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For the foreseeable future, short trips and back road exploration.
Watch out on those "short trips". Some of the most dangerous places to ride are around town and the neighborhood. Too many idiots getting complacent and not paying attention (not You. Car drivers on their phones).
I've nearly given up all riding lately. After 40+ years, I've seen enough. Since the introduction of the cell and smart phone, it's just not worth the risk. I was 9/10th killed by a girl on a cell phone (and had an absolute Jewel of a bike completely destroyed), and that was before texting. Now, I drive around in a huge F-250, looking down into cars of fools staring at their phones. And nearly getting hit, in that monster, 'cause "they didn't see me". I'm not too concerned about dying at this point, but I'd hate to see my bikes wadded up. Too many rare ones.
I dunno, man. I hate to be a kill-joy, but you've made it 61 years so far without a bike. Are you sure you need one now? Get a fishing boat!
Location: By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnytang24
If you like the Moto Guzzi, get one. But I would suggest used since you'll likely drop it, and you'll be kicking yourself in the head for dinging up a pristine bike.
Not to mention there are some absolutely smoking deals to be had on used Guzzis! I had one and loved it! They're just a small company, even today their total production for the world is said to be well under 10,000 units. After Harley there the second oldest continuously manufacturing motorcycle company.
Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnytang24
I really enjoyed my Guzzi. It's got a 750cc but is very tame. It's a bit heavy for what I'd want for beginner, but with the low center of gravity, it's not hard to hold up. Be aware that like all mechanical things Italian, there are some quirks.
Key factors? Used. Cheap. Not too powerful. If you get the bug, your first bike will be far from your last bike and you have no idea what will appeal to you. Bikes aren't like cars-different bikes do some things well and others poorly.
In my 40 years of riding, I've come to some conclusions; DO NOT buy new new for your first bike! You will drop it, maybe more than once, and you'll outgrow it in six months. Look for a used UJM to learn on.
In my 40 years of riding, I've come to some conclusions; DO NOT buy new new for your first bike! You will drop it, maybe more than once, and you'll outgrow it in six months. Look for a used UJM to learn on.
I'm thinking of a Vulcan S. Seems like a bike I can learn to handle and won't grow out of it that quickly.
I'm thinking of a Vulcan S. Seems like a bike I can learn to handle and won't grow out of it that quickly.
That's a sweet-looking ride. 650cc/61bhp is in the sweet spot to learn on and from the reviews I've found, it's a bike with hardly any vices. I would probably have suggested something a little less cruiser-y, but the heart wants what the heart wants, and the best bike is the one you find yourself riding often.
Best advice I ever got from an experienced rider who had a half dozen pieces of metal in his body to fix broken bones, was "It's not if you will crash your bike, it's when". Turned out he was correct. After the first crash I continued riding my bike for another year or so. When my future wife refused to ride on it with me I sold it. Riding a motorcycle is like riding on the front fender of a car with nothing to hold on to but handlebars. If you accept the fact you will crash the bike at some point you are good to go.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 10-23
I am having late life crisis - I'm 61 and want to get a motorcycle as a beginner. I'm not looking for a pocket rocket, but something quick enough that will get me on a highway and be able keep up.
I'm 6'2" and prefer a bike that I can easily flat foot and is beginner friendly, something like a Honda Rebel.
Best advice I ever got from an experienced rider who had a half dozen pieces of metal in his body to fix broken bones, was "It's not if you will crash your bike, it's when". Turned out he was correct. After the first crash I continued riding my bike for another year or so. When my future wife refused to ride on it with me I sold it. Riding a motorcycle is like riding on the front fender of a car with nothing to hold on to but handlebars. If you accept the fact you will crash the bike at some point you are good to go.
You forgot to give bike suggestions that the op asked for. And instead wasted the time of everyone that read your post.
Not to mention the fact that your 'advice' was already given an responded to by the op.
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And nearly getting hit, in that monster, 'cause "they didn't see me". 
I'm not too concerned about dying at this point, but I'd hate to see my bikes wadded up. Too many rare ones.
