10 reasons you should NOT get a vintage Motorcycle

[@madcat4563]

I'm 21 and worked on a 78 Honda cb400 for the first time last year. Redbuilt the carbs, and it now fires up much easier and can actually idle. Also, better response. Honestly, that thing sold me on motorcycles and classic motorcycles specifically. I did a boatload of research on carbs and honestly with having now prior knowledge about them their pretty simple to work on. Though I am mechanically minded and not clueless, though I was on my own because nobody in the family has worked on bike carbs before. The most difficult thing was getting the 40+ jear old thing off and putting it back on. The sequence took a few attempts, but I got it. The hardest part for me was checking if the floats were in spec. But those were not adjustable, so after many attempts, I just went and assumed it was fine, and it does work fine. Definitely, staying organised took a lot of thought and pictures, and I kept notes on what I did. Thankfully, there were lots of videos on the bike, so I had lots of material to work with. Now, I love carburettors, especially on classic bikes. I hope to one day own a classic car with a carburettor I can work on. So I'm pretty chuffed with myself that I could learn on my own how to do it, and I'm hoping to find a friend that also appreciates carbs. At my campus carbs are pretty taboo, but I guess that's how it goes with: "us young wipper snappers" 🤣

[@drakeb6168]

they are only as complicated as you make them. I too prefer carbs and everyone in my circle thinks im nuts.

[@angelofor2]

Love the classic kickstart bikes!! Enjoy the challenge to kick a motorcycle into life!! So much more satisfying than just pushing a button to start up!!

[@bartmotorcycle]

Agreed for sure

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Real motorcycles and their Riders don't need abs and traction control they exercise moderation with their throttle hand equator twin leading shoe brakes and Triumph had for 69 and 70 with a best brakes they made you can burn Rubber stopping them

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

For $20 extra a year Geico will give you unlimited road service you can break down as many times as you need with an older bikes you have to do the maintenance and then they will be perfectly reliable let's not forget in the old days people rode these bikes everyday back and forth to work or to school or for pleasure fuel injection suction is expensive as hell and it's only made for passing pollution requirements which motorcycle should not have to do motorcycle should not have to atone for the sin of people owning cars

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Disc brakes on my Triumph Trident t160 sucked especially in the rain double leading shoe front brakes are the best you can use garage 7 the price of a brand new little Honda 300 you can buy a low mileage Harley commute back and forth to work on I put 350,000 Mi on my 1999 883 Sportster going back and forth to work looking for work and temporary jobs modern electronic do not have long-term staying power they are expensive to fix and sometimes just fixes worth more than the motorcycle simple stuff is easy to maintain and easy to fix I just carry a master link and a pair of pliers would I ride my Triumph and it has a Fairbanks Morse Magneto on it love Magneto's your whole electrical system can take a dump but if you have a Magneto you still get home you can forgive a bike a lot of things if it doesn't make you push it home

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

If you are concerned about vibration and speed you should buy an airhead BMW 70's vintage my 1007 it runs 100 miles an hour at 5000 RPM and that's only two-thirds towards Redline a cruise is faster than the plane I used to fly a Airhead BMW above 750 is more than Highway capable they were built to go on the Autobahn show with the restricted speeds we have here that just gives them more reliability you can join the Airhead BMW club and they have checked days to help newer guys learn how to work on their bikes my Triumph Daytona 500 has better gearing than your single carb does I can Cruise 80 miles an hour on my Daytona and it doesn't face it at all

[@shabutir1820]

I would have to say, having just recently rebuilt a 1969 T100 its more reliable than what Iv seen from newer bikes. Granted it took me a few months to figure out all of the issues the bike had due to poor knowledge and workmanship from previous owners, but after getting all of that sorted my T100 starts up first or second kick every day and its my daily driver. I would say the main issue thats probably overlooked, was definately overlooked on my T100, is the wiring. No matter how good of wire quality used, 50+ year old wiring just wont hold up that long. Save yourself headaches and just replace the entire wiring harness and all electronics on a vintage bike. I had to rewire most of my T100 to get it running properly, decided to just go ahead and replace it all. My neighbor on the other hand, talked him into getting a bike and hes gone through a few new ones already due to them having issues. I went with the T100 for simplicity. Simplicity = reliability.

[@chev39rsh]

One thing I got to understand about my TRIUMPH is that it is a high performance engine with technical advancements in alloys that can not be exchange for other years. Triumphs are strong engines in TINY structure. Small transmission and huge amounts of pressure and heat. You can't red line them and keep a good engine and they are already extremely advance timing something like 37 degrees before TDC. They run pretty hot and can blue the pipes if you time them wrong thinking you get more HP. I guess I babied mine as I still own it. Bought new in 79 and it is still in pretty good shape.

[@mhoeij]

There's a lot of value to not caring how your bike looks like, because that way, you can buy a cheap bike that performs well, always works, and never lets you down.

[@fredfish4316]

I'd be mentioning modern electronic ignition as well - far more important than carburation. 95% of the time, problems with starting an old bike is the ignition timing (the points). They need adjusted/replaced on a regular basis and require (simple) specialist tools and skills. Straight out of the box, British bikes in the 60's and 70's were unreliable. That's why the Japanese succeeded and the British went out of business. If you want a reliable, safe, comfortable, relaxing ride to work or on weekend, get a modern bike. If you want to spend as much time on maintenance as you do riding, get an old bike. As a 69 year old vintage rider, with 50+years in a variety of painful saddles, I couldn't be bothered with the maintenance/modification side anymore. Wouldn't know where my tool kit was if I didn't have to move it to disconnect the battery. (Ohhh, and ABS on the front saved my life on the expressway last year. )

[@FielderTerry]

I bought a new 2018 “vintage” Royal Enfield Classic (Bullet) 500 at the end of 2019. I have wanted one since seeing them on the roads in Chennai ( formally Madras) India beginning in about 1990. They were everywhere and they sounded like a BSA Victor in 1968 which was cool to me then. I bought a 1968 Kawasaki 350 Avenger because the dealer was only 100 miles away or I could get a Honda in town but every motorbike on the road was a Honda in my little home town in north eastern Ontario, Canada. We only had a 5 to 6 month riding year before ice and snow forced us into our garages. I loved the kick start because it had no electric start. I loved making arm signals because it had no turn signals. I loved the feel of the wind (and rain and hail not too mention the bees and hornets that fell between my eye and my glasses or down the neck of my jacket) because there was no faring or windshield on the bike it even available for it. I love the bright sea-blue colour because that was all there was available and the low street pipes because that was that was available too. The sound was unique. Not like a Honda. And I carried my own smoke screen if an enemy gunner was trying to sight me in. My friends called me Ying-Ying because if the sound of deceleration because I used the gears and engine because, though I loved them, the brakes more like a suggestion box. My RE 500 Classic “Bullet” has a name now. Ricochet. Despite having a kick start, disc brakes and ABS all of which are amazing, it has an electrical problem with fuel injection system so it has spent about 4 months in the dealer where I had to trailer it because it just quit. Given I have owned it 2 summer riding seasons totalling 12 months total and 8 months reasonable riding temperatures, it has been away from me over 1/2 it’s working life. Kind of makes me wish for my old real retro bike that always started and ran and only stopped when it ran out of gas. Yes, I am thinking of going retro or purchasing a carb and kit to replace the injection stuff! Then I can keep bouncing around on my Ricochet!

[@HD-vy5ci]

I have a 2013 bullet 500 and have never had an issue with it but only have 2.5k miles on it. I did have to get a new rear sprocket around 1.5k miles because teeth started breaking off. I don’t have ABS just a disk up front and a drum in the rear

[@redtobertshateshandles]

A carb is fairly cheap. Well worth a try.

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

Love your classic Triumph. Many of the old Amal carbs have just worn out with the bodies going pear-shaped internally. New replacements aren’t huge money and immediately make a difference. A Tri-spark ignition, 5-wire alternator and modern rectifier/regulator setup should give first kick running if setup properly. My T-140 although hopelessly outdated by modern standards is still pretty quick and nimble on the twisties. Avon AM26 tyres also make a huge difference. Nice balanced video!

[@pdm2201]

Given proper maintenance Moto Guzzis and BMWs from the 1970s onward can be quite reliable. There are lots of upgrades available for vintage British bikes and they can be much improved depending on the determination and mechanical skill of the owner.

[@stanleydenning]

Finding replacement parts. 😁 Making it look just like it did when it was new. 😁 Should I say more? Why should I buy and restore a vintage motorcycle? Because history is wonderful when you can experience I for yourself. There is nothing better than this for a motorcyclist. Or, maybe even for an antique car enthusiast. It's all the same.

[@brianperry]

A few years ago owned a 650cc Triton. it had a 1960 Triumph engine fitted in a 1962 featherbed frame. Doing home maintenance was part of the love of ownership....I agree with your comments about tyres and brakes. The skinny tyres have nothing like the stickiness of a modern one, and brakes, even a well adjusted twin leading shoe front brake is shown up by even the mediocre early disc brakes. In the sixties we didn't know any better... now with increasing age self preservation means we have to keep our ''eyes on the ball'' and allow for a reaction time not quite as it once was.

[@ZediMaster]

Interesting vid. 3 major reasons, I would never commute on a vintage bike: 1) tires, vintage bikes cannot use modern tires vs old style tires which are unsafe for modern hwys; 2) brakes, vintage brakes are inadequate for modern hwys; 3) old electrical hardness will always need to be replaced. Anyway, ride safe, god bless u.

[@HeysaysChenay]

I'm a Honda CB girl through and through!!!

[@antbonyziemiak208]

I could never get more than 15,000 miles before needing a top end overhaul. One reason is the engine rebuilders would use silicon/bronze valve guides. They should have been cast iron valve guides. Plus...the original engine size was a 500. Us Americans demanded more Power. Which overstretched the engine, reducing reliability. If you want more reliability in a brit bike get a 500 single carb. Did you know that you can remove the connecting rods from the large access opening on the bottom of a 500 Triumph? Pushrods and a single carb is a beautiful thing. Get a W-800 if you want the good without the bad of old brit bikes. The brit bikes can be money pits. The Japanese have perfected the air-cooled bike engines. Use Kevlar brakes in your old brit bike for better brakeing with little drum wear.

[@tomhill3262]

Triumph did not have the brakes ,vibrated did not handle in fast corners ,but look good .The 1964 Norton 650 as l owned 30 years in Australia used for work ,long distant rally's hill climbs and going out with your mates weekends .Still quick today ,best handling with comfort and good brakes even for today

[@K777John]

I have a 1949 square barrel Triumph Trophy, first kick start every time, brakes are good for drum brakes, it’s a rigid rear frame so bumps are to be avoided, but it’s a lovely thing to own and to ride. No electronics so limited problems…….

[@parsivalshorse]

Most people who dribble over old 50's and 60's bikes are either too young to remember when they were in the shops or old enough to remember them but never rode bikes back then. I'll take a modern bike any day.

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

An hours wrenching for a days ride was the rule of thumb when I was younger. But then I wasn’t buying new machines either.

[@davidpoffenbarger3686]

Great points in another enjoyable video. I jumped into flattrack racing in my 40s being raised watching it as a teenager in the 70s. My lust for a Bultaco Astro combined with a vintage class available for a new racer sealed the deal. I found a basically stock Astro, freshened it up a bit and started racing it. Man, I'd forgotten how miserable old suspension, clutches and brakes could be compared to my new at the time, CR250 dirt bike I had at the same time. Ended up swapping the Astro for a TT500 that had updated suspension, brakes and power. Was still considered "vintage" but was a way better option. That said, I still love Astros and they can be similarly updated but need a better rider than I was at the time....

[@bobmarlowe3390]

My 2008 Triumph Bonneville has carbs and I've never had a problem with them. Carbs are simple and easy. It also has no ABS or traction control. Yeah, the old British bikes were cursed by the ghost of Lord Lucas. Thankfully, there's no Lucas on the current ones. I do miss having a kick starter and having the shifter on the right.

[@leighmcqueeney9848]

Over half a million ks on bikes in 7 countries in 40 years of riding on all major manufacturers except BMW and Ducati and never once has a modern bike "just stopped". I have had vintage bikes just stop. Also lose headlights at night! A tubed front wheel puncture at over 100 kph will certainly cause part of your anatomy to pucker! A quality modified retro bike is a far better option. Eg Royal Enfield twin or 865 Bonne with pipes, cams, and mapping. All the best bits of vintage bikes without the downsides.

[@michaellawrence5492]

I respect you giving an opinion. It reveals some your experience gathered from where you have started. I believed you missed out a little on the importance of time when these were the new and young during the 60'-70's. Being young along with them only to season as a rider of one self these machines then you would understand remain forever new and young. You just continue to learn your own limits how riding from the past always remembering their limits which never have changed. The present machines today are not real better as I see them they are only different in the many ways these riding machines can be. What is always in common and lasting between new and then all can Kill you, Pleasure you, server you and be part of you when you ride them and this is all that counts! If you are really a die hard about them they are pieces of art that you can see and hear and touch even when ever unable to ride.

[@ShogunAutoworks]

Also, ethanol mix fuels require richer mixes as they contain more oxygen molecules. Run stage 1 jets for stock intake or pods and stock exhaust, stage 2 for modded exhausts. You'll be running a stock fuel mixture in the end, not rich, when running e10.

[@bobmarlowe3390]

Valve adjustments on the older Brit bikes was a heck of a lot easier.

[@revive_moto]

It’s actually really easy to get a title and registration in Vermont. I buy and sell vintage bikes and most of of them don’t have titles but I’m still able to register and title in Vermont even though I live in California.

[@bartmotorcycle]

Yeah that's the trade secret right. Cool to hear it actually works. Then you just transfer it over to California or whatever state right?

[@JamesCouch777]

@@bartmotorcycle the trick to making the Vermont loophole work is getting the VIN check, that's the part I'm having trouble with.

[@brianmeister7733]

@@JamesCouch777 send a picture of the vin off of the frame and engine.....they accepted that from me as a vin check

[@JamesCouch777]

@@brianmeister7733 my problem is that I have a 1971 engine in a 1977 frame and the VIN's don't match. Also, in 1977 Triumph was in a tailspin and the didn't include the usual T140R, or whatever the appropriate model designation was, as a prefix on the frame so I have no way of knowing what the original engine was.

[@revive_moto]

@@bartmotorcycle Exactly. Its really easy.

[@ODH3]

I owned and rode a '69T100R (dual carbs) for 30 years before I sold it in 2011. I loved that bike, and I still enjoy seeing and hearing vintage ones like yours, but I would not want another vintage because of : opposite shift (from nearly all modern bikes), random parts loss (despite endless checks, those old screws just always worked loose), instability at high speed, and just too high a maintenance-to-riding ratio. Plus I've never had an electric start bike, which would be so much more convenient when you get the occasional stall at a stop.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

My brothers mate Kiwi (a long time Brit and Harley mechanic and shop owner) gave me the tip to use blue locktite. Every bolt I removed from my Sportster got locktited. During my four years as a Suzuki and Kawasaki mechanic I rarely used it.

[@thomaslubben8559]

Shorts? No helmet, gloves or eye protection? Dweeb. The mai reasons I had to buy a newer bike was tubeless tires and ABS. My 50s, 60s and 70s BMWs are stone reliable. Not everything was like what we called 'Brit sh*t". My old BMWs will squeal and lock the front tire, and certainly lock the rears. They require more pressure but work fine. And mine are lighter than the new ones. And silky smooth. I would easily take it across country. And have. 600 mile days on any of them are very doable. Even for a guy 68 years old. If you are going to talk about classic bikes, you really need to experience the 50s, 60s and 70s BMWs. Parts are still available from dealers and BMW. They still support them.

[@rondouglas5147]

Just a couple of comments. Everyone says my ‘69 Norton Commando 750 has no breaks (front and rear drum), and I have to disagree, I tell them it does, 3rd, 2nd and 1st in that order😈. Second, both my ‘69 and ‘73 Norton Commandos will hit the century mark easily and quickly!

[@brianmeister7733]

My 1970 Bonneville is for weekend cruising on country roads...my 2017 Victory Octane is for everything else.

[@brianmeister7733]

also, if you don't know how to fix a vintage bike yourself, you had better have a fat wallet.

[@MauricioLJ]

Here in Brazil we call those old classic/custom as Mad Max motos. Bigger problem here is lack of spare parts.

[@rondouglas5147]

One additional down side to owning old Brit Iron and a newer bike at the same time, you better be ready to switch easily between right and left hand shift. I can remember renting a Sportster in Hawaii. Pulled up to an stop sign at Diamond Head Blvd. Started out thinking I had adjusted and hit the break instead of shifting into second gear.

[@ShogunAutoworks]

1978 Honda cb400. Disc front brake. Electric start plus kick start. Electronic ignition not points. Totally worth it. $800 and a $45 stage 1 carb rebuild and jets kit from Sigma6 on ebay. Bike just turned 11k miles. $800........... It's been dead ass reliable.

[@jameshagaman4624]

One of the things I noticed that you did not mention is the right foot shift. Newer bikes are standard right foot brake. I loved my old Triumph, wish I still had it.

[@Mike40M]

The owners manual on a modern bike has a lot of pages with safety warnings. My old manuals tells me how to decoke the engine adjust valves and other things necessary to do every now and then.

[@chrismoody1342]

No going back. I’m committed in keeping 75’ Kawasaki Z1b.

[@harrywiebe]

I have a 74 Norton 850. It's very British in every way except for upgraded electronic ignition and a Brembo front brake. You have to become part of it to ride it successfully. Remember it has a right foot shift. All my other bikes have left foot shift. It takes some getting used to.

[@JamesCouch777]

I love my vintage Triumphs but for serious riding my 2001 Moto Guzzi California Stone is my go to.

[@bartmotorcycle]

Id love to try out a moto guzzi. They seem so cool

[@JamesCouch777]

@@bartmotorcycle I think you should! They are built like a tank. I have to pay attention to how I shift but once you get used to it it's fine.

[@stuartosborne3013]

I’m just selling the modern bike I never use it. Old bikes you get your kicks at road speeds. Modern bikes if you ride at Legal speeds are as boring as it gets just to perfect all the fun tuned out of it. Braking, the brakes on old bikes must be set up properly, most are not. Most old bikes only produce 50bhp max most British bikes 35 BHP point being their not in the same universe as the 100bhp modern death traps of today that need a computer to make it rideable for the average rider. Ignition and voltage control on coil ignition bikes is the biggest reliability problem. But now they make self generating ignitions which are as reliable as any modern system. See Electec for British bikes. Buy a Haynes Manual it shows you everything about how to fix it. If your to stupid to do that buy a bus pass and stay off the road.

[@nomad90125]

If your young dumb and require the need for speed then a vintage motorcycle is really not the thing for you. Older bike's & older people are like hand & glove. 👍

[@BanjoLuke1]

Tricky, tricky... Maybe older bikes are best kept for sunny weekend blasts and special days. My daughter (28) is very keen to restore and ride an old 500 Morini I forgot to sell. I love the idea of her using it, but parts are an issue... and although the motor is 1987 (501), the rest off it is 1977. No issues with the brakes or suspension and new tyres are available to fit.... Lights are poor, but probably this will not be ridden after dark. No indicators (of course). But it is light, flickable, responsive and simple. It made around 42-44bhp back on the day, which is plenty solo on a light bike on public roads. Chin on the tank, it pushed up towards 115 mph. And it got there quickly. Ultimately these things are Sunday toys, not daily rides. And for that usage, they are simply yummy!

[@bartmotorcycle]

Yeah I couldn't agree more.

[@omnivore2220]

Correction; one does not "turn on" and internal combustion engine. One cranks it over, starts it, fires it up, or lights it off, etc. You "turn on" a radio, or your headlight. Please get it right.

[@nomed7822]

i love my vintage bike ..i bought a 1980 yamaha xs850 fully restored ..have had it a few years i had a kz900 back in the 80s i do not like modern motorcycles..my friend decided to buy him a 2020 ninja 400 he had to come to my house and brag on it..he said my bike is quick and light weight..i laughed so we decided to do some freeway rides and it was windy out..his bike was all over the road from the wind and trucks passing..the wind never budged my bike i opened the throttle i was running about 120 he was struggling to keep up so i slowed so he could ride beside me for safety reason..when we got back to my house all he could do was shake his head his bike was 3 times more than mine in price but was not the bike he wanted he found that out just doing high way runs.. they dont make bikes like they use too lot of them are plastic they fall over going to cost you a arm and a leg to replace the parts you broke and maintenance a injection system cost more than what the bike is worth i got my first bike when i was 12 years old been ridding every since i am over 50 now all i ride is vintage bikes i have a few a yamaha xj1200 ..its really not about speed for me its about reliability i have stopped and pulled over to help a lot of people on there new bikes and only the dealer ship could service them..i have rode my yamaha from state to states people often ask is it for sale..i smile no..to each and his own...

[@Maax1200]

Would never swap my Kawasaki Z1 -74 for a modern bike. Buy a naked bike from the 80's and you get everything a modern "classic" has and then some for 1/4 of the prize. Kawasaki Z1000 J for example is a good bet. Wouldnt want to be the owner when new bikes electronics start acting up.

[@pascalkargut3237]

It’s got to be Honda the cb360 really does it for me and also great job your gaining subs like crazy

[@bartmotorcycle]

yeah beautiful bike! and thanks!

[@HarmGeerts]

Husqvarna is my favorite but they are not really known for their classic road bikes 😅. I'm really enjoying your videos so keep it up 👍

[@bartmotorcycle]

Thanks! yeah they're super cool, a bit of neo retro you could say

[@theblacklushai]

Royal Enfield

[@redtobertshateshandles]

And old bike can be very damned irritating. Sometimes a newish bike is great, as you just ride it.

[@Helm-w1q]

Only ten? I will try. Amall carbs-, zender diode Lucas electrical system aka The Prince of Darkness. Oil leaks. Mechanical brakes. Goofyfoot shifting, parts are hard come by, mechanics are even harder to find.points ignition,60 grade motorcycle oil, and on older bikes magnito electrics. Most of this applies to triumph, which I started out riding in 1960 on Triumph Cub. I was ten. I've own about six Triumphs over the years and a couple Harleys. I still own a 75 Harley and a 2002 Triumph Bonneville America. Because I am a vintaged biker I will ride the new stuff.

[@georgeargota2128]

I was like " I know these road". You still live in hawaii? If anything, I enjoy watching your videos. You have a good one. I ride a w800 and I'm loving it.

[@georgehancock1921]

Triumph always! Especially the 60s tigers

[@bartmotorcycle]

Hey! You won! If you have instagram we can connect there to get you your prize

[@georgehancock1921]

@@bartmotorcycle wow! That’s awesome! It’s @orkvo

[@georgehancock1921]

@@bartmotorcycle it seems like Instagram is down at the moment! Can I give you my email?

[@bartmotorcycle]

@@georgehancock1921 yeah for sure!

[@georgehancock1921]

@@bartmotorcycle can’t post my email right now KZbin won’t let me, haha I’ll hop on Instagram tomorrow when it’s back up and contact you there, cheers mate

[@markkumanninen6524]

An informative video, but I'd like to point out that great many new bikes are way heavier than their older counterparts. Blame water cooling and all those safety factors. I ride '97 DR650 Suzuki which weighs about 320lbs with full tank. If I fancied the new BSA Gold Star, I'd get a lump with the curb weight of 469.5 lbs. The bhps of these two bikes are about the same. I wouldn't dream of getting a TransAlp or Tenere, because I'm a slenderish old timer, having a hard time picking up my old Doc, which BTW features excellent brakes - Brembo up front.

[@nick4506]

I work on my own stuff and have owned some old bikes. its hell. scowering ebay for those stupid non stanrd size unobtainium cables for weeks haunts my dreems. dealing with the 6 volt electrical system and rotting wires. yea never again, it might be okay if you get the bike post restoration but then for the money a 5-10 year old bike will give less headaches. its cool to ride something thats liveing on borrowed time, but im not married to the style.

[@alloomis1635]

if you can find a suitable bmw, 600 to 800cc, you can expect reliability. might want a better front brake. they're all smooth and easy maintenance. not much golly! factor. and that size range gets light weight, compared to a lot of modern over-muscled spaceships.

[@bobmarlowe3390]

Is that your Norton? Nice! I had a '72 750 Commando and then a '74 850 Commando.

[@jasenwright1178]

But the originals have the 'rounded tanks' --beautiful! The new or 'retro' bikes have awful looking welded seam tanks! Spoils the branding!

[@bartmotorcycle]

Agreed 100%

[@jasenwright1178]

@@bartmotorcycle I would love to buy a retro but ??

[@chamberizer]

It looks like your ignition/oil red light is on?

[@strider5453]

Solutions number one learn how to ride a motorcycle. Number to learn how to work on your motorcycles. Number 3 you can't blame the bike for your inadequacies.

[@andrewallen9993]

But my 1972 Norton Commando is fault tolerant! 2 carbs 2 ignition systems 3 phase rectifier and alternator Brush less permanent magnet alternator Electrolytic capacitor in case of flat battery Two cylinders

[@paulharris719]

Do you want to ride it or let it ride you. Any way in 2022 that old bike will be able to go faster than a R1 check the new EU law (speed restrictors on new cars and soon on bikes)

[@andrewnope7879]

“If you end up with some obscure Italian bike from the 60’s” me: laughs in ‘68 gilera.

[@geraldscott4302]

Hell will have to freeze over and pigs will have to fly before I would even consider riding a bike with EFI or ABS, and even then I would probably prefer to walk. I simply will NOT ride bikes with computers on them. Period. I have been an auto/truck/equipment mechanic for 40 years. I have owned over 50 bikes. The first one back in 1975 was a 1972 Suzuki GT380. I currently own 7 bikes. They range from a 1994 dual sport to a 2016 Japanese cruiser, designed in 1985. I also have a 2002 Japanese cruiser, designed in 1985. I have a 2003 Harley Sportster, a 2004 Royal Enfield Bullet designed in the 1950s, a 1979 Vespa P200E, and a 2006 Vespa GT200. All of these bikes are carbureted, they do not have ABS, some have a single front disc brake. I have ridden over a million miles on carbureted non ABS bikes, and have not had any problems. My 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 has 119K miles on it, all mine. The carburetors have never been off. EFI and ABS is just government mandated BULLSHIT, The government has no business sticking their nose in the motorcycle business. You don't need to buy a '50s or '60s bike. Just get one with carburetors and NO ABS. Ride a MACHINE, not a computer. I tinker with my bikes all the time. As I said, I AM a mechanic. I like to tweek things and make things better, or sometimes just different. I have cleaned, rebuilt, and tuned hundreds of carburetors. They are inexpensive and super easy to work on. EFI is an absolute nightmare straight from the depths of hell. ABS can be easily disabled on all bikes just by removing a fuse, returning full control of the bike to you. I have also removed the sidestand and clutch nanny switches from all my bikes. There are a few brand new bikes out there that are still carbureted with no ABS. The Suzuki S40 and DR650. The Yamaha TW200 and V-Star 250. The Honda XR650L. Get them while you can. The era of REAL, non computerized motorcycles is almost over. Harley Sportsters were carbureted until 2006. ALL Harley Twin Cams through 2016 can be converted to a carburetor fairly easily.

[@Claude1100]

Great tips 👍🏼 enjoyed it. , 9.43 gloves before Helmet mmm 🤔

[@ogrigho449]

I don't have a bike but would love to get a Kawasaki as a first, also love your videos keep up the good work!

[@bartmotorcycle]

Thanks!! Yeah Kawasaki is cool

[@algentry1]

The background music is overpowering the voice over. I had a hard time understanding the commentary. Beautiful motorcycle.

[@ClassicRider]

I thought you were in CT until seeing the Palm Trees

[@bartmotorcycle]

We're in Oregon. This was when we lived in Hawaii

[@ClassicRider]

@@bartmotorcycle Im in CT - its 44f at 1PM EST - time to bike !

[@zzebowa]

Yeah, buuuut.... Old motorbikes LOOK like motorbikes! And not some XBox, jizstick! And thats the thing, old British bikes look so damn good.

[@robertveith2571]

I went that way I bought a Honda night hawk 650 SC 1982 sorry I did can't get it running piece of junk paid 1000 dollars for it has 4 carbs not even going to try to get it running right going to sell it for what ever I can get out of it.

[@drakeb6168]

if only I saw this sooner. I absolutely adore those bikes.

[@subashsivakumaran2012]

Favorite mortorcyle classic Enfield 350 and Triumph scrambler

[@dannyvan5792]

why a helmet and no protecting clouding

[@occasionalmotorcycling]

Regal Raptor?)))

[@occasionalmotorcycling]

I'm not eve sure you are aware of this company, but hey, anyway =)

[@JamesCouch777]

What about the Yamaguchi?

[@samj1185]

Ha. They're pains in the butt even if you throw tons of money & time at them.

[@sscbkr48]

I can appreciate the vintage bikes but decided to buy a 2020 interceptor and just have fun. To hell with authenticity.. it's a blast to ride, and that's good enough for an old dude like me.

[@greenbow7888]

Chassis are better nowadays.

[@darcylea2993]

I'm a much better rider without ABS. The amount of times I would have died if ABS was a facto is absolutely unfathomable. All of these assisting features have taken the skill factor out of riding. I ride my bike, not the other way around. No "safety" features for me because they're dangerous AF!

[@jonathanabsher1607]

Yamaha always

[@mikek2218]

Go Zero!!

[@MrPeterbennett]

Good, do not buy them. All the more bikes for me to enjoy. you can keep you computer game like new bikes

[@danigomb]

hate such populism.. first why should buy and than you shouldnt... arhg!

[@BudStudmuffin]

In b4 2k subs

[@stevenlangdon-griffiths293]

The new technology goes wrong and is expensive to repair. The young man talking has a lot to learn.

[@hunterl7588]

New stuff goes wrong sometimes Old stuff goes wrong all the time

[@stevenlangdon-griffiths293]

@@hunterl7588 tell me about your experiences with old vehicles and maybe I can help you get back on the road.

[@hunterl7588]

@@stevenlangdon-griffiths293 I run a motorcycle shop in Canada, I work on everything from 50s triumphs to brand new bmws Sure, throttle body assemblies and Ecus are expensive But I’ve been rebuilding carbs everyday for the last month. Gasoline today isn’t built for carbs. It fouls and plugs up the pilot jets after a few weeks/ months without proper care. Not to mention all the rubber parts on the bike and in the carbs are dry rotting after decades of use. If a sensor goes out on a new bike, I pull out my computer, multimeter, and if I have to get real fancy, my oscilloscope. Find the problem, and fix it. Done. Customer happy I rebuild, sync, rejet, tune carbs, adjust points, done, customer happy. Until the spring when they forget to drain the carbs, or use fuel stabilizer, then I have to rip it all apart again. Also, try getting new parts for old bikes. Sometimes you can get new old stock. If you’re lucky, the part will still be in production. But small parts like intake boots are comparable to sensors on new bikes. Unless you want to keep putting on slightly better old parts People today aren’t used to mechanical things. They expect to push a button and go. New fuel injected bikes are just that. Most people today don’t understand the mechanical nature of old tech.

[@stevenlangdon-griffiths293]

@@hunterl7588 well Hunter, thanks for your informed reply. It seems you are busy working on a good mix of vehicles. You mentioned that parts are not easy to get, I’ve not found that problem on my Hondas, or w123 merc. None of them are less than 43 years old. I repair them myself, and use them daily. The Honda 250 superdream takes me to the gym and the merc everywhere else. I don’t have a problem with the fuel and once I’ve set up the carbs, that’s it. I don’t have any special tools to do it either. I have some other vehicles that have been very reliable and some which are liabilities. Have you had anything to do w merc w221? A lovely car to drive, but only till it goes into limp mode! I’ve got an L200 and had it from new 2006, it has been superb. But my fiat Doblo 1300 Diesel has been back to the dealer 6 times, and they can’t or won’t fix the engine misfire, and that’s with full dealer facilities. Total letdown. The thing which separates old tech from new is the design, the materials used in construction and the mentality of both owner and repairers. The new vehicles are not built to be repaired or to last. The owners have got their spending money easily, and the repairers just want to take it usually. By the way, I’ve got a v6 Sprinter with 170,000 miles on it and I’ve had that from new 2008. Same clutch and I’m on my second set of Michelin’s 102,000 from the fronts and 96,000 from the rears and mostly running at 3.9 ton gross as it was my roadside repair business van. I’ve been doing roadside repair since 2004 and been workshop based prior to that since 1976. I spent 10 years in Africa running workshops, can you imagine? I also spent some time in Saudi, Athens and Canada too. No computers there. No spare parts outlet, no internet.

[@hunterl7588]

@@stevenlangdon-griffiths293 I’ll admit I’m in a bit of a unique spot running a shop. Most people don’t have access to the diagnostics tools I have, and most people haven’t even heard of an oscilloscope. I haven’t much experience with old cars, but I would love to own an old Mercedes diesel. All the survivors around here are rusted out. You sound like you take good care of your vehicles. It seems to be a rarity these days. I’m sure all of your vehicles will outlast you, and I’m the same way. But most people don’t have the same mechanical sympathy we do, they treat their vehicles like appliances. Allot of the old bikes I work on are looked at with rose tinted glasses. Many of them just want the old retro image thing. But have no desire or idea on taking proper care of it. Perhaps that’s just the people and area I’m in.

[@ianwatson5605]

A video about whataboutery........bland indeed.

[@carlnapp4412]

10 minutes wasted!