Are Modern Motorcycles Killing the Thrill of Riding? A 20-Year Motorcyclist Thinks So

As a seasoned motorcycle enthusiast with over two decades of riding experience, I’ve witnessed significant changes in motorcycle design and technology. While many advancements have improved safety and performance, there are several features on today’s motorcycles that I find unnecessary or even detrimental to the pure riding experience.

I know some may disagree, but my old 1968 Harley Davidson Shovelhead is a much more fun (and painful) ride than my 2022 Yamaha. Call me cranky, call me old – but I miss the days when a riding was a skill, hardcore, and filled with unknowns. 

Here’s a list of things current motorcycles have that many of us old-school riders wish never existed or were optional.

1. Heated Grips and Seats

With all the gear I typically wear I would probably not feel the heat anyway. If you are in a frigid climate, yes, this could make sense. But in most parts of the country, a good set of riding gear and gloves would be enough.

Heated grips and seats are additional technology, put a strain on the battery, and just seem like a “cheat” on the real riding experience. 

2. APP Integration

Look, I’ve been riding for decades, and the last thing I want is my bike turning into a rolling smartphone. App integration just feels like a distraction from what riding’s all about – the open road and the connection between man and machine.

Plus, I don’t need another gadget to update or worry about when I’m out there. Call me old-fashioned, but I’d rather focus on the ride itself than fiddling with apps or getting notifications while I’m trying to enjoy the wind in my face. I have a cell phone that I can take out when I need it. And don’t get me started on those that ride with their radios blaring! 

3. ABS Brakes

ABS braking systems are another feature that add a lot of technology which increases bike price and repair costs. More experienced riders know how to handle braking and can find ABS to be intrusive to the experience.

My old man mind prefers new riders learn how to brake on their own and not rely on technology to do so. This can cause a rider to become more dependent on the technology and reduce the growth of riding skills. 

4. Overly Complex Electronic Systems

You know, back in the day, you’d twist the throttle and feel the engine respond directly. Now, with all these ride-by-wire systems and multiple riding modes, it’s like playing a video game sometimes. I miss the raw connection between rider and machine.

5. Touchscreen Displays

Have you seen these new bikes with screens bigger than my smartphone? Try using that with gloves on while you’re riding. Give me a good old-fashioned speedometer and tachometer any day. At least I could read those in bright sunlight!

6. Ride Modes

Back when I started riding, there was just one mode – ride. These fancy ride modes feel like they’re taking away the skill and intuition that make motorcycling an art.

Do I really need a computer to tell me how to ride in the rain or on a twisty road? Give me a bike that responds to my inputs directly, without a digital middleman deciding how much power I should have.

7. Start-Stop Technology

Imagine you’re at a stoplight, engine off, and suddenly you need to make a quick move. That split-second delay could be crucial. Plus, I can’t help but wonder what all that starting and stopping is doing to my engine in the long run.

While it is supposed to be a fuel saving measure, this is one I could do without. Actually, I wish they would take it out of my car too! 

8. Adaptive Cruise Control

Cruise control on a bike? Really? Part of the joy of riding is being fully engaged with your surroundings. If I wanted to sit back and let the bike do the work, I’d buy a car. Cruise control on its own may not be horrible, but the adaptive addition seems pointless. I cannot be comfortable letting a bike handle my safety at this level. 

But, as someone who has done tons of miles at a time, I do understand the benefit of cruise control on those long trips. The pain and numbness factor can be huge when rides are long and the cruise control can do the grunt work when your hand needs a break. But, if I could do it without cruise control – you can too! 

9. Automatic Transmissions

There’s nothing like the feeling of nailing a perfect shift! I actually feel the same about cars and wish manual transmissions would come back.  Automatic transmissions on bikes just take away that connection, that dance between you and the machine. It’s like they’re trying to turn motorcycles into scooters – where’s the challenge, the engagement, the thrill of mastering your ride?

Shifting gears is part of the motorcycle experience. These new auto-shift bikes might be easier for beginners, but they’re taking away the art of riding. There’s nothing like perfectly timing a downshift into a corner.

10. Reverse Mode

In all my years of riding I’ve never once thought, “Gee, I wish this bike could go backwards.” If you can’t back up your bike using your own two feet, maybe you should reconsider if you’re ready for that big touring rig.

Reverse on a motorcycle just feels like a crutch, taking away from the skill and physical connection that riding’s all about. While it makes sense on cars – I just do not understand why manufacturers added all the extra tech that we can do with our feet.

11. Drive by Wire

There’s something about a good old throttle cable that just feels right. When I twist that grip, I want to feel the direct connection to the engine, not some computer interpreting what I want.

Ride-by-wire might be fancy, but it’s like shaking hands with someone wearing thick gloves – you lose that immediate, tactile feedback that tells you exactly what’s going on with your bike. Give me a cable any day; at least I can fix that with some pliers and wire if it breaks down in the middle of nowhere.

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