02-07-2015, 12:24 AM
I won't point to a particular component or styling issue on any one modern retro, but to the overall issues of 1) bulk, and 2) engine beauty. If today's retros had the proportions of the originals, it would be great. But I don't think they ever will.
On point 1, motorcycle manufacturers haven't yet had to grapple with weight. Engines putting out as much horsepower as today's bikes do can move any sized bike, and generally, MpG isn't an issue for recreational motorcycle consumers. So there's not a big enough incentive to lighten bikes, yet. Add in modern components to handle speed, handling, and safety needs, and you get a hundred pounds or so of blubber.
Point 2, if you walk around any vintage motorbike, what stands out to me are the empty spaces. You can see 'through' the bike as the frame is spindly and the engine is markedly less cluttered....and usually far more beautiful...than any modern machine. Engineers and designers made the engine the champion of the bike. A Velocette single, a pre-unit Triumph twin, a round case Ducati, and yes, a Honda 4 750 Four...modern classic/ retro motors, and the frames in which they are placed, don't come close to the elegant and mechanical beauty of old stuff.
They never will. Times and rider expectations have changed. I applaud the bike manufacturers for what they are doing, but face it, it's primarily marketing, to people like us. 20 years from now, there will likely be a retro Ninja made to draw in the 50 year olds of that day...probably an electric motor, though.
On point 1, motorcycle manufacturers haven't yet had to grapple with weight. Engines putting out as much horsepower as today's bikes do can move any sized bike, and generally, MpG isn't an issue for recreational motorcycle consumers. So there's not a big enough incentive to lighten bikes, yet. Add in modern components to handle speed, handling, and safety needs, and you get a hundred pounds or so of blubber.
Point 2, if you walk around any vintage motorbike, what stands out to me are the empty spaces. You can see 'through' the bike as the frame is spindly and the engine is markedly less cluttered....and usually far more beautiful...than any modern machine. Engineers and designers made the engine the champion of the bike. A Velocette single, a pre-unit Triumph twin, a round case Ducati, and yes, a Honda 4 750 Four...modern classic/ retro motors, and the frames in which they are placed, don't come close to the elegant and mechanical beauty of old stuff.
They never will. Times and rider expectations have changed. I applaud the bike manufacturers for what they are doing, but face it, it's primarily marketing, to people like us. 20 years from now, there will likely be a retro Ninja made to draw in the 50 year olds of that day...probably an electric motor, though.