Comments on: Piaggio’s Plea: Help Us Sell Bikes/Scooters In The U.S. As Transportation (Editorials) (News) http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/06/piaggios-plea-help-us-sell-bikesscooters-in-the-u-s-as-transportation/ Motorcycle News, Editorials, Product Reviews and Bike Reviews Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:55:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: JS http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/06/piaggios-plea-help-us-sell-bikesscooters-in-the-u-s-as-transportation/comment-page-1/#comment-914 JS Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:50:58 +0000 http://www.motorcycledaily.com/?p=8716#comment-914 Sorry...I said Yamaha and I meant Piaggio. JS Sorry…I said Yamaha and I meant Piaggio.

JS

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]]> By: JS http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/06/piaggios-plea-help-us-sell-bikesscooters-in-the-u-s-as-transportation/comment-page-1/#comment-913 JS Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:50:08 +0000 http://www.motorcycledaily.com/?p=8716#comment-913 So-called "super" scoots are ideal for America, and they bridge the gap (mechanically and psychologically) between highway-incompatible Vespa class scoots and full-blown touring m/c's. But instead of Yamaha, et al, castigating dealers for the lack of "transportation" thinking, they might want to expend a little more advert. revenue on making that point themselves, plus getting their industry org., the MIC, to lead the charge for better road rules, unbiased law enforcement, and public demos of scooter/low disp. m/c practicality instead of adrenaline hype. It's their four-color, fold-out advert's. that pull people into the showrooms. If they look for wheelie-poppers instead of fun and responsible transport they have only themselves to blame. So-called “super” scoots are ideal for America, and they bridge the gap (mechanically and psychologically) between highway-incompatible Vespa class scoots and full-blown touring m/c’s. But instead of Yamaha, et al, castigating dealers for the lack of “transportation” thinking, they might want to expend a little more advert. revenue on making that point themselves, plus getting their industry org., the MIC, to lead the charge for better road rules, unbiased law enforcement, and public demos of scooter/low disp. m/c practicality instead of adrenaline hype.

It’s their four-color, fold-out advert’s. that pull people into the showrooms. If they look for wheelie-poppers instead of fun and responsible transport they have only themselves to blame.

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]]> By: Motorod http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/06/piaggios-plea-help-us-sell-bikesscooters-in-the-u-s-as-transportation/comment-page-1/#comment-827 Motorod Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:35:49 +0000 http://www.motorcycledaily.com/?p=8716#comment-827 Let's face it, for most of the US, scooters and small displacement bikes don't make sense. The distances are too great, the freeway speeds too high, the weather conditions too extreme. Besides that, there is the whole high-performance culture where everyone seems to be in the thrall of horsepower beyond the realm of real-world usability. None of my riding buddies would be caught dead on a Ninja 250, much less a 150 scooter, whereas the little Ninja looks pretty good to me, and the new Stella from the Genuine Scooter Company, right here in the good old US of A, seems like something I could live with. Sorry Piaggio. Let’s face it, for most of the US, scooters and small displacement bikes don’t make sense. The distances are too great, the freeway speeds too high, the weather conditions too extreme. Besides that, there is the whole high-performance culture where everyone seems to be in the thrall of horsepower beyond the realm of real-world usability. None of my riding buddies would be caught dead on a Ninja 250, much less a 150 scooter, whereas the little Ninja looks pretty good to me, and the new Stella from the Genuine Scooter Company, right here in the good old US of A, seems like something I could live with. Sorry Piaggio.

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]]> By: Norm G. http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/06/piaggios-plea-help-us-sell-bikesscooters-in-the-u-s-as-transportation/comment-page-1/#comment-792 Norm G. Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:00:17 +0000 http://www.motorcycledaily.com/?p=8716#comment-792 After reading all the comments, it's pretty clear that one and only definitive conclustion can be drawn? And that's there's very little if any business case to be made for scooters and other small displacement motorcycles here in the U.S. However (comma), that assumes we make the case based on practicality (ie. the same principle that works for Europe). That's where we are going wrong. Short of a technological breakthrough, scooter practicality will NEVER trump small/compact car practicality. No, the only way to proliferate increased sales of these vehicles is to stick with the SAME marketing ploy that currently dominates the American psyche. Ie. FUN and ENTERTAINMENT. If you notice, fun factor is the only POSITIVE reoccuring theme observed in most of the comments (especially from those who actually own small bore vehicles). Okay, leverage THAT to your advantage. That's really what honda did with the classic "nicest people" ad. "Fun factor" is the only card that allows you to trump price, trump lack of all weather practicality, trump less than 100mpg fuel consumption, and trump any other "deal breaker" the nay-sayers can come up with. And the damndest thing about it...? It's actually TRUE. Fun (like beauty) is in the eye of the beholder. I see club and pro racers come off the track, hop off of their 1,000cc missiles, jump on their lightweight scooters and start wheelying thru the pits with ear-to-ear grins on their faces. :) Moral of the story...? What the press (and manufacturers) REALLY have to do is start promoting not just scooters/small bore cycles...? but specifically the FUN aspect of scooters/small bore cycles. Get creative with the ads and don't take it for granted the consumer understands this to be the case. Hammer this message home, the same as we do with the larger displacement offerings. In wealthy America, marketing works for a reason. After reading all the comments, it’s pretty clear that one and only definitive conclustion can be drawn? And that’s there’s very little if any business case to be made for scooters and other small displacement motorcycles here in the U.S. However (comma), that assumes we make the case based on practicality (ie. the same principle that works for Europe). That’s where we are going wrong. Short of a technological breakthrough, scooter practicality will NEVER trump small/compact car practicality. No, the only way to proliferate increased sales of these vehicles is to stick with the SAME marketing ploy that currently dominates the American psyche. Ie. FUN and ENTERTAINMENT. If you notice, fun factor is the only POSITIVE reoccuring theme observed in most of the comments (especially from those who actually own small bore vehicles). Okay, leverage THAT to your advantage. That’s really what honda did with the classic “nicest people” ad. “Fun factor” is the only card that allows you to trump price, trump lack of all weather practicality, trump less than 100mpg fuel consumption, and trump any other “deal breaker” the nay-sayers can come up with. And the damndest thing about it…? It’s actually TRUE. Fun (like beauty) is in the eye of the beholder. I see club and pro racers come off the track, hop off of their 1,000cc missiles, jump on their lightweight scooters and start wheelying thru the pits with ear-to-ear grins on their faces. :) Moral of the story…? What the press (and manufacturers) REALLY have to do is start promoting not just scooters/small bore cycles…? but specifically the FUN aspect of scooters/small bore cycles. Get creative with the ads and don’t take it for granted the consumer understands this to be the case. Hammer this message home, the same as we do with the larger displacement offerings. In wealthy America, marketing works for a reason.

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]]> By: Charlie http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/06/piaggios-plea-help-us-sell-bikesscooters-in-the-u-s-as-transportation/comment-page-1/#comment-660 Charlie Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:49:18 +0000 http://www.motorcycledaily.com/?p=8716#comment-660 I have owned scooters for many years and they fill many puposes. Yes we do have many 150cc large wheeled scooters here,Piaggio, Kymco, Sym, Honda, all dependable and if the new price is intimidating a low millage used one is often below $2000. For longer distance many 250cc scooters are available that can cruise at highway speeds. I just bought a used 2009 Piaggio BV250 with fuel injection for $3100. so scooters are available and affordable and a wide range of sizes to fullfill most needs. I just think too many folks see the scooters as being too wimpy but if they actually rode a BV250 or BV500 there attitudes would change. I have owned scooters for many years and they fill many puposes. Yes we do have many 150cc large wheeled scooters here,Piaggio, Kymco, Sym, Honda, all dependable and if the new price is intimidating a low millage used one is often below $2000. For longer distance many 250cc scooters are available that can cruise at highway speeds. I just bought a used 2009 Piaggio BV250 with fuel injection for $3100. so scooters are available and affordable and a wide range of sizes to fullfill most needs. I just think too many folks see the scooters as being too wimpy but if they actually rode a BV250 or BV500 there attitudes would change.

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]]> By: J. Kopp http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/06/piaggios-plea-help-us-sell-bikesscooters-in-the-u-s-as-transportation/comment-page-1/#comment-342 J. Kopp Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:02:02 +0000 http://www.motorcycledaily.com/?p=8716#comment-342 European cities encourage scooter riding by allowing them to park almost anywhere. People who live and work in high-cost parking areas would buy and ride scooters (and motorcycles) more if they were allowed to pile them up on sidewalks for free like they do in Europe. Will U.S. cities be willing to do this? If not, two-wheeled commuting will remain a fringe activity. European cities encourage scooter riding by allowing them to park almost anywhere. People who live and work in high-cost parking areas would buy and ride scooters (and motorcycles) more if they were allowed to pile them up on sidewalks for free like they do in Europe. Will U.S. cities be willing to do this? If not, two-wheeled commuting will remain a fringe activity.

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]]> By: Bob Brown http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/06/piaggios-plea-help-us-sell-bikesscooters-in-the-u-s-as-transportation/comment-page-1/#comment-302 Bob Brown Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:22:50 +0000 http://www.motorcycledaily.com/?p=8716#comment-302 Have ridden my Piaggio BV 250 Tourer to work daily since August '09. Most practical machine I've ever owned (Reflex, CB250, CB750, ST1100, CBR1100XX). Good on the open road, great in the city. 70+ mpg, great tire wear. Love the blue paint and pigskin/cowhide combo seat. Have ridden my Piaggio BV 250 Tourer to work daily since August ’09. Most practical machine I’ve ever owned (Reflex, CB250, CB750, ST1100, CBR1100XX). Good on the open road, great in the city. 70+ mpg, great tire wear. Love the blue paint and pigskin/cowhide combo seat.

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]]> By: Gabe http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/06/piaggios-plea-help-us-sell-bikesscooters-in-the-u-s-as-transportation/comment-page-1/#comment-301 Gabe Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:27:10 +0000 http://www.motorcycledaily.com/?p=8716#comment-301 As a guy who worked at Cycle World, I can tell you that the reason the big flashy sportbikes and cruisers get the cover shots is because that's what readers want to look at. Put a scooter on the cover and nobody will pick up the magazine at the supermarket or grocery store. Trust me, motojournalists have a broad interest in all kinds of bikes, not just open-class literbikes: they're enthusiasts, just like you and me. They're just doing what all good capitalists do, responding to market demand. If there ever is a movement towards more practical two-wheelrs in the USA, it will be led by consumers, not the moto-media. As a guy who worked at Cycle World, I can tell you that the reason the big flashy sportbikes and cruisers get the cover shots is because that’s what readers want to look at. Put a scooter on the cover and nobody will pick up the magazine at the supermarket or grocery store.

Trust me, motojournalists have a broad interest in all kinds of bikes, not just open-class literbikes: they’re enthusiasts, just like you and me. They’re just doing what all good capitalists do, responding to market demand. If there ever is a movement towards more practical two-wheelrs in the USA, it will be led by consumers, not the moto-media.

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]]> By: Eric Cherry http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/06/piaggios-plea-help-us-sell-bikesscooters-in-the-u-s-as-transportation/comment-page-1/#comment-261 Eric Cherry Sat, 05 Jun 2010 22:52:38 +0000 http://www.motorcycledaily.com/?p=8716#comment-261 I got introduced to motorcycling via scooters. Few short years ago when gas prices spiked to 4.55+ a gallon, I had to come up with an alternative mode of transportation. Couldn't afford to drive my compact car! Thought, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Which in these times means ride a scooter. Never rode one before, but being born with less sense than the average dude. Figured I'd go for it. Got a 110cc Scooter off a local guy for $300 and although it was great fun, but it wasn't practical for the area I live in. Too slow to keep up with traffic, would barely go 45MPH. Really limiting my range and nullifying any routes to work. So I thought "maybe a bigger scooter would fit the bill", and it would have. But used scooters are hard to come by in my area, especially anything with 150+cc. Looked around for new, 125 Vinos,150,200,250 Vespa/Piaggios, all looked nice but the OTD price was just too much for me to bare. Lots of waffling on my part, "It's a lot of money and I'm not sure it'll be practical enough to justify" Made up my mind to nix that idea and head for home for now. As I was leaving, saw a used Suzuki Savage LS650 motorcycle on consignment. $1700. Bought it on impulse. No clue how to ride, but my boss used to ride and conned him into teaching me. Fell in love instantly. Scooters sure have some nice amenities, the storage, the simplicity, less maintenance compared to the bikes I've owned since. But the sticker price on anything that can handle 55-70mph for some folks commutes. It's just not that attractive. I admit that I think about getting an MP3 sometimes, but when I can get a used 750cc any-bike for less than 1/2 the cost. It's hard to continue that thought. I got introduced to motorcycling via scooters.

Few short years ago when gas prices spiked to 4.55+ a gallon, I had to come up with an alternative mode of transportation. Couldn’t afford to drive my compact car!

Thought, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Which in these times means ride a scooter. Never rode one before, but being born with less sense than the average dude. Figured I’d go for it.

Got a 110cc Scooter off a local guy for $300 and although it was great fun, but it wasn’t practical for the area I live in. Too slow to keep up with traffic, would barely go 45MPH. Really limiting my range and nullifying any routes to work.

So I thought “maybe a bigger scooter would fit the bill”, and it would have. But used scooters are hard to come by in my area, especially anything with 150+cc. Looked around for new, 125 Vinos,150,200,250 Vespa/Piaggios, all looked nice but the OTD price was just too much for me to bare. Lots of waffling on my part, “It’s a lot of money and I’m not sure it’ll be practical enough to justify”

Made up my mind to nix that idea and head for home for now. As I was leaving, saw a used Suzuki Savage LS650 motorcycle on consignment. $1700. Bought it on impulse. No clue how to ride, but my boss used to ride and conned him into teaching me.

Fell in love instantly.

Scooters sure have some nice amenities, the storage, the simplicity, less maintenance compared to the bikes I’ve owned since. But the sticker price on anything that can handle 55-70mph for some folks commutes. It’s just not that attractive.

I admit that I think about getting an MP3 sometimes, but when I can get a used 750cc any-bike for less than 1/2 the cost. It’s hard to continue that thought.

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]]> By: Pete http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/06/piaggios-plea-help-us-sell-bikesscooters-in-the-u-s-as-transportation/comment-page-1/#comment-258 Pete Sat, 05 Jun 2010 19:30:44 +0000 http://www.motorcycledaily.com/?p=8716#comment-258 Have in my garage, besides a car, an R1200GS & a Piaggio MP3 (500cc version). The GS is my 'adventure touring machine' - I ride it maybe once a week, & for extended cross-country trips. I ride the Piaggio every day - to the market, the PO, to do chores, you name it. It is a supremely practical machine for everyday transportation around town - but can also travel longer distances, in a pinch. I love my MP3. It won't ever take the place of a "real motorcycle" for me, but is a great supplement. Have in my garage, besides a car, an R1200GS & a Piaggio MP3 (500cc version). The GS is my ‘adventure touring machine’ – I ride it maybe once a week, & for extended cross-country trips. I ride the Piaggio every day – to the market, the PO, to do chores, you name it. It is a supremely practical machine for everyday transportation around town – but can also travel longer distances, in a pinch. I love my MP3. It won’t ever take the place of a “real motorcycle” for me, but is a great supplement.

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