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Thanks for the link, I hadn't seen but one of those pictures before.

And for those thinking a 900lb. Honda Goldwing is required for cross-country travel, Pirsig's bike was Honda Hawk 305, as in 305cc. It put out 28 horsepower. I'll bet there are scooters today that put out more power. And Pirsig loaded it with two people and camping gear and rode it cross-country.

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Yeah but bear in mind the maintenance became a significant part of the experience (motorcycle maintenance is not just in the title for decoration). Some people prefer not to do that.

There are vastly more vehicles on the road today, and people expect to maintain higher average speeds. Also, maintaining speed becomes exhausting on smaller bikes, for a variety of reasons.

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