Bigger /= Better

We understand. We, who ride small displacement scooters, understand. There is something about a small engine that the big bikes just don't have. It's not mystique, no, that's not it. It's definitely not speed. Perhaps it is the freedom to simply enjoy the ride. There are side benefits, certainly, but serious scootsters soon discover that it's all about the ride. Big bikes have their advantages, but they certainly don't force one to get off the beaten path in the same way that scooters and small displacment cycles do.

The NY Times recently ran an article about Harley's troubles. As I surmized in a recent post, Harley is headed for trouble, and as one of my readers suggested, it may be too late for them to recover. Marketing a luxury item to people who've suddenly found themselves hard up for cash, well, I think you know where this road leads.

I also ran accross a rumor at Burgmanusa.com that originated in Australia. The rumor indicates that Yamaha may be working on a 750cc, three cylinder version of the T-Max. If this is true, it's likely that the scooter will find itself in a market that may not be able to afford it, especially if it has an MSRP of $10,000 or so, which is likely considering the cost of the T-Max 500. Of course, it may never show up here in the US, even if the rumor is true.

Motorsports companies are in a unique position at the moment. Almost every private industry in the U.S. is currently struggling to keep above water. The exception has been the powersports industry. Scooters and small displacement motorcycles have reportedly been selling very well, despite the current economic climate. Even off-road vehicles have been selling well from what I have read.

To survive, the powersports industry must capitalize on their successes. The door on the big bike industry is currently only open by a small crack; however, the window for scooter and small bike sales is wide open. Perhaps it is time to start agressively marketing these wonderful little vehicles to the demographics for whom they are most appropriately suited.