Got my motorcycle license at 65 years old on my 2007 Pregen!

Wanderer · February 16th, 2017, 03:30 PM

I have been riding dirt bikes for years and I had a few smaller bikes way back when you didn't need a MC endorsement on your license.

The Ninja Pregen 250 is a perfect bike for me to break back in to street riding. Light weight, not too fast, very forgiving, low seat height, easy to work on, lot's of cheap pregens around to buy.

You are never too old to try ANYTHING you want to try.

As they say, "Just do it...".

jkv45 · February 16th, 2017, 03:38 PM

Congrats Ruben!

Wanderer · February 16th, 2017, 03:39 PM

Passed my MC driving test for my driver's license endorsement on the first try.

When I bought my Ninjette Pregen from Craigslist, it had a few carb problems that great people here helped me resolve. Thank you all!

I have learned to fix my own bike, learned to ride on the street safely and to feel comfortable riding my bike.

The little bike Pregen only cost me $1500 dollars and has been worth every penny to this old man. It makes me feel young again.

Life is all about challenges. Challenges shows us that we are still alive. Stop challenging yourself and life starts to end. That is true at any age.

Don't be afraid! Go and live your dreams!

Peace.

CaliGrrl · February 16th, 2017, 03:42 PM

Whoooo!!! Welcome to the club!

Triple Jim · February 16th, 2017, 03:47 PM

Glad to hear it Ruben, and glad to meet you. You're not so old, only six years ahead of me. The biggest single tip I can offer for street riding is assume all other vehicles will do the worst possible thing at the worst possible time.

Wanderer · February 16th, 2017, 03:52 PM

I don't have any desire for a huge, expensive, complicated 3-wheel hog bike that most people my age lean toward. They want the 3 wheels because the bikes are so damn heavy, they could never hold them up safely. And plus, they want to ride double, carry everything and include every technical gadget and luxury.

That just has never been me. I like minimalism in all things. To my simple mind, simple is better. The more simple we make life, the happier we are. I prefer less complication in life, less weight, less stress, less cost, less pain, less effort, less anger.

The Ninjette 250 fits that philosophy for me.

The less we have to worry about, the easier life gets. At least that is what this old man believes.

Wanderer · February 16th, 2017, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

Glad to hear it Ruben, and glad to meet you. You're not so old, only six years ahead of me. The biggest single tip I can offer for street riding is assume all other vehicles will do the worst possible thing at the worst possible time.

I agree Jim, in 50 years of driving, I have never had an accident(knock on wood). I expect people to do the worst and I am always looking for an escape route, just in case. Especially on my bike.

Learning to ride a motorcycle on the street for me was all about being able to move the bike around quickly when it was required. I am slowly learning to do that safely.

I don't race traffic, I watch it.

csmith12 · February 16th, 2017, 03:58 PM

Welcome!

Triple Jim · February 16th, 2017, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wanderer

I don't race traffic, I watch it.

Old farts are smart that way.

Motofool · February 16th, 2017, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wanderer

..........You are never too old to try ANYTHING you want to try..........

JohnnyBravo · February 17th, 2017, 01:59 AM

Congrats!!!

taz · February 17th, 2017, 06:51 AM

congrats and welcome.

Ducati999 · February 17th, 2017, 07:11 AM

Congratulations on getting your endorsement! You are not old as long as you keep riding. My father is 75 now and still rides his Ninja 500 and is thinking of changing to a Ducati 900 now! Keep riding and having fun!

Wanderer · February 18th, 2017, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

Thanks for the picture of my baby. We fit each other quite well.

It expresses some ideas that I hold dear: fun, simple, unique, clean, useful, independent, different, free.

Peace my friend.

Nu2Street · February 20th, 2017, 08:28 PM

Good for you! I got mine two years ago at the MSF class. It was a great refresher- I'd ridden most of my life, but never on the street. I started at age 53. Keep us posted and stay safe. I love my 06 ninja 250. Great gas mileage and fun to ride.

JustRidin · February 21st, 2017, 07:20 AM

Glad to hear it! I only wish I could convince my dad to take the minimalist approach.

He's not quite yet 50 and only looks at massive cruisers from Victory...the price point and options keep him in perpetual indecision.

At this rate he'll never ride.

highvoltj · February 21st, 2017, 08:40 AM

That Rocks Ruben!!! Bet yer glad to be back in the saddle! I know I was when I got back on after 25 years without a bike...suddenly, once again...it has become my favorite obsession!! I now have 3 and counting!! LOL
When I get on a bike, I just assume I am "INVISIBLE" to those around me...that has helped me out more times than I care to remember!
Cheers!

Snake · February 21st, 2017, 10:05 AM

Congratulations! Just goes to show that your never too old to try something new.

Wanderer · February 21st, 2017, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustRidin

Glad to hear it! I only wish I could convince my dad to take the minimalist approach.

He's not quite yet 50 and only looks at massive cruisers from Victory...the price point and options keep him in perpetual indecision.

At this rate he'll never ride.

Buy him one!

Find a cheap 1988-2007 Pregen in good condition. You can find them around $1500 dollars. Then get him to come riding with you. He can then set it up the way he likes it. Maybe this will help him decide what bike he wants after this.

Good dad-son bonding tool. *smile*

You should be able to get most of your money back if he doesn't like it.

Wanderer · February 21st, 2017, 10:30 AM

The hardest part for me was making the bike feel like it was a part of me when I ride it.

In my little truck, after driving for so many years, it just feels like an extension of my body when I drive, but my bike doesn't feel that way yet, but it is getting there the more that I ride.

I don't feel safe going long distances yet because of my fear of reliability, even though the bike is in perfect condition and is running great.

It just take more hours in the saddle. It's getting there slowly.

dcj13 · February 21st, 2017, 04:42 PM

It's a good feeling when you realize you and the bike are one. Never got there on the KLR250 or the Ninjette. Been there for a long time on the K75.

JustRidin · February 22nd, 2017, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wanderer

Buy him one!

Find a cheap 1988-2007 Pregen in good condition. You can find them around $1500 dollars. Then get him to come riding with you. He can then set it up the way he likes it. Maybe this will help him decide what bike he wants after this.

Good dad-son bonding tool. *smile*

You should be able to get most of your money back if he doesn't like it.

That's a great idea actually. I might just consider that.....

We live 900 miles apart which complicates it a bit but, still, thanks for the inspiration!

Wanderer · February 22nd, 2017, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustRidin

That's a great idea actually. I might just consider that.....

We live 900 miles apart which complicates it a bit but, still, thanks for the inspiration!

Once your dad gets back riding again on the little Ninja 250 and feels comfortable riding a bike again, you/he can easily sell it and get back almost all that you paid for it.

Then he can go buy a larger and more expensive bike if he likes. And if he decides that riding a motorcycle again, no big loss like buying a new larger bike.

February 16th, 2017, 03:30 PM	#1
Wanderer ninjette.org member Name: Ruben Location: Arizona Join Date: Sep 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 and 1991 Yamaha Virago XV750 Posts: 228	Got my motorcycle license at 65 years old on my 2007 Pregen! I have been riding dirt bikes for years and I had a few smaller bikes way back when you didn't need a MC endorsement on your license. The Ninja Pregen 250 is a perfect bike for me to break back in to street riding. Light weight, not too fast, very forgiving, low seat height, easy to work on, lot's of cheap pregens around to buy. You are never too old to try ANYTHING you want to try. As they say, "Just do it...".
	3 out of 3 members found this post helpful.

February 16th, 2017, 03:39 PM	#3
Wanderer ninjette.org member Name: Ruben Location: Arizona Join Date: Sep 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 and 1991 Yamaha Virago XV750 Posts: 228	Passed my MC driving test for my driver's license endorsement on the first try. When I bought my Ninjette Pregen from Craigslist, it had a few carb problems that great people here helped me resolve. Thank you all! I have learned to fix my own bike, learned to ride on the street safely and to feel comfortable riding my bike. The little bike Pregen only cost me $1500 dollars and has been worth every penny to this old man. It makes me feel young again. Life is all about challenges. Challenges shows us that we are still alive. Stop challenging yourself and life starts to end. That is true at any age. Don't be afraid! Go and live your dreams! Peace.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

February 16th, 2017, 03:47 PM	#5
Triple Jim Guy Who Enjoys Riding Name: Jim Location: North Carolina Join Date: Jul 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '18, Aug '17, Aug '16	Glad to hear it Ruben, and glad to meet you. You're not so old, only six years ahead of me. The biggest single tip I can offer for street riding is assume all other vehicles will do the worst possible thing at the worst possible time.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

February 16th, 2017, 03:52 PM	#6
Wanderer ninjette.org member Name: Ruben Location: Arizona Join Date: Sep 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 and 1991 Yamaha Virago XV750 Posts: 228	I don't have any desire for a huge, expensive, complicated 3-wheel hog bike that most people my age lean toward. They want the 3 wheels because the bikes are so damn heavy, they could never hold them up safely. And plus, they want to ride double, carry everything and include every technical gadget and luxury. That just has never been me. I like minimalism in all things. To my simple mind, simple is better. The more simple we make life, the happier we are. I prefer less complication in life, less weight, less stress, less cost, less pain, less effort, less anger. The Ninjette 250 fits that philosophy for me. The less we have to worry about, the easier life gets. At least that is what this old man believes.
	4 out of 4 members found this post helpful.

February 16th, 2017, 03:58 PM	#8
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Welcome! __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

February 16th, 2017, 03:38 PM	#2
jkv45 Rev Limiter Name: Jay Location: WI Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): '06 SV650n, '00 Derbi GPR, '64 CA77 Dream 305, '70 CL450 Scrambler, numerous dirt bikes Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jun '18, Oct '16	Congrats Ruben!

February 16th, 2017, 03:42 PM	#4
CaliGrrl ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Kerry Location: Ventura, CA Join Date: Jan 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja650 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '18, Apr '17, Apr '16	Whoooo!!! Welcome to the club!

February 17th, 2017, 01:59 AM	#11
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Congrats!!! __________________________________________________

February 17th, 2017, 06:51 AM	#12
taz ???????????????? Name: T Location: no where Join Date: Feb 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2007 ninja 250, 14 ninja 300, 09 1125CR Posts: A lot. MOTM - May '17	congrats and welcome.

February 17th, 2017, 07:11 AM	#13
Ducati999 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ant Location: Wooster Join Date: Dec 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ducati 999 2012 Ninja 250r Ducati748 Yellow finally running 2003 SV650 S (SOLD) Posts: A lot.	Congratulations on getting your endorsement! You are not old as long as you keep riding. My father is 75 now and still rides his Ninja 500 and is thinking of changing to a Ducati 900 now! Keep riding and having fun!

February 20th, 2017, 08:28 PM	#15
Nu2Street ninjette.org member Name: Karl Location: Western PA Join Date: Dec 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Ninja 250R Posts: 85	Good for you! I got mine two years ago at the MSF class. It was a great refresher- I'd ridden most of my life, but never on the street. I started at age 53. Keep us posted and stay safe. I love my 06 ninja 250. Great gas mileage and fun to ride.

February 21st, 2017, 07:20 AM	#16
JustRidin ninjette.org member Name: Nick Location: Denver, CO Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 R6, 2015 KTM 250XC - Past: 2011 KTM 150XC, 2009 Ninja 250r, 2012 Ninja 650, 2007 CRF250R Posts: 194	Glad to hear it! I only wish I could convince my dad to take the minimalist approach. He's not quite yet 50 and only looks at massive cruisers from Victory...the price point and options keep him in perpetual indecision. At this rate he'll never ride. __________________________________________________ Try it, you might like it.

February 21st, 2017, 08:40 AM	#17
highvoltj ninjette.org member Name: Jon Location: Santa Rosa Join Date: Nov 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R, 1986 Ninja 250R (x2) '06 ZX6R 636 Posts: 88	That Rocks Ruben!!! Bet yer glad to be back in the saddle! I know I was when I got back on after 25 years without a bike...suddenly, once again...it has become my favorite obsession!! I now have 3 and counting!! LOL When I get on a bike, I just assume I am "INVISIBLE" to those around me...that has helped me out more times than I care to remember! Cheers!

February 21st, 2017, 10:05 AM	#18
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Congratulations! Just goes to show that your never too old to try something new.

February 21st, 2017, 10:30 AM	#20
Wanderer ninjette.org member Name: Ruben Location: Arizona Join Date: Sep 2016 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 and 1991 Yamaha Virago XV750 Posts: 228	The hardest part for me was making the bike feel like it was a part of me when I ride it. In my little truck, after driving for so many years, it just feels like an extension of my body when I drive, but my bike doesn't feel that way yet, but it is getting there the more that I ride. I don't feel safe going long distances yet because of my fear of reliability, even though the bike is in perfect condition and is running great. It just take more hours in the saddle. It's getting there slowly.

February 21st, 2017, 04:42 PM	#21
dcj13 Participant Name: Dave Location: South of Seattle Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '94 K75 std Posts: Too much. MOTM - Aug '15	It's a good feeling when you realize you and the bike are one. Never got there on the KLR250 or the Ninjette. Been there for a long time on the K75.

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