1976 v 2018 Which summer rules?
WEATHER
In June 1976 the Midlands, south and north east were even hotter than in 2018. In July 2018, almost everywhere in the UK was hotter than in July 1976.
Verdict: A case of swings and roundabouts.
TRAFFIC
There were 17 million vehicles on the road in 1976. But by the end of 2017 it was 38 million, with a vastly higher proportion of HGVs and vans. A 1976 Ford Capri was 1646mm wide. A 2018 range Rover is 1990mm wide. Verdict: It was better then. Miles better.
TECHNOLOGY
It was cross-ply tyres, two valves per cylinder, and giant Kawasaki and Suzuki two-strokes. Good handling was confined to Ducatis and Morinis. And tools were rare: if you owned a torque wrench you were some kind of tech wizard. Verdict: No comparison. Today’s bikes are awesome.
RIDING
In 1976, any ride was amazing because most of us were teenagers. Now we try for a perfect ride at 3pm next Saturday. It doesn’t always work. Plus, petrol was 77p per gallon. Now it’s £6.10.
Verdict: High times still happen, but less often.
HEROES
Barry Sheene was in his pomp, winning his first title during that whoozy summer. This season is unlikely to produce a British MotoGP world champion but we have a dominant force in World Superbikes in Johnny Rea, and Cal Crutchlow keeps threatening to win more MotoGP races. Verdict: Sheene was a one-off but we have more to shout about this summer.
POLICE
In 1976, every police authority had its own traffic cops in cars and on motorcycles. They frequently stopped riders, knew the law and exercised discretion. Today we have speed cameras that usually don’t work.
Verdict: 2018 is an observant speeder’s paradise.
INSECTS
Splatted visors were normal in 1976. Today, decades of agricultural insecticides and habitat destruction have shrunk insect numbers to a fraction of what they were.
Verdict: Better today (but the ecosystem is collapsing).