I just found this tonight and wonder if it's just me or are they exagerating these symptoms of riders over 40?

www.motorcyclenews.com

January 24 2005
Advice for older riders
Older riders are being advised to buy bikes with “large dials and easy-to-read symbols” as part of a series of potentially insulting tips from America’s Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Apart from going for easy-read bike dashes, older riders are being warned to stay away from complicated and congested roads and intersections to avoid “input overload”. Best stay at home then.
Oh – and you should keep fit – your muscle mass starts reducing when you turn 30 unless you do regular training, it says. Fair enough, we suppose.
The organisation also warns older riders to keep their distance, saying it takes a middle age rider (40-54 - and that category now includes WSB superstar Frankie Chili and MotoGP hero Jeremy McWilliams) twice as long to react to a hazard as a younger rider. It could take three or four times longer after the age of 55, it says. Older riders should also pay more attention to their life-saver checks. Research in the States shows older riders are less likely to check their blind spots.
And get your eyes tested!
The advice is a response to reports of bike deaths tripling in the U.S. among over 40s in the last decade. Deaths among under 30s went down slightly.
But neither the safety advice nor the reports on the rise in bike deaths take into account the changed demographics in U.S. motorcycling. The average age of a motorcyclist in the States has risen from 32 in 1990 to 41 in 2003.
If more older riders are riding it's pretty obvious that they are more likely to be more heavily represented in all bike-related statistics – including accident rates.

I get so tired of statisics. I know there'a lot of political BS going on these days and I have nothing but respect for the MSF organization but I wish they'd drop the bullshit and address the real problem. They don't know how to ride and they're (the over 40 crowd) is too damn concerned with image to admit it!

Uh, that hurt my head... LOL

Over 40 and lovin' it!

Wow!!! I'm 61. Guess I better install a governor and get out the training wheels. Probably ought to scrap my plan to buy a KTM and take up supermoto...damn!!!

funny that I'm 40...
I go drag racin and stuntin and playin in the twisties....
I don't own a car and have about a dozen bikes :D (not all of 'em goin tho)


I find I don't get myself into the positions I used to be able to get myself out of ;)


Maybe I should slow down?????????
NAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH not a chance :D :cheers

Anybody want to buy a Sportster I just turne 54 :eek: I feel I ride safer today than when I was younger. Don't ride on the edge as much as I used to. But still do from time to time. Have to get the adrenilin pumping to this old heart once in a while :clap

Bob

Who are these young whippersnappers that think this stuff up!
They need a good whoopassin!

Billy

I'd like to see some stats on age v.s. years experience. I'm assuming many of these older guys getting bumped off are new riders. Bikes are not the answer to your mid-life crisis. They are not a fashion accessory and you shouldn't take up riding to improve your social life. (I'd also like to see a study done of people with more money than brains.)
I'm 43, but with 27 years riding experience. I'm over my 'speed-thrill' days, and I bloody well plan on riding until I'm a little old man.
However, I would advise buying stock in Trike or Sideacar manufacturers.

My point exactly. Statistics can be made to reflect almost any point of view and this "reaction time"BS is probably nothing more than an insurance Co. ploy to raise rates... or whatever. If the statistics for older drivers reflect a higher level of safety (and it does) why then shouldn't it do so for older riders? If that were so, any pilot over 35 would be grounded. Maybe reaction times change from vehicle to vehicle :rolleyes: .

You just parroted what I've been saying right along. It's an ego thing and until MSF or other program becomes mandatory, the statisical rates will continue to rise. As it is, all it takes to ride a powerful, two wheel, high speed machine on today's highways is a credit card. Wonder why it isn't the same for airplanes?

This ain't brain surgery folks!

:censor :censor :censor :censor
With well over 20 years experience on the road I know exactly how to ride!
Not that I ride slow ... but I may feel dangerous situations before they happen .... :shhhh :shhhh

:censor :censor :censor :censor
With well over 20 years experience on the road I know exactly how to ride!
Not that I ride slow ... but I may feel dangerous situations before they happen .... :shhhh :shhhh
It's an experience thing.

WillP,

77.3% of all statistics are just BS

WillP,

77.3% of all statistics are just BS
Izzat a statistic :laugh

Here's something else to consider. There are a LOT of people that have no business riding motorcyles. Whether it's a matter of coordination (or a lack thereof), fear or a host of other reasons and driven by weaknesses that creates fools, they continue to do so. Some, unable to pass the test, ride unlicsensed. Others, driven by ego and/or peer pressure, devoid of all common sense ride far above their abilities and become a part of those statisics.

Will, I've mentioned before that I worked in a convelescent home for a short time and my job was caring for a wing that was devoted to para- and quadraplegic patients solely from all terrain vehicle and motorcycle accidents...as I got to know each one, it was apparent that they fit the mold you just mentioned...not ONE was a seasoned, experienced rider...working there gave me a whole new perspective of riding awareness...you CAN be permanently AND seriously injured on these toys very quickly! I raced motocross for five years between street gigs, and I'll tell you what...I felt safer on that track with 25+ other racers than I ever have on the street! Not to say I don't have fun out there! Give me a deserted road and I'll get things out of my system before I ride back into town and behave! As the old timers say, "There's a time and place for everything!" Wow! Did I say that? :D

Incidentally, we recorded the first rider death of 2005 in Toronto this year. Sunday was 7c & the roads were clear. Now I won't take my bike out this time of year for fear of salt damage, but I love my bike.
Some guys however, decided to do otherwise. A guy in his 40's was killed on his RC51, and his 2 buddies were charged with careless driving. Add one to the stats!

I raced motocross for five years
My experience indicates that the very safest street riders are former dirt riders. IMHO, it's a mix of knowing their limits and having what it takes to trust those limits under panic situations.

Motorcycling doesn't begin to be fun until both wheels are sliding :laugh

Let's see........early 20's with a GPZ 750 led to 130mph up the interstate. Early 40's with an XL1200C leads to a max of 80 on the way to Myrtle Beach. I'd say older = a bit safer :)

My experience indicates that the very safest street riders are former dirt riders. IMHO, it's a mix of knowing their limits and having what it takes to trust those limits under panic situations.

Motorcycling doesn't begin to be fun until both wheels are sliding :laugh


To add to that we only have a limited ability for concious thought....

If a large part of that is taken up just trying to control the motorcycle, especially if it gets out of shape, then it limits the ability to see the hazards around us.

Those that have the skills/experiance to control the vehicle in almost all situations thru sub-concious thought have more time to concentrate on what's around you and enjoy the ride too. :tour

The more hazards you can see and avoid without drastic inputs into the vehicle....the more chance you have of staying alive and haveing near misses or nearlys, instead of stays in hospital....

Long story, Short version.....1965, US Army, worked in motorpool ( Safety Inspector ) at The Presido in San Francisco. Took MP XLA...Full dresser, radio, siren, red lights, Bags etc. on weekends, Taught self in ( Huge ) parking lot...Age 19....Had Orgasm driving said bike across Golden Gate Bridge to Travis AFB ( 75 miles ) after a few weekends practice.....

Yeeehaaaaw !!!!!!
Haven't stopped riding since.

P.S. I could have been court marshalled for it but just had to do it. I got REAL lucky.....Things kids do, Huh??????
:tour

On my 41st birthday I suddenly felt slower, less aware and everything became blurry.

On my 41st birthday I suddenly felt slower, less aware and everything became blurry.


That's all the acumulated mushrooms coming back to haunt you :laugh

I can't seem to remeber where I parked my bike??? :o Hell, just as good as 18.............only the parts are a little worn :laugh

I agree with sportsterrific, not all older riders have years of experience :yikes . I hate to admit that I'm over 50, will I still be able to get insurance with 36 years of riding? ;)

....Had Orgasm driving said bike across Golden Gate Bridge .....
I guess this qualifies as lust huh? :p

I guess this qualifies as lust huh? :p
Lust .............. hell it's the vibrations :laugh

Well, I guess I am dead meat. I gave up riding at my wife's request when she was pregnant with our first son. When my youngest turned 22 I bought a Sportster. I had not riden in about 25 years. I am 52.

Seriously, I took the Rider's Edge course and eased into longer rides and more congested traffic. I know I am slower, but I also think that I am wiser and more observant. I think the Rider's Edge instructor said it best. "I you are the type of person that has a fender bender every couple of years, you should strongly consider not taking up motorcycling."

Seriously, I took the Rider's Edge course and eased into longer rides and more congested traffic. I know I am slower, but I also think that I am wiser and more observant. I think the Rider's Edge instructor said it best. "I you are the type of person that has a fender bender every couple of years, you should strongly consider not taking up motorcycling."

Good move.........always ride at your comfort level! :clap

Good move.........always ride at your comfort level! :clap
ALWAYS RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE!!

It's true that at some point between 30 and 40, we all begin to slow down. That starts a trend that will continue for the rest of our lives.

I've certainly noticed that I'm not as quick, nor can I see as well, as I could at 18. I'm not nearly as strong, either - but I was on the football team in high school. That's to be expected. I do work out as often as possible.

It's not the end of the world. Some are affected more than others. I know some 60+ year olds that are strong as an ox, and quick, too. My dad's one of them. Then, there are some 45 year olds that couldn't get out of the way of a slow moving bicycle, and probably shouldn't be driving a car, much less a motorcycle.

Luckily, I've realized that with age comes a little bit of wisdom. Although I'm not as strong or quick as I was at 18, I've got double the life experience, and 7 times the driving/riding experience. That alone is worth any physical loss.

And that's the lesson - think ahead. Use the experience you have, to control your machine in a safe manner. There are lots of folks buying motorcycles and not using their heads for anything more than a bandana filler/sunglass holder. They are the danger.

BikeSafe UK (http://www.bikesafe.co.uk)

is British response to increase in motorcycle casualties - and perceived high risk to older "born again bikers"

Department for Transport report :-

Motorcycle accidents: preliminary results of an in-depth case-study (http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_rdsafety/documents/page/dft_rdsafety_024715.hcsp)

I know this isn't the answer for everyone (or anyone) but, in my case , after 35 I began to show my age. Not physically, as I haven't a gray hair on my head (yeah, I know, yet)...I just started to lose reaction times and mental quickness. "I'm not as smart as I used to think I was :o " kinda stuff. As I slow down mentally I have tried to ride accordingly. Prudent stopping clearances, make sure the bike does what it's supposed to do, (maintenance), envision the drivers around me doing their best to run me off the road, etc. It's all good (as my daughter would say). Life in the fast lane has taught me that the slow lane is the most scenic. Most of the reason I ride is scenery. Y'all be safe.

I just turned forty and bought my first street bike. No mid-life crisis, just decided that I'm not going to wait any longer. One thing that I always remember is that I do not have any "street" experience and respect that fact.

I ride safe to enjoy the experience and to live another day.

I think I was better off buying a bike at forty rather at twenty. I'm more mature and realize that everything can go to hell in a hand bag in a blink of an eye.

"If you think the same at twenty when your forty, you wasted twenty years."

Just a bunch of BS statistics that'll end up being perverted so the big insurance companies can justify raising our insurance rates.

Just turned 50 and I'm the same wise ass I've always been. My 50 year old right leg managed to kick start my XLCH and my right wrist was still strong enough to twist the throttle well over the speed limit as I stood up on my 74's XL's solo seat the last time out...I didn't get dizzy...my eyesight didn't suddenly become blurry and I didn't forget what I was doing....and I still managed to do my famous (in my own head) one legged water fountain impression...TA DA!!

Got my AARP card in the mail....I'm now an 'Official Member' of the 'GREY PANTHERS' and will do everything I can to keep such statistics from unfairly :censor ing with my fellow Grey Panthers M/C riders.

I bet if you ask anyone of those guys that were killed in an accident they would say it wasn't exactly how they wanted to go...but 'SHIT HAPPENS'!!

Common sense, a lot of defensive riding, young or old gives you the best chance at staying safe.
JE