Earlier this month I asked our readers how the current economic downturn has affected their motorcycle riding/spending habits. Responding with their usual candor, our readers were more than willing to speak out on the subject. Below (in their unedited form) are the many responses I received:
- If the economy tanks a whole lot more I’ll consider buying a new or used ‘classic styled’ motorcycle. I have been away from cycling since giving my ‘cold blooded hard to start’ Honda XL250S to my son back in 2000-01. My last real road machine in the late 90’s was a well used 1979 Suzuki GS1000G and that was far more bike than I wanted weight & power wise (nice shaft drive though). In the 70’s I had a very nice 1971 Norton Commando (my best bike experience ever) and prior to that an enjoyable 1967 Triumph TR-6 650cc (best looking bike I ever owned). My first bike way back in the 60’s was a 305cc Honda Super Hawk. My friends with Harleys & Brit bikes always kidded me about that one but at least it kept up performance-wise with what they had and didn’t leak oil.
I guess I’m still more interested in the old fashioned classic styled ‘naked’ bikes (usually air cooled, lower revving & high torque motors) rather than modern low rider roadsters or road rocket / track racer styled bikes. So many bikes now have far more horsepower than I find practical for basic commuting and short distance solo touring. I also prefer a deeper more mellow exhaust note. Unfortunately I really don’t see much on the new market nowadays that appeals to me. Triumph Bonneville looks interesting but it’s more bike than I want for an about town or occasional highway ride. Some BMW’s look good but are too pricey. The Kawasaki 650 dual purpose bikes also look pretty decent – mainly for their versatility and reward with good fuel economy (well over 45 mpg Hwy). One new bike that appeals to me style-wise is the Suzuki TU250 but I’d also like to see 350cc & 500cc versions. I’m not a youngster at 62 so I’m not sure the manufacturers can afford to produce many bike models that would appeal to my age group (not enough modern flare, speed & high tech for the more numerous younger bunch?).
- I’m in new Residential construction, enough said.
I had one track bike and one off road bike plus a pit bike.
Since the track bike cost me more money I went ahead and sold it. I also
sold the pit bike.
I’ve kept the off road bike because I can load up and have a days fun
with the guys and it’s only gas money instead of gas money, gate fee, and
entry fees. - So far the economic downturn has not had an impact on my income. I
still make a good living and in fact experienced a very significant pay
increase this year. Since I’m an RN for the federal government I think
my job is relatively secure so I can afford to ride as much as I have
at any other time.That said, my habit of selling off a bike here and there to get another
has been curtailed because it seems to have become very difficult to
sell used bikes as of late. My dealer tells me that he cannot get
flooring on used bikes at this time and this prevents him from taking
trades. I had considered turning in my ’06 Tiger for a new 1050 but its
not possible at the moment unless I find a buyer for mine.If one is in a position to buy a bike or two it seems a very good time
to do so. I’ve seen a lot of pretty good deals out there, especially in
the used arena. Unfortunately, I’m out of garage space at the moment
and with six bikes to care for, I can’t ride any one of them enough. - Actually, the way I ride my FZ1, it’s really no different mileage-wise
from a small car. In fact, it’s probably worse since you can fit 4
people and their stuff in a small car. The only place I suppose I save
money is in parking. The real benefits are in time saved (lane-sharing
is tolerated in California) and entertainment; I’m recreating instead
of commuting when riding versus driving.I doubt motorcycles will ever become as mainstream as in Europe or
Asia. I think the real hurdle is public perception. In other places, 2
wheelers are part of the culture of growing-up. Part of the path to
becoming a driver. Not so here. Motorcycles are a fringe interest in
the US and a luxury or an oddity. I think the way to make the sport
more acceptable (i.e, viable) I think you have to make it much safer.
ABS brakes should be an option on all motorcycles. Airbags and better
safety equipment and driver education should all be part of the scheme. - One thing effected by economics was my job not being a sure thing or at least lasting to retirement date. I backed off on buying another bike for the small amount of Dual Sport type riding I do. I made a judgement error on selling my 9 yr old KLR to replace it later with a new DR650. As per riding my paid for street bike ( Bandit 1250S ) , I ride when ever I can and leave the truck parked. But motorcycles have always been my preferred mode of transportation where I actually don’t need the truck. I have confidence we’ll all get through this swing low and be better for it. IE , stay out of debt.
- While I don’t want to take too much advantage of a double-meaning,
motorcycling in my region seems to have been hit by a perfect storm. In
prior years, many of us in the Great Lakes could ride from mid-March until
well into December, and that length of riding season would allow fuel and
insurance savings to offset the other costs of motorcycles.Unfortunately, we’re in the middle of the hardest winter I can remember at
the same time we’re in the scariest potential economic position I can
remember. Riding as an economic benefit doesn’t exist with a five- to
six-month season and the current prices of any new highway-capable bike in
the US…even a new Ninja 250.The only thing that would make me purchase new right now would be an
all-weather-equipped (heated grips, fairing, electric power for goodies,
etc) adventure bike getting better than 60MPG…with all-day comfort and a
250-mile fuel range…for the price of Suzuki’s TU250…oh, and make sure I
can insure it for the price of that 250cc commuter as well.The price of modifying my current bike to extend into regular 30-degree day
rides (which are still months away in the Great Lakes), combined with
regular maintenance stuff (new chain/sprockets/brake pads/tires) will cost
more than fuel savings at current prices. There is no financial reason to
ride where I live now, and economic potentials are scary enough to stop all
discretionary spending…so my motorcycle will likely stay hibernated for
most of the next year. - In response to your question…I won’t be buying that new Stratoliner.
Even though the metric dealers are having some nice mark-downs on their
2008 models, I, like many others, have decided to wait this recession
out, at least for now. I did get to the point of applying for financing
and found out that although my credit is good, I, like many others, am
not one of those few who qualify for the advertised, lowest rate. I was
surprised, but the reality check helped me decide to WAIT until things
get better in the financial sector. Now I have become part of the
problem…no one is buying, putting us in a recession. I did buy some
gloves!!! I have also noticed fewer and fewer sales persons at the
metric and Harley dealerships that I frequent. I only hope that the
dealerships are still around when this recession is over. - Much like our economy….my strong intent to purchase new motorcycle last year has fizzled……when will it return….when the economy does….the fact is, even if I had the cash to do it today, it wouldn’t be right to show up at work with a brand new motorcycle while other people I work with are losing their jobs….and I may be the next to go.
- I would say the economy has almost totally slammed the door on my
motorcycling life. I’m 47 and I’ve been riding since I was 11. I sat
down a year ago and figured since I was primarily a motorcycle commuter,
at about 4000 miles a year here in Michigan, it wasn’t justifiable from
an economic point of view. The cost of operating the bike for a 10 mpg
savings over my compact car along with all of the other inconveniences
involved made it a no brainer. I sold my GPZ1100, put the gear away and
drove the car all last year. It really wasn’t that bad. I do have my
SR500 in the garage as a backup though just in case…. - I am one of those few people in the country who manages to stay within my buying limits through out my life. When I was in the Air Force and making pretty much no money and renting an apartment, I managed to put money away in the bank and still afford to have fun. I did not go and buy a 30k car and then buy a house that I could not afford on a variable interest loan. If I never made any more money than that I would still be renting and not worry about a house. Now that I make a good deal amount more I still stay within my limits. The slump in this economy is having little effect on me as of right now. My truck is a small Chevy Colorado that only sees a lot of mileage in the winter but still gets over 21 MPG. I ride my motorcycles from April until December. I use a “payoff each month” philosophy on my credit cards and I do not buy real expensive items unless I already have the capital to cover them. Oh and I actually pay off and keep my bikes and trucks for more than two years unlike most people. If you ever watched Suzi Orman at night talking to women on how to become financially successful, she lays it down in common sense terms that everyone should follow. If you have money in the bank instead of blowing it the second you get more than 2 grand in there then weathering storms such as this one will become much less stressful. I saw this coming along time ago and adjusted my spending back then in order to be ready.
I am a track day junkie but I also get that dropping $200 a day plus travel and hotels can add up to a $400 trackday experience. I limit myself to 3 – 6 track days a year in order to keep it in control. That is just enough to keep me happy and slows me down on the streets. I haven’t bought a bike in a couple of years and instead of selling my Aprilia to buy something new I decided to tear it down and do a clean up and mods to it. The bike will be like new for me but it won’t drain me of 15k for a new one. Even though I am not seeing the hit from this economy I do not want to get into a situation where I would so buying a new bike will have to wait a few years. Other than that I still plan on riding exactly the same way that I have in the past. My annual Deals Gap trip will still happen in May and I will still be at the track along with my weekend jaunts into the twisty roads of western Massachusetts and I still will buy my annual helmet purchase. Nothing will change in my motorcycle world because I planned it that way along time ago.
- My zrx is getting repairs and upgrades this winter in lieu of purchasing a new bike. Even the repairs are being toned down. Brake and clutch lines are being bled instead of replaced. Parts are cleaned and reinstalled if possible. Our economy will improve, and I’ll be ready with check in hand at my local dealer. Until then, my old warhorse will see me through.
- Living in Washington State during the winter means facing the prospect of riding in the cold, rain or snow. All not the most favorable riding conditions. When I was younger my love of everything motorcycles and lack of gas money would have me riding in those conditions. But like most people, I park the steed for several months, sometimes taking advantage of a good day or two and taking it for a spin. I’ve been planning on buying another bike but a motorcycle is a toy and the cost of purchasing a new bike and insurance can buy a lot of gas for the cars. With these uncertain times few of us can truly say our jobs are fully secure. In the meantime, like RV dealers, I’m afraid that some bike shops may bite the dust also and for some brands these are few and far between.
This uncertainty will keep lots of potential purchases being put on the back burner until brighter economic times has us all looking ahead. It’s a scary time!
- In retrospect, I had a Cushman scooter in 1945/1947 which I used for daily commute to high school every day Southern California.. 2 miles each way. No cafeterias then so we went home for lunch. I bought it used and during the time I had it I never, or had to, replace a tire, chain, nor had any motor work done on it. It started always, and I rode it. Wide open of course. Top speed 37 mph. My next bike was a CZ 125. I used it daily for two more years and total expense was $1.25 to have the points adjusted. Nothing else. Put gas in it and rode it. Mostly wide open again. This was reliable transportation back in those days. I don’t think we have any products built nowadays that even remotely can attain such, no maintenance, and cost of operation. Maybe a Vespa scooter. .I continued to ride motorcycles until last fall at.age 77. Rode all makes and sizes but never had the experience of reliabilty and cost of maintenance I experienced then. Progress indeed.!!
- Interestingly all of the moto activities that you mention are leisure time oriented (which actually makes the statement for the American motorcycling state of mind) For this very reason the US motocycling market will take a huge hit this year as we continue to view motorcycles as leisure time fun machines and not for utility transport. This is why Europe and the Orient and third world countries will continue to grow in this downturn, they get it. We (USA) dont have a clue. We are more drawn to hybrid and electric cars than realizing the value of motorcycles for getting around. We are too caught up in the identity and status of owning
a car in our driving mandated urban sprawls. US motorcycling will see the loss of many dealers this season in my estimations. Shame as we could be a major consumer. - I own a 2007 V-Max. It gets 38 MPG. My old V-Star (650 cc) got 50+. I miss that, but I love the Max and ride it as much as I can. I did get a hub from a Royal Venture which I am about to install and it should give me more MPG and lower RPM’s at cruising speeds–better for me as I don’t drag race. Should make it a better bike for my purposes.
I do not plan to otherwise modify my riding–I do about 5000 a year–more if I can. It’s worth every penny.
- I did not ride at all last year. Got laid off in ’06. Sold my Yamaha FZ1. Rode a used Ninja 250 and then sold that when I finally got a new job to pay bills.
I have not had a bike since ’07. I take home about 40K a year and I think, like the average person, I cannot afford the latest and greatest that is in all the bike mags. I am looking at things like used KLR 650s or Ninja 500 or even the new Suzuki TU250. I am 48 years old. You would think I’d be on a Sport Tourer or a Beemer, but while I may have just enough for the bike, I then do not have the money for the insurance, gas and maintenance.
I had a VFR for a couple of years in 2000 and 2001. That was my thrill. Now it’s all down to being practical. I will go to Daytona for the AMA races and will ride my brother’s Multistrada there from his hosue 80 miles South of the track.
- Due to the dismal economy and the need to rethink how I spend my discretionary income, I have delayed some long-overdue maintenance on my middle-aged sportbike (a 2000 ZX-12R). Valve shim adjustments aren’t cheap. Neither are replacement chains and sprockets, cam chain adjusters, clutch plates, and all those things that eventually need attention if you keep a bike long enough. Neither are sportbike tires, which high-power sportbikes chew up and spit out with alarming regularity, and which I have delayed replacing for far too long. So my bike was not inspectable, and I’ve been riding it less, and track days were out – I usually do 2 or 3 a year but haven’t been to one in over a year now.
So, yes, my motorcycling has been affected and not for the better.
- So far, the main thing that has changed is our moto Adventure rides.
Normally, our riding group, known as the “Streeterville Scramblers,” in the Chicagoland area does a trip somewhere in an exotic place. We have done 2 weeks in the Alps, the Appenines of Italy, Turkey, Spanish/French Pyrenees, France, Costa Rica, Scandinavia , not to mention other continents. But you get the picture.
These rides cost from $2800 (all inclusive other than airfares) to $10,000 for 4- 5 star hotel stay events.
This year we were going to the Balkans as a way around higher currency costs in Europe. Cost around $5,300. Out of 70 members we normally get between 10 to 49 people in recent years. This year I’ve got only 5. Not enough to make the trip.
I know we will have a nice ride out to Colorado this year, but — This is a Bummer! - Fortunately my job has not been impacted by the changes in the economy so I just added a dirt bike to the stable.
- I’m self employed and work is slow right now, plus it’s cold, so I’m not riding much. When the weather warms a bit I’ll be riding but I may ride more locally rather than taking so many trips like I have in the past. I’ll also most likely not do a track day this year like I did in 2008. Simply put, I’ll take it one day at a time and see how work goes. I still intend on doing several HSTA events this year and I’ll be on the bike whenever possible. But I have a feeling that I’ll be riding more locally rather than taking so many overnight rides to deals gap and the cherohala skyway in NC & TN. Also, I want to buy another motorcycle, a kawasaki Versys, but I’ll hold off and see how work goes first.
- I ride my klr 650 more than any of my other motorcycles. It gets over 50mpg. Alsoas an MSF instuctor we have seen a rise in the attendence at class over last summer and expect it to continue.
- For me it hasn’t made a big change in my riding habits. I am a multi-bike owner who rode daily prior to the downturn, and since that’s the most cost effective way to get around Portland, OR year round, I still do that. I really had no plans to purchase new gear, and when I do I tend to do a ridiculous amount of shopping to find the best price.
For the motorcycle industry to do anything other than scrape through this recession, they’re going to have to emphasize value and the economics of motorcycling. Now that we’ve got tires that can cash the checks issued by our liter sport bikes, it’s time for the industry to focus on mileage and performance. For me trackdays will be reduced this year, probably to one or two, but I’ll still ride 25-40K miles, and need products that make that safe and economical.
- don’t own a car so the only thing that changed was instead of a fill up costing 6 bucks it cost 18 bucks for a time then it cost 6 bucks again. Whats the problem? Insurance through Progressive is $100 a year, I enjoy my commute, I don’t have to pound on a stearing wheel in traffic jams cuz I can lane split (still illegal in TX), I do my own maintenance and since I have no choice I have learned to deal with every weather condition on the chart. If you want to live well live well below your means. Ride there!
As for the industry ABS is good, heated grips & handguards GOODer, traction control AWSOME! Brembo GREAT, easy to work on a must and why is Craig Vetter the only motorcycle guy trying to get 100mpg with streamlining? Oh and one other thing, if you are looking to buy a new bike, don’t be affraid to NOT buy a race replica throw down sportbike or a kickback badboy roadwarrior crusier. Please look at SV650s, F800gs, Shiver, Versys, FZ6, Multistrada, Monsters you know MOTORCYCLES.
You meet the nicest people on STANDARD MOTORCYCLES!!!
Live longer, ride a STANDARD!!!
- My 2005 Roadstar is not a toy but something I use on occasion and still
do for getting to work. Many years ago I got tired of commuting, wasting
my time and money so I live a mile and a half from work. I have ridden
my Roadstar, walked, ridden my bicycle and driven my Rodeo. Even my
Rodeo I bought a 4 cylinder 5 speed and 16 years later and over 200k
miles I’m getting over 20mpg.In both cars and motorcycles we came to see them as some kind of
floating palace to ride in or on. They are transportation from here to
there. Before you think I’m a Luddite understand I’m an old hot rodder
and customizer but I always kept my eye on operational costs. My
Roadstar I have taken great pains to cut off about 100 pounds that
shouldn’t have been there and then massaged the intake/carb/exhaust to
the point I get a reliable 50 mpg riding two up.The motorcycle companies did like the car guys and now they are going to
pay for it. Quit selling an image and sell the iron.
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