Re: Triumph Bobber
 

Exactly what I was thinking, reading this thread.

I was also wondering if there'd been a similar impact on new drivers. In my (albeit now very London based) experience, the kids aren't very interested in learning to drive either. However this could be a function of a fairly comprehensive public transport system combined with easy access to scheduling information (via aforementioned mobile phones) and weather that's not quite so atrocious. And it's er... effort.

Re: Triumph Bobber
 

I also notice we're turning into classic grumpy old folks. This thread can be summarized as follows:

"Not seen many Bobbers about"

"Those bloomin young people!"

:D

Re: Triumph Bobber
 

A few years ago the Gadget Show did an experiment with two teams of two people. One team could use smart phone to access online sources to get themselves from a point in London to some point outside London using public transport only (no taxis) and the other team had to use 'conventional' sources of information, eg the phone and maps and timetables, but not online. The conventional team won by a decent margin, they only did the experiment once so may have been a happy accident, would have been nice to have seen result of best of three using same teams though.

Truth is, taking the smart phone away from millennial or generation Z person is like sending them into the world with a blindfold on. See them in a group and they instagram and facebook each other rather than talk face to face though - they sometimes shove the screen of their phone into someone elses face to make a point, but that is about as personal as it gets.....

Re: Triumph Bobber
 

I've also noticed a lack of appetite for younger people to learn to drive. It is pretty pointless when insuring a car is so expensive, but of course you need a license to be able to hire a van, drive a works car etc. The lack of young people on bikes is similar, it's now expensive and difficult to get into, no end of hypocritical parents won't let them, and yes, the mere thought of inconvenience of any sort is anathema. The Get On scheme doesn't seem to have helped much, but from what I hear, too many training companies who were hosting them instead tried to strongarm people into doing their CBT and parting with cash, so leaving a bad taste.

Re: Triumph Bobber
 

When trying to accomplish something simple like walk down a street, actually giving them a phone is like blindfolding them. And plugging their ears as well.

I dunno if London is ahead of the game here but it's not just the "yoof" - professional commuters of all ages are just as bad.

My phone lives in my pocket, not in my hand, and I prefer my ears unblocked. I'm in the minority.

Re: Triumph Bobber
 

Well all these comments seem to echo what I was saying in one shape or another.

Re: Triumph Bobber
 

You and me both. I'm personally quite happy to be a trend bucker. Note the B at the start of that word...

Btw, the Trumpet forum I'm also known to frequent is rather split on the Bobber (my goodness, a reference to the OP!) as some like it and the eest of us don't.

Re: Triumph Bobber
 

I think the bobber is hideous.

Re: Triumph Bobber
 

Seen the Triumph dealer's demo bobber and that's it.
Have seen more self built customs appearing though, cut down Viragos with side mount numberplates and whitewalls, that kind of thing.
Not to my taste but hey ho whatever floats yer boat.

Re: Triumph Bobber
 

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-...es-and-profits

The lower value of £Sterling may have helped Triumph overseas, but as article says 'Triumph UK sales down 15.5% year-on-year'.

Don't really like the look of the Bobber but as others say 'whatever floats your boat'.

Off topic a bit, Here is another story from Visordown on autonomous vehicle and motorbike colliding
http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-...d-rider-blamed

so easy to blame the rider and preserve the idea in peoples minds that Autonomous vehicles are safe.....
( just look at that car with its array of sensors, vandals just love to snap off car mirrors, so many more tempting targets on that car).