I see a grim future for our industry. With the economic downturn, discrectionary spending will certainly fall off, and, unfortunately, motorcycles are seen as luxury purchases by the vast majority of the American public, not as viable modes of transportation. New unit sales are down, and, anecdotally, most of the shops I've talked to in the are so far are saying that this is their slowest winter ever, even after last year's.
Now, my shop is in a unique position, in that we're primarily a service and repair shop, with some used sales on the side. And, being a small shop, we're sufficiently agile to change with the market's demands.
The only potential bright spot is the rising cost of fuel. I think that has the potential to both help re-centralize the population, and, therefore, shift the industry to smaller displacement, more practical bikes and scooters with better gas mileage and carrying capacity than the current sales leaders. Like Europe or Asia.
But, I see hard times a-comin' for our business, if current trends continue. So, here's the big question: do you see a sea change in the motorcycle industry's future, away from a lifestyle-accessory-oriented market and toward a commuter- and practicality-based market? Will public perception shift to see motorcycles as vehicles, and not toys?
I'm particularly interested in whether you've heard any perception shift from your non-riding friends. (Working the industry, I don't have a very good idea of what normal people are thinking any more.) Are your friends or co-workers talking about scooters or motorcycles as commuters?
I'm beginning to think that aside from staying focused on service and repair, and servicing the bikes that are already out there, we should start looking at small displacement, low-priced cycles that are unencumbersome to buy into and unintimidating to learn to ride and handle in the city.
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Now, my shop is in a unique position, in that we're primarily a service and repair shop, with some used sales on the side. And, being a small shop, we're sufficiently agile to change with the market's demands.
The only potential bright spot is the rising cost of fuel. I think that has the potential to both help re-centralize the population, and, therefore, shift the industry to smaller displacement, more practical bikes and scooters with better gas mileage and carrying capacity than the current sales leaders. Like Europe or Asia.
But, I see hard times a-comin' for our business, if current trends continue. So, here's the big question: do you see a sea change in the motorcycle industry's future, away from a lifestyle-accessory-oriented market and toward a commuter- and practicality-based market? Will public perception shift to see motorcycles as vehicles, and not toys?
I'm particularly interested in whether you've heard any perception shift from your non-riding friends. (Working the industry, I don't have a very good idea of what normal people are thinking any more.) Are your friends or co-workers talking about scooters or motorcycles as commuters?
I'm beginning to think that aside from staying focused on service and repair, and servicing the bikes that are already out there, we should start looking at small displacement, low-priced cycles that are unencumbersome to buy into and unintimidating to learn to ride and handle in the city.
I'd love to hear your thoughts.