Well we’ve got to keep on using them and wearing them out for parts suppliers to continue to flourish of course. There has been significant interest more recently in the caff, bobbed, bespoke look – which has led to a younger, if in some quarters derided ‘hipster’ uplift. I can’t help thinking that where they have found cash for a seemingly new, and near hand-made bike they must ultimately be disappointed with how needy of attention these bikes are when they are based on older technologies. And many more turn to the retro look on a more modern base of course, whether from Triumph, Guzzi the MoCo or Enfield or whoever.
I’ve said it before; young folk generally want instant access without the agro, and in any event we will be passed by before too long by continuing emissions control and the adoption of other fuel sources. Even assuming that our bikes are not legislated off the roads, once (gas/petrol) filling stations become rare enough that they are more than a tank range apart we are relegated to tinkering with mere playthings.