BajaNomad

TOO OLD for mc???

oldjack - 6-7-2007 at 08:15 AM

Almost 62 of questionable mental state, could/should be in better physical shape... but I want to ride a motorcycle da_n it... have rode street bikes a lot... would like to "explore" some of the more remote towns of Baja and take in some of the original Camino Reale... there is a question here... what size bike? what model(s) should I be looking at... light duty off-road down the highway carry camp gear... (must stop at beer stations)... my time is spent mostly in Los Barriles .. plan to start from there on 4-5 day trips... could trailer the bike to other locales and then ride.. can I expect to find a quality used bike and save some cash????

bajalou - 6-7-2007 at 08:33 AM

You can race the Score off road races in the new age 60+ class - go for it

vgabndo - 6-7-2007 at 09:25 AM

Old Jack: You don't stop riding because you got too old, you get old because you stop riding. The two guys with whom I ride dirt bikes most often, when combined with my age, are 191 years old, when our fourth is along we are 250. Although we don't bounce like we used to, we still "tear it up" well enough to have a damn good time. We're ordering swing arm stickers emblazoned with "ANCIENT ONES".

Some rides are more befitting of senior citizens than others. Take a look at the attached link. Having a nice soak in a natural hot spring at the half way point is what I'm talking about!

Ride with your head and not over it. I'm actually presently researching the possibility of beginning to guide dual sport/adventure tours on the thousands and thousands of logging roads and tight twisty paved roads here in Siskiyou County.

http://bbs.keyhole.com/ubb/download.php?Number=898762

One of the very best places to go for advice on the motorcycle itself is: www.thumpertalk.com

[Edited on 6-7-2007 by vgabndo]

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Corky1 - 6-7-2007 at 08:50 PM

I'm a few days past 62 yrs.
I just completed approx 1 1/2 times around the Baja 500 course.
Just ride within your limits.
Probable the most reliable Baja bike is and XR 400 with over size tank.
Good luck and ask any questions.
Lots of good info here.

corky:lol::lol:

oldjack - 6-8-2007 at 07:29 AM

how about a 2008 klr650??? $5500 new

tripledigitken - 6-8-2007 at 08:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by oldjack
how about a 2008 klr650??? $5500 new


An excellent choice to get to baja, and when there do some exploring. Single track bush wacking not its forte though. I see them everytime I go to Baja, and saw them in Alaska when I rode up there also.

Lots of aftermarket accessories also.

Recent review in Rider Magazine praises the upgrades made on it for only a $200 increase over the 2007. (upgraded braking, wind protection, and suspension).

Others to consider DR650, DRZ400 and KTM 640.

I'm considering the same type of bike myself.

Go for it you're just a kid!

Ken

oldjack - 6-8-2007 at 11:01 AM

Just back from the mc store.... its a red KLR650 2007 w/800miles... several after market items $4300...

if you see me laying by the road .... wave....

tunaeater - 6-8-2007 at 06:37 PM

TW is about that age and he preran some of the Baja 500 course with me this year. He has been prerunning with me the last 3 years on different sections of the 250,500 and 1,000 courses. He rides a Honda xr 250 and it does the job just fine. Although an e-start would be nice at times.

TMW - 6-9-2007 at 11:34 AM

I'm 62 and as Tunaeater says I have a 04 XR250. 4 gal tank. lowering link and lower gripper CEET seat and Scott's stabilizer. I'm 5'6" and can now touch the ground with both feet. I don't ride as much as I use too and when I prerun with Tunaeater he always takes me on the whoops from hell, just to show me how fast he is. I use to have an XR600 but it could be a bear to start. My next bike will be an electric start for sure. I don't think I would want to ride long rides on the CEET seat I have as it's hard and more for motocrossers, the stock seat is much more comfortable. I think the KLR650 you mention could be just the ticket for the riding you want to do.

DENNIS - 6-9-2007 at 04:33 PM

Act your age.

Age isn't a number. It's how you think of yourself.
If you know you can do it.......... You can and will.
If you just think you can do it.........Maybe you can't
If there's any "think" in your plan.......... Stay home.

Cypress - 6-9-2007 at 08:09 PM

Thinking and doing are two different things.:biggrin: