Just curious how sales have been this year with gas prices going the way they have been. What are people buying? I know scooter sales are high but no way I get one of those.

Also do you know of places that rent bikes? I really need to find out how sitting on a bike for an hour or so with any frequency is handled by my back. The back is tons better so I think Id be ok. I am strongly leaning to getting a bike, even if its an older POS next year if prices continue their trends.

 

Bike sales have been off and on a steady decline over the past couple of years. Cost of living is high and climbing and people don't "need" a motorcycle. The average american LOVES their car and won't drive it much less.
Yes, motorcycles average 50+ mpg or better depending on the bike. However most new motorcycles average $8000+ . That buys a lot of gas for your daily driver (which you can use rain/snow/shine) -especially if you figure the differential. We've found the increasing gas prices aren't the reason people are buying - its the additional excuse "I wanted a bike anyway and now with gas prices how can I not?" Its been the straw that broke the camels back.
We figured scooter sales would climb last year with the gas being over $3/gal but no such luck. the >$4 is what it took. Scooters are flying out of here but they are difficult for some to ride as they only go about 30-35mpg without a motorcycle license and registration; this only works for the short/local commuters. The smaller motorcycles are selling quite well, however margin sucks and its not keeping us in business. Making money on the back end has become more important than ever lately.
We probably average 2-3 49cc scooters and 1-2 >250cc <601cc road bikes a day.

 

Makes sense I suppose. I guess I wouldnt be thinking about a bike to ease my gas woes if I didnt already want one.
If I do buy I will be looking more in the 750cc range.