[Olderguy]

I am an older person I have not been on any bike in 40 years or so . I am in the process of completing the purchase of a Honda Rebel 250 . I don't know how much riding I will do at my age but I have kept my Motorcycle endorsement on my license for all those years. Looking forward to owning the new to me bike . With all the traffic in my area I think I will take the MSF course before I try my bike. I need to build some confidence and skill before going on my own bike . If I have a problem with my balance or handling the MSF bike I may have to give up on riding but will keep the bike maintained and covered in the garage and just sit on it and run it from time to time. I am hoping that I still have some of the old school muscle memory to ride again. Just an old has been with a dream.LOL. Stay safe guys and gals. I enjoy watching MCRider and his safety videos but doing those exercises is what I need to practice.

 

[Emil]

Welcome to the forum! Many of us have been riding 50+ years here. So at least you won't be a lone older guy on the forum.
More care is needed as we get slightly older though.

 

[elcamino1205]

Welcome to the forum from a guy that at 73 decided to get back into riding.
I so enjoyed my first Rebel that I decided to pick up a second one, and now my neighbor rides it when his Harley is down!

 

[Emil]

I've let 80+ year old HD guys set on my Rebels. They immediately smile & say, "Hey I can ride again with this!"
Age is a mental attitude as much as a physical condition.
I've bought three 1st generation Rebels so far. I don't want a 2nd Gen. These are the best!

 

[flitecontrol]

Welcome to the forum. Taking the MSF basic course is never a bad idea and will let you know what your abilities are too. We have quite a few members in their 70's and several in their 80's.

 

[wjmrty]

Welcome to forum n enjoy your ride . I am 72 and love to ride my Rebels

 

[Olderguy]

Thank You all for your encouragement . I am 81 and hope to be able to enjoy riding again. There is a lot more traffic in my area now and so many on cell phones and that concerns me more these days. But if I pick my days and time of day I hope things will work out .Again thanks for all the replies. Be safe and have fun.

 

[flitecontrol]

Riders have always had to look out for their own safety, but with virtually everyone having a cell phone, and most thinking they can use it and still drive safely, the risks have increased. One helpful technique to increase a rider's visibility is the SMIDSY weave. It increases the odds that an inattentive driver looking to turn in front of you will see you, and also is useful at night so oncoming traffic doesn't mistakenly think a riders headlight is actually on the cage behind them. Avoiding the SMIDSY! | Honda Rebel 250 & 450 Forum (hondarebelforum.com)

 

[Olderguy]

Thank you that seems like a great thing to do to catch someone's attention.

 

[flitecontrol]

Being as conspicuous as possible aids in rider safety. I wear conspicuous riding gear and replaced the stock horn with a louder set. The stock Rebel horn is very puny IMO. With today's better noise insulated cars and trucks, it can be important to be heard when needed!

Another helpful tip I found online deals with tailgaters. While looking back at the offender, extend the left arm down, palm to the rear, and slowly "wave" the vehicle back. Works for me about 80% of the time. If they back off, give them a thumbs up to thank them. If they don't back off, pull over and let them pass where it is safe to do so. Most drivers don't comprehend that what would be a fender bender for them is a trip to the hospital or morgue for a rider.

 

[Emil]

I wholeheartedly agree about the horn & being seen.
I upgraded to a dual air horn that can be heard by a biker in front of me with loud pipes.
Extra lighting, to me, is a must! 2 added LED always on running lights, & 2 front facing amber LED "fog" lights that have a strobe function for use as hazzards. Also there are a red & amber rear facing set for hazzard function as well.