The Modern Classic- Minimalism in Retro Inspired Motorcycles

[@SteelSteedStan]

I want to ride a motorbike, not a computer with wheels. The more gizmos and gadgets on the bike, the more chance for something to go wrong. And when it does go wrong, it costs a lot of money to repair. That's why I will stick to my bike with minimum electronics and more character.

[@AllyKiss18]

Hey, can I ask what trousers you’re wearing in this video when you’re riding? Love them!

[@AlexOnABoat]

I want electric start, ABS, ESC, heated grips, cruise control, all the bells and whistles of a modern bike. But I also want clocks with dials - although they can be a digital recreations, a round headlight, a bench seat, and laced wheels. And that's why modern classics are so great.

[@snatr]

All the above sounds good to me except for the benched seat 😉

[@tedsalmon2533]

Great video Meghan! I've got a couple of bikes one being a Triumph t120 Bonneville. I love the analog clocks and the absences of gadgets on the bike. I started riding 50 years ago when bikes still had kick starters so I'm baffled why so many insist on tft screens and cruise control as necessary.

[@IMAXXHEW]

My 2005 H-D FLSTSCI is so classic it may just end up in a museum one day. Only thing a bit extra on it is the H-D factory custom paint set, it cost a bit more when I ordered it from the dealership, but it is much more rare than the plain old blacks, blues, whites, reds etc... Burgundy "Tribal Grind Flames" on Black, and the chrome Springer front end makes it look like an old WWII wartime bike (The Liberator) traveled into the future and got some new digital technology with some civilian (yet savage) finishing.

[@lylemacdonald6672]

Bikes entered my world in the 60's and early 70's so those are the styles that appeal to me still. So dual analog clocks, laced wheels, right side up forks, and no body work as I want to see the engine. KISS all the way.

[@stevenwhitman]

I appreciate the look of classics but I want modern features and mechanics. I'm 60+ but I want the a bike with abs, cruise control, comfort, etc. I ride 20k miles a year and having the convenience of modern engineering is IMO general an improvement overall.

[@steviev2504]

love your channel and content! Bought some tripleflex armor from your store; so so impressed! Subscribed and looking forward to more!!!! You rock Meghan!!!!

[@IchibanMoto]

I use that same manual kit to grind my look alive whole beans ! But yea i like the style of some retro bikes and am all for safety tech.

[@francescosalvioli8073]

i ride a naked BMW K75 year 1989 and i love it....i dont need anything more on my clock-cluster...i feel comfortable and safe, my K75 is not yet a classic maybe will never be, but, i love it..i would never replace it with a newer model...

[@robertupchurch8088]

I learn things watching your observation and opinion videos. You should teach. I own true classic bikes, one brand you mentioned, and modern bikes. Both are joy to ride. One modern bike is a 2014 GS which does not have the TFT, it has a key ignition switch. It is easy to use and access its features like engine modes, ABS, traction control. Three friends own newer GS models with TFTs and key fobs. They have all had difficulty navigating the TFT or with the key fob. One even told me his GS did not have a pre-load adjustment. It did, he had to plow through menus to find it. Mine is single button.

[@Eric_from_Kansas]

I dig it. I just started riding. I've got a 2017 Rebel and one of my favorite things about it is it's very "standard" "plain" look and lack of more modern 'nice-ities'. It has an LCD-ish display in a round housing, but it only really shows speed, the time, light indicators, and basic warnings; I think I'd rather prefer analog everything, but I'll live with this. Not long ago I put a phone mount on the handlebar and immediately hated it. I knew I would but thought I'd 'need' it for GPS reasons. After riding with it a few months - I really DON'T need it. I've got bluetooth in the helmet too, to listen to music from my mounted phone - and I don't do THAT most of the time either. Three quarters of the enjoyment of riding is disconnecting from all the noise - and having all this crap keeping me tied to that leash is hampering the vibe. As you were talking, I thought, "I need to make a road trip to see Mom and Dad. Ditch the GPS, bust out the road map, and take the back roads. Sure it'll take twice as long as the Interstate... but that's half the point." I dig it.

[@Dr.Sarcasm]

Amazing job turning this topic into a college class lecture, and I mean this in the best way possible. Extracting your thoughts like this is what makes you stand out from other enthusiasts

[@johnsaporta4633]

I do appreciate your breakdown here. After a nice morning on my Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer, the digital minimalism and modest accommodations really ring true in making riding it a fun and reliable experience. It is quick without needing to break 120mph, it has an add fuel idiot light that. Is reminder enough that performance costs and better top it off. My '85 GoldWing is my pride and joy, and the damn speedo cut out again. I have all the simplicities of vintage with all the reliability and convenience of modern plus benefits (fuel injection!). Three cheers for the Italian Tomogacci.

[@williamhershey9713]

Hello Meghan! First, excellent and very intelligent video and monolog. I haven't seen many of your videos yet, so I'll say, I hope that you do more on this topic. Second, I'm 71 years old and learned to ride on a well used Suzuki 150 (i.e., 2 cycle and very minimal creature comfort). I moved up slowly in sizes, all Suzuki 2 strokes, before going to work at a dealership, where I got to try some other bikes. At this time, due to some health issues, my dream bikes are all side car rigs. I'm currently driving a cage, because I transport my grandkids a lot, but if the opportunity presented, I'd like to get a classic side car.

[@tiptopdadddy]

I’m a historian by training and a life long rider. The biggest mistake we make is to project modern sensibility on the past. In effect we are expecting designers and engineers to know then what we know now and judging them for their ignorance. In the present this denies us the opportunity to understand their experience and gain greater insight. I’ve had modern bikes and I’ve had old bikes, the former is reliable, low maintenance and comfortable, the latter a challenge to ride and keep running. I choose vintage bikes because they are not for everyone and I like that the price of entry keeps out the kooks, posers and goofballs. Riding an old bike on a country road is like a Time Machine. I currently have a 49 Panhead in a 54 frame with a Superglide single disc front end, an 80 Shovelhead chopper with all disc brakes and a Frisco style Evo Sportster. Go fast, stop fast, don’t break down, that’s about as technologically advanced as I care for. To each their own.

[@MeghanStark]

This is such an important point! Its foolish for people to torch the past and/or project their modern sensibilities on it. Lots of our contemporary priorities will not stand the test of time. The innovations from 20th century bikes were groundbreaking, and I love seeing how much of that we can honor in the creation of new motorcycles. I'm so glad there's a thriving subculture of folks preserving vintage bikes.

[@e.l.9589]

I don't want ABS, no heated grips, no windshield, and no bluetooth. 14k miles per year, regardless of weather because I enjoy it.

[@fallinginthed33p]

I do want ABS, LED lighting and electric start. Everything else is optional.

[@e.l.9589]

@@fallinginthed33pLED headlight is a game changer for visibility, I do agree. ABS on a performance machine where brakes may be sensitive, I would also agree.

[@fallinginthed33p]

@@e.l.9589 ABS has saved my hide by keeping me on tarmac instead of low siding on a dirt shoulder, so there's that. I'm done riding ancient bikes with a weedy front disc and almost useless rear drum, give me proper discs all around and ABS even on a cruiser.

[@e.l.9589]

@@fallinginthed33p I want to perfect braking, and not rely on smashing the lever is why for me. I lane split in the rain, so I have to be surgical on those puppies. Safe Travels!✌

[@cb1997]

Do you not want disk brakes, modern metallurgy, or a helmet ? I mean it's all newfangled bullshit technology, right?

[@hughmac7423]

I have a classic, a 1988 Harley Davidson 1340cc Lowrider Sport, it is pretty original in looks, just hotted up, with upgraded suspension and a sidecar, I consider it a classic, and have have had it since 1989. I also have 2022 Harley Davidson Pan America Special, Enthusiast Army Green version, it is not a classic, it has an amazing amount of technology, it is just as much fun and reduces stress when riding as the old bike. I love both bike equally, they just represent different eras.

[@RebelCowboysRVs]

I like ABS an fuel injection. But why does a bike need a built in GPS. We all have one of those in our pocket. The one in our pocket will be up to date in 5 years. The one on the bike will be an unused screen. Is anyone really using the built in GPS on older bikes? Motorcycles also use to be function over form. Every shape existed for a reason. Todays bikes, form is chasing the latest trends. It exists for the sake of existing. They all look like they are copping the Transformers movies. Big hair in the 1980s did the same thing, an this will age just as well as that did. Hell, some of these design choices are universally hated an changed on most bikes as soon as bought. Rear fender/tag holder delete kits sell at almost 1 to 1 with the bikes they fit. Pretty good indicator that a bad design is being used. I am of the opinion that the modern classic boom as nothing to do with wanting something that looks old. Its big because all the new stuff is ugly. An its ugly because its design is not following function. Getting less useless bells an whistle is just a side benefit.

[@burrito-town]

I feel naked when I travel somewhere without a GPS map in front of me. I think it's all about whether something can be utilized as a tool or whether it's mismanaged and turns into a liability. I wish my bike had built-in cameras in the front and back, blindspot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, Apple Carplay, and any other tech you can think of. Building those systems into the bike would simplify the 3rd party solutions I've had to tack onto my bike, making everything easier to use.

[@stanleyknife1967]

Well said! I think you are spot on. Technology like ABS etc can help the riding experience, where as the digital display can distract. The whole point of motorcycling is the freedom it instills.

[@tomedwards159]

I like the Indian scout bobber for it's simplicity

[@whiterabbitt2002]

its liquid cooled. not as simple as a Harley which is air cooled/belt drive.

[@gohachi5313]

I love the styling of classics. Just like the Porta Pros you're wearing!

[@loosingparts6159]

My 09 Bonneville is first year for EFI but all else is analog. It’s the only way for me. Riding a motorcycle is how I escape the world and my own head. It’s a head turner too. People are used to seeing sofas on wheels or a giant chunk of plastic. I’m 60 now and don’t plan on ever changing.

[@alanbrown5593]

I own a T140EX, (from new) it certainly wasn't seen as classic when it was produced compared a T100. The Golden days never existed, except in our own perceptions. The likelihood is that we will look back on ice motorcycles as the last golden age ! Just be thankful we can ride where/when want.

[@snatr]

I'm all for the looks of the classics, but definitely appreciate the tech. I remember when cars were very unreliable. Today you almost never see a breakdown.

[@TheRmoroni]

THOSE RINGS ARE REALLY SHINY!

[@nikeisagreekgoddess4135]

Ever listened to Richard Thompson's "1952 Vincent Black Lightning"?

[@spynles7947]

With you and your philosophy 100%. The only modern retro I'd buy these days would be the Kawasaki 900. Most if not all of the 'British' marques are made in Asia and casts doubt on build quality and longevity, and their traditionalism and modernistic rehash seem almost at odds with each other, imo anyway. I've had over 50 bikes in my time, all except one, a WR450 had analogue gauges. Easy to read, never failed, accurate and charismatic. The WR, albeit a simplistic readout was inaccurate and problematic, and it had only done 1200 kms.

[@theneilg1]

Great videos…. ABS - every bike should have it - classic or otherwise. Ride safe! Peace, Neilg

[@KeViNMCMXXCIX]

I think I am right on the spot there. I like the things technology can do for us. Do I want it all around me, no. Smart lighting at home? Nah, barely any. I have some LED's on remote but not all of my lights in my house are programmed to it. Amenities like fast internet, tv, pc, game console are there obviously. Bluetooth/WiFi refrigerator/oven/microwave or air fryer. No. Why? 😆 On a motorcycles and cars for that matter I can appreciate the tech like ABS/TCS. Anti Wheelie control/the screens for giving a lot of info on the bike or car itself sure. Do I necessarily want it? Once again no, if it comes with a car or bike I want to buy, ok fine nothing I can do about it really but it ain't a necessity for me. If I look at my 08 Kawasaki Z750 it has a digital screen with the speed, time, engine temperature sensor and fuel level on it. Really nice, no TFT, LCD or LED screen. Like I said I do like the features and info it offers on nowadays bike, but not a necessity. My bike has a big analog sweeping RPM gauge and the look of it. I really enjoy the aesthetics of the analog gauges, I do think it does make you more immersed in the ride like you mentioned. Other stuff like WiFi on a car, blind spot detection lights, sensors all around for monitoring traffic around me or even for parking are unnecessary look around you use your mirrors and look over your shoulder works fine keeps you more alert as well. Lean sensor, ride modes for racing maybe yes, for street use not really needed, but I get it's a viable option to limit a bike and keep it more safe with the modes for example.

[@blondiejoe]

I ride a 2017 Guzzi V7. It has ABS and an analog speedo with a little digital trip meter/odometer thingy. This is as far as I want to go. I believe they crossed some kind of line when they switched to a screen with current models. I actually don't think it's that complicated to keep things classic in look and feel, but modern behind the scenes. Would my bike feel less classic/minimalist if it had an IMU inside, providing advanced cornering ABS? No, I would never see or feel that, but you put a screen on it and the feel is different. I think Enfield gets this, but sadly Guzzi is slipping.

[@monisprabu1174]

try continental GT 650 modern classic it resembles thruxton, Ducati sport classic, Norton

[@michaelcase8574]

Everything old is new again!

[@JGKohlenberg]

I think about this riding my new Honda ATAS. I love a lot of the new tech. but sometimes what we end up remembering most fondly was the limitations of our older machines and how that became endearing over time.

[@Yann954]

I agree with you, the excess of technology distorts the motorcycle. However, 2 points are important. The first concerns "ABS" because I think it is a good element for safety. For example, my Ducati Monster 620 from 2004 does not have "ABS", which requires braking to be carefully dosed. The second point concerns "GPS" which is interesting for discovering new roads and new places... Personally, I prefer simple motorcycles.

[@akshay4892]

Not the finest example you gave, royal Enfield hasn't fine tuned their bikes, their reliability is shit, they barely have reputation of a good balanced bike in terms of high speed and braking

[@benderbender1233]

🤘😘🤘

[@s.k9677]

Hi analog all the way el start is ok the only safty fiture ABS and fuel injekton its the only things i nead i have ridden true the 80s and still going, still got my Yamaha xj 900 86 mod and i got my classic 350 in 22 dident know that 20hp could putt a smile on my face like that first time i tested it i was gigling then i was sold you can go down country lanes and enjoy seanory and the smell on a bike like that , way make a bike with 200hp and at least strangle 100 to 120 of the hp with a rider mode? you pay fore hp you dont need andmoest riders cant handle we lost some riders this summer as well cant ride tracspeed on public road that dosent end well ride safe and have great 2024 seson , parden my bad English mary xmas and happy new yare.

[@aresonance]

What’s with that example of old racist movies to having a screen on a bike? That made no sense.

[@sebastiangiovannella7778]

Totally unrelated but you know would been cool too? If you named you company “stark industries” like in iron man.