do you think that nowadays parts don't last as long as they use to in older bikes?
That is a good question but I think it is a complicated answer. On the one hand, everything for the American (and the rest of the developed countries) is basically "throw away" and/or "planned obsolescence" design. Meaning, it is cheaper to build it than it is cheaper to repair it or they want it to fail after a pre-described point so you have to reinvest. That is my feeling with the 4$. The Big 4 need to sell huge numbers of motorcycles each year to fit their business plan. With the number of new riders shrinking each year - not growing, they have to 'somehow' get those of us who continue to ride to want new motorcycles. The 'old' way to do that was to provide something new, but to do that your company must invest in R&D and that takes away from the bottom line. In most cases, simple refinements and BNG's (bold new graphics) serve to get 'the kiddies' to want the latest gizmo. In the '70 and '80's we saw distinctive changes in motorcycle design. Except for the 4$ engine, what has changed since...oh '91? Very little I'm afraid.
All that said, we have come a long way since the '70 in metallurgy, computers, and flow design. In theory, that should make bikes lighter-stronger-faster but in practice, just seem to have aided the manufacturers in creating obsolescence. That '68 CZ was meant to be rebuilt and raced for the next 5 years and then used second hand for 5 or 10 more! That 2011 Suzuki DRZ450 was made to last 1 season, with 2 rebuilds and then into the parts bin.
AMA and the FIM are culprits as well. Racing rules have hindered development. Nowhere is it more true than in motorcycles that "Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday" moves product. Rules meant to provide stability and lower the cost to the privateer have only raised the cost of racing and took away any chance for a privateer to come up with a mechanical advantage. No new shock designs, brakes, engine modifications, custom frames. No changes worth speaking of. Can it be that shock technology has gone virtually unchanged in 20 years? Why are bikes still minimum weighted at the same levels as the '70's!?! We all have aluminum frames for crying out loud! What incentive does Yamaha have to make a stronger, lighter bike when the rules won't let you race it?
Of course, this is true for 2T's and 4$'s alike but back to your comment about other parts failing more often. I have a theory and only my own experience to back it up - no hard data. That said, I believe ALL modern MX'ers are not built for the dirt. I know that statement doesn't make much sense but follow me here. These bikes are built for Supercross, not Motocross. They are built to run in clean stadiums for two 8 lap motos and one 20 lapper, not the original qualifiers plus two 45 minute motos. Parts are easier to inspect for failure between races and motos. Bikes are not built to endure a season plus the ISDE! Weather, mud, sand, dust are all the enemies of the modern bike. Don't agree? Where are the fork boots? By 1990, almost all bikes had gone to the 'upside down' forks. An advancement in technology to be sure but now it put those delicate fork tubes down in the dirt and all they got was a sliver of plastic to protect them from rocks, roots and trees? No, they were not meant for rocks, roots and trees; they were meant for 70 foot triples, clean whoop sections and groomed corners. A simple solution to fork seals was the neoprene "Seal Savers" but are they on ANY new motorcycle as standard equipment?
So your uncles Kawasaki gets 'used'. It goes to the track or the trail and is exposed to the 'elements'. As with most riders, he takes care of his equipment; he brings it home, washes it off with the pressure washer from Home Depot, sprays it down with WD-40 and lubes the chain. Then he puts it away until the parts he has to order on Monday arrive so he can go riding again on the following Sunday. Nice life and the perfect customer. Except that bike was meant for more attention. Read the owner's manual and see just how frequent the chain needs to be tightened and replaced. How often you should adjust the valves, how often you should change the shock oil. You need your own full time mechanic to ensure your bike is prepared for the weekend - or plan on giving up family, friends, etc. There is just not enough time in the day. And that is what they want. Ride it until it goes pop and buy another one.
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