Are New Motorcycles Too Expensive
I’m still modding the FZ09, with more stuff on the way next week!
A bunch of new 2018 motorcycles just got released along with quite a few substantial price bumps. Is it me or is the industry REALLY swinging up is cost lately?
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Is that the C-gar guy?
I'm seeing more scooters (non MCs) now-days in New Orleans and metro. Still not big numbers though. Could be the rain.
I absolutely agree with you, Bryan on prices…getting expensive
Not real sure why anyone would buy “new” these days. Picked up my 2016 Connie for $10k with 1800 miles on it. Dropped another $800 for accessories and it’s good to go. I would love a new wing but close to $30 k is too much for something that I can only ride 7 months out of the year.
One of the reasons that Motorcycle prices are up ,Is EURO4 Emissions compliance. F the socialists in Europe. Even here, in California when I bought my Victory Cross Country [2 years ago tomorrow] I had to pay $200 dollars more for California Emissions Package ! And BTW, here in "Socialist' Kalifornia, we have Many Tesla charging sites. And here in "Kalifornia" our A Hole Governor Jerry [Moonbeam] Brown just raised fuel price taxes, and vehicle registration prices! For some $175 a year more! Brown,when he was governor in the 70's,STOLE 3 million from the Off road Vehicle fund [Green Sticker] and put it the general state fund.The next Governor restored the funds. These increases are supposed to go to "Repairing " our roads but time will tell……..
Depends how much crap you require. Japanese machine like what you're riding there are a great value. I've been paying around $15k for bikes for a long time. My '15 Versys 1000 was only $12k and on paper is better than any of the others. My '16 Thruxton was under $12k and is an absolute gem.
Given the minimum wage in the early 80s was around $3/hr and is now around $8/hr. I bought an '84 Nighthawk S back in the day for around $3k. Scaling its price would be about $8k. In some states I think it's $15/hr meaning inflation would have it around $15k. I think a similar bike today could be had in that range.
Now if you need a 400 W stereo, a phablet, stitched seats, a hundred layers of paint and clear coat, racing suspensions, racing brakes, a 200 hp engine, electronically controlled shocks, and so on, it ain't gonna be cheap.
Let's face it, these toys of ours don't have car volumes and the mfgs ain't working for their health. If you want to be the Jones everyone wants to keep up with, it's going to cost you.
If you don't need every bell and whistle to ride around the countryside within 20 mph of the speed limit, I think it can still be pretty affordable. And with so many duffers getting out, used bikes are nearly given away.
Maybe with the computer displays on the new bikes, they can drag the millennials away from their cellphone long enough to take a ride?
I think it’s a direct correlation to perceived gas prices. I think for many, motorcycle usage became more prevalent because saving the money on fuel made motorcycles more sensible especially in the European market. Like any corporate entity anymore, they’re inflating the prices to take advantage of what I think is perceived inevitable market growth. I agree the inflation is too much though.
I've owned 13 bikes that I can recall, bought only one of them new I find cherry used bikes that the "rich people"once owned but never used much,for great prices.
agree, prices are going way up. The OEM's have done 'some' work on this, mainly producing smaller CC bikes, like bmw's 310, harley's 500 and 750. But still, people want HP, and CC's are the only way to get it. I just don't know….the industry is aging and how do you get new buyers interested?
Part of it is all the electronic doo dads. Do we really need all of them? I hope stripped down versions of bikes will still be around in the future.
Careful with the shoelaces.. I've caught a few laces on the gear shifter, great way to dump your bike when you come to a stop
In ten years we will say the same thing……..$999 cell phones…. its all what your willing to pay for something you gotta have! Some pick up trucks are hitting the 80 + grand price tag now. It's crazy but we buy.
Bigger Problem I see more is the debt people get in to have it!!! Not good for toys.
Do not cry over yours prices. In Denmark there are taxes on motorcycles. 85% tax on the first part. 150% tax on the last part. A Yamaha MT-09 costs 18,000 USD in Denmark😫
FZ is an old prefix for a Yamaha, In the late 90's that changed to Fazer in Europe if not in other markets. Problem was Fazer is a swear word in at least one Scandinavian country. As you have said it's MT everywhere else and the MT10 is top seller.
In Europe (especially the UK) they focus heavily on 125cc learner legal bikes, so they prop up the market heavily, Chinese bikes are rapidly taking over though, top end 125's go for £4,700+ ($6200), Chinese ones are more like a quarter of that. They are relying on people going for 0% interest deals now, especially BMW they have alsorts of finance offers.
Great video! Personally, I used to have a hard time buying a bike over $10K (new). Now, I could see spending $11-12K on a bike, but not much more. If I wanted something with all the bells & whistles, I would get a lightly used model.
The R&D on many of the new feedback/adjust systems are expensive to develop. Folks like me don't want that over-engineered crap. No wireless feedback systems to track and monitor me… no self adjusting suspensions (I can twist a knob), etc. Optimization can become obnoxious in the extreme. But the main upward price driver is of course cheap money… look at the price of real estate. That being said… I still really really want a Ducati Monster 1200R or maybe the X Diavel S as my next "fast" bike… I'll probably settle for a ZX14 because of price (and it is big enough for a big guy like me). Harley? Great touring bikes, but they don't have a performance bike in the running now their Porsche hybrid is gone. My opinion for what it is worth.
You are not alone! Bikes are getting out of hand on $$$. The new 2018 Goldwing price scares me. too much technology crap too…that being said….i will be in the market for a 2018 after I can catch one used 3 or 4 years down the road. My 2014 CB1100 had an original retail of $10K…..Sorry Honda, I LOVE that bike, but it is NOT Worth $10k. Its a $7999-$8499 machine, which they eventually ended up selling for that price. The Whole industry is as you said, JUMPING not Creeping up. Hate to see it. My wife wants a new car……the car she is looking at is about the same price as the new 2018 GoldWing!
I agree with you Bryan regarding lack of interest in the new Harley's. Having said that, I can't wait for you to test ride the new Goldwing. I bought an F6B based upon your review and I love it. The Goldwing is 100% new and it looks very inviting.
I’m not a fan of the 3 wheeled Niken myself but I think it’ll be great for people with mobility issues that can’t balance a bike at a stand still. It may even give amputees the ability to get on a machine that feels more like a bike as opposed to something like a can-am spyder. I’d give a rider on a Niken a wave just like I do when I see someone on a can-am spyder.
A licensed Therapist charges between $175. and $300. per hour (50 minutes). A scoot at almost any price is a bargain…
Two things, ONE, When people stop paying through the nose for a high price bike the price will come down. Two, Think of looking for a used bike. Let the first person pay top dollar. I have two bikes I love and both are used.
are we comparing the best bikes out there? Remember now… a Civic LX in 1990 went for 10k brand new. Now, remember there were lower tier Civics which came in the DX and EX trims, meaning you could get a civic even lower than that.
To really hit home….
A 2001 4 Door Honda Civic Manual DX had an MSRP $12,960
https://www.thecarconnection.com/specifications/honda_civic_2001_4dr-sdn-dx-manual
A 1993 GoldwingA was $12,400 brand New. ( There were Interstate models which were stripped down Goldwings that were cheaper supposedly) I hate to reference Wiki, but as it stands they are the only ones with complete detailed Info on the Goldwing.
Why choose the Goldwing? Cause it's the only bike I could think of withstanding the test of time using the same name for quite a long time. All that being said, have bikes gotten even more expensive? Yep! Have they ever really been cheap? Not in the slightest. Goldwing just proved they were already making bikes more expensive than cars a long time ago.
I think a lot of people are underestimating how cheap cars use to be back then. Hell my 03 Mustang GT Premium was 24k… Now look at them, flipping 39k for Premium… and that's not even adding any options to them.
I have an 88 Honda Shadow vt800c. I dropped it on its left side for maybe 30 seconds till I could pick it back up. It was leaking a lot of gas during this time. Picked it back up but it now won't start. All the electrical work is fine. I have tried to start it several times but nothing fires. It turns over and there are puffs of air coming out the exhaust but it won't fire. It sounds the same as when it normally starts. I've hooked it up to my trickle charger and have tried to start it several times now. I know most carb bikes leak fuel when in their left side and that I likely flooded the motor. Im not sure how to fix that though. I've let it sit overnight and tried to start it again this morning but nothing happened other than what I've said. Also I thought it might just be out of gas but I refilled the tank and still nothing. Appreciate anyone's help or advice. Trying this on any forums or sites I can think of
I sill have my '85 Goldwing LTD. Top of the line at the time. And it cost 10K. Too much at the time, but it was limited to that 1985 year. it has air shocks, trip computer, radio with front and back speakers, self cancelling turn signals, center stand, and a digital dash. All in the list price. Went to look at the 2016 GW which started at 23K without self cancelling turn signals OR center stand. Both were optional. I laughed at the dealer and walked out. A 31 year old bike beat their brand new bike on equipment. Granted it was the base 2016 Goldwing.
When Idiots ask for rider aids & ABS, etc…. expect the price to go up. If you need ABS or traction control you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle!
I've only purchased one new bike but I've owned 10 bikes. With motorcycles it simply doesn't make sense to purchase new unless maybe a Harley which I have no interest in. My targets are 2~3 year old bikes with low mileage and upgrades. I ride them a couple years and sell mainly for a different experience. With this method the cost of ownership is very low and I get to experience many different brands and types of bikes. Yes it takes a bit more time to find the great deals vs. just buying a new bike but in general I just cannot justify the cost of a brand new bike. Perhaps if I really wanted a certain bike with current manufacturer updates and don't want to wait until there are plenty of used ones I might purchase new. TWO, you are currently riding one of my on the radar bike with the FZ09. I've ridden one three times since they came out and they remind of why I started riding, pure fun, and another example of less is more.
The market decides what price points are. Just because some bikes are too expensive for me, doesn't mean they're too expensive for some other folks. They market those bikes toward people who would and could buy em.
The little plastic prices are high because they are not being manufactured for surplus at the moment. I imagine all those pieces are high, cause like you said, they are using em on the new bikes. So…they are not making it to the surplus parts market. Only for the new bikes and a few for body repair. Once they make the parts and they aren't already sold on the complete bikes, they will likely go down..a lot.
The MV AGUSTA 800 Dragster RR I own cost over $18,000.. $22,000 o.t.d…After 12,000 miles of riding it's worth about 10-$12,000..not a very good investment, but the fun factor and freedom factor= priceless!..I do believe SOME motorcycles are way over priced.. the MOTUS @$40,000 is a nasty purchase even though I do think it is a top quality motorcycle, I cant see the value @ that price, A top quality automobile cost about that much… https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7h6LnAIYRC2XwVoU_B4NjQ?view_as=public
Couldn't agree with you more. I'm still on my 04 ST1300 which I bought new from Barney's in St. Pete. It's been a really good bike. Quiet, smooth and with 7.6 gallons of fuel I can cover incredible distance. However I've been looking to replace it. Drove the 1200 RT nice bike however engine not as smooth as the ST. Love the K1600 but $29k is just crazy. At 6'4" the Gold Wing is a bit cramped, so for now I'll just keep riding my STeed. I see heaps of Tesla's cars over in Trinity too.
While I agree it can be surprising to see today 125 costing what I paid for a 600 back in 1983; a LOT has changed on motorcycles since then. We don’t seem to have as much Innovacion as we did back then (Rotary engines, six cylinder bikes, turbo chargers, more) but the features we have now are many times more sophisticated than what we had back then. We have traction control now APS fully digital instrumentation, and MUCH more today. Things that we only dreamed of having back in those days.
What are these new things that we have now worth double and sometimes triple the cost of what a bike went for in the 80s? For the most part the answer is probably yes; but not on everything.
the flouro/grey scheme has been in Oz(Australia) since the first 2017 model hit in late 2016 …and I agree…I'm not a fan…I think it would be easy to grow to hate it….the blue/black is nicer and the blacked out model is by far the sweetest…You didn't mention the MT-09 SP, I guess because I believe you guys are not receiving that model , I will be getting an SP model in January when they land in OZ…full ohlins rear (shouldn't be undersprung) and a fully adjustable KYB front end (in gold…looks sweet) both legs ..smaller changes on the SP is white on black background on the screen, supposed to make the screen more readable in direct sunny lighting, and I think will be more comfortable at night too…
Back when I started riding in high school, the top of the line sportbikes were either under $5 grand or maybe under $7 grand. You expected to pay only 3-4 grand for any bike you want and insurance was a piece of cake. Now the bikes cost more than a car but a car can easily exceed $50 grand!!! Most people have problems just paying for insurance and gas. So the logic involved is seeping into the motorcycle industry. Not only are cars ridiculously expensive but motorcycles are also. Then you have to pay for the insurance and that is also a chunk of change. So I think people are finding relief in smaller, cheaper, and easier to ride motorcycles that make more sense, $10 of gas per week and a hundred or so for insurance. A lot of people way back when motorcycles were cheap, bought them and wrecked them. Now you cannot do that and if you do, then you probably won't be allowed to buy another one. I think the excitement is still there and people enjoy learning and reading about them but they are not as accessible as they used to be; which is why youtube is exploding with these DYI videos. Everything is expensive now and very few things make sense like they used to. The boating world has also sunk into recession due to the cost of gas.
I’m a cruiser rider. Victory cross country. For me, your videos are just about the ride you take us on and the conversations. I vote test ride those Harley-Davidson’s! People also search for the model they are interested in buying and go off your assessment. I did. Still bought the victory but your input was considered.
Hell yes. Why should a motorcycle cost as much as or more than a car when a car is made of more materials and takes more labor to build? A car will protect you, keep you warm and dry, you can haul stuff with it. It makes no sense.
It's been a while since I looked into new bike prices. But, I've been looking at the new FJR and it's the same price as I paid for my Subaru Impreza when it was new. I have arthritis so I think the FJR with the 6th gear to slightly reduce vibration and cruise control would be nice for my hands.
Some folks have commented that motorcycles are toys buy that's no longer what describes them, as opposed to the pure leisure models of the past. Today lots of people all over the world buy a bike as an alternative to a car and not as a second vehicle. They're more economical in almost every way and certainly more practical for lots of everyday uses.
The fact that they're so expensive no longer makes sense. Small displacement work bikes and scooters are widely used and inexpensive in industrialized countries these days, not just in developing ones, and manufacturers still don't recognize the potential of cheaper, larger bikes. It's true that most households can't do away with only one motorcycle, but so many people would rather avoid traffic and high gas prices.