That TLC is of course 'tender loving care', the 'hugging factor'. Our classics exist by virtue of that. And that makes a big difference with the riders of modern motorcycles who have to check their valves every 12.000 km and cherish their smartphone and mobility guarantee as their greatest asset. It is also the reason that we have seen a few 'switchers to classic driving' switch back to 'modern'. Because of 'the hassle'.
Herweder backstapers
Those reenactments were not the men who had been tried and tested from their earliest childhood because of the association, and often dependence, on old technology. They were men who dreamed in their youth and only now made their dream come true. Not all of them were very happy with the once-off engine of their dreams. Certainly not if they had first enjoyed the joys of modern - and often not the least - motorcycles for a few years. Then when nostalgia hit, they bought a classic and started driving in a classic way. Sometimes instead of, but fairly often for 'on the side'.
In the past not everything was better
After the initial emotions, they soon noticed that a modern motorcycle - electronically supported or not - does everything better than a classic. But they got - except for the man who exchanged his BMW six-cylinder for a BMW R75 / 5 - in classic driving on all kinds of minor inconveniences such as checks, maintenance and minor inconveniences. Or to the conclusion that “That thing doesn't run for a meter”. And that was about a very nice Norton Commando. The man who came back proud as a peacock on his Moto Guzzi Le Mans was the one with the shortest classic fad. When he got home, he mistakenly thought that lighting up the Guzzi's neutral light also meant that the bin was in neutral. He let go of the clutch uninhibited. The Guzzi gave a good-natured growl from its LaFranconi mufflers and drove through the hedge, into the garden, and into the pond. In mutual consultation, his wife then decided that all that motorbike stuff was over.
Classic motorcycles? You have to get to know them to appreciate them
Their much-praised character is often the cloak of love that must cover a mixture of oddities and imperfections. Friend Cor drives and UL 1200, a very fat, really old one Harley-Davidson. Once I drove behind him when passing a bulky railroad crossing. The fat V-twin lifted off the ground. Cor floated about four inches above his - yes - floating saddle. He landed on two wheels and on his saddle and trotted on bravely. “I have no suspension and no brakes. But I know that. So it's okay. ” Of course, the large side valve is checked before every ride for loose bolts and unplanned leaks. But the thing has already driven it all over Europe.
The most endearing are the classic 'stayers'
The WL from friend Ernie has been in the family since 1961. He was bought for 110 guilder. When the family expanded, a sidecar arrived and when Ernie went to study, the Harley became his daily transportation. That was at the time that riding a Harley side valve was seen as a sign of supreme poverty. He has also had his Honda S90 for forty years.
Returning to the man who bought his K1600 because he could afford it
He didn't like it. And there were electronic Hinduisms plus a workplace rate of almost € 100 ex. VAT. He took his loss. Because after a year you write off very well on such a BMW. “Oh well, I see it as a tuition fee. And I can miss it. When I was on the MTS I dreamed about an R75 / 5. I never remember where I once lost track. But I think that six-cylinder engine has been too egoding too much. Now I have a nice R75 / 5. I ride it more pleasantly. I am more comfortable and I am no longer afraid of my motorcycle. "
With a classic until somewhere in the eighties you just drive a motorcycle
Because you like motorcycling. And with classic driving with a Honda CB500 F, you can still lose your driver's license in today's Netherlands. But what is good for all that hunting with more than 150 hp? Who knows may say. And check valves and change oil? Don't we just do that for the 2500 kilometer?
My children learned to ride a motorcycle on my first motorcycle, a Honda NX 650 from 1997 in a sand hole. There they learned to control and ride the engine.
Every now and then change and improve something together, that is how they got to know the technology and, for example, adjust a carburetor or that flexible brake lines do not cost so much but shorten your braking distance.
But also that you can enjoy a motorcycle with a little TLC for a very long time and, as it were, become a family member.
The oldest bought his first off road this year, a Suzuki Drz400 from 2005, a picture and no shortage of TLC. technically something is also changed or improved and together with the support of the motorcycle shop problems solved and parts purchased.
With a big smile and a sense of satisfaction, I am glad I took my children into the technology early on: go-kart with lawn mower engine, Puch Maxi off road, Yamaha DT 50 and the love for motorcycles and technology….
Feel somewhat troubled in my crotch. I still have 1e 60 / 6, the sewing machine, but braking, handling and reliability are no longer up to date. Through all kinds of beautiful and heavier boxers, I now dare to hit the road again with rain, etc. GS 2018. Ugly, but driving !!!
Sunday morning a nice ride on your classic, start Saturday with a check turn
When I was dredging around with my old Z1000, motorcycling was fun, my only transport (scraping and shoveling the snow off the counters in winter (the battery was not that good in winter again)) and always an adventure .
After all, with a frame of cooked spaghetti, 102 hp (in new condition, my machine was not) plus the necessary clearances here and there made your road position in turns very random.
But you learned to live with it ...
Coming back to 'those' Herweder backstappers. It is of course difficult to blame those people for not having a frame of reference for classic bicycles, other than some internet stories. In addition, the average seller of a 'beautiful' classic car is usually more concerned with the sale of another machine than taking the new-born classic driver by the hand about what such a 'switch' entails in practice.
Anyone who claims that classic motorcycles ride better than a modern version will also laugh and say that peanut butter herring is a treat ...
Classics and veterans have something endearing and as an enthusiast you can take the fools for granted.
As an outsider it often looks easy, but once you are behind the wheel it is often very disappointing for the first few kilometers ... if you get the (un) thing started and on its way anyway ..
There was a Hipster and his lady who blindly bought a Chevy panel truck because Ueber was cool. They came to bring the thing back because 'it was impossible to drive'