Too Much Technology

[TripleKing]

I wrote an article, recently, for Revzilla's "Common Tread" online magazine asking: "How much tech is too much on your motorcycle?" I expected some, if not most, readers to appreciate technological advancements. However, I was surprised that there were quite a few readers who vehement me, one or two borderline belligerently, that they would not ride a motorcycle without ABS, traction control and stability control.

I am no luddite and like ABS and fuel injection on a daily rider, but some readers expressed fear of riding a motorcycle which relied entirely on the rider's ability. I was surprised by this reaction. As such, I feel a bit out of touch. What says the DTT community?

[J-Rod10]

Meh, I'm not too terribly concerned with all the fancy do-dads. Are they nice? Sure. Are they necessary? Absolutely not. A lot of the tech has taken the necessity of a good bit of skill out of riding.

[Tune-A-Fishİ]

None for me thanks a good set of analog controls and skill will do for a cruise up the highway. Now if I were a racer you have to have tech to complete with the jugheads lol


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[Drewski]

I love new tech, especially when it makes bikes safer. I've never ridden a bike with ABS, but newer more modern brakes are often an upgrade on my vintage bikes and my '05 Ninja has fuel injection and I love it. 

That said, it's no problem to ride within the capabilities of vintage brakes, handling and engine performance. I think some rely too heavily on modern tech to 'do the work'. Not a good idea! 

[TripleKing]

I am with you. I like top-notch brakes, suspension, etc. to maximize my riding abilities rather than augment my abilities or cover up for my shortcomings.

[TripleKing]

Meh, I'm not too terribly concerned with all the fancy do-dads. Are they nice? Sure. Are they necessary? Absolutely not. A lot of the tech has taken the necessity of a good bit of skill out of riding.

It seems that many "modern" riders think taking the skill out of riding is a good thing.

[J-Rod10]

It seems that many "modern" riders think taking the skill out of riding is a good thing.

It is, when you don't have any, or don't want to dedicate the time to gain it.

[4eyes]

I like ABS, fuel injection I can take or leave, anything else is just a crutch for not learning skills and limits.

[irk miller]

I wouldn't know because I've never had a bike newer than 1990.  LOL

[SONIC.]

I thought the same, until I bought a bike with fuel injection and ABS.
Of course I'll ride without it. But I prefer to have it now.
It's a GREAT feeling to be able to grab a handful of front brake and not wonder if you're going to faceplant.
If I'm on a white line, in some slight gravel, on a wet road etc I can brake with confidence and not have to tap-dance around not slipping out.

To me this is pretty huge, especially considering I still have major hand pain from breaking it on my CB400F when the front wheel slid out on some random gravel in the road.