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SPECS · PICS · RATING
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Ducati Monster 1000 discussion forum:Mr. |
| Mr. |
| Don't have one. said 2003-04-27 07:30 |
| I can´t wait to buy a 2003 Ducati "Monster" (without fairing). It seems like an almost ideal motorcycle. I wrote the definition below. Please, if you think this definition can be improved, let me know. Thank you, Coram Justice CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE (Definition of) (Distinguished from Antique, Exotic, Racing, “Slick’” and Big Cruiser. Motorcycles are not “classic” merely because they are old. Classic pertains not only to motorcycles of the golden-age, but to the ideal of a constitutive ruggedness in balance with esthetic design. While all artifacts are doubtless capable of some degree of refinement, there comes a point in the development of many, when the need of the designer to express himself becomes the paramount reason d’être for the “improvement,” rather than any real purpose or, alternatively, it simply becomes technologically feasible, and so it is done. Classic motorcycles, possess, or are limited to, the following features: 1– The engine is air cooled. Motorcycles cooled with a circulating fluid are not classic. A small and unobtrusive oil cooling radiator is marginally acceptable within the parameters of classic. 2– There is no fairing. A windshield mounted on the handlebar while esthetically wanting, is acceptable within the definition of classic—the smaller, the better. 3– Real chromed steel (or titanium) spokes are fitted to the wheels—which are chromed or polished alloy and not painted. Wheels with integral cast spokes are distinctly unclassic. 4– The axles of both wheels are supported on both ends. Axles supported on one side only may be an offering of the “post-modern” technological wunderkind, but they are not classic. 5– The 4 stroke engine is the most classic. The two stroke design is less acceptable as a true classic. 6– The number of cylinders is one, or two. The most classic twin design, is either in “parallel,” or “V” array. Ideally the “V” rotates parallel to the wheels in the manner of the Vincent, Ducati, and the Harley. When the “V” rotates perpendicularly to the wheels, as does the Moto Guzzi, it, as well as the horizontally opposed twin, are marginally acceptable as true classics. Additionally, while the balance and smoothness of the horizontally opposed twin is superb, this design, and that of the Moto Guzzi “V” suffer due to their rotational inertia being perpendicular to the wheels which is not desirable for gyroscopic stability when torque is applied, or when the real wheel loses traction, or when the engine seizes. [NOTE: A considerable number of motorcycles were manufactured in the past with three or more cylinders. While this may be considered novel, or “high tech,” their inclusion within the genre of classic is less than ideal. Marvels of engineering complexity and atypical designs while being esteemed by many, do not automatically provide entry into the classic realm. Exotic, or antique, is more appropriate.] 7– The desirable range of displacement of the cylinders is for the single 350cc to 650cc with 500cc being the most classic. For the twin 500cc to 1300cc. While 50cc thru 250cc were, and are, extremely common, as an ideal embodiment of a true classic, they fall short. On the large side, there were some limited productions, e.g., the Mammut (Stuttgart, Germany) that used an NSU car engine—not a classic, but an unwieldy exotic. 8– The transmission is manual. Automatic transmissions are not classic. 9– Twin Rear Shock absorbers are utilized. One on each side of the frame. The classic arrangement has exposed chromium or nickel plated springs. The single shock absorber mounted centrally in the manner of the Vincent, Ducati and others, is slightly less pleasing to the eye than exposed springs on each side of the frame. 10– The exhaust system, including the mufflers, is chrome plated. 11– The headlight (only one is used) is mounted on, and swings with the forks. Headlights that are in alignment with the frame, as for example, those attached to a fairing, are not classic. 12– The instruments—speedometer, tachometer and odometer—are analog not digital. 13– The front forks are either of the standard twin telescopic variety, or the “springer” which is slightly more antique than truly classic. Rubber gaiter covers are more classic than metal sleeve covers. The trailing link style is acceptable within the definition of classic. The Earle’s fork is classic, to the BMW, but not to motorcycles in general. Telelever forks are not classic. 14– Brakes may be drum or disk. While hydraulic brake tubes are not classic, they constitute an insufficient indiscretion to disqualify an otherwise acceptable classic. 15– Chain drive is the most traditionally classic, but shaft or belt drive are both acceptable. 16– The number of valves and their mechanical design are inconsequential to being a classic. 17– The operation of the electrical system is inconsequential to being a classic. 18– Turn signals are not classic, but since many politicians decree their use, classics bearing them, are simply classics with turn signals. |
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