Final Bike Choice - advice

[UHOH]

OK, this is really an "Elders' Garage" topic, not a beginners' garage, but continue...
we've all started riding and progressed to our present steeds and type of riding.   Look forward now, either seriously or in jest.

Let's give advice on the final bike choice for peeps anticipating that this next bike might be their last ride.
Part of this is in reaction, but maybe, the oldest baby boomers are now approaching 65.
And we're all going there.  Time marches....  Again, can be serious, can be funny.  

would the bike be a last gasp 'Busa, ST bike, standard, cruiser, scooter ... g*d knows what ?
kinda gets into: is this the last fun bike, most utilitarian, 100% reliable, or easy to pick up babes with?

[Papa Lazarou]

Burgman or MP3  

[Orson]

Bonneville w/ aftermarket peashooters  

[LCB]

Goldwing

[sammyseaman]

Bonneville w/ aftermarket peashooters  

 

Goldwing

 

[LCB]

Really sammy?....  I'm assuming I'm keeping what I've already got and there will be a few more added to the garage in the time between now and when the OP is referring to...  so why not a 'Wing if we're looking that far forward?

[Wanderer]

Why is it gonna be my last bike?
If I'm old and my reflexes/health are slipping, I'll go smaller and lighter. Maybe an SV and realize my touring days are done.
If I'm healthy and sharp, I'll get a new ST rig and use my retirement time to see some country.

Yeah it's practical and boring, but if it's really the last bike you own, I can't see a Busa or ZX being user friendly in any respect.

[sammyseaman]

Really sammy?....  I'm assuming I'm keeping what I've already got and there will be a few more added to the garage in the time between now and when the OP is referring to...  so why not a 'Wing if we're looking that far forward?

JUst being sarcastic. I personally would never own a Wing unless it was....

[UHOH]

I can think of only two peeps that I've seen in this riding stage, and I tihnk both kept riding their familiar bikes
until they just stopped riding.  
 Think one was a V-max (~80 yrs, he was still riding cross country)
 and the other a Wing (he kept talking about getting a lighter FJR so he could ride agin, but didn't).

[Papa Lazarou]

in fact, there is only one choice.

a Triumph chop with a coffin sidecar tied to it.

[ConPilot1]

that is utterly way beyond awesome......

[falconati]

Aprilia Mana 850 (with bar risers, probably)


Why: light, easy to handle, good performing, no shifting to worry about, sexy (you're old, not dead)

BMW R1200R


Why: light, fun, classic engine design and styling, low maintenance, won't be chastised by other friends for not riding a BMW (they'll all be on RTs)

[Zerosum]

Bonneville w/ aftermarket peashooters  

That's kinda what my Dad did.  He's 65, and picked up a W650 a few years ago.  He says it reminds him of the Triumphs and BSAs he had when he was young, minus the oil leaks.     It is a neat bike, very smooth, very comfy.  He rides it everywhere.  He likes it so much that he bought a second one, mint-condition with only 3K miles on it.    I guess that one is for when he uses up his current one.

As for me, hell, I'll just be happy if gasoline is still AVAILABLE in 2042 when I'm 65.  It'll probably cost 3 virgins per gallon by then.  

[Papa Lazarou]

[ice-cycle]

Riding through Kenora, years ago, got talking to two geezers on trikes.  One had his leg in a brace.

Makes sense.  They loved riding, and didn't want to stop, even when unable to ride a two wheeler.  

[hig4s]

Yamaha V-star 650 Silverado..

Weighs less and costs less than a Burgman 650. low center of gravity, easy to maneuver and hold up. Same wheel base and leg room as a Harley Road King. Shaft drive, low maintenance and tons of options for customizing.

down side is it is not really powerful enough for two up riding.

The other direction is to go Can-Am Spyder. Don't have to hold those up. LOTS cheaper than trikeing a Goldwing or buying an Electra Glide trike.. Matter of fact the new full tour Spyder is about the same price as a Goldwing before you add the trike kit.

[phoenix]

SV650s with handlebar conversion and a topcase.

[shiney]

Nice thing about a wing is once you are too feeble to hold it up you can trike it and keep going.

[UHOH]

SV650s with handlebar conversion and a topcase.

If I were at that stage now, I'd get a std SV650
and a big part of the reason would be how light up top they are while still having good power and seating position.
course they'll be obsolete and something better while be along, when I get there.

good comments all.  

 Has anyone who sees themselves at that final bike riding stage contributed to the thread?
... and wants to ID themselves, too?

[Uncle Leo]

I thought I had purchased my last bike this year when I stabled a new KLR next to my ST1300. My eyes are not what they used to be, and in fact nothing of mine is like it used to be! I believed that the ST was going to be my pipe and slippers bike, and it may yet prove to be. I even bought a Miata for those days when I just don't want to ride, i.e. rain or snow or freezing cold. The KLR and ST make a perfect couple for the riding I'm doing now,...but...

But dreams of a nice new Triumph Bonneville to ride around the mountains at my NC home just keep coming and coming and coming................

[ArizonaRocket]

If I wasn't touring and wanted a bike for sheer pleasure around country-side I would cast my net a little further into the past and see if I can get an old Norton Commando in working order.  Something cool, nostalgic, classy and sent shivers up your spine when it rumbles.


 

[garry]

Why is it gonna be my last bike?
If I'm old and my reflexes/health are slipping, I'll go smaller and lighter. Maybe an SV and realize my touring days are done.
If I'm healthy and sharp, I'll get a new ST rig and use my retirement time to see some country.

+1. I like Orson's idea of a nice Bonneville if I'm looking for something small and light. But if I'm in good health, I hope it's game on. Give me a comfy ST rig and let's ride!

[Scratch33]

Crib a 'busa mill into this.

[Frankienuckles]

Why does it have to be your "last" ride, why not just your "next" ride and whatever the future holds... so be it. Unless there is some potentially terminal situation going on. It happens to many people, I know. If that were the case I'd get whatever ridiculous machine (desmodeici ?) that appealled to me and ride it like I was superman and immortal. oh yeah I'd probably finace it too.  

[GRN]

Thruxton SE, get some custom leather pans, trade in the Shoei for an old bomber cap and some goggles.

[Mr.Black]

La-z-boy


Leave the riding to those who can.

[HipGnosis]

I'm hearing the H-Ds are really sorted out as rideable and reliable.  I can see the appeal of slowing down, appreciating the scenery and being able to take a lot of the creature comforts of home.  I don't know what model, as I'm not that interested yet.

Then again.. I'm seriously looking forward to the Tiger 800 as something lighter and more agile...  It very well could be my last bike.

[falconati]

I'm hearing the H-Ds are really sorted out as rideable and reliable.  I can see the appeal of slowing down, appreciating the scenery and being able to take a lot of the creature comforts of home.  I don't know what model, as I'm not that interested yet.

Then again.. I'm seriously looking forward to the Tiger 800 as something lighter and more agile...  It very well could be my last bike.

Hmm, sounds like you're slightly torn about having a lighter platform, and having a great amount of comfort and features - I might recommend a BMW RT.  It looks like you already own a K-bike, so you're probably familiar with the RT; however I think the low suspension/low seat option might give you the kind of comfort and low center of gravity to give you plenty of confidence and make the bike feel light, while remaining sporty and full-featured.  Just a thought

[2Pokey]

Bonneville w/ aftermarket peashooters  

+1 a T100 in burgundy and cream

[jsanford]

I'm hearing the H-Ds are really sorted out as rideable and reliable.  I can see the appeal of slowing down, appreciating the scenery and being able to take a lot of the creature comforts of home.

On those grounds?  Moto Guzzi.  Last summer at the Grand Coulee Dam we met an old gentleman whom I sure was looking at 80 from this side or the other who had ridden to the Norton rally from Colorado, on a Moto Guzzi California.

Personally, if I really knew it was my last ride, I'd go whole hog and get a Desmosedici RR, like that Transformers kid in the new Wall Street movie.

[GilaMonster]

Well, I'm 62 and still have 4 years unlimited mileage of warranty left on my K12S.  Seems like a great goal

[Tydive]

There are plenty of older riders around here. I was down at Corbin getting my seat foam customized again this summer and met two older riders on Goldwings. Both were pretty gimpy, but one was just on the way back to His home in AZ after riding out to Alaska staring in May. A little trailer and he was good to go anywhere. So, yeah I want to be that guy in 25 years.

For messing about town and zipping up to Alice's, I would prefer to have a Triumph Scrambler or if I stay flexible enough the new Tiger 800.

[Crackedpot]

Why does it have to be your "last" ride, why not just your "next" ride and whatever the future holds... so be it. Unless there is some potentially terminal situation going on. It happens to many people, I know. If that were the case I'd get whatever ridiculous machine (desmodeici ?) that appealled to me and ride it like I was superman and immortal. oh yeah I'd probably finace it too.