Seeing less bikes on the road? - Harley Forum

nukeguy · #1 09-27-2009, 11:16 AM

To start this thread off, I realize the U.S. economy is currently doing poorly and many have lost jobs or have scaled back on spending habits. This is my 2nd year of riding and wow, have I seen the numbers of cyclists drop on the road compared to last year. I ride (weather permitting) everyday to work which is a 60 mile round trip, errons, meetings, trips etc and have noticed a substantial decline of visual bikes on the road. This includes ALL bikes, not just HD's.

This morning out to breakfeast that was the main topic among a small group of riders who meet for breakfeast once or twice a month. We agreed we see the rally events circut pretty much packed with bikes, but on a daily basis those "rally event riders" garage the bikes it seems. You'd think due to the low cost of fuel and better mpg the roads would be packed daily. I live in N.W. Ohio and my riding season of course is seasonal riding.

What have you noticed this year in your area?

Hammerhead Pat · #2 09-27-2009, 12:34 PM

Fortunately here in Fl. weather doesn't slow down our riding season. I met 2 friends this morning for breakfast and pulling out of the neighborhood I saw a group already on the road. We did about 120 miles this morning and saw plenty of bikes on the road. People may not be buying bikes right now, but the ones that have them are using and enjoying them.

Agent Orange · #3 09-27-2009, 12:53 PM

I've seen no drop here in Colorado..in fact I think bikes are up...way up..

Mr. Big · #4 09-27-2009, 01:58 PM

I have noticed attendance is down at the last couple of dealer events I've been this past month. It has been a brutal summer which has kept the riders in the shade and off the road. Hoping for a nice fall and winter. Lone Star Rally in Galveston is coming up Halloween weekend and should be a real barnburner after Hurricane Ike killed it last year.

HDDon · #5 09-27-2009, 02:44 PM

I agree with Hammerhead, here in Fl. I haven't seem any drop off in riding. I've been in S.C. the last week and the weather has been great, and there have been a lot of people out on their bikes.

Tbone · #6 09-27-2009, 03:26 PM

Mine's been broke.

Mr. Big · #7 09-27-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tbone

Mine's been broke.

What be broke? Maybe I have a part you need or someone else here does.

Nevermind. Saw your other post. Keep diggin', you'll get it.

Buzz Kanter · #8 09-27-2009, 05:03 PM

I was out on the road yesterday on my 1931 Indian 101 Scout. Went to the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association annual get together (very cool stuff there).

I saw an amazing number of motorcycles on the road in the Northwest part of Connecticut in and around Kent, Connecticut.

I'd say the motorcycles were pretty well split evenly between Harleys and imports.

#9 09-27-2009, 05:45 PM

I also live in (south)FL and ride most everyday. I haven't noticed a drop off maybe even an increse of riders.

jmk713 · #10 09-27-2009, 08:14 PM

East Central Illinois seems to be big on weekend poker runs and such. During the week; mostly us old retired ******'s. Our rural highways are mostly free of traffic (except deer); so that's a nice place to ride as long as you're careful.
As it gets a little colder and wetter; it'll drop even more.