Hey youngsters, get those injuries treated!

[dentheman]

I was young once, and suffered the typical injuries of the active life at work and play. And being young and invincible, I often didn't go to the emergency room for a twisted ankle or pulled muscle. Being young, the injuries healed quickly and I went about my business.

But now I am 60. Some of those injuries have come back to haunt me over the last few years. The knee that I twisted badly in my 20's 'healed' and gave me no problem for many years, but now it is back. Sometimes I have some pain just walking my dog (I did get medical attention for that one). The ankle that I twisted riding my mountain bike was 'home medicated' and healed, but if I step a certain way there is a twinge of pain.

I will be taking the MSF course this fall, but I have some concern in the back of my mind that my fear of reinjury or pain could have some bearing on whether I pass or fail. Will I subconsciously hesitate to put my foot down if I need too? Or maybe not lean as much as I should? Time will tell. Maybe I have no business riding a motorcycle, that thought has crossed my mind. But I am determined to give it a shot.

The bottom line is: Be carefull, and get your injuries treated, especially bone joint injuries. They may come back to haunt you. (Maybe this should be posted under General)

[Water Warrior 2]

This is the place. You learned a lesson, it just took a while. Your previous injuries might/might not hamper riding but there is only one real way to find out. Knee braces, proper riding boots and the like can help with strength issues. I am bad for slouching when riding and the insuing back ache. I did wear a kidney belt for a while but a proper backrest on the Vstrom solved that.
Got trouble ?? We will endeavor to satisfy.

[dentheman]

Thanks, I'm glad you mentioned the kidney belt and backrest, I sometimes have lower back pain (also) and didn't think of those devices. Is there a backrest that will fit the GZ?...EDIT: Well, I'm back after spending some time searching for motorcycle backrests. I didn't find any for the GZ on-line, but there is at least one nice home-made one on THIS forum, including the plans.

[Water Warrior 2]

Thanks, I'm glad you mentioned the kidney belt and backrest, I sometimes have lower back pain (also) and didn't think of those devices. Is there a backrest that will fit the GZ?...EDIT: Well, I'm back after spending some time searching for motorcycle backrests. I didn't find any for the GZ on-line, but there is at least one nice home-made one on THIS forum, including the plans.
If you don't have intentions of carrying a passenger there is another option. Put a hard trunk on the back in place of the passenger seat. A trunk is handy to have and makes an excellant back rest.