[Kenneth_Moore]

I respectfully disagree, Mr. Longride. Personally, the more people riding around on motorbikes, the better I like it. My reasons are primarily that I think it makes things safer for all of us because there are more people aware of bikes: the new rider's family, friends, etc. Also, the more riders there are, the more leverage we have with the government and other "agencies."

About the only downside I can think of is when newbies buy bikes they can't handle and creating news "events" by splattering themselves on telephone poles. Having more "stunta" dorks can't be good either. However, the vast majority of new riders I know or know of aren't these guys; they ride responsibly and represent the motorcycling community well. their positive contribution to the sport outweighs the negatives, don't you think?

Besides, what could possibly be wrong with 300,000 rugged individualists riding the same bike, wearing the same clothes, all arriving at Sturgis the same week?

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

THIS JUST IN: Honda drops tender offer for HD stock because of weak market. In related news, Harley-Davidson announced a new vehicle division planned to produce minivans, sedans, and pickup trucks with "all the style and heritage our buyers have come to expect from Harley-Davidson," according to HD VP of Styling, Willie "Dadgum G" Davidson.

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

Only if they aren't wearing helmets.

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

Motorcycling came out from under the radar back in the 90's, and I seriously doubt it will ever go back under. Even if the market growth flattens, it's a matter of slower growth of an already larger base. Given that fact, I suspect it's better to deal with it rather than hope it goes away.

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

The average motorcycle, according to NADA, accumulates a whopping 1200 miles per year in the US!

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

Hey, I miss the days when my girlfriends mom made her break up with me because I bought a motorcycle. Or when "Easyriders" was actually cool to read (that was a LONG time ago). But I like having what...6 or 7 motorcycle dealers within 20 miles, being able to buy tires and accessories at Cycle Gear for a decent price, and actually being able to finance and insure a bike. However, anybody who rides a knucklehead is very much in a class of their own...