[Andy]

While this report is focused on increases in Bicycle and Scooter sales, do you feel that higher gas prices could positively impact Motorcycle sales this season?

 

[phoenix9]

Absolutely. I feel that there has been an irreversible change in how we think about fuel consumption. It used to be that no matter the price of gas, the demand for fuel never changed. Now, there is starting to become a very direct correlation between the 2. I don't think you will see it in heavy Cruiser sales, but I do believe there will be an increase in scooters and smaller "starter" bikes (250-800 cc)....especially in the sunbelt and in our metro areas.

 

[PrometheusVII]

Like in Doha, Kuwait and Seoul. So many people on small bikes, zipping thru traffic. Some just getting from place to place, some carrying lots of cargo on little bikes. I just can't see it in the States, but I'm not a licensed prophet, nor do I play one on TV.

 

[johnfrey]

I laugh my ass off at then when they get caught in there first rain

 

[volusiamotorsports]

As a dealer who sells Victory, Scooters and Bicycles, we are seeing increased demand due to gas prices. 180 million Americans do not cycle regularly, but more are starting to see the benefit of exercise first, then expand into commuting - in cities especially. With a Scooter, if your ride to work is 10 miles, you'll use a gallon for the week - add the "bonus" savings of tire wear, oil changes and the high wear short car trips and the Scooter will be paid for in a year! Just buy a good brand. In my mind, anything on wheels is fun!

 

[Bigfoot]

Bicycle riding is on the increase. My son recently said we need to get the 12 speed bikes out of the attic. (Been up there for 10 years) Cars get good mileage now and Ford has 3 vehicles with over 40 MPG. I'm averaging 38 MPG on my Vision. :10500: +1 for cars. Realistically, only a few States have year around riding weather. +2 for cars. The fact that you need to get tested on a motorcycle in most States before you get you motorcycle operators license is a negative for motorcycle ownership. A substantial percentage of motorcycle riders do NOT have their motorcycle endorsement. Scooters have small wheels, which means that they go through tires faster. I had a 650 Suzuki Burgman Executive (ABS) that got 49 MPG but only got 6-8 thousand miles per rear tire. Front tire got double that. Replacement tires are not cheap. ($135 for the rear tire plus installation) I put new tires on my scooter, went on a 9 day, 6,400 mile trip across America and had to put a new rear tire on as soon as I got home. That tire lasted 9 days! :w00t: Oil changes were every 3,000 miles VS oil changes on a new Ford at 7,500 miles. Wet riding gear, cold riding gear, helmets, ATGATT gear, etc. all add up. Hit a deer in a car and normally only the car is damaged. Usually when a motorcyclist hits a deer, very bad things happen to the bike and to the rider. I spent more money on my Vision than I did on my last 3 cars. In the USA, motorcycles and scooters are still toys.

 

[clif02]

I know some guys that ride virtually year round and have been doing that for a while. One problem in many urban areas like where i live is it is not bicycle friendly and you are really taking a risk riding most local roads. I wouldn't even consider trying to ride to work on a bicycle but my XC is getting work duty every day...