** Death knell of motorcycling as we know it. **

[rotor]

It's a big World out there...
Motorcycling is alive and well and living in every metropolis between Istanbul and Seoul:

Without the motorcycle, the life as they know it would come to an abrupt end.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Scooters have definitely been instrument in changing motorcycling as we know it, just not as fast in North America - but it has been changing in the largest cities here.

[GoldOxide_imp]

So, Harley released a dismal report today and their stock dropped 5% in trading.

So what's going on?

HD indicates essentially nobody beyond the Baby Boomers are interested in their hogs. They suggest Millennials don't want to learn a clutch and would just rather simply twist 'n' go like on the electric bikes. In addition, many of them just think riding a motorcycle is simply too dangerous and Uber is more convenient. Okay, where's the fun in that? Nevertheless, with that perception, the death knell clangs. HD warns of a dire demand in the coming fiscal year.

However, HD plans to release some 100 new models like by 2024 or thereabout. Most of the new models will be electric, with the first one hopefully delivered in 2019.

HD is trying to adjust to market trend and it may take a few years, but it appears the times are a changin'.

[redbirds_imp]

I would like to see recycling support itself, rather than be subsidized by government.
When I was a kid, milk was delivered to our door in a bottle that was re-used over and over. Soda bottles were refilled.
I agree with LR, when the Olympics went to Beijing they had to shut industry down so you could see across the street. If it's a global problem, they are apparently not worried about it.
Climate change is undeniable, and has been for millions of years. As far as I am concerned, man may be having an effect, whether it's vehicle emissions or power lines starting fires that burn entire towns,cars, tires rubber and all. But the degree of man"s effect remains unproven in my estimation.
In any event, man's ability to adapt and adjust to change is amazing, and I have faith in that.
Meanwhile, I figure motorcycling as we know it will be around as long as I am able. If a new generation wants it they can figure it out.
Yep, I'm a dinosaur.

Ben

+1, could not agree more.
The world that's coming is one I want no part in.

[GoldOxide_imp]

[url=https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-news/honda-developing-motorcycle-autopilot/?utm_medium=syndication&utm_source=googlenews]Honda Developing Motorcycle Autopilot <-- here

[peterbaron]

Not sure if we went through this??:

https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcy...-unveiled/

[Cormanus]

There's a chance we did, PB, but some of us, at least, won't remember, so it was good to see it.

[GoldOxide_imp]

There's a chance we did, PB, but some of us, at least, won't remember, so it was good to see it.

The post content looks familiar.

[peterbaron]

More worries about electric vehicle future???
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/ev-tran...-1.6667698

[Tev62]

My local Harley dealer, also Triumph & Ducati, was made to take 10 Harley Battery Assisted bikes as stock. Serial 1 - They look fantastic, quality well made items and quite stylish. But they can't sell them, too dear. All the kids are buying these cheap battery scooters and those with money buy ICE. They are now discounting them by 25%, a genuine discount paid for by Harley, the dealers don't have the margin on them.