Does Tha Ride Tandem?

[bikeworkshop]

Good point - modern tandems are much stiffer and handle better. As said upthread, it will also make modern braking possible.

When two tandemists meet, the conversation always ends up about braking!

Additionally drop bar tandem is not for the novice, and the stoker will want a view of more than the pilot's arse cleavage.
clunky vintage gear change is harder to live with, adapting gears is a challenge on old kit, and swapping parts to make it work for you would be difficult.

Old tandems are usually worthless for a reason, and that's usability