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Original poster

Is 40 too late to learn how to ride a motorbike?

54 replies

ShitsCreep · 06/08/2023 18:39

I’ve always wanted a motorbike, grew up with both my parents having one and had a little moped before I got a car at 17 as we lived in the sticks and my parents were fed up of ferrying me about.

I’ve never learnt as I couldn’t really justify the cost, but now that’s not an issue. I’m 40 next month, is it too late? Am I having a midlife crisis? 😂

I wouldn’t go crazy and get 1000cc sports bike or anything, probably just start out with a 4/500cc for commuting and days out to the beach.

please can this not turn into a discussion about how they are deathtraps and people who ride bikes are called organ donors. My dad had a serious accident and couldn’t walk for a year, I’m well aware of the risks. Didn’t stop him from getting back on a bike though.

OP posts:
Petrine · 06/08/2023 18:47

My husband took his motorcycle test in lockdown. He passed and bought a Triumph Speedmaster, then a triumph Tiger, he now has a BMW GS… all big and fast 1200cc except the Tiger. He is 70 years old.

So at 40 you will have no issues.

Harebell22 · 06/08/2023 18:55

I'm in my 50s and considering it! Never too old.

Triflenot · 06/08/2023 19:20

Gosh no. Why would you think that?

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Original poster
ShitsCreep · 06/08/2023 20:39

@Petrine good for him! I guess I’m not too old in that case

@Harebell22 we can go out together!

@Triflenot i guess it’s just something I thought I should have done in my 20s 🤔

OP posts:
PathOfLeastResitance · 06/08/2023 21:29

I’ve started with my CBT and I’m considering doing ‘the big one’. I’m older than you.

tictactoe1234 · 06/08/2023 21:44

My colleague did two months ago

He's 55

oreo2020 · 06/08/2023 21:52

I did during lockdown at the age of 42. I had never even sat on a bike until that year or hadn't considered one. Started with CBT and 125cc, then full license and 500cc. It's been 3 years of pure bliss, and I did that purely on my own, single mother, no support or guidance whatsoever. You can tell I am proud of myself. So I say, never too old.

W0MEN · 06/08/2023 23:15

I definitely want to do this. I'm 48. Just don't have the money sadly

SinnerBoy · 06/08/2023 23:19

No.

Go for it!

I've been legal since (gulp!!) 1993.

My sister's father in-law only jacked it in at the age of 86.

NotMeNoNo · 06/08/2023 23:29

You want to check out the Motorbike Ladies FB group if you're on Facebook 🏍️🏍️. Definitely no age limit.

jackstini · 07/08/2023 07:36

DH was 40 when he decided to learn

Had 3 bikes from 700-1200cc over 7 year period and toured all over Europe

Go for it!

Laughingravy · 07/08/2023 08:09

Go for it! Training schools usually offer taster sessions, it's quite a bit of trouble to go to, getting the gear and a bike, if you find it isn't for you. I'd also consider maybe brushing up on your road craft in a car, it's what will keep you safe. Bad habits creep in that some assessment might identify.
The licensing rules are totally baffling but a school should help with that and the choice of bikes is limited if you are short of leg.
DP also recommends the police run Bikesafe courses once you've got a bit of experience. Good luck

GreyCarpet · 07/08/2023 08:16

Why would 40 be too old?

The only time you're too old to do something is when you're dead. If you want to do it, do it.

Piranhaha · 07/08/2023 08:17

You need to be able to ride an ordinary bike first. Then you can learn to ride a motorbike in a little as a day, and be buzzing around on L plates. If you already have a car licence it shouldn’t be a problem to do the bike test. Riding a motorbike really isn’t difficult.

Xanadu58 · 07/08/2023 08:18

No, I was 44 when I passed my test. Do it!

DaisyAndDonaldDuck · 07/08/2023 08:21

I would have thought you’d be sensible enough and responsible enough to know at 40 that a motorbike is a terrible idea at any age.

NoraLuka · 07/08/2023 08:33

I’m 41 and have the last part of my CBT tomorrow (in France so not the same as UK CBT, here it takes a bit longer to do but never expires) so I’d say go for it! Supposed to be going on the road tomorrow which I’m actually quite nervous about even though I’ve been driving for 20+ years. Not sure if I’ll get the full license, that’s the next step to think about!

I am about 15-20 years older than everyone else learning and 90% of them are blokes but everyone including the instructors have been very nice and I never felt out of place or anything.

I managed to borrow all the gear from various people as it’s expensive and I didn’t want to buy everything until I was sure I’d get the use out of it.

user1471505356 · 07/08/2023 08:43

Sorry to be negative can not help but notice the fatal accidents amongst older riders.

dgirluk · 07/08/2023 08:53

Is any age too old ?? I did my CBT and then DAS in my early 40's. Within a year I did the police Bike Safe, and then my IAM Advanced, and have just completed a bunch of stuff with Rapid Training. First bike was a "big bike", and now just 5 years later have 3 bikes and do long multi-day road trips, and some track days, although in no way am I a track hero !

The bug bit well and truly!

What I'm saying is - 40 is not too old, 1L isn't necessarily too big, and there's loads of training you can do after you get your license which for me has been well worth doing....

Original poster
ShitsCreep · 07/08/2023 17:09

DaisyAndDonaldDuck · 07/08/2023 08:21

I would have thought you’d be sensible enough and responsible enough to know at 40 that a motorbike is a terrible idea at any age.

Bingo!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
ShitsCreep · 07/08/2023 17:10

Thanks for all the positive stories, I think I’m going to go for it!
I have looked up my local school, they get good reviews, and do kit hire.

Husband said he might be tempted too if I get on with it 😀

OP posts:
Original poster
ShitsCreep · 07/08/2023 17:28

oreo2020 · 06/08/2023 21:52

I did during lockdown at the age of 42. I had never even sat on a bike until that year or hadn't considered one. Started with CBT and 125cc, then full license and 500cc. It's been 3 years of pure bliss, and I did that purely on my own, single mother, no support or guidance whatsoever. You can tell I am proud of myself. So I say, never too old.

You should be proud of yourself, amazing achievement 🤩

OP posts:
Original poster
ShitsCreep · 07/08/2023 17:29

NotMeNoNo · 06/08/2023 23:29

You want to check out the Motorbike Ladies FB group if you're on Facebook 🏍️🏍️. Definitely no age limit.

Thanks for the tip!

OP posts:
Original poster
ShitsCreep · 07/08/2023 17:32

Laughingravy · 07/08/2023 08:09

Go for it! Training schools usually offer taster sessions, it's quite a bit of trouble to go to, getting the gear and a bike, if you find it isn't for you. I'd also consider maybe brushing up on your road craft in a car, it's what will keep you safe. Bad habits creep in that some assessment might identify.
The licensing rules are totally baffling but a school should help with that and the choice of bikes is limited if you are short of leg.
DP also recommends the police run Bikesafe courses once you've got a bit of experience. Good luck

I’m 5 foot 8, so shouldn’t be an issue. My dad always said I am the perfect size for sports bikes! He’s 6foot 3 and was quite crunched up on a lot of his bikes. I could reach the floor comfortably on his fireblade when I was 15 (sitting on it in the garage I might add, not actually riding it!) . I loved going on the back of that with him!

OP posts:
Original poster
ShitsCreep · 07/08/2023 17:33

DaisyAndDonaldDuck · 07/08/2023 08:21

I would have thought you’d be sensible enough and responsible enough to know at 40 that a motorbike is a terrible idea at any age.

Anything can happen though, I had a friend who rode a bike, dropped down dead at 45 from an aneurysm 🤷🏻‍♀️

OP posts: