Consumer Interest in Motorcycles Increases as Gas Prices Rise
It's no surprise that the rising cost of fuel has been a huge topic of conversation within the automotive industry as of late. Because of this, more and more consumers are looking to hybrids and small car offerings as an alternative to larger gas guzzlers. Our friends at Consumer Reports are also showing that there is a growing interest in motorcycles and scooters from consumers around the nation.
In a recent study, Consumer Reports shows that 26 percent of new car buyers have considered making the change from four wheels to two. More significantly, CR notes that scooter sales are up 24 percent for the first few months of 2008. CR points out that motorcycle ownership is one way to reduce fuel consumption and can provide a more entertaining driving experience than a four-wheeled auto.
Would you consider shopping a Yamaha or Honda bike? Is a Vespa more your style? Or do the compromises of motorcycle and scooter ownership (weather-related usage limitations, minimal seating/storage, safety hazards) outweigh the benefits? Let us know in comments.
+ Consumer Reports: Downsizing to two wheels - Motorcycle interest revs up
Comments
bmwloco
I ride to work every day. XL125 Honda (110 mpg) or one of my two BMW bikes (air cooled) that get better than 50 mpg.
Work? Oh, car sales.
Ducati Minor
This has been noted for two years on the two-wheeler forums. This could be a fad, but many people are finding the low cost of purchasing, maintaining, and filling up a two-wheeler to be attractive. A small-engined sport bike, exemplified by the new Kawasaki Ninja 250R, can be had out-the-door for $4,000 and return around 70 mpg. It doesn't have much highway power, but it is a stylish, cheap, and mildly amusing road bike.
I've been considering jumping on two wheels for my primary ride for about a year. I'm going to wait until next fall when I transfer to a university. The fact is, that the cost of new "economy" in motorcars is around $15,000. That's for a basic American or Korean compact like the Ford Focus, or a sub-compact like the Kia Rio. In the case of these small cars, your mileage is around 30 mpg while dealing with heavier repair and maintenance costs.
For performance, you can enjoy the speed of a Kawasaki ZX-14 and enjoy burning a Mitsu Evo at 1/3 the price.
Mena
I've been wanting a bike for many years and, back in 2004, went around looked at some and read reviews. They are MUCH cheaper than cars and get great gas mileage. Gas mileage isn't the number one priority with me although it's always been top 5. I wanted a bike purely on speed. What keeps me away from them is the public at large that fails to see them or give them room. Hopefully this will become a trend because the more bikes out there, the safer it will be for riders.
Paul Crutcher
I had an absolute blast on a 50cc Honda Metropolitan years ago, long before people would have switched from their V8 SUVs to wagons and hatchbacks to save money and at least a year or two before celebrities and activism had crowned the Prius as the chosen one. I moved up to a 250cc Reflex, made several roadtrips throughout the Midwest without complaint. That Reflex was economical, to be sure, and if practicality and cost can persuade someone to switch from a car to a motorcycle or scooter, s/he should be able to sort out a reasonable way to load groceries onto something like a Reflex, and into its under-seat storage (I did).
Suzuki's line of Burgman scooters includes a 400cc ($5949) that is priced competitively alongside the 250cc Reflex ($5549 - $6049). Honda and Suzuki also have larger scooters: Suzuki's Burgman 650 ($7899 - $8999) and Honda's Silverwing ($8099 - $8599).
Moving into a scooter or motorcycle (I've also used a Honda CBR600F4i and a Honda VFR Interceptor as daily transport) from a car is in many ways invigorating, liberating. Regardless of savings on insurance or fuel. The first time a fellow sportbiker drops her hand to wave, if you're not hooked, something may be wrong with your wiring. Scooters and motorcycles inspire you to rethink the world. And, whether or not you need that many bags of Doritos.
Steve
I'm dying to get a bike... But I haven't yet been able to make peace with the safety factor involved... Especially as Arizona (where I live) is by far the worst state in the country for red light running accidents and fatalities. Perhaps when I move somewhere a little more sane, I'll jump all over it.
"There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.”
- Ernest Hemingway
Ducati Minor
Safety is a common concern, but cautious riding, proper timing (to avoid stressful traffic), and familiarity with the environment can do wonders in building confidence. One does not have to purchase a motorcycle to enjoy two-wheeled economy. Scooters, gasoline and electric, are enjoying widespread use out of frugality. Three years ago, I barely saw any in Irvine. Now, they're as common as Escalades.
The jump to two-wheelers could be a short-term fad that runs out as riders become drawn back to cars and/or when fuel prices depress from their current high. In the early 1970s and early '80s, there was a sharp climb in consumers going electric and diesel. Those trends faded once the oil spikes did. Besides economic trends, the new efforts by automakers to build and sell mini-cars retailing under $10,000 could drag newfound riders back to the car world.
Otto
You'd have to pry my bike out of my cold, dead hands! Very rarely do I need to haul more than my Nighthawk 750 with saddlebags can carry. 95% of the time I'm just going places by myself, not taking anything with me. Since getting my bike two moths ago I've only put 400 miles on my car.
phd_engineer
I ride to work in the Detroit area whenever I can, usually about 50% of the time. I have a Harley-Davidson Road King as my primary scoot, that gets neary 50 miles to a gallon, while being very practical for carrying things like groceries/beer, Laptop case, and auto parts. The only downside: Rain.
Also in the stable are 2 vintage Vespa scooters, A newly restored 1976 Kawasaki KZ400, and a 1966 Honda C100 Super Cub with 200 miles on it.
It is unbelievable how much used motorcycle values have gone up, but they are still great bargains.
Second CTS
I've owned a mega-scooter (Suzuki Burgman 650) for 4 1/2 years. It's an outstanding travel option - comfortable, fast and reliable. I've taken two week vacations with it, traveling 2300 miles throughout California. It gets about the same mileage as a Prius with the added benefit of actually being entertaining to take down the road. Ride safe.
Verde
This trend just highlights America's resistance to attacking the root of energy problems. Although efficiency is laudable, a first-tier economy and nation runs on energy (and education), and moving to two wheeled vehicles is just a minor salve for the problem.
We have to generate more power, minimize CO2 emissions, and preserve fossil fuels for motor vehicles. That means nuclear power for electrical and hydrogen generation, reasonable efficiency for motor vehicles and halt the transition to coal powered plants.
As an ex-motor cyclist (I loved it, had zero accidents, and walked away before statistics caught up with me), America's roads and drivers are ill-suited to the average rider. Danger, weather, road quality and distance make this a passing trend. I do applaud everyone who gives it a try, but I fear for their safety in them doing so.
harbinger
Stop worrying about the CO2 emissions, good income for Gore and his acolytes but not causing any problems in the real world. Only trouble is, now we are into a cooler weather cycle,(ha), two wheels ain't so attractive.
moses lonn
I have been the proud and happy owner of a 1988 Honda Hawk GT for a decade or so. Aside from the tremendous acceleration that almost any healthy motorcycle delivers and the precision handling of a lightweight sport bike, it has been merrily chugging along at around 70 mpg while straightening out curves and howling past porcine meanderthals.
Only downside is uncooperative weather and the ever present threat of bonehead NJ drivers.
But I see more and more bikes on the road every day so perhaps those boneheads will become more conscious of us as we grin along.
Seyth Miersma
Let's ride!
Seyth Miersma
News Writer
Winding Road // NextAutos
Sheila
I'm so glad I've never sold my Valentine present..a turquoise blue 1984 Yamaha Razz. Great to run to the store or Post office on.
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