To all motorcycle riders over the age of 70 ( I don't trust anyone under the age of 68)

Currently riding a 1998 Honda VFR800FI Interceptor which has 31,010 miles. I recently completed a round trip ride from Washington DC to Okeechobee, FL with various stops in SC, Daytona Beach, Punta Gorda, Jacksonville, FL and Orlando,FL. It was a great trip and I might do it again if I can find another rider to join me. Even with handle bar risers, my shoulders and rear end were sore and I needed to stretch out frequetly. I really think that the VFR is a great motorcycle for kids under 70.
My first motorcycle was a Harley Davidson Hummer (2 cycle) which I bought used in 1956 or 1957. Prior to riding a Harley Hummer, I rode anything that had a motor and tires, including a Cushman Pacemaker scooter, Vespa motor scooter, Cushman Eagle and a home-made scooter with a Continental 3hp engine. I burned the valves multiple times by installing an overly restrictive lawn mower muffler on the engine to "keep the noise down",(per my fathers orders).
I use to ride all over northern IL and south eastern Wisconsin and bate the Twin Lakes police Officer into a chase through corn fields and pastures. He never caught me, and I was very fortunate because I did not have a drivers license or a legitimate State Tag on my scooter.
I learned quickly to be wary of loose gravel on the road... or sand, or loose dirt. I had most of my spills between the ages of 13 and 15... so, by the time I was 23 I stopped "going down" on my motorcycle. I also learned that fresh deer blood and motorcycle tires do not produce much traction or friction.
While in college and also in the Marine Corps, I drove a 1955 Triumph Bonn'vle 650cc which leaked almost as much oil as it burned. In 1966, I purchased a lightly used 1966 Honda 305 Scrambler and drove the hell out of it. I have no memory of oiling or greasing the chain but I sold the bike in 1969 for almost what I paid for it and put on 38k miles in 3 years. This was the beginning of my fond appreciation for Honda motorcycles. The hotest bike I ever owned was a 1982 Honda 500CXT(Turbo) which would lay waste to any 750 Intercepter at altitudes greater than .75 miles high or higher. I wish I had that motorcycle now, ....but I really do like my VFR if only it were a bit more comfortable to ride for long periods of time greater than two hours.
Anyone out there who wants to ride to Florida or Texas in the future?
Bill

 

Hey, Bill! I'd love to join you in a ride to Florida at some point in the future. I just can't do it anytime soon. If you ever want to take a day trip out into rural Virginia we could do a ride!

were you kidding about the over 70 part?

 

Hey Bill, welcome to the WORLD and glad to hear that at 70 (I'm guessing at your age here by your post) you are still adventuring out on EPIC rides. I may only be 44 this year but I bet I would have to stop and stretch as often as you would, and I'm not sure that I would try a ride of that magnitude but it sure sounds like fun. I would love to join you on one of your epic missions but alas, I do not fit the age requirements, not to mention that being from the west coast of Canada, I'm at least a few days away as far as getting to you in order to join a ride. Ah well, it would be an interesting story for the kids at some point. Have fun riding and don't forget to keep her shiny side up.

 

Wow, thats quite a riding history you have there, welcome aboard. Your story about the Triumph reminds me of the Mini I used to have, when it stopped smoking I knew I had to top up the oil.

 

:hss:
:welcome: to the madness Bill, May I call you Bill
Now I know who is the young as heart that still riding :whoo:
I love to ride with you but I still have a few more years to qualify ound:
My hat out to you Sir and thanks for your service. :usa2:

 

Any veteran rider like you deserves a special Advanced Member designation, and we're extra-pleased you joined. arty:

 

Welcome to the site ya old codger. We need more like you here. Only because I am getting a bad reputation as being one of the older peeps here. But I think Squirrel is older than me. I recently did a 5 week, 7000 mile ride on my 08. Yup. There were times where the butt was numb and the knees creaked but I still managed. The real secret to these longer rides for us folk of abundant life experiences, is to get off the bike and do a little walk about each and every time you gas up. Some quick stretches go a long way to.

But. You are old enough to realize that everything you said above is suspect because YOU DID NOT POST PICTURES OF YOUR VFR!. We like pix here so post'm quick.

 

Welcome to the madness. .
Glad to see you are still riding. I hope I can get out and ride more in the next couple months when the cast comes off.

 

Welcome Bill, and Semper Fi devil dog!

 

Welcome Bill. I wouldn't mind joining you for a ride "in" Texas since I'm already here. Just let me know.