brand new RD250LC

Totally agree with you here.
If you have traction control, ABS etc, then you don't have to think too much about how you apply power and braking.

If you have the above, you can nail the throttle and the bike "sorts it out for you"

The few very modern bikes i have tried felt quite bland, not much character (although they were extremely powerful and rapid) vs the bikes i ride and use. the SV has plenty of character too, which is why i rode one for a while.

I'm not saying the modern features are a bad thing, they aren't but older bikes are very different bike to bike, modern stuff not so much. Honda even use the same frame between some models of their current bikes. The VF range i own, every bike is different significantly, which adds to them all feeling very different to ride to each other.

Originally Posted by Red Herring

....and some things just haven't changed!

Personally I've still got my TDR250 that I've had since 1993, gave it a complete rebuild a couple of years ago and it only goes out on sunny Sundays now when I feel the need to remind myself of my youth or miss the cackle of a two stroke.... I had a beautiful RGV250 around about the same time, wish I'd kept that as well.

There is no argument that modern bikes are faster, more efficient and considerably more reliable but is that really all we want from a motorcycle? Personally I find the latest electronics laden offering pretty uninspiring and I'd be surprised if someone yearns after them in 25 years time......

[Biker Biggles]

I recall Padgets Yamaha had a habit of selling new old stock bikes and I wonder if this bike was one of theirs?