At 05:49 PM 10/2/98 +0000, you wrote:
>Brad wrote:
>
>>Japanese bikes may have speed, but they're basically disposable
>> bikes, ie low milage
>
>Sorry, this is nothing but blind prejudice. Japanese bikes are engineered
>to a level not known on any other - British, Italian or American.
>Disposable is the last word I'd use. Try asking dealers about reliability,
>warranty recalls etc, you may be suprised. Check despatch riders'
>workhorses too.
>
While I haven't owned a motorcycle in a few years, I seem to recall this
was far from prejudice. Japanese motorcycles at the time were expected to
last no more than 30,000 miles. I owned a 350 Honda, then a Kawasaki KZ650,
and later a Honda Sabre.
You may be confusing quality of assembly with longevity. I think Brad made
the point that you see very few older Japanese bikes around, and he's quite
right. Think of all the early Japanese superbikes; when was the last time
you saw one on the road? The Kawasaki Z1, Honda 750's, etc., even Gold
Wings. Yet I see 30 year old Harleys, BMWs, and yes, even Triumphs and BSAs
on the road every day.
Don't think I don't love Japanese bikes; I would never buy a Harley,
because I don't like the style. Japanese bikes are the epitome of screaming
race machines, and to me, that's what riding is about. But others ride for
different reasons.
Japanese bikes used to be affordable ways to have a good time if you
couldn't afford something of better quality. Sorta like Datsun 240Zs
(they're all rusted out now).
Regards,
Denton Taylor
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