Hi Bob Collings
We all look on our bikes in different ways and I have always tried to keep mine as original as possible - so I run 6volts, bloody useless brakes, lowish compression ratio, cruise at around 65mph. 250 miles up to the Manx GP each year for the last 35 years with wellies and no leathers but unfortunately having to wear a helmet, etc. just to see if I and it can still do it. I don't use it at night very much however !!
If people want to convert to 12volts, fit disc brakes, bigger bores, higher compression ratios, self starters, centre stands, sticky tyres etc. it's fine by me -but I go modern for those comforts.
For more performance I have also had around 60 bikes in the last few years, mostly rebuilt for fun from salvaged write offs, including a Ducati, BMWs, Honda Fireblades, CBR 600s, my present HondaVFR 750, a CBX 6 etc all great fun with fantastic brakes and lights, but mostly I use the Vincent because I find it easier to ride and move around at 78 than the modern bikes, which are generally top heavy, high in the seat and have a terrible lock.
Matty