Too old for motocross?

[Zixxerpilot]

My son is getting more into off road riding. Now the daughter wants a shot. With all the trails at our local ohv parks, and the awesome tracks they have, I'm thinking of grabbing myself a bike so I can ride too.

I haven't been on a dirt bike for more than a rip around the yard in 15 years. Am I nuts and suicidal? Or can I have some fun with this amd minimal injury?


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[black hills]

I'm 46, and still ride in the woods. A couple of the guys I have ridden with in the past were in their 70's. just remember you are not as "springy" as you once were. I think it is a great way to stay in shape and sharpen your skills for on the street. Enjoy!

[garry]

Never too old to go trail riding, but as a 50-something, the focus on big air on MX tracks scares me (old guys don't bounce well).

[Kneescrubber]

Go for it. You'll be glad you did.  

Never too old to go trail riding, but as a 50-something, the focus on big air on MX tracks scares me (old guys don't bounce well).

^ Truth

[Zixxerpilot]

The lack of springy tissue combined with my lack of ability to ride like I'm in my 30's and not 16 is part of my fear.

The other part is, I never really got into dirt heavy. I went street early and quick, and never looked back. So, not much experience in dirt.


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[Windblown]

The lack of springy tissue combined with my lack of ability to ride like I'm in my 30's and not 16 is part of my fear.

The other part is, I never really got into dirt heavy. I went street early and quick, and never looked back. So, not much experience in dirt.


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Buy REALLY good gear and have some fun.  I don't do MX and shy from off-road sections which could easily lead to a LONG distance fall (as was mentioned, us old guys don't bounce well). But I'll charge anything else.

It's fun to go end over end a couple of times, then jump up and yell "Hell yeah let's do that again!"  (Please refer to my first comment - Buy REALLY good gear...)

[Zixxerpilot]

Good gear is a must for me anyhow. Street or otherwise. Gotta protect the crap that wont heal right!  

The other million dollar question is, what is a good bike for a guy who's 250lbs and "not a kid".

When I was younger, the 250's were considered the beasts/ Now I'm seeing 450's and bigger. I know how street bikes translate, how about dirt?

[Ack535]

I am 47 and I love riding in the dirt. Mostly singletrack & two track, but tons of fun. Go for it!

[sammyseaman]

IM-not so-HO dirt riding is more fun than street. Do it  

[jay547]

i raced motocross all the way up to 49 when age, injuries, and job loss combined to force me into retirement.

thirties is not old, i didn't start racing until i was 27. i have twenty-two years of wonderful riding and racing memories, most of it with my kids. i say go for it.

a 250 is plenty.

[HipGnosis]

Paging MXvet
MXvet, please pick up the white courtesy phone...

[vulcanbill]

You don't necessarily have to go full on MX ya know.  You could get a nice street worthy dirt machine.  I'm 43 and just picked up an XT 250.  It's an absolute blast and is moderately capable off road.  Not the bike for you at your size but something you could truly dual purpose might not suck.  KTM has a full line to consider and there are plenty of others as well.  Just saw an 09 XR650 on CL for like 4 grand.  

The good news is you're old enough to be smart enough to know your limits...in theory.

[sammyseaman]

You don't necessarily have to go full on MX ya know.  You could get a nice street worthy dirt machine.  I'm 43 and just picked up an XT 250.  It's an absolute blast and is moderately capable off road.  Not the bike for you at your size but something you could truly dual purpose might not suck.  KTM has a full line to consider and there are plenty of others as well.  Just saw an 09 XR650 on CL for like 4 grand.  

The good news is you're old enough to be smart enough to know your limits...in theory.

  Troof. Some of the shit I used to do in my teens and early 20's on the dirt will be tried again  

[Zixxerpilot]

What are limits??

I'm looking at an xr650 tomorrow night. The price seems really decent. Problem with another street worthy machine is I'll be paying registration and insurance on something that'll rarely get street ridden.


Sent from my hideout like a ninja.

[sammyseaman]

What are limits??
I'm looking at an xr650 tomorrow night. The price seems really decent. Problem with another street worthy machine is I'll be paying registration and insurance on something that'll rarely get street ridden.


Sent from my hideout like a ninja.

You'll find out if you start riding like you did when you were a youngin'.

[black hills]

What are limits??

I'm looking at an xr650 tomorrow night. The price seems really decent. Problem with another street worthy machine is I'll be paying registration and insurance on something that'll rarely get street ridden.


Sent from my hideout like a ninja.

 I would try a newer 450 before I bought a 650, you know just in case

[scottzilla]

43, strong like bull here.

My legs burn the following day.  You will know if you're "Too old" after you crash.  

[black hills]

43, strong like bull here.

My legs burn the following day.  You will know if you're "Too old" after you crash.  

you are aware that a KLR is not a "dirt bike" right??

[scottzilla]

you are aware that a KLR is not a "dirt bike" right??

Perhaps that's the problem.

[buls4evr]

   YES... on the off road riding and DS idea. NO.... on the MX. Your kids can ride with you even after they have grown up and get their own DS bikes. This is a great way to stay in contact with them wherever they go. There are always at least dirt roads somewhere.

   Right now they have a lot more energy than you do and heal more quickly and completely. Later all those MX injuries come back to haunt you. Nothing says that as a fat(sorry) guy and probably not in shape that you have to do MX with them. But you can guide them to do non-competitive trail/DS riding that will lead to a lifetime of motorcycle enjoyment. MX is also highly expensive to participate in.

 Don't ask me how I know this..... But I have been there and have the daily aches and pains from a broken back riding MX in my 40s to prove it. Make good decisions.