THE ESSENTIAL
ELEMENT
words & photos : courtesy of : The Vintage Movement
Today ’ s motorcycles are truly wonderful machines . Great handling , powerful , reliable , fuel efficient , you name it . Modern bikes have it all . However , as they become more and more refined , new bikes are slowly but surely becoming separated from one of the key components , which , as much as anything else , has always been directly associated with , if not exclusive to , motorcycles . What is this component , which is essential to the identity of powered two-wheelers in their purest form ? Why , the kickstarter , of course .
Make no mistake , the electric starter has been a godsend to us all . Few and far between these days are the riders who , given a choice , would prefer to stomp their machine into life rather than push the magic button .
In fact , think quick , how many modern street bikes are even equipped with a kickstarter ? Hmmm . . . well , there ’ s that Triumphesque Kawasaki W650 , and
. . . the ah , . . . These days , dual sports , trail bikes , dirt bikes , and even motocrossers are
ON THE PEGS // PAGE 168