05-05-2019, 10:31 AM
Even in the 60s bike sales were 6 years on and 6 years off. Back then only Harleys were more expensive than a car.
Over the decades, as bikes became bigger and more electronically sophisticated, they became too expensive as a recreational toy or a 6 month form of transportation. I was surprized when I returned to motorcycling after a 25 year hiatus and found a Triumph Bonneville was more than 10 times the price they used to be. I wouldn't pay it.
The other deterrent is todays traffic. Its alright for retired people like myself who have more than a quarter century of riding experience and do not ride in city rush hours.
But the manufactures are getting wise. To bring people into the hobby they are making small and less expensive standard (naked) motorcycles to draw people into the sport.
Over the decades, as bikes became bigger and more electronically sophisticated, they became too expensive as a recreational toy or a 6 month form of transportation. I was surprized when I returned to motorcycling after a 25 year hiatus and found a Triumph Bonneville was more than 10 times the price they used to be. I wouldn't pay it.
The other deterrent is todays traffic. Its alright for retired people like myself who have more than a quarter century of riding experience and do not ride in city rush hours.
But the manufactures are getting wise. To bring people into the hobby they are making small and less expensive standard (naked) motorcycles to draw people into the sport.