How does/did your job affect your riding?
Discussion
I did a desk job for 20+ years, which didn't affect me much other than being generally unfit.
For the past 5 years I've done a job that is far more physical, which has generally made me fitter, but does play havoc with my back and hip joints. I have to do a lot of stretching to sort it out. I also don't have the knee flexibility/strength to ride a supersports bike. My wrists are fine but my knees are in pain if my legs are too tucked up.
My mate on the other hand has done physical work for over 20 years and manages to pull his back out just by looking at a bike.
So as some of us get into our 50's/60's/70's, how has your profession affected your riding or bike choice?
For the past 5 years I've done a job that is far more physical, which has generally made me fitter, but does play havoc with my back and hip joints. I have to do a lot of stretching to sort it out. I also don't have the knee flexibility/strength to ride a supersports bike. My wrists are fine but my knees are in pain if my legs are too tucked up.
My mate on the other hand has done physical work for over 20 years and manages to pull his back out just by looking at a bike.
So as some of us get into our 50's/60's/70's, how has your profession affected your riding or bike choice?
I'm 53 and always done a desk job.
I started out on sportsbikes, have moved onto sports tourers (currently on a VFR800 that just refuses to die!) and when I eventually replace it I fancy an FJR1300.
The latter is a choice of comfy seat and wind/weather protection. It's quick enough if I need it but TBH I'm all about riding in comfort these days.
I started out on sportsbikes, have moved onto sports tourers (currently on a VFR800 that just refuses to die!) and when I eventually replace it I fancy an FJR1300.
The latter is a choice of comfy seat and wind/weather protection. It's quick enough if I need it but TBH I'm all about riding in comfort these days.
it hasn't i use a bike for work instead of a car or van
age has; as i now have two adventure style bikes rather than a sport bike/sports tourer style bike
tucked up legs and wrist pain are the main issues, though the gsa is just as tucked up legs wise as was a sports tourer but less pressure on the wrists
age has; as i now have two adventure style bikes rather than a sport bike/sports tourer style bike
tucked up legs and wrist pain are the main issues, though the gsa is just as tucked up legs wise as was a sports tourer but less pressure on the wrists
Im 58 now and depsite being sat in a car much of the day Im fairly active and took up yoga a year ago to help with my flexibilty/core, however I am somewhat limited on my Ducati 1098 , the position really gets to my neck and back not much more than an hour or so in the saddle.
The H2 is that bit more relaxed and I can cope with 3-4 hours in the saddle of that.
Around 2018 when I was 50 I switched my “daily” bike from a sportsbike to a super naked, I did a few 8-9 hour days on my M1000R last month and it was a doddle.
If I had to have just the one bike, it would be a super naked.
On the subject, I met the owner of this lovely GSXR750J this evening at a local meet, he has had it for some 30 years but its really struggling with it now comfort wise but mentally cant part with it, which I understand .
The H2 is that bit more relaxed and I can cope with 3-4 hours in the saddle of that.
Around 2018 when I was 50 I switched my “daily” bike from a sportsbike to a super naked, I did a few 8-9 hour days on my M1000R last month and it was a doddle.
If I had to have just the one bike, it would be a super naked.
On the subject, I met the owner of this lovely GSXR750J this evening at a local meet, he has had it for some 30 years but its really struggling with it now comfort wise but mentally cant part with it, which I understand .
Ladders, tools, get to f
k with edinburgh traffic. What traffic?Been in physically demanding jobs for 30 years. Kneeling down hurts, and coming off on dirt takes longer to recover from, but creatine and weight training to failure 2-3 times a week really helps. Giving up booze and sugar is a cheat code to feeling better under heavy demand too.
Edited by OldGermanHeaps on Tuesday 16th September 21:35
Completely agree. Giving up booze for a month or more and flexibility,general health and wellbeing all rocket for me . I sat in offices for years and all weekend bikes hurt my body . Now I am retired I am physically fitter and more active,I can get comfortable on most bikes . With age my next bike will definitely be lighter though.
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