Hi Guys, I'm an older guy (67) from Georgia in the US. Returning to riding after a few years' hiatus (and a longer gap some time back) with a new '25 Speed Twin 900. Very different animal than the inline-4 rice burners that dominated my experience back-in-the-day, but I love it. Just what the doctor ordered! I started riding dirt bikes in the early 1970's and graduated to the street later in the decade. Worked at a couple of dealerships (Honda & Yamaha) so I got to sample a wide variety of those brands back then. But my favorite long-term owned bike was an '81 Kawasaki GPz 550 I bought new when they came out (even though I was working at a Yamaha dealer who tried desperately to talk me into it's rival Yamaha XJ550 Seca instead). Hung up my helmet when I got married in 1990, but got back to it temporarily about 15 years ago with a Ducati 900 SS. Sold it maybe 7 or 8 years ago (?), finding the "cafe tuck" I used to enjoy no longer suited these old bones so well anymore. Fast forward to a few weeks ago when my son (27) asked for some help and advice picking out his first street bike. I steered him toward a new Triumph Trident 660, which he ended up buying. Not unexpectedly, I caught the bug again sampling his new bike. Initially I thought of buying one of the same (different color, though). But after also test riding a couple of other options from the same dealer I fell in love with the ST900. Pure class, and perfectly suited to my age and, dare I say, new more relaxed riding style. Anyway, very happy to find this online community, and happy to join in. -Jack
Hi Jack! Welcome back to the riding community! I understand your comments about not preferring the tucked position of cafe or sport bikes. My first bike (purchased when I was 56) was a Sprint GT 1050. Although it is a sport tourer, it still positioned my heels under my hips and required a bit of weight on my hands. I eventually fitted 1" lowered pegs (modified Buell pegs!), and 1" bar risers, which helped. Eventually (at the age of 62), I bought a used Trophy SE 1215. This is a heavier bike (662# wet), but has an upright seating position, electric windshield and other amenities. I can sit on that all day, and have been much more comfy in the saddle. Enjoy your rides! Do you visit the Blue Ridge Parkway, or Deal's Gap (Tail of the Dragon and other rides in the Great Smokies)?
Thank you Rob. I've ridden the Blue Ridge Parkway many times in the past, but not since returning. Will definitely get up there this fall when the leaves change. Lots of good roads up in North Georgia too... only about 30 miles from home to some of the best. I think I may have to work my way up to Tail of the Dragon, but it'll come. I've been off the bike long enough that, while it's quickly coming back to me, my comfort level with riding skills needs some work before I tackle anything as challenging as the Dragon - over 300 curves in 11 miles, I'm told !!!
Have confidence in your riding skills. The Dragon may have a lot of turns, but there's no obligation to make it a time trial. Take your time and enjoy the technical riding. If a faster rider comes along, move right and let them pass. I rode it with my wife riding 2-up, and my son trailing. I stayed within my comfort level. In addition to the Dragon, there are a lot of nice rides in the area (Cherohola Skyway, Moonshiner 28, Cutcane Rd., Route 129) and a bunch more. Lots of beautiful views. If you have a way a carrying the bike (trailer or truck with ramp), you will Co comfortably have access to lots of nice places to visit and ride! My stock photo is from Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado!