Tips for older motorcyclists who want to add years to their riding

One day I was a brash young buck who rode hundreds of miles per day and ground my footpegs down to nubs, and the next — surprise! — I was a limping wreck who kept Tylenol in his tank bag and memorized the precise location of every restroom along whatever route I was taking. Now, at 71, there are days when I ask myself if riding is more trouble than it's worth.

It's not just me. One cause of the hand-wringing and head-scratching about the lack of new, young riders coming into motorcycling is the steady exodus of older, experienced riders fighting a losing battle with chronic pain, diminishing reflexes and eyesight, and other age-related health issues. For a sport that legendarily involves "sitting here and twisting that," riding is still a physical undertaking, one that exacts a toll on your body that only gets worse with age. Staying in the saddle well into your vintage years takes some adjustments and some compromises. Here are some of the challenges faced by older riders, and strategies for overcoming them.

Managing chronic pain

Chronic pain — bad backs, aching knees, arthritis, even the lingering effects of old injuries — probably drives more retirements from riding than any other cause. Stretching before a ride can help, as can regular exercise between rides, but most sufferers turn to painkillers to get them down the road.

All pain meds come with baggage; in addition to relieving pain, some lead to kidney problems, high blood pressure, and stomach bleeding when used regularly or at high dosages. For example, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are generally safe and effective, but side effects can include nausea, stomach bleeding, and dizziness, in some cases even when taken in the recommended dose.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the first choice for mild to moderate pain, but not as effective as NSAIDs. Side effects, if any, are milder, and long-term use presents few risks (though taking acetaminophen and drinking alcohol can increase the odds of kidney problems). COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib (Celebrex) are less likely to cause stomach bleeding but can cause headaches and dizziness; these side effects can be worse in older adults than in younger adults.

Here's a good primer on the pros and cons of painkillers used to deal with chronic pain. Note that some might affect your ability to drive or ride safely. Talk to your health-care provider if you plan to take any of them long-term or in large doses.

Improving your motorcycle's ergonomics

In a world where even the cheapest four-wheel econobox comes with adjustable seats, most motorcycles lock you into one seating position, usually determined by the bike's intended use. If you like sport bike performance and handling, you will ride in a fetal crouch, with your elbows jammed against your knees, the weight of your upper body on your wrists, and your neck bent at an angle nature never intended.

As the owner of one such bike, I found the seating position intolerable at first. The aftermarket, bless its mercenary heart, came to my rescue. The bike is now much more accommodating to my aging back and shoulders, though maybe not for long (more on that later). Changing the handlebar (if the motorcycle has one) or adding risers to the clip-ons can make the bike less strenuous to ride and, in some cases, footpegs can be lowered. Just be aware of potential related issues, such as the need for longer control cables or steering clearance issues with fairings.

Most newer bikes have adjustable suspension. Softer settings on both ends might take the edge off your bike's handling, but your back will thank you.

I'm convinced stock motorcycle seats are designed by the brand's styling department to look good on the showroom floor, and actual comfort be damned. I've never had a bike with a seat that didn't do terrible things to parts of my body I want only nice things done to.

Once again, the aftermarket has the answer in the form of off-the-shelf replacement seats, and shops that build custom saddles based on your height, weight, preferred seating position, and intended use. The Iron Butt Rally guys have a saying: Make the bike the most comfortable thing to sit on that you own. Removing pressure points on your hips and tailbone can leave you riding happily past the point where you'd usually have to stop for a rest, as well as reducing your reliance on pain meds.

Even something as minor as changing the grips helps sometimes. Arthritic fingers and hands aren't just uncomfortable, they're dangerous because they can delay your reaction to an emergency. Softer grips that reduce vibration, or are larger in diameter than stock, are common swaps.

Dealing with vision issues

Old eyes don’t see as well at night as they used to, so plan your rides to end before sundown. If you wear glasses, make sure your prescription is up to date, and consider a pair of specs with a prescription just for riding. Auxiliary lights will help get you home if you're caught out after dark, and make you more conspicuous during the day.

Start over with a different motorcycle

As I write this, there's a Kawasaki Ninja 650R on a Battery Tender in my garage and an ice pack on my left knee, thanks to a total knee replacement eight weeks ago. The Ninja wasn't exactly the bike I wanted, but it was the one I could afford at the time. Since buying it, I've added adjustable footpegs, a handlebar riser/setback combination, and a sheepskin seat cover, and while it's not as cramped as it used to be it's still a challenge to ride for very long without discomfort.

I've had a lot of time to think about it while I heal, and I decided I've finally had enough of folding myself onto bikes that don't fit me anymore. I've been looking at used cruisers and standards on Craigslist, bikes that won't tax my new knee as much and will be kinder to my spine.

If you've tried all the tricks listed so far — and I have — and you're still dogged by pain and discomfort, maybe you need a change of bike, too. Trade that heavy Gold Wing for a mega-scooter — don't laugh, big scoots are a hoot — or ditch the boy-racer GSX-R for a Royal Enfield or a Triumph twin. You might have to wrap your mind around a new kind of riding, but it's better than just quitting altogether.

To keep riding longer, know your limits

Finally, and the hardest for some riders to accept, is you’ve probably lost a few steps since those heady days of yore when you bent but didn't break, and routinely tested the limits of traction and good sense and walked away grinning. Older bones are brittle, older bodies heal much more slowly, and slower reflexes increase reaction times. From the vantage point of age, it's easy to see how your next crash might be your last one.

All of these are good reasons not to skimp on protective gear. Make ATTGAT your motto. Buy the best helmet, jacket, gloves, and pants you can, and wear all of them every time you ride — none of that "I'm just running down to the store" crap, OK? Ride a little slower, don't take as many risks, take an occasional break to smell the flowers, and congratulate yourself on adding years to your motorcycling life.

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