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How old is to old to ryde a Spyder or a Ryker?

seaweed

Member
Many times I have seen/heard discussions about at what age a person is to old to drive a vehicle but no mention of motorcycles (especially 3 wheel ones). Yes I am getting to be an old fart, and one of these days my kids will say it is time for me to stop driving. Of course they will also say to stop ryding my Spyder.

So my question to folks out there "In your opinion at what age should a person stop ryding?"

I did not put this thread in Off Topic Board as I believe it is very much a Spyder General Discussion.
 
IMO...a specific age is not the right way to look at it. Different people are going to have different skill levels at different ages.

Some of the things that should make one consider hanging up the Spyder:

Inability to properly work the controls.

Distracted driving..as in early dementia.

Inability to make proper judgments with general driving rules and regulations.

When it becomes a safety issue for self and others...then it is time.


My .02
 
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I have a neighbor who told me that I was being stupid for cutting my own grass, I asked him if he would do it for me Give me a break, I'm only 79.
 
There are currently some 80+ years old Spyder owners/drivers out there. Maybe we can get some of them to chime in.
 
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The big thing is enough self-awareness to know when someone is beyond safe for themselves and begins putting others in danger. Although balance on a Spyder is not an issue, there needs to be enough upper body strength to turn and lower body strength to stay planted in the saddle. As long as one can do those things, with decent reactions and a clear mind... have at it. I have a friend who still drives his car, with his wife, to lunch... and he's 100. And... he's not scary at all behind the wheel.
 
When you're dead... :shocked:

What Bob says!

I'm 76 and just climbed off a 900+ lb touring bike and onto a Spyder. Slow speed turns were becoming uncomfortable, but other than that ... was having fun.

And I don't care what my kids think! They may be better educated than I am, but they're not nearly as smart!

Gary
 
Depends...

But have ryden with several well over 80 but as stated by AKspyderman there are many things to consider. So I say if you can then there is no age...:thumbup:o
 
There's no such thing as too old. If you can still do it, then do it!
I just graduated from college again a couple of years ago. I told the history professor that I didn't learn any history in his class, I was just reminiscing!
 
Many times I have seen/heard discussions about at what age a person is to old to drive a vehicle but no mention of motorcycles (especially 3 wheel ones). Yes I am getting to be an old fart, and one of these days my kids will say it is time for me to stop driving. Of course they will also say to stop ryding my Spyder.

So my question to folks out there "In your opinion at what age should a person stop ryding?"

I did not put this thread in Off Topic Board as I believe it is very much a Spyder General Discussion.

Is that a trick question?:dontknow:

When you're dead... :shocked:

You don't get too old to ride - you get old BECAUSE you stop riding!

:agree: with Bob and Peter!
 
There are several 80+ year old Iron Butt Riders, last year one rode his beemer through all 48 US States twice, back to back. And that's among a small group of people who document their rides publicly.
I have bookmarked an article about a guy from Michigan Ward Blanchard, who did an Iron Butt ride at 89 years old on his RTL.
The oldest IBA'r to ride Coast to Coast (in 48 hours) was 80yo in 2015 (on a 2 wheeler....)
And I'm sure there are more non-IBA folks riding there 2 and 3 wheel cycles for "normal" rides.
 
Don’t know. Soon to be 80 and just bought a new 17f3 Ltd. bought 5 years of warranty and plan using it at least that long.
 
There are some who should never ride. They just do not understand the nuances of open air riding (2 or 3 wheels), and cannot do it safely. I've ridden with a few of these. It does not necessarily have anything to do with their intelligence. It can be scary to watch them. Because you know it is just a matter of time.

There are some that lose their ability to ride relatively early in life.

There are some who can ride well into their 90's and beyond.

The thing is. Each of us needs to be honest and sober with ourselves about our skill level. If we are willing to quit when it is necessary, then we should ride as long as it can be done with safety for ourselves and others.

What I do not want to happen is to have someone tell me I need to quit... when I knew it before they cared enough to say so.
 
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The thing is. Each of us needs to be honest and sober with ourselves about our skill level. If we are willing to quit when it is necessary, then we should ride as long as it can be done with safety for ourselves and others.

What I do not want to happen is to have someone tell me I need to quit... when I knew it before they cared enough to say so.


My grandmother did not renew her driver's license at her 100th birthday. She was driving fine, didn't doddle, and never had an accident. She said "Its just time." My mother lived with her, so she had a
Chauffeur. She pass a few years ago right before her 105th. I think she could have driven a few more years at least.

I just hope that I can make that decision before others get hurt by my not making the choice to stop.

Regards,

Don
 
What are YOU comfortable with? I have a good friend who just sold his Suzuki V-Strom 1000 this winter because he just doesn't feel as comfortable on two wheels as he used to. Wayne is 91 and he moved on to a Mazda Miata. Wayne was a high mileage rider and was ready to go anywhere in any weather, but he told me last fall that it was time to hang up his helmet. I applaud him for knowing it was time, but I miss riding with him. I have another friend who at 82 sold his Goldwing and bought a maxi scooter. If you are comfortable riding a Spyder or anything else then go for it.
 
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