Am I too old for a sportsbike? Lets hear the oldies opinions
Discussion
Bit of background here.
I'm 54 and haven't ridden for 22 years. Last bikes I had were a zx-64, ducati 748 sps and a 916 sps.
I've always had that itch that needed scratching and have recently been looking with dewey eyes at an Aprillia RS-660.
Had a sit on one and the stance felt fine and couldn't feel that much difference from the Tuono.
Nagging doubts in my mind that I'm too old for this these days. Any older Sportsbikes riders around?
For reference - Going on a referesher course and would also buy new giving me a chance to run it in to keep things sensible
I'm 54 and haven't ridden for 22 years. Last bikes I had were a zx-64, ducati 748 sps and a 916 sps.
I've always had that itch that needed scratching and have recently been looking with dewey eyes at an Aprillia RS-660.
Had a sit on one and the stance felt fine and couldn't feel that much difference from the Tuono.
Nagging doubts in my mind that I'm too old for this these days. Any older Sportsbikes riders around?
For reference - Going on a referesher course and would also buy new giving me a chance to run it in to keep things sensible
Depends on the type of riding and bike.
A 916 through town for more than a few minutes will get hard work very quickly. A S1000RR on flowing roads will be fine for a full tank.
I think you’ll have more fun on a naked so guess it’s mainly the looks of a sportsbike that appeal. Worth checking insurance first as anything with a fairing is generally loads more than a naked option, especially with your lack of recent experience.
A lot of the more modern sportsbikes are actually relatively comfortable. V2 panigale and gsx8r for example.
A 916 through town for more than a few minutes will get hard work very quickly. A S1000RR on flowing roads will be fine for a full tank.
I think you’ll have more fun on a naked so guess it’s mainly the looks of a sportsbike that appeal. Worth checking insurance first as anything with a fairing is generally loads more than a naked option, especially with your lack of recent experience.
A lot of the more modern sportsbikes are actually relatively comfortable. V2 panigale and gsx8r for example.
54 here myself, and still riding.
Albeit a non sports bike.
Get a decent road test in before you buy.
As above poster says, it can become hard work quickly.
I realised a few years back when I took one for an MOT.
In 20mins riding I knew I could no longer lean forward whilst riding. (neck ache)
Albeit a non sports bike.
Get a decent road test in before you buy.
As above poster says, it can become hard work quickly.
I realised a few years back when I took one for an MOT.
In 20mins riding I knew I could no longer lean forward whilst riding. (neck ache)
Ben-v0vyj said:
Bit of background here.
I'm 54 and haven't ridden for 22 years. Last bikes I had were a zx-64, ducati 748 sps and a 916 sps.
I've always had that itch that needed scratching and have recently been looking with dewey eyes at an Aprillia RS-660.
Had a sit on one and the stance felt fine and couldn't feel that much difference from the Tuono.
Nagging doubts in my mind that I'm too old for this these days. Any older Sportsbikes riders around?
For reference - Going on a referesher course and would also buy new giving me a chance to run it in to keep things sensible
I phoned up a local training school on spec. and it was their afternoon of not having much on and why turn away a customer offering to give you money. I need to go back and get some more training but other stuff has got in the way. The Instructor mentioned counter steering but I may be doing that already. I'm 54 and haven't ridden for 22 years. Last bikes I had were a zx-64, ducati 748 sps and a 916 sps.
I've always had that itch that needed scratching and have recently been looking with dewey eyes at an Aprillia RS-660.
Had a sit on one and the stance felt fine and couldn't feel that much difference from the Tuono.
Nagging doubts in my mind that I'm too old for this these days. Any older Sportsbikes riders around?
For reference - Going on a referesher course and would also buy new giving me a chance to run it in to keep things sensible
I bought new, my previous bike was 20% more than my used bike budget. The Africa Twin winter 2017 bargain PCP feeding frenzy here on PH distracted me. Current bike was new and bought partially on the basis of if I buy a bike it'll stop me looking and I'll get on with doing something else plus they offered me a trade in price that matched the dealers I bought the first bike from. I've had one minor drop at low speed as I was in second and not first going diagonally across a mixture of gradients and cambers. I should've been in first and had a foot off of a peg. It was at the end of a 40 mile pleasure ride too so perhaps I'd got complacent?
That alloy piece between the clips on the RS660 appeals to me very much. I was due to meet a dealer to get a trade in price on my first bike on a discounted yellow Tuono 660 in 2022. Someone in the family derailed that appointment and I've been reminded over the last weekend that riding when your head isn't in the right place may not be a good idea.
I may've gone for a discounted Tuono 660 Factory but I don't like black bikes.
A former owner here on PH said the twin engine in their Aprilia 660 didn't do it for them. I should imagine it'll be a safe, tractable engine to come back on. I am not sure what the resale values would be like if you wanted to change it after a while?
There's a former motorcycle Cop who does motorcycle training videos on YouTube channel name Motorcycle PWR and he did a review of the Aprilia 660 and thought it would make a good first bike. I couldn't find that video.
I wonder if the Honda CBR650R would be more suitable given the bikes you had before:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBXqaeADw0o&t=...
If considering twins check out the Suzuki GSX-8S and 8R seem to have many fans due to the torque delivery, some have said it's more than the some of the parts.
Times have changed, speed cameras, 20 limits, average speed zones, dashcams etc.
It's nice having the performance but I am not sure I can trust myself to behave. As temptations go it's up there with drink for me.
Edited by carinaman on Saturday 31st May 10:42
Trevor555 said:
In 20mins riding I knew I could no longer lean forward whilst riding. (neck ache)
My reality hit when I went to see my mum on a gsxr 750. First thing she said was you look exhausted. It was just 30 minutes on decent roads. Think I was 43 and had it 7 years but neck, hips and wrists just had enough.70 yr old here, fit for age however stopped riding sports stuff few years back as on anything longer than an hour got shoulder and neck ache never mind wrists!. Then went naked bike route but again any distance work gave me shoulder and neck cramps, something like a Yamaha 900 tracer will still excite and be comfortable and a Suzuki GSX8R will also do the job if you want 'sporty' looks, there's plenty of comfortable choices that will still satisfy that 'itch'.
If considering an Aprilia 660 you may want to have a chat with Martylaa:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Seems he replaced it with a green Z650RS. I like the look of them especially in green.
I guess ThreadKiller could offer an opinion on them too.
Regarding riding positions and ergos between Sunday and Thursday I did about 400 miles on 3 days, and sometimes my upright, naked bike can give me hip twinges probably due to the seat to peg distances and angles, I end up trying to kick out and straighten my legs at lights, but it wasn't a problem over those 400 miles. One of those air cushion pads for the seat may well sort it.
On the Friday afternoon refresher in 2017 I had a few pains in the hips but the reach the ground was an issue then.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Seems he replaced it with a green Z650RS. I like the look of them especially in green.
I guess ThreadKiller could offer an opinion on them too.
Regarding riding positions and ergos between Sunday and Thursday I did about 400 miles on 3 days, and sometimes my upright, naked bike can give me hip twinges probably due to the seat to peg distances and angles, I end up trying to kick out and straighten my legs at lights, but it wasn't a problem over those 400 miles. One of those air cushion pads for the seat may well sort it.
On the Friday afternoon refresher in 2017 I had a few pains in the hips but the reach the ground was an issue then.
Edited by carinaman on Saturday 31st May 11:24
I'm 63 and ride a 916, along with a couple of other bikes.
I find the 916 fairly comfortable once on the move, probably more comfortable than the Monster (and definitely more than the Guzzi) on a long trip as I prefer the higher/further back footrests. The only concession I have made with it are adjustable, longer bars that are set slightly higher.
I find the 916 fairly comfortable once on the move, probably more comfortable than the Monster (and definitely more than the Guzzi) on a long trip as I prefer the higher/further back footrests. The only concession I have made with it are adjustable, longer bars that are set slightly higher.
55 here. Bought a 1999 Blade last year after not getting on with my previous bike - 2005 Speed Triple.
No issues here - other than learning how to trust the front end a bit more!
Occasionally in cold weather I get the odd twinge in my knee but nothing serious.
I guess a more modern focussed sports bike might be harder to live with on longer journeys.
No issues here - other than learning how to trust the front end a bit more!
Occasionally in cold weather I get the odd twinge in my knee but nothing serious.
I guess a more modern focussed sports bike might be harder to live with on longer journeys.
Pica-Pica said:
At 76 I still hanker after a bike, but the insurance is putting me off !
Do you have a garage or shed to keep one in? I had a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 loaner in yellow. I like the yellow ones. It was a hoot. The fun more than outweighed any slight performance deficit on fast A roads, many of which around me are 50 limits anyway. My 2p.
58 yo,some joint injuries from various sports over the years.
Currently in the garage a cbr600rr track bike, s1000rr road bike.
If you keep fit and especially flexible,age is not the determining factor.
A good stretch and warm up beforehand makes a big difference for me,plus a break when you feel things tightening up a bit.
Check the ergos on whatever you fancy buying,the gen 2 BMW I’ve got is roomy with a relaxed riding position (for a sports bike).
58 yo,some joint injuries from various sports over the years.
Currently in the garage a cbr600rr track bike, s1000rr road bike.
If you keep fit and especially flexible,age is not the determining factor.
A good stretch and warm up beforehand makes a big difference for me,plus a break when you feel things tightening up a bit.
Check the ergos on whatever you fancy buying,the gen 2 BMW I’ve got is roomy with a relaxed riding position (for a sports bike).
trickywoo said:
Depends on the type of riding and bike.
A 916 through town for more than a few minutes will get hard work very quickly. A S1000RR on flowing roads will be fine for a full tank.
I think you ll have more fun on a naked so guess it s mainly the looks of a sportsbike that appeal. Worth checking insurance first as anything with a fairing is generally loads more than a naked option, especially with your lack of recent experience.
A lot of the more modern sportsbikes are actually relatively comfortable. V2 panigale and gsx8r for example.
Strictly going to be a weekend biker these days - Live in Sussex and work in London so would never consider it as a commuter. Just something fun.A 916 through town for more than a few minutes will get hard work very quickly. A S1000RR on flowing roads will be fine for a full tank.
I think you ll have more fun on a naked so guess it s mainly the looks of a sportsbike that appeal. Worth checking insurance first as anything with a fairing is generally loads more than a naked option, especially with your lack of recent experience.
A lot of the more modern sportsbikes are actually relatively comfortable. V2 panigale and gsx8r for example.
Insurance was quite painful on the Panigale £2300 best quote from Ducati. The RS 660 is coming in at £575 which i thought was ok for the amount of time I've been out of the game
Knocking on the door of 70, here is my BMW prior to setting off to do 7 European countries in 7 days. This was 9 hour days (in the saddle) I find it really comfortable and really wouldn't consider any other type of bike. I came off a 2011 Fireblade which I must admit was a lot less extreme in that the pegs were lower, clip ons not as low and I could put my feet on the floor LOL.!
I regularly tour for a couple of weeks. I'm pretty fit ....for a short legged fat lad.
I’m 57, 6’3” and I ride a 2CR R1 (had five R1s, an MV F4 and a Blade since 1998 or so) and do plenty of trail riding and MTBing as well.
I don’t have any issues with comfort really, unless having a heavy rucksack on the R1 - the lower back and arse pain on a straight run from Paris to Lancs was like nothing I’ve ever known.
I don’t have any issues with comfort really, unless having a heavy rucksack on the R1 - the lower back and arse pain on a straight run from Paris to Lancs was like nothing I’ve ever known.
Triaguar said:
Knocking on the door of 70, here is my BMW prior to setting off to do 7 European countries in 7 days. This was 9 hour days (in the saddle) I find it really comfortable and really wouldn't consider any other type of bike. I came off a 2011 Fireblade which I must admit was a lot less extreme in that the pegs were lower, clip ons not as low and I could put my feet on the floor LOL.!
I regularly tour for a couple of weeks. I'm pretty fit ....for a short legged fat lad.
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