Topic: Truer words were never spoken involving motorcycles!

[Steve_K]

I grew up on a farm and my Dad was never afraid to try to fix anything.  Got it done and saved money,  plus, I learned patience and profanity.  One learns working under a combine and it is zero degrees and the wind is blowing hard.
I don't miss it, but I got the confidence to try anything.  Dads are good for something!! 
Steve

[scottly]

My beef with a lot the new stuff is the complexity for complexity's sake.  The more complex it is, the more likely it will break and be expensive to fix.  But there is a higher profit margin on all the gee-whiz stuff

That's my feeling about the moto-gadget m-button and m-unit. $400 to do what, save a few feet of wire?

[Retro Rocket]

My beef with a lot the new stuff is the complexity for complexity's sake.  The more complex it is, the more likely it will break and be expensive to fix.  But there is a higher profit margin on all the gee-whiz stuff

That's my feeling about the moto-gadget m-button and m-unit. $400 to do what, save a few feet of wire?

OOOOH    I like the M-Unit.....

[DaveBarbier]

My beef with a lot the new stuff is the complexity for complexity's sake.  The more complex it is, the more likely it will break and be expensive to fix.  But there is a higher profit margin on all the gee-whiz stuff

That's my feeling about the moto-gadget m-button and m-unit. $400 to do what, save a few feet of wire?

M-button...yes. M-unit...no. M-unit is great. Just finished installing one. There's a lot of cool stuff it does.

[Wobbly]

The real connection to these bikes lies with Our Generation.  We rolled them off the showroom floor.  We rode them from new into today's world.  We've brought some back from near dead.  We know what these bikes stood for and what they mean to us.  The younger guys don't have all that and it has to be a special type of younger guy that will stick with these old gals and not just be a "Fad" for them to say, hey, I've got one of those.

In my mind, the test would be to see how many are around in 2069.

Reading this, made me smile. It's so very true. I bought mine new because it was a lot cheaper than the Laverda 1000 I really wanted. But then, I grew old with it. And now my bike has been with me longer than most people who mean something to me. While married first for 12, now 23 years again, the Honda has been by my side for  38 years.
I wonder what will happen to the value of all these classic bikes once our generation is gone. A lot of people now have the money to buy what they wanted 40 years ago. This must be driving prices for some time now. I don't fool myself: once I am gone, my kids will be eager to trade the Honda for the newest I-Phone. That is why I am not "saving" the Honda, but travel with it as much as possible. My Honda is the one constant in my life.
Back in the day, I would start working on my bike simply because I didn't have the money to take it to a shop. I don't touch any of my new bikes though.

I'm glad I will likely not be around to see the final product of our society of "just throw it away and get a new one" robots.

There is not much of a choice here. When I wrote a letter to Munich, after six breakdowns and three engine failures, I was basically told that I should get a new bike, mine being five years old. The new bikes are set up to not last. A dropped piston is not life-threatening for CB750. For my 5-year old BMW RR--original owner, lots of extras, complete service history, accident free, under warranty--it means a total loss.

Times have obviously changed, and I am grateful that I grew up differently than my children.

Anyway, just some thoughts in response to the above...I hope that I didn't put you to sleep.

[70CB750]

I don't trust mechanics and I am a cheap ass - hence wrenching myself 

[oldhatt45]

calj737,

Sometimes there is more to using one component over another than just the $$$$$.

In my own case, I would much prefer going with the original technology for the simple reason that I know I can fix most of those things and I understand how they work or don't work. 

In other parts of my life I am a technology junky, but when it come to my bike, sometimes I just want the simplicity of something familiar that stirs the soul and brings me back in time to an earlier place when things weren't so complex.

It's not just 1 component that makes these old ladies special.  It's something like perfection where the idea of perfection is that nothing need be changed or taken away and the whole object stands as a thing of beauty.

Sorry for getting a little philosophical on you and I do like the projects that you've used the M-Unit on.  No disputing that!!!  I do think it's pretty trick and is very interesting but I've fought with computers and software for over 40 years and I just want to have something with some soul.   

Charlie

[70CB750]

^^^

I use computers to make my living ever since - but personally for important data such as vineyard treatment, grape harvest, reloading and vehicle maintenance I use index cards and pencil. 

Much safer and easier to deal with.

[DaveBarbier]

^^^

I use computers to make my living ever since - but personally for important data such as vineyard treatment, grape harvest, reloading and vehicle maintenance I use index cards and pencil. 

Much safer and easier to deal with.

And paper can't crash. It can sure burn though, haha.

I can sympathize with that, though. Maybe a little ironic that with all this technology we haven't made anything that can store information for longer periods of time (not including the gold record on Voyager). Kinda funny that if humans vanished the writings that would last the longest are things from thousands of years ago that were carved in stone.

[70CB750]

^^^

I use computers to make my living ever since - but personally for important data such as vineyard treatment, grape harvest, reloading and vehicle maintenance I use index cards and pencil. 

Much safer and easier to deal with.

And paper can't crash. It can sure burn though, haha.

I can sympathize with that, though. Maybe a little ironic that with all this technology we haven't made anything that can store information for longer periods of time (not including the gold record on Voyager). Kinda funny that if humans vanished the writings that would last the longest are things from thousands of years ago that were carved in stone.

I was involved in DAM (Digital Asset Management) in my previous job and met this guy from a public radio/tv station.  His main problem was migrating data, they have been around since 1920 or so and they had data on vinyl records, 8mm movies, magnetic tapes, 8" floppies - remember those? - and huge old hard drives and zip discs and CD roms and.... LOL.  Now the data would stay safe with some redundancy but the biggest problem was what to read them with.

Sorry for the highjack 

[oldhatt45]

calj737,

OK, that's fair.  I'll say it.  In this case, I prefer nostalgia. 

I was Not trying to insult or otherwise demean your preference. 

In fact, I actually think that your use of the M-Unit is very interesting and forward thinking. 
Maybe if i had another 750 that I didn't own since new I might go for an M-Unit and come crawling on hands and knees to get help with setting it up properly and learning the nuances of the unit.   

Charlie

[Rocky2010]

Always like it when we are out and about and my partner kicks over the Triumph then we leave.
I look around and all the guys are watching her kick the bike over thinking how is this little lady going to kick over that motorcycle and she does it with ease. They are always shocked when she does start the bike and sometimes they even clap very funny stuff.
When I think about it most of the guys probably never even kicked over a bike, but only want to ride just to look like a bad ass.

[scottly]

That's my feeling about the moto-gadget m-button and m-unit. $400 to do what, save a few feet of wire?

When you consider all the embedded features, like a Starter Safety Motor, Turn Signal Relay, fuse block, 6 circuits that auto-reset, an embedded Alarm, programmable indicators, programmable brake light, and so on, its hard to argue that all you're getting is the "saving of a few feet of wire". While it may not be necessary, it certainly is an advantage and fully featured.

I've not done the financial comparison, BUT, I suspect if you had to purchase all the various components new then the price of M-UNIT would be eclipsed by NOS Honda parts. Especially given that many of these components are not even available any longer and you are left to buying "used" components. Some people prefer new components, and opt for modern over vintage. But you're welcome to your opinion.

** Actually, I just looked up the pricing for a '75 550 for the Relay, SSM, Mag Switch, fuse block and it was $335.00 for all new parts. Not that they're available, but this is the price from CMSNL. For less $, you get immediate availability and a much smaller footprint, and less wiring. Hard to argue with it as a better value. 

Well actually, after looking into the moto-gadget stuff, I'm not sure that it would save any wire, even with the multiplexing m-button; wires still need to be run from the m-unit to the individual loads.
The SMSU can be replaced with a Radio Shack diode, and the m-unit doesn't replace the magnetic switch (starter solenoid), so cross those off the CMS price list. An upgraded fuse box can be found at car parts stores for far less than CMS asks. For that matter, they want 240 euros for a stock style rectifier, and 136 euros for a mechanical regulator.

[scottly]

Sorry, you're mistaken, Scottly. The gauge of wire is much smaller with an m-unit,

Not between the m-unit and the loads. The only neat feature is the self canceling turn signals, that can be programmed from 10-50 seconds.
Yes, your comparison was for stock parts, so you were comparing Mercedes to vintage Porsche.
When you get a 750 below 425 pounds, come back and we can discuss weight.

[scottly]

My beef with a lot the new stuff is the complexity for complexity's sake.  The more complex it is, the more likely it will break and be expensive to fix.  But there is a higher profit margin on all the gee-whiz stuff

That's my feeling about the moto-gadget m-button and m-unit. $400 to do what, save a few feet of wire?

I stand by this statement. 

[DaveBarbier]

My beef with a lot the new stuff is the complexity for complexity's sake.  The more complex it is, the more likely it will break and be expensive to fix.  But there is a higher profit margin on all the gee-whiz stuff

That's my feeling about the moto-gadget m-button and m-unit. $400 to do what, save a few feet of wire?

I stand by this statement. 

New, well designed, feature rich, good quality parts that simplify the wiring aren't for everyone .

[dusterdude]

Sorry, you're mistaken, Scottly. The gauge of wire is much smaller with an m-unit, you ditch the SSM, the Winker relay, and you save on wires, wiring, and weight. Probably by my most recent estimate (I am literally re-wiring a K7 with an m-unit and Ricks) I am saving over 4# in straight wire harness weight. Not to mention all the extra features. And my cost comparison was for stock, nostalgia products not some cheap Chinese plastic bits. That's like comparing a Mercedes and Kia.

But you stick with yours and I'll stick with mine.

Hey!!!!,watch that kia #$%* beemer boy

[scottly]

I stand by this statement. 

Congratulations. Its pretty evident to those who use them what their inherent benefits are. And as you have never done so, you are once again opining through myopia from your indolence. I rest my case. Cheers-

Piss off, Cal. I don't need a microprocessor to control flashers. There is nothing on my bike that isn't required. I know an unnecessary gadget when I see one, having spent decades in the electronics industry. Reminds me of the big bucks NASA spent to develop a pen that would write in space. The Russians used a pencil...

[jonda500]

I stand by this statement. 

Congratulations. Its pretty evident to those who use them what their inherent benefits are. And as you have never done so, you are once again opining through myopia from your indolence. I rest my case. Cheers-

Piss off, Cal. I don't need a microprocessor to control flashers. There is nothing on my bike that isn't required. I know an unnecessary gadget when I see one, having spent decades in the electronics industry. Reminds me of the big bucks NASA spent to develop a pen that would write in space. The Russians used a pencil...

  sorry but I couldn't help myself - I cant stop smiling about this post and I totally agree with scottly
John

[HondaMan]

New, well designed, feature rich, good quality parts that simplify the wiring aren't for everyone .

...and, electronics are hard to fix when sitting next to the campfire 1000 miles from home!

[DaveBarbier]

New, well designed, feature rich, good quality parts that simplify the wiring aren't for everyone .

...and, electronics are hard to fix when sitting next to the campfire 1000 miles from home!

Invest in some good quality shoes, then.

[DaveBarbier]

I stand by this statement. 

Congratulations. Its pretty evident to those who use them what their inherent benefits are. And as you have never done so, you are once again opining through myopia from your indolence. I rest my case. Cheers-

Piss off, Cal. I don't need a microprocessor to control flashers. There is nothing on my bike that isn't required. I know an unnecessary gadget when I see one, having spent decades in the electronics industry. Reminds me of the big bucks NASA spent to develop a pen that would write in space. The Russians used a pencil...

Not sure if it's true or not, but I heard that they wanted to design a pencil because they were afraid of graphite dust and shards entering electronics and other spacey equipment.

[70CB750]

I stand by this statement. 

Congratulations. Its pretty evident to those who use them what their inherent benefits are. And as you have never done so, you are once again opining through myopia from your indolence. I rest my case. Cheers-

Piss off, Cal. I don't need a microprocessor to control flashers. There is nothing on my bike that isn't required. I know an unnecessary gadget when I see one, having spent decades in the electronics industry. Reminds me of the big bucks NASA spent to develop a pen that would write in space. The Russians used a pencil...

Not sure if it's true or not, but I heard that they wanted to design a pencil because they were afraid of graphite dust and shards entering electronics and other spacey equipment.

That ^^^  And the truth is, the money was spent by private company and NASA bought it for the space program.   I had few, used them as a gift, the NASA store in DC is a good source of interesting presents especially for Europeans.

Goes along with the saying:  Every (seemingly or not) dumb decision has at least one valid reason.

[Stev-o]

 Thought this thread was about needing a dealer to put a zip tie on a Harley?!

[becken]

Thought this thread was about needing a dealer to put a zip tie on a Harley?!

I agree.