Right. If you buy something and like it, why not maintain it, updating if necessary, and keep it. The "throw away" consumerist mentality leads to ever more short lifespan products. Think "Harbor Freight" tools= good for a few uses, then throw away for a new one. Granted, any producer needs sales to stay alive, but consider this; I have 5 Norton Commandos. They went out of business in 1977/78. BUT.... parts availability is better NOW than it was in their prime! And MUCH better quality. Same with Meriden Triumph, (to a lesser degree). Because people are still riding them! I don't want a plastic motorcycle, (or car, for that matter) that will end up in the trash in a few years because simple replacement/service parts are NLA. Protest if you will, but that is one reason H-D fans are so loyal- parts availability. Buy one-you'll pay $$$$, but you can ride it for decades because you can get what you need to keep it running. 50 year old Shovelhead? No problem! I hope the current Triumph products DO have a long service life, but the dealers don't give a damn about that, (parts/service), they just want you to buy a new one so they make a quick buck now. Like buying a Japan bike= in a year it's passe, there are ZERO parts available and most Japan bike dealers won't even work on 'em if they are more than 5 years old. "Just buy a new one" they say. (I know because I've worked in a bunch of them)
