So, I'm now 55, been riding dirtbikes since I was 14yrs old. Of course everything was 2-stroke back in the 70's as far as performance went. But, when I made the switch to my first 4-stroke (a wr450) my friends all said that I instantly started riding faster. Now, after 15 yrs of fours , I just got a 250XC and they're all saying the same thing! Granted, my "faster" now is slower then it once was, but is this phenomenon related to just being old now, or is there something more to it?
New bikes just make you want to ride. I think we slow down on bikes as they get worn, then we get a new bike and everything works and it is easier to go fast with a bike that works. You can throw money at an old bike but it will never make it new again, they get better but never new again.
I think it good to switch it up now and then.... 125 to 250 to 4 stroke back to 250.... just like working out or riding.... switch it up keep it fresh
Once I started adding Red Bull to my training regimen, I started riding much faster and cleaning the most incredible jumps and I'm 58
Yes! My son just got a used RM 125, that bike is a blast! Different bikes have different strengths and weaknesses, riding different bikes keeps things interesting.
Well at 64yo I plan on enjoying the smell of castor oil in the morning after breakfast. 2t or 4t if I can ride it I'm ok. Every time I can wick any of them it's a plus. Electric start can be your best friend as we get older.
I guess but I always return to my left kickers. The suspension works perfect for me being a big guy. I used the progressive shocks 17.5" with the strongest springs that dennis kirk offered at the time. The front forks on my 79 390cr were perfect. I could fly and not worry when I hit uneven ground. I changed the springs in my 98 250wr but when I hit things it felt it was hit up with a sledge hammer on the front fork. The rear with the strongest husky spring was fine. I feel like sticking with the left kickers for the dirt. Even the 38mm and 40mm forks worked fine with new 10wt oil. The newer bikes suspension wise are setup for a 150/180lb rider if that. I seen three bigger guys than me tearing it up on Honda cr500's. I think the new Honda xr650L and the Suzuki 1250 bandit will work fine.
if you are looking at the bandits check out the zrx and fz1 as well. the the yammahammer is probably a step ahead in pure performance but the zrx has one of the best torque bands around and has quite a bit of soul. the 1100s respond to mods really well and the 1200s are strong stock but more limited in engine mods. obviously im partial to the z-rex. wish you lived nearby so you could flog mine. you have no soul if that fully muzzy doesnt make you smile inside your helmet
My son just purchased on Saturday a new 2013 kawasaki ninja 1000 but I'm not sure of the exact model number it's like the bandit a sport bike but it's not the lay down. The Yamaha looks similar to my son's new kawie. The Yamaha looks awesome what model? How many cc's? Do they offer a yoso pipe and muff for it? That monster can has got to go.
I'm not sure which bike he only told me it's in the bandits class. It's a ninja 1000 bike but it's not the lay down bike. He got the '13 left over for $8k. The Yamaha looks sexy.
Probably the ninja 1000, very much a sportbike but they raised the bars and some other things. Looks like a sportbike, just more comfortable rather then the zx10r
