(09-03-2019, 10:05 AM)VLJ_imp Wrote:

(09-03-2019, 06:21 AM)cookiemech_imp Wrote: Why is any of this "depressing"? At least they are out riding . . .

I have Harleys, BMWs, and obviously the CB1100. Each has its appeal, or I wouldn't own it. If I could only own one, it would be a Harley Road King. But so far, I don't have to choose.

I find it depressing because cruisers represent the continued dumbing down of motorcycling. On the two-wheeled evolutionary continuum, they're well behind the Missing Link.

I sold motorcycles forever. Cruiser riders were usually the most soul-crushing customers because they were nearly always the least knowledgeable, passionate, or ambitious riders. For the most part, all they cared about was the fashion aspect, and their bikes usually ended up accruing the lowest mileage. They asked the most inane questions, typically about worthless, blingy accessories and/or loud-pipe modifications.

And now they're basically all we have left in this country, other than a scattered few BMW/ADV riders. Sorry, but I miss the days when we had a much more varied, thriving, enthusiast-based moto palette. I was on one of the finest roads in the world yesterday, on a perfect holiday weekend, with no cops in sight all day long, and there wasn't a single rider up there to hunt me down on my slow-poke CB1100 and give chase. I had the place all to myself, other than for Harley and GS riders.

Yes, I find this to be quite depressing.

(09-03-2019, 12:46 PM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: It's a U.S. thing, and probably regional at that. On my Alps ride last week, I'd estimate it was 90% BMW (almost all GS), plus a smattering of Ducati, Triumph, Moto Guzzi, and Honda Africa Twins. As reported elsewhere, I did come across three CB1100's. I also noticed a few HD's and it was hilarious to watch as they struggled to navigate steep, curvy hairpins with their ape hangers and forward controls, but by far and away the predominate motorcycle of choice was a sporty-tourer or a beak-bike.