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Affordable Riding in the New Year
 

Original Article:
Affordable Riding in the New Year

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Cost?
 

What market data do the manufacturers really have? I wonder. Demographics, price points, production costs are but a few decision drivers. What do they really know and when did the know it? Very interesting.

All the print mags are going on about the renaissance of low-cost bikes. I also read recently that for the first time in decades, the average age of m/c buyers was going down. It's not by much, something like from 42 to 40, IIRC. But the indication to the manufacturers is that there is a new younger buyer emerging who is driving the average age statistc down, and those buyers want/need less expensive bikes. Less expensive to purchase, to insure, and to operate. I remember when bikes were considered an alternative to a car that cost a lot less. Nowadays the delta between new bikes and cars just isn't that great; at the Scion dealer I was in Monday they had a little car on the showroom floor for under $14k. Brand new, 4 seats, a/c, stereo, etc. A 600 supersport costs $14k. Which is Dad going to help Jr. buy with that choice? But at under 1/2 the new price like these bikes, the motorcycle looks like a good alternative again.

That Enfield is a nifty looking bike!

I like it.
 

[quote=The Spaceman;27994)
That Enfield is a nifty looking bike![/QUOTE]

The Enfield does have a good look. At one time you could buy one as a kit and do the assembly yourself. Inexpensive these days is 6 To 8 grand?

"We MO staffers are glutinous consumers of motorcycle technology."

Glutinous?

Really?

Dey been etin' too much grits letely.

Maybe they need a glutton-free diet?

Well, maybe if they really like the bike:

glu·ti·nous/ˈglutnəs/ Show Spelled [gloot-n-uhs] Show IPA
adjective
of the nature of glue; gluey; viscid; sticky.

Can be confused: glutenous, glutinous, gluttonous.

Ewwwwwww...

Yes, a misspelling got through editing. Change is coming.