Topic: Why is the stock air box so hard to take off and put on?

[Raul CB750K1]

I reallly do not think they expeected that these bikes would last this long. They were probably sure not many people would preserve them and keep riding them. How many mass produced vehicles from the 1960s- 70s  are in daily use? 

 That was also one of the arguements used by a few harley riders, 'in 20 years my harley will be worth more and still going down the road, that jap crap will be a boat anchor somewhere, nop one will ever restore them'

Ken.

my 58 year old harley still is.

In fact, I believe every motorcycle manufacturer do not hope their bikes would last that long; if you want to be in the business not only have you to build good bikes; you have to sell them too. The more bikes around, the less bikes you sell. For that reason I appreciate when companies do sell spare parts for their vehicles decades after they stop being manufactured.



Raul

[ofreen]

In fact, I believe every motorcycle manufacturer do not hope their bikes would last that long; if you want to be in the business not only have you to build good bikes; you have to sell them too.

This may be true, but there are at least two manufacturers that have benefited from their reputation for quality and durability - BMW and Honda.  While it might be supposed that the makers would like to see bikes wear out so people have to buy new ones, they know if their bikes do that too soon, their reputation will diminish and people won't buy their new stuff.  Honda is still benefiting from the good reputation that came from the SOHC fours and they know it.  They know that reputation has sold new bikes for them.  In my opinion they are now coasting on that rep, and so is BMW.  A lot of their newer models are suffering from expensive failures, and they are slow to acknowledge and correct the problems.

[Raul CB750K1]

Very true. BMW had the flat twin engine as a sign of identity, but they were clever enough to realize they needed to diversify in order to reach some other niches of the market. Even when their R&D department must be one of the best of the industry, developing a new engine takes time and they are just starting wit the vertical thumpers and the like.

My father used to have a Mercedes MB100 delivery van, beaten to death. I will never forget the day that the hand-operated window mechanism broke. I dismantled the van door, took the part with me and went to the Mercedes dealer. Partly ashamed with my dirty clothes I crossed the dealer showroom where all the gleaming Mercedes were showed and went to the parts counter. In a few minutes I went out the place with a new mechanism and I remember it was not that expensive.

[BobbyR]

In fact, I believe every motorcycle manufacturer do not hope their bikes would last that long; if you want to be in the business not only have you to build good bikes; you have to sell them too.

This may be true, but there are at least two manufacturers that have benefited from their reputation for quality and durability - BMW and Honda.  While it might be supposed that the makers would like to see bikes wear out so people have to buy new ones, they know if their bikes do that too soon, their reputation will diminish and people won't buy their new stuff.  Honda is still benefiting from the good reputation that came from the SOHC fours and they know it.  They know that reputation has sold new bikes for them.  In my opinion they are now coasting on that rep, and so is BMW.  A lot of their newer models are suffering from expensive failures, and they are slow to acknowledge and correct the problems.

One thing I find is that the Japanese and Germans are not quick to acknowledge mistakes. It's a cultural thing.