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[flynnstig82r]

There are also new riders to consider. My wife wants to get into riding, but she won’t even consider anything over about 300cc’s and she likes the classic 60’s look and standard riding position. That leaves her choices as Vespa, Royal Enfield… and that’s it!

The big OEMs have almost completely abandoned entry-level bikes, and then they scratch their heads wondering why so few people are getting into motorcycling. The Ninja 250 has become a 500, the Suzuki TU250X and Sym Wolf Classic 150 are discontinued, the Honda Nighthawk 250 is long gone, etc. These were all affordable, attractive, practical bikes that could be ridden on highways, were fun little city runabouts and backroad bikes, and anyone could learn on. You can still find decent 125 to 150cc bikes, but those are a lot more limited and a new rider can’t really grow into them the way they can grow into a 250 or 300.

I’m glad Zero is targeting this segment, although it’s still going to be a while before a capable electric can compete on price in this category, IMO.

[T.S. Zarathustra]

There are also new riders to consider. My wife wants to get into riding, but she won’t even consider anything over about 300cc’s and she likes the classic 60’s look and standard riding position. That leaves her choices as Vespa, Royal Enfield… and that’s it!

Sounds like SuperCub is a perfect fit for her. If you can convince her to go up to 350 you have better selection. But don't overlook the 100-300cc class. Those bikes can be great fun.
An electric bike in that class could be fun too. If Zero would take one of their new off-road bikes and make street version,,?

[wadejesu]

I should have kept my 1957 Cushman Eagle

[Richard230]

I should have kept my 1957 Cushman Eagle

And I should have kept my 1958 Sears Roebuck Allstate (Puch) 125cc motorcycle - not. 

[Curt]

No indeed. The problem Gen Z has is they have no fucking money having been systematically deprived of the means to ever have any, largely as a result of housing policy.

I don't believe you. What I see is that everyone all wants to live in the same places, and that results in competition for space, driving up prices. Someone has to win. It might as well be the smartest. That's best for everyone in the long run. In the limit, if you build ultra-dense housing you just end up with NYC -- still unaffordable. Anyone willing to live elsewhere will be fine, especially as remote work, on-line business and free delivery are on the rise. Not much has changed except for the level of entitlement and jealousy. Economic mobility is still there. When I was growing up, houses were out of the reach of kids.

[princec]

This is not the case in the UK.

Cas

[jotjotde]

Just read that KTM is also in trouble. 250 million Euro deficit and they are going to reduce workforce by 1000 that are 20%.

I hoped they would take over Energica… That’s sad.😔

[Stonewolf]

I think the most likely return to operation is a management buyout with some non-industry angel investor backing it up.

[flynnstig82r]

Just read that KTM is also in trouble. 250 million Euro deficit and they are going to reduce workforce by 1000 that are 20%.

I hoped they would take over Energica… That’s sad.😔

Be careful what you wish for! Just imagine trying to get a warranty replacement of an expensive powertrain component with KTM at the helm.

[giacomo]

here we go:

https://www.motorsport.com/motogp/news/ktm-to-enter-self-administration-amid-financial-struggles/10676751/

Giacomo

[EsseEsse]

Not that it matters much, but Energica's scammy parent Ideanomics has also filed for bankruptcy.

[Specter]

It's so they can get out from the axe that is swinging at their heads.
They shit on a lot of people and now many of them are looking to get their money back / damages etc.
This is the duck and run tactic that every sleazy contractor (which basically is what they were acting as) does when they get caught and the shit hits the fan.

They got fined, delisted, SHOULD be in jail getting ass raped...but that 's just my opinion.

Aaron

[Curt]

Polaris buys Victory and kills it.
Harley buys Buell and Alta and kills them.
Ideanomics buys Energica and kills it.
Enel X buys Juicebox and kills it.
Who is going to buy Pierer and kill the whole lot -- KTM, Husqvarna, Husaberg, GasGas, ...?

[jotjotde]

I am convinced that KTM will not be sold, it's private owned by an Austrian, they are proud people.
But reorganising the company will be painful. Just a few days ago, KTM announced they will get rid of MV Agusta which was taken over just in March this year. They are building beautiful bikes, but in terms of sales they are so small - I am afraid, they are destined to be the next insolvency.

All in all, the whole automotive industry (2 and 4 wheels) is in turmoil, because bad management meets bad politics plus (relative) sales downturn.

[Pard]

Sales have gone down because salaries have gone down.
Salaries have gone down because shareholders share of the business income has increased.
To maintain increased shareholders share companies have raised prices.
Sales have gone down even more because prices have increased.
Company goes bust after paying the highest profit in 70 years.
Company gets saved by the government to save jobs.
Salaries go down because the company just went bust.

I guess trickle down economy doesn't work.

Or... The actual spending power of the consumer has been steadily reduced as Government borrows and spends on endless wars and social experiments, diluting fiat currency along the way...

The creation of, and response to, the Covid fiasco also buggered the global economy and many industries, despite the short term bump motorcycle sales took during the lockdowns.