I think we?ll all agree in common that a classic bike requires a fair old amount of attention to keep them running at their best, and the most important thing, is that we continue to ?enjoy? doing the necessary maintenance demanded. A classic bike in excellent fettle should be very easy to start, especially if it has low compression pistons. When it starts easily you know it?s a happy runner, if you need to whirl the starter over a few times to run the bike then it cant be as happy as one that has had a Human leg kick, to get it going.
For me, the kick starting will always be that magical moment, giving that exciting feeling of ?will it or wont it? and how many kicks will she want from me today? (The A7, A10 is very much a sexy Lady!) An electric starter seems to take away all that, it seems to take away that special part of the relationship with the bike, although Steve?s device still allows the option to kick if you want to. Somehow I feel this might be cheating a little
But! don?t get me wrong, I am fully aware that there are guys around who?s circumstances are very much different to mine, and I?m very pleased that this option is available to them.
The idea of an electric start
is indeed attractive and I think I would have one primarily to restart if I had a pillion and a fully loaded bike with camping gear and I had stalled at traffic lights. Sometimes you need to put aside the romantic moments and get a move on.
Apart from reaching old age and needing an electric starter I think a whole lot of other situations ought to be thought of, for instant, would I still be able to pull the bike onto it?s centre stand? Would I still be strong enough to handle such a heavy bike and manoeuvre it around in small spaces? General health? Arthritis? Reflexes? etc.
Personally, I think that when my kicking days expire then I?ll hang up my helmet, boots and gloves and call it a day. Bet the girls?ll still remain in my shed though!