Motorcycles Have Too Much Technology! (It Sucks)

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Is there too much technology on our motortcycles? How about in any vehicle? Let's get into it while we go on another golden hour ride on the Sportster.
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[@SaddleTrampTV]

Great topic, Joe. The less techno stuff the better. I like the fact that I can tell you what every wire on my shovelhead is for.

[@vitoraimondi2626]

In agreement Joe! There is elegance in simplicity!!

[@guitarzandcadillacs5109]

I agree. Cars too. I have manual crank windows and door locks on my pickup truck, and no backup cam or infotainment center or keyfob. And I love the 883 Iron. On my second one.

[@cmbiker]

I loved the simple, no-tech analog vibe of my previous Iron 883. It was raw and unfiltered, though the suspension and handling was horrible at high speeds on typical NYC highways. I learned to ride back in the mid 80's on carbureted UJM motorcycles with no ESU, ABS or TC. I do appreciate good tech on motorcycles if it is done right. My newest motorcycle is a 2023 Kawasaki ZX-6R, and I've had no issues with the ABS or TC. The engine only has two power modes, low and high. I still have a carbureted 2002 Kawasaki ZX1200R as well. That bike is pretty much the same as the bikes I learned to ride on. I don't think I'd ever want or get a motorcycle that has the kind of tech like electronic suspension and a million options for TC and power mode settings. That is just not necessary for my riding needs.

[@GreatEgret]

I’m right there with you. Especially on good tech done right. If it’s not truly necessary, it’s just overkill.

[@bobthomson3748]

Yes that's why I ride the FXDL very minimal technology on the bike I have Bluetooth and seldom turn it on

[@life_behind_bars]

Getting on my bike and riding is my way of unplugging myself from the world and disconnecting from technology. A form of active meditation. Instead of focusing on breathing, like traditional meditation, I'm focusing on the ride and the road. Clearing my mind from my daily life's struggles. Technology would just interfere with that experience, for me anyway. Anyway, thanks for the video, my friend 👍

[@GreatEgret]

I like that comparison to meditation. So true. Ride safe, brother.

[@kathyceresi9600]

I'm just starting riding at almost 57 years old (125lb tiny female) . If I didn't have the Rebel 1100T DCT I'm not so sure I would be riding now, all that tech is incredibly helpful to riders like me who are late to the game 🤷‍♀️ just another perspective.

[@GreatEgret]

That’s a really good point!

[@sangeeth911]

True, although now I’m a die hard older Harley no tech fan, starting out I remember how abs brakes, traction control, gear indicator, riding modes and so on helped.

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

I'm 131lb woman, and tbh shifting adds 25% more fun. I rode an electric for years, then stepped up to a Harley Fat Boy 114. No manual shifting is very boring now, it feels like something is missing. So my Electric sits there doing nothing. It's had a flat tire for the entire summer and I don't even care to fix it. I just dont ride it anymore.

[@tedsalmon2533]

I agree with your viewpoint Joe. I ride a Triumph Bonneville t120 and the only tech it has is abs and traction control. I appreciate both and neither is a distraction . It also has rain and road modes but I leave it on road 100% of the time. I ride primarily to savor the environment and to hone my skills. My phone is tucked away in a seat bag where it will only be used in an emergency. My mind is strictly focused on the road ahead and reading entry and exit points in the curves. Here in Tennessee all my attention is focused on having fun in the twisties of which we are fortunate to have in abundance.

[@GreatEgret]

I’ve spent a lot of time in Tennessee. You do have some amazing Twisties and I bet that Bonnie is a blast to twist the throttle on!

[@Nifilheimur]

I recently bought a 1998 Fatboy mainly becuse of how incredibly simple the Evo big twin engine is. No computer or anything. Just old school carb that by the way makes it sound so much better than any EFI Harley and i can fix anything with a set of wrenches and screwdrivers. No ECU flash, no power commander no nonsense!

[@jasonshortphd]

I like technology, but when it doesn’t work its the worst. There is usually ZERO you can do as a home mechanic to fix it. I have Apple Car Play on my Indian Challenger, but I honestly never use it. I do use the built in GPS a lot, but that is about it. I play music using Bluetooth and that is all I wanted on that bike. My Tiger has electronic suspension that I can adjust while riding, but if it fails you can get out a wrench and adjust it manually. The only accident I have been involved with was a teenager looking down at her phone while coming up the hill to my house. I had to go over to the curb and landed sideways on my front yard because she was going way too fast up the hill on the wrong side of the road, all because she was texting. Her parents and I had some heated words over that (They said I shouldn’t have been on a motorcycle!). It is true you have to assume you are invisible and everyone might be out to get you.

[@donhenderson5100]

Hello Joe. I see your point. But, it's up to the individual. Some people just love the tech items on autos and motorcycles. I am the opposite. (Showing my age here. 63) I ride for the relaxation. The mechanical simplicity. It is better for me to just ride. Again, for me, this is what draws me to my KLR650 and the Nomad. They are as basic as a riding lawn mower. I am actively on the search for a Sportster for this same reason. But motorcyclists are a unique group. Some people love the tech. That's awesome for them. As long as they can ride that beautiful road you were riding on.

[@GreatEgret]

You always have a great comment on my videos. There’s room for those who love tech, just as long as they aren’t as distracted as many other road users are. I’m the opposite too. Just turned 50 four days ago and I’m hungry for simplicity.

[@theorthobiker]

I see what you mean about using the second cameras to hide all the cuts. Man, I need one. lol

[@GreatEgret]

Such a useful tool! Some viewers don’t mind jump cuts. I’m not a huge fan and I’ve been using two cameras since day one. That is when I don’t accidentally put the hero8 into time lapse mode 🙄

[@theorthobiker]

@@GreatEgret no, I have no idea what that's like. XD

[@Sea_Jay]

The older I get, the less technology I want or need. I like my Harley without any tech at all. I like my Honda Monkey with only a speedometor. I like old safety razors to shave. I like my watches to be windup without batteries or email alerts. I like my Jeep manual transmission with the seats and windows manual adjust. I just want simple in my life.

[@GreatEgret]

I drive a JK manual. I’m pretty sure you and I would be fast friends.

[@baldrider]

Android Auto is amazing (when it works). The bikes I own that have no technology, though, I don't miss it.

[@PaulsMotoZen]

The reason I purchased my 2009 Honda Shadow Aero, is the fact it is NOT overloaded with tech.

[@GreatEgret]

I love that. Good reason!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I’m in 100% agreement with you on this subject. I had one of the Pan Ams where the technology didn’t work to the point of making the bike unreliable. I love my 2017 Ultra Classic except for the infotainment system. That GPS had me lost in Oakland’s harbor area at 2 am. Just not the place you want to be in the wee hours. Now, if I need directions I use my iPhone on a handlebar cradle and I prep with a good old map before the ride so that I’m not confused during the ride. Isn’t it ironic how Harley haters condemn the brand because “Harley is outdated”, yet that’s what I love. I bought a comm system for my helmet at the Giant Loop Rally a few months ago. It works great, I just don’t use it often. I’m on the bike to escape everything else.

[@jameshill8498]

Personally I stuck with carbed EVOs. Perfect point of reliability, simplicity and repairability.

[@GreatEgret]

You ain’t wrong about any of that.

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

As someone who would be considered a "Young woman" by many people this day and age, you dont sound like an old man to me. You sound like someone who just wants stuff to work right. And I agree with you. I like my fat boy has enough tech to make it reliable and enjoyable but not enough to create a problem. EFI, Cruise control, ABS, and a Keyfob. What more do I really need on a motorcycle?

[@GreatEgret]

I’ve learned a few things or two in the many years I’ve traveled around the sun. One of them is flattery about ones age will help you go places. I feel old some days and the more I complain the older I sound 😂 I always think that I’ll use cruise control, but very few rides of mine are on interstate highways. So I rarely use it. I’ll be honest, I really like EFI over carbs. Leave an EFI bike sit for a month and it’ll start right up. Leave a carburetor bike sit and it’s a ton of work. I do like the key fob too.

[@davefiello2517]

I prefer old school simplicity. Carburetor, electronic ignition and no check engine light keep me smiling.

[@GreatEgret]

Motorcycling simplicity. Perfect recipe for big smiles.

[@mrkopecky]

Oh man, I’m looking at crf300l, drz400 dr650 or xl650l. These are way simpler.

[@GreatEgret]

Let me know which one you get! I’m loving the CRF300L

[@johnanderson9735]

Agreed. As a former IT Supervisor, a lot of ‘tech’ stuff was overkill for the average user, the same holds true for motorcycles. How many times will it be necessary to change riding modes on the ‘Fly’, adjust the suspension, or put in a waypoint? For my Wing and my Africa Twin, I usually just ride, that’s it, I don’t really change any settings from start of the ride to the end.

[@GreatEgret]

I rarely change the settings on the Africa Twin. I was having too much fun riding to care too. Are both your Wing and AT DCT?

[@johnanderson9735]

@@GreatEgret Yes, both are. I maybe trading the AT for a Bonneville T120 or Speedmaster soon.

[@GreatEgret]

@@johnanderson9735 man, you have great tastes in bikes!

[@RC44E]

Hence why I 😍 my 750 ACE.

[@GreatEgret]

You’re one of the smart ones.

[@theorthobiker]

Dude. I seriously just talked about something similar on this week's video (Hopefully releasing Friday if the video is not screwed up) lol. Get out of my head XD And, we ARE old men. Lol

[@GreatEgret]

Great (old) minds, as they say.

[@theorthobiker]

@@GreatEgret I just finished editing Friday's video and it's a little ADHD. XD but yes, I had similar sentiments about technology 🙂

[@aramondehasashi3324]

All vehicles have to much tech in them nowadays

[@GreatEgret]

Agreed!

[@motodrum6669]

Merhaba Mostly I agree with you. I ride exact same Africa like yourself better yet we are same height as far as I remember because I got to know you with the video short rider big bike I guess :) Anyways I have also BMW RnineT and the tech is there but they tried to keep as few as possible. Sometimes I love cruising with the Africa and sometimes with RnineT without technology. So I am a lucky one to own both because I think we need both. Panam I have never tried but I hear a lot of bad stories about the bike. This is the entrance Harley Davidson so probably over the years they will make it better if they stay in this class. CRF 300 L also rulezzzz 🤘🤘🤘 Throw it down to a cliff and then pick it up and ride. :)

[@GreatEgret]

Merhaba, my friend, I like that balance. I love the Africa twin and how capable it is. I also love the simplicity of a Harley. You are 100% right about the CRF300L 😂

[@renniesmith8073]

I sold my 2020 road glide for part of the same reasons. I wanted to get back to basics. No stereo no GPS no technology. I just want a basic bike. I'm looking at either a road King or heritage? For now I'm enjoying my Sportster.

[@GreatEgret]

I’m super curious which one you choose between the Road King and the Heritage and why. Keep me posted!

[@_skud]

I see why you think that way. It just depends on your lifestyle with the hobby.

[@GreatEgret]

Yeah, for sure! With the exception of distracted driving, I’m okay with others using tech. It’s just not for me while I ride.

[@dhc8guru]

Just want ABS and two ride modes. Road and rain.

[@GreatEgret]

I like that simplicity.

[@Deathwalker666666]

Or maybe just maybe HD electronics are crap. Seriously if this is state of Pan America then they have no future because other brand don;t have this problems like they do.

[@GreatEgret]

Yeah, super frustrating. I really wanted to love the bike.