Electronic Aides/Intervention in Motorcycling - Ducati.ms

Decreasing Dave · Oct 15th, 2011, 3:05 pm

While I didn't start a discussion about electronics in Motorcycling in the other thread with beautiful bikes as the subject, I certainly fueled it.

So I thought I would take it to a new thread so as not to hijack anymore. This is a very controversial subject and I think it deserves some chatter.

I won't start with my complete thoughts and feelings but I will say that I believe electronics are taking the rider out of riding. While it may be great for that touring bike, it does not belong in premier racing where you should be pairing man and machine against man and machine, not who has the best electronics package.

Dave

gpzbeaner · Oct 15th, 2011, 5:03 pm

Tough call. They say that racing improves the breed. The idea is that things developed whilst racing trickle down to road machines. Think of sequential transmissions in Formula 1. Would not work without electronics. Now many road cars have them. Same with traction control and yaw control. I think anti-lock brakes actually came from the aircraft industry.

Formula one is intended to be the pinnacle of technology in racing. I think Moto GP should be the same. Else those technologies will never be developed. But does it take away from competition? Wow - I'm not sure.

I think that every new motorcycle will someday be delivered with anti-lock brakes. I think that is a good thing. I like how some bikes come with traction control that can be turned off. I like that different levels of power output are available with different engine maps. But..

I hate that it is making bikes that can't be worked on by the owner. And I fear that the day will come when you are not ALLOWED to turn the TC off.

Random and disconnected thoughts, I know, but that's what ran through my head.

Eric

**Chuckracer** · Oct 15th, 2011, 7:59 pm

I believe: Just as there is a whole generation (well, more than one actually) that have never heard the purity of audio from a master track on 2" tape running through quality tube amplification and think their IPods sound good, there will soon be whole generations of riders who will never be able to learn how to let off the brakes early and scrub speed on corner entry with just their front tire, never feel the subtle messages sent through the handlebars as the contact patch changes and the chassis winds up and releases mid turn, never be able to feel just how much rear tire stepping out on the exit is enough...electronics will have taken over those roles.

Is that progress?

Not for me.

I'm sure it's important for manufacturers and I'm sure it's important for Pro Racers - I'm sure electronic assisted race bikes get around tracks faster and safer for the riders...but...eh, call me a curmudgeon. I don't want it on my bike.

*edit* I voted for "It's Evolution and will make riding safer"...cause it's the future. It's unavoidable.

Revelstoker · Oct 15th, 2011, 8:02 pm

As riding aids (abs, traction control, anti-wheely, quick shift,....) I hate them and would never buy a bike with any of that crap on it. I even hate all the LED digital gauges. There is just something special about watching a sweep hand on a tach that I really like and associate with motorcycles and sports cars.

However, I am a fan of fuel injection and I just got back from a nice little ride on the '68 R69s. Kick start, carbs and all = pure motorcycling joy.

yellow blur · Oct 15th, 2011, 8:32 pm

I tend to agree that in racing it truly should be about how well the individual preforms, not how well the electronics do so much to improve the times or the riders ability to get around the track. Handling one of those beasts without the electronics surely increases the challenge to the rider – but isn't that what its about? Or is it about how technologies “improve” racing? Cool and amazing, but............

For the street rider I think it can go both ways. I own an R1100S with ABS. I have to say those are some amazing brakes – I mean WOW!!!! When it comes to less than desirable surfaces or conditions it does make it easier to get though it safely and is a comfort/confidence builder. The down side is you get used to it. I jump on the 996 and need to remember in those same conditions its not so easy anymore. At times removing some of my confidence until tuning back into the bike and its “limits” - if you will. More like my limits if anything which the ABS helps to degrade.

Fuel injection is great, but adds electronics I would rather not have, Carbs and Points can be a PITA , but....... analogue gauges are as it should be

But it sure is nice to hit the switch on a FI machine that comes to life and purrs time and time again, but sucks when it dies making it more difficult and costly to diagnose and fix.... can't have it both ways...

Anything other than seat of the pants vs electronics packages when pitting man and machine against each other can be a fine line I guess. I accept both ways, but would rather see things as close to RAW as possible. To me that IS racing!! But also think the technology is simply incredible. Hard call!!

rwortman · Oct 16th, 2011, 8:57 am

I think ABS and traction control are valuable aids for street riding. Trouble is, most people have a Valentino Rossi complex and they think it ruins their skillful riding. Bollocks! No one is lamenting the ubiquity of ABS on street cars. I did not pony up for the ABS on my VFR but when I am 100's of miles from familiar roads, negotiating a mountain road in the pouring rain, I wish I had. As far as racing, the electronics are not the equalizer people think they are. They just help the fast riders and drivers go even faster.

alpha17c · Oct 16th, 2011, 9:15 am

Electronics on any bike will make riding safer. I also agree that elec. Make it possible to reach the limit of speed for the pro racer easier.

Now with the general public. Own a bike with all the electronics. The average rider will never even feel them engage or interfere. However you see...
IMO. Going back to the flinestone age of tuning carbs and having the kick start smack me in the shin. No thank you I like technology. Hell I'm using it right now to right to write this post

But to each his own.

Heres a good point....top gear tested an 80's Ferrari. A Ferrari mind you...a GD Toyota sienna whipped it's ass...you roll down your window at the next stop light and say.. I like the rawness of the non-electrons age...HAHA. Hell no
We want paddle shift. Carbon fiber glory and screaming exhaust

Revelstoker · Oct 16th, 2011, 1:36 pm

Probably a Magnum PI 308 GTB. Cool looking but not the best of the breed. 80's were such a bad decade for all auto manufactures - post OPEC and new cafe restrictions.

Of course, winning depends on the race. More likely to pick up hot chicks in a Ferrari vs a Toyota Sienna.

Let me race in a 250GTO and you can collect all the trophies you want.

Wonway · Oct 16th, 2011, 4:51 pm

How did NCGT get to vote twice?

ncgt1000 · Oct 16th, 2011, 5:08 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wonway

How did NCGT get to vote twice?

I voted twice!?! I looked at the thread, then I checked the results, then I voted - today. How does one see who voted already?

AND, did I vote the same way twice?

Oh, wait. I just figured out how to see results. AND, I did not vote twice. I simply checked multiple responses. I thought two responses applied. I don't think every poll allows checking multiple responses though.