If you remember that cry, then you are one. Meanwhile, we, motorcyclists, are statistically average 45 + year. So you and I are probably older. Because my son is 23 and it works very weird with all those averages.
We once firmly believed that the outlet that made the most noise provided the most power and that hearing protection was for wimps. That it was best to rush home with a good sip. Just think of 'Seeing Tinus on Norton ...' That motorcycling was more dangerous than unprotected sex.
And now we are heading towards the end of an era. Stylish like Lucky Luke at the end of his comics. Motorcycles are quieter, cleaner and better than ever. But driving 130 on the Afsluitdijk is not really exciting. And most electronic displays (That used to be the speedometer and rev counter) are smarter than my PC. The gasoline is magically priceless in The Hague. And what is still sold in gasoline consists mainly of acetone and alcohol. A shame about the alcohol, it doesn't even smell good and has a shelf life of six weeks. And in the worst case scenario, it will demolish tanks, pipes and engine blocks. On a roll.
The government discourages motorcycling with the new 42-step driver's license. Is there no future then?
Yes. It has already been invented. By the way, out of ecological necessity. Motorized two-wheelers will continue to exist here. That is, for example, because the Chinese Lifan Motor Group with their house brand Benda will do the same as Honda and Yamaha did in the sixties. And don't say 'Benda' is a strange name. Because 50 years ago the British Motorcycle Gods thought that 'Honda' was a strange name.
The Chinese are going to conquer Europe via the Netherlands via an importer with warehouses and stocks and a real dealer network. Not with superbikes. With electrically powered scooters. They are the future. Because Asian megacities are so crowded, the urban air is so dirty that you have to chew it before you breathe it in, and the company is phasing out its production of four-stroke powered motorcycles, scooters and cars.
Scoots are 'urban commuters'. Because they have electric motors, they accelerate like spears. Because an electric motor is directly at its full torque.
Such an electric motor scooter recharges when braking. The thing is really heavy. We are used to making almost no sound engine blocks. We recently rode a ZERO, a complete motorcycle on batteries. But the deafening silence of such an e-motor?
We can't do anything. We are spectators. We are experiencing the transition phase. The current electric mustache and moped scooters are ideal for our women and daughters. Maybe for us, if we are too stiff for our passion, but want to continue to feel the feeling. For our grandsons, real electric motorcycling becomes. Because they don't know any better. But I already miss the smell of old oil. And every evening I kiss my membership card from the MAG.
After this reflection, walk to the garage. And lovingly tap your classic on its tank.
Because he is still a very real engine. And must therefore be cherished.
Oh yes: fortunately Benda died in the battle. Because setting up a dealer line is different from working like the pirates of the Caribbean. Postponement of exclusion therefore. Fine.