Rising Gas Prices Drive Up Motorcycle Sales

Trading Markets.com features a story the effect of rising gas prices on motorcycle sales.

The story quotes motorcycle dealers who have seen their sales climb 10 to 15 percent over the last year.

Motorcycles can reach 50 to 60 miles per gallon, nearly double the MPG of the average passenger car.

Source: TradingMarkets.com

Harley-Davidson's Dark Custom motorcycles seek young riders

The image of motorcycle riders has transformed over the decades from rough-living bikers outlaws to middle-aged professionals over the age of 40.

Motorcycle manufacturers balance their image to keep their rebel image alive, yet attract baby boomers who can afford pricey models.

What about the younger bikers? Where do the riders in their 20's and 30's fit in a motorcycle market geared to appeal to their parents?

According to MediaPost's Marketing Daily, Harley-Davidson has launched a new motorcycle brand targeted to younger riders.

The Dark Custom line of Sportsters, Soft Tails, and Fat Boys are featured on a specialized web site, featuring bikes sporting darker paint jobs and a classic design.

One of the Dark Custom bikes is the Harley-Davidson FLSTSB Softail Cross Bones.

According to Harley-Davidson..

With the retro look of a Springer front end and other post-war era bobber styling cues like a sprung solo seat, half-round rider footboards, Gloss Black round air cleaner cover and chopped front fender, the Softail Cross Bones rides with a Black and Polished Twin Cam 96B powertrain, 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission and truly unique Softail suspension.

As each Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycle declares its styling independence with exclusive components and inspired craftsmanship, the Cross Bones is a bold addition to an already free-spirited family. Many features of the Cross Bones and other Softails are reminiscent of restless riders of the past, whose defiant attitude resonates with those who march to their own beat in any generation.

Another Dark Custom Bike is the XL 1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster.

Stripped down and gritty, the Nightster reinterprets the Sportster legend with rugged, retro-rod styling. A solo seat and lowered suspension puts the rider just 25.3 inches above the pavement. Clipped front and rear fenders expose chunky tires. Wheel rims and hubs, forks and handlebars, hand and foot controls are finished in basic black.

Marketing to young customers is tricky, but Harley-Davidson hopes their brand name and appeal will inspire a new generation of riders.

Source: MediaPost's Marketing Daily and Harley-Davidson

Motorcycles changing from luxury to daily transportation as fuel prices rise

NADAguides.com reports that motorcycle buying interest of visitors to their site has increased 48 percent in March 2008 compared to March 2007.

While economic uncertainty has hurt motorcycle sales, more consumers are considering motorcycles for their 'daily driver' needs instead as just a luxury purchase.

According to NADA Guides...

Lenny Sims, motorcycle editor and vice president of operations at NADAguides.com, says this increase in interest comes on the heels of a recent report by the federal Energy Information Administration that predicts consumers will pay an average of $3.54 per gallon of gas this summer driving season (April through September 2008), up a whopping 61 cents from last year -- with gasoline prices in some parts of the country expected to cross the $4 per gallon threshold.

"We believe the current state of the economy, coupled with recent summer fuel price predictions, has caused consumer mindset about motorcycles to shift," said Sims. "In our opinion, motorcycles have become attractive options as primary vehicles for daily drivers -- due to their fuel efficiency -- and are no longer considered just a luxury, 'secondary-vehicle' purchase."

What bikes are buyers researching? That depends on the distance a rider wants to travel. Some buyers want a bike for quick trips around town. Other riders need to travel long distances on freeways to travel to and from work.

NADAguides breaks down commuter categories by range...

Short-range commuters, according to NADAguides.com, are ideal for short back-and-forth jaunts, used predominantly on surface streets. Mid-range commuters are ideal for driving moderate distances, either on surface streets or highways. Long-range commuters are ideal for driving long distances, predominantly on highways.

Most Researched Short-Range Commuters

1. Yamaha Majesty 400
2. Honda Silver Wing
3. Suzuki Burgman 400


Most Researched Mid-Range Commuters

1. Honda Shadow Spirit 750
2. Suzuki Boulevard S50
3. Kawasaki Vulcan 500


Most Researched Long-Range Commuters

1. Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard
2. Honda Gold Wing Airbag
3. Yamaha Royal Star Venture

Source: NADAguides.com and Earthtimes.org

Harley-Davidson dealerships rank highest in shopping experience survey

Harley-Davidson dealerships ranked highest in a new study conducted by Pied Piper Management Company, one of a series of studies measuring how consumers are treated when shopping for a new car, motorcycle, RV or boat.


According to Pied Piper Management Company...

The independent study evaluated and benchmarked shopping experiences at 830 motorcycle dealerships nationwide, representing all major brands.

Following Harley-Davidson were Victory, Ducati, Buell and BMW above the industry average, and ten brands below the industry average. Overall motorcycle industry performance was little changed from the previous year, but seven individual brands gained ground over the previous year including Ducati, Yamaha and Honda.

Source: Pied Piper Management Company

1500 Ducati Desmosedici RR bike is sold out

The last of Ducati 1500 Ducati Desmosedici RR bikes has been sold.

According to Ducati...

Every single one of the 1500 Ducati Desmosedici RR bikes, the first true MotoGP replica which the Borgo Panigale manufacturer decided to produce in a limited number, has been sold.

Since the official presentation in June 2006, hundreds of requests have poured in, proving the success of this bike from the beginning. Today, the Ducati Desmosedici RR, whose production began a few weeks ago, is ready to be delivered to the first clients who will receive their motorcycles in January 2008.

The Desmosedici RR is the first true MotoGP replica and serves as the best representation of Ducati Corse’s accumulated experience and technology that is now being transferred to a street bike - in practice, the new flag ship in terms of performance, components and style for the whole sector.
This is a bike that has already become a cult symbol and is destined to maintain, and most likely, increase, its value over time.

Following the conquest of Ducati’s recent MotoGP title by Casey Stoner, the race was on to purchase the last remaining bikes available. Today the sale of the RR has come to a end, and now this Italian jewel of technology, one of the most envied and sought-after objects of desire for motorcycle fans all over the world, is all sold-out.

Source: Ducati

As fuel prices climb, so do motorcycle sales

As the price of gas gets higher, some commuters are deciding that two wheels are better than four.

KCCI 8 in Des Moines, Iowa, reports on the surge in Motorcycle sales at local dealerships. Many of the motorcycle purchases are by first time buyers looking for a break on gas costs.

According to the story, even the bigger bikes offered by motorcycle dealerships can get get close to 60 miles to the gallon.

Is China poised to be a force in the motorcycle industry?

The Kneeslider features a story on the growing Chinese motorcycle industry. Chinese motorcycle manufacturers are just getting started in the United States, seeking dealers and customers for their brands.

Questions remain about the quality and warranties behind Chinese bikes. While early opinions are forming, riders and manufacturers are certain China will be a force to be reckoned with in the cycle industry.

Have you tried any of the new Chinese bikes? What did you think? Post a comment and let us know.

Are you ready for the Can-Am Spyder Roadster?

The new Can-Am Spyder Roadster will hit the road later this year. Wisconsin is among the 12 states receiving the first models.

The Milwaukee Journal sentinel offers early thoughts on the new trike.

While some praise the Spyder Roadster's stylish looks and stability, others are uncertain of what sort of reception will come from traditional bikers.

Mystery customers surveys give cycle dealers high marks

Have you been to a motorcycle showroom lately? How did you feel about the service you received?

A new survey by Pied Piper LLC indicates that motorcycle dealers are offering outstanding service, generating a positive image of their brands.

According to MediaPost's Marketing Daily, 130,000 professional mystery customers visited motorcycle showrooms of brands like Harley-Davidson, Ducati, BMW, Suzuki, and Victory, then rated their experiences.

The motorcycle brands performed strongly, with Harley-Davidson as the leader overall. Other brands scored strongly in areas like financing and the sale of accessories.

The survey revealed room for improvement for motorcycle dealers when it comes to cultivating dealer/customer relationships.

While many cycle salespeople are riding enthusiasts, they could use more skills in turning browsing customers into buyers. While no one likes a pushy saleperson, some customers felt that cycle dealers were a too hesitant to offer assistance and encourage a sale.