> Just to give you an example, my MP3 is a 2015 (3rd gen a.k.a. current
> body style) and is only classed as a Euro2 vehicle. That is a jump
> of 3 levels in a 5 year span. Utterly batsh!t crazy.
Indeed, I have ready many articles like this one:
https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/bikes/euro-5-emissions-what-they-mean-to-motorcycles
To me it is bizarre to subject motorcycles -which are inherently more environmentally friendly- are subject to the exact same standards as cars.
> In other words, they are now pushing electric everything (and
> burning more coal then ever before ...
Yeah don't get me started on electric cars. Sire they don't *directly* produce emissions, but their production and their recycling (which we'll deal with soon enough) poses equal or more environmental challenges.
> My V12 6 liter Mercedes from 1991 puts out the same CO2 emissions ...
Sweet
>... maintenance hogs / electronic headaches.
Yeah, gone are the times when you could keep a worthy vehicle for a long time. With the electronics overload cars and motorcycles are throw-aways eventually.
> And don't get me started on the benefits of electric cars. Until
> battery > technology exists where you can add a 300 mile/500km
> charge in under 10 minutes it's a niche market.
That's a big point of debate I regularly have with my California friends. To me a car is about practicality, and just being able to drive 200 miles and then wait for 4-8 hours is silly. Can't go to the wine country for the day. Can't go skiing. Can't drive to LA. Don't waste my time...
Anyhow, for myself I kinda predict in 10 years or so I'll just have motorcycles (incl something as superbly practical as the MP3), and will do Uber/Rentals/SelfDrivingCrap when needed. I keep my trusty BMW R1100S because other than ABS is has no gadgetry, is eminently maintenance friendly and remains fun... with 100HP and a lot of torque it doesn't need traction and stability control, which you most certainly better have with the 170HP+ bikes they have out there these days, and which without electronic aids would prolly inflict mass casualties on the motorcycling community...
I had such a bike and one day in the rain the electronics went a bit nuts... exactly when you need them most, and it nearly spat me out in a busy intersection and upon arrival at home I checked if I needed new underwear...
I replaced it with the MP3 and am super-happy I did!