Discussion
Probably a familiar story, I rode a bike pretty much everyday through my 20s and early 30s, kids came along blah blah blah, haven't had a bike for 10 years, I'm 50 this year.
I've got some pretty severe arthritis in my hips, right side will probably get a replacement next year when I can pluck up the courage to get it done, 10 weeks ago fresh from a hydrocortisone injection, on a bit of a whim I went out and bought a 2008 VFR800, really nice bike, lovely sound, can't fault it.
Obviously the injection wears off and I've done 300 miles on it but can't realistically ride in it for more than 30minutes at a time and I'm nervous and tense and frankly it's not fun when its painful as well as not feeling particularly safe, I feel like it takes me an age to get my feet off the pegs and onto the ground (and vice versa)
I guess I'm asking if anyone else has managed to get back on a bike after a hip replacement or if anyone has over come similar issues as they've got older, I'm in decent shape (apart from the athritis) and just feel a bit silly that I can't overcome this. Is there a bike or a style of bike that particulary suits people with hip issues? (I can't see myself riding a cruiser tbh)
I've got some pretty severe arthritis in my hips, right side will probably get a replacement next year when I can pluck up the courage to get it done, 10 weeks ago fresh from a hydrocortisone injection, on a bit of a whim I went out and bought a 2008 VFR800, really nice bike, lovely sound, can't fault it.
Obviously the injection wears off and I've done 300 miles on it but can't realistically ride in it for more than 30minutes at a time and I'm nervous and tense and frankly it's not fun when its painful as well as not feeling particularly safe, I feel like it takes me an age to get my feet off the pegs and onto the ground (and vice versa)
I guess I'm asking if anyone else has managed to get back on a bike after a hip replacement or if anyone has over come similar issues as they've got older, I'm in decent shape (apart from the athritis) and just feel a bit silly that I can't overcome this. Is there a bike or a style of bike that particulary suits people with hip issues? (I can't see myself riding a cruiser tbh)
I googled, I get hip twinges now and again, something that may be eased with a higher saddle or one of those pads, and conclusion was allow the hip to heal after the surgery and do the physio which may mean not getting on the bike for a couple of months.
Regarding cruisers, I stopped at a shop in the middle of a national park a few years ago and was over the road from the shop taking in the peace and scenery and a loud bike turned up. It was an elderly chap with a Kawasaki Vulcan 650 that had been previously modified for an injured service veteran.
In 2023 I had a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 loaner in yellow. I like yellow. That bike has a really tragic image to me, but it was a hoot a ride. Admittedly it was in the summer and I was working a shift pattern that allowed me to get out it on midweek in the glorious weather and I even did a bit of filtering on it.
Perhaps there's a trade off with living with a bike with an image you don't like one bit but getting the positive health benefits of motorcycling? I was away from motorcycles for years perhaps as I've not used one to get to work in the cold and wet since I was much younger, but the excitement and novelty has not worn off and if anything I could be more excited and distracted by them than I was as a child.
It's really not my thing but wasting time of autotrader I saw an advert for a Yamaha XV in some lovely metallic green colour that looked good in the photos under the showroom lights.
VFR800? Nice. I've always liked the VFR750. I saw one a few years ago that may've been US Spec. but it was red, white and blue in that swirling ribbon paint scheme like on the Fireblades.
Regarding cruisers, I stopped at a shop in the middle of a national park a few years ago and was over the road from the shop taking in the peace and scenery and a loud bike turned up. It was an elderly chap with a Kawasaki Vulcan 650 that had been previously modified for an injured service veteran.
In 2023 I had a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 loaner in yellow. I like yellow. That bike has a really tragic image to me, but it was a hoot a ride. Admittedly it was in the summer and I was working a shift pattern that allowed me to get out it on midweek in the glorious weather and I even did a bit of filtering on it.
Perhaps there's a trade off with living with a bike with an image you don't like one bit but getting the positive health benefits of motorcycling? I was away from motorcycles for years perhaps as I've not used one to get to work in the cold and wet since I was much younger, but the excitement and novelty has not worn off and if anything I could be more excited and distracted by them than I was as a child.
It's really not my thing but wasting time of autotrader I saw an advert for a Yamaha XV in some lovely metallic green colour that looked good in the photos under the showroom lights.
VFR800? Nice. I've always liked the VFR750. I saw one a few years ago that may've been US Spec. but it was red, white and blue in that swirling ribbon paint scheme like on the Fireblades.
Edited by carinaman on Sunday 14th June 15:21
Sorry - I was about to close a tab when I noticed that link on the right.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfGkhK2Kfk8&t=...
I'm just sharing as googled served it up.
Between typing that and correcting a typo I've been to the kitchen to make a cup of tea and some naked with a handlebar fairing that looked like it was low and cruiser like went by.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfGkhK2Kfk8&t=...
I'm just sharing as googled served it up.
Between typing that and correcting a typo I've been to the kitchen to make a cup of tea and some naked with a handlebar fairing that looked like it was low and cruiser like went by.
Edited by carinaman on Sunday 14th June 15:36
Cycle ergo puts the hip angle for a vfr at 69 degrees for 5’10” 32” inseam.
A naked bike will be high 70 / low 80 degrees. Although I don’t have hip problems as severe as yours I do have hip issues and find bikes with more legroom much more forgiving.
It would be worth seeking out a bike showroom with different models you can sit on.
Although on the comfortable end I think you can get a better hip/leg position than the vfr.
A naked bike will be high 70 / low 80 degrees. Although I don’t have hip problems as severe as yours I do have hip issues and find bikes with more legroom much more forgiving.
It would be worth seeking out a bike showroom with different models you can sit on.
Although on the comfortable end I think you can get a better hip/leg position than the vfr.
Too old? Check out the age profile of this years Old Gits trip. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Half way down the page
VFR800 -Great choice
Half way down the page
VFR800 -Great choice
black-k1 said:
Too old? Check out the age profile of this years Old Gits trip. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Half way down the page
VFR800 -Great choice
Anyone with a hip replacement?Half way down the page
VFR800 -Great choice
You will be fine after a hip replacement, give it 6 months and you will forget you have one. I had mine done when I was 38, along with a few other bits thanks to an RTA. Im now 56 and still ride every few days, along with 2 week touring hols every year. I did start off riding again on my Harley because it has a real low seat height and relaxed hip angle. Most bikes are comfy enough, certainly a VFR800 would be, although I sold the last sportsbike when I was about 44, as I just wasn't using it.
If you have your hip replaced and it’s a good job you will feel like a new bloke. I can’t believe the difference in my FiL, he’s back on his bike all the time, back going fishing and walking the dog. Before the hip replacement he needed help to get off the settee and couldn’t walk up the back garden without the pain building up.
He doesn't ride but my dad has had both of his done, one late 50s the other early 60s, you'd never know he did. He's still very active, goes to the gym everyday, walks everywhere etc etc. Also the surgery and recovery are much better now. The difference between his first and second was massive even though both joints were the same.
trickywoo said:
black-k1 said:
Too old? Check out the age profile of this years Old Gits trip. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Half way down the page
VFR800 -Great choice
Anyone with a hip replacement?Half way down the page
VFR800 -Great choice
I had a hip replacement about 8 years ago. Absolutely transformative. Back to hill walking and weight lifting.
I bought an XJR1300 6 years ago. First bike for 10 years. Then a z1000, since sold, a GSX1400, then a Triumph T100.
No problem with hip at all riding. 65 this year.
Get the hip op done, follow the physio to recover, and get back on with your life!👍
I bought an XJR1300 6 years ago. First bike for 10 years. Then a z1000, since sold, a GSX1400, then a Triumph T100.
No problem with hip at all riding. 65 this year.
Get the hip op done, follow the physio to recover, and get back on with your life!👍
I’m afraid the obvious here, you’ve got the wrong bike, for your circumstances.
I, very similar story to you, after being away for 20 years returned (3 years ago) with a VFR800 – always fancied one. Never really felt it was the bike I was hoping. Not sharp enough for a blast, not comfy enough for a long run, too heavy on slow manoeuvrers, although quite stable once moving and above legal limits. I only managed a c100 mile ride once, but got off looking like a 90 year old trying to straighten up..!
Following Shoulder surgery, and returning back to the bike, I decided it was time for it to go. I also felt it in my hips (and I don’t consider any issue’s here) but also too much weight forward on my arms/shoulders. So I moved it on at the end of summer last year.
I am now considering that these more upright bikes, might be more appropriate for me, GSX-S1000F, Tracer 9 or similar.
I think it comes to a time when we all have to consider that we are getting older, and our choices from when we were in our 20’s might not be suitable (except for a track blast) for our 50’s.
jj
I, very similar story to you, after being away for 20 years returned (3 years ago) with a VFR800 – always fancied one. Never really felt it was the bike I was hoping. Not sharp enough for a blast, not comfy enough for a long run, too heavy on slow manoeuvrers, although quite stable once moving and above legal limits. I only managed a c100 mile ride once, but got off looking like a 90 year old trying to straighten up..!
Following Shoulder surgery, and returning back to the bike, I decided it was time for it to go. I also felt it in my hips (and I don’t consider any issue’s here) but also too much weight forward on my arms/shoulders. So I moved it on at the end of summer last year.
I am now considering that these more upright bikes, might be more appropriate for me, GSX-S1000F, Tracer 9 or similar.
I think it comes to a time when we all have to consider that we are getting older, and our choices from when we were in our 20’s might not be suitable (except for a track blast) for our 50’s.
jj
To Old no way. However health has more to do with it. I'mm 66 and had my left hip replaced 31/07/2025 and after doing virtually no miles last year due to my hip being painful and the reduced movement, I have so far this year done 2 long weekends away (1 3 days and 1 4 days) with friends and have been perfectly happy on the bike (Ninja1000SX). I am still working on my overall fitness but as long as you can get on and off, move the bike around without pain (well too much pain) no reason to not be riding if you want to.
As a last note - get the hip done as soon as possible don't wait, I did and lost at least a years riding because of it plus the constant pain and restricted movement, best thing I have done, the relief was immeidate and recovery not as bad as I thought just make sure you do the physio they tell you to.
As a last note - get the hip done as soon as possible don't wait, I did and lost at least a years riding because of it plus the constant pain and restricted movement, best thing I have done, the relief was immeidate and recovery not as bad as I thought just make sure you do the physio they tell you to.
Thanks for all the replies, guys, very reassuring in general. I'll be back to see the consultant in 12/16 weeks so all being well it'll be a different story this time next year. In the mean time I'll get out for short runs, get my eye back in and build confidence in the bike. I might try raising the bars and lowering the pegs.
It's true the VFR feels it has a bit of weight at slow speed, and the lumpy V4 isn't as smooth as a inline 4 at slow maneuvers but all round i do love it and the noise it makes is pretty special (someone's been at the exhaust with a drill i think)
It's true the VFR feels it has a bit of weight at slow speed, and the lumpy V4 isn't as smooth as a inline 4 at slow maneuvers but all round i do love it and the noise it makes is pretty special (someone's been at the exhaust with a drill i think)
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