Older riders

[shooter64]

Why do mostly only older guys ride Valks, Goldwings, and other big bikes. Young guys usually like sportbikes. Some college students just ride a 250 Honda twin for gas mileage around campus. Especially, considering that big bikes can be a handful to push or turn around. Mostly comfort? Seems uncomfortable to ride a sportbike with your rearend up in the air and your weight on the straight handlebars. No doubt there are exceptions and some young guys ride heavy cruisers. Another thing for me is that I don't use most of a Valks power. I sure would not use the 200 hp of a v-max or 300 hp of a turbo hayabusa. Pretty cool youtube videos of turbo hayabusas if you haven't seen them. Just not for me as a retired 64 year old.

[Michvalk]

I can't sit on a kitchen chair backwards for any legnth of time, so no sport bikes for me! With arthritus, back spures, and other sundry aches and pains, I need smooth and comfort over speed,and the  valk and goldwing give me what I need. I have rode those kind of crotch rockets, and love them, but, just can't last long enough to enjoy. Besides, I could not afford the price of a touring bike when I was 25

[Dubsvalk]

With age comes wisdom!
Dubs

[old2soon]

At 67 years and counting i fer dang sure aint gonna motocross no more. I motoed and road raced in Japan when i was stationed there. I rode and sat on a lot of big(over 1000 cc)motorcycles before the Valkyrie found me. That fat girl that's in my garage now seems to know what i want without me being aware that i want it. I had a LOT of choices on what to spend my money on. My choice of the Valkyrie is working out well-for both of us. RIDE SAFE.

[Ice]

Define OLD.... I never grew up...

[Squealy]

Why do mostly only older guys ride Valks, Goldwings, and other big bikes.

   Hey now watch who you call old.... I'm not even 40 yet.....    

[Master Blaster]

73 and have had my ZX14 to 180.  Right now I am favoring my Concours 1400 though.   Been neglecting the Valks for the past year mostly due to health problems, but that may changethis summer.

[Flat6Valk]

Im with Dubs on this issue.  (and most others too)

[solo1]

I just couldn't push the Valk around anymore so I went lighter.  The 'Strom is easier on my knees at 84 but the Valk was easier on everything else.

[John Schmidt]

Even when I was younger, now 74, at times I would ride a bike that had similar seating positions as the current crop of crotch rockets. I never cared for it simply because I found them uncomfortable, especially with the constant pressure on the arms and wrists and your feet tucked up behind you. More recently, about five years back I rode one for close to 100 miles for a guy who was still healing from an operation. He wanted his toy back home so drove me NW of Orlando and followed me back in his car. I couldn't imagine anyone taking it cross-country, maybe that's why he had to have hip replacement surgery. 

In any case, the Valk or Wing or similar rides have a more natural sitting position. That makes all the difference for me when it comes to long hauls. And some days just for giggles, I'll blow the bugs out of the bike with a good twist of the wrist. Got stopped once on the Pike headed north out of Orlando, had just passed the century mark and still climbing as I shot past an unmarked car. Whoops!!! I just pulled over and waited, he had lit me up just as I went by. Took off my helmet and as he drove up I could see him grinning. The trooper walked up, circled the bike once, shook his head then asked "what the heck I was doing running that fast?" I simply told him even with the gray hair and obvious age difference, once in a great while it just feels good....today was the day. There wasn't any cars around, I was just going to take it up for a few seconds then settle back down. He didn't give me a ticket but spent some time on the radio before turning me loose. I got the feeling he was calling ahead to make sure I didn't make it to the toll booth too soon. About 45 miles up the road as I went through the toll I noticed a trooper off to the side behind a building, just the nose of his car sticking out. I waved and putted on my way, he flashed his lights, pulled out and headed the opposite direction. I'd love to know what he radioed back to his buddy.

[LandElephant]

Money. I can afford the luxury now.

Land Elephant

[czuch]

I had a Kawasali 500MK2 back in the 70's. Then an RD400. Then an epiphany, I wanted to get older.
Pan head,BSA,Triumph,Crocker,Indian,1971 CB750,Triumph,Sportster,Ariel 500/4,Norton,1978 CB750,
Indian,divorce,Valkyrie, "Honey, I'm home".

[Reb]

I'm 24, purchased my valk 2 years ago. Previously owned a 2006 Honda CBR 600rr. I can't explain why younger riders prefer rockets. I sometime wish I never would have owned mine. I love my valk, but not one bike feels fast anymore after owning a rocket.

[f6john]

Most of us old guys grew up around muscle cars whether we owned one or not. I had an immediate attraction to the Valkyrie the first time I saw one and it paralleled the muscle cars of my youth. Big, powerful, fast, brawny,  scary sometimes and flashy. Not the best cars on the road, there were some compromises, but the cars you wanted anyway. The Goldwing is more comfortable, the Rocket 3 is faster, the 1600 BMW is probably all those but I am more than happy with the Valkyrie.

[Gavin_Sons]

Im 26 ang got my valk interstate 2 years ago. I didnt know anything about these great machines until i joined this site. After reading for about an hour i realized what i had. So the work began to get her back on the road. It sat for 3 years after my father in law passed away.  Carbs were really gunked up. Finally got it running and converted it to a super valk.

[Paxton]

Gavnisons and Red;
Really... are in your early twenties? OMG; WTF!  
Young Dudes like you ought not to be allowed to come near a Valkyrie and you guys own them?
You ought to be ashamed of yourselves... conspiring to infiltrate our gang; "The Grave's Angels."

Humor aside, you kids have restored my faith in the future of our youth... well some. ???
My two sons (43 and 39) have absolutely no interest in Motorcycles and that drives me nuts (well, not really).

But can you imagine the day I croak, the family putting these babies up for sale in the Funeral Home's parking lot?
I'd be strugglin' to get out of the coffin and scare the crap out of them, including the potential buyers!  
Oops... I forgot that I'll be cremated and my ashes will be stored inside their handlebars!  

I love you guys!  

[pBrain]

Ever since I started riding, I wanted a big bike...but I knew my limitations as a new rider and didn't want to risk it.

Went from a trusty Shadow 750 to my Fat girl... Loving every inch of her.

Still kept the shadow, though...

[PAVALKER]

Its just soo damn beautiful and comfortable to ride.   Can't find a better one......

These two bikes are simply gorgeous, I don't think I have ever seen that Blue/Cream set up, but one other time.  I would love, and be proud, to have either (or both) of them.  I hope you both hold on to them for a long long time.

[cookiedough]

Not calling myself old but not young, middle aged at now 42.  Drove my friends mid 80's yamaha FZR600 back in late 80's around the block.  Did a wheelie just shifting gears in the parking lot and turned around after the block and said NEVER again.  With my heavier weight in the backend and the front of those rice burners being so light, they are dangerous and even at 20 at the time, found that 1 -2 mile ride very uncomfortable and that was when I was in decent shape.  Couldn't even imagine me on one now, no way would I make it 30 miles without even killing myself or getting a cramp in my legs or hips or arms or wrists, etc.    I applaud anyone over say 70 still riding anything really on 2 wheels  such as a bicycle or even a Valkyrie  which I find to be very easy to ride even with all 800lbs. of it.  To be 80+ and still riding is truly awesome - congrats.

[Gavin_Sons]

Its just soo damn beautiful and comfortable to ride.   Can't find a better one......

These two bikes are simply gorgeous, I don't think I have ever seen that Blue/Cream set up, but one other time.  I would love, and be proud, to have either (or both) of them.  I hope you both hold on to them for a long long time.

my bike is not ever going anywhete. My wife is really attatched to it since it was her dads and it was his pride and joy.

[Stanley Steamer]

at a young 42, I bought my Valk when I was 34......I only wish I had of found it a lot sooner......I had a Shadow ACE 750 that I had bought new in 2002 but sold it shortly after buying the Valk in August of '04......I had a 1982 Yamaha Vision 550 that I had been riding since 1990.....it stayed in the shop more than on the road, but it ran like a scalded dog when it did run......

Oh, my Uncle bought this Yamaha YZ100 when I was around 15-16??.....Mama made him sell it before I got killed on it.....my folks didn't let us have motorized bikes back then.....








I quit wearing half helmets and leather vests and believe in ATGATT before I had to learn the hard way.....








I'm still in love with the Fat Lady though....

[Robert]

Because when you get older you know how to go the distance, not a flash in the pan 

[Fudd]

We have quite a mix in my little ridding group.  We range from 20 years old to 74 and ride anything from 600RR crouch rockets to Gold wing geeser gliders.

Our normal Sunday rides are between 250 and 300 miles.  Many of the younger sport bike riders bring their gorgeous girlfriends along.  It never fails that somewhere in the second half of the trip, the girl's butts get a little sore from sitting on those maxi-pad looking seats.

Being the gentleman that I am, I'll offer the damsiel in distress some more comfortable accomodations.  I'll explain to the young man that I'm offering to help him "free-up his ride", so that he can better "play" on his motorcycle on the way home.

I've found even sitting at traffic lights pleasurable, when I have a beautiful young lady on the back.  When we get home, these young guys look like they've been through Hell and not nearly as spry as us older riders.

I know for one, this "older rider" gets a kick out of all of this.

[Stanley Steamer]

We have quite a mix in my little ridding group.  We range from 20 years old to 74 and ride anything from 600RR crouch rockets to Gold wing geeser gliders.

Our normal Sunday rides are between 250 and 300 miles.  Many of the younger sport bike riders bring their gorgeous girlfriends along.  It never fails that somewhere in the second half of the trip, the girl's butts get a little sore from sitting on those maxi-pad looking seats.

Being the gentleman that I am, I'll offer the damsiel in distress some more comfortable accomodations.  I'll explain to the young man that I'm offering to help him "free-up his ride", so that he can better "play" on his motorcycle on the way home.

I've found even sitting at traffic lights pleasurable, when I have a beautiful young lady on the back.  When we get home, these young guys look like they've been through Hell and not nearly as spry as us older riders.

I know for one, this "older rider" gets a kick out of all of this.

I just happen to have a back seat available!!.......

[Jess Tolbirt]

Im 26 ang got my valk interstate 2 years ago. I didnt know anything about these great machines until i joined this site. After reading for about an hour i realized what i had. So the work began to get her back on the road. It sat for 3 years after my father in law passed away.  Carbs were really gunked up. Finally got it running and converted it to a super valk.

that is one fine looking machine!!!

[cookiedough]

Stanley, like those old pics of you when under 20.  Man, you were a skinny dude back then.  Not calling you heavy now by any means, but back then if the wind blew hard, you would become a kite in the wind.  Unfortunately, I never had that issue when younger and doubt I ever will in the future.  Still could stand to lose 50 lbs. or so and really should.  If I get to 300 lbs., put me out to pasture.  

[fudgie]

Got mine at 24 and am now 36. I'm to young for a wing.  I love it. She is my #1.

[Alien]

HEY!!! I'm only 36!  I hope im not considered "old" just yet!

[Gavin_Sons]

I have already decided my next bike will be a wing. Unless honda comes back with an 1800 valkyrie which is doubtful. So even though im young id ride a wing. I have back problems anyway from operating an earthmover for 6 years so comfort is #1 for me.

[NITRO]

I'm 27 and on my second Valk, an Interstate. I bought a Standard when I was 23. I like touring and the Valk provides the best value of anything available right now. What other cycle can match an Interstate for touring ability, looks, comfort, and do it all for well under $10K?

[Paxton]

I am an old guy and prefer Solo Riding. Frankly, I want to be as safe as I can by riding Solo.
Carrying "curvy cargo" (unsecured mind you), which I can't see, that is NOT Kool. Think about it, when a bunch of droolin' bystanders
can feast their eyes on my luggage while I can't see my cargo, that is wasted gasoline. NOT my cup of tea!

SAFETY FIRST at all costs:
MY bottom line is... If it's going on my Valkyrie it has to fit between my legs... 
It's the best proven safest way of controlling your shiftin' cargo; and the responsible course of action.
After all, she's a hell of a Fat Lady. She wants it! She deserves caricias    y amor apasionado!  

"As usual, there is a great woman (riding) behind every idiot."
John Lennon

:

[Stanley Steamer]

Stanley, like those old pics of you when under 20.  Man, you were a skinny dude back then.  Not calling you heavy now by any means, but back then if the wind blew hard, you would become a kite in the wind.  Unfortunately, I never had that issue when younger and doubt I ever will in the future.  Still could stand to lose 50 lbs. or so and really should.  If I get to 300 lbs., put me out to pasture.  

I was TOO skinny back then.......I need to get back to my fighting weight.....175-180lbs.....I'm at 212lbs right now.....was at 226lbs and lost 20lbs before Christmas.....I fell off the wagon and into a Dr. Pepper kick......I'll get back on my walking program and cut back on the sugar again.....I know how to lose the weight, just have to buckle down........

[Paxton]

QUOTE FROM STANLEY: "... I know how to lose the weight, just have to buckle down........  

=====================================================================

Stanley;
I know how to loose the weight too. And I already buckled down to the couch and the refrigerator.
I know I need the exercise but my fat ass refuses to cooperate! As a side note, I've learned that jumping to conclusions
does not burn calories.
Kiddin' aside it is a good thing to loose the weight.

"Few things are more deceptive than memories."
Carlos Ruiz Zafón
(The Shadow of the Wind)

[Reb]

I have not decided my next bike yet. I've have 3 in the last 5 years. With the time and money invested in my Valk. I'll most likely be buried with it  . I've always wanted a M109r , I've loved the design the day they came out. As valkyrie parts grow more rare, I'd feel more comfortable on a Goldwing for touring purposes.

On a side note. I road with guys my age and younger. I'd take riding with old farts that like to have a good time, over young guns all about competition any-day. No reason to be ashamed just cause you've had a few more birthdays than others. 

[JimmyG]

Old, beat up body, needs comfy ride. Even then, my hip kills me on long rides. My wife says the Valk is more comfy than the HD Ultra Classic we had. The bike is a eye catcher too, not that I mind. It is a great cruiser and just looks good.

[flcjr]

At almost 37 years of age I buy know means consider myself old but I longed for a valk from first day I saw that tv ad back in 96 when I was just 21. I was finally able to get one about 4 years ago and love it.

[X Ring]

Gavnisons and Red;
Really... are in your early twenties? OMG; WTF!  
Young Dudes like you ought not to be allowed to come near a Valkyrie and you guys own them?
You ought to be ashamed of yourselves... conspiring to infiltrate our gang; "The Grave's Angels."

Humor aside, you kids have restored my faith in the future of our youth... well some. ???
My two sons (43 and 39) have absolutely no interest in Motorcycles and that drives me nuts (well, not really).

But can you imagine the day I croak, the family putting these babies up for sale in the Funeral Home's parking lot?
I'd be strugglin' to get out of the coffin and scare the crap out of them, including the potential buyers!  
Oops... I forgot that I'll be cremated and my ashes will be stored inside their handlebars!  

I love you guys!  

Hey Paxton, Reb joined a year before you did!  What's this about him joining "our" gang?     It's the other way around.   

Marty

[X Ring]

On a side note. I road with guys my age and younger. I'd take riding with old farts that like to have a good time, over young guns all about competition any-day. No reason to be ashamed just cause you've had a few more birthdays than others. 

Reb, I may be old enough to be your Daddy but I'll ride with you anyday!  We've shared road and drank beer together in Natchez.  I look forward to doing it again.

Marty

[Hoser]

When I am on my Valkyrie It's "I feel too young to be so damn old.  The rest of the time its
"I feel too old to be so damn young."  That's why I ride it a lot.  I'd rather feel young.  Hoser  

[WWORX]

Mid 40's - As with others, have been through a variety of bikes in the past. About a decade ago I came to the practical realization that what I like about bikes is actually riding them. Often for a few hundred miles at a clip. That limits the field significantly. Was a long time Venture owner - loved that motor from when it was create in 83 then they put it in a cruiser style which I like. It was a bit top heavy though. Found a Valk and it combined everything I want in a bike. Comfortable, fast enough when I want it, wide power band, low c.o.g. so it's easy to maneuver for it's size, looks cool, not a V Twinkie - it's smooooth, versatile, and with the trunk, the better half is comfortable and happy too. She tells me she likes the seating better than on a Goldwing. I prefer the option to drive feet forward or straight up (forward controls on the way).

My next bike will probably be a different Valk.