I’ve driven mostly itty bitty cars since I was a teenager, mostly Volkswagens. When I started riding in ’02 I realized that the skills I acquired, driving those little cars in the land of pickups and SUVs (especially in Denver!), translated very well to riding a motorcycle and vice versa, mostly from an awareness perspective. Seems I was right…

TOKYO (AFP) – Riding motorcycles helps keep drivers young by invigorating their brains, the scientist behind popular “Brain Training” computer software said Wednesday, citing a new scientific study.

“The driver's brain gets activated by riding motorbikes” in part because it requires heightened alertness, Ryuta Kawashima said after his research team and Yamaha Motor conducted a string of experiments involving middle-aged men.

“In a convenient and easy environment, the human mind and body get used to setting the hurdle low,” he warned. “Our final conclusion is that riding motorcycles can lead to smart ageing.”

via Motorcycles help keep you young: software expert (via The Beach Cruiser).