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"Even big bike makers thinking small"

2K views 17 replies 14 participants last post by  jnbend 
#1 ·
#2 ·
It is nice to see manufacturers introducing smaller engine motorbikes, that is a good sign for both new and experienced riders. However, it is hard to see a Scout 60 being considered an entry level machine. This topic has been covered to no end on all sorts of forums, so no need to repeat here. Bikes like the Street Twin, HD 883 or any similarly sized bikes are really not beginner bikes, although many first time riders end up with bikes like these. But, an interesting development from the manufacturers these past several years.
 
#3 ·
True, But they also reference "teasers" such as a 400cc Ducati and a 310cc BMW.
 
#4 ·
Much to do with economic climate around the world. High price machines are getting difficult to sell these days. That is why they are all competing in that under 10,000 range Stateside. That lower priced market appears to be growing as the result with increase in rent/food prices, the general cost of living increases are taking a toll on vehicle sales. Automotive makers have also notice this and have found the larger sales are now with the economy lower priced cars. Luxury cars for example at one time accounted for the vast majority of sales, now they account for the lower percentage of total sales., total flip flop. People just flat out have less disposable incomes these days, with larger portions of income being sucked up by health care, housing and local, county, State tax programs.


The shift with these bikes is based on price only and nothing at all to do with people wanting smaller bikes. It's a shift with disposable income creating this marketing change.


For example it's well known in the automotive industry that the models of the cars sold change dramatically inside larger cities with high property taxes. Domino theory.
 
#5 ·
Luxury cars never comprised the majority of automotive sales, in fact, today's luxury car sales as a percentage, and by number, are higher than ever.

The biggest impact on the change in mix for motorcycle models to smaller and less powerful ones is the change in demographics. 1) the US motorcycle Rider population is getting dramatically older while young motorcyclists are fewer. 2) Globally, the US represents less than 1% of two wheeled unit sales.

Manufacturers are aiming at growth markets with these smaller, and in many cases, more sensible machines, and the US market is changing as well. All in all, a good thing for the industry and for consumers here and across the globe.
 
#6 ·
An opinion:

More power? Meh.
Race track handling? Meh.

What I'm after is ergonomics. That's right. Dimensions and positioning that will give me control, safety, and comfort. A weight that isn't like pushing half a car around.

I applaud the smaller is better concept, because not everyone wants a high powered, high seated, scale tipping behemoth.
 
#9 ·
In the article they keep stressing German quality control and German made tools, etc. Makes one think about the quality component.
My buddy owned an F800ST. As far as "German quality" goes, I emphasize the word "owned", as in PAST TENSE. He couldn't have been happier to ditch that lemon (although, admittedly, I was pretty smitten by it at first).

I've owned modern Audi, BMW, and VW cars in the past. None of them had trouble-free engineering to brag about.
 
#13 ·
The 803cc version has better components and weighs the same for $500 more. That 400 is for beginners who are intimidated easily. Ride one of the regular versions. If I had any use for it, I'd go Urban Enduro. Had no time to ride one when I picked up my 796 from service recently but all Ducatisti who've ridden it say it's a real hoot for local riding.
 
#14 ·
said it several years ago - Hey Triumph, make me a retro 500 bike like my '72 Daytona only w/modern mechanicals - fun to throw around and not bad looking either..I still think they are missing a market - probably trade in my 865 Bonnie for it..maybe 'cus I rode 250, 350 a lot as a younger person, have never been crazy about the bigger bikes.
 
#15 ·
Good stuff. Yeah, a 350-lb retro Daytona twin would be a nice bike. Course, they'd have to give it another name since the Daytona is now a 675cc Triple. Few remember that it was the 500cc Triumph, not the 650 (which was banned for races until 1969 to keep Harley in the game), was the bike that was raced so successfully by Gary Nixon and others.
 
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#17 ·
I have had everything from my first RD250 to a GL1800 wing, including ducati and a sick TL1000R. I find the T100 an absolute pleasure to ride around town and on the backroads. I think that perhaps the market is responding to the "cool biker" crowd as it matures and realizes that bigger is not always better.

I still get the "that bike is too small for you" comments from Harley owner friends but mine is the one that gets the comments at the charity rides. :wink2:
 
#18 ·
I'll be 63 in a couple of months and I just bought a 2015 Street Triple R. I had an 800 cc dual sport. I wanted a little smaller, lighter, faster, and better handling for the street. Not fully broken in yet, but so excited and grateful to be able to do something like ride this bike at my age.
 
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