A Poll on the ages of XJBikes Members

I was reading through beanflicker_98's topic about drinking and driving/riding, and Kilted_to_the_Max(im) brought up an interesting musing, and something I think would be an interesting survey of the XJBikes members: what are the ages of XJBikes members?

I'd be interested to know when everyone found this site, and how long everyone has been a member. I'd guess that, with the age and style of these bikes, we will have an age spread with some younger riders (25 and under), a moderate number of adult riders (26-40), many adult experienced riders (41-60) and a decent number of older riders (60+).

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So going first, I'm 26, started riding when I joined the forums three years ago in November 2010, and the XJ/XV bikes appeal to me because of the pure mechanical simplicity of them: two wheels, purely mechanical carburetors (no TP sensor, injectors, variable cam timings, ABS, etc) - and of course because of the beautiful looks of the Maxim, Seca and Virago bikes. I love that they are all-around comfortable and multipurpose bikes (can be ridden as a cruiser, sport, or touring bike) and the people who ride bikes of this era seem to be the friendliest and least judgemental of bikers on the road.

 

Same age as John. I got my first motorcycle, the orange XJ650, fall of 2008 back near my hometown from a sorry fella who was going through divorce issues and had to move. Never ridden a 2-wheeled motorized bike in my life at that time, so needless to say I put many miles circling my parents large backyard out in the country before hitting the slab. It was always a brave accomplishment shifting up into the next year as I was afraid it would take off from underneath me Also put some work into it and discovered this site which I've made good connections with via messaging or phone conversations for help. I can't thank some of these guys enough.
Since then I've purchased the 550 which is my daily rider (during better weather obviously!)

 

Just turned 50...been riding for 35 years. Fist bike was a Honda trail 70 if you don't count the Sears Scooter...Like above, love the XJ for the simple 123 go no go mechanical simplicity...and still faster than my neighbors $30K 110 Screaming Eagle Harley.

 

I was 50 in March last. Riding since 1972. First bike a Puch 45cc moped.

Always loved the sound of the XJ motors, had my first XJ650 at 21 years old but seized it through lack of maintenance and over exuberance!

My latest XJ750A a Japan only model, bought this year and now running very well thanks to the forum members.

Lost count of the number of bikes over the years, always had something to tinker with.

 

I'm 56. Started riding mini bikes and 3-wheelers when I was about 12. My first road bike was a '75 Jawa CZ 175. Top speed - 60 mph. Next bike was a '81 Honda 400. Sold it after 3 years to buy a house. Didn't ride again until '05 when I bought the Maxim. Mid-life crisis I guess. Followed this site for about a year before I joined. Can't remember how or why I came across it. Sure glad I did though.

 

54 here...bought a new '78 Honda XL350 back when I was in The Marine Corps stationed in Southern California. Left The Corps, went to college, met my wife, got married, had kids, raised said kids, started my own business and a customer asked if I'd take a bike in partial trade ('82 XJ750 Maxim).
Didn't know anything about motorcycles other than the fact I enjoyed riding in my late teens/early twenties...found this site and visit almost every day! Thanks to all who contribute!

 

68 and proud of it! Got my first Cushman at age 14. Out of necessity I learned how to work on it and even rebuilt the engine several times. Also, learned to a lot about bike safety on that relatively slow scooter--probably 50 mph down hill. Started my love affair with bikes and working on them. There's nothing like hearing an engine come to life after working on it, and especially after doing a rebuild. As an added benefit, I learned how to appreciate the engineering that goes into a machine, and therefore I have never abused any machine, bike, car or otherwise. One of the best lessons I ever learned, and it has given me a lot of satisfaction and fun over the years, not to mention saving a lot of money on repairs.

 

I'm 49, born in 1964. First bike was a lime green Honda QA50 in 1975. Went up to a Honda Elsinore 50 - then Suzuki 80 - then a Yamaha YZ125. Parents wouldn't let me or my brothers get a street bike. Last rode my 125 in 1980.
2002 got a 81 Honda CB750. 2005 got ride of CB750 and got my Yamaha XJ700.
Haven't been able to ride in 1 & 1/2 years due to medical problems.

 

I've been lucky enough to make it 32 trips and little more around the sun. Been riding for 12 years now with around 50k miles on two wheels. First bike was an 1980 Yam 850SG. Had a Triumph Daytona 600 for a while, but can't get away from the old Japanese makes. Once again, something about form and function that these bikes just seem to have just right.

 

I'm 31, been on bikes since my legs were long enough to reach pillion footpegs, got my first bike 3 years ago. Never really needed transport living a 10 minute walk from my job, which happened to be across the road from my local pub lol.

First bike was/is a Virago 125 (being advertised for sale, spare or repair) when that died I decided to start saving for my DAS. Got given an XJ550 & CBX750 both in pretty sorry states, cosmetically but mechanically should be pretty sound, so in theory by the time I've done my DAS the XJ should be MOT'd and road worthy

 

Im 38. Been riding since I was 6., first was a honda 110 3 wheeler. most interesting was a 175 Kawi street and trail 2 stroke with the carb on the crank.(too young to have a licence then). first street bike is my xj550. Got it about 7-8 years ago. Was sitting in a field for 6 years. Been riding it for 4 . Got the 750 a year ago.

 

48, riding since the mid 80's with a 1974 Honda CB360. Then went without for years due to business commitments until a couple years ago when I got the XJ650 I had been looking for.

 

19, My first memory of my dads seca was sitting under a tarp in the barn Mom used to bug him about getting rid of it due to my brother and I being born, sure glad that he didn't. After I turned 16 dad let me pull it out and start trying to get it running. Having no true knowledge, I fiddled for about two years and finally found you all. With that being said, I quickly got it running and registered it. Sure makes for a sweet first bike!

 

32.5, found the site & joined whenever it says over there <- Got my licence coming up 15 years ago, had a Kawasaki Eliminator 125 (blush!) at first then went to cars but been back on 2 wheels for 7 years or so now...

 

36, started out with an old honda 50 at about age 9 or 10. Have always had a dirr bike growing up. My first solo on a street ride was on my brothers 1988 Vmax. I was hooked after that lol. That bike taught me alot! Ended up here and with my 650 after not riding for awhile and then taking the father in laws 750 shadow for a week.

 

53 and just got back into riding February this year after a 25 year break. First bike in 1976 was a Suzuki AC50; love the XJ!

 

I'm 36 and been riding on the street for 4 years now. I rode some friends' dirt bikes and 4wheelers when I was younger but never had one of my own due to an over-protective mother. I decided to start riding because my buddy got a bike and my dad started riding again after a 20 year hiatus. Plus with the rising price of gas I thought it could save me some $$.
After searching CL for several weeks for an inexpensive first bike, I found a 83 midnight maxim. I instantly fell in love with it. It wasn't the prettiest bike but I figured for my first bike, cosmetics wasn't too important. I really liked the cruiser styling mixed with high revving 4 cylinder performance and standard upright seating position. The bike just seemed to fit me like a glove. I figured it'd be pretty easy to learn to work on it as well. So I bought it.
Now 4 years and 18k miles later, I love my maxim more than ever...and it's because of the knowledge I've gained from the people on this forum and the satisfaction of working on my own bike that really makes riding a life changing experience.

 

65 years old.

 

30, started on the dirt around 18 I bought my first bike 01 ktm sx 125. A few years later I got a street bike. 82 xj550. After many broken bones sold the ktm. The last bone was in my foot and the xj sat for the 18 month it took to heel. With the bike sitting that's when it started having problems which led me to find this site.

 

53, First legal bike,when you got your licence here at 15, a new gt125 Suzuki,then a Yamaha 72 xs650,since all sorts from Triumph to Kawasaki, Have a 82 xj650rj now and am very happy it is all you need.That and my little klt 200 trike for the beach.

 

66 years old.

 

I'm fifty,
I had a paper route when I was 10, and found a mini-bike for $40 I had to have, then my Dad tells me he used to ride an Indian - -

I re-kindled his dream for around 10 years.

He bought a CB200, an XS500, an XS 750, then an XS1100
also a Chappy, a Champ, an RD250, and a spare XS500, and my new XS500 all before 1979

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=xs5 ... tedIndex=0

 

47 trips around the sun here. my first bike was a Honda 50. I progressed to a Kawasaki mini 75 till the rings broke and locked up the engine at 45mph on a logging road. my buddy on a Honda 125 enduro almost hit me as I skidded to a stop on the gravel road. ahh the good times! never had a street bike until now. the 750 is my first. looking forward to many happy miles.

CN

 

55 and still alive...My first 2 wheeled motorized thing was a frame with two minibike tires, a lawnmower engine, a centrifugal clutch. No brakes and the throttle was a lever on the carb. I was 10. Next was a Penton 250, then a Kawasaki 1000 LTD. I went into the service in late 76 and sold the bike. Life, career and family took over (3 M's=Marriage, Maturity, and a Mortgage) with no bike until last year when I managed to acquire the Maxim. Sorta like getting a chance to go back in time and go out with that first girl again...

 

37, riding since i was 4. Started out on a home made fat tire trail bike. Graduated to a 1975 Suzuki 75cc dirt bike, then just started going up from there, two mopeds, at least 10 different MX bikes when I raced.
Took AMA rider safety 1 at the age of 16, so I could ride the 1976 Honda CB750f SS I bought when I was 15. Long story short - after ten years or so of not riding (kids can be expensive) bought my 650R from a friend in 2011. Didn't know anything about the bike except it " 'bout made me crap my pants, you can have it for $600 " So against my wife's wishes, a fool and his money were soon parted.
Do a google search for "1982 650 Seca" and the first few hundred hits are from this forum, so naturally I joined, and I learned.

 

63 yrs old. Been riding since I was 14. Started in the woods on a HD M50 an Italian made 3 spd. twist grip shifter. In addition I have owned a Honda 305 scrambler, 650 BSA Hornet, Yamaha 175 Enduro, Honda VF Interceptor, Kawa 300 4 wheeler. Presently own a Suzuki DR650 and rehabbing a 1981 XJ650 Midnight Maxim that I bought last fall from the original 80 yr. old seller with 8k on it. This forum is very helpful with my XJ project!

 

i'm 30 years old riding a bike that is 31 years old

 

51 years here. I first started riding at 19. First time I wanted a bike I was 7 but my dad would not let us have a bike because of an accident he had. Sold my first bike after a year of riding bought my second bike in 2008 and have been having fun ever sense.

 

Love that!

 

57, I was 13 when I first started riding, first bike was a Harley 50, onto Yamaha 125 enduro, Honda 360 scrambler, Honda 550 four, Yamaha 650 maxim, Suzuki 400, Harley Sportster, now back to a 1983 Yamaha 750 maxim. I cann't get the maxim out of my blood!

 

I "voted" but never posted a reply.

Fitz=Old guy, the "52" is indeed my birth year (somebody figured it out a while back.)

As in my sig, my "first car" was a motorcycle, a 1966 Honda 160 Sport! (the exclamation mark was part of the model name) and I haven't been off 2 wheels since 1968.

I took all of the "previous rides" out of my sig, just too many. This is in my blood and I can't help it. I bought my Norton brand new back in the day, so I still have it (how can you sell an original Norton?)

A whole parade of bikes has come and gone over the years, mostly British with a Beemer and a couple of Hondas and Yammies in the mix. I do miss the SR500s.

I bought my '81 Seca 550 from beside the road and rescued it from under a pile of snow. In the course of fighting with a flaky sidestand switch, crumbling original fusebox and rusted-in fork caps, I discovered XJBikes. And I've learned a lot of valuable things here.

Despite my "advanced age" I still ride nearly as much as I always have. (Don't call me old.) I use my 550 Seca as a commuter, the 120-mile round trip isn't as easy as it was even 4 years ago, but I built the bike to be comfortable, and it is.

Along the way, I'm doing my utmost to pass along some of the "knowledge" (in quotes because it's really just raw experience) I've gained over the last 44+ years before I kick the bucket.

Until I do, I WANNA RIDE! (Damn winter, anyway.)

Cheers--- Fitz

 

48 and 7 days today glad to hear so many of you are riding at an 'advanced age' because I intend to.

 

48, too. Well.........48, chronologically-- 28, physically/mentally.

 

"Advanced Age"!?!?!? Age is just mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter.

 

'Bout to be 30. Bought my Max three years ago from a guy looking for more garage space for his racy new street bike. I hadn't been in the market for a bike at the time, but I am glad I bought it.

 

Just completed my 50th revolution around the sun . . .
Only riding for 4 years - This two wheel stuff is a blast!!! :lol:

What took me so long?!

Maybe it was riding a friends Kawasaki 500 around the parking lot of a gas station (never leaving 1st) in high school and then proceeded to stop, turn the bike off and then drop it on it's side. 8O

 

It's really neat seeing my age group leading the way at 33%. Old enough to know better, too young to care.
But, come on folks. There's more than 81 members out there. Log in and answer the poll.

 

Fitz Said
"Until I do, I WANNA RIDE! (Damn winter, anyway.)"

Hey Fitz I think us "Old Guys" should all get to gether and move to Arizona and start a XJ Riders commune or something!!!!!! :mrgreen:

 

Just turned 19! I'm pretty much a baby...

 

I will be 55 next October.

When I was 17 I bought my first bike, it was an used '73 Honda XL350 for 700$, and I learned a lot with it, including how painful kick starting a bike could be!

 

65, Where did the years wander off to. Learned to ride on a Honda 305 Dream when I was about 17 or so, and I was hooked. I rode till my daughter was born in 1975, then I sold my Honda 500-4. In 2003 I started riding again . I took the intermediate refresher course at Rutgers in Piscataway NJ. which I highly recommend for anyone who is a self taught motorcyclist. Now I have a TW 200 Yamaha and the 1983 XJ 750 Maxim. Two great bikes. At this point in my life I wonder if buying a new Bike would make any sense. I only feel that way when I get on the Jersey Turnpike and if your not running 80 mph or better, your in the way. I don't know if a 32 year old bike could take that kind of speed for any length of time. I Don't want her to fall apart on me. I love the look of the XJ and if I get too old to ride it I'll just hang it on the wall in the garage. Anyway she's a great bike and this is a great site.

 

Oh that xj750 will run 80mph on the Turnpike all day, and beg for more. As long as you've kept shims in spec, and kept up your maintenance. You have NOTHING to worry about.

I got my first Xj 15 yrs ago..... Now at 49, I have a couple dozen of them.... LOVE the Xj's.

Dave

 

• That's good to hear Hogfiddles. It amazes me that all the bikes I've had the XJ gives me the most smiles.

 

51 trips around the sun for me.
Joined in 2011 when I became the true owner of my XJ (prior year and a half I was a 'foster home').
That is when is started riding. And for the life of me I don't know why it took me sooo long to discover the joys of two-wheel, gas powered motoring.

 

I'm 59. Sold my horse when I was 15 and bought a Honda S 90 street bike (and no it did'nt have that front fender that looked like it came off an Indian). and had a half a dozen bikes for the next few years. Parked em when I got married in 82.Now that I'm on my own. Daughter done her post secondary and I actually have money left over each month. Bought this 82 650 Seca last summer to keep my hands busy. Should have her on the road this spring.

 

46.

Gary H.

 

28 years old bought my first bike in college a 04 GSF500. sold it a few years later after my daughter was born. Now that I have a bit more self control (speed wise) I went ahead and bought an 83 maxim 750. working on getting it back road worthy nothing helps you decompress after a day of work like the feel of a roaring engine and fresh air.

 

+1 ^. And may i add...thoughts of riding after work help while i'm at work (especially on nice sunny days).

Gary H.

 

Looks like the old geezers (myself included) are taking a healthy lead!

 

Well, I was 20 when I purchased my first bike. It was 1 year old with 1400 miles on it.
I don't know which box to tick since I will be moving to the next set in less than 2 months.