If riding makes you think you're an edgy outsider, think again: the Motorcycle Industry Council's latest survey suggests that bikes are more mainstream than ever.
The study found that the number of motorcycles owned and used in America has grown 19 percent since 2003, to a total of 10.4 million. Last year, 25 million people "swung a leg over a bike," a 7 percent increase over the same timeframe. And Gen Y riders, once outnumbered by Baby Boomers, now eclipse their elders by a factor of two to one-- a promising sign for the future of motorcycling. Also of note is the fact that more new bikes than used are being purchased (despite a downturn in overall sales.)
As for the reasons why we ride, the MIC finds that motorcycles are used more for transportation than ever before; getting from A to B is now the #2 motivation for using two wheels. The study suggests that fuel prices, environmental concerns, and convenience might be a few of the reasons why.
Have you noticed a change in perception as a motorcyclist, and do you think it's more socially acceptable to ride in 2009? Click on "Comments" to share your thoughts.
Related:
- State of the Nation: Motorcycle Sales Down 30.5%, Offroad Bikes Hardest Hit
- Motorcycle Industry Council Reports Drop in Motorcycle Sales, Upswing for Scooters and Dual-Purposes
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I still get “are you crazy, bikes are dangerous” from all sorts of people. They range from my father-in-law to the cute 25 year old girl in my office.
However, people don’t assume I’m in the Hell’s Angels like they would have many years ago.
Scottie,
Yeah, I don’t think that “you’re crazy” attitude will ever die… but we are a little crazy, aren’t we?
Basem
Crazy like a fox….look how much more fun we have than all those poor souls who don’t like bikes.
I’ve never been absolutely certain I wasn’t a little off to one side – that said I wouldn’t have it any other way!
The manufacturers and and the industry as a whole have worked hard to bury the “1 percenter” and “wild bunch / outlaw” image that did us so much damage.
It wasn’t really that long ago (20 years) I was the victim of an honest attempt to run me off the road by someone who doesn’t like bikes.
Here’s hoping those days are done.
Stay safe!
I’ve been riding over 40 years. I ride because it’s fun, it’s exciting, and it makes me feel alive. Life is full of risk, we try to limit it the best we can. I’ve laid it down twice, bith times because i was stupid & got in over my head. Learn from your mistakes & move on. Walking through the WalMart parking lot is dangerous.
I DON’T get that “Are you crazy?” line much any more. More often I get “What kind of MPG are you getting?” And guys, where can you find a vehicle that for under $10K is cheap to run And attracts women?”
I get the “crazy” comments from my wife who is not a biker but works in the medical field and sees accidents. My bike is a BMW and sounds liks a sewing machine, so the neighbors and co-workers don’t give me any grief.
“If it ain’t dangerous, it ain’t fun.”
It’s about as edgy as all the cliché, poser old heavy men with tailored white beards, trying the look “bad to the bone”.
Actually I was born in England and through my background always thought motorcyles were mainstream as they always were over there. Families went out in sidecar mounts and it was a way of life. I still don’t know why the bike stores are called motor-sports as I’ve always thought of them as mainstream and not a sport per se.
it doesnt really matter how many bikes are on the road nowadays its like you and your best friend speeding down the highway free as a bird that friend is your bike and he/she can take you anywhere
Nothing like the feeling bikes give you!
Nothing like the feeling of freedom that bikes give you
Yep….agreed. That’s the way I look at it. Anything that is really fun is just a little bit dangerous. Going out and playing a game of basketball at age 50, and not being in great shape …now that’s just crazy; I’d die for sure! I’ll stick with my Harley, much safer!