No spark required

tribonnie said:
They have the political clout but very little financial clout. The value of the “goodwood” crowd is they definitely have the financial clout in terms of the value of the classic car business and the people who invest in it. There were 36 Ferrari 250 GTs built and each have an estimated price of £20 million plus which is probable more than all the classic bikes in the world. Richard (card carrying cynic)
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This is true , but the types who parade around at Goodwood are hardly representative of those of us who want to continue to use our bikes 365 days a year , rather than show them off a couple of times a year at events like Goodwood (entertaining though it may be).
The continued and unrestricted use of Laverdas on the roads is dependent on making our voice heard when political decisions are being taken , otherwise the politicians who take these decisions , and who will have a "green" agenda planted firmly in the backs of their minds , could easily come to the conclusion that the only place for "historic" vehicles will be restricted to special events like Goodwood etc.
The inflated value of these vehicles , and the financial status of those who own them will only re-enforce this perception , that being a niche pursuit only for the well off.
After all , we don`t want these old polluting vehicles being used on a regular basis do we , think of all the harm being caused to peoples health and the environment , so just let their wealthy owners display them now and again at special events.
If you enjoy riding your Laverda , as opposed to polishing and fiddling about with it , and I know many on this forum do use them in the way Zen and co. intended , then get out and do it now , time may be running out.

BTW , and although it`s a point best directed at MAG themselves it` still worth making , the front cover of their magazine recently featured one of the well known "Long Way Down" duo (not McGregor , the other one) , who apparently couldn`t be persuaded to cough up the few quid for MAG membership , despite probably having more money to throw around than most of us.If that was his attitude then I would question what on earth he was doing being featured on the front cover of the magazine in the first place.....
Again a point best directed at MAG , but a good illustration of how blinkered some peoples attitudes , even those held up as some sort of advertisement for motorcycling , can be.
 
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My Goodwood mob reference was also aimed at the attendees of Goodwood as well as the chinless Jag racing fraternity.
The UK still has a lot of classic cars, remember classic now means pre 1990 apparently and that will move on.
Just as I grew up dreaming of Norton Commandos and Laverdas the next crop of thirty forty somethings are buying up bikes and cars from the 80’s-90’s.
As for MAG having any clout, personally I have my doubts- they seem to have missed the boat on the governments decarbonisation programme, decisions already been made. BMF are much the same, 50,000 members a piece .
I looked up both BMF & MAG web pages to see what they had actually gained or overturned with regards to laws and proposals - not a great deal . Mr Bloor , who owned Triumph, actually had more political clout than either group.
I suppose a cross board Classic owners group covering Cars & Bikes might take the numbers up into the millions which would add momentum. Think of the NRA in America, they successfully campaign against any notion of common sense and have huge clout. I won’t be joining MAG unless I can be convinced they have more to offer Than just being consulted after the laws are passed.
 
Exmoor beast said:
My Goodwood mob reference was also aimed at the attendees of Goodwood as well as the chinless Jag racing fraternity.
The UK still has a lot of classic cars, remember classic now means pre 1990 apparently and that will move on.
Just as I grew up dreaming of Norton Commandos and Laverdas the next crop of thirty forty somethings are buying up bikes and cars from the 80’s-90’s.
As for MAG having any clout, personally I have my doubts- they seem to have missed the boat on the governments decarbonisation programme, decisions already been made. BMF are much the same, 50,000 members a piece .
I looked up both BMF & MAG web pages to see what they had actually gained or overturned with regards to laws and proposals - not a great deal . Mr Bloor , who owned Triumph, actually had more political clout than either group.
I suppose a cross board Classic owners group covering Cars & Bikes might take the numbers up into the millions which would add momentum. Think of the NRA in America, they successfully campaign against any notion of common sense and have huge clout. I won’t be joining MAG unless I can be convinced they have more to offer Than just being consulted after the laws are passed.
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The NRA has a millions of cowboys, gangsters, dealers and the 2nd amendment behind them.
Nobody gives a damn about old metal.

Paul
 
Not really fair to say that MAG are consulted after laws are passed-committees are there to discuss the possible framework for legislation which will eventually become law so having a voice in those discussions is important.
Another example of their pro-active stance is challenging Oxford City Councils Future Transport Policy statement which completely ignored motorcycles except to state that all motorcyclists were a danger to themselves.This was the view which Oxford would have carried forward in shaping transport policy in the future.
MAG challenged this,met with Oxford transport committee members and had that section removed , and amended , a case of those who would rather see us off the roads being reminded that motorcyclists actually have a voice , and are prepared to stand up for their rights.
They are also involved , together with FEMA with discussions with the European Commission regarding MEP Elena Kountoura`s draft report to the European Parliament on road safety which includes a call for Intelligent Speed Assistance (GPS triggered speed limiters) to be fitted to all motorcycles.
The European Parliament passed this draft report back on October 5 by a large majority.
MAG and the FEMA are in the process of reminding the Commission that back in 2019 they agreed that you just cannot fit ISA on motorcycles.
MAG may not be perfect but at least they have a real understanding of whats going on , unlike many motorcyclists who are riding around in blissful ignorance.
 
Enough I say! Close this thread immediately!

I am depressed enough with the way the world is going as it is. What's next? Playing cards on my front and rear wheels so I can pretend to have a "real" engine?

Enough. Cease. Desist.
 
Isn't it all about being on 2 wheels? My first bike was a Honda SS50, it sounded terrible but it was enough to get me hooked!

 
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