Great video. I took the BMW Adventure Offroad "Intro" course last fall at age 58 having no previous off-road experience or huge bike experience in general (we rode 1250 GSs). It was super intimidating and wound up with a shoulder rotator cuff injury the second day which took 6 to 9 months to fully recover from. Even though this was "Intro" would definitely recommend lots of getting comfortable with the baby steps before doing the full course which progresses in difficulty rapidly.
To be honest it is painful to see you struggling especially when you are smart enough to to understand that you, and the majority of the older rich men we see in the BMW training camps, don’t belong on anything bigger than a 650. YOu would have so much fun on a Suzuki DR!
I'm 68 and i can pick up a downed Africa Twin without inventing new cuss words but I don't want to have to pick it up at my age so I sold it and got a gen3 Kawasaki KLR650. This is my third KLR, I've had one from each generation. I've been riding over 50 years and owned 27 bikes but the KLR is the only repeat buy. I put 65,000 miles on a gen2 KLR with zero problems so it was a no brainer to go back to the mule. The gen3 KLR is the best one yet and easy to pick up. By the way, I also had a GS 1200 and if it falls on hard ground, yea, it can be easy enough to pick up. But drop it in mud or sand and that's a very different story.
I’m 68 and aching all over. I’ve had several back surgeries. I’ve been thinking it’s time to hang it up and sell my 2005 Ducati ST3 (road touring bike). I love riding it, but with my back problems and leg neuropathy, I have the same issue: I tipped over at zero mph waiting for my electric garage door to go up, and I just couldn’t pick it back up like I could easily in my 50’s (ST3 weighs almost 700lbs). So I had to call an acquaintance to come to my house and help. But falling on my right shoulder really hurt for a few days.
If one is healthy and in great shape, maybe you can ride into your late 60’s or early 70’s. I may trade my Italian beauty for a lightweight bike—maybe an electric. Or maybe I really should hang it up and sell it.
63 here…old road runner. Just bought a bushpig…it sure feels light to me. Having said that just upgraded my tires to motoz rallz and DV front. I need all the help I can get! lol
I’m 55, been riding motorcycles for over 40 years. Owned many types of bikes. The best adventure bike is undoubtedly the Kawasaki KLR650. Tough as nails, inexpensive, fairly lightweight, countless mods, plenty of power. Can go around the corner for a coffee, or around the country with ease. In my opinion, way better than any BMW.
My good man, thank you for this video. I'm here just laying on my back watching YouTube and you managed to spark something inside of me. I'm going to get me a small dual sport I saw that's new here in the US. It's the honda xr150 just to get my feet wet. I'm 50 and I live near places that I can practice. Again thanks from New Mexico USA 🇺🇸
Nice video – a pleasure to watch. I'm almost 75 and find I prefer the lighter trail bikes, not cause I can't handle the larger ones, but they're just more of a pleasure to ride on difficult mountain passes in Colorado.
Great advice, am there now, 63,..still got the itch, struggling to choose between the T7 and Super Tenere, still farming, so probably the T7..farming in the Kalahari, Namibia..
You were 64 and bought a big Beama, that wasn't wise, you could have hurt yourself. You don't mention low c of g on the bike, allowing you to pick the bike up when you drop it. I am 71 and just bought a 350 Enfield..and ride 2 up. BMW's are for bullshit posers, like Boreman and McGreggor.
Nearly 60 and had the 3:18 fall a few weeks ago (twice). Thankfully just hurt my feelings. But this video really resonates with me. Cheers from Central Ohio USA
I’m 67 and have a BMW12000 GSA. It has not been a payment queen by any means but has been all through North America and the Silk Road from Turkey to China in the last 9 years. I can handle the big bike off road but am currently in the market searching for a 500-700 cc twin that will be easier to handle off road and that weights less than 200 kg. Also I don’t want to spend the big dollars of the big GS’s but want something at less than half the cost. Makes border crossings easier in the parts of the world where they can’t afford the big bikes. It seems most manufactures are striving for bigger is better, however I feel lighter is better and easier to pick up is whats important to me. I have been spoiled by the power of the big bikes but want it in a much lighter package.
Well done! At 63 I don’t what I want to do when I grow up. Planning a fall trip to Colorado to do the Ducati Challenge, 12 passes above 12,000’. Multistrada 1200 Enduro. Won’t be alone!
So a question I took my 2018 R1200GSA heavy pig from the USA to the bottom of South America over 6 months. In 2019/20 I took my 2019 F850GSA from Miami to Thailand — 17 countries, 6 months 50-50 off-road. I LOVE my 850 a ton. So comfy and lots of luxury. Both times, I would call myself a lower intermediate off-road rider… I go off-road to tour but I hate it still after all these years. BMW's are heavy — especially when alone and packed for 6 months. So my question: If I wanted to drop weight on bikes — after all your trips and riding buddies, what bike would you get for a 6 month 50-50 trip — say 15k km's off-road and 15k km on tarmac? I have a 31" seam and I want to flat foot to tall bikes are out unless I can lower them. Thoughts?
Excellent video! I'm 76 and ride off road a lot. I chose the Honda crf300l and the KTM 390 Adventure because they are easy to maneuver and easy to pick up.
I'm 6'2" 230 LBS and a very fit fire fighter. I'll tell you something that you will hear from every other real adventurer on earth once they have enough experience and wisdom. A bike over 380 LBS is for idiots.
Thanks for the video. I’m 55 now. I got my first motorcycle last year( a Yamaha XT250) and I’m glad I started in a smaller bike like that one. I’m moving up to a KLR in a week or so. It’s the S version, so it has the same seat height as my XT, but it’s a LOT heavier! Around 160lbs more and a lot more top heavy. I look forward to thrashing it.
Seems like the worst possible bike for a newbie…those boats are not made for offroad, for experienced or otherwise. If you can’t pick the bike up by yourself, it’s too big, IMO.
Start on a smaller bike is a great idea for young and old. You can go more places, and handle the bike more confidently. A CRF or KLX is a good idea fir anyone wanting real adventure.
This is honestly a great video regardless of your age. I'm 36, so I'm not old but also not young, but my F750GS was still too much bike for my first off-road motorcycle. All of the marketing hype around the bigger bikes made me think it was the best way to start. In hindsight, I would have been better off on a smaller dual sport. I'm picking up a small 300 Honda or 350 KTM soon.
Bought my first two years ago at 68. A klx250. Dumped it a few times but making good progress, especially in confidence ,and having more and more fun. At 70 I'm not done yet.
Most people don't get to hear the post-purchase experience, where reality starts to impinge upon the marketed dream, until after they buy. Thanks for this honest and sage analysis of your personal experience.
The first problem is that you bought a BMW. He should have gone and gotten a Husqvarna or a KTM 450 or 501. The other problem with Adventure bikes as the tires are not really good for on-road and not really good for off-road. They're neither specialized nor appropriate in either situation only adequate. They are definitely a compromise to both worlds.
37 Comments
Great video. I took the BMW Adventure Offroad "Intro" course last fall at age 58 having no previous off-road experience or huge bike experience in general (we rode 1250 GSs). It was super intimidating and wound up with a shoulder rotator cuff injury the second day which took 6 to 9 months to fully recover from. Even though this was "Intro" would definitely recommend lots of getting comfortable with the baby steps before doing the full course which progresses in difficulty rapidly.
I'm 61, just bought a used Honda crf 250l, going to ride as much of Vancouver Island as possible while I still can!
To be honest it is painful to see you struggling especially when you are smart enough to to understand that you, and the majority of the older rich men we see in the BMW training camps, don’t belong on anything bigger than a 650. YOu would have so much fun on a Suzuki DR!
Great video!👍🏴
I'm 68 and i can pick up a downed Africa Twin without inventing new cuss words but I don't want to have to pick it up at my age so I sold it and got a gen3 Kawasaki KLR650. This is my third KLR, I've had one from each generation. I've been riding over 50 years and owned 27 bikes but the KLR is the only repeat buy. I put 65,000 miles on a gen2 KLR with zero problems so it was a no brainer to go back to the mule. The gen3 KLR is the best one yet and easy to pick up. By the way, I also had a GS 1200 and if it falls on hard ground, yea, it can be easy enough to pick up. But drop it in mud or sand and that's a very different story.
Thanks, nice video mate!!
I’m 68 and aching all over. I’ve had several back surgeries. I’ve been thinking it’s time to hang it up and sell my 2005 Ducati ST3 (road touring bike). I love riding it, but with my back problems and leg neuropathy, I have the same issue: I tipped over at zero mph waiting for my electric garage door to go up, and I just couldn’t pick it back up like I could easily in my 50’s (ST3 weighs almost 700lbs). So I had to call an acquaintance to come to my house and help. But falling on my right shoulder really hurt for a few days.
If one is healthy and in great shape, maybe you can ride into your late 60’s or early 70’s. I may trade my Italian beauty for a lightweight bike—maybe an electric. Or maybe I really should hang it up and sell it.
Hmmm, I'm a life Biker now at 67. Maybe I should think about off road now 🙂
63 here…old road runner. Just bought a bushpig…it sure feels light to me. Having said that just upgraded my tires to motoz rallz and DV front. I need all the help I can get! lol
What an interesting, informative and charming gentleman! I admire your honesty and recommends!
I’m 55, been riding motorcycles for over 40 years. Owned many types of bikes. The best adventure bike is undoubtedly the Kawasaki KLR650. Tough as nails, inexpensive, fairly lightweight, countless mods, plenty of power. Can go around the corner for a coffee, or around the country with ease. In my opinion, way better than any BMW.
Well put. Fair and honest advice.
My good man, thank you for this video. I'm here just laying on my back watching YouTube and you managed to spark something inside of me. I'm going to get me a small dual sport I saw that's new here in the US. It's the honda xr150 just to get my feet wet. I'm 50 and I live near places that I can practice. Again thanks from New Mexico USA 🇺🇸
Nice video – a pleasure to watch. I'm almost 75 and find I prefer the lighter trail bikes, not cause I can't handle the larger ones, but they're just more of a pleasure to ride on difficult mountain passes in Colorado.
Thank goodness I came across your video 🙏 I will definitely join one of those training groups. It’s the best thing to do.
Great advice, am there now, 63,..still got the itch, struggling to choose between the T7 and Super Tenere, still farming, so probably the T7..farming in the Kalahari, Namibia..
You were 64 and bought a big Beama, that wasn't wise, you could have hurt yourself. You don't mention low c of g on the bike, allowing you to pick the bike up when you drop it. I am 71 and just bought a 350 Enfield..and ride 2 up. BMW's are for bullshit posers, like Boreman and McGreggor.
Great video. Thank you for sharing 👍
Nearly 60 and had the 3:18 fall a few weeks ago (twice). Thankfully just hurt my feelings. But this video really resonates with me. Cheers from Central Ohio USA
I’m 67 and have a BMW12000 GSA. It has not been a payment queen by any means but has been all through North America and the Silk Road from Turkey to China in the last 9 years. I can handle the big bike off road but am currently in the market searching for a 500-700 cc twin that will be easier to handle off road and that weights less than 200 kg. Also I don’t want to spend the big dollars of the big GS’s but want something at less than half the cost. Makes border crossings easier in the parts of the world where they can’t afford the big bikes. It seems most manufactures are striving for bigger is better, however I feel lighter is better and easier to pick up is whats important to me. I have been spoiled by the power of the big bikes but want it in a much lighter package.
Thank you for sharing. I would not ride a 800 BMW on a dirt trail or anywhere the size is monstrous for me..
Well done! At 63 I don’t what I want to do when I grow up. Planning a fall trip to Colorado to do the Ducati Challenge, 12 passes above 12,000’. Multistrada 1200 Enduro. Won’t be alone!
So a question I took my 2018 R1200GSA heavy pig from the USA to the bottom of South America over 6 months. In 2019/20 I took my 2019 F850GSA from Miami to Thailand — 17 countries, 6 months 50-50 off-road. I LOVE my 850 a ton. So comfy and lots of luxury. Both times, I would call myself a lower intermediate off-road rider… I go off-road to tour but I hate it still after all these years. BMW's are heavy — especially when alone and packed for 6 months. So my question: If I wanted to drop weight on bikes — after all your trips and riding buddies, what bike would you get for a 6 month 50-50 trip — say 15k km's off-road and 15k km on tarmac? I have a 31" seam and I want to flat foot to tall bikes are out unless I can lower them. Thoughts?
50-60 years old,Green Horn in Off Roading,&Riding 700-1000cc+ Bikes.
Clearly you are an "IDIOT"..you are an old Man that never develops a Wisdom.
Excellent video! I'm 76 and ride off road a lot. I chose the Honda crf300l and the KTM 390 Adventure because they are easy to maneuver and easy to pick up.
I'm 6'2" 230 LBS and a very fit fire fighter. I'll tell you something that you will hear from every other real adventurer on earth once they have enough experience and wisdom. A bike over 380 LBS is for idiots.
Nice one!thanks
Great video and share of your experience.
Thanks for the video.
I’m 55 now. I got my first motorcycle last year( a Yamaha XT250) and I’m glad I started in a smaller bike like that one. I’m moving up to a KLR in a week or so. It’s the S version, so it has the same seat height as my XT, but it’s a LOT heavier! Around 160lbs more and a lot more top heavy.
I look forward to thrashing it.
Very thoughtful video. Thanks for producing this.
Seems like the worst possible bike for a newbie…those boats are not made for offroad, for experienced or otherwise. If you can’t pick the bike up by yourself, it’s too big, IMO.
Start on a smaller bike is a great idea for young and old. You can go more places, and handle the bike more confidently. A CRF or KLX is a good idea fir anyone wanting real adventure.
This is honestly a great video regardless of your age. I'm 36, so I'm not old but also not young, but my F750GS was still too much bike for my first off-road motorcycle. All of the marketing hype around the bigger bikes made me think it was the best way to start. In hindsight, I would have been better off on a smaller dual sport. I'm picking up a small 300 Honda or 350 KTM soon.
Bought my first two years ago at 68. A klx250. Dumped it a few times but making good progress, especially in confidence ,and having more and more fun. At 70 I'm not done yet.
Im 64 and just purchased a v strom 250. If I’m at the back of the pack Im getting the best view of the riding 😁
Most people don't get to hear the post-purchase experience, where reality starts to impinge upon the marketed dream, until after they buy. Thanks for this honest and sage analysis of your personal experience.
The first problem is that you bought a BMW. He should have gone and gotten a Husqvarna or a KTM 450 or 501. The other problem with Adventure bikes as the tires are not really good for on-road and not really good for off-road. They're neither specialized nor appropriate in either situation only adequate. They are definitely a compromise to both worlds.