Boomer Biking
by Paul Levin
What is it about motorcycles
that have made baby boomers the largest growth segment for the industry
over the past five years? Is it the “boys and their toys”
factor? Do baby boomers have too much time and disposable income on hand?
Does the motorcycle represent the last-ditch opportunity for excitement
and adventure before old age sets in?
Or is it the quest for speed, the biker image or the merely the high gas mileage versus cars? Any of these may be a factor in the choice to buy a motorcycle; often it’s several. Motorcycles are chosen as a luxury item, as few of us in this age group depend upon the motorcycle as our sole, or even primary, mode of transportation.
For many, bikes become more than either transportation or recreational vehicle alone. Bikes can be objects of art, a hobby, a vacation experience or the hub of a complete social environment. There are hundreds of bike clubs of various tastes and interests. Some clubs exist for taking weekend rides, some focus on specific brands and models of bikes, while others focus on companionship and shared interests. Whatever the reason for participating in biking events, one can’t help but notice that bikers seem to become fast friends with other bikers.
This
common bond of sharing a somewhat risky, unique and adventurous pastime
is, perhaps, the most compelling reason for boomers to stay with motorcycling,
no matter what the initial reason for riding. Bikers are also consummate
good citizens, with frequent charity events, toy runs and raffles to raise
money for worthwhile charities.
Alright, this article starts off with a flowery, all encompassing set of reasons why baby boomers are buying motorcycles and making them a part of their lifestyle. But let’s talk about the realities of riding. The act of riding a motorcycle well consists of mastering a two-wheel vehicle, upwards of 50 horsepower, capable of accelerating to 60 mph in perhaps 4-to-6 seconds that you lean to get around corners. It’s an exhilarating experience, as well as refreshing to have the wind in your face, the smells of the local landscape and a real sensitivity to temperature changes as you wind through wooded country roads. It’s an active, rewarding experience each time you ride. Unlike an automobile where you essentially sit back and let it take you where you’re going. Riding can be a pure joy.
Bikes also bestow a
sense of independence. For the most part, riding is a solo event. The
rider has no need, and certainly no room, for frivolous baggage or passengers,
which are sometimes one and the same. The solo motorcyclist is truly alone,
no passenger, no radio, no cell phone, just the buzz of the motor and
the roar of the wind and accompanying elements. The motorcycle rider is
master of his bike, the road and his destination.
But a word of caution. Riding has risks and limitations. Limitations consist primarily of weather. Riding in cold, wet nasty weather is no fun. Ice and snow are out of the question. In many parts of the country, very little riding is done in the months from November thru February. Riding in the hot sun is also less than fun. Most bikers wear leather or other protective gear, plus helmets, to be safe. Ideal riding weather is probably in the 60-75 degree range.
Riding a motorcycle is
also risky. Many serious, even fatal accidents occur after collisions
with cars and trucks when the driver just doesn’t see the motorcycle.
While most riders never experience serious injury, safe riding requires
constant vigilance. Full attention has to be paid to road surfaces, cars
and trucks that don’t see you or that run a stop sign or light,
and deer and other animals. It’s a constant process of scanning
for obstacles and unsafe traffic conditions, which can sometimes get nerve-wracking,
taking away from the pleasure of riding. Most
people don’t get completely discouraged when encountering these
realities, but it’s important not to expect a motorcycle to be a
simple carefree experience that does not require input or maintenance
on your part.
Although a luxury item, a motorcycle can be affordable, with decent
new ”beginner” bikes starting at $3,000. Most popular street
and sport bikes run in the $7,000 to $17,000 range,
including most Harley-Davidsons, with prices going into the high-teens
to high-twenties for fancier cruisers, touring bikes and sport-tourers.
Custom bikes and choppers top out the group, with typical prices over
thirty thousand dollars. Insurance for smaller bikes can be nominal, as
low as $150 per year for an inexpensive bike.
Sport
bikes are racy looking with much plastic body work (to cut wind resistance)
and the lean forward riding position. Street bikes comprise a range of
cruisers, such as your typical Harley-Davidson, and classics, such as
the Triumph Bonneville and Royal Enfield Bullet, and touring bikes like
the Honda Gold Wing and various BMWs.
Aside from budget considerations, your choice of bike depends upon experience
and size. Most motorcycles weigh from 300-700 pounds with seat heights
ranging from 25.5 to 30 inches for cruisers and tourers and 30 to 32.5
inches for sport-bikes and sport-tourers. It’s important to be able
to have both feet solidly on the ground when coming to a stop, and to
feel comfortable pushing the bike off the kickstand. Although there are
100 pound women riding 700
pound cruisers, beginners should plan on spending their first year on
a bike that is within their inseam and under 500 pounds. If you’re
beefy and/or athletic, you can consider something larger for a first bike.
Either way, it’s imperative that you take a course like the Motorcycle
Safety Foundation beginning rider course, offered in conjunction with
most state motor vehicle departments (
Writer
and Harley rider Paul Levin lives in the Washington, DC area.
His email is 
his website is