f_rider_73

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #19 on: February 13, 2007, 02:07:00 PM »
Seeing I teach MSF classes, I can attest to the whole "haven't ridden in 30 years" syndrome.  People who come into my class routinely make the comment "You know, I never thought of that." and "I didn't realize 30 years had changed my reflexes this much".  It's infinitely better to find this out in a parking lot on a 125 or 250 at 10-15 mph.   ;D

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Serenity

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #20 on: February 13, 2007, 02:43:32 PM »
 :D :D oh gee Im not young but my mum was only bout 5 or 6 at the end of the war years , i think the baby boom came after the war right? Wit and guile yes I like that  ;D

Offline Uncle Ernie

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #21 on: February 13, 2007, 02:57:01 PM »
Age and treachery can beat youth and exuberance every time.  
Young people have better reflexes, but experienced riders don't have to think how to react- they just do it.  I just yesterday heard from some folks at my favorite shop about how I went for a ride a couple of months ago with some young guys. These guys said I just walked away from them in the curves.  HA!  I thought I was taking my time!  Nick rides a BMW F650.  Leon rode a special R90S with custom paint until he died at 86- of old age.  (He had matching leathers, too).
I've been gravitating to smaller bikes because of the weight issue.  Sue me.  I sold my R65LS that I bought new and been all over the country with because of height and weight. (very sad)  But- I got the W650 that I absolutely L O V E.  I've got my 400 that will kick butt anywhere, anytime.  OK- there's one or 2 more...
The point is, one of the geat things about getting old(er) is you can leave your macho on the mantle.  The only thing you need anymore is fun.  Stiff legs?  Pull over and smoke 'em if ya got 'em.  Look forward to getting gas.  Do 400 mile days intead of 600 mile daze.  Who are you trying to impress?



I forgot why I was talking about this... What was the topic again?

As long as I'm rambling- well forget it. I don't want to get introuble with the administrators or whatever they're called.
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Offline gerhed

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #22 on: February 13, 2007, 03:10:39 PM »
Ernie,

Keep going.
I'm on your wavelength.

Phil
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jsaab2748

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #23 on: February 13, 2007, 03:50:36 PM »
A suprising number of people who are beginning riders at middle age think that a 750 is a "good beginner bike".
I don't know where that came from, but I think that misconception is scary. Especially for those that have never ridden a
motorcycle before. I don't care much for laws that tell me what I can and can't ride, but c.c. size regulations for beginners,
like they have in other countries may not be such a bad idea here. my .02

Offline TwoTired

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Re: Baby Boomer Riders
« Reply #24 on: February 13, 2007, 04:39:09 PM »
Age and treachery can beat youth and exuberance every time.
 
Only the aged say this with any conviction, I think.  And, if you leave off the "every time", the statement has merit.  ;)

Young people have better reflexes, but experienced riders don't have to think how to react- they just do it.  
The difference here is that they made survivable mistakes and learned good habits from it.

In my youth, I rode my bikes to the edge of performance...on the street...where conditions are far from consistent or predictable. (Exuberance and stupidity I now realize) .  If I'd had a Hayabusa instead of a 305 superhawk, I can't imagine surviving.  The fast relexes allowed me to minimize the damage from the judgment errors.  And, of course fast healing kept me going back for more.  The prior Honda 50 actually taught me a bad habit, by the way.   The twist grip was quickly understood to be little more than an on-off switch.  You either needed all the power it could deliver or none.  That's why my first test of the 305 resulted in an unintentional wheelie. (I can still picture the owner's wide wide eyes when that happened).

I didn't really realize what was wrong with highway driving/ drivers until I took flight training.  There, you are taught not only how to handle the machine safely in routine situations, but what to do when things go wrong and when the airplane stops doing the normal things.  Emergency procedures and unusual attitudes are repeated until they no long frighten and are handle in a routine way.  Deal with the adrenalin later.  The first time a rider or driver on the highway gets any training about edge of performance limits on braking or cornering is usually just before the crash.  Survival optional.

I recall while in Illinois, the first thing I did when getting underway in the car after a snow or in icy conditions, was to test the traction of the tires in the car.  Tapping the brakes quickly on the snow or ice at very low speed teaches you how much to rely on the brakes, how much pedal pressure is safe, and allows adjustment of your safe traffic interval on the way to work.  It also shows you how the car handles both near and beyond tractive limits.  This is a concept totally foreign to ANY native California driver.  Who wants to waste time learning how to maneuver in a situation they never want to get into?

Who are you trying to impress?
These days?  Doctors... ;D

Cheers,
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
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