any relation to what brand of bikes they were riding? (old guys on harleys?)
I can imagine the typical Harley buyer these days is a guy in his prime earning years who wants a fling. I would venture a guess that learning how to ride with such a late start probably has increased risk.
A younger rider might start out on dirt bikes, learn his fundamentals, then transition to the street. An 800lb bike as your first motorcycle probably ain't the safest thing.