But retired police sergeant Bill Laney says a Honda Goldwing is a whole different challenge.
Unlike most motorcycles, which range in size from 50cc scooters to 1200cc sports bikes, Mr Laney’s 2007 Goldwing is an 1800cc, 6-cylinder behemoth weighing about 400kg.
The Waikanae-based rider said it was really just a "big La-Z-Boy on wheels", and despite its size, it was surprisingly easy and comfortable to ride — once you got on.
"These are the premier of motorcycles.
"There’s nothing that matches them.
"They’ve got seat warmers, hand and feet warmers, surround-sound speakers — the only thing it doesn’t have is air conditioning and ashtrays.
"They’re beautiful things to ride — easy, even though they’re huge.
"But if it falls over, don’t try to pick it up on your own, especially if you’re nearly 80."
He said a new one would cost about $50,000, but it would be money well spent.
"I’ve worked hard and this is one of the beauties of growing old and enjoying life.
"They’re expensive, but you can’t take the money with you when you go, so you may as well put it into something that you really enjoy."
Mr Laney was among 42 motorcyclists on 21 Goldwings from across the country who converged on Dunedin at the weekend for the New Zealand Goldwing Riders’ Club annual meeting on Saturday.
As part of the gathering, the group held several rallies on routes around rural Otago.
"I love the South Island roads. There’s no traffic compared with where we are up north."
