Just thinking What is the motorcycle industry going to do when all us oldies finally decide to hang up our boots for the final time? I know there are a few youngsters about on bike, but not many. I'd be interested to see an age demographic of those attending the NEC for Motorcycle Live. I wonder if leaving the EU will allow the UK to set its own laws on taking the bike test. That is what's putting new recruits off. Not the fact that they'd be safer riders but the cost of it all.
I don't think there'll be any difference. The industry has experienced various cycles (woops, sorry) over the years, hitting some real lows (as I recall)in the late 60s before the Japanese dominance. But even since then I think there's been further periods of concerning sales. Certainly, the present costs and requirements of licensing have been reported as a disincentive to obtain a licence. However, my view is that those people might be more of the commuter or scooter variety who can easily reconcile alternative transport, i.e. 'if I can't get a licence I'll just ride the bus. In contrast, a person interested in motorcycling as a sport/hobby/pastime will go through all barriers just to enter the fold - again, just my view.
Okay so a poll of ages going to the bike show probably wont happen, but someone on here (more clever than I) could do an age survey for members. I saw one for fuel preference, so assume one can be done for age groups. So which one of you clever folk can set that up?
I could do one of those crap TV ads that say: '99% of 14 women agree that XXX shampoo leaves their hair shinier.' To achieve that, I could stand at the main entrance (after @Bikeboy pays my entrance) and do the poll.
They'll roll along, selling bikes where they can, living off sales in countries where bikes are appreciated. The Asian market is their money maker. We are small markets compared to Asia. The smaller, less tech-heavy bikes make up their bread and butter.
Most people only get involved in biking when they're having a midlife crisis. There'll always be a fresh supply of middle-aged blokes weighing up whether to spend their excess disposable income on a motorbike or a divorce and some viagra
I respectfully respond that this couldn't be further from the truth, IMO. General consensus claims that gentlemen of middle age accumulate such ‘toys’ in an attempt to recapture lost youth. My view is that it has nothing to do with recapturing anything. Most of us 'older' riders rode in our youth and early twenties. We then made sacrifices when embarking on our 'family' life. Only after our lives have settled and finances improved or stabilised (whether divorced or not) might we splurge on joys that were once unattainable. As an aside, and in opposition, many women do strive to recapture lost youth. Rather than head to the nearest Harley Davidson or Ferrari dealer, Ms Smith will make an appointment with a renowned plastic surgeon, facial enhancement clinic, Botox Salon or a combination of the three. She may even invest in a package deal to one of the regularly promoted Cosmetic Holidays to Thailand or the Philippines which include accommodation at both a swanky hotel and five-star hospital specialising in extracting fat from hips and dollars from purses. Ms Smith will later return to her philandering husband or life-long female partner, hit the social-scene, flaunt her new-found beauty (seen only in her own eyes) and at the end of the evening will smother moisturiser over the taut skin that will eventually sag like butt-cheeks rolling down the hamstrings of cellulite-ridden thighs. We all attempt to recapture past pleasures from different perspectives.
I have had motorcycles from the time I was 16. Through various situations and locations, I have always managed to have one. I actually had one in Kandahar. I have to dig out the picture, it's pretty funny.
Apart from women bikers! We've no need to capture our youth because we've never lost it. That's the magic that motorbikes weave. Virtually without exception, every lady biker of all ages I've known or know is so self confident that they've no need for all that plastic and cosmetic rubbish ( purple hair/piercings/tatts & obligatory Harley boob jobs the exception)
Nah, never! You regulars should know my penchant for responding to some topics/issues with a fragmented sideline that borders on the sarcastic/insensitive (without being insulting) BUT with an element of truth that some may relate to. If these posts have absolutely no merit at all - they still serve to stimulate discussion and that can only be a win/win for the forum! I guess the disturbing alternative is that some will see me as a friggin' idiot.
