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Message started by gerald.hughes on 10/04/10 at 09:52:18

Title: Musings on old bikes
Post by gerald.hughes on 10/04/10 at 09:52:18

After thinking about all of the bikes that I have owned over the years, and seeing all of the great bikes that others have owned and replaced, I got to wondering why. I started thinking about my own experiences. I have been lucky enough to own some really neat rides over the years, a quite a few of them I would love to still own. So, why did I get rid of them? Why would you ever replace a Goldie, or a Bultaco, or a Guzzi. Aftere giving it much thought, my own personal reason was-PARTS. Back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, getting parts for British, Spanish, or Italian bikes was an absolute nightmare. You could literally wait months for a part. And you did need parts. The metallurgy on these bikes was so-so, and with the vibration, parts broke.

One of the great things about the web is the availability of mail order parts for just about anything. Think about what the members of this site have done with parts from the web, and what they would have been able to do without it. So, I would love to have my Goldie back, but only because there are so many places where I could get the parts to keep it running.

Title: Re: Musings on old bikes
Post by babyhog on 10/04/10 at 10:22:19

Very true gerald. And I'd say that's true of old cars, and many "old" things that we would have gotten rid of, not being able to replace pieces prior to the good ole internet. I think having the know-how to repair things has also improved with the internet. I'm still working on fixing the icemaker in my refrigerator, and thanks to some good websites, I figured out what to check, how to check, and can order the particular part that I need!

Title: Re: Musings on old bikes
Post by mick on 10/04/10 at 12:21:12

I must agree on the internet availability question.It makes a huge difference.
You could always buy a Rolls Royce,the hood is locked when you buy one, the guy buying it would say "supposing it breaks down"
the guy from RR would just say "It won't"

Title: Re: Musings on old bikes
Post by Lupo on 10/04/10 at 21:37:05

Internet has made a huge difference in caring for bikes. If I had to rely on the local jerk in this town there is no way I'd be able to afford or even have the patience to take care of my Moto Guzzi's. I have instant access to the best Guzzi Gurus in the country and even direct to Mandello in Italy where the bikes are made. It's made what have been exotic bikes no different then working on a Honda. And I'd like to add, look at the shared info on these forums. All the bitching we do but..it's pretty good times we live in.

Title: `
Post by Phelonius on 10/04/10 at 22:02:50

The internet makes it easier to find parts for old classics now than when they were only a few years old.
You can instantly contact sources in other countries and even use world wide data to find where to look.
These things were un-imaginable in the sixties when many fine old marks ceased production

Phelonius

Title: Re: Musings on old bikes
Post by Lupo on 10/04/10 at 22:08:12

Phelonius, so are you working on those pontoons? ;) Rode with Serowbot today. Good rider and a really nice guy.