Riding miles when your old!

[Charley]

I take army rations in foil pouches and cook them on the rocker covers of the Guzz, like a twin hob Aga.i turned up late at a camp site, pouches on red hot engine, put up tent, Lamb casserole! I have also used the army rehydration powder drinks which are incredible- revolting but full of salt, sugar , takes two minutes to take effect. The race of the ferry as the plastics howl off flat out , then I pass them as they are shagging about with panniers hanging off/ phones/ satnav…
I used to wear leather but my textile jacket has a million pockets, I can open all the vents if it’s tropical or zip em up if it’s freezing/ wet , full armour , no draughts. I do wear an open face lid, which is definitely more tiring but I love the wind in my mush.
A throttle aid thingy is also really worth while.
As much as I prepare for a good nights sleep, last two times I’ve met people on the ferry and ended up in the bar, not big or clever..
Top tip- hide a spare set of keys on bike- imagine having a perfectly functioning bike but losing the key!
My mantra for long distance is “ gotta make it home” I only ride at comfortable safe pace, never fast . Never carry oil, it will leak or fall out of your mates pannier, spinning on tarmac in front of you until it finally wears out spraying fucking oil on the road in front of you…don’t ask!

I second the rehydration powders and the spare keys.
Modern kit is so much better nowadays and yes ventilation changes whilst moving are a real bonus.
Also an open face helmet user.
I have tried full face but keep coming back to open.
Thankfully I'm still free to chose.
That may change, at least in Spain, in the near future.

The note about spare oil is one I recognise. Also do not ride behind anyone carrying cartons of milk.
At the end of a warm days ride your may find you stink.

 

[Paul Marx]

Contrary to you Charley, stopping is part of my riding pleasure. Drink, eat, meet people and talk.
I see the world whilst riding through it.
So I don't plan long stints.
Paul

 

[Charley]

Contrary to you Charley, stopping is part of my riding pleasure. Drink, eat, meet people and talk.
I see the world whilst riding through it.
So I don't plan long stints.
Paul

Fair enough.
If I've a long way to go in a set time stopping frequently doesn't help.
For social riding then, Yes! For sure the more stops and social contact the better.
Horses for courses.

 

[Charley]

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/tips-for-older-riders?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=boosted-posts|tpfn-content-organic&utm_content=common-tread-organic&utm_term=tips-for-older-riders-040825-|tpfn-organic&fbclid=IwY2xjawJzePJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHg0sLwJapSJWY_PIwBMKoukdqTMmXeWooDFPfDeGIzjnCbfy8fLJJzTePc5v_aem_LnFB5stlDp2p_h5heg7f8Q

This just turned up on a different forum.
We are all being watched!

 

[Exmoor beast]

I once bought a case of French stubby beers and rode for about 200 miles balancing it on my tank bag between my elbows. We stopped in the Pyrenees, put the tents up and sat down for a drink as the sun went down.
“ Why has this beer got a picture of a kid on the box? Asks my mate….because stupid bollocks here bought a 24 bottle case of Shandy and has ridden half way across France with it!

 

[Paul Marx]

Fair enough.
If I've a long way to go in a set time stopping frequently doesn't help.
For social riding then, Yes! For sure the more stops and social contact the better.
Horses for courses.

I used to do long dashes because I had to be at work the next day, pick up the kids etc..
Now, I'm retired, the kids have their own bikes, so no rush. Where I used to do 1000 km in the day, I now do it in 3 days taking the twistiest roads possible.
Paul

 

[Charley]

I used to do long dashes because I had to be at work the next day, pick up the kids etc..
Now, I'm retired, the kids have their own bikes, so no rush. Where I used to do 1000 km in the day, I now do it in 3 days taking the twistiest roads possible.
Paul

Not retired.
Still have to ride with others schedules in mind.
Still ride with deadlines to meet. Ferries, work, trains etc.
Have been known to do 1000 miles in a day but not recently as it’s not necessary and it becomes harder due to traffic and speed restrictions. Never mind the fact I’m getting older.

 

[pf1]

Too much traffic tires me out.

 

[sfcpiet]

500-600 non-autobahn km/days used to be my norm on longer trips, even managed to cram 1600km into a return trip from the Istrian penisula to home base about 20 years ago. Hopped on the autobahn only in Nuremburg because the weather was turning sour. While the mileage in those days was "easy" in terms of riding, it did take its toll in the evenings, didn't take long after dinner that I was usually overwhelmed by fatigue.

Ergonomics play a major part on how you get off the bike at the end of the day, comfortable posture is required to avoid aches and pains, preferably with no loads on arms and shoulders. Soft, long travel suspension helps, as does decent seat padding... RGS seat was murder after only 100km before I had it re-upholstered. Something else that is often overlooked is ease of operation, ie, light throttle, shifter and clutch action, nicely modulating brakes with a smooth running engine. Takes a lot of stress out of riding, making for pleasant mile-munching without distracting from the charm our clunkers exude.

I'm quite content with 300-350km/day now, maybe 400 if the stars align, avoiding autobahns and A-roads as much as possible. The RGS and GTL both allow that easily without totally wearing me out, so that I can at least enjoy a meal with a few beers before hitting the sack. I also no longer start my riding days at dawn if I can avoid it , but take my time with a decent breakfast. Lunch and afternoon coffee/ice cream stops are mandatory before starting to look for accomodation around 5pm, showered and waiting for dinner by 8. Credo these days is "take it easy, no one's chasing us".

The 3C is no longer used for longer rides, it's morphed into too much of a track weapon to be any fun on a long trip. But damn, it is nice to get it out once in a while for a Sunday morning hoon!

I reckon many modern bikes offer ergonomics that would allow me to stay in the saddle quite a bit longer, but that would be rather boring... I still prefer the challenges our old bangers cast out. Anyway, the acid test is forthcoming, me and my GTL and my mate on a chinese CFMoto off to the North Cape in July. Will show which of us is Sir Ironarse.

piet

 

[andre g]

With my RGS I can easily do 500 k a day without using the autobahn at my age of 68, but longest day trip was 1000 k with a MZ 250 with two persons in one day, when I was yonger

 

[Alzero]

500-600 non-autobahn km/days used to be my norm on longer trips, even managed to cram 1600km into a return trip from the Istrian penisula to home base about 20 years ago. Hopped on the autobahn only in Nuremburg because the weather was turning sour. While the mileage in those days was "easy" in terms of riding, it did take its toll in the evenings, didn't take long after dinner that I was usually overwhelmed by fatigue.

Ergonomics play a major part on how you get off the bike at the end of the day, comfortable posture is required to avoid aches and pains, preferably with no loads on arms and shoulders. Soft, long travel suspension helps, as does decent seat padding... RGS seat was murder after only 100km before I had it re-upholstered. Something else that is often overlooked is ease of operation, ie, light throttle, shifter and clutch action, nicely modulating brakes with a smooth running engine. Takes a lot of stress out of riding, making for pleasant mile-munching without distracting from the charm our clunkers exude.

I'm quite content with 300-350km/day now, maybe 400 if the stars align, avoiding autobahns and A-roads as much as possible. The RGS and GTL both allow that easily without totally wearing me out, so that I can at least enjoy a meal with a few beers before hitting the sack. I also no longer start my riding days at dawn if I can avoid it , but take my time with a decent breakfast. Lunch and afternoon coffee/ice cream stops are mandatory before starting to look for accomodation around 5pm, showered and waiting for dinner by 8. Credo these days is "take it easy, no one's chasing us".

The 3C is no longer used for longer rides, it's morphed into too much of a track weapon to be any fun on a long trip. But damn, it is nice to get it out once in a while for a Sunday morning hoon!

I reckon many modern bikes offer ergonomics that would allow me to stay in the saddle quite a bit longer, but that would be rather boring... I still prefer the challenges our old bangers cast out. Anyway, the acid test is forthcoming, me and my GTL and my mate on a chinese CFMoto off to the North Cape in July. Will show which of us is Sir Ironarse.

piet

I’m curious as to how the CFmoto fares. Which model is it?

 

[sfcpiet]

I’m curious as to how the CFmoto fares. Which model is it?

Sorry, it's actually QJMoto... keep muddling them up. Not much difference anyway imo.

2023/24 SRT700 iIrc. Seems it's been taken out to 800cc for the new model year. Engine is based on the old Kawasaki twin of the 650 ER-6n. Benelli and Morini seem to be using the same engines. I was quite impressed after my first ride, everything works as it should, very comfortable with decent oomph to keep up with normal traffic and feels a lot lighter than the ubiquitous Beemer GS. At least quite a bit smaller, but has all the bells and whistles. Heated grips and seat, expedition-style baggage and all that superfluous mandatory stuff. Looks to be well put together, a far cry from chinese products of only a decade ago and offers huge bang for buck! Time will tell if overall quality is up to scratch, at least all the plastic looks OK for the time being... ugly as fuck though.

piet

 

[Alzero]

Sorry, it's actually QJMoto... keep muddling them up. Not much difference anyway imo.

2023/24 SRT700 iIrc. Seems it's been taken out to 800cc for the new model year. Engine is based on the old Kawasaki twin of the 650 ER-6n. Benelli and Morini seem to be using the same engines. I was quite impressed after my first ride, everything works as it should, very comfortable with decent oomph to keep up with normal traffic and feels a lot lighter than the ubiquitous Beemer GS. At least quite a bit smaller, but has all the bells and whistles. Heated grips and seat, expedition-style baggage and all that superfluous mandatory stuff. Looks to be well put together, a far cry from chinese products of only a decade ago and offers huge bang for buck! Time will tell if overall quality is up to scratch, at least all the plastic looks OK for the time being... ugly as fuck though.

piet

IMHO all the ADV bike are ugly. Too pointy a beak up front, too damn many fenders everywhere and the square baggage is hideous.

 

[Vince]

That's not a Beak, this is a beak. It's like car fins in the 1950s; once you start, it's hard to go back.

Doctor Big: Suzuki DR800 “Big Loko”

Upon its introduction in 1991, the Suzuki DR800S Big -- aka "Doctor Big" -- was the largest single-cylinder mass production bike ever produced, displacing 779cc with a cylinder bore of 10.5 centimeters...talk about THUMP!The DR Big was inspired by Suzuki's DR-Z800 Paris-Dakar rally bike, whi

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[Charley]

Tried a BMW1200 GS for a long weekend in France.
I have friends who have them and love them.
I didn’t like it. The only thing it would do more effectively than my 1977 BMW was lose my license.
Better mpg on my BMW, more comfortable and manageable. On the autobahn large and stable yes but you have to stop sometimes and park the bloody thing.

I didn’t mention it before as I’ve rather assumed that as Laverda owners and riders we know how to set the bikes up for ourselves.
On the road I see any number of people who are not aware or have not taken the trouble to adjust brake and clutch levers in their optimum position. Gear levers and brake pedals that require lifting one’s foot much more than necessary.
As I’ve owned most of my bikes for more than twenty years, the exception being my 3CL, they have all been ‘adjusted’ to suit me.
Others have tried my bikes and do not like them although they are usually to polite to say.
As previously stated, getting the bike correctly functioning is vital for your safety and comfort.
Happy riding folks. In Europe At least we have spring and the hope of a good summer.

 

[Paul Marx]

Tried a BMW1200 GS for a long weekend in France.
I have friends who have them and love them.
I didn’t like it. The only thing it would do more effectively than my 1977 BMW was lose my license.
Better mpg on my BMW, more comfortable and manageable. On the autobahn large and stable yes but you have to stop sometimes and park the bloody thing.

I didn’t mention it before as I’ve rather assumed that as Laverda owners and riders we know how to set the bikes up for ourselves.
On the road I see any number of people who are not aware or have not taken the trouble to adjust brake and clutch levers in their optimum position. Gear levers and brake pedals that require lifting one’s foot much more than necessary.
As I’ve owned most of my bikes for more than twenty years, the exception being my 3CL, they have all been ‘adjusted’ to suit me.
Others have tried my bikes and do not like them although they are usually to polite to say.
As previously stated, getting the bike correctly functioning is vital for your safety and comfort.
Happy riding folks. In Europe At least we have spring and the hope of a good summer.

Yep
I've but slightly wider and higher bars on my SF2 this winter, takes the weight off my hands. They can be pulled back further than the short bars I had before. It has a DAM clutch kit and the lightest possible slide springs. Makes things easier for several hours a day on the bike, sometimes for as much as 10 consecutive days.
Paul

 

[Reunited Chris]

At 78 years old I can still ride the 120 Jota for 6 to 700km days. the trick is comfort. 13mm clutch master cylinder lightens up the clutch nicely.
Lighter carb springs make the throttle acceptable. 4 spot calipers on the front improove stopping power to survive in todays traffic.
The 120 I find more comfortable to the RGS, better egonomics for my old bones. Comfort stops every 2 to 3 hours are a must.
My daily ride is a Triumph Thruxton R, nice and light, easy to ride and goes well.
Ironically a motorcycle accident I had at 15 years old compressed my spine, cars cripple me whereas riding a bike that slightly streches my back causes no grief to me, go figure.

 

[Steve G.]

I’m 65 now,,,dealing with 45 yrs of hockey, 25 yrs of racquetball, and a career in the glass business, climbing towers, and everything else. My knees are not responding to small seat to footpeg distance.
I certainly understand the views about the visual aspect of ADV and DS bikes. They are designed with function first, form secondary. I have 2 ADV bikes, a DS bike, and yes, a day or more on those is much easier on the body than any number of classic machines. Indeed, I’m getting close to selling one of my classics as it is basically a factory full race superbike with lights, incredibly compromising sitting, the knees scream after an hour. My mk2 Jota is actually not that bad for my knees, about the same as my Norton with rear sets.
I understand full well that my big comfy ADV bikes will be extending g my riding g career at least 10 yrs with its simple capable package, electronic safety measures like ABS, traction control, and low stress on the body giving me ease of focus on the dangers of riding on the streets in 2025.

 

[SteveRocker62]

Living and riding in the UK I find the number of times I do big miles is and always was limited. I can still do longer trips with no real issues on any of my bikes, the youngest being a 1994 Ducati 900 Supersport, to go to one off bike or music events. However most of my riding is spent hopping between cafes, tea rooms and pubs in the South Shropshire and Mid Wales area with other like minded souls. This is much like how it was when I was say 18/19. I luckily live in a glorious biking area so don’t have to waste time riding through crappy populated areas anymore to reach the promised land. As an aid to old age, senility and associated problems as mentioned previously I recommend getting a Moto Morini 500 as a back up to our Laverdas. You get on them, point and go with minimal fuss and input. Think of them as the bike worlds “ care in the community “. Attached photos of our little soirée today to Herbies Cafe in Bishops Casle, Shropshire.
“More tea vicar”
Steve.

 

[rocketonarail]

I`ll be 71 in a couple of weeks time ........ Since I retired six years ago , I`ve started to collect the usual litany of aches and pains ........ back , legs ....... and as I type this , an annoying ache in my back just behind my left shoulder .......... ................

When riding , I find the mental preoccupation involved tends to shove most of this discomfort into the background ........ with the exception of some aching in my right leg ......... which usually starts to make itself felt after about half an hour or so ......... then just stays there from that point on ........ no better , no worse ......... just determined to make it`s presence felt for the rest of the trip .

Cocking my leg over the saddle is becoming more difficult as well ...... ( either the bike is getting taller , or my legs are getting shorter ) ...... so I usually mount by standing on the nearside footrest and throwing ( ! ) the other leg over the saddle , as you would use stirrups to mount a horse ....... this usually results in some aches as I settle down into the saddle , but these are soon forgotten once I`m underway .

Current everyday bike is a Yamaha XJ6S ........ but I think whichever type of bike it was ...... ( adventure ; custom ; sports ) ....... the aches and pains would remain ........ It`s just me getting older ....... no change of bike will alter that fact .

Weekend or holiday day trips used to be 300 - 400 miles with no problems .......... I haven`t covered that sort of distance on a regular basis recently ....... more likely to be 100 - 200 miles nowadays ........... must get back into the groove again before I start dribbling into my cocoa ........

Competing in National Rallies on the Mirage would mean 700 - 800 miles covered between 2 pm on a Saturday afternoon and 10 am the following Sunday morning .... ( a fair proportion of that mileage resulting from getting completely lost down some dank country lane at two in the morning ... ) .......

Not sure I`ve got the enthusiasm to go through all that now .......... and I think the Rally format has been changed / spoilt anyhow.......

No problems with that mileage back then ........ except nearly nodding off several times on the dual carriageway near Cheltenham on the way home once ....... a result of riding all through the day and night ...... diverting onto some twisty backroads wakened me up again ........

One of the regular three or four Laverda entrants each year was a certain Keith Prentice , who features in the current copy of Classic Bike , talking about Jota 180`s ........... I remember bumping into him ( not literally ) once or twice during the course of the event , over the years ...... not sure if he still bothers to enter .........

The other bike which features in this catalogue of calisthenics is a 1998 R1 ......... which was intended to ( sort of ) replace 40 years of Laverda Mirage ........

As well as the leg ache , this bike also provides me with a fair amount of neck ache ......... it helps to look up to see where your`e going / what your`e about to hit ........ this despite the fitting of Helibars , which raise the bar height by a millimetre or two .......

The thing is .... I`m prepared to put up with the discomfort , as it is the only bike I`ve owned which shares with the Laverda that ability to give you butterflies in your stomach every time you are about to venture out on it ........... which makes it all worth while , aches and pains or not ...........