God, I feel old

[oisky]

I was just wondering, am I the oldest learner on this forum?

I'm 41 and got into biking REALLY late!! (Only been riding for about 2.5 years) I only got a bike (actually, a scooter for the first 2 years) because I moved further out from London and hated the commute on public transport. I was never actually into bikes. I remember being really suprised just how much I enjoyed riding the scooter. Eventually I decided to go for it properly. I bought a 125 geared bike to practice with befor my real test whish is in late April. My theory is next week. (Never had a theory when I sat my car test 20 odd years ago!!!)

[Zen Dog]

Yes you are. You're also almost certainly the oldest learner in the world, and probably the oldest rider ever. Now call the nurse (you'll need her help with the kickstart), take your arthritis pills, strap on a fresh colostomy bag and get riding...

Zen Dog

P.S. The oldest rider i've seen was about 75 if he was a day, about 4 feet tall, dressed in full race leathers and riding a huge 1000cc V-twin he couldnt even get his leg over...
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Current - '94 VFR750FR (Dead), '00 VFR800FI, '10 600 Hornet - Previous - '11 CBF125, '10 Street Triple R, '92 MZ ETZ301, '05 TTR250, NSR125R, KMX125, "Honda" Win
My bike trip around S.E. Asia 2010/2011

[Jaloopa]

My Grandma is 82 and has just taken her CBT. Next time I'm in her area I reckon I'll see if she's up for a ride out.
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mattsprattuk wrote: but at least the lifan could do like 104mph in 3rd gear

[oisky]

"he couldnt even get his leg over..."

I might be old, but I can still do that!!!

[LeeR]

Nah, you could be about average, I returned to bikes about 18 months ago when I was 39, the plan was to pass by 40 I missed it by a couple of months, but I wasn't in a rush. I did my CBT, then rode a 125 for 4 months and passed my DAS last March. I now ride a 1000cc v-twin having dispensed with a 650 single in August.

I thought the theory test would be a problem, but it wasn't really, preparation is the key. I would say for a driver of your years the multiple choice questions would be straightforward, because if you don't know it by now you shouldn't be driving. You may want to revise the bike specific questions as these may be the ones you have less knowledge of. The DSA have a free practise web-site here, and you might like to invest in a Hazard Perception practise disc as this is where "mature" drivers struggle. Mature drivers tend to see the hazard way earlier than novices and so click too early and then no more, whereas the trick (once you've identified the hazard) is to click when the software says you should, which is later than you think.

Hope this helps, and all the best for your future tests.
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My claim to fame: Austin Vince nicked my pen...

[deanoet]

Welcome to the forums Oisky!

I would recommend having a look at Driving Test Success

Will cost about a tenner from PC World and is very good.

Mainly for the hazard perception, as it is getting used to what they call a hazard.

I have been driving 11 years and i wouldnt have passed without some revision.
For the price it is well worth it IMO
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[gmanxiii]

Welcome,

I kinda believe riding keeps you young, i.e. exercises your brain/reflexes and stuff. Kinda like that daft nintendo brain training thing

[oisky]

cheers guys. I have just ordered that disc. Thanks for the recommendation. It's funny, but I've been driving for 20 years plus and have never had an accident and I found that when I did the practice DVD hazard perception that I failed them all because I was seeing the hazards too soon. How the hell can this be wrong!!! Crazy. Personally I think that if you've been driving for a certain amount of time (certainly less than 20 years) without any accidents that you really should'nt have to sit the hazard perception part!

[oisky]

cheers guys. I have just ordered that disc. Thanks for the recommendation. It's funny, but I've been driving for 20 years plus and have never had an accident and I found that when I did the practice DVD hazard perception that I failed them all because I was seeing the hazards too soon. How the hell can this be wrong!!! Crazy. Personally I think that if you've been driving for a certain amount of time (certainly less than 20 years) without any accidents that you really should'nt have to sit the hazard perception part!

[petrolnut]

oldest i saw was about 70 maybe more and at york dragway on a drag bike! he nearly went into the feild, it was a old bike but still fast!

[Shay HTFC]

oisky, with the hazard perception, don't just click once. Click when you first see it, then maybe a second later it the situation changes. Then again when it actually becomes a proper hazard (as in causes you to brake fully or dodge a car or whatever)

The first time I only ever really clicked once per hazard and failed it. Next time I got a good pass adding a few extra clicks in just to cover every possible timed moment.

[oisky]

Remember. I said in my question am I the oldest LEARNER on this forum. Not RIDER. So, just out of interest I say again. Is there an older Learner here?

[lukey]

Hi, old learner here too

Started riding 6months ago at age of 44 and im doing my theory test next week, did my first DAS lesson last saturday (got about another 5 to go) which was great but have been riding a 125 since doing my cbt last august. I should be doing my test at the end of March is everything goes well.

The DSA practice disc is quite good really, gives you a bit on insight into what the real one will be like (Hopefully), my problem is with the multiple choice questions, thats where i struggle the most.

With age comes wisdom me thinks

[pyx_e]

Was 44 last year when I went the cbt/das route. First time on a motorbike. Never looked back. Except on the test when you are supposed to, a lot.

Good luck mate. I reckon my impending dotage has made me a (at times) a more careful rider. Every now and then I find myself doing stuff on the bike that if I caught my 18 year old doing I would slap him upside his head. But mostly I am relaxed and staedy, mostly.

P
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Shiney!
Kawasaki: ER5, Versys, VN900.

[bin]

Good luck oisky and all other learners...its great out there on two wheels.....get further tuition tho' after passing, thats only the beginning.
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...its what you make of it...
...Silver Suzuki gsx1400...

[veeeffarr]

[teech]

Ha ha! nice posts!

I am 35, but being a teacher makes me feel at least 10 years older. I got into it to make my commuting cheaper, and to get off the bloody awful depressing trains. Love it, it is the most exciting part of my day.

Just keep saying to yourself:

'I am NOT having a midlife crisis, I am bored and looking for new ways to challenge and enjoy myself. It is cheaper than a car, better than public transport, and I am being (relatively) kind to the environment'

Think about it, considering what I have written above, you are practically a modern hero :0)
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In everyday life good people do good things, bad people do bad things. It takes religion to make a good person do bad things.

[Dragonfly]