Running head: ANALYSIS ESSAY

Analysis Essay
Harrison Faux
Crafton Hills College
English 102-30

In many ways motorcycle maintenance as described in the book Zen

and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (Pirsig, 2006) is comparable to

ANALYSIS ESSAY

computer maintenance. Both motorcycles and computers are made up of

individual components that fit together to form a complete machine. In both
cases, everything is connected, and there is a distinct hierarchy of
components. Various motorcycle brands are known for reliability or
quality and the same can be said of computers (Popular Mechanics, 2012;
PC World, 2007). Similarities can also be drawn between motorcycle and
computer owners. While some owners tune and adjust their motorcycle or
computer themselves, others prefer to have a qualified expert do the work.
There are people who embrace technology, and there are also those who
ignore or even hate technology simply because they do not take time to
understand it.
Technology is advancing at a tremendous rate. Old technologies are
constantly advanced and refined (Manoj, K., Sachin, K., & Tyagi, S. K. 2013),
(Mishra, A. K. 2013), and new technologies appear on a regular basis (Judis, J.
B. 2013), (Scientific American, 2013). Because technology surrounds us
almost constantly, people generally learn to live with it. In his book, Zen and
the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pirsig (2006) writes that there are
two different ways people respond to technology, people can choose to
ignore it, or embrace it. In his book, two characters, John Sutherland and his
wife, Sylvia choose to ignore the technology and components that make up a
motorcycle, opting instead to look at the piece of technology as a whole. By
contrast, the narrator of the book would rather immerse himself in the
technology and understand how each component functions. The narrator

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believes that in order to understand anything, a person needs to look at the

underlying form that goes along with it. This is true also with computers, not
just motorcycles. Motorcycles and computers each have individual
components that compose the underlying form; when the components come
together they form a complete machine.
The Sutherlands blame their technology if something goes wrong
rather than understanding that a specific component needs to be repaired.
On one occasion, John tries to fix a drippy faucet, but when his first approach
fails, he gives up. He would rather live with the problem then acknowledge
its existence. This is a similar attitude many computer users have. When a
computer fails to start, users often blame the computer rather than trouble
shooting the process and isolating the problematic component. Some people
try a single approach to get their computer to function, and then abandon all
efforts if that attempt fails. In reality, there are multiple reasons a problem
can occur, because technology is made up of many components with varying
functions (Cisco, 2013). One should not necessarily expect their first
approach at fixing a problem to succeed. Pirsig goes into detail on this issue
many times in his book. At one point, the narrator feels his motorcycle is
running inconsistently and loping a little. His first thought is that the air in
the fuel is to rich. After his cycle is cool, the narrator tests his hypothesis by
checking the spark plugs. When they are both black, he realizes that due to
changes in elevation, he needs to install new jets. After visiting a local
mechanic and purchasing the jets, his cycle reverts to normal operation. This

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same troubleshooting process is used by computer mechanics to isolate, and

fix a problem in a computer. According to the Cisco Net-Acad website (2013),
a computer mechanic should isolate the problem or problems, and then
construct a hypothesis as to the cause of the problem or problems. The
mechanic then tests the hypothesis by switching components of the
computer out until there is a positive result.
Both motorcycles and computers have a distinct hierarchy in the
components they use. Motorcycles are built around a chassis and frame, and
computers are built around cases. The frame of a motorcycle and the case of
a computer are very important because they are designed to house
numerous components essential to the proper function of the machine. Some
frames and cases can support better components than others, manage
space better, and have various aesthetics in order to appeal to as many
consumers as possible. Inside every computer is a motherboard. Everything
on the computer is directly or indirectly connected to the mother board, it
serves as a sort of frame for the machine (Cisco, 2013). Motorcycles all have
a form of suspension which contributes to handling. Computers employ
Random Access Memory, also known as RAM. This helps a computer access
and handle files. Every piece of machinery needs some sort of power supply.
Motorcycles get power by burning fuel. Computers get power from a power
supply that receives AC power from an outlet and converts it to DC power.
Motorcycles are equipped with an engine; engines are measured in horsepowers, RPM and, liters. Different engines have different numbers and

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configurations of pistons. Multiple pistons help to ensure that power is

distributed efficiently. Computers are furnished with a Central Processing
Unit, known as a CPU. The CPU is measured in gigahertzes, each gigahertz
equaling one billion cycles per second. Different CPUs have different
numbers and configurations of cores. Multiple CPU cores help to ensure that
processing power is distributed efficiently. There are many additional
components that go into the construction of a motorcycle or a computer. Not
all of them are comparable to each other like the examples above, but each
part contributes to the hierarchy of the machine (Pirsig, 2006; Cisco, 2013).
Another way that motorcycles and computers are similar is the
reputation that certain brands hold. A term that is used for both motorcycles
and computers is quality. In Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,
John decides to purchase a BMW motorcycle because he perceives it as being
more reliable and of better quality than other brands. Like many people, John
believes that the newest, most popular product must also be the best. The
narrator disagrees, he believes that whats best is more important than
whats new. In the world of technology, most people seem to take Johns
side and buy into whats new. For example, Apple sold over nine million
iPhone 5S mobile phones in the first weekend alone (Apple, 2013). Many
customers upgraded from last years iPhone 5 simply because the 5S is
whats new (Verizon Forums). Some people even went as far as to disguise
their current iPhone as the newer model using stickers and paint (Cnet). The
narrator says later in the book that there is no real way to judge quality

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anyway. The only way to describe quality is to give an example of an item

that has it. Even though it is difficult to measure, the narrator believes that
quality does exist. In Pirsigs words, Why else would people pay fortunes for
some things and throw others in the trash pile? This is not to say that
technology does not advance and improve, as mentioned earlier it does, but
consumers should avoid making a decision to purchase a piece of technology
solely on the basis that it is new and therefore superior.
On another occasion, the narrator weighs the pros and cons to
maintaining ones own motorcycle. Because he tunes and adjusts it himself,
he is able to save money. While John is smart enough to learn how to
maintain his motorcycle himself, he holds the conviction that it is worth the
extra money to make sure the job is done right. This gives John a certain
peace of mind. The narrator however, is apprehensive about trusting his
machine with someone else due to disastrous past experiences with
incompetent mechanics. Computer users tend to face similar dilemmas.
Maintaining the hardware and software on ones computer is a relatively
easy task, and can save owners a good deal of money. Examples of computer
maintenance include running virus scans, cleaning the registry, and
removing dust collecting on fans and other components of the machine.
However, there are certain components that the average user might not be
comfortable working on such as wiring a USB motherboard connector. If done
incorrectly they risk losing data stored in the flash memory and damaging

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their machine (Cisco, 2013). Many computer users would rather pay a
certified technician to come and do the job right.
Motorcycles have a lot in common with computers. Pirsings book was
written at a time when computers were not available or affordable to the
general public (Historically Brewed magazine, 2011). Now, it is difficult to
find a home without a computer of some kind. Computers even power the
engines in automobiles and motorcycles (Ford, 2013; Honda, 2013).
Understanding the similarities and the differences between these two
technologies can assist consumers in making informed decisions regarding
purchasing or maintaining their machines.

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References
American Honda Motor Company, (2013) Touring Cycles Retrieved from:
http://powersports.honda.com/street/touring.aspx
Apple (2013) First weekend iphone sales top nine million, sets new record.
Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2013/09/23FirstWeekend-iPhone-Sales-Top-Nine-Million-Sets-New-Record.html
Cisco Networking Academy, (2013) IT Essentials. Retrieved from http://staticcourseassets.s3.amazonaws.com/ITE50ENU/module3/index.html#3.1.5.4
Cnet (September 12, 2013) How to make your iphone 5 more like an iphone
5s. Retrieved from http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-57602666233/how-to-make-your-iphone-5-more-like-an-iphone-5s/
Consumer Reports (October 2012). Recommended Desktop Computers.
Retrieved from http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronicscomputers/computers-internet/computers/computerrecommendations/desktop-computer.htm
Consumer Reports, (May 2013) Most reliable motorcycles. Retrieved from
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/05/most-reliablemotorcycles/index.htm

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Crossroads of invention. (2013). Scientific American, 309(4), 56-57.

Ed Roberts interview, (2011). Historically Brewed magazine, (Issue 9).
Retrieved from:
http://www.virtualaltair.com/virtualaltair.com/mits0011.asp
Ford Motor Company, (2013). Fusion Hybrid SE. Retrieved from:
http://www.ford.com/cars/fusion/trim/hybrid/
Judis, J. B. (2013). Steve Jobs's angel. New Republic, 244(14), 4-7.
Manoj, K., Sachin, K., & Tyagi, S. K. (2013). Design, development and
technological advancement in the biomass cookstoves: A review.
Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 26265-285.
doi:10.1016/j.rser.2013.05.010
Mishra, A. K. (2013). Technological advancements in surface drilling rigs for
mines and construction. Journal Of Mines, Metals & Fuels, 61(1/2), 1-18.
PC World, (November 29th 2007) Technology's Most (and Least) Reliable
Brands. Retrieved from
http://www.pcworld.com/article/139958/article.html
Pirsig, R. M. (2006). Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance: An inquiry
into values. New York: HarperTorch.
Popular Mechanics (2012) The 10 best buys in 2012 motorcycles. Retrieved
from http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/motorcycles/the-10-bestbuys-in-2012-motorcycles#slide-1

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Verizon Community Support Forum (September 10th 2013) Upgrade from
iphone 5 to 5s. Retrieved from
https://community.verizonwireless.com/thread/805315

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