MD Readers Respond to Motorcycling and Economics - What are You Missing (or what have you gained)?

Page 2 of 3

• Just read your piece on motorcycling and economics. The faltering economy is having no effect on my motorcycle riding. I can't ride much at the moment because it's February in Vermont, but as soon as the snow melts I'll be riding daily, just as I was last year. I saved a lot of money in gas by leaving my car at home.
  
  But as cost-effective as it might be to commute by motorcycle, that's not why I ride. I'm on the bike every weekend going for long day rides around the region, and the number of motorcycle tours I'm planning for this summer has actually increased, not decreased. There simply is no better way to see the countryside or spend vacation time than on a motorcycle. I'm not going to let the economy hinder me.
  
  That said, I am cutting back on other spending due to the economy -- I'd rather put my money into motorcycle stuff than into random crap I don't really need.
  
  
• Actually, I got into motorcycling 3 years ago, specifically so that I could get better mpg's from a vehicle. Bought a used Ninja 250, which did the job because it gets over 50 mpg. But I also got hooked on riding, so then I bought an additional bike, a CBR 1100XX. Now I'm buying yet another bike (a Kawi Z750S), and selling the little Ninja to help pay for it. No regrets, but biking actually has me spending money right now. Of course, once I have that Z750S I should be good for at least another three years.
  
  
• I live in Canada and I just bought a dual sport bike after twenty five years of not riding due to other priorities (university, mortgage, children). My economic situation is better than it has ever been because I went 'without' for so many years…the old European way of buying only when you have the money. The mortgage is paid, money is set aside for the kid's education. I see my new motorcycle as a gift to myself…hopefully there are many others out there that can still enjoy riding. I guess all those years of drooling over the toys that other people had have paid off.
  
  
• Fortunately I am still employed, so I've stepped out in faith and continued spending to support my family's motorcycle hobby. My sons and I compete in off-road cross country events here in Texas. At the first of the year all of the bikes require attention - and lots of it. So I bravely took them to my shop and shelled out for new top ends, new bearings, new tires, new sprockets and chains, etc. I might regret this expenditure in the coming months but hopefully not. So while I've got it, I'm going to try to continue enjoying life and the things that are important to us - while also trying to help stimulate the economy - or at least my local motorcycle business! Thanks.
  
  
• I got my motorcycle license last April and purchased a (sold as) new 2006 Ducati Multistrada 620 as my first bike. I started riding for a host of reasons but not for gas prices. I rode all summer and fall and still have been riding since winter set-in; in Colorado we often have mild winters. I want to upgrade my bike to a 1000 CC (over 90HP) Ducati bike but have had to delay the purchase because of a serious pay cut. If it persists, I may try to upgrade the performance of my bike for some more power. Who knows? That is my story.
  
  
• I have three vintage bikes and one contemporary (2000 Triumph ST 955) and the economy hasn’t changed my activities at all. I ride for fun, taking the old bikes (1932 Harley 74 and 1972 Triumph Bonneville) to vintage events and the Sprint on longer rides. Not in the market for a new machine, and I haven’t seen much impact on the prices or availability of used bikes. Maybe that Speed Triple on Craigslist for a bargain price? Hard to tell.
  
  There’s pressure on the dealers. A Kawasaki shop here went out of business, the country’s oldest Honda dealership quit in Seattle, and our local Harley-Honda-Triumph-Kawasaki superstore retrenched by closing one of three locations. So there’s less choice for sales and service. But the weather’s warmer, it’s not raining today, and I’m going riding.
  
  
• Starting last year with the economy on an obvious downturn and the gas prices. I finally decided to take my "hobby" of Dirt Bike riding to the Road. Purchased a honda rebel and started making my 25 mile one way commute to work on a fuel effecient bike. This year Im continuing the trend but im buying something more reliable. I have on order a 2009 Yamaha FZ6R to be delivered in march.
  
  However although it has caused me to look at riding as a more feasible way of commuting transportation I am holding back on some accessories that I was originally planning on this year like parts and some upgrades to the motorcross bike and not puchasing a new road helmet and other accessories. Trying to keep it bare bones as I dont know whats around the next corner....so the economy has been two fold for me. although Ive made significant investment in a new motorcycle ( of which im scrimping and save and paying CASH for) Im holding back on accessories and other items for both riding styles and may end up taking a few less dirt riding trips this year as well.
  
  
• I think Honda had an idea, way before it's time, in the NX series of the late '80s. They had a 125, 250 & 650 all with same basic look, style and purpose. They actually had 2 650's at the time if you include the TransAlp. This was really clever I thought, but just didn't get it at the time or their styling. Start someone out on a 125, move them up as their skills progress. Honda should have kept on going beyond the 650 TransAlp and make all the way up to 1200cc adventure tour bike. Unfortunately, Honda doesn't give new models enough time for people to embrace, before they are discontinued.
  
  I see a market also, for a entry level Triumph to do battle market wise with the 250 Ninja. A 375cc triple, with a platform that can be switched from sport bike, to Street Triple styling available. I am considering making my own Street Twin out of wrecked 250 Ninja. I'm a middle class guy, and if anything, the economy has made me look at motorcycles as more than a fun way to get around, but as a viable option to driving a second auto, unless absolutely necessary. I'm even considering picking up a sidecar unit!
  
  
• For me, The economy has made everything a lot cheaper for me. From MV Agusta to parts for my MV Agusta. What was once too expensive for me are now affordable. This has got to be one of the best times to buy things. I've spent more during this downtime then at any other time in my life. On the flip side, selling my old stuff after I've upgraded is very difficult. Its definitly a buyers market.
  
  
• The economic situation has me using my motorcycles more than ever. I commute 105 miles daily to and from work. When I compare riding my motorcycle to driving my SUV, I am saving $2400.00/year by taking my motorcycle even with the cost of tires added in. Fortunately I live in Florida. I can't see doing this commute year round on a motorcycle up north.
  
  
• There is no question that riding my Burgman 650 did lessen the dent in my wallet, while increasing the questions and envy of drivers in SUVs.
  
  
• I have been motocross since I was in high school, I am 25 now but love to go to the track on Sunday and ride all day. However because of the current economy, my pay has been cut and I no longer can afford the membership fees for the track, the district and the AMA membership which allows me to ride and race. I hate not being able to ride but my budget for racing now is going to provide for my young family. My wife is now out of work and I am the sole income in my household. We are doing ok but I really miss racing and I hope one day I will be able to go back on those Sundays to ride and to race. Thanks
  
  
• To be honest, I'm a rider first and a cager second. My 2006 Honda Shadow Spirit 1100 has 67,000+ miles on it. The price of gas only made me ride when it was colder than I normally would, and I rode more in the rain. With the recession, I have ridden for fun less often than normal. Let's just hope that in June the price of gas isn't ridiculous, so I can ride the Blue Ridge Parkway end to end as planed for a year now.
  
  
• I ride a Star 100 Silverado. I had it before the economy tanked. I use it mostly for commuting to work. But to your questions
  
  What sort of bike should be introduced for commuting?
  
  I believe something in the 500 to 900 class should be pointed at commuting. Give it decent saddlebags, make the windscreen optional, but think about a single seat bike. Then use the empty rear seat area for storage. If it is a commuter bike, riding 2 up is out of the question. Think safety and put the passing lamps on and give it a real taillight. Then price it under 7000 dollars.
  
  My bike gets around 40 MPG but in a green view it leaves a smaller carbon footprint than my small pick up. My riding plans for this year are the same as last year. When I can I will ride there. I would like to upgrade to a heavyweight touring bike and take longer trip with my wife. The cost is pretty much a fixed item so I am struggling with quality, ease of maintenance, reliability. I would also like to buy American but Indian priced themselves way out of my range.
  
  I am looking at chaps for longer riding season, helmet to helmet intercoms, and accessories that affect the rider first and leave the bike stock.
  
  
• Just like most spending, accessorizing has come to a halt. I have 4 motorcycles and I will continue to enjoy them, but have stopped purchasing anything beyond fluids at this time. Just a holding pattern until the smoke clears. It is a good opportunity to take on the preventative maintenance jobs I was putting off that require more time than money.
  
  
• I have pretty much cut out weekend pleasure riding and use my scooter solely for commuting and trips to the store. Manufactures should produce low cost high MPG motorcycles in in this economy if they want to sell units. The economically strapped just are not going to shell out big money for a luxury toy in this market. If it does not hold some utilitarian value it will not move in this recession.
  
  
• I’ve been commuting most days on my motorcycle for the last few years. This year I was going to give my aging bones a break by buying a car for the cold Winter days. With the economy the way it is I decided to tough it out another Winter rather than spend the money on a car that’ll just sit when the weather warms up.
  
  
• The essential change? My riding is destination-based now. No more riding around burning gas without reason. Work, shopping and socializing are my ride destinations now. That's not to say an occasional ride up Mt. Palomar isn't a 'destination'. But aimless riding for the sensation is over. At the exact time gas came back down to $2 per gallon, the economy tanked. I need to save now, not waste. My Harley gets 40+mpg in town. Very economical and fun.
  
  
• I just wanted to share the "my recession started two years ago" story. If you were in sales two years ago, you began to see commissions drop and far too much time taken up with administration duties that took you away from the customer.
  
  For once I read the signs correctly and went to work as a manager for a marketing company last year. So, of course, as things got worse with the economy the client we worked for cancelled their contract. Luckily, another large manufacturer was just starting a program and I joined them, so - I have work when many do not!!!
  
  One huge benefit to motorcyclists in the USA is the fact that bikes (particularly used bikes) are selling slowly and for less than the seller normally wants for the bike and the accessories (windshields, jackets, boots, helmets) from 2008 are stacking up as the 2009 products hit the showrooms.
  
  Last month I was on Ebay and saw a remarkable deal on a great commuter/weekend ride, the Suzuki Bandit 600. It's an '03 with only 935 miles on it (female owned, fell over in garage once.) The dealer was local and had a lot of bikes advertised, so I went over to look at it two days before the auction ended.
  
  Long story short, it was near perfect and my wife(!!) told me to go ahead and negotiate with the guy but leave some money for riding gear. Bike, Fieldsheer 3-season jacket, and a mid-line KBC helmet for under 4k!
  
  January in DFW (Texas) is not like Los Angeles, but I've already doubled the mileage and love the bike.
  
  
• I have been wanting to get a used Yamaha FJR1300. My current Honda sportbike is 13 years old. It is time for me to get a touring bike with more comfort. We did not get a pay raise in 2008 and don't know if we are getting one in 2009. Getting 2 payraises would cover my monthly payment. Currently, I am hesitant to take out that loan.
  
  
• Just wanted to share my thoughts about motorcycling and the economy. I'm 43 and have 10,000 miles on my 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 900, my first bike. If not for the economy, I almost certainly would have upgraded to a full size cruiser this year - either a Vulcan 1700 or a Harley Softail Deluxe.
  
  Gas prices haven't changed my daily commute much. I drive a Civic, so even with a 30 mile round trip commute, it doesn't make much difference. If it's a nice day and it's not rush hour, I'll take the bike.
  
  
• Pay has been cut 40+%. No Daytona Bike week (first miss in 18 years). No SX race in Atlanta. No SBK races this year. No new helmet. No new bike. I will make do with what I have and plan economical trips this year. I’m still going to Indy MotoGP. I will get my pay check back, and continue to enjoy this great sport.
  
  
• For once in my life, I saw it coming.
  
  Bought a used 2001 Honda Reflex in 2005 -- both of our kids were in college and the CBR1100XX was way too expensive to maintain.
  
  When gas prices peaked last year, I was the envy of all my friends.
  
  Now the head gasket and the cooling system are starting to leak, so it's only a matter of time until I replace it. Probably will go for a (used) Honda VT750C. No belt. No chain maintenance. Pretty good mileage.
  
  Work To Ride, Ride To Work.
  
  
• It seems that the cost of fuel and the state of the economy has not affected my riding style one bit. I still commute about 3 days a week, but did find myself commuting a little more often when gas was nearing $5 a gallon. It just felt better to burn a little less fuel. I think that as things get worse, the motorcycle will begin to make more sense. It's great fun and a great way to relieve stress in dense traffic situations. I still do not feel that a scooter has any real advantage over a motorcycle, and the motorcycle has a much wider range of use than the scooter. Can you say "carpool"?

Copyright © Motorcycle Daily, LLC