Why old motorcycles look better than new motorcycles

[@camgere]

Mechanical systems can be taken apart and put back together. Every once in a while the light bulb goes off and you actually understand how it works. A very satisfying experience. Not so much for "chips" and software.

[@s_t_r_a_y_e_d]

me an electronics test engineer: are you sure about that soldering and having knowledge of basic electrical theory should be just as important for a mechanic as knowing how to replace a wheel bearing or bleed brakes. the real problem is manufacturers blocking right to repair at this level and that working on micro electronics isn't "manly" thus hard to get wrenchers to bother learning it.

[@camgere]

​@@s_t_r_a_y_e_d Yes, I'm sure. Don you really understand how moving a charge through an electric field creates a voltage? Not just some number that shows up on a meter. That's a first day lecture in a beginning electrical course. How about the characteristic impedance of a trace on a circuit board? Otherwise, I totally agree with you. "Soldering and having knowledge of basic electrical theory" is an excellent idea. As a test engineer you have access to design information, engineers and source code. Consumers don't. Which brings up "right of repair". I totally agree with you that consumers should be given information relevant to maintaining their purchases. Henry Ford gave tools and instructions to Model T owners on how to de-carbonize the heads on the engine. He realized that many farmers were fairly adept at working on farm tractors. Can you imagine a Mercedes S class owner picking up a valve grinding tool out of the factory tool kit? Scotty Kilmer has shown that scan tools are the upside of sophisticated electronics. They can allow cars to diagnose themselves. Manufacturers haven't gone out of their way to make scan tools accessible to the average consumer. Manufacturers love "proprietary product lock in" like using your iPhone with a Mac computer. Thought of monopoly control makes them deliriously happy. Wireless communication between the car and manufacturer (OnStar and Tesla auto-update) is a real battlefield right now. Happy fixing!

[@FabioRodrigues-xs8vf]

So you're main argument is that you don't understand it. I agree that it's fun to work on things you understand. But if when faced with something new your default atitude is to disregard it.. it reflects poorly on who you are. I'm generally curious when I don't understand something. I work in understanding it.

[@pedromateus4268]

@@FabioRodrigues-xs8vf No. The main argument is that you don't have the right to understand it. According to manufactures. As he said, engineers at the manufacturer do have the source code, equipment and blueprints available. Consumers on the other hand don't. I get that you're into learning new stuff, and I am too. But today's products don't allow you to. Legally at least... There are a lot of counterfit tools for fooling an iphone to think the new battery is still the same for example.... But the fact that you have to go through that route is just ridiculous. Consumers should have access to tools from the manufacturer and the right to repair.

[@thewinter_]

@@pedromateus4268 perhaps *your* main argument is that manufacturers have a vested interest in making sure the consumer does not understand the products they buy, which is something I agree with. However, OP's argument is that just because *they* don't understand "chips and software", it's therefore impossible to understand.

[@PortCharmers]

My main beef with modern motorcycles is that they try to look aggressive. Either in a garish sportive futuristic insectoid robot kind of way, or the flat black look-what-a-dangerous-bad-boy-i-am variety. They lack class or charms. Another detail that strikes me is that modern paintwork is very glossy and covered by half a millimeter of clear coat, while on classic machines, the coloured layer is right at the surface. Small detail, but gives to me a very different feel.

[@michaellombard894]

Exactly, truer words have never been spoken. Insect-like, robotic, and Darth Vader-ish styling. What has happened to flowing lines and smooth styling. I hope it comes back!!

[@Mr.-Wint]

Reflects the stressful way of living nowadays I believe !

[@shinkishimoto7607]

You're describing modern japanese scooters with the modern robotic aggressive look. The only modern japanese scooter design i like is the PCX 160

[@user-dy6bv3vi7o]

You should check out new bikes from "royal Enfield". They aren't made the way you described

[@datgio4951]

@@michaellombard894 dont get me wrong, that’s still pretty sick, but a bit of variety would be nice

[@browngreen933]

I don't mind the plastic, what I hate is the grotesque styling that make modern motorcycles look like mutant Japanese insects or hodge-podge plumbing nightmares. Modern motorcycles are hideous.

[@finlaymcdiarmid5832]

I agree 99.9% of the time but the ninja h2 somehow manages to not look like a mangled bionicle repurposed into a bike. Thats about it though the rest look worse than horrendous.

[@5533851]

The classic, simple motorcycle (like a Royal Enfield) reminds us of the very first kind of motor-transport, the motorized bicycle. The classic motorcycle still looks like a motor-bicycle, in that all it's design elements serve a purpose. Yet it also has the power of ten or more horses and it is built by skilled craftsmen and engineers. It is a symbol of beauty, technology and freedom all rolled into one. We may not consciously realize these things, but there is a reason even non motorcycle people stop to look fondly at these old machines!

[@690_5]

I really like sport bikes, I adore them. Modern bikes made to look old (save for Indian and Triumph) just fail to capture my attention. I looked at a Harley Davidson from 1920 and it just looked incredible. I'd ride it right now if I could.

[@certified68crazy3]

As a 72-year-old rider, new bikes are like new cars cookie-cutter butt ugly.

[@whalesong999]

Born in 1941 and got into motorcycles while in high school. The era from then til the mid '80s had the most overall practicality and value. Full fenders, a dual seat, and uncluttered features that were easy to care for. My '57 BMW R-26 was the best "keeper" I ever had and was no slouch at cruising 60mph. I was a mechanic and service manager in the industry for nearly 20 years - there were some exciting developments but also some minor failings, mostly for the status in a market category.

[@thomasheer825]

Am 68 and still ride a lot, love the older bikes for the simple lines and simplicity. Yep you can fix them yourself in your shop, but you gotta fix them more often but often the routine repairs can be done in fractions of the time to the new bikes. There are some bikes out there that are simple, good looking and cheap. Most riders now days are wrapped up with the high tech and MUST have this stuff on the bike and look down on others who cannot match the specs with their bike. Well there is a stretch of road close to home that has some shall I say interesting characteristics that a good rider will drool and have fun, while many of these hyper bike dreamers wherein tech is the point and not the ride. Many of these dreamers have bikes that should have cleaned my clock badly I ate for lunch.

[@jamesmcgrath1952]

I'll be 70 soon and have 5 bikes. Just got a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. But I still love the old bikes. Even at my age I have no problem with a kick start. Merry Christmas.

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

I'll be 68 at the end of the month. I love all style of bikes. I have 5 bikes now. A 2015 XT250, a 2017 Harley Street Glide Special, a 2018 Iron 1200, a 2021 Yamaha MT07, and a 1965 Triumph TR6. I love them all. I've been riding for over 50 years and have owned a lot of bikes. Too many to list. The Harleys style have seem to have remained the same for a long time. I have pictures of me sitting on my dads 1959 Pan Head. It seems that I was born to ride.

[@geraldscott4302]

I have 7 carbureted bikes, one is a 2013 Royal Enfield B5 Bullet that I converted from EFI to an Amal carburetor, one is a 1979 Vespa P200E two stroke, one is a 2002 Harley Sportster, the rest are '70s and '80s Japanese bikes. I have 2 1960s pre emissions cars. Computerized "technology" is not for me when it comes to motor vehicles.

[@thomasheer825]

@@geraldscott4302 What is fun for me is the Kids and grandkids scratching their heads when I work on a carb or change out points. Have a 47 VAC Case Tractor, and 6 motorcycles that range from the 70's to the early 2000. As for automotive 4 wheels again oldest is 68 Poncho to Mom's 18 Grand Cherokee. The cool 4 wheel is the 99 Jeep Wrangler with 2.5Lt with 5 speed and a home grown turbocharger system.

[@tomoates8568]

I hear you. I'm 29, and I just got into riding last year. Commute every day on my bike and love it. Maybe it's because I didn't grow up with the old bikes or pay attention to motorcycles growing up, but I'm definitely the kind of person that likes the modern bikes much better. Just for simple things like having safety features like ABS. My first bike I've been riding is a 2018 Triumph Speedmaster. Been riding every day and hoping to upgrade maybe next year for a larger cruiser bike. Probably going to try out the new Low Rider S when I get around to trading in. I love hearing older people still loving motorcycles. Hopefully I'll be the old timer one day talking about my favorite bikes too lol. Ride safe

[@timjohnson1199]

The old motorcycles are much more honest. No fly by wire. No nanny functions. A carb handles fuel which you totally control. The FI unit has a brain somewhere which you request for fuel. No plastic covers. And so on.

[@danmanthe9335]

I drive a throttle by wire truck with an automatic transmission for a living. Every time I try to accelerate it's like asking a committee for permission to do something that they don't understand

[@twrcrew8852]

@@danmanthe9335 you must drive a shitty DBW vehicle. For actual vehicles meant to be fast, not only is this not a problem but it is vastly superior to boomer tech.

[@danmanthe9335]

@@twrcrew8852 seeing as how it weighs 20,000 lbs empty no, it wasn't meant to be fast. At all. In any galaxy anywhere, it's slow

[@twrcrew8852]

@@danmanthe9335 then ofc its no metric of what DBW actually offers. there are more pros than cons. the one boomer argument for anything electric is "i can't see what's happening so it sucks". while it offers superior smoothness, response, ease of replacement, ease of access and removal/installation. and zero plumbing in most cases. I understand that there's a lot not to love about modern equipment that were put there EXPLICITLY to make life more difficult or adhere to politician's ideals that are not based in reality or experience, but DBW is not one of them.

[@danmanthe9335]

@@twrcrew8852 no, it is absolutely not a fair assessment of what the technology is capable of. Just one particular instance of it being frustrating

[@geneclarke2205]

IMO, a motorcycle that missed the mark is BMW's R18 that was inspired by BMW's 1936/37 BMW R5. The R5 in classic black and BMW white pin strips, maintains a sense of harmonious and beautiful proportion and balance. Much of the DNA of the R5 is carried over to the R18 but in BMW's effort to build a muscle cruiser competitive with Harley-Davidson and Indian the 1800cc engine size is out of proportion to the rest of the bike blurring the classic lines and symmetry. What would this bike look like if BMW had used a 1250cc engine in proportion to the classic R5? The R18 is a piece of engineering art but a failed motorcycle design.

[@Yutter89]

Also sitting one one, I was amazed with how low they sit and small of rider they felt designed for. I'm a bit tall, but I've never had a such a large bike feel like it was built for only a 5'2 rider

[@miguelJsesma]

I understand and share your point of view, but there is also a beauty on the engineering of getting all the modern functionality in an affordable package. Think on the MT-07 saga or the Honda 1100 one. That is a lot of engineering about getting the most for a price. And that is also valuable.

[@Ridgerian]

Thank you. At the end you said whatever motorcycle you have you're the owner and you can make it your own (make your own art out of it). Welldone

[@nick4506]

I think its the tire sizes. if you like through the 90s and the old primordial sportbikes where they were still trying to figure out standard tire sizes, the ones we have today are head and shoulders above how all the old tires worked... but they ugly. kinda like how the Indian ftr went to some funky tire sizes that bike looks amazing but handles like garbage. the form follows the function but that doesn't mean it looks good. old bikes they had no clue what the best tire size was so they just went with stuff that looked right, handled like ass but looks great.

[@bartmotorcycle]

I think you're on to something

[@williammuir638]

Totally agree son. Modern bikes look like shite, go like shite, handle like shite, are boring as shite, and quite frankly are just shite. Original 70's triumphs, guzzis, ducatis, agustas, benellis, gilerias, laverdas, Nortons, kawasakis, are superior to anything before or since. Pierre Terblanche designed some really shit bikes. Ducati multistrada for instance.

[@Snowaxe3D]

we had an Old Bike, the 90s I believe, It was a Honda, And As a kid, I had always loved it, and I used to just sit on it and dream of riding it one day, I was 6 or 7 that time, One day after I woke up, I couldn't find it in the garage, Turns out my dad "Gave it away" to his brother, and after some years his brother sold that bike to a scrap yard. And it made me sad but there was nothing I could do I was just a kid. But this is the story of why I love the old bikes, It's nostalgia for me, and believe it or not, But I don't know how to ride a motorcycle, I never learned it,

[@murraybates9266]

Pierre Terblanche designed some of the worst looking Ducati's ever made and he was quickly shown the door when his designs weren't popular and that electric bike is appalling I wouldn't give this guy bus fare.

[@uo1147]

There's a point where chasing function over form really removes something from being a human experience. Classic bikes are on the right side of that line, imo.

[@thomasfolks]

As an architect, my dad was taught "form follows function", where the purpose of a product should be the primary influence for its design. A good designer can then add touches such as practicality and attractiveness. Maybe bikes are now much bigger projects, made of components from separate teams rather than a person with a single vision?

[@jordanjoestar8839]

Modern Indian FTR1200, Chief, BMW R flat motor and Z900 Cafe have done a wonderful job too.

[@Terribleguitarist89]

I can appreciate my buddys' modern rides but to me the 30-60's era bikes are absolutely gorgeous to me. Hell, my favorite putput I've had over the years is my little 53 Harley Hummer. It's slow, sounds like an angry weed eater going around town but it's the definition of "riding a slow bike fast" while having those amazing old school curves.

[@juanfelipefrancoduque5336]

Thank you for making this video, it was needed to say that we as riders needed to evolve as well. And that will actually bring back the beauty to motorcycle design

[@RaisinBarXZ550]

Fairly new to bikes but a car guy since day one, but after starting riding I was worried about how an electric motorcycle would be harder to control without the clutch, just like electric scooters or CVT scooters are harder to have throttle control of

[@xunayedslytherinzunayed1300]

I could not agree! Some people love to sit emotionally . But it is true that innovation will change

[@iplaymytele]

I ride a 1961 Cushman Eagle…, with a 670cc V-Twin in it…….!

[@JamesCouch777]

That would be a great ride 👍

[@briquetaverne]

A lot of old stuff looks a lot better than new stuff because it is perception is understandable. You see a steam locomotive's pushing rods that turn a wheel; You see the puff of oily exhaust coming out of that old car's exhaust pipe as the car accelerates or changes gears. You hear grinding gears if they're not perfectly synchronized. You see the warping of the drive chain as torque is applied upon that motorcycle's acceleration. In some cases you can see moving parts functioning on cars, motorcycles and boats. Half the fun of going somewhere isn't arriving it's traveling.

[@jamesneufeld-b7e]

The Curved fender Indians were absolutely lovely.

[@noahway7690]

Instead of being minimalist, I feel electric bikes can have extra room for storage and innovative safety devices, like airbags.

[@Texmotodad]

My wife told many years ago that she preferred my bikes over some our friends because you could see the engines on mine. For example our Laverda RGS. Did I marry well or what...

[@bartmotorcycle]

My wife says the same thing, she hates motorcycles with any body work. I'll show her a beautiful Ducati sport bike and she's like 'meh, I like your bike more' lol

[@Kevscancave]

Craftsmanship “you hit the nail on the head! Great video! 👍👀👍

[@philipmezesers5297]

I love your channel, keep it up. I am one of your subscribers who will support you. Much success to your channel soon

[@johnhenke6475]

6:10. Another piece of electric crap that takes four days to ride 200 miles.

[@douglasgreaves188]

Glad I've had a chance to ride or own a lot of my favourite machines. Just missed the Rd 250/350s by a couple of years. Then again had some wild years on 86 gsxr 750. Still got sports bike but triumph main ride & ktm for mud rivers or the rare crash. Electric could be the future but it looks a bit lifeless.

[@battoisoutto6657]

I have a ural retro a motorcycle that from a design standpoint hasn’t changed since the 1940’s. It has a sidecar, a boot, and looks like every vintage bike people drool over. Because in all reality it pretty much is. But the mechanics were modernized to increase reliability. But the bike on paper fails miserably if you’re a stat junky looking at plastic toys explicitly for gimmicks and gremlins. No Abs, no real computers. A death sentence apparently. The body is made out of heavy steel. Acceleration is there, the hp is only in the 40’s just like the design. But I got it because it’s from another school of thought. Fenders and bottom of the side car are lined with undercoating to protect from rust. The bike has similar tires to an dual sport it can go where you point it. The suspension is overkill. It passes the chicken egg basket over a field test. The gear box takes the same oil as the engine. It’s designed like a tractor because in Siberia you’re SOL if your out of oil. Less things to worry about. And it will go through snow. People have driven these through blizzards It has reverse, and it seems to have been fuel mapped to run on the crappiest gasoline you can imagine. The 40 something horsepower engine is a boxer twin with a fighting German heritage and a heritage of fighting the Germans. The tool roll it came with I’ve used to fix a friends car. You can dissemble the motorcycle with everything they give you from the factory. It’s illogically logical. On paper it fails every notion for modernity, but when explained to a human. It makes sense. And besides how many bikes have the option of a factory machine gun mount?

[@noahway7690]

Man the "Loud pipes save lives" gang is going to REALLY hate electric motorcycles.

[@jamesfrost7465]

Because all of us love the old old school look of those bikes. I sure wish Harley Davidson would come out with a 1918? 1919- 1920? looking bike. Put the 1200 engine on it, sweep the handle bars way back, all new parts but looks like it came out of the 19 teens. For riding around town and short trips that bike would be perfect! Wear some classic old school leathers, goggles, and boots that stop just below the knees. Travel back in time with a beautiful new bike and terrific wardrobe. Just be careful with time travel..... it ages you..... trust me.

[@dr.sawdust4278]

This is exactly how i feel as well. Fun fact. I just bought a ural m72 😂 Is it populair? No Is it reliable? No Is it strong? Hell no (22hp max) But to me its a beautiful machine and just crazy simple to maintain. You can see it was build by hand, to do what it was suppose to do. (No pretty stuff but thats not the point) You can read its story’s from the parts and crashes. I love that stupid thing!

[@zenolachance1181]

Wow! You really over thought that

[@treytucker5619]

Growing up I thought the Honda dream was a nightmare of Japanese styling. The Datsun B2-10 “honey bee” was the ugliest thing on wheels IMHO.

[@bikabill5182]

I like the BST design very much, and I'm a Harley/vintage Honda kinda guy.

[@edwardmeredith31]

I love my 1980 cx500. My 83 gpz 750. But they have problems. They can get cranky. However my 06 zx12 just works.....until someone decided to jump it with a truck. The old bikes are easier to work on but require more maintenance. New bikes work better but when something goes wrong it can be a nightmare to figure out what is wrong. Without the proper training it can be almost impossible. I'm an electrical technician (not going to say engineer) I know how to read and troubleshoot electrical circuits but getting one is not possible. That's the main problem. Yes if I take it to a dealership I know it will get fix correctly but that costs more. Plus there is some "fun" in working on your stuff. Doesn't matter what it is. There is pride in keeping something working. They are taking that away and making more things disposable.

[@jaymorris3468]

Totally agree, there's a limit were beauty apexes, just like the shape of 50s and especially 60s exotic cars, imo only the likes of Aston Martin carried on until late 80s V8 vantage and Volante, still beautiful cars and bikes out there but the beauty has already pinnacled and the most beautiful is still a modern take on the past. New Triumph range and especially Rocket and Ducati Diavel take a mention on modern but that's subjective, I just can't see electric engines being beautiful on a bike unless it looks like a piston engine. Great channel.

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

older bikes can be repaired at home and kept on the road, too many throw away parts on modern bikes

[@Kmodal]

My grandfather re-built several old motocycles from 40s , 50s and 60s. They look cool, but I dont think they look better. I prefer modern sportsbikes with fairings

[@Chris-hq7nl]

I'm a younger guy and I far and away prefer older or older-looking bikes to new bikes.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Practically Terrablanche's electric bike is number one, but for joy of riding, give me the Sunbeam any day. It's the essence of a motor- cycle. Modern bikes are fast but boring. I noticed it in the transition from air cooled fours to water-cooled rocketships, the new bikes were boring.

[@davemisunas6934]

Two favorite motors that have beauty built into the design. 500cc Daytona Triumph... CB750 Honda.

[@raupenimmersatt6906]

The Honda CB 500, 550 and 750 Four are for me the Best looking bikes. Sadly I Sold my 550 :(

[@landedzentry]

I cannot imagine how recent motorcyclists find the modern shattered aesthetic attractive. I always owned inoffensive bikes , occasionally pretty ones and could never afford the beautiful ones. I have no intention of buying an offensive bike. KTM vs Ducati. eg: I think the Thruxton looks better...prettier... with the cafe racer fairing on it (an option).

[@Fred_the_1996]

Same thing for bicycles! My 1970s locally made bike looks way better than most modern bikes made by large companies, and is infinitely easier to fix. Sure, it's heavier, less aero and a tiny bit less practical, but the looks, ease of adjustability and comfort cannot be matched by today's bikes if you use a good quality saddle, handlebar tape and tyres

[@zacharys1502]

Love your vids bro!’

[@apenneukende]

The answer is nostalgia.

[@WOLFSENT1]

That first Dude WAS NOT IN FUKIN FLIP FLOPS! OMFG

[@roguecheddar]

That's why I love my stunning 2019 Indian Springfield in steel gray and metallic burgundy. It looks old, but is far superior in form and function. Cruiser Heaven, all day, every day.

[@roadiemort3589]

Almost zero plastic on or in Yamaha Road Star, single carb V Twin with classic styling, 99 to 07 carbed, 08 to 14 EFI love my 07 and 04.

[@austinblake2144]

Only thing i miss about older bikes is color choices and good paint finish. Besides that they can keep the drum brakes, carbs, old tech in the past

[@TheBlackob]

I kinda agree, but I kinda disagree: Some very old bikes look good, but many look bad in my eyes. Bikes started to look good somewhere in the 90s. I myself have a '96 Honda Magna because I have not found a newer bike that looks anywhere near as good. Most modern cruiser just have something, that makes them less nice to look at, but so do the very old bikes.

[@tenza7545]

Honestly I don’t think any motorcycle looks good but I do kinda like how my rebel looks probably because it’s mostly black paint anything black and I’d like it more and for the BST more black and it might not hurt to look at.

[@willzdavo13]

Just found your channel and I am now binge watching eveything

[@Graybeard_]

Simple: Fewer parts, more substantial parts, more style, less gimmick.

[@danielerickson4893]

What is your opinion on Moto Guzzi? I don't know why, but for some reason it's one of my favorite motorcycle brands. I'd love to one some day, old or new.

[@snehadeepchatterjee2949]

I was never much into retro "looking" motorcycles. But after watching this video, I'm still not into retro "looking" motorcycles.

[@alexkelly8131]

Old bikes were raw and pure so only had the basics which gave them a very stripped down look . Modern bikes although way better to ride have so many legal requirements that they have too much added a lot of the time .

[@porkychop7522]

Motorcycle carb to fuel injection system used in old diesel truck but still uses gasoline. Simple engineering and easy to maintain. But why no manufacturer make this?

[@ericweber1969]

Good video, lots to chew on. Edward Turner, the designer of your Triumph, wasn’t solely focused on function; he wanted things to function beautifully, which means that function is the beginning of good design, but NOT its sole determinant. There were many rather clunky designs back in the 60’s too, contrary to some people’s recollections. Regarding Terblanche’s BST electric, it’s important to point out that it isn’t a production machine, but having said that, I think it’s far too visually “cluttered” to be a classic. I’m far more partial to Huge Design’s results when they were commissioned to redesign the Zero FXE. Much cleaner results, and it’s for sale right now. Be sure to compare the old FXE to the new design to see what I mean. I think you’re right that electrics have some real opportunities for new design approaches, but it think it’s far more likely that we’ll see a more incremental approach to new ideas; electrics will evolve away from ICE precedents over time. I don’t think too many ‘complete breaks’ like Terblanche’s will be successful. The market is fairly conservative for good reason. I could go on, but I mainly wanted to thank you for a thought provoking video, always a great thing!

[@J2onton]

Old school bikes leaked oil. For every 2 hours you rode them, they needed an hours spanner work. Modern bikes don't leak oil or need too much attention. They ride and ride and ride.

[@davidmurray9193]

If I can get the money I would like a Norton or triumph style bike, and sell my 16 plate fireplade rr, but sadly unable to do at the moment

[@adadadatt]

I'm sympathetic towards the idea of your video, and agree that motorcycle design is often not as attractive today, but you missed a lot of the fundamental reasons why motorcycles today look different. Basically, motorcycles today are better - their function has gotten better. They're faster, slow down better, are more stable in a straight line, more stable over bumps, are better in a corner, are more reliable, and lighter. You mentioned how motorcycles like the CB750 have a visual lightness, but overlooked the fact that they were actually heavier than their modern counterparts. Those elegant air-cooled engines were slower and less reliable than modern liquid-cooled engines, those steel tube frames flexed more compared to modern more complex designs, larger diameter wheels eere slower in cornering, spoked rims prevented radial tires, and the list goes on and on...

[@mohamedyousif9257]

🛵 The worst thing about modern bikes is the liquid cooling system 😪

[@patrickvanmeter2922]

Like a pretty woman. It is in the eye of the beholder. I have owned so many I couldn't count them. I loved all of them for different reasons.

[@Luisgui76]

What Triumph is that? Beautiful bike.

[@fingerhorn4]

There is no mention of CURVES. Classic motorcycles did not have sharp edges. Almost every component had a roundness to it, where possible. Contemporary bikes do away with curves and replace them with sharp angles, and sometimes a confusing mess of sharp components in the name of "aggressive styling". This is an Alpha Male concept. Feminine curves are now out and masculine, aggressive sharpness is in. This exposes a rather pathetic insecurity of both designers and riders. It displays a lack of imagination or aesthetic appreciation, and the same goes for the current obsession with black, dark or grey motorcycles - another nod to the ludicrous notion that lack of colour equals "masculine".

[@soldtobediers]

It's simple... you must be able to see through the framing.

[@stancoleshill8925]

NUMBER ONE IN MY BOOK IS A 7 INCH ROUND HEADLIGHT ! If it ain't got one I'M NOT INTERESTED ! BY THE WAY, I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING BETTER THAN MY NORTON ! (Except a six into one CBX)

[@stevenboelke6661]

I'm glad this video got into the identity crisis that ebikes are currently experiencing. Manufacturers aren't as willing to take a risk by radically altering form to suit the new function, just as most consumers are not as willing to buy bikes with a radically different form. It's gonna take time. Decades, no doubt.

[@esstee9595]

The thing to remember when romanticisng old bikes is they were the best tech of their time. What looks charming and quaint these days was cutting edge back then. If they had the ability to use plastics back then, they would have. If in order to package the best engine in the frame meant you needed to remove a bunch of components to get to the valves, they would have used that design. Same with fuel injection and electronics etc. If Terblanche is known for any 1 thing, it's form. The 999 just about killed Ducati, regardless of its function which was very good indeed. Sure, old bikes look cool, and can be cool for short rides where posing is most important. But not for serious, perfomance rides. I'll take a new, plastic wrapped MV any day over a new retro bike.

[@orppranator5230]

No plastic. But also, easy to repair because everything is out in the open.

[@arthurhudgens8213]

The electronics are extremely complicated on new motorcycles. Good luck trying to fix a problem. Most have a body control module that if goes bad you will lose blinkers horn ability to put headlight onto high beam.etc etc this one module even controls ignition and fuel system...think harley sportster as is in my case....extremely expensive

[@joefoley1480]

I like the retro look I am also old enough to have ridden 50s motor bikes. Oh the endless hours repairing the leaky unreliable things. Mind you they were easy to work on

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

They look like motorcycles rather than some erotic fantasy of the folks in marketing

[@scanalyst492]

Simplicity and Function. Those beautiful and simple old motorcycles didn't have to comply with the Clean Air Act of 1970 and all the amendments that followed. The function of a motorcycle today means that they must comply with strict emission standards which no simple air cooled, carbureted motorcycle can meet. Motorcycles today MUST be liquid cooled, fueled injected, catalytic converted and have an O2 sensor plus much more to meet emission standards. No simple, light weight, air cooled and carbureted motorcycle can be sold in the developed world without these devices which add weigh and complexity. I challenge you to test the exhaust coming out of your beautiful classic Triumph, which I agree is a beautiful work of art, in it's time. However, given that the exhaust is toxic, maybe not so beautiful. As for electric motorcycles, they can be wonderful but they are only moving the pollution from the bike to the electric generation plant which probably runs on natural gas but possibly coal. I own two electric bikes and they are great for what they are but nothing compared to my 2022 Triumph Street Twin. I bought the Street Twin because it took me back to my first motorcycle, a 1962 Triumph Bonneville. One of my electric bikes is a Sur Ron Light Bee, which is somewhat like a motorcycle but without the charm and sound. I think that motorcycles should be given a break from strict emission regulations because compared to other forms of transportation they are small and efficient. The air coming out the exhaust of my 2022 Triumph Street Twin is relatively clean and possibly cleaner than the air going in to the engine in some cities. As far as I'm concerned, my current bike is more beautiful than my first bike, the 1962 Triumph Bonneville because not only is it a work of art, but the air coming out the exhaust is clean. Your classic Triumph, considering it's emissions, not so much.

[@Harold710]

Cars keep getting uglier too.

[@patbassman8251]

I personally think the Japanese bikes between 70s up to 2000 are the best looking apart from anything Ducati .

[@alloomis1635]

motor cycles have become a fashion statement, for many people. they are often styled like fighter planes, or sci-fi spaceships. if you are sympathetic to the 'less is more' theory, then a lot of bikes are childish. at the same time, when does a road motorcycle use 200 hp? a lot of grossly swollen engines out there.

[@DeathracerXD]

That electric bike is the ugliest pos ive seen in years

[@fposmith]

It's because you can't improve on perfection !

[@michaelgillett5477]

I’m sorry to be a NIMBY or grouch but what does with his motorcycle be as an every day Ride your bike to work the days of strapping a fuel tank or your dinner bag should I say on the top of your fuel tank with your sandwiches in and if you drop your bike on the way to work you pick it up straighten up carry on riding this is from a different world not the world I think I want to belong to you thank you very much for showing it Michael

[@jadesmith6823]

I own a beautiful BMW R1200RT. 2009. Ex Tasmanian police bike How lucky am I ❤️

[@bekindilyas]

simple, bc there's not much complicated electrical stuff

[@raizopopo3159]

If function can become beauty then why motorcycle attend to hide cables and electrical component when motorcycle cant run without it

[@BulldogMack700rs]

Most modern bikes look ok but leave the headlight design up to a 3 year old obsessed with insects ruining the front end.

[@borderlands6606]

Modern motorcycle design is based on the triangle, or wedge. Traditional motorcycle design is based on curved forms. Current designs are informed by comic book imagery, leading to ever more extreme and caricatured shapes. Unless you are travelling at extreme speeds, the aerodynamic properties of the wedge are irrelevant, but they dominate design language of motorbikes. Compound curves don't have to be "retro", but the market is undiscriminating and ill-informed, leading to self-fulfilling design briefs.

[@oliveiraluis3540]

Beauty allways comes out of function and meaning. Thats what I think design is, function and meaning. Old school bikes look good and allways will look good cause they serve that very purpose, they work and they mean something. Edit: New designs of performance for motorcycles? Yeah but dude, youre sitting on that dam fence, you dont wanna say ebikes suck.

[@dickspits8819]

I really love this channel I really hope it blows up

[@KUBBI7488]

Since I’m getting older I started liking more old looking bikes ! Lol

[@jamesonpace726]

We old farts love the designs we fell in love with at 14 regardless the long, logical-sounding reasons....

[@savage22bolt32]

That's me too, bro!

[@carlarthur4442]

Me too . In the sixties we could build a bike out of odds and sodds . Miss those days you could buy a bike from anything for a tenner to whatever you could afford. Now you can't change a spark plug without a splash tool .

[@chantakzee]

Let's be honest here, people like old bikes because that's the coolest thing around that time when motorcycle movies is in hottest blockbusters and UJM floods the market with motorcycle that looks exactly the same for each producer.

[@mickmccrory8534]

I now have the '68 Bonneville that I wanted when I was 14.

[@travygrain3314]

I am 14 but I still love the older bikes WAY more. I have a 1982 Honda XL185S right now and mostly do dirt riding

[@rohitdangale3594]

Clean design no electronic fuss, simple mechanism, good ride quality makes the old the better choice, Royal Enfield is catering to their moto of pure motorcycling

[@tomoates8568]

I'd argue I get much better "ride quality" with the more modern bikes with the modern tech. There's no doubt that a lot of older classic bikes are awesome, but I'm not going to make an old bike my daily commuter when there's so many modern bikes that are far safer and easier to ride

[@2lbsTrigrPull]

@@tomoates8568 Modern bikes are more sophisticated. You can already tell a huge difference from bikes that are 20 years older than the newer models. They are in comparison to their matching CC range lighter, more manoeuvrable, more reliable, just better in most aspects. Technology advancements in suspension, rubber quality for tyres and electronics made a huge difference.

[@devenpawar8]

Imagine getting an engine malfunction in the middle of a desert because you couldn't get the newest update for your ecu, that happened w me. Gonna switch to a simple mechanical bike soon

[@RATsnak3]

Electronics can be the opposite of “fuss” especially if you’re talking carburetor vs fuel injection.

[@garyshoaf5699]

With most of the older bikes, they could be modified or customized. Many hoppers from the 70s were works of art. Not necessarily practical or easy to ride, but an expression of the builder. The engine was the centerpiece.

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

The way light plays on and thru the bike. Its the same with older cars and even bicycles. They were built by engineers first then styled not styled by a team of designers instructed to hide the engineering. They were intended for those that knew how things worked not for those that just hand it back to a dealership. Repairs were done by mechanics in overalls that you knew their name not technicians with a laptop in the back room where you aren't allowed.... unlike most things in today's world, they made sense....or maybe I'm just a old fool and the good old days aren't real...

[@RideWithRen]

I like Royal Enfield because in many ways they are making motorcycles the old way, despite their new factory and their embracing of modern features. Most of their current bikes make a minimal use plastics, and that's refreshing. I love my Himalayan, and I'm thinking of buying a Classic 350. The Himalayan was also designed by Pierre Terblanche.

[@61.pranamyajoshi23]

The reborn classic 350 is just beautiful. Thanks to RE that they have refined that engine.

[@harshilpatel1478]

Wait up they are gonna come out with the new 350 this year.

[@adarsh47k89]

500cc also best bro👍😎

[@gradientO]

Why 350? It's slow as fck, i should've got the int650 lol

[@lriper4702]

In some years we will talk about why buyers prefer “old”internal combustion engine motorcycles than electrics…

[@MyKharli]

There will be a time ,if we survive the climate catastrophe , that the thought of `burning` such useful stuff which presumable we will need forever , will seem so short sighted .

[@2lbsTrigrPull]

@@MyKharli Fuel can be made synthetical.

[@HiroNguy]

"My uncle has a country place No one knows about..."

[@popinmo]

@@2lbsTrigrPull never will be as good as eletricity nothing will any technology that isn't electrically powered evantually will be

[@bertrandgeorgeon3992]

@@2lbsTrigrPull ...with coal.

[@willbell8328]

Because new motorcycles don't look as good as old motorcycles!

[@fin3572]

You are right on form vs function (less so on materials) and the parallels with cars are the same. Early motorised transport was all about beauty and character (form) and then efficiency, performance and safety took over (function). Now all modern cars look like identical jelly moulds and we've lost the intimacy of self servicing with the complexities of things like EFI and ECUs. The exception are the Italians, who have always prioritised the aesthetic and make the function conform to it. Tamburini would have been a better designer to highlight, in this regard, than Terreblanche. Interesting video though.

[@strider5453]

because new motorcycles look like they were designed by somebody who's on meth

[@MessiahManiac]

Sometimes I feel It would be fun to see Ryan from Fortnine and Bart talking in a podcast. Bart you should someday start a podcast.