[56599]

I think Forest has it right. In the U.S. bikes are recreation vechicles to most people. In Europe they are part of the whole transportation system. When , not if, gas prices hit $4.00 a gal. Perhaps things will change. I would definitel look at a standard, with hard bags, plus windshield or fairing, ABS, etc. if I was going to start commuting. Like Buz said it's the free enterprise system but the problem is the true cost of gas is not reflected at the pump. i.e. the taxes spent .. A study was done if we allocated the DOD budget spent on protecting the shipping lanes, etc ($55 billion to $96 billion) Gas would be $8.00 a gal. Some say even higher

So familydad right now the automobile i.e Buz's SUV is subsidized by the U.S. government in the form of low gasoline prices. I suspect if gasoline prices went up to the true cost, common sense would prevail and the pratical bikes you are talking about would sell like hot cakes.

 

[56599]

INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT report the True Cost of Gas

Read more click this link

 

[56599]

If gas was $5/gal would you say the same? Or is it the safety thing you are talking about. Would could assume if gas was that high SUVs and other large vehicles would no longer exist and thus pose no danger. i.e. the world would be one of Honda Civics and Toyota Tacoma pickups and delivery van. However, biodiesel proponents say gas has to go to $4.00 gal to produce any kind of biodiesel boom.

 

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if it was a reallocation of the cost only, it would probably would cause a shock at first but hopefully our taxes would go down accordingly (not likely eh?) Which would focus people's attention more properly at the consumption of gas. However, right now any additional rise in the price of oil affects the economy like a tax increase but unforntunately revenue goes doesn't go to the Treasury of the U.S. to pay off the massive National debt W has ran up.... i.e it goes to Saudia Arabia, more likely Venezuela , etc.

 

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Re: INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT report the True Cost of Gas

Can you give me an example of that cost?

You are probably refering the costs of roads etc. Sure the roads and infrastructure are needed by a water powered car etc. But the interstate system is a massive subsidy to the trucking industry. Rail is cheaper by far. But interstates are good for defense of the U.S. according to Eisenhower. i.e. the reason they were built. Transport tanks, land bombers etc.

I think the cost of defending Middle Eastern Oil is legit though.

Take it with a grain of salt...I say

 

[56599]

Re: Common Sense Motorbikes are now Super-Scooters

Excellent Point. I am sure if you go to countries where gas is expensive, one look at the streets would prove your point.

 

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Sorry.. Must be longride then . cause serazero has a Subaru..

 

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Re: Need?

LOL But seriously, it's the future get used to it... (one eybrow lifted in the Rock voice) Just kidding. Biodiesel will allow you to hang on to your neocon, green house gas producing, red-state, excessive consumption ways... I biodiesel rotary sportbike with a turbo charger.. Next big thing kpaul says..

 

[56599]

Re: Need?

Agreed..

 

[56599]

Re: INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT report the True Cost of Gas

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