good question for new and old members

[archman]

why were the Honda 185 to 200 so tough and durable? I mean really to this day you can find one in a barn, behind a shed, or about anywhere. take it home, clean carb, new plug, change oil, and crank that little machine up and head out on a trail ride. you sure don't get that quality now. you see these things basicly untouched internally and still going.

[hoosierlogger]

The japs in the 80's knew what they were doing.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Same reason a Farmall or JD tractor built in 1939 are still running and working... Many never even to see an overhaul! ;)

[archman]

one thing is for sure. as long as you keep oil and gas in it you could not hardly tear them up

[yaegerb]

Another reason is the simplicity of the machine. Less parts/attachments/hoses/etc mean less things to go wrong. Thus, a new spark plug, fresh gas and an oil change and you are good to go. I miss old school quality...sigh.

[Dirtweed]

I miss old school quality...sigh.


Exactly why none of my tractors are newer than 1984. I bought a Yamaha 225DX that has been sitting for almost all of it's life. Since 1985 it had been in the garage and pulled out for only one or two weekends a year for use at an event and then tucked back in the garage. Cleaned the carb and tank, a new plug and air filter and it is running just fine.

[Furno]

As someone who lived in Asia for 2 years, I also agree on the quality of the ~80's Japanese technology. I Would also equate their expertise to that of what the American economy used to produce.

Edit: I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that following WWII, The japanese were not permitted a large army or a naval force, thus all of their production went to high(er than expected) quality goods and machines for sale overseas, What happened after the 80's, who know's...

[Robosnow]

Metal was metal back then. Today its mixed with so much crap and it does not hold up like the good ole stuff you used to see back in the day. For example...I bought some land and we found a few tent stakes from the 1950's. When I pulled them out of the ground (below the surface) it had little to no rust on them. I was amazed. Now these were underground in the dirt, outside for 60+ years. Do that with todays crap and see if you can find it the following year.

[badass350x]

The way I look at it,,,,,, Its A HONDA!!!!!!