Completely agree. Tried the cruiser route as an older rider. Didn't take long to end up back on a more standard style. I also like my bike to be nimble and stop well.
The struggle is real. I was always a pocket rocket rider but after a very bad near death accidents leaving parts of my left side being held together with plates nuts and bolts I had to put sports bikes to bed. I. Hold not stop riding so I ended up with a BMW 800 ST. It is a nice balance of comfort and great grunt when twisting the throttle. Keep safe and keep the rubber side down
I'm in a rut. Been riding 30+ years. Same kind of bike all this time. Muscle cruiser with mid controls. Saddlebags. Honda magna. Rocket 3.. honda valkyrie!
I started on an older Vulcan 750. LOVED it. Thought I was going to be a cruiser guy. First time I saw a z900 I fell in love. I decided to buy one. Picked up the 50th anniversary model. Never looked back. I love the fast bois now. Also, well into my 40's. Not just a young mans bike! I also engage in a fair bit of tom foolery on my z....you can't help it! We didn't buy a fast bike to go the speed limit everywhere....cheers!
Great to hear your story Andy. I'm in IT and passed last year too. My story is very similar.. I loved the look of a cruiser and saw myself on a Vulcan. So I passed and organised a test ride, but got some backache and didn't feel comfortable with it. So my instructor said try some nakeds. So I tried a Trident, really enjoyed it but the mrs said I looked like a gorilla on a trike, so that was that! Then I tried a Honda CB650R and fell in love. So I completely understand your choice. The Mrs wasn't comfy on the back so last month I got a Super Meteor 650 as well. So I get to be a hooligan on the CB and relaxed with the Meteor (and mrs). Best of both worlds I'm hoping! All the best, and safe riding on that naked monster!
I did my learning on the cb650r. Great bike but obviously had zero interest in it at the time! It’s nice that you can take the Mrs out on the back of the Meteor. I was holding onto the Speedmaster in the hope mine would come on the back but no joy in the end. 👍🏻
wow this must be the journey of all IT guys. I am also in IT and started riding motorcycles this year. Similar to you, I thought cruisers were the right fit for me due to the relaxed riding position and looks. I am now sick of my cruiser because I realized it did not suit my aggressive riding style especially during cornering. Will be swapping for a naked next year!
I’m 50., Been riding a Vulcan S for 5 years.. Recently bought a Triumph Speed 400 in an impulse purchase! I’m wowed by its ride quality and agility.. While I think this is all I need, I’m keeping my fingers crossed about its sporty riding position (rear set pegs) being suitable for longer rides.. I’ll keep my Vulcan for a foreseeable future !
I'm 62 and bought my first street bike 6 months ago. (I rode enduro and dirt bikes 18 years ago, but stopped due to life interfering). I decided to test ride a Harley because everyone it seems thinks Harley Davidson motorcycle are so wonderful. I found every model I sat on to be excessively heavy, cumbersome, and not comfortable. I never made out of the parking lot, I knew that HD was not for me. I went to the Ducati dealership and sat on a Scrambler Desert Sled. What a cool looking bike, great ergonomics, fantastic Ducati power, and great handling. Bought it immediately. I have since added a Ducati Diavel 1260s to my garage. I tested the Streetfighter, Monster, and Pannigale, all of which were too aggressive in their body positioning. It seems that everyone over 50 that has one of them complains of the body position causing back pain. Naked bikes and scrambler bikes are much more natural in their body position, they don't get head shake/tank slappers at speed, and they have more than enough power and stopping power to be exciting and safe. Another fun bike is the Aprilia Taureg 660. Great handling, great brakes, smooth linear power, plus fantastic electronics.
I think there’s just something about the Harley brand and it’s history but boy do they know it and the price of entry is way too high. There are much better bikes out there for less money. I love the Diavel, was following one today. They have some serious presence on the road! Ride safe my friend!
Interesting. As a current owner of many bikes and a rider of 50 years, my advice would be this; enjoy each type of bike for what it is, and ride accordingly. Don't ride the way others do necessarily, but ride for yourself and as yourself. They are all a pleasure in their own way. If you have an itch for a sports bike then scratch it, whilst you are still young and fit enough, but don't treat the road as a race track, or you will come a cropper sooner or later, especially with your relative lack of experience. From what you say, it is unlikely that you will have it long. Above all, stay safe for the sake for your family, and always remember that they need you to come home. Don't mean to preach, but I just sense a touch of danger in your words.
Thanks Michael always good to have sensible advice and I totally agree with everything you are saying! Every time I get on the bike I think to myself “this thing could kill me”. Whilst I do ride the bike fast I am fairly cautious and don’t take huge risks, but you are quite right. It only takes a fraction of a second to change or end your life when on two wheels. Ride safe my friend!
This is eerily similar to my story. Started in 2021 at 41 without any knowledge or prior interest on bikes before. Got my first Harley, a beautiful 48 three months after learning to ride. Got my second Harley six months later. Beautiful bikes but uncomfortable to ride on traffic. Now I own a tiger sport 660 and a speed triple 1200 RR
A well engineered naked bike will ask your to push, flick it around corners like nothing else and constantly inspire you to drive harder. This is not good a thing, especially on the streets, it's not a question of if but when and on a naked that's coming a lot sooner. While a cruiser fights you constantly, fills you with doubt, as soon as you start pushing it tells you a hundred and one ways it's a bad idea - this reigns in the stupidity. The ride between the two is different but for me it's just as enjoyable - I switched from naked to cruisers because I was getting myself into trouble, the unwarranted confidence will kill you or worse. That being said a lot of the new cruisers are quite sporty, almost hybrids. High revving, high performance and aren't going to fight you as much as a traditional cruiser - not a fan myself, theres something so pleasurable about the low down torque of a dumb cruiser while you guide it around the bends
Just curious.. have you tried any of the Royal Enfield bikes? If all you want is to cruise at 60 mph and aren't bothered about high speed runs, then i think you'd be pleasantly surprised!
I haven't no, however the Speedmaster was exactly what I "thought" I wanted but the Trident made me realise that cruising along at 60mph was not what I wanted from riding, which is exactly what the video is about 👍
Did you get a chance to ride a Street Triple R or RS? Just wondering if you felt the same feelings of security, etc you feel on the Spreed Triple? I ask because the Street Triple is less expensive for my budget. I understand the difference you experienced between the Speedmaster and the Trident and Speed Triple. I want the feelings also you are experiencing also. Thanks in advance for your response as I am shopping myself. P.S. I wonder if the Harleys you mentioned would have felt like the Vulcan and the Speedmaster and been a disappointment?
Nah, you actually need a SUMO. I ride my Grom for work because it's just so fun riding to clients and showing up in looking funny and it's also easy to park not to mention so economical. If I want longer rides I use my Duke 390. I got these nakeds because of the ergos and the fun factor. Never wanted a cruiser since they are for short ppl and old farts. My next bike's going to be a Trident 660 since it's just a bigger Grom essentially.
How can you not have a Thruxton RS? I have one and a Speed Triple 1200 RS and it's the perfect combo. True crotch rockets are fun! But become torture racks QUICKLY. Suggest renting one for the weekend and packing on miles BEFORE you purchase.
@@andy_rides yeah, I get it. I have a Scout 1200, Daytona 1200 and Speed Triple 995i. I get big. But I'm here to tell you: that Meteor has more character and personality than any Harley (I've I've had more than my share of those) and more usable ridability and fun than anything else I've found in two wheels. I know you won't give it a second thought. But trust me: you're missing out.
Completely agree. Tried the cruiser route as an older rider. Didn't take long to end up back on a more standard style. I also like my bike to be nimble and stop well.
Good brakes definitely help!
The struggle is real. I was always a pocket rocket rider but after a very bad near death accidents leaving parts of my left side being held together with plates nuts and bolts I had to put sports bikes to bed. I. Hold not stop riding so I ended up with a BMW 800 ST. It is a nice balance of comfort and great grunt when twisting the throttle. Keep safe and keep the rubber side down
I'm in a rut. Been riding 30+ years. Same kind of bike all this time. Muscle cruiser with mid controls. Saddlebags. Honda magna. Rocket 3.. honda valkyrie!
Ride what you enjoy, nothing wrong with that. I just did a bit of a u-turn but I still appreciate cruisers and particularly muscle cruisers 👍
I tend to overide cruises and classic retros, so i know what you mean, if you push a bike beyond its comfort zone! Can shit you up some.
Yeah I think that probably nails it 👍
I started on an older Vulcan 750. LOVED it. Thought I was going to be a cruiser guy. First time I saw a z900 I fell in love. I decided to buy one. Picked up the 50th anniversary model. Never looked back. I love the fast bois now. Also, well into my 40's. Not just a young mans bike! I also engage in a fair bit of tom foolery on my z....you can't help it! We didn't buy a fast bike to go the speed limit everywhere....cheers!
There's something special about the Z900RS I'd definitely consider one of them in my garage!
Great to hear your story Andy. I'm in IT and passed last year too. My story is very similar.. I loved the look of a cruiser and saw myself on a Vulcan. So I passed and organised a test ride, but got some backache and didn't feel comfortable with it. So my instructor said try some nakeds. So I tried a Trident, really enjoyed it but the mrs said I looked like a gorilla on a trike, so that was that! Then I tried a Honda CB650R and fell in love. So I completely understand your choice. The Mrs wasn't comfy on the back so last month I got a Super Meteor 650 as well. So I get to be a hooligan on the CB and relaxed with the Meteor (and mrs). Best of both worlds I'm hoping! All the best, and safe riding on that naked monster!
I did my learning on the cb650r. Great bike but obviously had zero interest in it at the time! It’s nice that you can take the Mrs out on the back of the Meteor. I was holding onto the Speedmaster in the hope mine would come on the back but no joy in the end. 👍🏻
wow this must be the journey of all IT guys. I am also in IT and started riding motorcycles this year. Similar to you, I thought cruisers were the right fit for me due to the relaxed riding position and looks. I am now sick of my cruiser because I realized it did not suit my aggressive riding style especially during cornering. Will be swapping for a naked next year!
Scraping the pegs in corners trying to get even a little bit of lean is horrible!
I bet you eventually come back to a cruiser!
Must say the Triumph T100/120 are very appealing to me. Happy riding.
Quite possibly but for now I am happy. Never say never! 👊🏻
I’m 50., Been riding a Vulcan S for 5 years.. Recently bought a Triumph Speed 400 in an impulse purchase!
I’m wowed by its ride quality and agility.. While I think this is all I need, I’m keeping my fingers crossed about its sporty riding position (rear set pegs) being suitable for longer rides.. I’ll keep my Vulcan for a foreseeable future !
Great purchase, I reckon they will be smashing bikes. I don’t think it will be too aggressive for you but you may get a bit confused at first 👍🏻
Got a Vulcan myself, went through Eroupe on it, fantastic bike to ride. Now also have a Triumph Bobber.
I'm 62 and bought my first street bike 6 months ago. (I rode enduro and dirt bikes 18 years ago, but stopped due to life interfering). I decided to test ride a Harley because everyone it seems thinks Harley Davidson motorcycle are so wonderful. I found every model I sat on to be excessively heavy, cumbersome, and not comfortable. I never made out of the parking lot, I knew that HD was not for me. I went to the Ducati dealership and sat on a Scrambler Desert Sled. What a cool looking bike, great ergonomics, fantastic Ducati power, and great handling. Bought it immediately. I have since added a Ducati Diavel 1260s to my garage. I tested the Streetfighter, Monster, and Pannigale, all of which were too aggressive in their body positioning. It seems that everyone over 50 that has one of them complains of the body position causing back pain. Naked bikes and scrambler bikes are much more natural in their body position, they don't get head shake/tank slappers at speed, and they have more than enough power and stopping power to be exciting and safe. Another fun bike is the Aprilia Taureg 660. Great handling, great brakes, smooth linear power, plus fantastic electronics.
I think there’s just something about the Harley brand and it’s history but boy do they know it and the price of entry is way too high. There are much better bikes out there for less money. I love the Diavel, was following one today. They have some serious presence on the road! Ride safe my friend!
@@andy_rides You really have to ride one to appreciate what Ducati created.
Interesting. As a current owner of many bikes and a rider of 50 years, my advice would be this; enjoy each type of bike for what it is, and ride accordingly. Don't ride the way others do necessarily, but ride for yourself and as yourself. They are all a pleasure in their own way. If you have an itch for a sports bike then scratch it, whilst you are still young and fit enough, but don't treat the road as a race track, or you will come a cropper sooner or later, especially with your relative lack of experience. From what you say, it is unlikely that you will have it long. Above all, stay safe for the sake for your family, and always remember that they need you to come home. Don't mean to preach, but I just sense a touch of danger in your words.
Thanks Michael always good to have sensible advice and I totally agree with everything you are saying! Every time I get on the bike I think to myself “this thing could kill me”. Whilst I do ride the bike fast I am fairly cautious and don’t take huge risks, but you are quite right. It only takes a fraction of a second to change or end your life when on two wheels. Ride safe my friend!
This is eerily similar to my story. Started in 2021 at 41 without any knowledge or prior interest on bikes before. Got my first Harley, a beautiful 48 three months after learning to ride. Got my second Harley six months later. Beautiful bikes but uncomfortable to ride on traffic. Now I own a tiger sport 660 and a speed triple 1200 RR
Obviously a characteristic of mid-life crisis 😂
A well engineered naked bike will ask your to push, flick it around corners like nothing else and constantly inspire you to drive harder. This is not good a thing, especially on the streets, it's not a question of if but when and on a naked that's coming a lot sooner.
While a cruiser fights you constantly, fills you with doubt, as soon as you start pushing it tells you a hundred and one ways it's a bad idea - this reigns in the stupidity.
The ride between the two is different but for me it's just as enjoyable - I switched from naked to cruisers because I was getting myself into trouble, the unwarranted confidence will kill you or worse.
That being said a lot of the new cruisers are quite sporty, almost hybrids. High revving, high performance and aren't going to fight you as much as a traditional cruiser - not a fan myself, theres something so pleasurable about the low down torque of a dumb cruiser while you guide it around the bends
Thank you.
You're welcome!
Just curious.. have you tried any of the Royal Enfield bikes? If all you want is to cruise at 60 mph and aren't bothered about high speed runs, then i think you'd be pleasantly surprised!
I haven't no, however the Speedmaster was exactly what I "thought" I wanted but the Trident made me realise that cruising along at 60mph was not what I wanted from riding, which is exactly what the video is about 👍
@@andy_rides Ah, ok. My bad. 👍
Did you get a chance to ride a Street Triple R or RS? Just wondering if you felt the same feelings of security, etc you feel on the Spreed Triple? I ask because the Street Triple is less expensive for my budget. I understand the difference you experienced between the Speedmaster and the Trident and Speed Triple. I want the feelings also you are experiencing also. Thanks in advance for your response as I am shopping myself. P.S. I wonder if the Harleys you mentioned would have felt like the Vulcan and the Speedmaster and been a disappointment?
I think you will get just as much confidence from the Street as you would from the Speed 👍
Nah, you actually need a SUMO.
I ride my Grom for work because it's just so fun riding to clients and showing up in looking funny and it's also easy to park not to mention so economical. If I want longer rides I use my Duke 390. I got these nakeds because of the ergos and the fun factor. Never wanted a cruiser since they are for short ppl and old farts. My next bike's going to be a Trident 660 since it's just a bigger Grom essentially.
How can you not have a Thruxton RS? I have one and a Speed Triple 1200 RS and it's the perfect combo. True crotch rockets are fun! But become torture racks QUICKLY. Suggest renting one for the weekend and packing on miles BEFORE you purchase.
The Thruxton's really don't do it for me. I've always been drawn to the Speed Twins though, one day!
I understand what you are saying.
You, Sir, need a Meteor 350.
I don’t think a 350 anything is where my heads at anymore 😂
@@andy_rides yeah, I get it. I have a Scout 1200, Daytona 1200 and Speed Triple 995i. I get big. But I'm here to tell you: that Meteor has more character and personality than any Harley (I've I've had more than my share of those) and more usable ridability and fun than anything else I've found in two wheels. I know you won't give it a second thought. But trust me: you're missing out.
I think I’d consider the Himalayan or the Scram for a bit of fun!