Quote:
Originally Posted by farqhuar
The problem with older bikes is that in many cases they are not simpler and easier to fix.
Look at brakes - disc brakes have considerably fewer moving parts than a drum, and if you have a failure then you can replace parts from just about any bike e.g. master cylinders are almost universal, calipers are also interchangeable if you are prepared to fabricate a mount.
Ignition - modern systems don't fail. By comparison, points cause regular difficutlies, never mind weight based ignition advancers.
Wheels - spoke wheels bend their rims and snap spokes. Tubes burst and you have to remove the tyre to fix a flat. Cast wheels are much, much stronger and can run tubeless tyres - fixing a flat is a 2 minute job using an externally fitted mushroom plug.
The list goes on and on. To each his own as far as the type of bike you like to ride, but do understand the implications of your choice.
Relying on local mechanics to be able to repair your vehicle is never a good a thing - often they are the cause of further failures - so you want something that either is unlikely to break, or if it does break, then something you can repair yourself.
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Some good points there Gary ,especially concerning local mechanics.
But one good thing about drum brakes is that they don't have seals that can let you down ,also a primitive repair shop could reline the shoes if necessary .Apart from a cable there is not much else to break .
Points ignition can be replaced with a Boyer type sytem .Modern sytems are more reliable but need a good battery voltage .Older systems can have a capacitor fitted that will ensure the bike starts with a flat battery .
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Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
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