How important is "modern tech" to you in a bike?

[Rattlehead]

So, how important do you consider tech to be when looking for a bike? Do you just HAVE to have the latest and greatest tech/ features or do you prefer something as simple as a hammer?


Personally, I think I’m somewhere in the middle. I like “high-tech”. It doesn’t scare me to work on it and I appreciate its benefits. I also appreciate a simple machine with few complicated systems to go wrong. I turn my own wrenches and so I love an “easy fix”. A bike designed with “serviceability” in mind brings a smile to my soul.  

I am a powertrain junkie. I love HP. I love an engine that sings instead of thumps, clangs and bangs.  The gentle clatter of a solid OHC setup is music to my ears. The soft whine of a gear driven cams is as soothing to me as waves gently crashing onto a deserted beach. I want an engine that is smooth and precise and yet will put the fear of God in you when you crack it open. I want a modern powertrain that is reliable and powerful. I also want it to be easy to work on. I don’t want a routine oil change to take ½ a day. I don’t want to waste a weekends worth of riding every 6000mi adjusting valves. I want things to be overbuilt, not over engineered (re: complicated for no good reason).

I demand a modern chassis. I want a strong foundation built off of modern materials. Mild steel tubing may be fine for a 5hp go-cart but it has no place in my bike. A twin spar aluminum or an intricate Chrome-Molly trellis frame shall be under me when I ride.
I demand a modern adjustable suspension with adequate travel for most any road (no 1” travel pogo sticks   ). I will be the judge as to how much dampening shall be appropriate. I will make the call as to whether comfort or handling shall be favored in my suspension settings. I will not accept what some engineer somewhere thinks is a “best fit” for all.  
I want brakes that work. 2 in front and 1 in rear shall be their numbers. They should be strong and easy to use (not grabby with good feel). ABS is acceptable, so long as it isn’t too intrusive, but lack there-of isn’t a deal-breaker.

Traction control, wheelie control and other “rider aids” are simply more sensors to go wrong and more unnecessary complication. As a person who always buys used I know full well that the more things that can go wrong, the more things that will. Call me cynical or pessimistic, I care not, but I find no joy in fixing things that have broken.

That’s why I like my Hayabusa (1st gen). It’s modern enough yet still somewhat simple. So far maintenance has been fairly straightforward, although I’ll be tackling the valves soon so that may change my opinion slightly   . Everything seems to be laid out in a pretty straightforward manner though. The engine is a beast. The frame is strong, suspension good as well as the brakes. It’s just been a good all-around bike that is no more complicated than it needs to be.  

[desertxxrider]

+1   When I see some new bikes (looking at the long term service aspect)... I want a short term lease.

[phoenix]

I like fuel injection, I can live without ABS, and after that, I just want "reliable".

With technology often comes "more things that can go wrong". So for me, fancy electronics and other controls are not a selling feature.

[county]

I like an electric starter.

[scottzilla]

New technology adds up to make bikes better.  It's not always one thing, rather the sum of the technologies that make the difference.
For my riding purposes, I doubt technology would have much impact but on the showroom I think it would.
For example, the CBR1000 versus the New R1.  For my money, all the technology included on the R1 is essentially free when you compare prices.  It would be silly to buy the Honda from a finance perspective.

[Thunderbox]

ABS, Fuel injection, multi mode fuel mapping, traction control, bluetooth, automatics and a host of other inovations.  For myself ABS and fuel injectiion are a must have, the other stuff is nioce but not absolutely a deciding factor.

[Espada]

As much as motorcycles are these days, I would like to know that I am getting some useful technology beyond a couple of wheels, a seat, handle bars, and a drive train.

[jay547]

i'm not sure how to answer. my current bike, which i've had a little more than a year, is my first street bike that has FI, liquid cooling, and a gas gauge - and i've been riding since the 70's.

[garry]

I like fuel injection, I can live without ABS, and after that, I just want "reliable".

With technology often comes "more things that can go wrong". So for me, fancy electronics and other controls are not a selling feature.

+1. FI is the only electronic "tech" thing I look for (but not a deal breaker as both my current bikes have carbs).

Light weight, great brakes (ABS not required) and well-sorted fully adjustable suspension is on the must have list, but aren't "tech" features, at least not in the electronic sense.

I don't have any interest in the other electronic aids or gizmos.

[volleykinginnc]

It absolutely must have an analog tach otherwise it's too complicated

[BashamR6S]

I like fuel injection, I can live without ABS, and after that, I just want "reliable".

With technology often comes "more things that can go wrong". So for me, fancy electronics and other controls are not a selling feature.

Thats spot on for how I feel, keep it simple!!
Bash

[desertxxrider]

I like an electric starter.

True but it's not as entertaining as it was in the old days watching people kick start the Hogs.

[dan88z]

I like the gadgets and technology. FI and ABS are pretty much requirements. But things like traction control, tps and some of the other bells were reasons I got my Connie over an FJR.

[BashamR6S]

It depends on which ride your talking about. The sportbike, keep it simple. Sport Tour a few more gadgets would be better, but at the same time it is more to go wrong...

Bash

[bomber]

i'm not sure how to answer. my current bike, which i've had a little more than a year, is my first street bike that has FI, liquid cooling, and a gas gauge - and i've been riding since the 70's.

I'm in the same boat . . . . . .I tend to approach the question from a capabilities standpoint, rather than a features direction (the feature vs benefit dichotomy familiar with sales folks and savy purchasers).

I want reliable, torquey, good handling, powerful, light, easily serviced, in about that order.

My Tuber Buell fulfilled those requirements -- but so does my Triumph Tiger (with ABS).

 

[HipGnosis]

Middle
I started sport touring on a KZ-650 & then a KZ-750.   If I rode in the rain for a bit of time they'd start running rough and I'd have to pull over and dry off the points.  I carried the tools for that in my jacket - as duffle bag was strapped to the seat...  I got good at it, but it was a pita.  
Then I got a GPZ-750.  It had electronic ignition and I've never looked back (other than reminiscing).  I even put aftermarket electronic ignitions in my '67 Chevelle and '67 Nova.  Tech = GOOD!!

My '01 BMW K1200RS had a front brake leak last year.  Because of the (admittedly early) ABS system, it was a dealer service.  They replaced a hose, bled the system and checked the ABS.  During the checking, they found a small leak in another hose...  Fixed that and... found a 'suspect' hose...  
That service bill had me say; tech = ?!?!?

[rgbeard]

I *MUST* have an electric starter as well.  

Fuel injection is cool but not a must.
I've not yet had a bike with ABS.
I've not yet ever purchased a new vehicle.

Given that my daily commuter is an 84 Goldwing and my weekend fun bikes are both 2001 Triumphs (one with carbs, one with FI) I'd say bike tech takes a pretty far back seat in my decision making.

[Rogue]

My current favorite that has it all without going way overboard with electronics is the '12 CBR1000RR.

It has everything required to be competitive:
Powerful engine
Refinement
Great Chassis with the latest fully adjustable, high quality suspension (Big Piston Fork and rear shock).
Light weight
Great looks

Yet it doesn't give the rider too much stuff he does NOT need:
multi-mode traction control--if you need this to control your bike, then maybe it's just too much power?  
ABS - Optional (I think--for those who has to have it--really?  Maybe it's time to drive a car?   )

[spd2918]

ABS, Fuel injection, multi mode fuel mapping, traction control, bluetooth, automatics and a host of other inovations.  For myself ABS and fuel injectiion are a must have, the other stuff is nioce but not absolutely a deciding factor.

This.

[Liquidsilver]

I love all the tech (and materials) that provides high HP, low weight, nimble geometry and low maintenence.