U.S. Motorcycle Sales Report for 3rd Quarter 2007

October 24, 2007 - U.S. Motorcycle sales are down across the board so far this year, with one exception.  The dual-sport category is up by about 4% compared to the same period in 2006.  This may be due to the popularity of motorcycles like the updated KTM 990 Adventure or the popular BMW R1200GS.

The remaining categories, including off-road and street bikes, have suffered in 2007.  Off-road sales are down about 15%, while street bike sales are off by nearly 5%.  Even scooter sales are down by nearly 2%; the scooter market just can’t seem to gain momentum in the U.S.A., even with relatively high fuel costs persuading many to find more efficient methods of transportation.

Overall motorcycle sales, including all categories, are down by 6.4% so for the first three quarters of 2007 when compared to 2006.

As you know, many people stop by this site on any given day.  So I thought it would be cool to see what everyone rides.   Send me a photo of your bike and I will post them on Dec. 26th.  It doesn’t matter what type of bike or scooter it is.  This is not about status, only fun!  Here’s where you can send the pics!   rickslark@yahoo.com

A few days have passed since I have been on my bike, and with today’s  temperatures predicted to be in the mid 40’s, I rode to work.  The streets I take to my office are main arteries, and the city has done a wonderful job of keeping them clear.  The bike ran beautifully, and it was nice to be on two wheels again.  I anticipate the ride home.  Perhaps I will take the long way!

Here’s a great article by Tara Parker of the New York Times.    

Are You a Grinch or a Giver?

What is the real value of a gift? (Reuters/Alessandro Bianchi)

It’s that time of year when friends and family take part in that annual holiday ritual — debating the merits of the gift exchange.

After my recent blog post about holiday shopping, I was surprised how many readers wrote of their disdain for gift giving.

“I’ve been boycotting X/Cess (my nickname for Christmas) for several years now. I do not give gifts, I politely tell people not to give me Any More Stuff, and I do not decorate.” — Posted by Lorie.

“My husband and I do not exchange gifts, and it has been hard trying to convince our families not to give us gifts either….We are thinking of trying for children soon, and do not want our children to receive all the latest gadgets from their grandparents and six aunts and uncles twice a year. We don’t like the spirit of materialism it represents.” — Posted by Ellen.

Their comments inspired me to learn more about the psychology of gift giving. In my Well column in Science Times this week, I wrote about what social psychologists and other scientists say about the intangible value of gifts. While it’s reasonable to cut back on spending during the holidays, psychologists say that banning the gift exchange entirely is not the best solution. People who stop giving gifts may be missing out on an important connection with family and friends.

My former Wall Street Journal colleague Jeff Opdyke and his wife Amy recently argued about the value of giving presents to adult friends and family. In a video segment called Love & Money, Jeff says he believes many of the gifts they give and receive during the holidays are a waste of money. Amy thinks giving represents far more than the material value of a gift. Their banter is amusing, but it underscores a serious point that affects so many families. What is the real value of a gift? To watch their argument, click here.

My friends Grace, Jen and Heidi have come up with an alternative — a fierce holiday competition to create the perfect homemade gift. Past entries have included Heidi’s homemade sweet potato pie kits, complete with frozen filling and directions. Jen created a “box of love’’ that contained personal declarations about their friendship. Grace has created a music video celebrating a problem-plagued bathroom renovation and this year is planning a homemade pop-up book featuring Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre for Jen, a die-hard Packers fan.

What do you think? How do you handle the stress of the holiday gift exchange? Have you banned gift giving altogether or have you come up with another solution to cope with the commercialism of the holidays?

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It is hard to imagine Christmas is  less than a week away!  I have been so focused on work I haven’t given a moment of thought about the season.  I know, life is too short to think about work all of the time, but I can’t seem to help myself.  Yet starting today, I vow to relax,  take a deep breath,  and begin to ponder the true reason I celebrate this Holiday in the first place.   Care to join me?

Due to the fact that many of our readers cannot ride during this season.  I thought it would be a good time to review some basic safety tips.  These tips were put together by “Motorcycle Cruiser” magazine.  Here’s Part 7!

1.  Give your eyes some time to adjust.
A minute or two of low light heading from a well-lighted garage onto dark streets is a good thing. Otherwise, you’re essentially flying blind for the first mile or so.

2.  Master the slow U-turn.
Practice. Park your butt on the outside edge of the seat and lean the bike into the turn, using your body as a counterweight as you pivot around the rear wheel.

3.  Who put a stop sign at the top of this hill?
Don’t panic. Use the rear brake to keep from rolling back down. Use Mr. Throttle and Mr. Clutch normally-and smoothly-to pull away.

4.  If it looks slippery, assume it is.
A patch of suspicious pavement could be just about anything. Butter Flavor Crisco? Gravel? Mobil 1? Or maybe it’s nothing. Better to slow down for nothing than go on your head.

5.  Bang! A blowout! Now what?
No sudden moves. The motorcycle isn’t happy, so be prepared to apply a little calming muscle to maintain course. Ease back the throttle, brake gingerly with the good wheel and pull over very smoothly to the shoulder. Big sigh.

http://www.youtube.com/

Valentino Rossi is under a great deal of pressure to win in 2008, after he makes the switch to Bridgestone tires.  Read more here.

7:00 a.m. Sunday morning, and I am blasted by the arctic wind as I open my front door. I hug the boys and watch them throw their gear into the car, and pull out of the driveway. As I shut the door I offer a silent prayer for their safety as they travel to Cleveland, some three hours to the North. Jonathan, and Ethan, have tickets to today’s Cleveland Browns game. And although, they will be traveling in blizzard like conditions, they have decided to make the trek. The weather forecast is predicting 8″ of snow and winds in excess of 40 mph. “Oh to be young again”! Or is that; young and stupid?
PS.
The boys have returned safely, and the Browns beat the Bills, 8 to 0.

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A large snow storm has been predicted for our area today. Gusty winds, ice, and accumulations of up to 8″ of snow are predicted. As I arrived at work this morning, the snow began falling, and within a hour we had almost 2″on the ground. Guess it is time to catch up on some paperwork. I think I will leave early today, build a fire, put some homemade soup on the stove, and take a nap! Let it Snow! 

P.S.

My bike mechanic just called to tell me the  brake pads I ordered were in.  So I could ride the bike to his shop any time.  How ’bout  Spring!