Naked Bike Popularity in the US Market

[Shakey]

With some good machines to choose from I've often wondered why naked bikes aren't more popular here in the States. They are very popular in Europe and elsewhere, but not here. Maybe if the AMA had a sanctioned series for machines like the Street and Speed Triple the US riding public would finaly acquire a taste for the stripped 'sport bike'. If guys like Spies, Mladin, Bostrom and Duhamel were zipping around Road America and Laguna Seca on Triumph, Ducati, Aprilia and Honda naked bikes I'll bet sales and popularity would take off. Naked bike development and performance parts would also benefit from a racing series. A pipe dream for sure, but it would make for some exciting racing.

[yonder]

Who?

Methinks you put too much faith in the popularity of motorcycle racing events.

[Diego]

Originally Posted by yonder

Who?

Methinks you put too much faith in the popularity of motorcycle racing events.

Could be. It might also be a little akin to putting the cart before the horse. Faired bikes probably aren't that popular just because they're raced; faired bikes are raced because they have a slight aerodynamic advantage for that very purpose, and simultaneously appeal visually to wannabe boy racers.

None the less, I agree that it would be fascinating to see a race series featuring middleweight nakeds, including the Street.

[Luxamor]

Originally Posted by Shakey

I've often wondered why naked bikes aren't more popular here in the States. They are very popular in Europe and elsewhere, but not here.

I've pondered this a bit myself. Here's what I reasoned....
* People here in the states use their bikes less for actual commuting and daily transportation, than they do for recreation.
* There are still plenty of wide open spaces here where we can ride for hours and hours...not to mention days if we have the time.
* As a result, people tend to ride and buy bikes more for fun and appearances.
* Most popular bikes - that I see - cruisers and sport
* People here buy bikes for a short trip around the county or to the convenience store, or...they take a trip to the mountains/beach/bay
* I also think that up until recently, MPG wasn't much of a factor, so speed and looks were the priorities.
* Insurance (?)

I'm still a bit conflicted about what it is all about - fairing protection from the elements, naked looks and fun, mongo macho chopped behemoths or a practical high-mileage scooter? Actual comfort? Who knows?
My personal tastes lead me to think while the naked is cool for the relative short haul, it isn't as practical for longer jaunts. This is assuming we are talking one bike owners here. The most practical solution is an all-arounder like the Tiger, but that wouldn't suit all tastes either.
Sorry to ramble, but it's a good oportunity to write out loud about a topic on the minds of many of us in the market for their next bike.

[clayrust]

I kinda' like the fact that naked bikes haven't taken off here in The States as much as in Europe. It makes having one just that much more unique and enjoyable. My new Striple just arrived at the dealer yesterday...I pick her up next week. I've nearly been guaranteed that I'll never pass myself on the road, and that makes me feel pretty special. As far as looks go, I think naked styling offers much less of the same old cookie cutter stuff. The other all look the same, but you can always know a Triumph naked from a mile away.

[GarbageKID]

i think because in the US it's one or the other, cruiser or sportbike and the cruiser rider typically doesn't have an interest in sportbikes and sportbike riders typically don't have an interest in cruisers. also realize that i'm generalizing here.

i also get waves from both groups so maybe i'm welcome amongst both

[clayrust]

I'll agree with you there GarbageKid. I'm a one bike man myself who couldn't commit to either side. Naked sport fit the bill perfectly...It was love (okay lust too) at first sight.

[Ken M1]

When I was younger and tweaking cars the cool thing was hopping up or dropping monstrous motors into small, unassuming cars (muscle cars if you will). Now in the US everything is about appearance. Tuner cars (which CAN be fast but most concentrate on looks), with big wings that do nothing, flashy paint schemes, heavy worthless chrome wheels, etc. Bikes are the same here...big heavy chromed out cruisers or flashy sport bikes. Unfortunately here in America we (but not me) seem to be obsessed with image...not function. Sad. However, thanks to the rest of the world, some can still get their hands on a cool, naked bike! I love mine and love being "not the norm" here

[F4sSprintST]

Well, I grew up on a naked - we called them standards

I can appreciate the protection of a fairing, especially as bikes get faster and faster


What does a naked offer me that a sportbike doesn't, except 'less'?

[Diego]

> "What does a naked offer me that a sportbike doesn't, except 'less'?"

Sometimes that's the whole thing. Less is more, as they say.

There's less to hinder one from appreciating the intrinsic lines of a well designed machine... frequently less repair cost in a minor mishap... often less insurance cost too... less chance of looking like everyone else on the road... less strain from maintaining a partial or full racing croush... and generally more of a return to the thrill of yesterday's classic standards.