What’s Wrong with a Mid-Crisis (Motorcycle?)

[Dr. Cheese]

Now that it is deep into November, good days for riding fewer here in Southwest Illinois. Today was a great, but I had to go to the dentist. Still, there was enough light when I got home to give my bike its first real cleaning since I bought it. My youngest daughter and washed the two cars too.

I have had my bike since early October, and I managed to put 1,000 miles on it simply commuting and running errands. I am much more confident riding. I may head over to St. Louis when there is good weather and I have time although 277 carjackings in the city this year is not encouraging for casual riding.

My wife asked me again if this was just a mid life phase I’m going through, and I said what I always say: I always wanted another bike, but things kept coming up. This year, I said I better do it, or it will never happen, so I did it.

Last Saturday, my church held the annual harvest home coming meal, and I rode my bike to church for the first time. The men were all positive. The next day, a member said he understood what meant when I said I needed to do it before I got too old.

I’ll stop now because I am rambling.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

My wife asked me again if this was just a mid life phase

It quite possibly is, but it's better than what some guys do, find a younger model of S.O.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

My opinion is there is no mid life crisis when someone over 50 buys a sports car or bike, it is that he finally has the disposable income to allow him to buy the car or bike he always wanted.
Let him enjoy.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

It's not a crisis if you can afford it.
However, I stand by my usual advice. Put six months worth of emergency funds in the bank first.

 

[danesdad]

I didn't start riding until I was in my 30s. But it's in my blood. I'm not a speed freak or a die hard Harley guy (tho I had Harleys). I just enjoy riding. I agree that life is too short not to do things you enjoy. If anything, I need to congratulate you on getting in 1000 miles this year. This has been the worst weather year for riding that I can remember. I got 1500, for the year, but the year before, I got 1500 in two months. All it ever does is rain. But I digress. If you enjoy it, just do it.

 

[Passinwind]

My wife bought a bike when she hit her mid-50s. I think her reasoning was pretty similar to yours, actually.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

My MLC was a complete upheaval that had me moving 850 kilometers away & being single again. What you're doing is pretty safe in comparison.

 

[Chad Michael]

No one should ever get to the point of, 'oh dear, I'm going to die soon. I wish I would have tried this and or that'

Just do whatever it is, while you still can, regardless of what your spouse says. No human being should steal from your life, from your soul. Enjoy the ride Dr. C, you absolutely deserve it.

 

[GIBrat51]

I really wouldn't know. I bought a '57 AJS like this one when I was 16 (1967). I've pretty much had (at least) one ever since. So, I guess a Mid-Life Crisis for me would be the very short period between one bike and the next... And as for sports cars?
Honestly? Who needs one? It takes a car that very few people can afford, to even begin to catch this thing...

 

[Razman]

My opinion is there is no mid life crisis when someone over 50 buys a sports car or bike, it is that he finally has the disposable income to allow him to buy the car or bike he always wanted.
Let him enjoy.

^^^ This all day long. I would have been riding motorcycles and driving sports cars if they had been within my means; still waiting for that to happen but working hard towards that day.

Raz

 

[Chef]

I don’t think it’s fair at all to say it’s a guy thing.
My 53 year old gf took the MSF beginning riders school this fall and didn’t even tell me til she’d completed it.
Good for her!!

Now that it is deep into November, good days for riding fewer here in Southwest Illinois. Today was a great, but I had to go to the dentist. Still, there was enough light when I got home to give my bike its first real cleaning since I bought it. My youngest daughter and washed the two cars too.

I have had my bike since early October, and I managed to put 1,000 miles on it simply commuting and running errands. I am much more confident riding. I may head over to St. Louis when there is good weather and I have time although 277 carjackings in the city this year is not encouraging for casual riding.

My wife asked me again if this was just a mid life phase I’m going through, and I said what I always say: I always wanted another bike, but things kept coming up. This year, I said I better do it, or it will never happen, so I did it.

Last Saturday, my church held the annual harvest home coming meal, and I rode my bike to church for the first time. The men were all positive. The next day, a member said he understood what meant when I said I needed to do it before I got too old.

My question is that this seems to be a gender thing. Sometimes, you have do stuff, even if it seems drastic because we do not have forever. Women see men doing things like getting bikes as trying to be young again. Personally, I have no desire to risk my life riding around like I did in high school. That would be a death wish. I do however, get the same pleasure I got when I was young when I ride.

I’ll stop now because I am rambling.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

I don’t think it’s fair at all to say it’s a guy thing.

Darn right.

Note that I just used Him in my post because it was directed to the stereotype of a balding or gray haired man looking like he is trying too hard to relive his youth in a red sports car. It is so sad.

Men and Women finally have the kids out of the house and now have the time and money to have some fun.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I don’t think it’s fair at all to say it’s a guy thing.
My 53 year old gf took the MSF beginning riders school this fall and didn’t even tell me til she’d completed it.
Good for her!!

Fair enough, but in my circle of friends and acquaintances, it has been the women who have spoken derisively of a mid-life crisis.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

No one should ever get to the point of, 'oh dear, I'm going to die soon. I wish I would have tried this and or that'

Just do whatever it is, while you still can, regardless of what your spouse says. No human being should steal from your life, from your soul. Enjoy the ride Dr. C, you absolutely deserve it.

I like the way you said that!

 

[Stewie26]

My opinion is there is no mid life crisis when someone over 50 buys a sports car or bike, it is that he finally has the disposable income to allow him to buy the car or bike he always wanted.
Let him enjoy.

I am guilty and fully agree with the above. I am thinking it should be called, "Mid Life Benefits" instead of crisis. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Jim Nazium]

When I was much younger I couldn't really afford it, and when I'm much older I might not be healthy enough. Call it what you want, but I'm in my 50s and feel like this is my prime window for riding. Toured Italy this year, Alaska last year, hoping to go to Ecuador next. Having tons of fun.

3 minute video of the Italy tour:

 

[Thick McRunfast]

Get some training. I haven’t ridden in almost thirty years but if I started again I’d take the MSF course.

The perils of nostalgia: Older motorcyclists most likely to die in crashes

 

[MichaelPatrick]

Be alert and stay safe. My motorcycle days are about seven years behind me. It's a long story, but I can't stress enough how terrible drivers can be.

 

[danesdad]

Get some training. I haven’t ridden in almost thirty years but if I started again I’d take the MSF course.

The perils of nostalgia: Older motorcyclists most likely to die in crashes

Best advice ever. Course is well worth the time and effort.

 

[48thStreetCustom]

My opinion is there is no mid life crisis when someone over 50 buys a sports car or bike, it is that he finally has the disposable income to allow him to buy the car or bike he always wanted.
Let him enjoy.

Exactly!