Retro Discussion Thread -

[TechTMW]

In the latest issue of Cycle World, Editor Edwards goes on about the new 'retro' bikes, like the Norton 961 Commando Triumph Scrambler, and the Ducati Sport Classics. He goes on to say that Harley Davidson has had it right all along. A bike made to take it easy - 2 Wheels and an engine - and not much else.

Why buy a bike that only wakes up when you are well over the speed limit? Why have plastic fairings that only begin to make a difference aerodynamically over 100mph? Why buy a bike that will be technologically outdated in a year or 2? Are retro bikes the future of motorcycling? Will my 1982 Seca 650 Finally be cool again ?!?!?!?

I'd like to hear what folks think on this subject...

[VermilionX]

i kinda like the ducati sports classic. here's a pic took when i saw one on a previous ride.

it's so unique. the shape, the single swingarm. looks cool!

[Gummiente]

Are retro bikes the future of motorcycling?

I wouldn't worry about that, EVERYTHING retro is "in" these days. Look at the resurgence of cars like the Ford Thunderbird and Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Chev SSR, the new Mini. Art Deco furniture is making its way back into stores again, adults are wearing clothes of a style that was last seen in the 60's, etc, etc. As the Baby Boomers age, their ever changing wants and needs are being catered to by any and every industry that is keen to make a profit off of this huge group of people.

At this point in time there is a surge towards the past and it is reflected in the style of all the products we see on the market today. The Boomers are driving the economy, they have been since the 50's. Give it another 10 years or so and the retro phase will be a distant memory.

[ZooTech]

Yeah, Gummi is right, retro is hot right now. Just look at the new line of Star bikes with their art deco form (and my nephews' rediculous 80's hair styles).

That is not to say that there isn't something to be said for a bike that consists of nothing more than the bare essentials...but there ain't nuthin' wrong with it sharing a garage with an FJR1300 is there?

[Relsek]

Why buy a bike that will be technologically outdated in a year or 2? Are retro bikes the future of motorcycling? Will my 1982 Seca 650 Finally be cool again ?!?!?!?

The styling may or may not be in, but after riding a modern sportbike, I can't see going back to a heavier, less balanced bike. A friend of mine has an 81 seca 650 that I rode a few weeks ago. I couldn't see going back to a bike that handles like that. I'm not saying they are bad or that the handling is bad, just that the newer bikes are so much better in those areas, not to mention fuel injection is great.

Kevin

[jstark47]

Well, I'm pretty biased since I'm riding a New Bonneville.

After changing out the pipes, the bike's even starting to sound like an old one. BRRRRRAAAAAAAAPP!!! Heh, heh, heh. Too cool!

The New Bonneville is a very basic, no frills bike. Carbureted, air-cooled vertical twin. No luggage, no fairing, no screen, minimal electronics, just a motor, a frame, and two wheels: laced, of course. BRRRRRAAAAAAAAPP!!!

[paul246]

Retro is just a fun phase we're going through, all based on nostaglia. Nostalgia is just a pleasant form of grieving, of past times now dead and unretrievable.

I like old bikes, even own a couple. But imagine if all we did was look to the past for inspiration? It would quickly become a dull world, and the old stuff the retro is based upon would become worthless.

Pity the poor designer that can only regurgitate what has already been done. Just an empty existance.

Still, I wouldn't mind riding a Kawasaki W650, its a better rendition of the Bonneville than the new Bonneville, IMHO.

[TechTMW]

I'm not saying they are bad or that the handling is bad, just that the newer bikes are so much better in those areas, not to mention fuel injection is great.
Kevin

The "retro" bikes for the most part have competant suspensions and fuel injection ... I think the focus here is the actual engines themselves. The High-end of the powerband riding is almost useless on the street. The "retro" bikes have detuned engines built for everyday and spirited street riding. Even a moderately sized minimalist bike like the Sportster 1200 has plenty of get up n go for normal riding. (Although on that bike the suspension and fuelling aren't exatly 'modern')

Even MotoGP is taking a step back from the "power wars" with it's reduction to 800cc. If 800cc is enough for world-class racing, why is it necessary for someone like Mintbread* to say (in another post) that a Proper streetfighter must have at least 1000cc?

I guess the answer is probably because the Inline 1000cc engines are built for Top-End speed, but due to the increased size, they have more Grunt down-low. So why turn a Racer into a low-torquey hooligan machine - - - It's like a Harley owner building his engine for top end power. They want the opposite of what they have. I think that might be where the Retro-Bike craze is really taking us. Styling, while important, is secondary (IMO)

Vermillion - That's actually a Mike Hailwood Limited Edition Ducati from 2000 ... not actually a Sport Classic (Although Pierre Terblance -the designer- groups them into the same category.)

*viewtopic.php?t=10503

[Mintbread]

Even MotoGP is taking a step back from the "power wars" with it's reduction to 800cc. If 800cc is enough for world-class racing, why is it necessary for someone like Mintbread* to say (in another post) that a Proper streetfighter must have at least 1000cc?

I guess the answer is probably because the Inline 1000cc engines are built for Top-End speed, but due to the increased size, they have more Grunt down-low. So why turn a Racer into a low-torquey hooligan machine - - - It's like a Harley owner building his engine for top end power. They want the opposite of what they have. I think that might be where the Retro-Bike craze is really taking us. Styling, while important, is secondary (IMO)

Yet look at bikes such as Yamaha's MT-01. 1670cc and only 90hp? It is not "retro" in looks or performance with the bucketloads of torque it has. My 1200 Bandit has just over 100hp in its stock form yet produces a lot of torque and useable mid-range power.
You seem to be glossing over a lot of sportsbikes that are not produced simply for top-end speed, but for rideability. The v-twin resurgence is one example of this.

Streetfighters are purpose built machines, just like a chopper is. Nobody says that a chopper must be uncomfortable and difficult to ride, but they all are.

[sapaul]

Bike riders are as individualistic as cage drivers, how many cars do we see that based on retro styling, I go to go with Relsek on this one, especially as I know a secret, THE ROADS ARE OUTDATED. As the machines have become better and more of them, our road systems world wide are unable to cope, how many roads for example are based on a 200kph corner?