photo credit : VirginiaDirtBikeParts . net giving way to the convenience and effectiveness of the battery driven , mechanized , cranker-upper .
Oh , it took a while for the trend to become as nearly total as now . The original CB750 Hondas and the great Kawasaki 903 ’ s still had kickers hung on their sides when , at the time , these bikes were among the biggest motorcycles on the planet . That ’ s not to mention all the Harley 74 ’ s either . Later , some bikes still came with a kickstarter , but it was stowed away , under the seat for example . If needed , you got it out , mounted it up , and kickety-kick , you ’ re on your way .
So , when and why would that be necessary , you ask ? Well , take the case of some fool who buys his first
brand new , modern , motorcycle , and is so used to riding old stuff , that he is not even aware bikes are now equipped with a parking light position built into the key switch . So I , uh , I mean he , goes off and leaves the bike with the taillight lit , then comes back a few hours later .
That dumb I-got-me-a-new-bike grin fades quickly when a push of the button is met with silence . So , I . . . I mean he . . . oh , all right , dammit , it was me , started looking around for a non-existent kickstarter . Hmmm , doesn ’ t seem to be one . Nothin ’ left to do now except for the old runand-bump . This is really no big deal with a 550lb 750 , but would you like to try it with a Wing , or a big Harley , by yourself ? You sure we don ’ t need kickers anymore ?
VOL . 6 ISSUE 7 - JULY 2021 // PAGE 169