Then and Now

[bikesncats]

We've all seen the advances in big strides when it comes to applying new technologies to motorcycles.

I have always been a great advocate for introducing new materials to improve performance...rideability and foremost, of course, reliability.

The trend we see today though is not as much an improvement in reliability and/or performance as it is in "rideability" as in moving towards bikes for idiots.

More power controlled by electronics...stronger brakes...controlled by electronics...sharper handling...controlled by electronics. We seem to have reached a point where we have to adapt our riding to the fool proof bike...rather then the bike doing what we want it to do.

Nothing evidences today's trend more then looking at what the Paris Dakar has become in its modern Dakar raid version. Not that we don't love some great riding action...but remember the days of no gps, no thrills added bikes and riders carrying their indispensible with them? If you're to young to remember...you otta try it...then comment (or complain if you're a pussy).

2017

1997

1979

 

[MastaMax]

Really enjoyed that 79 video. It's true that today it's far less of an adventure, it became "just" a race.

 

[bikesncats]

Really enjoyed that 79 video. It's true that today it's far less of an adventure, it became "just" a race.

An amazing race, of course, but I believe you hit the nail on the head with "just a race"... Immagine privateers like us trying to just follow...never mind race.

 

[Lone Rider]

Yes, at that time it was still an amazing adventure where problems had to be solved on the spot by the rider, using paper maps and where the riders took the time for a smoke along the trail - simply beautiful video.

 

[bikesncats]

,..... where the riders took the time for a smoke along the trail - simply beautiful video.

Another nail hit right on the head...sitting on a rock enjoying the view (of the bike you just helped repair) with a nice cigar and passing the tea around, comparing notes...the spirit of cameradery and adventure never more alive then in those moments. Those were the days where it truly was all about the journey. Once you tried it you cannot blame old dinosaurs like me for still doing it that way...even if it means doing it alone

 

[bikesncats]

Then

Now

Now

Then

If this is progress...I can live without it.

 

[rdrokit]

It's not just bikes that have changed the whole world has changed. I started riding when I was 14 in 1961. I've heard old pilots say their best planes were the ones they flew by the seat of their pants with no electronics. Same with cars and now in bikes. We use to ride by the seat of our pants back then. no helmets, drum brakes, kick starters, carburetors. Some things have helped as I would never ride again without a helmet and safety equipment and at 69 years of age I do enjoy an electric starter.

 

[bikesncats]

...and at 69 years of age I do enjoy an electric starter.

Considering my slowly coming of age I must admit that my old "if can't kick start it you can't ride it" slogan is surely passé and I am thankful for bikes without a kickstarter. Having said that...while I do appreciate the occasional help of electronics like GPS and pony producing advancements ... I still stick to bikes I control and ride using...or "fusing" my body. I once met an 80 year old dude (when I was still wet behind my ears) that rode circles around me in the snowy mountains of Switzerland on our way to the Salzburg Elefantenntreffen...like him, I will ride my way till the day I die...and if it is the lack of electronics on a remote track that does me in...I go happy doing what I love most. My next bike will have no electronics, no abs, no fuel injection, and its slowly in the making with a 270 degree fired old tdm engine as a base. Cheers to no "bikes for fools"...