03-25-2015, 03:15 PM
(03-25-2015, 10:32 AM)Rboe_imp Wrote: Got the new Motorcyclist today, hot topic is the new Yamaha R1 an R1M. Cutting edge MotoGP bike for the road use (not really for the masses).
Which got me to thinking on why I like and choose the CB1100: It's not such a focused cutting edge hooligan tool. The R1 may bring in customers like Corvettes bring guys into the Chevy dealerships - and buy Impala's. Unless you can own several bikes and therefore afford to have a narrowly focused tool in your kit.
This got me to thinking, it seems the market is way too focused on crotch rockets and less so on standard proper motorcycles. I suppose that is what sells bikes but I like think that to get new and younger riders hooked on motorcycles, good looking standard non-threatening motorcycles. A CB550 or baby CB1100 would be very cool. Well, it would be cool if the CB1100 had been a sales success.
Ah, just rambling thoughts of an aging rider.
Since the mid 80s, the U.S. market diverged into mostly crotch rockets and cruisers. Not something I was happy about since I've only owned standard bikes. I happen to appreciate the utility of a single bike that can do whatever you want it to. When I started riding, just about every street bike you could buy was a standard bike, dag nabbit! (obligatory old geezer remark).
The market here in the states is still pretty much split along those lines, even though the major manufacturers still sell standard bikes in other markets, where motorcycles are used as real transportation. Every time they've tried to sell a standard bike here, it's been a dud. I wish new riders would be interested in something like a midsize standard (the CB400 Super Four would be fantastic), but in reality, even new riders want something that either looks like a Harley, or a plastic covered sportbike.