What Motorcycle for old guy?

[brizbane]

I am fifty years old and haven't ridden in ten years. I want to buy my last bike and need suggestions. I am not a tourer but just need a week-end run around. Would a Suzuki V-Strom work? Maybe a Triumph retro? Please help me decide and thanks!

 

[Bob W]

I don't have any experience with the bikes you mentioned.

But the Vulcan 500LTD would be a good choice for what you have in mind. Lightweight, easy to manuever, inexpensive, and plenty of power. It's actually the same engine as the Ninja 500, only tuned differently. It has enough power to haul my 200lbs, up a mountain pass, at 9,000 elevation, at 80 mph. It's faster and smoother than my 800cc v-twin.

-Bob

 

[omaha-beenglockin]

Actually the 650 Ninja would be a sweet bike for around town---if I had more money---I would own one in addition to my 1200.

That's assuming you are riding alone----if you are planning on having a passenger---you probably want something bigger.

 

[razcob]

I think the strom would be a great choice. You should find every question ever asked about a vstrom on this website:

http://advrider.com

 

[locomike]

V-Stroms are great bikes. They are comfy, fast enough to be fun but not fast enough to really get you into trouble, and the motors are pretty much bullet-proof. The new Triumphs are also very good bikes and the retros look awesome. You really can't go wrong either way. :thumbup:

 

[pcnorton]

Triumph bonneville is a nice bike. Retro look. Not a ton of power. Comfortable. The VStrom is allso very nice.

Try them both before deciding. We can all give you our preferences but how the bike fits you is a diffent matter.

Forget the Ninja, bent over riding postion.

Got to all the places sit on them all. And make sure your dealership is friendly and accomodating.

 

[PerformanceFirst]

Consider a Suzuki SV650 as well. They are very popular and that seems to be the type of bike you're after.

 

[combs6136]

I am 69 and had to sell my Gold Wing because of my short legs......got a Honda low rider and love it..... I wear 29 in. pants...In length that is.....Comfort is the main thing....How do you feel on the bike........?.........Try is first.................I just got back from taking the wife on a 50 mile ride.............carl

 

[Sid Post]

Sit on them and make sure you don't have to reach for anything. Handle bars too low, too far forward, too high? Your shoulders will hurt if you're like me.

Hunched over on a sport bike? No way. Regarding the Ninja 650, it isn't one of those crazy super sport models. It is made exactly for what this guy is asking about.

 

[555]

Lets face it, the Harley is the old guy bike.

What do you see on Harley's, old guys.

So can the Triumph and the BMW.

What really is important is what is comfortable to you to ride and operate.:thumbup:

Good bike hunting.:thumbup:

And safe riding ahead.

 

[ArchAngel]

The best advice is as stated by many before me, (try out all of the ones you are interested in and find the one that you feel suits you best).
I am 52 and ride a 1998 BMW K1200RS. It is a fairly large, heavy bike with way more power than a sane person needs. It is a sport touring type of bike, as my bad back actually prefers to be bent forward taking the pressure of my lower discs. My arms and shoulders don't seem to mind the position. I love it, but it is MY dream bike. Find Yours and enjoy the riding.

 

[brizbane]

Thanks for everybodies advice! I still have not made up my mind but I did sit on a Ducati GT1000( this is a retro-racer with an upright seat position) at the dealer today and all I can say is WOW! Has anyone ridden this one? The hunt is still on.

 

[hankmarx]

If you liked the Ducati, please try the Triumph Bonneville. That GT 1000
is super sexy though!

 

[Guntotin_fool]

used BMW, find a low milage one and keep it forever, I had a R 800/7 and wish to this day i had kept it, it was smooth, plenty fast and so comfortable, I once drove it stopping only for gas and some food from mpls to tampa, in one straight shot.

 

[DRM]

I was in your shoes three years ago and bought a large scooter. Consider the Honda Silverwing, Yamaha Majesty, & Suzuki Burgman. Piaggio & Aprilia also make some neat maxi-scooters.

For motorcycles, I checked everything. If I hadn't bought the scooter, I would've gone with either a Triumph Speedmaster or Moto Guzzi Breva.

 

[BlueyM]

Another +1 on either the Bonney or the V-Strom.
I ride a retro Kawasaki W650 (Triumph clone) that I have had for 7 years, trouble free, great ride position, plenty of power for the "round town" stuff and the occasional weekend highway tour.
A steady stream of guys my age stop to admire the bike and reminisce about " I had one like that . . . . . . ."
Dukes are nice, but I have nagging worries about their reliability.

 

[tortoise]

I just sold my W, great bike.

 

[Ken C.]

 

[BlueyM]

That's just cruel, Ken.