The dumbest thing that ever happened to motorcycles was when they equipped them with batteries.
Most don't remember Ed Roth. Rat Fink, Big Daddy Roth, "Cartoons" and the rest. He helped rebuild the engine on the '41. 90 mph, and it was barely turnin over...Cool bike. Then I got married and retired from being an outlaw in the eyes of most everyone. Long ago. Life is very different now. Better. But I do find some humor watching all the dentist ride around on their brand new Harleys. Wish I could afford one. But flying is cool too.
No, that was the best thing. Not because it replaced the kickstarter, but because it made for more room in the engine case. It was the foundation for more improvements than any non-mechanic will ever realize.