Rising gas prices = More scooters and Motos on the roads?

[FatguyRacer]

...Or HD branded scooters.

Since my wife started working at the ice cream factory 10 min. from my workplace, I've all but stopped commuting by bike. We ride together in the Jetta TDI. Bike and car get the same mileage, but inspite of deisel being a dollar more a gallon, it still saves us money for both of us travel for the price of one.

Now all with the moto ref gigs, all my bike miles are paid for by someone else.

[Pakhan]

I think we are a spoiled society that doesn't see 2 wheels as a mode of transport.  We like our cars and I can see people going for more economical cars, but to 2 wheels is more of a jump.  If people would be willing to jump to 2 wheels I wonder why they haven't before.  Why wasn't it pitched as an eco-friendly way to get around rather than plugging the same size car but with an alternative fuel or alternative power source that inefficient?

I think it's great more people are getting scooters, I think it's a stepping stone for people to be more accepting of 2 wheels as a transport rather than entertainment or a hobby.

[Slide Panda]

Oh folks in the US definetly see bikes as play things, and not the primary mode of transit like they do in Europe.  It's probably part history for the car culture in the states that Europe didn't have in the 40s and 50s, and our larger roads of that era too.  Where many Europeans could only get their hands on bikes (pedal) or motorized, we in the US had access to cars and a booming economy.  Also, we had lots of space and big roads.  They had tight cities and an highway infrastructure that had just had a lot of bombs dropped on it.  That stuff and more makes for a very different perspective. 

So here, cars are king.  They keep you warm dry and lazy... and we know how lazy America has become...  oh my I'm starting to rant

[ducatiz]

I think it's great more people are getting scooters, I think it's a stepping stone for people to be more accepting of 2 wheels as a transport rather than entertainment or a hobby.

that's a good point.  i forget the guys name, but it was an editorial in the WSJ talking about how bikes in the US are seen as a luxury item because most people simply don't take them seriously.

IF gas would ever drop to $2/gal again, you'd see people lining up for the Escalades in a minute and tons of those scoots and bikes on ebay.

[Pakhan]

IF gas would ever drop to $2/gal again, you'd see people lining up for the Escalades in a minute and tons of those scoots and bikes on ebay.

Unfortunately I think your right 

[GLantern]

IF gas would ever drop to $2/gal again

I def dont see that happening anytime soon, long live the moto!

[ducatiz]

Unfortunately I think your right 

there was a story on the news last week about how gas in China is price controlled by the gubmint there at $2.90/gallon and Escalades are very popular.

they expect to sell as many Escalades in China as in the US within 3 years.

Meanwhile, they have car-free days in Beijing due to smog, and everyone blames the USA for rejecting Kyoto.  USA's gas usage is stable, whereas China has increased petroleum consumption by 300% over the last 5 years and is expected to do the same in another 2-3 years. 

What's wrong with this picture?

[ducati_tim]

When I was in Bangalore last week, there was a lot of talk about how motorcycles and scooters were a big part of the congestion problem. They looked forward to more cars on the road so that it would be easier to "maintain lane discipline."

[He Man]

Nothing. No one cares about that picture. the focus is always on the US and forever on the US until we fall. We are looked upon as if we are the role model of the whole world.

Now one thing i hate is seeing people driving cars as a status symbol when they clearly cant afford it, or shouldn't put them selves in a position where more than 75% of there paycheck goes towards insurance, and car payments.

If your driving a brand new escalade and just filled up the tank, and you say "i cant go out today, im broke" you shouldnt be driving a car like that to begin with. Too many people like that in NY. Hell, i know a girl who will only date a guy with a car. how shallow is that? (some of you may not agree, but again, you dont know her the same way i do, so its objective).

I guess if were going to judge those europeans, how many of us actually use our motos as our primary means of transportation? admin, wanna make a poll?

[cantseejack]

...Or HD branded scooters.

There's no way. Have you been to their website lately? There's some really ridiculous marketing going on over there. Adding a scooter to the lineup would upset many people buying into the 'badass' image, I'm sure.

[COWBOY]

To the OP I'm seeing the same phenomenon here in Charlotte.  The number of bikes i see is the same but the scooter population has exploded.  The past 2 years there were 2 seen regularly (older guys going to the store).  Today as I rode to lunch I passed 6 - and I'm way out in the burbs (think Reston to DC as an example).  Another interesting observation is that of the 10-12 different scoots I've seen all but 1 of the riders has been in full face helmet, jacket and gloves (the other didn't have a jacket).  They've been much more geared up than half the bikers here.

[FatguyRacer]

There's no way. Have you been to their website lately? There's some really ridiculous marketing going on over there. Adding a scooter to the lineup would upset many people buying into the 'badass' image, I'm sure.

They have a website? 


(that's not badass)

[Pakhan]

They have a website? 


(that's not badass)

tell these guys that

http://www.hells-angels.com/

[ducatiz]

When I was in Bangalore last week, there was a lot of talk about how motorcycles and scooters were a big part of the congestion problem. They looked forward to more cars on the road so that it would be easier to "maintain lane discipline."

India or Maine?

[IZ]

There are just as many people looking at scooters as there are at Ducs at Ducati Seattle everytime I go in there.  

We've only had one car since I moved up here from FL.  I want to get an SUV too but since I'll be right across the street from my new job, I think we'll do fine another year with just the car and the Duc.

We did see a ton of scooters when we were in Austin.

If the s/o gets a job close to home too and gas continues to rise (and it will), I may be able to talk her into a Vespa!