| In Virginia the weather has taken a beautiful, sudden | | | | especially since 1994 when Lloyd Christmas was in the |
| turn from a lot of rain to a lot of heat and sunshine as | | | | market. |
| April comes to a close and we welcome in May. | | | | In addition to the scooter scenario, I have a couple of |
| Already seeing a couple of days reach higher than | | | | theories I believe are boosting motorcycle sales. We |
| 90 degrees on the thermometer, it has warmed up | | | | all know downsizing from four wheels to two is |
| quickly -- perhaps some indication that a very hot | | | | actually greener and helps defend against roller |
| summer lies ahead. And other than plummeting into a | | | | coaster fuel prices. But come on, not everyone is in |
| nearby pool, lake or ocean, what better way to beat | | | | a pinch. And what better excuse to scratch what |
| the heat than to hit the open road with nothing | | | | has been itching a lot of people for a long time? |
| between you and the pavement except the metal | | | | While I’m aware that plenty of folks are scared to |
| steed of your choice? Or, if you can’t have your | | | | death of motorcycles, I would argue that many more |
| choice, how about a steed that is safe, affordable, | | | | have been waiting for the right “reason” to buy |
| better for the environment, and efficient in these tough | | | | one. Riding motorcycles isn’t just for gangs, |
| economic times? Because it seems the only things | | | | roamers and vagabonds anymore. As a matter of |
| rising faster than the temperature these days are | | | | fact, the population of “rubies” (rich urban bikers) |
| motorcycle sales and enrollment in motorcycle safety | | | | is one of the fastest growing groups of bikers out |
| classes, the latter of which I would highly recommend | | | | there. And more and more women are giving up the |
| prior to enjoying life on two wheels -- or three, not to | | | | back seat for a throttle of their own. When I took the |
| exclude the trike riders! | | | | motorcycle safety class, there were ten students in |
| While some statistics may show that overall | | | | my class. Eight of them were women! There are |
| motorcycles sales took a hit last year --down 7.2% | | | | now bikes of all shapes and sizes to fit people and |
| from 2007 according to The Motorcycle Industry | | | | egos of all shapes and sizes. |
| Council (MIC)) -- compare that drop to the drop in the | | | | All of this leads to my second theory. With new |
| automobile industry, where the top Japanese | | | | waves and circles of riders come new waves and |
| automakers averaged a 12.3% drop and the top U.S. | | | | circles of peer pressure. Come on, man, get one. |
| automakers averaged an alarming and job-cutting | | | | Everybody’s doing it. You know you want one. |
| 24.7% drop in sales. But without delving any further | | | | Are you scared? Okay, so maybe the peer pressure |
| into statistics than necessary -- since it’s not really | | | | I’m talking about isn’t exactly the same as the |
| part of the point I am trying to make – my point is | | | | after-school special scenario, but we do live in society |
| that a lot more people are parking, if not selling, their | | | | where many feel the pressure to keep up with the |
| gas-guzzling [and therefore money-guzzling] SUVs, | | | | Joneses or are easily pushed over by the influence of |
| and once again buying and mounting the original | | | | others. |
| “green” machines. | | | | In a round about way, I am trying to shed light on a |
| A recent boom, as I would describe the motorcycle | | | | current situation. Motorcycles, especially used |
| population on the road in the last year, began as a | | | | motorcycles, are on the move. With a lot of new |
| way for people of all driving ages to fight increasing | | | | riders graduating on a weekly basis, people are looking |
| gas prices. The most obvious indication here was the | | | | right now for a suitable motorcycle. While many are |
| ridiculous 41% increase in scooter sales. Now, if | | | | able to continue buying new, which is also great for our |
| you’re like me, the word “scooter” conjures | | | | economy, a lot of people are cutting back. I submit to |
| up images of Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels) and Lloyd | | | | you that now is an excellent time for those who can |
| Christmas (Jim Carrey) doubling on their moped in | | | | upgrade to do so and put your “old” bike on the |
| Dumb and Dumber. But that which was formerly | | | | market. Because what began as a response to rising |
| considered an embarrassing – and in the | | | | gas prices has evolved into motorcycle fever. Bikes, |
| aforementioned blockbuster, laughable -- means of | | | | trikes, hogs, scooters… you name it, there’s |
| transportation now begs the question, “Who is | | | | someone out there looking for it. There’s |
| laughing now?” Though many scooter riders don | | | | someone out there looking to beat the heat and |
| a full-faced helmet and dark visor -- for safety | | | | “join the gang” in a motorcycle revival that’s |
| reasons, of course –- you will find no inferiority | | | | sweeping the nation. So take advantage of the |
| complex from those now proudly conserving their | | | | market and sell your bike. It’s time for an upgrade. |
| environment and saving money at the pump. And | | | | To all the new riders out there… your steed awaits |
| while maintaining incredible fuel efficiency since their | | | | you. Ride safely. |
| invention, scooters have come a long way in style, too, | | | | |