10-23-2018, 02:31 AM
There is encouragement in the marketplace that more standard-type bikes are gaining some prominence. Bikes like the CB300F and CB500F have become more desirable than their full-faired brethern. And smaller Adventure bikes are an emerging category that may re-envigorate interest in motorcycling, and image is a huge part of that.
I've seen parallels among other transport modes. In the '70s, most bicycles sold were either "racer"-types with uncomfortable drop bars, or heavy-duty beach cruiser types (mostly Schwinns), with a few European tourist-type.
Bicycling was dying, until the advent of a new type of "standard", the mountain bike, with a more upright riding position, that hinted that you the rider were an adventurous sort, even if you never wandered off the bike path.
Similarly, the popular and practical station wagons of the '60s and '70s was declining as it became known as a dull and boring transport. Whoever came up with the SUV name was a genius, so now tall station wagons say you are the adventurous sort, even though most never go off road.
I apologize for the long digression, but just hope that the Adventure-bike will re-envigorate motorcycle interest, especially with newer riders, with a safer, more useful style, that allows all kinds of modifications, including safety bars, windshields, hand guards, etc., that can protect a rider better. And provide that all-important ability to look around and see traffic and road hazards. And to look cool, even if most won't be used off-road.
I've seen parallels among other transport modes. In the '70s, most bicycles sold were either "racer"-types with uncomfortable drop bars, or heavy-duty beach cruiser types (mostly Schwinns), with a few European tourist-type.
Bicycling was dying, until the advent of a new type of "standard", the mountain bike, with a more upright riding position, that hinted that you the rider were an adventurous sort, even if you never wandered off the bike path.
Similarly, the popular and practical station wagons of the '60s and '70s was declining as it became known as a dull and boring transport. Whoever came up with the SUV name was a genius, so now tall station wagons say you are the adventurous sort, even though most never go off road.
I apologize for the long digression, but just hope that the Adventure-bike will re-envigorate motorcycle interest, especially with newer riders, with a safer, more useful style, that allows all kinds of modifications, including safety bars, windshields, hand guards, etc., that can protect a rider better. And provide that all-important ability to look around and see traffic and road hazards. And to look cool, even if most won't be used off-road.