Topic: Noticed an increase in bikes?

[written_black]

Just wanting to see if anyone else is seeing an increase in riders due to the fuel cost. I've always wanted one, so mine recent purchase isn't really the reason. My roommate just bought a V-star Classic, and another friend bought a Yamaha Sportbike of some sorts. Last year at my college I maybe saw two or three bikes parked by the building. This year I counted 20; three were cruiseres, one scooter, a new Truimph, and the rest were late model sport bikes that were only a couple of years old at the most. I was just curious if anyone else has noticed the trend. I also wonder if West Coast Choppers and Orange County Choppers on TV have also helped fuel bike purchases. I probably should start buying some Honda stock...

[78_SaltLick]

T-shirt?

I saw a guy today riding one of them with No T-shirt, shorts and flip flops on. Why even wear a helmet?

[heffay]

I agree loco... at age 18 i had a 94 cbr600f2... my dad lectured me till the cows never came home (we didn't have any cows  )  the bike nearly killed me on a number of occasions and it was only because it was costing me 3,000 dollars per year for insurance that i was forced to sell it.  it was a blessing in disquise im sure. 
now, 11 years later i finally feel a maturity to be able to respect another sport bike.  i just made sure to purchase the same model that killed a friend of mine when i was still riding the cbr.  that way i can remember and respect what i ride. 

now, back to the gas thread.  yes, beans are the musical fruit... 

[Buffo]

If I am stay on my Island I dont wear a helmet...but if I go to the main land on it goes...

Flip -flops...If he goes down at even like 45mph I bet he will lose a toe or 2

[number13]

Getting back to the thread, a customer of mine was in the store this morning, he
just had his scooter tuned up and the mechaninc told him they were selling
at least 2 Vespas (or Stellas now) a day.
Locally I have also noticed more bikes in general, and of course
plenty of shiny new choppers being ridden by guys in shorts and flip-flops.
Is that what they call thinning the herd?

[kghost]

Locally I have also noticed more bikes in general, and of course
plenty of shiny new choppers being ridden by guys in shorts and flip-flops.
Is that what they call thinning the herd?

YES.

Course truth be told.... Theres no reason I need a 140 Hp. Motorcycle. I don't have a lick of common sense. I'd immediately injure myself.

[74cb750]

Mais Oui.
finally sold 2 mopeds I've had lying around for the last 3 years.
definitely more interest in the smaller bikes. Now if i can only get my S2 350 Kaw back on the road I can almost tripe my cb750's gas milage (hey, that 's waht it says in the manual).
michel
peace

[Dennis]

Now if i can only get my S2 350 Kaw back on the road I can almost tripe my cb750's gas milage (hey, that 's waht it says in the manual).
michel
peace

Are you one of those people who believe everything they read just because it's in print??   

[Raul CB750K1]

Fuel price rise is a great excuse to convince you loved one about buying a bike, but is it really a good investment? I guess that compared with those american gas-guzzlers like Chevrolet Tahoes and Suburbans they are. A regular car may drink about double than a middleweight bike, and slightly more than a 750 and up. If you count the buying price, the insurance, the maintenance and the riding gear, how long does it take to reach the break-even point? Say that a regular car needs 2 more litres per 100 km, 2 litres is about 2 euros. A new middleweight bike (3000 euro), full riding gear (700-100 euro), insurance (300-500 euro), that makes a total of 4000-5000 euro -if you don't have to rent a parking-. That would mean you have to do 2000 times 100 km (200.000 km) to reach the break even point. My car is 5 year old and just recently crossed the 100.000 km, so in my case I would need 10 years...

[DRam]

Talked to some who think it might be a good idea to buy a bike for gas economy, but don't know anyone who really did it.  Some of those talking are thinking along the lines of Harleys or Harley clones, most  of which get less miles per gallon than my Honda Civic.  I'd guess the chopper craze is fueling bike sales more than any other factor.  The last sales figures I saw (for 2003) showed cruisers dominating the market, with total sales around 56%, sport bikes at 21%, touring bikes at 18%, and standard bikes at 3%.

[Badboy]

I have been trying real hard to get my bike back on the road,I have had a few setbacks from the carbs. I think I have them licked now. Now to get insurance and reregister it.I still have a few months that I can still ride even in Maine. Price of gas is one of the big reasons that I am putting this back on the road. I am not ready to go out and buy a new one though. Kreemed the tank,replaced the rear tire,etc, it is about ready to roll.

[jotor]

Nope--haven't noticed any morerbikes on the road here.  There has been a real increase in scooters but that started a year or so ago.

Someone on another board I subscribe to compared the cost of riding his modern sport bike to driving his car.  Factoring in the cost vs mileage of sticky tires on the bike as well as fuel and insurance, it was cheaper to drive the car.  I'm guessing that a smaller bike with longer lasting tires would do a lot better.

Maybe it's time to get my CB650 out of storage....

[heffay]

I have had a few setbacks from the carbs. I think I have them licked now.

DUDE!  stop licking your carbs.... gross...