Am I the only one turned off by all the gizmos on new motorcycles ?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Am I the only one turned off by all the gizmos on new motorcycles ? (Page 1 of 3)

Posted: 2/23/2017 12:49:27 PM EDT

ABS, traction control, different power modes, fly by wire, paddle shifters............the list keeps growing.
Seems it won't be much longer before you will no longer be riding, you will just be along for the ride.
I like old school simplicity. Anybody with me ?

Posted: 2/23/2017 12:51:09 PM EDT

[#1]

yep.

I like my bike 'analog'

Posted: 2/23/2017 12:53:51 PM EDT

[#2]

options are good. you can shut most, if not all of it off on bikes I've seen or been on. Or you can buy classics.

ABS is a GREAT safety feature on motorbikes. I wish my bike had it sometimes.

that's the great thing about the market. choices choices choices. I get where you're coming from, but if you want ABS, it's nice to have it.

Posted: 2/23/2017 12:54:46 PM EDT

[#3]

My 2014 R6 doesnt have traction control or ABS. But it does have a "fly by wire" throttle. And it is awesome... Very smooth, and its programmable via ecu flashes. I like it very much over the old school cables.

Posted: 2/23/2017 12:56:14 PM EDT

[#4]

Mixed feelings, my bikes don't have those features but more experienced professionals seem to love them. But I like attractive women on any kind.

Posted: 2/23/2017 12:57:13 PM EDT

[#5]

My 2008 MV AGUSTA R312 with a manual choke, I do love that, simplicity that works as required.

Posted: 2/23/2017 12:58:10 PM EDT

[#6]

Leaning hard into a corner on a wetish morning in the PNW and rolling onto the throttle as much as you want while the rear end just stays planted? Ya I'll take my Traction Control

Lets not forget true cruse control.

Posted: 2/23/2017 12:58:16 PM EDT

[#7]

I wouldn't buy a new bike without traction control and ABS. They don't take away from the riding experience for me and greatly enhance my safety.

I am curious if the OP has ridden a bike with these features or is just one of those people that doesn't like technology.

There are some bikes I could see having totally analog/mechanical for a historical type thing but am happy to have the modern stuff on my daily riders.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:00:28 PM EDT

[#8]

I don't mind it too much, but I wish they DID make better car seats for them...

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:00:39 PM EDT

[#9]

I love old Japanese bikes from the 70's and 80's. Simple to work on, cheap to buy, and still fun as hell. I can't justify buying new, I have several great bikes that cost less than the sales tax on a new one.

I have to admit that I had a moment of weakness an installed an electronic ignition on my old 650. It still has a kick start though... so it's legit.

Ok to be honest with the kind of power available in modern sport bikes, ABS and computer throttle control is probably not a bad idea at all.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:06:22 PM EDT

[#10]

I'm starting to shop for a bike after several years of being without. It's amazing what the current state of technology offers. I may very well opt out and avoid any technology more advanced than a roto tiller but that doesn't mean I haven't been enjoying the shopping. I really do miss my Buell.

If I could get an old-school light twin like an Indian Scout or Harley JD with a slightly more up to date motor I'd be on in like a duck on a june bug.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:07:26 PM EDT

[#11]

If I ever buy a commuter bike it will have ABS.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:09:13 PM EDT

[#12]

I like the old basics.

76 and 78 Shovels.

They are equipped with millennial anti theft devices-kick starters.

I've always been a cruiser though,not into speed.To each his own.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:10:39 PM EDT

[#13]

if the ABS , trac and wheelie controls are properly done they are transparent
I have no problem with um as long as they work seamlessly

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:10:58 PM EDT

[#14]

Voted yes, and I am the same way with cars.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:19:01 PM EDT

[#15]

ABS has saved my bacon more than once.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:19:42 PM EDT

[#16]

On an analog bike going the same speed, you will NEVER be able to stop as fast as a modern bike with ABS.

I do NOT miss messing around with carbs.
Never had ride by wire
ABS ROCKS

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:22:37 PM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
ABS, traction control, different power modes, fly by wire, paddle shifters............the list keeps growing.
Seems it won't be much longer before you will no longer be riding, you will just be along for the ride.
I like old school simplicity. Anybody with me ?

View Quote

You looking at a Triumph?

My Thruxton R has all of those and is great.

The multiple riding modes is just for when it's raining really.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:27:00 PM EDT

[#18]

ABS is great, cruise control is awesome on long trips, EFI, heated seats, I love all that stuff. What I don't like are the big "infotainment" screens, too much of a distraction to me.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:28:58 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
I like the old basics.
76 and 78 Shovels.
They are equipped with millennial anti theft devices-kick starters.

View Quote

Did someone say '76 kickstart shovel?

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:32:04 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
Mixed feelings, my bikes don't have those features but more experienced professionals seem to love them.

View Quote

Yes they do

1290 SUPER DUKE R Features and Benefits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dYvV4zr7iE

Here is one example of someone with MTC off, I will assume it is not his first time on a bike,
but perhaps it may be on one that delivers %70 of it's 102 foot pounds of torque at 2700 rpms

Failed To Load Title

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W072Xe3Nfw

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:33:33 PM EDT

[#21]

My bikes a 2015 R1200RT with almost all the options. I really like all the Nav, radio, ABS, suspension functions. Miss having a normal key vs. the FOB and would prefer to have regular throttle/clutch cables. Overall I'm pretty happy with the tech that is out there now days.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:33:52 PM EDT

[#22]

I like my XX.

But I like gizmos. I would love to try the RSV4 launch control. Throttle wide open and dump the clutch. Yikes.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:36:44 PM EDT

[#23]

The only thing that I wish mine would have come with is ABS

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:36:45 PM EDT

[#24]

I like injection because it helps with crappy fuel and I like ABS for safety. Other than that, I can take it or leave it. Having said that, I have a bike with 6 carbs and no ABS in addition to one with FI and ABS and I'm only thinking about selling the newer one. Makes me think I may not buy what I know is good for me.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:36:54 PM EDT

[#25]

I prefer my motorcycles with a minimum of everything.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:40:04 PM EDT

[#26]

I like my ABS, in theory. I've never needed it, but it's nice that it's there. I hate that you need to hook it up to a computer to bleed the brakes, though.

I also have mixed feelings about EFI. If you're going to have EFI and O2 sensors, why not have closed-loop EFI? I'd rather just rejet a carb, but then I'd have to worry about riding up into the mountains from the Phoenix valley.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:43:05 PM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:

Did someone say '76 kickstart shovel?

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/57330/76shovel-152505.jpg

View Quote

That yours?Sweet!

Now I know you're alright........

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:43:55 PM EDT

[#28]

My Burgman has got the ABS brakes and a great instrument panel, placed nicely. I'm really liking it.

I just bought it at the very end of fall and with the recent warm up, Have already got 1100 miles on it. I plan on adding an adventure bike this year also. I've been finding myself amazed at the tech on some of these newer bikes.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:44:59 PM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:

That yours?

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

Did someone say '76 kickstart shovel?

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/57330/76shovel-152505.jpg

That yours?

Not anymore, sold it years ago.

I ride a bike with ABS, shaft drive, traction control, heated grips, etc. now.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:47:06 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:

Not anymore, sold it years ago.

I ride a bike with ABS, shaft drive, traction control, heated grips, etc. now.

View Quote

You're dead to me.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:47:49 PM EDT

[#31]

Electronic cruise control is awesome. The other stuff, meh.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:50:12 PM EDT

[#32]

Abs and cruise. I live in flatland. Holding throttle position for hours and hours gets old real quick.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:50:27 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
Electronic cruise control is awesome. The other stuff, meh.

View Quote

Oh yeah. I forgot about cruise. It's very nice to have cruise on things like the long straight stretch from Kingman to the Hoover Dam.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:50:58 PM EDT

[#34]

The power modes are useless, I guess if I took the Busa out on the ice on stock tires I might try C mode

Pretty sure traction control would
be nice, probably could have kept me from sucking the seat cover up into my butt...

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:51:04 PM EDT

[#35]

Motorcycles are the only place I like ABS, I don't have traction control so I can't speak about it. Cruise control is cool too, works better than it does on 4 wheels. Set it at 75 it stays at 75, doesn't slow up hill or fly down.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:53:25 PM EDT

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:
The only thing that I wish mine would have come with is ABS

View Quote

I didn't think I'd like ABS on my 690 but I wasn't worried because it can be turned off. Turns out it's awesome. I really like it.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:53:59 PM EDT

[#37]

My two main bikes are at opposite ends of the spectrum. A 2007 KLR with absolutely nothing fancy, not even efi and a 2016 R1200GSA with everything including lean sensitive abs and active suspension. They are both great and fun bikes but for an everyday do anything ride give me the ABS and all the rest of that stuff is just gravy. I certainly don't feel like the experience of riding is lessened by having it. In fact you don't even know you have it at all except your hands aren't freezing and the bike rides like a dream. If I was headed back to Mexico or a remote location then yea, give me the KLR. At least those are my feelings for the moment.

Posted: 2/23/2017 1:58:16 PM EDT

[#38]

ABS is something I wish I had on my motorcycle. And these days, it's not that complex.

Other than that...I like it simple.

Posted: 2/23/2017 2:05:58 PM EDT

[#39]

I like fuel injection, ABS, and traction control. The rest I can live without.

Posted: 2/23/2017 2:10:00 PM EDT

[#40]

quoted myself

need to stop dicking with my post

Posted: 2/23/2017 2:11:57 PM EDT

[#41]

Quoted:
ABS, traction control, different power modes, fly by wire, paddle shifters............the list keeps growing.
Seems it won't be much longer before you will no longer be riding, you will just be along for the ride.
I like old school simplicity. Anybody with me ?

View Quote

I haven't looked at the latest motorcycles.
I sold my motorcycle years ago and let the M go on my driver's license when I moved to my current state.

Who makes paddle shifters?

Posted: 2/23/2017 2:13:20 PM EDT

[#42]

Honda. I am not sure I can go there yet.

Posted: 2/23/2017 2:13:29 PM EDT

[#43]

Rider since 1976 and have laid a few down.
Last two bikes had ABS, the one now has ABS, traction control, and two power modes.

Don't have much use for the power modes (F = Fun L= LOL) but the ABS and traction control are nice...especially on a sport touring bike with 1000+cc's.
Actually had the traction control kick in last weekend. Coming up a sweeping onramp and being a little sporty, rear wheel caught some gravel from past snow we had. Traction control kicked in, rear wheel didn't spinout, a second later I was on my way.

On my previous ride (2014 650 Versys) I grabbed a whole lot of break, front and back, after cresting a hill near work this past summer...cars stopped. The bike just sat down and chilled. Fantastic feeling. Can't say for sure how it would have handled without ABS, all would have probably been OK. I just don't mind the technology.

Current ride with the bells and whistles. Bags are only used for trips. Versys 1000

Posted: 2/23/2017 2:15:25 PM EDT

[#44]

Quote History

Quoted:
I haven't looked at the latest motorcycles.
I sold my motorcycle years ago and let the M go on my driver's license when I moved to my current state.

Who makes paddle shifters?

View Quote

The Honda DCT models are about the only ones that would be close.

Posted: 2/23/2017 2:16:55 PM EDT

[#45]

I like old school bikes, but I'm a crusty old fart.

New people entering the motorcycle market (people in their 20s and 30s) like the new gizmos -- which is why manufacturers are offering them on new models.

Old school riders are not part of a sound financial future for most OEM manufacturers, but they will still sell you a Harley Sportster, a Triumph Bonneville, a Yamaha SR400, or a Royal Enfield Bullet.

Posted: 2/23/2017 2:18:30 PM EDT

[#46]

Yea the new bikes suck. Once they went to electric start, hand clutch, tubeless tires, decent brakes and actual shocks it all went to shit.

8 days of ultralight camping on the Blue Ridge and Cherahola Skyway etc. (someone else carried my tent and sleeping pad):

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