Why Older Riders Are Staying on the Road Longer

While motorcycling is often thought of as a young person’s game – best suited for rebels and the reckless – the numbers make clear that is no longer the case.

The pastime has seen a radical demographic shift in recent decades, with the median age of riders in the United States skyrocketing from around 30 in 1990 to 40 in 2010 to greater than 50 as of 2020.

So what’s the explanation for this gray-haired two-wheeled drift? 

The reasons are numerous, with some factors drawing older riders in and others pushing potential younger riders away. 

Expense 

The purchase price of a new motorcycle and all the associated gear has risen significantly over the years, even when accounting for inflation… and especially when considering the median annual household income. 

The fact that many of today’s youth also have to contend with enormous education-related expenses and a less welcoming housing market makes the prospect of adding to their debt with a costly hobby a difficult one to swallow.

Meanwhile, many older Americans boast considerably greater disposable income and thus, the resources required to get the most out of their passion for motorcycling.

Glory Days

The ‘70s still stand as the boom days for the American motorcycle market. Young riders who flocked to the lifestyle then are largely in their 70s today.

Retired empty nesters often revisit the interests of their earlier years to both fill their spare time and hang onto their youth. 

Motorcycling just happens to be one of those key interests that fits that bill perfectly for older Americans.

By contrast, today’s younger generation is bombarded with competition for their time and money, with an explosion in entertainment options – outdoors, indoors, and online.

Health Focus

With a greater emphasis on exercise and nutrition, along with medical advancements, people are capable of staying active for far longer than in days gone by.

While a 80-, 70-, or even 60-year-old was once often viewed as feeble, today’s older Americans are far more capable and active than ever before, making motorcycle a viable option well into their later years. 

By contrast, younger people are more aware of the risks associated with motorcycling than in prior decades, which likely pushes at least some toward safer alternatives. 

Health Focus Addendum

Being more mentally acute and physically active doesn’t just allow today’s older people to ride motorcycles at a greater rate than in the past, motorcycling actually plays a role in extending their golden years.

Riding helps sharpen the mind and the body and can prove beneficial to people looking to hold onto their faculties for as long as possible. 

Social Network

Today’s younger generation is an online one, forming and tightening their social bonds via app, text, and facetime. 

Older people are more likely to prefer an in-person connection, and the social bonds built around their motorcycle clubs can be an especially important one.

Some Additional Considerations

While people can enjoy their two-wheeled activities for longer than ever before, that doesn’t mean they should just continue as they always have with no adjustments required.

Even the healthiest and most genetically blessed among us suffer from some degree of decline as we age, and that should be reflected in our riding habits.

For example, older riders may need to transition to a lighter bike that is easier to maneuver and keep upright.

It may also be a good idea to take weather and time of day into greater consideration than before, avoiding windy and nighttime riding situations. 

Finally, their skills should be continually tested and gauged, so that one understands exactly where they stand, allowing for additional training and adjustment when and where required.