I’m starting this week doing the learn to ride course, I’ve been on the back of my husbands bike for several years …. I’m 57 ! Reasonably fit and strong …. Age is just a number … you are awesome ! 🏍️
I started riding when i was 52 and I love it. My wife started at 48 . She has her own bike and can ride it well but just doesn’t enjoy it as much as i do.
Congrats! You’re never to old to learn. Good reaction time and balance skills are key. I got my endorsement a little earlier than you. I was 16. I’m now 68 and still riding. I have friends in their 80’s who ride. So you have a long riding career ahead. Best of luck and enjoy the journey.
Ok, I am 50 and started riding 2 mo. Before I turned 50. By profession I am a long haul trucker for 30 years and counting. My manual transmissions covered 8-9-10-13-&15 speeds. The hard part for me was unlearning right hand shifting for left foot shifting on my first bike, KLR 650 S. I am 6’0 tall with 32’inseam . Though the real Achilles heel to that is my size 18 (US size) feet. So shifting was clumsy and awkward. To say nothing of traffic and 79 miles in 7 months between road trips. With nearly starting all over again each home time being 3-4 months apart from the last one, I didn’t want to wait roughly a year to get those skills up to par since I know how to ride a bicycle. Though I never grew up riding motorcycles. Enter the trade of my 2023 KLR 650 S for a 2024 Africa Twin Adventure Sport with Electronic suspension and a DCT, automatic transmission. WOW A NIGHT AND DAY DIFFERENCE! me switching from a WW2 Jeep to a decked out Chevy Suburban in terms of comfort, tech, and buttery smooth handling! I felt like a kid going solo on my first bicycle ride all over again with the sense of freedom and curiosity of what lies ahead. So my first week after my MSF course, I took my new bike on a 200 mile road trip through the twisty backwood roads of Idaho and Montana. NOW THIS is what I expected learning how to ride a motorcycle should be like, learning fast fun and more easily. Just like riding a bicycle, only I don’t have to pedal going up hill and “coast” everywhere else😂. It made learning to ride so much faster and simpler since I didn’t need to focus on clutch and shifting that’s against 30 years of the opposite method while trying to ride in traffic. Since I am comfortable traveling in traffic with an 80,000 pound 18 wheeler in traffic, a motorcycle in the same condition is nearly identical for me. The differences are the same though. 60 mph in a motorcycle, car, and semi truck are the same. 60 is 60 is 60 mph no mater what. The 2 differences though the SPEED from 0-60mph-0mph. That will vary across the three as well as the leaning. Leaning required on the motorcycle, maybe a spirited car ride, but DEADLY in a semi truck, hence instinct to avoid leaning. Now it’s natural like a bicycle, but I seek to avoid excessive race style leans and rapid starts and stops that those racers often do. I prefer the “normal” car rate of changing speeds, a safer moderate laid back approach. I will get better with time as my bike is far more capable than my skills are, but not intimidating to learn on as I can dial down throttle response and up the traction control, anti-wheelie control and max out the engine braking. Then as I get better I can adjust accordingly. So I have plenty of time to…grow with my bike instead of against it like my KLR 650 S….it was a great bike, but not for my aforementioned circumstances. Yeah, 50 is not too old to start riding, but if one has not been raised around motorcycles then no shame in considering an automatic. Now BMW got into it also. Their 2025 1300 GS adventure has a clutchless shifting bike, though foot shifting I think is required unlike the Africa Twin DCT, just press D, and twist throttle from dead stop to full speed and let the bike handle the rest of it. One rumor has the 2025 KTM 1290 SAS coming out with an automatic and shaft drive combined. We will see how that unfolds.
I just got my endorsement at just shy of 51! I bought my bike a month ago, and have been excited to start riding it. I have been on the road a few times since getting my endorsement, and each day it’s easier!
@@SomeBoldAdventure Yes! It is exhausting right now, but after working out a few adaptations and just practicing as much as I can, it’ll start to be more fun. Not that it’s not enjoyable already!
That's interesting and encouraging. I am thinking about the possibility of getting a motorbike. I am 62 (male). However, I did have three bikes in my late 20s. My last bike was a Kawasaki ZZR600 sports bike so I am not new to riding. I have a full licence. But it has been a while. Am I too old? Your video makes me feel I may not be.
Wow, you truly are an amazing person. Enjoyed watching this. We have subscribed in support! We know how hard it can be to produce good content and get your YT off the ground. Going through it ourselves. Keep up the good work!
Yay! Do it. There is no way that you are too old! I am looking forward to see your journey. I hope that you love it as much as I do. Take care. Dave "Tiger" Coward 🇨🇦
I don't recommend it for most people. You need to be on top of your game. You can learn to ride, but you will be taking more risk than other riders. Being new to it is not a good thing. I want my girl to ride, so I bought a Vespa (no clutch or gears). We rode together once. She never had a bicycle so she hasn't got the balance. Theres too many things to learn. Once you learn all the balance, the machine, the vigilance in traffic, you're going to be a new rider for years if you ride a lot. If you dont, you'll always be a new rider and in todays traffic that is very dangerous.
I love EVERYTHING about this. Thanks Donna, for showing us how it’s done!
Thank you Jill!
I just learned to ride a motorcycle at 48. I just bought my bike and I'm turning 49 in few more days and I want to liveeeeeee
That’s awesome! I was really worried that I wouldn’t get the hang of it and I love it. Never too old to live more - ride safe!
Same I’m 45 and just passed my msf, 2 weeks after a partial hysterectomy and tumor removal. We can do what we believe we can do!💪🏼
Love this so much! I'm 52 and started riding about 3 months ago. No regrets. Ride safe!
I am 62 and I am riding since 7 years in Jamaica. I love it.
I’m starting this week doing the learn to ride course, I’ve been on the back of my husbands bike for several years …. I’m 57 ! Reasonably fit and strong …. Age is just a number … you are awesome ! 🏍️
I started riding when i was 52 and I love it. My wife started at 48 . She has her own bike and can ride it well but just doesn’t enjoy it as much as i do.
Good for you!!!
I’m 60 (and female) and my motorcycle is getting ready for me to learn to ride it.
So happy for you!! Keep having adventures.
I just turned 55 and am eyeing my very first bike! Thanks for telling me I CAN do this!
I took that same class at your age. I recommend it to everyone.
Congrats! You’re never to old to learn. Good reaction time and balance skills are key. I got my endorsement a little earlier than you. I was 16. I’m now 68 and still riding. I have friends in their 80’s who ride. So you have a long riding career ahead. Best of luck and enjoy the journey.
Ok, I am 50 and started riding 2 mo. Before I turned 50. By profession I am a long haul trucker for 30 years and counting. My manual transmissions covered 8-9-10-13-&15 speeds. The hard part for me was unlearning right hand shifting for left foot shifting on my first bike, KLR 650 S. I am 6’0 tall with 32’inseam . Though the real Achilles heel to that is my size 18 (US size) feet. So shifting was clumsy and awkward. To say nothing of traffic and 79 miles in 7 months between road trips.
With nearly starting all over again each home time being 3-4 months apart from the last one, I didn’t want to wait roughly a year to get those skills up to par since I know how to ride a bicycle. Though I never grew up riding motorcycles.
Enter the trade of my 2023 KLR 650 S for a 2024 Africa Twin Adventure Sport with Electronic suspension and a DCT, automatic transmission.
WOW A NIGHT AND DAY DIFFERENCE! me switching from a WW2 Jeep to a decked out Chevy Suburban in terms of comfort, tech, and buttery smooth handling! I felt like a kid going solo on my first bicycle ride all over again with the sense of freedom and curiosity of what lies ahead. So my first week after my MSF course, I took my new bike on a 200 mile road trip through the twisty backwood roads of Idaho and Montana. NOW THIS is what I expected learning how to ride a motorcycle should be like, learning fast fun and more easily.
Just like riding a bicycle, only I don’t have to pedal going up hill and “coast” everywhere else😂. It made learning to ride so much faster and simpler since I didn’t need to focus on clutch and shifting that’s against 30 years of the opposite method while trying to ride in traffic.
Since I am comfortable traveling in traffic with an 80,000 pound 18 wheeler in traffic, a motorcycle in the same condition is nearly identical for me. The differences are the same though. 60 mph in a motorcycle, car, and semi truck are the same. 60 is 60 is 60 mph no mater what. The 2 differences though the SPEED from 0-60mph-0mph. That will vary across the three as well as the leaning. Leaning required on the motorcycle, maybe a spirited car ride, but DEADLY in a semi truck, hence instinct to avoid leaning. Now it’s natural like a bicycle, but I seek to avoid excessive race style leans and rapid starts and stops that those racers often do.
I prefer the “normal” car rate of changing speeds, a safer moderate laid back approach. I will get better with time as my bike is far more capable than my skills are, but not intimidating to learn on as I can dial down throttle response and up the traction control, anti-wheelie control and max out the engine braking. Then as I get better I can adjust accordingly. So I have plenty of time to…grow with my bike instead of against it like my KLR 650 S….it was a great bike, but not for my aforementioned circumstances.
Yeah, 50 is not too old to start riding, but if one has not been raised around motorcycles then no shame in considering an automatic. Now BMW got into it also. Their 2025 1300 GS adventure has a clutchless shifting bike, though foot shifting I think is required unlike the Africa Twin DCT, just press D, and twist throttle from dead stop to full speed and let the bike handle the rest of it. One rumor has the 2025 KTM 1290 SAS coming out with an automatic and shaft drive combined. We will see how that unfolds.
Welcome to the wonderful world of motorcycles.
Congratulations! That inspired me. I'll start saving for my motorcycle, and gear... God bless you and keep you safe 🙏🏼
Your husband wasn't just supportive... he was EXCITED... and it shows. 💛🤗 Really dope video. 👌🏾
Right?!? It was so unexpected!
Nice! Got my license at 54, now 59.
Good for you. Congratulations.
I just got my endorsement at just shy of 51! I bought my bike a month ago, and have been excited to start riding it. I have been on the road a few times since getting my endorsement, and each day it’s easier!
Good for you! It's so much fun, isn't it? For the first month or so I was EXHAUSTED after every ride, and now I find it relaxing.
@@SomeBoldAdventure Yes! It is exhausting right now, but after working out a few adaptations and just practicing as much as I can, it’ll start to be more fun. Not that it’s not enjoyable already!
Love this! I am 57 and I just started this summer…I love it and am also documenting my journey on RUclips. AND, I have a KTM as well….
That's awesome - we have a lot in common! I subscribed, too!
@@SomeBoldAdventure And I to you!!!
Well done, safe miles!
I just got my license and first bike recently at 50! Awesome news! Go Girl!
Woohoo - have fun!
I applaud your courage. Congrats on your license. Sweet bike too
Thank you!
That's interesting and encouraging. I am thinking about the possibility of getting a motorbike. I am 62 (male). However, I did have three bikes in my late 20s. My last bike was a Kawasaki ZZR600 sports bike so I am not new to riding. I have a full licence. But it has been a while. Am I too old? Your video makes me feel I may not be.
Thank you !
Wow, you truly are an amazing person. Enjoyed watching this. We have subscribed in support! We know how hard it can be to produce good content and get your YT off the ground. Going through it ourselves. Keep up the good work!
Go for it ! I've had a motorbike since in my 30s.... I'm 56 now and no intention of giving up 😊
What?!? That's awesome! I'm late to the game but love it so far!
@@SomeBoldAdventure congratulations it's fantastic 😊
You are awesome! Thanks for inspiring us 50 somethings. Looking forward to watching more of your adventures😊
Thank you Jess - I've been subscribed to your channel for a while now!
That was amazing. I loved your positivity. Looking forward to your next adventure. Congrats on your licence.
Thank you so much!
I learnt at 60!
This is kool kid 0 I am skip from work I am happy for you
Hi Skip - thanks!
You are amazing
Yay! Do it.
There is no way that you are too old!
I am looking forward to see your journey.
I hope that you love it as much as I do.
Take care.
Dave "Tiger" Coward 🇨🇦
I don't recommend it for most people. You need to be on top of your game. You can learn to ride, but you will be taking more risk than other riders. Being new to it is not a good thing. I want my girl to ride, so I bought a Vespa (no clutch or gears). We rode together once. She never had a bicycle so she hasn't got the balance. Theres too many things to learn. Once you learn all the balance, the machine, the vigilance in traffic, you're going to be a new rider for years if you ride a lot. If you dont, you'll always be a new rider and in todays traffic that is very dangerous.
Are you in thr US?
Yes - Michigan