Posted on 01/18/2009 1:17:49 PM PST by martin_fierro
Smaller models take the stage at motorcycle show
By Dan Strumpf ASSOCIATED PRESS Sunday, January 18, 2009
NEW YORK — Motorcycle makers showcased cheaper and more fuel-efficient models at the nation's premier motorcycle show Friday, as the industry tries to navigate a tough road of crippled consumer confidence and tighter access to credit that is weighing on sales.
The companies sought to drown out the gloomy news with the revved engines of 600 bikes from more than 250 exhibitors at the International Motorcycle Show, which runs through Sunday at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.
"We're definitely seeing where manufacturers are taking advantage of the smaller motorcycles in their lineup — the motorcycles that don't get the kind of attention when things are sort of economically strong," show spokesman Robert Pandya said. "We're seeing motorcycles coming in that were originally designed for other markets that, because of people's consciousness for fuel economy and ease of getting around, are all of a sudden finding a home in the U.S."
Scooter maker Vectrix Corp. unveiled two electric models, while Italy's Piaggio & C. SpA showed off its new Vespa GTS 300, which can reach 80 mph with a 278-cubic-centimeter engine. Honda Motor Co., Ducati and Kawasaki also displayed new bikes.
Vectrix said it's targeting younger, urban commuters with its electric scooters. The VX-2 will have a base price just over $5,000 and will travel 40 to 50 miles on a charge, with a top speed of 30 mph. The VX-1E will cost about $3,500 more but can reach 62 mph with a range of 55 miles.
"The benefits of these in an urban environment are vast," said Victor Pritzker, Vectrix's director of North American sales. "The first is zero hydrocarbons. It makes you a good citizen. ... The second is the cost of ownership. A tuneup on our vehicle is a computer upgrade."
Honda debuted a chopper called the Fury with a lower riding position, a single-shock rear suspension with a hard-tail look and a 1,312 cc V-twin engine. The Fury's 71-inch wheelbase makes it the longest bike in Honda's lineup.
Honda spokesman Bill Savino said the Fury will sell for about $13,000.
"No one has ever made anything this affordable for that segment of the market," Savino said.
Motorcycle sales tend to take a beating when the economy slows, and sales industrywide fell 2.2 percent in the third quarter of 2008, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. In 2007, sales ended a 14-year growth streak by falling 6 percent.
In October, the top-selling U.S. company, Harley-Davidson Inc., cut its 2008 sales forecast to between 303,500 and 306,000 motorcycles from 330,619 in 2007.
"If you already are a motorcycle enthusiast or rider, you can probably make the current one you have last longer, said Robin Diedrich, senior consumer analyst for Edward Jones. "You don't need to get that new model."
The motorcycle industry hasn't totally wiped out. One bright spot has been sales of lightweight bikes like scooters. Scooter sales in the U.S. surged 50 percent in the third quarter of 2008 compared with the previous year's quarter, said Ty van Hooydonk, spokesman for the Motorcycle Industry Council.
"You're seeing a lot of people who are looking for alternative transportation going to scooters and dual-purpose bikes," Van Hooydonk said. Scooter sales might have been even higher last year if companies could have made more of them to keep up with the spike in demand, he said.
Van Hooydonk said the summer run-up in gas prices likely contributed to the spike, along with more riders using two-wheelers to commute in addition to those who ride for pleasure. Although fuel prices have dropped more than 50 percent from the peak national average of $4.11 per gallon in July, representatives at the show said they think consumers will continue to be drawn to motorcycles for their fuel efficiency, as many bikes get 50 or more miles per gallon.
RE: Stallion trike? At $24,995, wouldn’t the Mustang GT, with a similar power/weight ratio, be the real steal?
wheels look like the Renegade Phoenix that I have on my Deuce...’cept not, quite, as, sexy.
and yet states still conceal the fact motorcycles are FEDERALLY ALLOWED to use the commuter lanes with just ONE person on the bike.
plus, if you like bikes, it is at least kinda like a motorcycle. a convertible mustang costs a lot more.
You Beemer guys will ride through anything . . .
In 30+ years of riding I have yet to see a BMW rider pulled off to the side avoiding the “elements”.
I half expected this to be a story about 'little people'.
Kind of takes you back. In the early 1960’s I had what I recall was a Harley that was about 105 cc or something very small like that.
>>every single kawasaki had a sticker on the gas tank showing its MPG rating
I didn’t think motorcycles had MPG ratings (at least not official ones).
My local greenies had some legislation in the state which would give you some $$$ back on a new vehicle purchase if it was 50mpg+. The TV (wrongly) said it applied to cars and motorcycles, so thinking I could maybe get a new scoot and pocket some green I looked into it. No dice: no EPA mpg rating, no $$$. I asked the EPA what the deal was and they said they had no mandate from Congress to rate motorcycles, only cars & trucks.
>>almost no half naked chicks
You sure this was a motorcycle show? :P
the kawasaki girls were hot. there were 3 of them dressed in tight mini dresses. the only other girls i saw were from the smaller custom shops. and i do not think they were hired models. probably the most attractive girlfriend of the dudes who worked for the shop. didn't look like anyone wanted to hire models for the weekend.
some nice bikes though! i want the Ducati 1098. $17,000.
That Duc streetfighter would have a place in my garage next to my Monster, if funds were available.
I resemble that! :{)
And is you have ever been to Asia, you'll know they can easily (though not necessarily safely) carry five passengers.
RE: Relative value of a Stallion trike @ $32,995 with same power-to-weight ratio as a $24,995 Mustang GT.
Repair? You serious? Gonna buy lotsa Stallion parts at your local NAPA shop, at generic prices? Gonna take it to the trusty, dependable ,local guy when it needs a little work?
but having owned a motorcycle, you just don't need to many repairs on stuff like this, barring an accident. oh, and insurance will cost quite a bit less as well.
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