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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:
Redavocadoes · 07/08/2023 17:35

I know loads of women who learned to ride in their 40's. Go for it!

Check out Motorbike Women on Facebook.

Once you have passed your tests I'd strongly consider joining IAM (institute of advanced riders)
They have groups rides, and further tuition to get you up to a confident and safe standard.

I took my test at 19 and still ride now (in my 50's)

Enjoy!!

Redavocadoes · 07/08/2023 17:35

PS Motorbike women on FB have a sister selling page where you can pick up some second hand kit. Make sure you always buy a helmet brand new though.

Seryse · 07/08/2023 17:36

@ShitsCreep it is never too late, my mates dad got his big bike licence at 63! Granted, thanks to a horrible disease he only got to ride a few years before sadly passing away, but in all my 40 years of knowing him, I never saw his eyes shine brighter than when he was pulling back that throttle and taking off ❤️.

Do it!

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Cars & vehicles
JustToBeMe · 07/08/2023 17:36

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.

What a load of preconceived rubbish you spout there, goodness me...

Olika · 07/08/2023 17:37

Go for it!

LaMaG · 07/08/2023 17:40

Not quite the same thing...but I've always wanted to drive a moped. On my first holiday with Dh we were 22 and he had a complete panic attack and we had to walk away. I always resented not doing it so a few years ago at 42 I was at a family wedding in Southern Italy and I rented one for the day. Best day ever!! Absolutely no regrets and I was quite happy to hand it back, a lifetime desire now fulfilled. I also switched career in my 40s so I am a big believer of never being too old to do what makes you happy

BingoBastards · 07/08/2023 17:45

@Seryse that sounds brilliant for him :)

I am over 40. Although I try to keep quiet about it! I was thinking about buying one recently, definitely don't think it's too late

Seryse · 07/08/2023 17:46

BingoBastards · 07/08/2023 17:45

@Seryse that sounds brilliant for him :)

I am over 40. Although I try to keep quiet about it! I was thinking about buying one recently, definitely don't think it's too late

Defo not too late. I look forward to seeing you start a thread in the future telling is you did it! ❤️

Original poster
ShitsCreep · 07/08/2023 17:47

All these positive stories from you (mostly I assume) ladies, are really cheering me up 🥰

OP posts:
SinnerBoy · 07/08/2023 21:03

Laughingravy · Today 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.

Yes, they should have gloves and helmets to loan, as a bare minimum. A friend is an instructor - he has a few jackets, so getting one to fit is not a guarantee.

SinnerBoy · 07/08/2023 21:05

I'm not a lady... I say: Go on, girl! You can do it!

Newusernameaug · 07/08/2023 21:06

I did it aged 40! Best thing ever, I passed all the tests really easily too which was a confidence boost when 2 of the men on my course failed, as there was def a presumption I couldn’t ride!

SinnerBoy · 07/08/2023 21:08

DaisyAndDonaldDuck · Today 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.

Yes, it's men. Middle age men, who had low powered bikes for a few years as youths, who go out and buy 1000 cc sports bikes and think they're Andrea Locatelli and find out that they're not, a millisecond after overtaking on a blind bend.

SinnerBoy · 07/08/2023 21:16

Newusernameaug · Today 21:06

I did it aged 40! Best thing ever, I passed all the tests really easily too which was a confidence boost when 2 of the men on my course failed, as there was def a presumption I couldn’t ride!

I failed my big bike test twice, then passed with no faults. The first time, I was really ill, the second time, just really nervous, having failed.

Waiting for the third, I used to go out, with a Highway Code tucked into my jacket - I'd stop and read a section, over and over. I used to go out and practice like Hell. I was out one night, did a U-Turn in the approved manner, went to Sainsbury's car park , followed by a Police Car and did some manoeuvres and after a few minutes they pulled me and demanded to know what I was doing.

I explained and one said, "What's that in your jacket?" I showed them my HC book and one said, "I think he's legit, Billy!" Then, "Good luck - don't let me catch you doing a ton 20 down the A 19 the day after you pass...."

VeryWeirdBarbie · 07/08/2023 21:22

I think you're very brave! I used to ride a motorcycle in my 20s but gave it up as my ADHD meant I really shouldn't. As long as you don't have any issues with focus and distraction I say go for it!

Original poster
ShitsCreep · 07/08/2023 21:55

SinnerBoy · 07/08/2023 21:05

Oh wow! Amazing story!

OP posts:
Original poster
ShitsCreep · 07/08/2023 21:58

SinnerBoy · 07/08/2023 21:05

I'm not a lady... I say: Go on, girl! You can do it!

I told my dad I was thinking about it, and he was so excited for me! I think he wants to live vicariously through me now 😂

he lives in the states, maybe there could be a USA road trip in my future 🤔

OP posts:
SinnerBoy · 07/08/2023 22:03

Oh, I wanted to do one years ago, my aunt lives near San Francisco. My plan was to rent a Harley in Washington State and spend a couple of weeks riding down to hers. I told various friends and eventually, one couple did it before me and I've scratched it now.

Another plan was to ride to Kazakhstan, through Turkey and Iran, but then "The Long Way Round" came out. Mind you, it was going to be me, an old SR 500, several spare inner tubes and no massive support crew in a truck.

3luckystars · 07/08/2023 22:07

I have been thinking about this too and am older than you.

can I ask a stupid question though, are motorbikes cheaper to run than cars? Are there any type that are more economic to run?

I have a small car that’s good on fuel, and the only person I know with a motorbike says it costs him a fortune in fuel. He says it costs him for one bike ride what it costs for me for 2 weeks?
I drive 30kms every day to work and back and that’s all the driving I do and am really considering a motorbike but not if it’s going to cost more than the car or be worse for the environment.

for the op, go for it. I know a woman older than you and she goes on lovely biking holidays with a group and is so happy. Do it if it makes you happy.

SinnerBoy · 07/08/2023 22:14

3luckystars

can I ask a stupid question though, are motorbikes cheaper to run than cars? Are there any type that are more economic to run?

It depends on the bike, he's probably got a large capacity, high performance bike. I have a Triumph 900 cc, which is fairly low tuned. It does over 60 miles per gallon, which is a bit better than our 2 l diesel Volvo.

It also depends how he rides it. If he treats a ride like a day at the race track, it'll burn a phenomenal amount of fuel. Under hard acceleration, bikes can use ten times the amount that a car does.

60 mpg is 3.92 l / 100 km.

3luckystars · 07/08/2023 22:26

Yea that makes total sense, thank you very much.

Nutsabouttopic · 07/08/2023 22:29

DH always wanted a bike but different circumstances stopped him. Five years ago DC and I gave him money for his birthday with orders to buy a bike. We couldn't listen any more about why he couldn't. He bit the bullet and from day one loved it and still does. He passed his tests and rides to work and back. He's always been fairly antisocial but he's found his people. Goes on ride outs and rally's. He's hoping to become a motorbike driving tester now.
My DD 22 bought a bike last year, goes on ride out with every age from late teens to 80's. Has made fabulous new friends. She went into a petrol station recently and her card wouldn't work. Another bike pulled up, went in and paid for her petrol. Told her bikers look after each other.
Gay Byrne, presenter of the Late Late show in Ireland was gifted a Harley Davidson by U2 when he retired. He kept it, took lessons and said that he had some of the happiest days of his life on that bike. He was late 60's.
To those who say that bikes are deadly ..... have you met anyone who got out of this life alive.
Go for it

BatheInTheLight · 07/08/2023 23:21

SinnerBoy · 07/08/2023 21:08

DaisyAndDonaldDuck · Today 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.

Yes, it's men. Middle age men, who had low powered bikes for a few years as youths, who go out and buy 1000 cc sports bikes and think they're Andrea Locatelli and find out that they're not, a millisecond after overtaking on a blind bend.

Or you know, like someone I knew of who instinctively swerved to avoid a child's ball coming at him from the footpath in a '40' zone, straight into an oncoming car. Dead. Didn't matter what cc he was on.

There's also so, so many idiots on the road, I wouldn't trust them with my life, despite the allure of the open road and freedom. Just too damn risky.

Original poster
ShitsCreep · 08/08/2023 08:45

BatheInTheLight · 07/08/2023 23:21

Or you know, like someone I knew of who instinctively swerved to avoid a child's ball coming at him from the footpath in a '40' zone, straight into an oncoming car. Dead. Didn't matter what cc he was on.

There's also so, so many idiots on the road, I wouldn't trust them with my life, despite the allure of the open road and freedom. Just too damn risky.

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If you think like this you would never leave the house

OP posts: