NYTimes pisses all over adventure riders

[bigdamo]

Thanks for that link, bigdamo. I had a look and think those numbers are interesting enough to post the whole story here.



It's hardly a surprise that scooter sales are not just rising, but booming. Petrol is pretty stable at $4/gal in many places, so the $60-80 that it costs to fill the typical car's tank -- or north of $100 for an "SUV" -- gives pause, especially for the millions who are unemployed.

How to explain the more modest rise in adventure bikes?

Well, my guess it's more about reliable transportation than about popping over to Starbucks for a latte.

Anyone who is commuting on a freeway in America would be insane to do so on a scooter -- though I saw three or four of these during my long visit to California and Florida in October. (Yes, guys and gals on little scooters in shorts and t-shirts and sneakers and a flimsy Wal-Mart helmet blasting down the freeway at 55mph, well out of sync with the flow of traffic (typically 70-75mph) then slowing to 45mph or less at the first hill...)

On the other hand, any decent adventure bike (like my 11-year-old KLR650) with a bit of fairing and windscreen is fully capable of freeway commuting and gives relatively safe, comfortable and convenient riding even in poor weather, and the panniers are excellent for a daypack or briefcase and a change of clothes and street shoes.

Bridge tolls are generally the same as for cars, at least in California, but bikes typically are allowed in high-occupancy vehicle lanes (aka HOV or carpool lanes) and get roughly double the gas mileage or more compared to all but the lightest "hybrids".

In other words, an adventure bike makes a great deal of sense for that daily "adventure" of commuting to work and back.

With a stop for a latte on the way...

In Sydney,Australia adventure bikes are booming.

I think there are various reasons.

Older men and women with cash to spend and who's kids have grown up.They want the bike for a one day or weekend getaway and a big trip once a year or so.

People who have got older and doing the hardcore trail ride isn't as good as it used to be.Sick of trailering out a bike that can't be driven on highways or really asphalt roads for long distances.Can't really ride there trail bike to work but they are paying the same price in registration and insurance as an adventure bike. They like the fact they can put there gear on and ride straight from there house and back and ride the adventure bike to work and back.

Young corporate types who want the taste of freedom.