We have a flood of the latest and technologically advanced motorcycles available in the markets, all over the globe with all the companies offering their best. Present day motorcycles are into providing the best machines there is, considering all the cut-throat competition for market share. Now it is no longer just a motorcycle, as with the progress of technology hi-tech facilities have been induced to make motorcycles more user-friendly. The machines are now crammed with, ABS (anti-lock braking systems), traction controls, digital ignitions, micro-processors, U.C.E’s (unit construction engines) and so on. Of all the assertion the one that grabs attention of the consumers are “maintenance free” or “low maintenance”, tagging on modern motorcycles. Of course all these claims are only partly true, as motorcycles need care and attention for optimum performance and condition.
So how does a classic beauty fit in this present scenario? Classics have survived because of passion that a lot of people have for them. Maintaining or restoring them could be an issue, but for a hard core classic bike lover will eventually get the job done. Riding these cranky, bone-jittering and awkward machines is a form of art, swing a leg over one these if you ever happen to get a chance and you will know the exact sense. There is also this saying that when you get used to riding a classic; you will not want to ride any other motorcycle, which is true but with an exception, as the rides can be quite uncomfortable at times.
The primitive technology misses out on a lot of conveniences, as classics don’t come with thumb starters (electric push button starters) which are common in present motorcycles. The energy you require to kick start these classic machines into life is quite overwhelming at times, they kick you back sometimes causing injury. Another dissuading factor is that these motorcycles are quite heavy because of all-metal construction, modern motorcycles are constructed using light metals, fibers and plastics to make them light weight. Old classics are also quite unpredictable, they might breakdown frequently and they also wear off rubber parts, fibers and even moving metal parts quickly.
Classic motorcycles are also quite difficult to maneuver, as they were not scientifically tested when they were made. These days things are different in the motorcycle test department, manufacturers test their products to the limits and will only release the motorcycle in the market after it goes through rigorous wind tunnel test, road test and functionality test. The motorcycle today needs to be approved by experts before it is launched into the market.
Apart from the differences a true motorcycle enthusiast will still opt for a two-wheeler over a car. Whether the motorcycle is a classic beauty or a modern beast the two-wheel legacy will live on.