I've been using my wife's sissy Fino and Honda wave for the last 6 yrs and it's been longer than that since I've ridden a proper 'man sized' bike. Today, I test drove a 'manly' off road bike just a couple of kilometers and came back to the shop with muscle pains in my upper/outer and frontal thighs that i never used to have when I was younger [and in better shape]. I'm 60 now and wondering if I'm just too old for an off road machine, or should i persevere and the pain will go away eventually?? My plans are to mainly use it for short trips in the moo ban and occasional dirt road trips.

Have any other of you old timers been discouraged by the same??

I would say that it's just using muscles that you haven't used in a long time as you will be sitting differently, i would say go fo it upgrade to the man size bike..

good on ya old boy

Did you try "stretching" first, or afterwards? I am 33 and do not think I am approaching geezerhood--err I mean "advance middle age" but when I have not ridden for a while, I also will be a little sore after riding again. The fino and the wave have riding positions comparable to sitting in a chair. It is different than the seating positions on a 'man bike'.

Before chalking it up to old age, I would chalk it up to "I didn't stretch first and limber myself up". Riding a 'man bike' is a 'physical activity'. Certainly more 'exercise' than driving a car. Let's put it this way, when you were a younger man and played football, basketball, rugby, or whatever did you just go out on the field and start having at it, or did the coach make you stretch out before you did it. It has been a while, but I remember that when I didn't stretch out and prepare, I was alot more sore than when I did. Before writing off the idea of getting back on a bike, try just limbering yourself up before and after you ride.

had a few aches and pains when i first rode my chopper ,after a few days it went away ,it was worth the pains ..

Just time on the bike

and basic fitness level

I would also put it down to time on the said bike. I remember having awful back pains when riding my CBR. After changing to a Steed & now a CB I find it a whole lot more comfortable riding than the 'racing' position.

Just keep on mate !

I have considered the CBR, but when i see the foreward leaning position that one has to assume....that looks like more of a pain than the more upright position of a 'dual purpose' [street and off road]. that position looks like it would be a pain in my neck by having to look up all the time. yes, i have neck pains too!!

but, i will keep on keeping on and thanks for your positive feedback>>>>anything to get off the wife's fino.

I have considered the CBR, but when i see the foreward leaning position that one has to assume....that looks like more of a pain than the more upright position of a 'dual purpose' [street and off road]. that position looks like it would be a pain in my neck by having to look up all the time. yes, i have neck pains too!!

but, i will keep on keeping on and thanks for your positive feedback>>>>anything to get off the wife's fino.

There's a few Transalps floating around and I know of an Africa Twin for sale. Both heavier than you may be looking for but definately road-worthy. You may want something like a CB that is a standard frame bike. More of an upright sitting position. I've taken my CB750 across Thailand and enjoyed the ride. I'm 65.

I've been using my wife's sissy Fino and Honda wave for the last 6 yrs and it's been longer than that since I've ridden a proper 'man sized' bike. Today, I test drove a 'manly' off road bike just a couple of kilometers and came back to the shop with muscle pains in my upper/outer and frontal thighs that i never used to have when I was younger [and in better shape]. I'm 60 now and wondering if I'm just too old for an off road machine, or should i persevere and the pain will go away eventually?? My plans are to mainly use it for short trips in the moo ban and occasional dirt road trips.

Have any other of you old timers been discouraged by the same??

Ha ha, im 56 and ride off road as often as i can what you have is aching muscles from not using them for a while ! .off roading is great fun and a great workout, dont worry you are noy alone in feelong some aches and pains when you are not used to it, i did an 8 day ride through cambodia and there were several guys in there 20s and 30s that were in bed before me ! go on have some fun, and safer than on the road,ignore advice to get a bmw gs1150 or africa twin unless you intend to stay on tarmac !

No worries, jaideeguy.

If it aches, that means you still have something to ache. Not all is lost.

If you don't use it, you'll lose it

Get back on the "manly" bike while you still can swing your leg over that high saddle

Cheers!