Can you date this text?

[faffi]

All these factors add up to create an impression that the bike is the boss here. You don't just jump on and tear off the way you can on today's machines, perhaps thinking about business while you absently tune the radio. On a Velocette, you couldn't hear a rock if it were perched on your gas tank. A modern mainstream motorcycle has been so thoroughly developed, so many of its rough edges have been smoothed off, that it has become first cousin to an appliance. The classics demand your full attention. You must actually RIDE them. Such is the root of their appeal, and it has a genuine charm.

[Perazzimx14]

I cannot, I'm married 

[guzzisteve]

Yea, one reason the British bikes all went tits up. Even my 67 I can hop on & fly. Even on a old iron head sportster or 45 you can go.
Even on my old International M & H that I farmed with while others had new shiny Deere's.
Sounds like you need to go to the coffee shop & bs.

[faffi]

Perhaps I should have been more specific. The words are from a magazine, and I am curious when you think it was printed.

[bad Chad]

My guess, 1978.

[Bulldog9]

1973

[faffi]

Were radios common on motorcycles in the 1970s already?

[guzzisteve]

I had a Windcutter faring in 77 on my 75 T I bought new in 76 and everyone else with a Windjammer had a radio in theirs. I preferred no racket. that way you could HEAR the car tires behind you cause I wore no helmet. SO, yes, radio's were a thing anytime you had a fairing.

[pebra]

I'm guessing 2005 

[Solorider73]

All these factors add up to create an impression that the bike is the boss here. You don't just jump on and tear off the way you can on today's machines, perhaps thinking about business while you absently tune the radio. On a Velocette, you couldn't hear a rock if it were perched on your gas tank. A modern mainstream motorcycle has been so thoroughly developed, so many of its rough edges have been smoothed off, that it has become first cousin to an appliance. The classics demand your full attention. You must actually RIDE them. Such is the root of their appeal, and it has a genuine charm.

Per Google Gemini

That specific passage comes from Cycle World magazine.

It was written by Peter Egan in an article titled "The Thump of the Thruxton," which was featured in the July 1989 issue. In the piece, Egan eloquently captures the visceral, demanding nature of a Velocette Thruxton compared to the "appliance-like" efficiency of modern motorcycles.

[faffi]

Actually, it is from a 1986 Cycle magazine issue.

[guzzisteve]

86 is when I bought my new Cal2, still rocking w/sidecar at 130K mi.  I never read Mcy magazines only service manuals, I thought others ideas on bikes were bull. Bad Chad bought me a year subscription when I had the shop. Someone sent me a copy of V100 on cover recently couple years ago. Only thing I got was the GuzziNews from MGNOC

[SIR REAL ED]

Actually, it is from a 1986 Cycle magazine issue.

I can remember several articles where the tester concluded the bike was too good, too smooth, too refined, or too appliance like.

The Honda VFR750/800 come to mind.

Kinda like people, if they have no recognizable flaws and/or defects, they no fun and nobody wants to spend time with them.

IMO, for humans, charm and charisma require flaw and a slightly gruff personality.