Tim,…yes, but the Triumphs looked cool……
Seriously, engine power increase outstripped frame and brake technology up until the late seventies. I had a Yamaha 500 single from 1976 that had front disc brakes. They were great in the dry, but the first time I took it out in real wet weather I ended up putting my feet down to help it slow up……you couldn’t just use the back drum brake as that locked the wheel….thinking ahead became second nature after a short time, but the first few times out it was a sharp learning curve….
there was a big bias against Japanese bikes in the early 70's, by the 'true' bike brigade, Ariels, Triumphs, BSAs Nortons & best of all - a Velocette were the only bikes to be seen riding, never mind that they all leaked oil, had dodgy electrics, had been thrashed since day one, and were labour intensive! and as for electric start...........................!
Dave