Here’s an older rider suggestion...

Dear MCM,

Following up correspondence in the last issue: Motorcycles for Older Riders: For the occasional rider who (and who, despite advancing years and the onset of arthritis in hands and wrists), wishes to keep riding:

1. An overall weight of (say) 160 -175kg fully fuelled, to facilitate moving the machine around, despite the inevitable loss of strength from advancing years and rather arthritic hands and wrists.

2. An upright riding position with a relaxed knee angle – not necessarily overt ‘Adventure’ styling, but low enough to get on and off easily and reach the floor with both feet.

3. The ability to maintain main road and motorway cruising speeds with a bit more for overtakes.

4. For journeys, not just a few miles round the block, a tank range of at least 200 miles.

Not that one will necessarily ride for that long non-stop, but for the confidence of knowing that that range is available if required, and hence avoid fuel insecurity. This also facilitates riding very early or late, and hence with less traffic.

5. Some protection from the wind – say a small upper fairing with screen and hand guards.

6. The ability to mount a top box and possibly a tank bag.

7. A smooth power delivery – the 650 V-Strom was very good in this respect, and the V-twin pleasantly relaxed. Modern small engines seem rather frenetic.

8. ABS.

9. Centre stand, good mudguarding and chain protection.

10. And dare one say Honda-like reliability.

Perhaps an unlikely set of parameters to meet, but which would enable continued riding. Various machines have some of these attributes, but few, if any, have them all.

Come to think of it, what about a lightweight V-Strom halfway between the 250 and 650, or perhaps a larger engined, roadoriented version of the Honda CRF250M (but low enough to get on without a stepladder!)? Suggestions welcomed.

Thanks for an interesting newspaper with a wide variety of content from your various other group publications. Peter Crofts Email Thanks for the suggestions Peter, all valid and useful for those looking at swinging a leg over something soon. Honda-like reliability is always welcome – especially on cold mornings when the last thing you need is a temperamental bike! Tony