I made my license when I was 42 and I got my first bike then, too. Started with a small HD Sportster - 1200ccm.  I never been riding a bike before - but I'm very sporty and aware of high speeds on skiing / water skiing / down-hill biking, etc.

I never feel insecure on the bike! We normally cruise around 80-90 km/h - if the street requires we drive a bit faster, but on the nature of the high-riser you dont enjoy to long rides with higher speeds. 

I'm very happy to made that license and to got the bike. I enjoy it much and would recommend to everyone in the same situation.

My driving teacher said, that especially those people always driven bike since child hood might underestimate the danger once they are between 40 and 50. Also - statistics are telling that this is the group of bike involved in the most accidents.