Baby Boomers are defined as those born between 1946 and 1964 following World War II.  All of those men returning from the war had to have something to do.  Seventy-six million American children were born Baby Boomers is the largest age cohort to move on mass through society at one time.  Baby boomers are characterized as having higher education and assumptions of lifelong prosperity and entitlement as compared to earlier generations.  Two of the most interesting characteristics of Baby Boomers are their comparative wealth and better health than previous generations.

Can there be any doubt that with more money, good health and hitting retirement age that a large group of Baby Boomers are discovering motorcycles - many for the first time and oftentimes reigniting a previous passion?  Statistical analysis shows that in 1990 the median age of all motorcycle owners was 32 years.  In 2003 the median age was 41years.  Most Baby Boomers will started to retire in 2007 and that is only the beginning of the wave.  The age wave theory discusses the inpact of Baby Boomers on society and many of their forecasts have proved true - especially in regards to the recent market crash.  

Getting back to Boomers and motorcycles and the increasing numbers of mature riders there are more Baby Boomers dying on motorcycles.  In 1995 there were 188 motorcycle deaths nationally whowere 50 years or older.  In 2004 that number increased to 876 - just short of a 500% increase!  The Boomer Cafe has a great breakdown of facts and statistics.  Frank Gates also has an excellent companion site called Motorcycle Rider Basics that talks abouteverything the new or what he calls a re-entry rider needs to know about getting on a bike.

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