70 is the new 40! Enjoy as long as you can. That looked like great fun. You won't regret the things that you have done, you will regret the things you didn't do.
Sem dúvidas. Eu cai ha 18 meses, já fiz 2 cirurgias, mas ainda não estou totalmente curado. Continuo andando de moto, todos os dias, e não pretendo parar tão cedo, mas confesso que fiquei mais cuidadoso e medroso. Parar de viajar de moto ainda continua fora de questao. Seria um trauma irreversível, ter que parar!
You're not gonna break an AT by dropping it in the mud if you have handguards and engine/fairing crashbars. I've put 100k mikes on my twin and have dropped it many many many times.
I am also 70 and still riding. I am stupid enough to ride a K1600GTL with reverse gear. The darn thing is heavy to heavy for me to push around in the carparks. I rode to Beartooth pass in Montana last year and felt all the harpins as the wind nearly blew me over. Yes my mind thinks I am still 20 and my mind thinks that I am stupid. I am coming to Aus in June and will be buying a bike and riding around the country. My mind thinks that I am 20 and my body says I am stupid. But atleast I will have stories to share with the wrinklies in the folks home when I am 90. Loved the video, stay upright
Gday Mate I am in the same boat as you. 71 in a few weeks time I have had my 2018 AT standard for two years now and love it I rode the bridal track in SA on my own hit a rock came off and spent two hours getiing her back up and dropping it another two times ! 250 Kg and top heavy it was hard work I do go up to the Flinders ranges but I only ride the AT on Bitumen, dirt and gravel roads I bought a Suzuki DRZ400E for the more knarly stuff Keep having fun and yes you do have to listen to your brain
Lovely video, and no you're not too old to ride it, but you might be too old to fall off it haha. British sitcom 'the likely lads' had a great chocolate analogy for ageing... In the chocolate box of life, the top layer has already gone, and someones nicked the orange cream off the bottom.
31 yo rider here, not nearly as experienced as you. But your brain and body handled everything much much better than us a little bit younger riders Very relaxing and nice to watch this! Thanks and keep it up!
Thanks mate. Sometimes wish I was 31 again. But if so, I’d still be working, paying off a mortgage and putting kids through school. So I think I’ll be satisfied with being old, owning the house, visiting the grand kids, and every day is a Sunday available to ride!
I'm a couple of years behind you (66 this year) and have a 1250GSA which I KNOW is too heavy for me to lift but is such a beautiful bike to ride that I can't part with it. I NEVER go on dirt on my own and we only do roads now - we've given up on tracks. One of your lifting devices would be very handy :)
I’m of the same vintage and I’m getting ready to buy a new adventure bike. Your only as old as the one you feel 😀 riding motorcycles keeps the dream alive never stop. ✌️👍
Hello my english friend. Am I Too Old to Ride it ? Not in your head, but your body shows you your limits.😜🤣 The Africa Twin is too heavy for off-road riding. But respect for your courage 🤘 But alone terrain, ask yourself. But you are very funny and if you can't ride because of back pain, it's nice that there are still crazy people like me out there
70 this year too, and have pretty much written of the AF as an option (sold the XR650L last year as she was getting too top heavy for my lower back to handle when she decided to nap). Plan A is to stick with my CB-1100's, but what passes for todays drivers may have me looking hard at Plan B. Ditch the street bikes and go dirt - which means a much smaller machine. That way, I hope, any injuries I incur will be mild enough it won't kill my riding. Whereas a larger bike just may end up shortening my riding days - since I don't bounce or heal as well as I used to. I say this because the 15 year old does still sneak out, selling dares I can't afford to cash. :^D
52 years old rider here. Can't change that I prefer to ride alone and far away from home. Good to see, that I have some years to go, left. It is really good to see, that older riders still enjoying riding remote roads. Sometimes I have the feeling I have to hurry to make some journeys before I am getting too old for it. thx a lot for that video Wish you all the best and a lot of years on your motorcycle.
70 is relatively young for a senior. I'm exactly half your age and you're handling that oversized behemoth way better than I would. But the only thing I can say as a grandson who has had to deal with grandma's broken bones is that one needs to be more careful and take less risks as they age. Anyway, if you find any living breathing trolls under bridges don't forget to holler for backup, I think my D&D party on 2 wheels would be happy for some XP in this beautiful trail.
Nice. Similar age, i last rode sx650 40 years ago. I am now living near hundred of miles of single tracks, so shopped for a bike. Sitting on many bikes in many shops I settled on a 300lb 250cc, which is still heavier than I wished. one week in, I dropped it once loading on a receiver rack and then smushed my hand with that same rack, luckily no breaks. These incidents remind me to practice in parking lots and take short slow rides on country roads till the muscle memory clicks in.
ATAS rider, 62 years old. I just added a new Trans Alp to my toy box, thinking it's a reasonable down size. I'm waiting for the weather to break so I can give the TA a chance to sway me over. After a few short rides on the wonderful 750, I took my ATAS out for a ride to try our the new Corbin seat. I was reminded of what a wonderful bike it is, and I will likely keep the ATAS while figuring out just where the TA fits in preference.
Hi Adrian, I really like your videos, where you share your wisdom and impressions. Too old? Only you can answer that answer, taking into account what is truly important when riding a motorcycle. Most people tell you "cheer up, go ahead!" For me, the most important thing is to value safety, maneuverability, comfort and tranquility. That the adventure takes a backseat does not affect me or make me complex. I am 51 and life changes, at least my priorities have changed and I am clear that over time everything is defined, accepting some things and perhaps having to give up others. I love your reflections, because they also affect other areas of our lives: As bikers and pilgrims, have a good trip!
My father in law is 61 and he rides offroad side by side with me (31). He has a V Strom 650 and I have an f800gs wich I bought from him, he had to get a lower and more confortable bike bc of his back pain, but still riding. Keep riding and having fun!
I'm 54 going on 55 this year and the adventure bike is for touring across NZ, particularly the dirt roads which I love. My preference for off-road is a second-hand dirt bike I'm planning to buy that I can beat the heck out of without fear of damaging it, and to enjoy taking risks not possible on a more expensive and heavy bike. Plus it's nice knowing I can easily pick up the bike after each spill because it's less than half the weight.
You are inspiring, sir! I'm in my 40's and wondering if I'm too old for this stuff. I hope to be just as adventurous when I'm 70. I don't have my Africa Twin yet, but I've been wanting one for a long time now. I got my first motorcycle when I was 12, a 1978 Honda XL185 4Stroke. So I learned to ride on trails and back country. The scenery on your ride here is heavenly. What beautiful country! Back countty riding has been calling to me for a few years, now. I do miss it. I need to get away from the entitled numbsculls on the road, who have no qualms about endangering motorcyclists.
I share the same dilemma as you.. I dropped it down to a crf450l and have been doing the numerous mods to make it practical. Was a little over my limit trying to pick that AT up in hot desert sand while trying to get traction with the outward sliding boots. The fun factor just wasn't there. Will see if it was the right choice soon now that it's starting to warm up here in cali. Pitching the tent is starting to become a challenge. We will see by the end of this year if it's gonna be, being out there, or just watching the vids.. Gulp! Good luck my friend. We have to try. As said in another comment, "It's what we don't try to do that we will regret".
I'll be 60 next year. At this time, I'm recovering from 2 left shoulder surgeries in the last 9 months and an Achilles tear in late 2021 ,I hear what you're saying about the brain writing cheques the body can't cash, I want to buy another motorcycle next spring and it will be lower bike to make it easier to ride hopefully the body heals up and I can enjoy riding again!
Great video. Very envious of you out there in Australia....space, so much space. England is cold, wet, angry and crowded. The Africa Twins look massive to me, so I settled in for an 'Africa Single' - a CRF300L....😂 As for forgetting your wallet, I keep an emergency £10 note stuffed in the back of my phone cover - just in case..... Best wishes.
I'm 66 mow and feel much better about my future watching this video 😂 I've a tiger 900 rally pro and dreading the day I need to stop riding 🙄 you got really lucky with ki d lady's in the shop and can't see that happening in the UK 😢 stay safe and upright mate and enjoy the riding 👍
Agree. The shop ladies were great. Even offered to cook me some food as well. I guess they felt sorry of the silly old fart who was doddering around on a bike too big for him 😩
hi iamjust getting back on my AT after big crash outback iam 71 this year i ride alone also all my adv mates are injured mybe will catch for ride one day just ridefor as long as we can
Haha! Nice! I think we need to see your bike cleaning methods after that little adventure. I think I'd forget my wallet too if it gave me a good excuse to revisit that Trading Post shop regularly (for the excellent selection of cold drinks, obviously! 😇 )
Bike cleaning? I hate it. Almost makes me avoid dirt roads just so I don’t have to wash the bike. Took me a couple of hours to “get the sand out of my gusset”.
I’m 71, been riding for fifty plus years. While I still own and ride other bikes, I adore my Africa Twin DCT - it’s a great bike; put almost 30 000 kilometers on it last year. That said, if fifty years of riding has taught me anything it’s that when I stop learning, I’ll stop riding.
Hi 👋🏻 I’m 67 years old and have been riding motorcycles since I was 16 years old and I will ride so long as I can.. I also have an Africa Twin DCT … Greetings from Norway 🇳🇴
Everyone’s different, I made it to 74 before I started having issues with my leg and back plus my balance is off. I’ve ridden a BMW 1200GS for years and could always pick it up, not anymore. My Husqvarna 701 is difficult to mount. I just bought a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 that I’m building into a scrambler, its low seat makes it easy to ride. I like riding solo so I started using an Inreach.
The 650 will make a very sweet scrambler. I was a bit disappointed how difficult it was to get a signal with the InReach when surrounded by trees (the natural habitat for adventure riding). But better than nothing.
Here’s a pointer: Forget wallet? No problem, modern electronic watches can store credit cards. Yes, purpose built lighter bikes are agile on unprepared surfaces but they perform poorly on hi-ways. Your AT is a good compromise.
64 old man here with an recent total knee arthroplasty after 3 months riding again on my NC in Belgium and on my Transalp 650 in France. Maybe on a Africa Twin being 70 I hope. Great job!
Did a ride like that just once on a bloody great Tiger Explorer, never again! Probably the most unenjoyable ride I've ever done and probably one of the rides that convinced me to downsize to my brilliant NC750X
As long as you know how to have fun on a bike, your never too old to ride. Had me a bit worried though, heard some rattling in the beginning, was wundering if it was your bike or your bones, untill you took that stick out. 😊
Keep it up. If you enjoy it, you are not too old ❤ You are responsible for yourself and your choice of bike. It is not like you are 80 and trying to run a country. 😊👍🏻
Well done. Will be 65 next week, still enjoying my Triumph Tiger. I don’t think we are to old for any kind of bike. Personally, however, I tend to become a little pickier about the type of road/ path I am going, at least when I am riding alone. I still enjoy the „off tarmac“, though! Stay safe!
This is a problem now unfortunately with the volume of 4wd traffic in Australia. Down here in the high country of Vic,If someone asked me 10-15 yrs ago what any particular tracks condition was like , I could say witha degree of confidence that we had ridden it 6 months earlier and it was in great shape. Unfortunately,now I'm finding tracks can go from mint condition to absolutely trashed in the space of three weekends owing to the vehicle traffic out there and some of the F-wits behind the wheel.
@andyn5138 - agree totally. Not only volume but practice - where a club will spend the whole day making a big hole deeper and deeper as they repeatedly drive / get winched thru it.
@@andyn5138 Interesting! Just goes to show what a great country for Adventure you live in. - In most regions in Europe we won´t have that "problem". In Germany - where I come from - it is almost impossible to find any dirt road where it is legal to ride a motorbike - except in certain areas in East Germany. And in Denmark - where I live - you can forget about dirt tracks altogether. Luckily I have Sweden just around the corner - with just the right amount of off-tarmac to challenge this ageing body.
LazyJack, hi from Oz. Yes, we're extremely spoilt in Oz with adv riding,10's of thousands of kilometres of gravel and outback roads to tour and explore along with the diversity of scenery that entails. I was more commenting on the dirtbike/trail riding side of things here. Ibguess we used to be spoilt on them 20 years ago as we could ride every 2nd weekend on the dirt bikes and see perhaps,30-40 4wd:s in the whole course of the year out on the tracks. Now 70% of the driving population has a 4wd and they all want a piece of the action. Can't blame people for wanting to get outdoors,just wish they'd respect it a little more! If you ever have a chance to get over, I'd highly recommend it 👍
You are so fortunate to live near the upper Hunter Valley -- way better than the geographically challenged northern plains of Victoria. 🙄 I'm 5 or so years behind you and am jealous of your lightweight and nimble AT !! My 1250GSA can be a bit of a handful when it stops. My advice is to keep doing what you're doing and do another reassessment video in 10 years!!
Nice to see that kindness, think I'd go back to see those beautiful ladies anyway! You are brave taking that big AT down those rutted tracks, I wouldn't enjoy that at all, maybe the transalp would suit you better?
Thanks mate. Went back last Friday with Wendy and had brunch with the ladies. Transalp? No tubeless tyres, no cruise control, no decent suspension, no DCT. Yes the AT is more of a hand full in serious off road but I’m mainly touring so the AT is a much better fit overall for my needs.
60 next year if you can pick it up without hurting yourself you’re good personally I feel much better on a lighter bike off-road Also nice to have mates with you stay safe 👍
Congratulations from Brazil. I'm seventy and starting to be worry about riding motos across South America after falling and braking my leg in a dirty way.
Last year (at 70 years old) I made a 1500 km trip from Buenos Aires to the mountains of San Luis and back in two days; Next year (at 72 or 73 years old) I plan to do a longer one to the end of the world (Ushuaia) I don't ride an Africa with my NC 750 I only do road and very little land, will my body hurt? My mind says yes, we'll see, very good video... greetings from Argentina
I’m 67, pretty fit. At 5’9” I am too old to ride anything heavier than a drz400 in the dirt knowing eventually I will have to put a foot down on uneven terrain, catch a kicked out rear end, or turn it around in a tight spot, let alone pick it up.
I'm wondering the same thing at the same age. Bought my first motorcycle in 30 years in 2020, at 67 (165#) and retiring, it WAS the Africa Twin, bought new on ebay sight unseen, NO test ride! Big mistake. But I rode that thing all over, making all the mistakes that one makes on a huge machine like this. I can no longer pick it up without a moto winch. So I just bought a 2024 Transalp, the first in the US in many years, and I can pick it up! Hopefully will still be able to after adding protection and such. I admit the Transalp in not near the machine that the Africa Twin is, an any way. I was going to sell the AT, but am in no hurry. Might sell the Transalp first. 😉 Anyway, nice to see others my age dealing with the same questions.
Thanks mate. Good to hear of your experiences. I’m a little fortunate in that I have been constantly riding since 15 which I think is a bit of an advantage as we age.
The paradox with the big (and expensive) ADVs is that too many people try to save them. Don't. From a number of Offroad outings with BMW GS's, the main takehome was to get used to stepping to the side and letting it go when it's going. Trying to save it is what gets a lot of people injured. There's a pick-up technique with a harness on YT and a side stepping technique also. Will look up later and detail if anyone's interested. As someone's said, the cost to the bike is nothing to a broken leg, blown disc, etc. These bikes are heavier and their riders typically older. If you're not happy to get a few dings - don't take them on adventures otherwise the realworld health cost is only up the road.
Too old...?!? Go Paw Paw! I'm 50, got my first bike (DR650) last May. I ride conservatively on mostly flat dirt/sandy roads. (Southern Georgia, US) Still on the stock Deathwings, but they and the bike have FAR more ability than I have skill. Still, every chance I get to get out there, I'm there... Live life, enjoy while you're able.
I’m 61. I just completed a 5 day, 1000km across the Sahara sand. (Supported ride) Make the most of the days … we probably only have 500 riding weeks left
This is a really important thing for those of us 60+ who want to still ride adv. trying to keep yourself in good physical condition and mentally sharp isn’t easy. I think you need to always ride with buddies or just ride tamer terrain, it’s still fun.
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff it is typical idiots, they never learn. “Intelligent individuals learn from every thing and every one; average people, from their experiences. The stupid already have all the answers.”― Socrates. .
I suspect you would not have tackled that road with the NC! At first I kept trying to look up ahead to see if you were trying to catch up to your wife on her Vulcan, lol!
Ha! Funny man. Ivdd we actually ridded most of those roads on the NC but the roads were in far better condition. It’s definitely a lottery when you venture off road. So I needed to test myself to see what I could cope with / enjoy.
Scientifically worked out - tested, assessed, and none the wiser 😆 so yeah, just keep on doing it, your skills have not left you mate, perhaps just some realistic fear creeping in with age. BTW AFAIK Garmin doesn't have a constant link to a satellite network, but links to a sort of criss cross of satellites which means it can take up to 10 minutes for "connection" - I've had this with mine, especially when sending messages. Did yours get through a little later?
I agree. I can’t count the number of times I’ve ridden those roads on trail bikes over 35 years. Gave that up 15 years ago as age and laziness saw me unfit and not enjoying being beaten up by the tracks!
I owned an Africa Twin for two years. It is a brilliant bike but I’m only 5’4” and, at the time I was in my mid 60’s. I felt, especially off road, the bike was too much for me. Now I own a Himalayan which is great for gravel and light trail use, but it is a bit of a dog on the highways. It is a compromise I am willing to live with for now.
Great clip, I can't go any more then maybe 160 Ks on a tank, (I know sad) But your ride looks good. How long was it and when you said Kulnura I'm not far from there.
I sold my Africa Twin because of my lack of skill with such a heavy bike. Now, I'm working on building skills on a smaller dual-sport and enjoying the riding a lot more. I'm 66, and whether I buy another adventure-sized bike in the future may depend on how my skills develop and my body deteriorates.
Mines a similar story only I wrote my AT off, nearly snuffing myself out in the process. Not just heavy but high weight as well. Not knocking the bike. You just have to be a better rider than I am. Bought a CB500X. I ride it with a lot more confidence.
Thoroughly enjoyed your video. Even at 52 years of age my body and brain have the argument that one think it’s younger than the other. Please, please, please continue to ride, rather than sit in an armchair. Here’s to hoping it keeps you feeling younger.
The debate should not be about age as a singular factor. A biker's total biking history, type of riding, level of training, health at age (individualized) and so on and so on.... come into play. I am close on your heels agewise. I still 'practice' rougher stuff on my WR450F and also ride an Africa Twin. As a mid-weighter I also ride a DR650. I hear you critizicing 'sealed' roads (bitumen I take it). But at 90+ the riding of an AT strictly on bitumen is far more achieving than not riding at all. So simply changing the choice of route to compensate for ageing is a noble consideration in my opinion. From what I see you do I say, just keep it up. You ride well.
Well just remember nobody said you had to go deep in the outback and ride the rough stuff. Nothing wrong with enjoying the bike for what you bought it for. You seem perfectly comfortable on smooth dirt and pavement, so why not keep riding there and forget the goat trails. In the mean time, stop all that talk of death. Karma is a thing you create by thinking about one thing a little too often.
That's my backyard as well. After heavy rains I won't even enter the Watagan's on a 250cc. Good on you for trying. What type of bike lift do you carry?
69 year year old with recent diagnosis of cancer here with a 2022 Africa Twin standard model. Still riding!
Sad to hear that mate. It’s a reminder to squeeze as much out of life as we can, as non of us knows what is around the corner.
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff absolutely
Take care brother.
Am 69, had cancer diagnose 16 years ago, now I'm here riding long distance again on my bmw850, never give up brother!
70 is the new 40! Enjoy as long as you can. That looked like great fun. You won't regret the things that you have done, you will regret the things you didn't do.
Well said
I'm 77 this year and refuse to quit, though I am sticking to my NC750X, I gave up my 300kg Moto Guzzi 6 years ago, All the best.
Thanks Bob. Hard to believe you THAT old !
Oh Thanks@@AfricaTwin-Stuff
I once broken a leg because i did not want to drop the bike going slowly on muddy terrain. Broken bike is much better then broken leg in hindsight :).
Yes. That hindsight is really good stuff.
Sem dúvidas. Eu cai ha 18 meses, já fiz 2 cirurgias, mas ainda não estou totalmente curado. Continuo andando de moto, todos os dias, e não pretendo parar tão cedo, mas confesso que fiquei mais cuidadoso e medroso. Parar de viajar de moto ainda continua fora de questao. Seria um trauma irreversível, ter que parar!
You're not gonna break an AT by dropping it in the mud if you have handguards and engine/fairing crashbars. I've put 100k mikes on my twin and have dropped it many many many times.
The weather, kangaroos, forest trails.. The lady in the shop!!! 😍 I'm moving to Australia!
Yes. Very pampered.
I am also 70 and still riding. I am stupid enough to ride a K1600GTL with reverse gear. The darn thing is heavy to heavy for me to push around in the carparks. I rode to Beartooth pass in Montana last year and felt all the harpins as the wind nearly blew me over. Yes my mind thinks I am still 20 and my mind thinks that I am stupid. I am coming to Aus in June and will be buying a bike and riding around the country. My mind thinks that I am 20 and my body says I am stupid. But atleast I will have stories to share with the wrinklies in the folks home when I am 90. Loved the video, stay upright
Good on you. Welcome to Oz. And thanks for the chuckle.
Oh - and coming in winter is a good move. Summer is uncomfortably hot.
I am 70 right now but I turned 69 in Australia while doing a five month 25,000 km loop of the country. Just watch out for that bulldust, evil stuff
Gday Mate
I am in the same boat as you. 71 in a few weeks time
I have had my 2018 AT standard for two years now and love it
I rode the bridal track in SA on my own hit a rock came off and spent two hours getiing her back up and dropping it another two times ! 250 Kg and top heavy it was hard work
I do go up to the Flinders ranges but I only ride the AT on Bitumen, dirt and gravel roads
I bought a Suzuki DRZ400E for the more knarly stuff
Keep having fun and yes you do have to listen to your brain
Good to hear. Thanks
Lovely video, and no you're not too old to ride it, but you might be too old to fall off it haha. British sitcom 'the likely lads' had a great chocolate analogy for ageing... In the chocolate box of life, the top layer has already gone, and someones nicked the orange cream off the bottom.
Ha! That made me chuckle. Thanks.
Enjoyed thanks - My F750GS rarely sees dirt roads but I can live with that (63 years old)
31 yo rider here, not nearly as experienced as you. But your brain and body handled everything much much better than us a little bit younger riders Very relaxing and nice to watch this! Thanks and keep it up!
Thanks mate. Sometimes wish I was 31 again. But if so, I’d still be working, paying off a mortgage and putting kids through school.
So I think I’ll be satisfied with being old, owning the house, visiting the grand kids, and every day is a Sunday available to ride!
@@AfricaTwin-Stuffwe all should be grateful for what we have and who we are ❤
Well done, I am 63 and still riding hope to be still going at your age. Keep at it until you are unable to,cheers.
I'm a couple of years behind you (66 this year) and have a 1250GSA which I KNOW is too heavy for me to lift but is such a beautiful bike to ride that I can't part with it. I NEVER go on dirt on my own and we only do roads now - we've given up on tracks. One of your lifting devices would be very handy :)
Good to hear. Doesn’t matter what you do so long as you can keep doing it.
A friend of mine is now 80 and still rides his NC750X. Road only though. Well done, block out the old age BS and keep riding!
I am only a few years behind you and still have classic 1993 2 stroke ... Trouble is that I spend more time working on it than riding it.
Ha! Well working on a 2Stroke is therapy too.
I’m of the same vintage and I’m getting ready to buy a new adventure bike. Your only as old as the one you feel 😀 riding motorcycles keeps the dream alive never stop. ✌️👍
Ha! Wendy is a little older than me 🤔
keep gettin it on...good video and your sense of humor goes a long way...welcome to the 70s club 73 here
Arrr yes. Us old farts need to stick together.
Excellent upload..... heartwarming 😊
Love your sense of humour and the trip down memory lane. Keep doing what you're doing as you are a great inspiration for us geriatric 60-year-olds lol
Thanks mate.
Well done Sir, you make it look easy. My plan in retirement is to tour the world on an Africa Twin. Cheers from the USA!
Hello my english friend. Am I Too Old to Ride it ?
Not in your head, but your body shows you your limits.😜🤣
The Africa Twin is too heavy for off-road riding.
But respect for your courage 🤘
But alone terrain, ask yourself.
But you are very funny and if you can't ride because of back pain, it's nice that there are still crazy people like me out there
Fantastic video, never stop living and enjoying things we love. Cheers and safe travels
Thanks mate
This insight into us aging bikers really rang true to me. Thanks for making this video. 👍🏻
I turn 64 3/27 and own a 22 At love it and trail ride and really enjoy just wish had a friend to ride with. And great video keep going sir.
Thanks for the video. I feel the same as you : a teenager trapped in the body of a seventy-year-old!
70 this year too, and have pretty much written of the AF as an option (sold the XR650L last year as she was getting too top heavy for my lower back to handle when she decided to nap). Plan A is to stick with my CB-1100's, but what passes for todays drivers may have me looking hard at Plan B. Ditch the street bikes and go dirt - which means a much smaller machine. That way, I hope, any injuries I incur will be mild enough it won't kill my riding. Whereas a larger bike just may end up shortening my riding days - since I don't bounce or heal as well as I used to. I say this because the 15 year old does still sneak out, selling dares I can't afford to cash. :^D
Good on you. As you say the important thing is to “keep doing it” which ever way we can.
You are such a hoot. What a joy watching your videos.
Thanks mate. I always feel I’m a success if I can make you smile.
good to see you, in this condition, keep going, drive safe
52 years old rider here. Can't change that I prefer to ride alone and far away from home. Good to see, that I have some years to go, left. It is really good to see, that older riders still enjoying riding remote roads. Sometimes I have the feeling I have to hurry to make some journeys before I am getting too old for it.
thx a lot for that video
Wish you all the best and a lot of years on your motorcycle.
Thanks mate. Keep it up. None of us knows what tomorrow might bring, so we just keep rolling the dice.
70 is relatively young for a senior. I'm exactly half your age and you're handling that oversized behemoth way better than I would. But the only thing I can say as a grandson who has had to deal with grandma's broken bones is that one needs to be more careful and take less risks as they age.
Anyway, if you find any living breathing trolls under bridges don't forget to holler for backup, I think my D&D party on 2 wheels would be happy for some XP in this beautiful trail.
Nice. Similar age, i last rode sx650 40 years ago. I am now living near hundred of miles of single tracks, so shopped for a bike. Sitting on many bikes in many shops I settled on a 300lb 250cc, which is still heavier than I wished. one week in, I dropped it once loading on a receiver rack and then smushed my hand with that same rack, luckily no breaks. These incidents remind me to practice in parking lots and take short slow rides on country roads till the muscle memory clicks in.
ATAS rider, 62 years old. I just added a new Trans Alp to my toy box, thinking it's a reasonable down size. I'm waiting for the weather to break so I can give the TA a chance to sway me over. After a few short rides on the wonderful 750, I took my ATAS out for a ride to try our the new Corbin seat. I was reminded of what a wonderful bike it is, and I will likely keep the ATAS while figuring out just where the TA fits in preference.
Nice ride. I have seen the video on my Laptop, liked it and subscribed to your Channel on my phone.
👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️👌👌👌💪💪💪.
Hi Adrian,
I really like your videos, where you share your wisdom and impressions. Too old? Only you can answer that answer, taking into account what is truly important when riding a motorcycle. Most people tell you "cheer up, go ahead!" For me, the most important thing is to value safety, maneuverability, comfort and tranquility. That the adventure takes a backseat does not affect me or make me complex. I am 51 and life changes, at least my priorities have changed and I am clear that over time everything is defined, accepting some things and perhaps having to give up others. I love your reflections, because they also affect other areas of our lives: As bikers and pilgrims, have a good trip!
Thanks mate. Well said.
My father in law is 61 and he rides offroad side by side with me (31). He has a V Strom 650 and I have an f800gs wich I bought from him, he had to get a lower and more confortable bike bc of his back pain, but still riding. Keep riding and having fun!
Very Inspiring; thanks; best regards from Montreal!
Hiya, Thank you for the video, another good one, Whatever you decide to do just take good care of yourself.
all those places I remember well. great vid
I'm 54 going on 55 this year and the adventure bike is for touring across NZ, particularly the dirt roads which I love. My preference for off-road is a second-hand dirt bike I'm planning to buy that I can beat the heck out of without fear of damaging it, and to enjoy taking risks not possible on a more expensive and heavy bike. Plus it's nice knowing I can easily pick up the bike after each spill because it's less than half the weight.
You are inspiring, sir! I'm in my 40's and wondering if I'm too old for this stuff. I hope to be just as adventurous when I'm 70.
I don't have my Africa Twin yet, but I've been wanting one for a long time now.
I got my first motorcycle when I was 12, a 1978 Honda XL185 4Stroke. So I learned to ride on trails and back country. The scenery on your ride here is heavenly. What beautiful country!
Back countty riding has been calling to me for a few years, now. I do miss it. I need to get away from the entitled numbsculls on the road, who have no qualms about endangering motorcyclists.
Good on you mate. Follow your dream. Never know what tomorrow will bring.
turned 66 yesterday and took a 140 mile ride alone into the forest and mountains, no cell service. You give me hope! Lowered DRZ400.
Good to hear.
awesome nothing to say! this is dream of every biker...keep safe and healthy bro💪 I got model 2019🤜
Love your humour 👍😂 I’m also wrestling with mind over body at 58! I’m just a nipper 😂😂
I share the same dilemma as you.. I dropped it down to a crf450l and have been doing the numerous mods to make it practical. Was a little over my limit trying to pick that AT up in hot desert sand while trying to get traction with the outward sliding boots. The fun factor just wasn't there. Will see if it was the right choice soon now that it's starting to warm up here in cali. Pitching the tent is starting to become a challenge. We will see by the end of this year if it's gonna be, being out there, or just watching the vids.. Gulp! Good luck my friend. We have to try. As said in another comment, "It's what we don't try to do that we will regret".
I'll be 60 next year. At this time, I'm recovering from 2 left shoulder surgeries in the last 9 months and an Achilles tear in late 2021 ,I hear what you're saying about the brain writing cheques the body can't cash, I want to buy another motorcycle next spring and it will be lower bike to make it easier to ride hopefully the body heals up and I can enjoy riding again!
Thanks for the lovely vedio 🎉
This butiful africa twin waiting for his 200K like his small brother NC750X 😊 and you still can do it without doubt.
Yep. Hopefully a few more adventures ahead.
Dr650 for the bush AT for the road and easy tracks! Nice film beautiful countryside
Lucky person who can own more than one bike at a time. Thanks.
Great ride and insights.
Great video. Very envious of you out there in Australia....space, so much space. England is cold, wet, angry and crowded.
The Africa Twins look massive to me, so I settled in for an 'Africa Single' - a CRF300L....😂
As for forgetting your wallet, I keep an emergency £10 note stuffed in the back of my phone cover - just in case.....
Best wishes.
Arrr. A true Boy Scout - always prepared.
Nice ride Sir, it's a matter of confidence, experience and practice. Greeting 👌
Thanks mate. Good to hear from you. What are you riding these days?
I'm 66 mow and feel much better about my future watching this video 😂 I've a tiger 900 rally pro and dreading the day I need to stop riding 🙄 you got really lucky with ki d lady's in the shop and can't see that happening in the UK 😢 stay safe and upright mate and enjoy the riding 👍
Agree. The shop ladies were great. Even offered to cook me some food as well.
I guess they felt sorry of the silly old fart who was doddering around on a bike too big for him 😩
hi iamjust getting back on my AT after big crash outback iam 71 this year i ride alone also all my adv mates are injured mybe will catch for ride one day just ridefor as long as we can
Good to hear you can still get back on the “horse”.
Haha! Nice! I think we need to see your bike cleaning methods after that little adventure. I think I'd forget my wallet too if it gave me a good excuse to revisit that Trading Post shop regularly (for the excellent selection of cold drinks, obviously! 😇 )
Bike cleaning? I hate it. Almost makes me avoid dirt roads just so I don’t have to wash the bike.
Took me a couple of hours to “get the sand out of my gusset”.
I’m 71, been riding for fifty plus years. While I still own and ride other bikes, I adore my Africa Twin DCT - it’s a great bike; put almost 30 000 kilometers on it last year. That said, if fifty years of riding has taught me anything it’s that when I stop learning, I’ll stop riding.
Good to hear. Thanks
Hi 👋🏻 I’m 67 years old and have been riding motorcycles since I was 16 years old and I will ride so long as I can.. I also have an Africa Twin DCT … Greetings from Norway 🇳🇴
Good to hear mate. I started at 15 and haven’t stopped yet.
Everyone’s different, I made it to 74 before I started having issues with my leg and back plus my balance is off. I’ve ridden a BMW 1200GS for years and could always pick it up, not anymore. My Husqvarna 701 is difficult to mount. I just bought a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 that I’m building into a scrambler, its low seat makes it easy to ride. I like riding solo so I started using an Inreach.
The 650 will make a very sweet scrambler.
I was a bit disappointed how difficult it was to get a signal with the InReach when surrounded by trees (the natural habitat for adventure riding). But better than nothing.
Here’s a pointer: Forget wallet? No problem, modern electronic watches can store credit cards.
Yes, purpose built lighter bikes are agile on unprepared surfaces but they perform poorly on hi-ways. Your AT is a good compromise.
Ha! Yes. I continue to rebel against payment tech. Silly old fart that I am.
64 old man here with an recent total knee arthroplasty after 3 months riding again on my NC in Belgium and on my Transalp 650 in France. Maybe on a Africa Twin being 70 I hope. Great job!
My arthroscopy was 3 months ago and my knees is now starting to recover nicely.
You talked me into a CB500X and now that I'm 65 I have no interest in upgrading. :)
Smart move
I am 64 with back problems and the odd hernia 😮 I bought a cb500x in 2019 and I love it, never regretted moving down in capacity .
Me three.
Did a ride like that just once on a bloody great Tiger Explorer, never again! Probably the most unenjoyable ride I've ever done and probably one of the rides that convinced me to downsize to my brilliant NC750X
As I’m an idiot, I loved it. 🥰
Good man Keep her lit! as they say in these parts 😀
Great video
I'm 71 and going to change my yamaha 9gt this year for the tracer 7gt. I believe its a good move 😊
very nice video, thank you
i'm just going to say it...more please...need more postings pls
Great video so unique never seen anything like it so true better out on the bike stuck on chair .where I seem to be to much
As long as you know how to have fun on a bike, your never too old to ride. Had me a bit worried though, heard some rattling in the beginning, was wundering if it was your bike or your bones, untill you took that stick out. 😊
Rattling? I was wondering too, till I realised it was the tools rattling in the tool box. Stuffing a rag in fixed it.
Keep it up. If you enjoy it, you are not too old ❤
You are responsible for yourself and your choice of bike. It is not like you are 80 and trying to run a country. 😊👍🏻
Ha! Yes, there is that.
Ride on 💪. Age is only a number
Great vid!
Well done.
Will be 65 next week, still enjoying my Triumph Tiger. I don’t think we are to old for any kind of bike. Personally, however, I tend to become a little pickier about the type of road/ path I am going, at least when I am riding alone. I still enjoy the „off tarmac“, though!
Stay safe!
Yes. I should not have gone down that first track. But in my defence I rode my road bike down it last time as it was smooth then !
This is a problem now unfortunately with the volume of 4wd traffic in Australia.
Down here in the high country of Vic,If someone asked me 10-15 yrs ago what any particular tracks condition was like , I could say witha degree of confidence that we had ridden it 6 months earlier and it was in great shape.
Unfortunately,now I'm finding tracks can go from mint condition to absolutely trashed in the space of three weekends owing to the vehicle traffic out there and some of the F-wits behind the wheel.
@andyn5138 - agree totally. Not only volume but practice - where a club will spend the whole day making a big hole deeper and deeper as they repeatedly drive / get winched thru it.
@@andyn5138 Interesting! Just goes to show what a great country for Adventure you live in. -
In most regions in Europe we won´t have that "problem". In Germany - where I come from - it is almost impossible to find any dirt road where it is legal to ride a motorbike - except in certain areas in East Germany. And in Denmark - where I live - you can forget about dirt tracks altogether. Luckily I have Sweden just around the corner - with just the right amount of off-tarmac to challenge this ageing body.
LazyJack, hi from Oz.
Yes, we're extremely spoilt in Oz with adv riding,10's of thousands of kilometres of gravel and outback roads to tour and explore along with the diversity of scenery that entails.
I was more commenting on the dirtbike/trail riding side of things here.
Ibguess we used to be spoilt on them 20 years ago as we could ride every 2nd weekend on the dirt bikes and see perhaps,30-40 4wd:s in the whole course of the year out on the tracks.
Now 70% of the driving population has a 4wd and they all want a piece of the action.
Can't blame people for wanting to get outdoors,just wish they'd respect it a little more!
If you ever have a chance to get over, I'd highly recommend it 👍
With an Africa Twin, whe are Always young !
From France 😉✌️
You are so fortunate to live near the upper Hunter Valley -- way better than the geographically challenged northern plains of Victoria. 🙄
I'm 5 or so years behind you and am jealous of your lightweight and nimble AT !! My 1250GSA can be a bit of a handful when it stops. My advice is to keep doing what you're doing and do another reassessment video in 10 years!!
10 years? 🤔 sounds good the me.
Nice to see that kindness, think I'd go back to see those beautiful ladies anyway! You are brave taking that big AT down those rutted tracks, I wouldn't enjoy that at all,
maybe the transalp would suit you better?
Thanks mate. Went back last Friday with Wendy and had brunch with the ladies.
Transalp? No tubeless tyres, no cruise control, no decent suspension, no DCT.
Yes the AT is more of a hand full in serious off road but I’m mainly touring so the AT is a much better fit overall for my needs.
60 next year if you can pick it up without hurting yourself you’re good personally I feel much better on a lighter bike off-road
Also nice to have mates with you stay safe 👍
Congratulations from Brazil. I'm seventy and starting to be worry about riding motos across South America after falling and braking my leg in a dirty way.
Yes. We get fragile as we age. And it takes longer to re-build confidence after an incident.
nice video an you ride very well an in my back yard to I'm in Kurri if you want a riding buddy on weekends
Thanks mate.
Last year (at 70 years old) I made a 1500 km trip from Buenos Aires to the mountains of San Luis and back in two days; Next year (at 72 or 73 years old) I plan to do a longer one to the end of the world (Ushuaia) I don't ride an Africa with my NC 750 I only do road and very little land, will my body hurt? My mind says yes, we'll see, very good video... greetings from Argentina
Good on you mate. 750km a day is too much for me - even on paved roads.
I’m 67, pretty fit. At 5’9” I am too old to ride anything heavier than a drz400 in the dirt knowing eventually I will have to put a foot down on uneven terrain, catch a kicked out rear end, or turn it around in a tight spot, let alone pick it up.
You can do it brother!
Nice that the young ladies took pity on the silly old fellow 🤣
Oh! I thought it was because I was a virile handsome young hunk.
I’ll be sobbing in the corner if you need to find me 😢
I loved the DCT Africa Twin, but at 250kgs was too heavy for me. Bought a T7 instead, and its still a bit heavy for me at 63.
I'm wondering the same thing at the same age. Bought my first motorcycle in 30 years in 2020, at 67 (165#) and retiring, it WAS the Africa Twin, bought new on ebay sight unseen, NO test ride! Big mistake. But I rode that thing all over, making all the mistakes that one makes on a huge machine like this. I can no longer pick it up without a moto winch. So I just bought a 2024 Transalp, the first in the US in many years, and I can pick it up! Hopefully will still be able to after adding protection and such. I admit the Transalp in not near the machine that the Africa Twin is, an any way. I was going to sell the AT, but am in no hurry. Might sell the Transalp first. 😉 Anyway, nice to see others my age dealing with the same questions.
Thanks mate. Good to hear of your experiences.
I’m a little fortunate in that I have been constantly riding since 15 which I think is a bit of an advantage as we age.
I loved this video. That is all 🙂
Hmmm. Love a man of few words.
The paradox with the big (and expensive) ADVs is that too many people try to save them. Don't. From a number of Offroad outings with BMW GS's, the main takehome was to get used to stepping to the side and letting it go when it's going. Trying to save it is what gets a lot of people injured. There's a pick-up technique with a harness on YT and a side stepping technique also. Will look up later and detail if anyone's interested. As someone's said, the cost to the bike is nothing to a broken leg, blown disc, etc. These bikes are heavier and their riders typically older. If you're not happy to get a few dings - don't take them on adventures otherwise the realworld health cost is only up the road.
Too old...?!?
Go Paw Paw!
I'm 50, got my first bike (DR650) last May. I ride conservatively on mostly flat dirt/sandy roads. (Southern Georgia, US)
Still on the stock Deathwings, but they and the bike have FAR more ability than I have skill.
Still, every chance I get to get out there, I'm there...
Live life, enjoy while you're able.
Excellent. Good to hear
Never give in mate - open the throttle!
Dark topic
Hope youre doing well
All those advs are also heavier and to complex, i d rather take a dirtbike
when thorn between mind and body just follow your heart 😀
Heart? I’m told I’m heartless 😢
I’m 61. I just completed a 5 day, 1000km across the Sahara sand. (Supported ride)
Make the most of the days … we probably only have 500 riding weeks left
Phew. I’m tired just thinking about riding in sand! But well done you.
This is a really important thing for those of us 60+ who want to still ride adv. trying to keep yourself in good physical condition and mentally sharp isn’t easy. I think you need to always ride with buddies or just ride tamer terrain, it’s still fun.
Good advice. But sadly I continue to be an idiot. 😢
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff it is typical idiots, they never learn.
“Intelligent individuals learn from every thing and every one; average people, from their experiences. The stupid already have all the answers.”― Socrates.
.
I suspect you would not have tackled that road with the NC!
At first I kept trying to look up ahead to see if you were trying to catch up to your wife on her Vulcan, lol!
Ha! Funny man. Ivdd we actually ridded most of those roads on the NC but the roads were in far better condition.
It’s definitely a lottery when you venture off road. So I needed to test myself to see what I could cope with / enjoy.
Scientifically worked out - tested, assessed, and none the wiser 😆 so yeah, just keep on doing it, your skills have not left you mate, perhaps just some realistic fear creeping in with age.
BTW AFAIK Garmin doesn't have a constant link to a satellite network, but links to a sort of criss cross of satellites which means it can take up to 10 minutes for "connection" - I've had this with mine, especially when sending messages. Did yours get through a little later?
Thanks mate.
InReach - Yes. It went thru later when I got out into farm land. But good to know it may have worked in location if I’d waited.
Imagine how much fun those roads would be on a small enduro or dual sport.
I agree. I can’t count the number of times I’ve ridden those roads on trail bikes over 35 years.
Gave that up 15 years ago as age and laziness saw me unfit and not enjoying being beaten up by the tracks!
I owned an Africa Twin for two years. It is a brilliant bike but I’m only 5’4” and, at the time I was in my mid 60’s. I felt, especially off road, the bike was too much for me. Now I own a Himalayan which is great for gravel and light trail use, but it is a bit of a dog on the highways. It is a compromise I am willing to live with for now.
Sadly all bikes are a compromise in one way or another. Glad you found a bike to suit you.
Great clip, I can't go any more then maybe 160 Ks on a tank, (I know sad) But your ride looks good. How long was it and when you said Kulnura I'm not far from there.
Thanks mate. The loop I did wasn’t far from Kulnura at any point. The loop was 120km. When I mentioned Kulnura I would have been about 20km away.
I sold my Africa Twin because of my lack of skill with such a heavy bike. Now, I'm working on building skills on a smaller dual-sport and enjoying the riding a lot more. I'm 66, and whether I buy another adventure-sized bike in the future may depend on how my skills develop and my body deteriorates.
Mines a similar story only I wrote my AT off, nearly snuffing myself out in the process. Not just heavy but high weight as well. Not knocking the bike. You just have to be a better rider than I am. Bought a CB500X. I ride it with a lot more confidence.
Thoroughly enjoyed your video. Even at 52 years of age my body and brain have the argument that one think it’s younger than the other. Please, please, please continue to ride, rather than sit in an armchair. Here’s to hoping it keeps you feeling younger.
Thanks mate. I’ll keep going.
The debate should not be about age as a singular factor. A biker's total biking history, type of riding, level of training, health at age (individualized) and so on and so on.... come into play. I am close on your heels agewise. I still 'practice' rougher stuff on my WR450F and also ride an Africa Twin. As a mid-weighter I also ride a DR650.
I hear you critizicing 'sealed' roads (bitumen I take it). But at 90+ the riding of an AT strictly on bitumen is far more achieving than not riding at all. So simply changing the choice of route to compensate for ageing is a noble consideration in my opinion.
From what I see you do I say, just keep it up. You ride well.
Thanks mate. Well said.
Well just remember nobody said you had to go deep in the outback and ride the rough stuff. Nothing wrong with enjoying the bike for what you bought it for. You seem perfectly comfortable on smooth dirt and pavement, so why not keep riding there and forget the goat trails. In the mean time, stop all that talk of death. Karma is a thing you create by thinking about one thing a little too often.
That's my backyard as well. After heavy rains I won't even enter the Watagan's on a 250cc. Good on you for trying. What type of bike lift do you carry?
Thanks mate. Yep. I’m an idiot. Should have known better.
Bike lift? I made one see vid
czcams.com/video/skJThdyeP7c/video.htmlsi=ExNw5SdKWvrwXaEE
@@AfricaTwin-Stuff naa, all good. I've done the same several times on large ADVs. We are stubborn beasts.