Why don't old motorcycles need a distributor?

[SportsterDoc]

well, I don't run cheap fuel, that's for sure. everything gets premium except the modern suv. and it definitely affects my older cars and bikes. I certainly do not run stock timing numbers, even on my stock (ish) 6-cyl 62 falcon. Thats the difference between tuned and maintained.

this is how important timing is. On a stock motored 73 kawasaki S2, i put on a dynamic timing control module, tuned in a curve and with NO PORTING put down 59 RWHP with a 45 degree power curve on the dyno graph. Chambers, timing, and jetting, thats it. the timing was the key. out of a 347 cc aircooled motor. Prior i was in the mid to high 40s at the rear wheel. I could go on and on, but i think my 'point' has been made.

My grandparents 63 Ford Falcon was an amazingly durable vehicle. It survived my teenage years. They had it for about 35 years.

170 cu in straight 6 (110 HP/), 2 speed FordoMatic. I took them in it on a 6 week 10K mile trip when I was 16. Nevada was memorable, as there were no speed limits between towns. It cruised at 85+ and got about 23 MPG.

A lot of firsts that year:
Self adjusting brakes
Transistor radio
Heater was stock, no longer an extra
No side view mirrors or seat belts
Padded dash and padded sun visors

I thought you were disagreeing with my point. I misread. we are saying the same thing.

LOL
No worries
I am sure I have done the same