Riding strong at 92

Nonagenarian Jakobus “Koos” Stam has a lifelong love for the open road and won’t be hanging up his leathers any time soon

Words by David Sexton

Age really is just a number, as many active Harley Owners Group^® members and Harley^® riders in their senior years continue to demonstrate. Sure, facing tough terrain in all wind and weather might not hold such an appeal, but there’s still plenty of adventure to be found and community to be shared with fellow riders.

One such rider is Jakobus “Koos” Stam, a Dutch rider who has just turned 92 years of age. He was inspired to write in to share his story after reading about Javier Quiroga and his father – a 93-year-old experiencing a Tri Glide^® for the first time! Koos is still an active rider, who continues to enjoy taking his 2001 Road King^® and goes out for a spin almost every weekend, spending four hours at a time exploring the mountains of Costa Blanca, Spain, where he now lives.

“My Dutch driving licence is valid until 2028, and at that time I hope to extend it for another five years (as are the rules in the Netherlands),” he smiles.

For Koos, riding wasn’t just a passion – it began as a necessity. Back in 1951, aged 18, he earned his licence and bought his first motorcycles (a car was out of the question, financially). That bike carried him through his early years, even on his honeymoon trip to Paris in 1959.

Fast forward to 2001 and, after decades devoted to business and raising six children, Koos finally fulfilled his dream of owning a Harley-Davidson^®. His choice? The Road King that’s still his trusted companion 24 years later. “It has never let me down,” he says proudly. This year, he gave it a fresh look with Metzeler whitewall tyres.

Koos didn’t just buy a Harley – he embraced the lifestyle. He signed up for lifetime H.O.G.^® membership the same day, wanting to feel part of the Harley family. Over the years, he’s ridden through unforgettable landscapes from the Costa Blanca, where he now spends much of his time, to the legendary Route 66 in 2005. That 19-day adventure was one of many tours he’s enjoyed, featuring rides through Mexico, Monument Valley, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, where he even took a helicopter ride.

Koos’s love for solo riding is clear. “I’m not a club man,” he admits, though he once belonged to the Alicante Chapter. “I prefer to go alone.” His philosophy? Age doesn’t decide when riding days are over – confidence and control do. At 92, he still feels strong and plans to keep riding as long as he can.

Life hasn’t been without challenges, though. Two winters ago, near Alcoy at more than 1,000m altitude, fog turned the road icy. In a bend, Koos crashed into a ditch, his left leg pinned under the bike. “After 20 minutes, two men helped me out. No wounds, only bruises, thanks to my Las Vegas leather and Road King crash bars.”

Koos credits his vitality to an active lifestyle: swimming, water polo, jogging, a lifetime of playing tennis, golf (he plays twice a week), sailing, skiing, and moderation in all things. “My head is always empty,” he laughs, “and I never had a burnout.” “I still see a future with my Road King,” he says. “As long as I feel strong enough to be in control.” For Koos, the road ahead is still wide open – and that’s exactly how he likes it.

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