State of the Union: Motorcycles

Interesting statistics from the Motorcycle Industry Council over the past few weeks. Noted that motorcycle sales are down (go figure) and by a whopping 50% over sales in 2008. In a bad economy wants and needs quickly balance out; and motorcycles are a want or even a "toy" for many, so sales drop off. Plus even those who are big fans of them have to balance out the need for a bike against the need for a car...and the car always wins out. I have been lucky (knock on wood) that I have been able to keep my motorcycle.
Harley had a big increase in net income in 2010 of $259.7 million over 2009's 70.6 million. The income rose despite selling fewer bikes in 2010 (222,110) over 2009 (242,634). Much of that was due to restructuring (some layoffs, other restructuring) and Harley-Davidson did get some TARP money. Harley is still the big leader in US motorcycling; 32.7 % of all US bikes sold, and a whopping 46.7% of all road bikes (which is basically what Harley makes) in the US are Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Of course, have also been reading that the average motorcycle buyer is getting older; seems to be a trend that many younger people get motorcycles, leave the sport early on, and then some of them get back into it down the road. I can relate to a lot of events in this article. Rode motorcycles in my "teen years" and also had a motorcycle while in the Navy (in Hawaii while stationed there; and a remarkable place to ride). Rode for a while after the Navy (brought the Suzuki back here with my household goods move) but due to income and the cost of living, sold the bike and did not ride again for many years. Finally, finances got better and I was able to ride again. Have enjoyed it a great deal, but you never know what will happen.