It is with some quiet satisfaction I report that a Japanese study (admittedly sponsored by Yamaha) led by the nueroscientist behind Nintendo DS Brain Training, Ryuta Kawashima, has tested a number of middle aged men who after returning to motorcycling saw improvements in memory, information processing and concentration functions.
The riders said they made fewer mistakes at work and felt happier.
Kawashima said “Our final conclusion is that riding motorcycles can lead to smart ageing.” So can I get some tax breaks on my health plan that involves more motorcycling?
Also in the comments on Hell for Leather– “you don’t stop riding because you get old, you get old because you stop riding”
and another cafe racer image for the fans out there – Ala Verda – Norton Commando engine, Laverda frame:
![[Grandes Murailles]](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4427/36343510090_4e9d8379e6_s.jpg "[Grandes Murailles]")
The research sounds plausible, possibly let down by the fact that it was published by a man who when you say “Laugh Dr. Kawashima” pushes up his glasses and laughs . . .
Next question: does the return to biking make men intelligent, or is it intelligent men who return to biking?