U.K. Motorcycle Industry in crisis?

[@paulyflyer8154]

Before getting back into motorcycling after 30 years my hobby was cycling and that industry has gone the same way. They've both had their day in the sun especially after the 2012 olympics and covid for cycling, and I'd say long way round and covid for motorcycling. They are both an expensive hobby and attracted the boomers like me who suddenly found themselves with disposable income and the industry capitalised on it bending them over and pulling their trousers down. Just like golf and cycling a lot of my friends have either since left this mortal coil or just think "I've ticked that box" and are moving on to their next fad. Motorhome dealerships are also going under because for the 30-somethings they've had enough of the novelty of holidays getting pneumonia in North Wales, crapping in a cupboard and trying to keep the kids happy. Motorcycling also attracted the 30 something Freddie Dobbs type hipster on the modern classics for a bit but they've already got bored of that. With regards kids not riding this is the real problem in the west. Our insane and expensive licencing laws just prove it's just an expensive hobby. What 17 or 18 year kid is going to get out of his nice warm hot hatch and spend a fortune to pass tests to travel in the cold and wet? Also, one thing no body mentions is that the kids just don't get it. They don't crave freedom of independent travel like us old gits did. Most are not even bothering to get a car. They prefer to travel by train bus and plane with their ipods in. Us old men on motorbikes think we look cool but to the under 40s we just look like sad poor old men who can't afford cars. Going into a biker cafe now is like going on a Saga cruise. Just a sea of grey hair and bald heads. Really sad. I dare say that all it will take is for a young influencer or pop star like Taylor Swift or someone to become a biker and it'll capture young imagination for a bit, but biking is no longer on celebrities radar so that's unlikely.

[@volt8684]

I agree with most of your points but I blame the governments totally making it so unreachable and yes its the west. Look at Thailand Cambodia etc etc basic transport virtually no regulation. Even when I lived I. Spain many years ago 14 yr olds were allowed 50cc same in France. The nanny state and tax the crap put us. Also true about youth not even bothered about cars, perhaps they know the future because it feels to me that soon I wont be able to drive/ride through costs, age, health as every apple headline is targeted at 70 yr olds being go off the road

[@normangauld116]

@paulyflyer8154 I have worked in the bike trade for 34 years now. You're right what you say. I was in a shop as an employee for 25 years, but on retirement of the owner, I left and set up from home as a repairer with the odd specialist bike sale. This business model works well for me. Mainstream shops are now struggling with retailers and distributors going out of business left right and centre. The times they have changed. Not for the better. Again, part of the problem is that the youth are not really interested, not many kids get bikes now, compared to 25 years ago...

[@Metro6am]

In most places biking is just cheap transport. It’s an expensive hobby now

[@vthomas375]

The fads have run out... Time to pull together and explore now folks.

[@JohnAdams-kc8wx]

Great summary

[@CodgerBiker]

As a Lancastrian it’s hard to say it but, brilliant. Best overview I’ve seen by miles. Proper perspective from someone who has no political axe to grind. 👍 The only other thing I’ve noticed, having teens, is the youth are going for electric bikes where I went for 250/125 at their age. Councils/police turn a blind eye if they can pass off ‘spirited’ riding on an E-bike. Even if it’s really an electric motorbike. No tax. No insurance. No number plates. No mechanical skills needed for what are really appliances. No-brainer. (Fred Trueman, Indoor League)

[@honeyyeti5292]

I’m new to biking…the cost of new bikes, the gear and lessons is enough to put anyone off…you’ve got to really want to do it…. Any average person would take that money and buy a car

[@s111nps]

Thanks for provoking a useful debate. I agree with what you had to say about the 70,s and 80,s. It seems that usually the market finds its own level. After the pandemic, it was a golden opportunity for manufacturers to charge what they liked. New bikes are wildly overpriced. Insurance is getting out of hand, and there’s generally a reluctance to adopt motorcycles by the youngsters. With the influence of Chinese brands, and other factors,I hope more affordable bikes that people want, will change things. I’ve been riding since the 70,s, and I can remember the dealers and repair shops in every town. It kept things local,and affordable. Not now.The manufacturers have to get away from corporate showrooms, run my big motor groups. There also needs to be more resources put into training in all aspects of the motor trade. I’m sure over time, the market will adjust to reflect what the buyers want.Over 32k for a Goldwing? Over 24k for an adventure bike? Changes across the board are coming. We probably will see more Chinese products at realistic prices. Who knows. Thanks for the enjoyable content.

[@jeffcarroll6959]

An excellent video. It's not very often I watch videos of 25 mins but your insight was definitely worth the time and effort and I agree completely.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

@@jeffcarroll6959 thank you, much appreciated.

[@BatterseaBill]

In 1982 I purchased my first motorcycle a Honda XL250 from Lloyd copper motorcycles in Watford. The internet rate was 17% and I still have the original receipt.

[@saltire546]

Just saw the Southampton and Portsmoth Harley shops as well as a Triumph dealer have gone bust .Saltire motorcycles in Scotland also finished .The last time i went out on a sunday run 60 bikes turned out but the average age was over 55 easy , so in a few years there will be even less bikers on the road .

[@steve00alt70]

The WEF wants to end personal private transport, and guess what happens alot of people suddenly cant afford to own private transport. Zontes is another chinese brand they are insanely high quality for really cheap bike price.

[@peterconnell3162]

When I started riding in the 70’s motorcycles were a form of transport and access to a license was straightforward. I rode my motorcycle to work in all weathers for many years before I got a car. Whilst motorcycling in developed countries has progressively become an expensive leisure activity, in developing countries it is still used as a form of transport, with most bikes being small capacity machines. Any spend on leisure activities is dependent on the state of the economy, and this is where sales volumes differ today when compared to the 70’s or 80’s for example. Some manufacturers like Royal Enfield see the future as being low HP bikes at an attractive price, whilst others like Harley and BMW see themselves as an „aspirational brand” with a lifestyle. The Japanese can always switch production to smaller bikes, which is their advantage over the European and US manufacturers, and I think we will see more KTM style problems in the future with more dealers closing.

[@simtime7591]

i totally agree with you 100%, like you, im old enough to have been a biker teenager in the 70s, so i know how easy it was for young people to get a bike and start riding, all my school mates had bikes, in fact one of them had a fantic 50cc chopper (go google it if people have no idea what that is, it was a hell of a thing for a school kid to have) while doing his O levels still at school, the kids flocked to see it, and thats all we spoke about, getting a bike at 16. But it was easy for us to get a bike back then, a provisional licence a bit of fire and theft, and you were away, and at 17, without passing a test, you could ride anything under a 250cc. Now just look at the bike rules today, not only is it restrictive, its actually anti-biking..it will cost a new rider over a grand, with training, just to get the A1 licence, it will cost you 200 quid, just to get your CBT.. A full licence, forget it until you are 24... The destruction of the industry is deliberate, and its been happening since the 80s and its only us older people keeping it going. its not really about new brands, cheap bikes, its about new riders, a new generation, and given the restrictive rules and costs of getting the licence, they just go off and get their car licence, which is cheaper and simple to get..

[@theoldhobbit3640]

Cost, pure and simple. Bikes have become a plaything for the rich, and back in the day when a bloke needed cheap, private transport is well and truly gone. I can buy a good second-hand car for the cost of a new commonly bought bike. Anything between £15 - 30k for two wheels and some tech is crazy. I have had Bikes since 1986 and although not a hardened motorcyclist, I run a 2020 Royal Enfield Interceptor and love it. I paid £3k with 1400 miles on the clock in beautiful condition. If not for bikes at this price point vs quality, the industry would have collapsed much quicker. The Chinese are doing what Skoda and Kia did in the car market, producing a good quality product atxa price that brings the working man into the market. Thank you so much for highlighting the issue and fingers crossed that things will improve 👍👍

[@finesoul677]

Really does depend where you are in the world, the U.K bike scene has always been tentative and seasonal, our crappy climate has a lot to do with it. In Asia bikes aren’t toys, they are crucial mode of transport and in many Asian markets they are the no 1 transport especially south east asia. You go to Asia and bike business is booming year in year out. The U.K. bike scene isn’t anywhere near the vibe like in Asia. You can literally step outside of your hotel and next door hire a Motorcycle with ease, some places you don’t even need a license.

[@theoldhobbit3640]

@finesoul677 agreed 👍. My comment was definitely aimed at the UK and European markets 😊

[@TheBritishMotorcyclingGroup]

Well as a motorcyclist from your area with a very similar outlook I was, and I’m being honest to you pleasantly surprised to hear your comments and insight into the issue we are facing today, there is really nothing that you have said that I would disagree with and Because of that I have subscribed to you and watched the majority of the video and would just like to say thank you, hopefully you will reciprocate as you never know you might like watching some of my videos with me talking to people about bikes and motorcycling in general,

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

@@TheBritishMotorcyclingGroup thank you, and I will.

[@lancerbiker5263]

I won't go into details of what bikes I've owned over 50 + years but I believe the motorcycle industry has be driven more by "whats cool" than anything else. It always seems to be in a state of flux. Lets start with Lawrence of Arabia for example. While expensive, I wonder how many Brough Superiors did he sell ? WWII and Harley, Steve McQueen's Triumph, Kenny Roberts Yamaha, Peter Hickman's BMW, "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" and so on. Recently the worldwide cost of living increase since Covid, (legitimate and not so) has played a large role. Siddhartha Lal seems to understand this as has been reflected in the phenomenal success or Royal Enfield. (Cool commercials) Granted his skilled and comparatively low paid work force, and the company's history of producing lower cc motorcycles has helped. "Imitation is the highest form of flattery" definitely applies. How many midsize models have recently been introduced from most all manufactures since their success. While the future is unpredictable, one thing is for sure, people will always find bliss riding on two wheels. Cheers.

[@ninobixio6156]

You are quite right. It's been on its a$$ for a long, long time. I spent 40 years in the trade and finally had enough about 10 years ago and just quit. I decided to take early retirement. I also gave up riding 4 years ago. I miss it sometimes but I no longer felt safe. With the end of Completely Motorcycles there is just one dealer in my local area and they don't sell any of the big 4. It's sad to see. Back in the late 70's/early 80's (when I joined) there was more work than hours in the day.

[@beefy0978]

It’s not the motorcycles. They’re better than ever. It’s the road network and particularly local authorities views toward motorcycles, motoring and “road safety”. The fun’s gone…

[@normangauld116]

I got on the road in September 1977 with a Honda pf50 bought from a Honda dealer 2 miles from my house. I've had 55 other motorcycles since.when I get my next one, I will have to travel 60 miles to get it as there are no dealers any closer. I feel this is part of the problem. It's too difficult to view, test ride, then buy a motorbike for many people now. Getting it serviced means having at least 1 day off work to take it there. The companies make it so hard. If there were more, smaller, non fancy showrooms, easily accessible maybe there'd be more interest. Also, nobody advertises on the TV or mainstream press. Even just that 'sizzle' shot of riding down a country road . My next bike will be 350/500 cc, currently 2 Bonnevilles and an SH300 Honda. Very informative video, thank you for that. Norman, Berwick-upon-Tweed

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

@@normangauld116 unfortunately we’re in a Catch 22 situation with dealers ☹️

[@beebeer]

I stopped going to the Motorcycle Live show at the NEC Birmingham years ago because of the expence. Train, entrance fee etc, "it ain't worth it". I went for a test ride the other week and was asked my age, which is 73, and was told that I was too old! Apparantly his insurance company had changed the maximum age from 75 to 70. That's goint to hit sales as a lot of the sales go to old farts like me.

[@furryhenry]

I'm 77, bought myself a Royal Enfield 350 Meteor a few months ago, love it. Didn't have a test ride as I read loads of reviews on the bike, all very good. My insurance is £180 fully comp. Last time I went to the NEC was in the early 2000s. I hope it hasn't put you off buying another bike.

[@iscadean6038]

“Motorcycling has lost a little bit of its magic…” overpriced, too much electronics, still pumping out toxins, auto this and auto that, clutchless gear changing. The manufacturers have emasculated their product and now find their sales are dropping. A basic BMW costs close to £20k (gotta make those profits) and Insurance has risen exponentially - the last government introduced 12% tax on all insurance premiums in a market where insurance is compulsory. All this at a time when earnings have not risen for most. It’s a perfect storm. The problem is that before the consumer puts down his cash, the manufacturers have to make their profits, their CEO bonuses, their shareholders dividends, investment in new manufacturing, etc. while at the same time keep wages for workers down - the wages/salaries that enable them to buy the product. It’s called capitalism and it’s being fuelled by greed.

[@quacker998]

KTM

[@danjackson7667]

Yep, profit is in control and he is only popular with the rich

[@Ukmongoose3]

I did 13 years on a Guzzi Le Mans from 1979 without a car license. Winter, summer, spring and autumn and I am PROUD of being able to say this.

[@martinowl]

A great & interesting vlog. The points mentioned could spend hours around the table in pub/cafe discussing with the lads. I agree completely with your historical overview of the motorcycling scene & the reasons/possibilities for the decline in sales. I well remember the high interest rates of the 80’s. With the price of houses these days, rates rising anywhere near that these days would make them virtually unsellable. The adventure style bikes have enabled the aging racer rep crowd to move on & basically still own a powerful bike. The lighter 350/400 machines now available are also much more manageable as we get older. I agree with your view the influx of the Indian & Chinese motorcycles could be a shot in the arm for the industry, but as you say, the total units sales per year struggle to support the large organisations.

[@tycoontobias8741]

Excellent summary and very detailed. However, to add to your very accurate research, other factors to include would be, regardless of what bike you buy it's the significantly reduced speed limits that are taking the "adventure" or the "sizzle" as you say out of motorcycling. We have long stretches of 40/50mph on roads which were once 60/70mph and not for safety reasons. I live in Wales where the 20mph has gone crazy. This is also being replicated in Europe also. I cannot enjoy my adventure without the constant fear of being caught going over the speed limit by 1 or 2 mph then getting a fine and three points to boot. It's just not worth it. Having a sensible but spirited ride which is what motorcycling was all about can no longer, or is very difficult to achieve.

[@philliplum3845]

Similar age and totally agree.. Many additional reasons as well.. Our age group didn't have, Mobile phones Internet. To socialise with our friends we had to go out. It was a cheap form of transport so you could explore etc. Insurance.. Most insurance companies don't like to cover bikes parked on the road.. They prefer secure garages etc. Not everyone has a drive or a garage. Hence the premium gets expensive, or they don't want to cover at all..

[@RogueTrader-]

The problems are numerous, which you and many have highlighted, internet distraction, costs, regulations, roads to busy (overpopulation) . When I was a young lad back in the 80's we all had motorbikes- scramblers, enduros, motocross etc. This was the gateway into getting a road bike. I recently looked at getting a cheap bike for some steady off-roading but there isn't really anywhere around here to ride them anymore and I don't fancy going through all the regulations and cost to get a license and I'm too risk averse these days at my age to ride out of the local area on the congested roads. The juice just isn't worth the squeeze.

[@Ukmongoose3]

Remember all the informal scrambler tracks?

[@JonnySundance]

I really enjoyed your video and you make some very good points on the industry. In the UK I think that volume will only come through bikes from India, China and models such as the GB350RS. Price is more of an issue when for most people a bike is for leisure.

[@suscom99]

The nanny stste is here! Complicated expensive road tests now and expensive insurance and costs of machines all contribute to the downturn. Older and unusual makes are cheaper to insure, I bought a Royal Enfield Meteor for the Cornish roads which is ideal and affordable for a 60 plus year old. When I took my test it was a circular route around Durham with the examiner on foot! So I could have fallen off half way round and still passed !

[@iancraig6070]

The insurance companies are a money making cartel. Value and customer service is a thing of the past.

[@SinghDynamite]

Far too much tech and gadgets on bikes is driving up the prices on new bikes. If the motorcycle brands would strip back the bikes to bare basics like Royal Enfield do with their portfolio, then there is a chance for higher volume of sales in the UK. Royal Enfield are doing nothing special other than what manufacturers were doing 30 plus years ago, which is selling stripped back bikes devoid of the expensive clutter. All brands need to take note if they wish to grow their market presence. No rocket science here, just basic economics, less tech equals cheaper manufacturing and development costs and ultimately equals more affordable price point with affordable service and maintenance costs. Everyone wins.

[@davecarrera]

If yo have 100 sellers selling items for £10 and only 90 customers with £8 in their pockets, it does not take a genius to work out what will happen. A thinning is healthy sometimes.

[@cedriclynch]

Take a look at the motorcycle sales figures in India, and also at the prices of motorcycles and (very importantly) spare parts in India. The biggest selling bike the Hero Splendor is well under £1000 and a 350cc Royal Enfield about £2000.

[@3kdn]

It is a combination of many things. But cost is the biggest both to new younger bikers coming in to biking and the cost of European and Japanese bikes. And the manufacturing practice of bringing out a few minor updates of a current model and calling it a "New Model." Effectively increasing a already huge depreciation on a 2 year old bike. All in the name of profit percentage and keeping Net profits the same even though Gross profit has fallen. European and Japanese manufactures have turned owing a motorcycle in to a luxury item, dealers are screwed on mark up these days, so servicing costs have rocketed up, so dealers have a chance of survival. The end result is where we are today and only going to get much worse. People only have so much money and most people a New motorcycle is not a priority. KTM is a classic example of having bikers pant's down. Charging for a tech pack after giving you it for a 1000 miles and then turning it off. It should come with a bike that costs between 12k-19k. A Benelli 702 costs approx £6500 You will lose that in the first year on a BMW GS or similar, no not quite the same, but is it 16k better?

[@TAYM]

Excellent appraisal of the current state of the motorcycle industry 😊

[@SwenglishSteve650]

Hi there, just found your channel & subbed , enjoyed the vid mate, cheers

[@robertrobhog]

Thank you for a great and informative video

[@andrewrobotham2913]

Attitudes have changed, in the 70's, my early teens, we would ride bikes around farmers fields, green lanes, old sand pits, fix them when they went wrong, if you did that now someone would phone the police, it would be considered anti social behaviour, at 16 we had a moped on L's, at 17 up to 250cc on L's, pass your test at 17 and you could ride what you could afford, never did get the CBX1000🥲it gave us freedom, not all parents had a car, certainly not two, it also gave us a passion for motorcycles which lasts a lifetime, now with more disposable income parents can afford to buy children their first car, or at least contribute toward one, they stay longer in education, all this together with the laws governing what bike you can and cannot ride, at what age, the cost involved in training, its no wonder todays teenager goes straight to the car, I think the government got exactly what they wanted when they introduced the CBT etc, less bikes on the road, never understood why they didn't restrict the power of what car you could drive at what age when you first passed your test🤔

[@ailanthuscapo]

Excellent eye opener speech. Yes, indeed all cities (in Spain and can assume elsewhere) are loaded with scooters... all those guys could be morphed into adventurers on the 350s and mid-engine bikes. I do not see the proper marketing as you suggest. Great vlog! BTW i am a returning biker after some decades, with a Honda Deauville between my legs;)

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

Morning great video nice to hear from somebody who’s got or had inside knowledge of the industry you came up with a great insight of the past and the decline of motorcycle sales I would never of known very very interesting great video thanks very much and I myself am thinking of the cheaper bikes and giving them a go but I’m having a job with made in china which we all have in our household goods I know but when it comes to motorcycles it’s hard to take that risk but I’ll see how next year goes if it’s good news then in 26 I might take a punt take care mate ride safe

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

@@nicholasjarrold8649 what many people don’t realise is that most ‘Japanese’ motorcycles 125cc and under were built under licence in China and Taiwan for many years from at least the 90’s onward so the Chinese are well versed in building motorcycles.

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

@ oh right certainly interesting never even ever heard that before well perhaps there bikes are good for from the start then just have to see I’ve had and always liked the Japanese bikes I had Yamahas and Honda in the late 70’s through 80’s then life changes family usual stuff then 90’s back on again had Honda again Suzuki Kawasaki 3 Ktm adv’s now triumph speedmaster now rocket 3gt my favourite bike I’ve had so far a monster in sheep’s clothing there a puppy really beautiful made and great bike take care have to keep eye on these Chinese bikes I think

[@WDXash]

I went to this year’s show. The last time I went was 2014 and it was clear that the vibe was quite different. I agree with you regarding your views and observations, and it’s sad to see and admit. It seems that far fewer people are buying bikes as dual purpose.. transport and pleasure, it’s either one or the other, but more the latter. It’s becoming very much a leisure industry. I’ve been riding since 1976 and have never been without a bike in my garage, but can admit than mine is now purely a pleasure possession. Luckily, I can afford it, so I’m making the most of it while it lasts.

[@WDXash]

I went to this year’s show. The last time I went was 2014 and it was clear that the vibe was quite different. I agree with you regarding your views and observations, and it’s sad to see and admit. It seems that far fewer people are buying bikes as dual purpose.. transport and pleasure, it’s either one or the other, but more the latter. It’s becoming very much a leisure industry. I’ve been riding since 1976 and have never been without a bike in my garage, but can admit than mine is now purely a pleasure possession. Luckily, I can afford it, so I’m making the most of it while it lasts.

[@tokairic3925]

Originally, rising affluence reduced the number of motorcyclists, as more people could afford used cars. When I first looked at buy-ing a motorcycle the Norton 750 Commando was the same price as a basic Mini. The moped law (30mph restriction) started the Governments drive to eliminate motorcycles. Further compulsory training, graduated licensing etc introduced by successive governments caused the cost of gaining a motorcycle licence to rise excessively. The interest rate on HP could be adjusted by the dealer down to 0%, with the dealer paying the basic loan company cost, effectively discounting the sale of the motorcycle. Dealers were paid commission by the loan companies based of how high an interest rated they could secure from their customer - so it benefitted the dealer financially to stitch up his customer with a high interest rate. I notice that you don't mention this activity. I was in the motorcycle trade for over 20 years and have ridden for 50 years to date - still riding - but only in good weather these days, I had enough of daily riding in rain and snow years ago.

[@cpuuk]

I've been riding 43 years, and it was always been doom & gloom 🤣. Sure we had some bumper years, but the trend has always been down. Bottom line is that bikes were originally bought as cheap transport, but those days have long gone. No one wants a bike except as a play thing and the US\European bike manufactures are pricing them accordingly. Fair play to the Chinese for bringing reasonable price, yet well spec'd bikes. I still don't think it'll make a difference in the long run. I think all that will happen is that we will see a shift to cheaper alternatives being bought, not any great resurgence in overall numbers. I go to the NEC every other year, as I have since 1981. I have yet to buy a bike I've seen there, it's always been a day out with the lads despite the over-priced food (£7 for a bagel FFS) 🤣 My worry is insurance, which has sky-rocketed, this will put many off as it isn't a cheap running cost.

[@spency787]

We now have second generation children (and young adults) born to millennial parents who as so risk averse that they would never contemplate exposing themselves to motorcycles in the first place. You only have to see the expansion of 4x4 and SUV use by school mums who will all say they need a massive car to feel safe. The roads are suffering an arms race of who can drive the biggest and heaviest car which only compounds the perception of the extreme vulnerability of motorcyclists. I think we just have to accept that as the gene pool of licensed riders gets less so will bike sales until it becomes a thing of the past. In the meantime, because I’m such a grey haired rebel, I will continue to enjoy picking up as many absolute bargain second hand bikes as my wife will allow! 🤣

[@cosbro5389]

walking is free...for now

[@simoncollins6529]

But breathing isn't. Ulez and clean air zones.... They're literally taxing the fekin air we breathe now

[@marksimpson5218]

It’s not if you have a private hip operation 😂

[@donsmith3573]

Well said 👍

[@needsmokes2410]

Its no longer affordable for teenagers to own and especially insure a motorcycle. And then you have the cost of tests and continuously expecting people to take a cbt every two years if they dont take a full bike test. There are no young bikers anymore, just older riders, most who will only go out in sunny weather. And then you have the price of new motorcycles. Wages havent kept up with inflation for far too many years and people just dont have the money anymore. Not a good outlook for UK biking.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

@@needsmokes2410 is it simply that it’s not affordable or is it that with a few exceptions there simply isn’t the desire as most prefer a virtual world to a real world adventure?

[@needsmokes2410]

@barnsleybikervideodiary7694 , My 17 and 19 year olds both have 125s for work and college, and the price of insurance for each of them is ridiculous. Naturally, they can't afford it and we pay it for them. They are lucky we have been able to do that. Most of their friends want a bike, but can't afford to insure them.

[@jamesknight8908]

The Chinese have entered the market just like the Japanese did, at first it was crappie but rapidly advanced and took over. Inflation Inflation inflation has sucked the sole out of biking, almost impossible for kids to afford the kit,bike and running costs.

[@cliveadams7629]

I remember back in the 80s a bloke we used to deal with was a car dealer fed up with the way margins had been slashed to nothing on cars . So he decided to get into bike sales where rhe margins were still decent. It became a kind of a flood of car dealers escaping thin margins who straight away started to cut margins. Ho hum.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

@@cliveadams7629 Dealer margins at full rrp remain the same, unfortunately the industry educated the buyer on how to negotiate and combined with supply always out pacing demand actual margins were always slim on new bikes.

[@BigBadJock]

I think the young riders are all moving to ebikes. Cheaper, no license needed, no insurance needed, no petrol, no servicing, can keep it safe in the house. If the manufacturers want to sell to them it has to be a small 50cc equivalent electric. As much as we hate to say it, ICE bikes are not the future.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

@@BigBadJock your probably right, the registration of e-bikes has fallen off a Cliff but unregulated e-bikes, scooters etc seems healthy but I don’t have any sales data to back this up.

[@stevenbatley8666]

One of the major problems the Manufacturers have squeezed the living day lights out of the Boys and girls and unfortunately everything has a ceiling and once that has been reached people start looking elsewhere, and this is when the Chinese has stepped in and and they only need a small gap in the market and all of a sudden it becomes huge,hence the start of the domino effect!

[@volt8684]

I have another take on this that the chinese industry is targeting the uk as they can see the ridiculous prices of main brands. I also think the whole profitable industry is in Asia not the west where everything is in decline. People laugh about Chinese e bikes ( Bafang motors in production 100yrs) and Chinese motorcycles ( loncin made 10 million engines for motorcycles last year). As for Honda 350 20bhpis just not enough to thrill. My 1977 honda cb360 was so much better looking and 38bhp almost double. Still not a fast bike but still a thrill. Its why I cant but an Enfield I ve been seduced by the hype but in test rides - oh no not for me.

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I started riding in 1969 and my first bike financed was just of 18% in the U.S and there were tons of riders. An old rider back then was 28 years old and usually rode Harley's or BMWs. Nowadays a young rider around here is 28 and the guys riding Harley's and BMWs are 60+ years old. A bigger pool of youmg riders in 1969 than today. Young people today are generally uninterested in either motorcycles or cars. More affordable bikes will help the few people who are interested in starting or finishing the motorcycle journey....a bandaid. Buying Chinese bikes only kills the western manufacturers and helps the Chinese government bully their own people and neighbors. My opinion buying Chinese bikes is like voting for someone whose aims are to destroy you.

[@cedriclynch]

All this discussion about the 1970s and not much mention of the Fizzy and similar machines on which most of today's motorcyclists started their motorcycling careers, or of the legislation that created the market for them and then killed it a few years later.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

@@cedriclynch I do mention the introduction of the 50 restriction and the 125 learner laws, maybe I’ll consider doing some videos looking at some of the history of motorcycling over the last 50 years in more detail. I just wanted to put the current situation into some perspective and doing an unscripted monologue to camera on the subjects unfortunately means I may have missed or skipped some of the detail. I meant to talk about the tread for modern classics at some point which has helped many companies - especially Triumph and Enfield. Thanks for watching and your comments.

[@danjackson7667]

Profit growth demands and greed in the world only serve the few, the majority will suffer sooner or later. Our youth often can’t afford the luxury of a motorcycle and in the eyes of many of those youths, old men on loud bikes are not cool at all, they are ridiculous. Gaming is also involved in the decline as real world experience can be too real after years of getting your kicks in a virtual world. The Chinese make good products to a price but to claim they know our market when they launch “The Bender” says it all. We have had the best of it all imo. You can lead a horse to water but a pencil must be lead. Safe journeys 🍀

[@Machinehead90]

People are struggling to replace the aging family car especially in these post Brexit times & the uncertainty of ev never mind updating his expensive hobby.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

@@Machinehead90 agree, but as I point out , we’ve faced hard, possibly harder times yet sold 4 times as many bikes?

[@Machinehead90]

Forty odd years ago motorcycles were simpler analog affairs which could be easily home serviced for the majority, this kept the running cost down. Nowadays bikes are very complicated with a plethora of electronic features which require expensive dealers diagnostics & services, buying a modern bike in most cases means an obligation to dealer servicing to maintain warranty & maximum resale value.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

@ to a point true, but the motor trade in general , truck, car or motorcycle struggles to recruit mechanics. It’s not a career youngsters want anymore - no one wants to be cold, wet and dirty these days 🥴

[@waynenelson7723]

@@Machinehead90 Agree completely which is why I currently ride a RE Interceptor. Servicing the bike over the winter months is something I enjoy doing. It's goes to the dealer once a year for for a MOT - £29. Parts are cheap and plentyful and I'm not tempted to buy a new bike every year. Been riding 47 years

[@ianbonnick7640]

Used to be a lot of courier bikes around but today that market has gone and been replaced by scooters for food delivery

[@ianbonnick7640]

Also the roads are a lot worse along with more traffic being driven by loons and more cameras than you can shake a stick at

[@MalContent]

The problem is also the lack of young riders. The average age of motorcyclists is 50+

[@RogerWhite-r4b]

Your right! prices have become absurd, how this is going to effect growth i don't know! governments need to wave down a black cab and head for real street!!

[@EllenDegenerate-o5b]

The decline in motorcycling is people not buying new overpriced bikes. more people these days especially new riders are buying up good used bikes to start with and to a degree older riders are buying low Ks bikes companies are pricing themselves broke.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

@@EllenDegenerate-o5b used sales generated more income than new but changes in the market brought on by the ‘we buy any car/bike’ companies has had a huge negative(for the industry) impact on used bike values and make it harder for dealers to make a decent margin on used sales.

[@pujapete3665]

money was worth more...wages had bigger buying power

[@steveaga4683]

I know I am an old fart, but all newly-designed bikes (in my opinion) look awful! I have never been a fan of sports bike and adventure bikes leave me cold. I love the image that Royal Enfield have created (apart from the adventure ones). To me, there is no romance in biking any longer.

[@pujapete3665]

take away pep sales would decline even more

[@garyedwards8142]

We are being forced off the road..period.

[@thelonewolf666]

greed is why--- all bikes are way overpriced

[@stephenwilliams1824]

Depends what you buy. Anyway, it is the lifestyle and technology changes in the world young people want nowadays that is pushing people away from motorcycles. Normally for a weekend hobby runabout, you are paying big money for tax and insurance, clothing and maintenance. Sadly I am now 68, but still riding (Electra Glide), do a yearly 6-week EU tour. Next year, France, Portugal and Spain. My arthritis cries for sunshine.

[@pujapete3665]

tarrifs could kill the industry if implements on chinese bikes

[@imwatchingyou6113]

Not sure why your encouraging people to take a look at Chinese bikes...yes they are cheaper but best do your home work and see how bad their back up and service is ie..the bingley wheeler with his terrible experience with c f Moto ,Moto guzzi , plus how much money he has lost on buying his Indian made BSA l believe £2000 hit...it's no wonder people aren't buying motorbikes and don't forget how hard it is to obtain a full motorcycle license with all the hoops needed to obtain one..

[@simoncollins6529]

The cost of everything has gone up over the last few years, that's inflation. So why shouldn't the cost of entry into the NEC increase too. £50 including parking is still good value. It's lean times like these it's important to support the NEC and our bike industry and dealers. If you're gonna begrudge £50 and not support the NEC, then you'll have no one to blame but yourselves if the NEC and dealers go tits up.

[@Robert-o5q5b]

Would you really want to ride a bike that runs on chinese bearings? Would you want to ride a bike where frame engine mounts rust and snap? A bike that rots before your eyes. Where yoou canmot source parts.

[@barnsleybikervideodiary7694]

@@Robert-o5q5b very similar comments were made about Japanese bikes 70 years ago. Most )Japanese manufactures built 125cc and under machines in China a Taiwan since the 80’s to cut production costs. I know people driving Kia and Hyundai cars which are over 10 years old!

[@danjackson7667]

China build to a price, they build cheap bikes and they build engines that go into BMW motorcycles.

[@delray06]

The generations following the boomers have one by one shown less interest in buying motorcycles, hence the gradual decline to today’s volumes..the Chinese will lead the next boom just as the Japanese did in the 60’s and 70’s, with affordable bikes with all the bells and whistles, Royal Enfield as well, but take note Honda is already responding with cheaper basic bikes.