Topic: New bikes...not really any easier to maintain.

[HondanutRider]

Today I decided I better check my air filter on the 2003 Goldwing that now has close to 120,000 Km on it.  I've owned it since new and its been a great bike.  I've only changed the filter once on it and that was like about 100K ago, so although I didn't relish the thought (and its been working fine as-is), I figured it was due for a change.  The forecast is calling for rain over the next few days, so I dug-in.  It took me about 2 hours to get the old one out...and it is pretty dirty.  Heck, on the CB350F I could have its filter out in less than a minute!  So much for progress with newer bikes.  (Thank goodness I at least have the Shop Manual for the GL1800.)

[DH]

Recently did that same operation on my cbr 600rr, for the very same reason you did. I've owned mine since new too, and with 17,000 miles it was running good. Filter was full of "Cottenwood Fuzzies."
Took a long time to gain access, and even longer to make the fairings all line up correctly during reassembly. And they never fit back quite as
cleanly as they did before.

[LesterPiglet]

Try changing the plugs on a modern bike...hours.

[flybox1]

Try changing the plugs on a modern bike...hours.

Hours better spent riding a cool old bike.