It’s The Economy, Stupid!

(apologies to James Carville)

There have been lots of talk about why motorcycle sales are plummeting across the board (Harley 2Q profit tumbles on fewer shipments/Victory sales fall in second quarter/), especially in this time of high gas prices. So…here is my $0.02….

Motorcycles, for the most part, are considered luxury toys to the general populace and when the economy is bad, people will not consider getting them.

We of the baby boomer generation were argueably the biggest reason for the sales boom as the surging economy allowed many to be able to purchase “that cool motorcycle I’ve always dreamed of owning” as indicated by the sales surge of cruisers and touring models in 2005, 2006 and 2007 (we also have to remember that the “custom chopper” market exploded in 2005 and 2006 as well). These classes of motorcycle are not practical “go to work” vehicles for most middle class white collar workers (I mean… GAWD…how can you expect me to ride to work and not get my clothes wrinkled) or worse ride in the rain!

This is a preview of It’s The Economy, Stupid!. Read the full post (315 words, 8 images, estimated 1:16 mins reading time)

July 26, 2008 · Filed Under General

2 Comments

I’ll Be There In Spirit…..

As I mentioned in my last post, I was in my first wreck requiring surgery, etc.Â Since then, I’ve been pretty much unable to go to many places since my wreck (you’d be AMAZED at just how many places are not handicap accessible - whether or not their sign says so).

Well today is the Live RIde for MDA event and with it being dedicated to Jez (read my writeup on her here), it’s been tough to know I could not be there.

I mean I probably could have asked someone to take me, my walker, wheelchair, jacket, blanket, etc. to the event…but I would probably only have been able to be there about an hour - not even long enough to see the bikes off.

However, I did purchase a Live Ride packet and raise over $200.00 which isn’t bad for a guy stuck at home.

So even though I’m not riding this year I am participating.

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