This is an excellent post! Too many people that that suggest 'go for it' apparently forget, or don't understand(?), that there are many more factors involved then if a beginner is big enough to handle, even pick up and toss, a motorcycle. And even if some, most, beginners don't have a life altering event, some do.

And avoiding a 'life altering' event may be easier if a new rider doesn't 'bite off' too much in the learning stage. And, speaking from experience, sometimes said 'life changing event' doesn't mean death. It can be far worse and last every second for the rest of a long life. Of course if there is no possibility of that happening to someone as a result of giving advice to 'go for it', why not give said advice?

I guess some things must be experienced, or at least observed, to be easily understood.

 

I'm in the bel air area and have been to Pete's cycle. Where have you purchased that you had a good experience?

 

I don't think you ever answered Dave's original question??? Should he get the Sportster are not???

 

cvaria: Many studies of ageing has disproven the myth of the degree of motor skill loss in seniors. It is more dependent on the level of activity done than years on a calendar.

The skills that you referenced are all related to driving a car, bicycling, operating a boat or flying as they are to motorcycling. Any driving skills that a 50 year old has in those areas will transfer to a motorcycle. There are a few skills with braking and low speed handling that are unique and need to be taught/learned. In addition a 50 year old will have many more self preservation monitors in his brain than a 20 something on his first bike.

When I started riding in Mar 1956 I just bought the thing and got on down the road. That is the way most did it until the nanny government decided folks needed to trained before they got a license. Did not need a license, plates or insurance in the days we still had freedom. You did not mention counter steering. I had that covered by riding a bicycle for 8 years before I got a motorcycle.

Riding a motorcycle is just not as difficult as some seem to want to portray on this thread.

 

in Bel Air actually. the folks i got my sporty from live out there. oddly enough.

ademec regency hd in jacksonville, fl was great. not too many other great runnings.

 

No, it's not. its the stop that gets you

 

I sort of answered him in post #27. At least I gave him some advice to consider.

 

I agree. But the chance for a major life altering/ending event is much easier then when learning to ride a bicycle or drive a cage.

 

Well my opinion is the sportster is an excellent starter bike. At 50 years of age you'll have the survival instinct already and likely have years of driving exp but just not on a bike. I'm 59 took the safety coarse got my license bought a sportster last spring and just really can't get enough of it. Go buy the sportster take a safety coarse be carful and ride.

 

Had a Dyna, went back to a Sporty 1200 XLC because it's so light and easy to ride, but still not a "Chick" bike or starter. There's alotta beef under that tank. And with only 3k miles I think 5k is awesome.