Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]
A 1951 investment of $710 nets $929,000 at auction
Upward trending gas prices might be one of the reasons you choose a motorcycle over a car, but let’s face it, the biggest draw of a motorcycle is still the incredible feeling of the ride.
The freedom of the open road isn’t just a phrase; it’s a whole lot of obsession, and the obsession doesn’t appear to be diminishing anytime soon. But this obsession comes with a price tag—especially if you’re into vintage.
Vintage retains its crown
There’s a new trend in collecting bikes. While motorcycle sales are still recovering after the 2008 recession, some brands have been doing better than others. And though Millennials seemed to be killing off motorcycling as we’ve known it, the demographics and interests have simply been shifting—and motorcycle companies are taking notice. Today, there’s a growing interest in vintage motorcycles, and some companies, like Honda, are recreating classics to meet buyers where they’re at.
Even so, there’s just something about real, hardcore vintage bikes that we (and we’re sure you) love. While collectible car prices have been starting to dip, rare, classic bike prices are climbing.
Recently, at an event hosted by Mecum Auctions in Las Vegas, a 1941 Indian Four sold for $101,750 and a 1945 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead EL sold for $99,000. And in light of what some classics are going for, that’s pretty cheap. On a similar “low budget” scale is the 1963 BSA 646cc Rocket Gold Star ($34,486), the 1975 BMW 898cc R90s ($28,070) and the 1990 Honda VFR750R Type RC30 ($91,065). We know. If these are “low priced” classics, what are some of the top vintage bikes going for?
Today, the highest priced motorcycle on record is a 1951 Vincent Black Lightning. Only 30 similar models were built by the famous British manufacturer, which operated in England between 1928 and 1954. In January the ’51 Vincent sold for $929,000 at a Bonhams auction. That’s a 4475.23% appreciation since it was released!
Here are few more notable bikes that might be on your radar (even if they are out of most of our budgets):
1927 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sport Project – $357,695
1932 Brough Superior 800cc Model BS4 Project $458,197
1939 Vincent-HRD 998cc Rapide Series-A Project $373,157
Several factors are driving the increasing cost of vintage bikes. For one thing, riders are actually riding their vintage bikes rather than just keeping them on display. This increases the need for replacement part production. The decline of the U.S. dollar has made it cheaper for a global base to buy in America and ship to other countries. And thanks to the world wide web, vintage bikes are no longer a world away. The web and online auctions have made vintage bikes accessible to a global customer base, bringing more buyers to the table (and more demand always means higher costs).
If you find a great deal on a vintage bike Motorcycle Shippers can help get it delivered right to your door.
Do you have a bike that has appreciated in value? What is your dream ride? We want to hear from you!
Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]
Harley-Davidson takes “American” out of “American Made”
Motorcycle sales have been on a downward spiral for the last few years. And for iconic American motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson, that has posed a big problem. Company sales have fallen to 50% of what they were in 2006; this has no doubt contributed to the company’s plummeting stocks.
But the blows just keep on coming. Now, the Trump Tariffs have caused the company to take drastic measures, moving the production of its European-sold bikes abroad—a move that some speculate may lead to the iconic brand’s untimely demise. And whether or not that’s the case, it’s definitely led to a very public display of disaffection from the White House.
The Trump Tariffs
President Trump’s steel tariffs were expected to increase domestic manufacturing, sales, and jobs. A few months back, the president had singled out Harley as one American company suffering at the hands of existing trade barriers. Those short few months ago, Harley was a brand he invited to the White House and intended to revive.
We surmised a while back whether the steel tariffs would increase the cost of motorcycles. It turns out the tariffs on European steel and aluminum didn’t help matters like they were expected to.
The plot thickened after the EU responded to the Trump tariffs with a retaliatory 31% tariff of its own. Those tariffs could add about $2,200 per bike exported to the EU. Harley has been having a tough time increasing sales for some time, and its latest sales numbers showed a 12% plummet. With the new tariffs imposed by its second-largest market increasing the cost of a new bike, company sales could take another major hit.
The manufacturer asked both the U.S. and the EU to remove their tariffs. Then, in an effort to stay above water and keep its diminishing sales up, the company announced plans to move some of the production overseas for its European-sold bikes.
The Trump-Harley Feud
Consider it the move that launched a thousand tweets.
Harley-Davidson explained its move like this in its official statement: “Harley-Davidson maintains a strong commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing which is valued by riders globally. Increasing international production to alleviate the EU tariff burden is not the company’s preference, but represents the only sustainable option to make its motorcycles accessible to customers in the EU and maintain a viable business in Europe. Europe is a critical market for Harley-Davidson.”
President Trump, in turn, taunted the company after its announcement, tweeting, “A Harley-Davidson should never be built in another country-never! Their employees and customers are already very angry at them. If they move, watch, it will be the beginning of the end—they surrendered, they quit! The Aura will be gone and they will be taxed like never before!”
The President went on to announce that the White House was also courting other motorcycle brands eager to bring their manufacturing to the U.S. Needless to say, this added more fuel to the fire.
While we understand the frustration of taking “American made” out of America, the parts used on today’s Harleys aren’t even exclusively American-made. The manufacturer relies on international parts for each bike. And will Harley devotees really turn on the brand because of this?
What does this mean for motorcyclists?
All this feuding leaves Harley riders in a pickle—especially the ones who are Trump supporters. Do they continue to support the “American made” brand that’s heading overseas, or boycott their beloved bikes? The majority of riders, as of yet, seem to be sticking by the brand.
One such Harley rider toldUSA Today, “Adding $2,200 onto an already struggling company’s product that might literally put them out of business. The president does not want the quintessential American company’s demise being blamed on him, so he tweeted at them, which is all it seems he needs to do these days to electrify his supporters. As a biker, I love my Harley and I’m confident that the bike I ride and the bikes I ride in the future will be made in America by Americans. To be able to realize that means that they have to do business globally and if it allows Harley to continue to make these incredible machines? I’m all for it.”
Will Harley’s move be the end of it as President Trump believes? Or will it be the end of your relationship with it? Do you think the brand can maintain its “American made” label even while shifting to Europe?
Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]
Summer is here. And with it comes the tendency to reminisce about the playful days of our youth—those long days riding in the sun without a care in the world. But just because you’ve gone and grown up doesn’t mean you have to give that up for good.
Americans are overtired and overworked. On the average, we take the least vacations of anyone in the world. In 2016, 54% of people ended the year with unused vacation time that amounted to 662 million vacation days (and $66.4 billion in unused benefits)! A lack of planning is one of the main reasons that these days go unused.
But all work and no play soon results in burnout—a problem plaguing a majority of people in the U.S. and driving 50% or more of national employee turnover. Regardless of what you do for work these days, there are daily and weekly demands that can drain you of life if you let them. And that’s exactly why you deserve an Untouchable Day.
What’s an Untouchable Day?
Like the name implies, these are days when you are completely untouchable, unreachable and disconnected from all things work. That means even the boss can’t reach you on these days. You go completely off the grid, even shutting off your phone and Wi-Fi so nothing comes in and nothing goes out. Untouchable Days help you reconnect with yourself and fuel your best productivity.
As a biker, an Untouchable Day can be a literal breath of fresh air in your otherwise hectic week. And we’ve got just the motorcycle rides to help you rev up your engines again.
Pacific Coast Highway, Carmel to Morro Bay, CA
There’s nothing like the good vibes of the California coastline. And driving the Big Sur area between Carmel and Morrow Bay offers a stunning experience (even though it’s notoriously foggy) at the intersection of surf, cliffs and the Redwood Forests. If you’ve never taken this ride, it should definitely be on your Untouchable Day ride bucket list.
Tail of the Dragon, North Carolina and Tennessee
Just 11 miles long, this stretch of highway is often considered the start of the best ride in North America, which is why locals and international bikers alike frequent this spot. Love curvy roads? You’ll experience 318of them as you ride through hardwood forests and mountainous wilderness with sheer drops to one side. And here’s the best part: no trucks allowed.
Peak to Peak Highway, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park. Doesn’t that say it all? Peak to Peak Highway will leave you breathless as you ride 60 miles of valleys, switchbacks, forests and alpine meadows. You’ll also experience the stunning views at the top of the Continental Divide.
These and many other motorcycle rides around the country are waiting to claim a spot on your calendar. There are other interesting motorcycle blogs out there that will also help you find the right way for you to enjoy your time away.
At Motorcycle Shippers, we know you work hard, and you deserve a day (many of them) to unplug and enjoy life. So whether you’re buying a bike for the first or hundredth time, heading out to a fun event or festival or taking your well-deserved Untouchable Day, we’ve got you covered.
And here’s the best part: when you schedule out your Untouchable Days ahead of time, you aren’t limited to rides within a certain miles’ radius. You can literally fly across the U.S. and ship your bike ahead of time so it’s waiting for you when you arrive. Heading out with friends? We’ve got multi-bike discounts, too. With more than 44 shipping terminals around the country and a ride-in-ride-out service, we can help make your Untouchable Day unforgettable.
What are you waiting for? Get your Untouchable Days on the calendar and start planning those rides!
When was the last time you took an Untouchable Day? Where’s your favorite place to ride?
Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]
The sharing economy wants your motorcycle
Motorcyclists are a unique breed of people who love their freedom to ride the open road. And they love the bikes that give them the liberty of hitting the throttle at a moment’s notice.
Now one company, TwistedRoad, is tapping into the sharing economy by launching a motorcycle-sharing app that’s actually affordable. The founder, a biker himself, suffered a motorcycle crash that left him with thousands of dollars in medical expenses—and not much left to purchase a new motorcycle. Because bike rentals were upwards of $200 a day, he decided to pave a new, more affordable road to motorcycle renting.
But the idea rests upon a major assumption: that motorcycle owners would be willing to rent out their bikes to complete strangers.
The sharing economy
Ridesharing and the broader sharing economy have been on the rise. The market capitalization of three of the top ridesharing and home sharing apps alone is $106.5 billion. But ridesharing has been around for awhile, dating back to World War II. Over the next several decades, carpooling became the norm as a way to boost efficiency and save valuable resources.
Over the last few years, new sharing economy companies have cropped everywhere, offering everything from cars and homes to unused “stuff” and scooters. Now the latest iteration of motorcycle sharing is giving casual riders the ability to experience the ride, and owners the ability to capitalize on their passions.
The benefits of ridesharing
Initiate new riders into the sport
For anywhere from $75 to $100, new riders can lock in a day of adventure on an amazing bike that they might never even think to buy in real life. It gives the ordinary Joe with a casual interest in riding the ability to live out his dreams in a grand way, at minimal cost. And it gives serious riders the ability to test out a new ride before they buy their own.
Offset the cost of that new bike
After spending thousands of dollars on that bike in your garage, renting it out when not in use might sound like a great idea. You can make a few dollars, and, depending on how actively your bike is rented, make a chunk of your investment back.
The downside of ridesharing
The motorcycling culture is spontaneous and freedom-driven. Will this culture fade away and be replaced by a new motorcycling generation that lives by the calendar and the dollar? It may be too soon to tell. But if the growth of the ridesharing culture continues to hold true into this new phase, it’s possible that bikers will increasingly hand over the keys to the freedom and spontaneity they love. That is unless you happen to have six bikes sitting in your garage.
Is ridesharing a good fit for motorcycle culture? Would You Rent Your Motorcycle to a Stranger? We want to hear from you.
Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]
Ford’s latest design spits out a motorcycle
Have you ever towed a car or motorcycle along on vacation to provide an easier way to get around? You’re not alone. Many of us have done exactly that, trying to increase efficiency and leave the luggage-filled vehicle behind. But now, Ford is about to change the game.
Ford has steadily been honing in on the SUV market, capitalizing on the demand for larger yet still cost-efficient vehicles for families. In North America, the company is redefining its space in the auto market, discontinuing nearly all its other cars in favor of SUVs.
But its latest design could revolutionize the market and bring out the car-enthusiast, gadgeteer and gear head in us all. Ford’s SUV shift is driven by profit margins and efficiency—and the company is now aiming to drive that efficiency to its customers with an SUV that spits out a motorcycle.
Yes, you heard that right. Ford just designed a car with a motorcycle inside it—putting a whole new twist on the company slogan, “Go Further.”
Designed for practicality and efficiency
While it might seem like a funky idea, Ford seems intent on innovating a way around the urban problems of minimal parking spaces and high parking rates. Sure, you can cart a bike around, or buy a truck and put the motorcycle in the bed. But where would the fun (and real efficiency) be in that?
The company has actually filed an application for a patent on its “multimodal transportation apparatus,” complete with drawings and all. And we have to say, it looks pretty damn cool.
While its latest design looks like an ordinary enough SUV, it would have electric hub motors between the front wheels. This would not only eliminate the need for an axel but create the perfect space for the suggested electric motorcycle to slip right in. You can check out the drawings here.
Ford’s innovative auto streak
This isn’t the first time the car company has filed a patent application for something so completely out of the ordinary. Back in April, it filed a patent application for an SUV with a round cab and seats facing toward a central round table. By all appearances, it’s the ultimate party bus. Sure, patent applications like that can be pretty far out (and far from reality). But Ford’s drive to turn out the new and unusual is giving us hope that its motorcycle SUV is just around the corner.
Ford’s “multimodal transportation apparatus” could be the answer to getting around in traffic, or heading for a joyride when on vacation.
If this SUV is ever actually built, would you pay whatever premium costs for the novelty (and efficiency)? Or do you prefer the tried-and-true method of tying your motorcycle down in your truck? Tell us what you think!
Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]
If I was motorcycle I would tell my owner to learn how to properly tie me down. Sounds crazy, right? Many of us think of our bike as another family member. I mean, we call them our “baby” but don’t necessarily treat them like one.
Moving your bike in a truck, trailer or crate requires proper securing to avoid damage, and this can be a stressful event for any bike owner. Motorcycle tie-downs are a trending topic amongst avid riders because they understand that damage to their motorcycle could mean a delay in their next ride.
The damage from a failed tie-down could be as simple as some scratches, a broken lever, or as catastrophic as a broken engine cover that won’t hold oil. Either way, it’s costly but can be avoided without spending much at all. It all starts with using the correct tie-downs.
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. Here are some tips that will help ensure that your bike arrives safely.
Ratchet or Cam buckle-style: what’s the difference?
You have two basic options and a lot of styles within those segments. But both of them aim to not only hold your bike safely in place but to increase suspension tension. The latter helps ensure that a motorcycle’s suspension is activated if you hit any bumps on the road.
Although tie-downs can range from 1-4” wide, the most common size used for motorcycles is 1”, so we will use this size for the focus of our discussion here.
Cam buckle
The cam buckle is a spring-loaded, cam-shaped buckle. We’re sure you know the type. They are the most basic type of buckle, and are seen on a number of products, including backpacks. They hold motorcycles in place by creating friction as the strap weaves through the buckle. They are the easiest to use by design, but the “teeth” on the buckle that keep the strap from slipping have been known to slip due to dirt or oil buildup. Over time the teeth can wear through the strap, making it more prone to breaking at inopportune moments.
Ratchet Style
Ratchet straps are similar but as the name implies, a ratchet feature allows you to easily tighten the strap to the right tension using a few quick cranks of the lever. Not only are they easier to tighten, but they also tend to hold together better than their cam buckle counterparts. You can quickly tell a poor, low-quality design by the size of the ratchet. The larger and more durable the ratchet, the stronger the tie-downs (and the better they’ll hold your bike in place).
Factors to consider
Tightening
Ratchets allow for easy tightening with one hand. Whether you are sitting or standing near the bike, you can easily tighten it to the correct tension. Cam buckles on the other hand require a lot of downward force, which means you need a lot of leverage to get the tension right. Rather than tightening it while in the truck or trailer quite often you’ll have to get out and below the strap to create enough downward force to operate them. The amount of force needed to tighten them satisfactorily can be a major drawback for a majority of riders.
Hooks or Soft Loops
Many standard tie-downs have simple “S” hooks at each end which
are the easiest to use of both options. “S” hooks clip on to almost any location in seconds. But, they are made of steel and only have a thin rubber coating for protection. They can and will damage painted parts and have even been known to leave indentations on steel frames and handlebars.
Choosing a tie-down design that incorporates a “soft loop” can help avoid damage to your bike. The soft straps can help you reach around fragile parts at just the right angles to avoid rubbing or putting pressure on fragile bodywork. If fashioned properly they form a secure cinch that holds the bike in place.
A number of sellers even offer stand-alone soft ties that you can use with your “S” hook style tie-downs. But the downside is that now you have added cost and one more item to keep with you.
Strength
The reported tensile strength shown on most tie-downs is usually a measurement of the strength of the nylon strap itself, not the overall tie-down as a whole. You will find ratings near 4,500 lbs in many cases, which to the average motorcyclist seems to be more than enough. But here is the real story on the strength of the tie-down as a unit. The nylon strap itself is the strongest part of the tie-down and the metal “S” hook and tightening assembly is the weakest part of any tie down! Quality “S” hooks can hold somewhere near 1,500 lbs before they fail but even good tightening assemblies (cam buckle or ratchet) usually reach a breaking point around 600 lbs. Poorly made tie-downs often use assemblies that provide even lower breakpoints. When shopping for your next set of tie-downs, read the description closely and make sure you understand the actual strength or load capacity.
Quality of strap material
Nylon material is used for most straps due to its ability to retract a good percentage of the stretch. Stretch is an important feature for a motorcycle tie-down as you want the strap to flex just a bit and not put undue stress on the bike.
Most nylon is usually fairly soft, but not all straps are created equal. When you buy a cheap tie-down, you usually get nylon strap material that is not finely woven, creating a coarse texture. This rougher surface can cause light scratching on painted, powder-coated and even chrome surfaces. Finely woven, extra-soft nylon straps are made to combat this issue, although they are harder to find in the marketplace. Most times the tie-down manufacturers will fail to identify the type of nylon strap, so don’t be afraid to ask questions before you buy.
Where to buy tie-downs
Before you think of just moseying on down to your local hardware store and buying the cheapest, “budget option” tie-downs you can find, hang on. These aren’t made for your motorcycle, and we’ve seen them fail time and again. You’ve already poured hard work, time and money into finding the best bike, don’t cheapen your investment with risky tie-down purchases that are prone to fail.
The internet offers a number of good options for quality tie-downs and we suggest reading reviews closely. Some places to start include:
Chapparal is a great place to buy a number of Ancra tie-downs, from the basic cam buckle with a 4500-pound tensile strength to the ratcheting tie-down with a 600-pound working load capacity and ratchet lock.
PowerTye offers ratchet tie-downs, fat strap cam buckles and strap-down trailer kits that give you everything you need to lock your bike in place. Their products are used by top custom builders like Saleen, Eddie Trotta, Orange County Choppers and Matt Hotch Designs.
DiscountRamps offers a number of different styles of motorcycle tie-downs, soft loop straps and trailer loading parts at lower prices. Always look for top-rated or reviewed products.
It’s important to select the correct strap design in order to protect your valuable investment. Motorcycle Shippers sells the exact Soft Cinch tie-downs that were designed for the National Motorcycle Transportation Network so that riders like you can take advantage of the versatile design. Learn more about our Soft Cinch tie-down and how we’ve combined the ease of a ratchet strap with the extra security of a self-tightening extra-soft nylon loop. Need some tips on tying down your bike? Check out this easy step-by-step breakdown. from our friends over at Cycle World.
Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]
Motorcycle sales may be down from what they used to be, but U.S. consumers are still buying around 500,000 motorcycles a year. About 842,000 motorcycles were registered in California, a popular market for bikers.
Maybe it’s the seemingly eternal summer. Maybe it’s the ocean. Whatever it is, states like California and Florida tend to have more registered motorcycles, riders and demand than other states—which could also drive up costs.
But wherever you live, you don’t have to give in to the soaring costs that motorcycle sellers are demanding. Here are three tips to get the bike you deserve, at a price you’ll love.
Finding a good deal on a motorcycle
1) Buy off the showroom floor!
Are you kidding me? Dealers are always more expensive, right? Never use always, those absolutes are your good deal “land mines”. Instead remember that dealers need to move old inventory in order to get new inventory from the manufacturers. They want to sell their bikes as bad as you want to buy one. Consider opting for last year’s model that’s been lingering on the showroom floor. Second, question your salesperson about left over inventory that might not be on the floor. Many times dealers have such an abundance of bikes in stock, they leave them crated or stored in the warehouse or even off-site. Sales people need to be reminded to get creative, and you can benefit by helping them create the deal you want.
Search Cycletrader.com and browse by specific years, 1, 2 or even 3 years older than current. What you can find are “New Old Stock (NOS)” motorcycles that are marked down significantly. Many of the listings will say something like “New” or “Last one available”. Underneath the price on all listings they show the mileage. On these NOS units the mileage may not show as technically they should have 0 miles.
2) Timing is everything. Take advantage of motivated private sellers and dealers
Warm summer days call out the biker in us all, but they also can drive prices higher than ever. There are better times of the season to buy but you’ll have to plan ahead and go against the grain just a bit. The best time to buy is January, so instead of buying yourself Christmas gifts (we all do it) save that money and put it to good use when everyone else needs cash. Even dealers are more welcoming during this time of year. Extreme cold weather is also a natural “good deal” environment. If your local dealer doesn’t experience snow storms, find a dealer in another state that does. The short, sweet days of February can also be a great time to buy a bike. With fewer days to meet their sales quotas, dealers might be more willing to give you a break in price. Simply watch the news and when the big storm hits find a few dealers in those states and call them up. Yes I said “call them” with your phone. It’s that thing you charge every night and carry around so you can text and email people. Hearing a live voice can be very motivational to sales people as it humanizes the transaction and lets them know you’re not just “kicking the tires”.
We’re well aware that sometimes the best deals are hundreds (or thousands) of miles away. And that can get pricey. After all, the average shipping cost of a bike is about $750, so savings could quickly be lost once you add in the transport costs.
But that’s where we come in. We enable you to get the great deal, and keep it great.
How do we do it? With 1100 trucks in our network and 44 shipping terminals around the nation, we are close to wherever your great deal is. This enables us to operate for less than other shippers.
And we hate hidden fees as much as you do, which is why we base our service policy on a No Surprises motto. We’ll transport your bike from pickup location to your door at the same rate we quoted from the start. And with so many trucks shipping within our network, we do it in the fastest, most efficient (and eco-friendly) way possible.
Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]
Is a Whiskey and Motorcycle Collaboration a Good Idea?
For the third year in a row, two iconic American brands are collaborating to release a new iteration of their limited edition motorcycle. The brands? Indian Motorcycles and Jack Daniel’s.
Just like the brands themselves, which both made waves by being the first in their industries to hit the U.S. market, the new Indian Scout Bobber is making a splash among riders and non-riders alike. But motorcycle aside, the partnership raises an interesting question: Should a motorcycle company really be partnering with a whiskey brand?
The lowdown on the bike itself
The brand mashup makes for a rad ride, with its matte black design with 24-karat gold accents and the Jack Daniel’s fire brigade theme throughout. With just 177 Bobbers slated for release this year, the much-anticipated bikes were all pre-ordered within 10 minutes of the sale start—despite their $16,999 U.S. price tag.
Despite the hype that’s surrounded the limited edition, the collaboration raises key questions, specifically among non-bikers who are concerned that the alcohol and motorcycle collaboration could spell trouble. Among that crowd, the words “Jack Daniel’s” and “motorcycle” in the same sentence begs the question: Is it appropriate for a motorcycle brand to partner with an alcohol distillery?
The motorcycle-whiskey collaboration controversy
Here are a few things to consider before you run to protest this alcohol-motorcycle collaboration.
Both brands drive home their stance against drunk driving
Drunk driving is a major problem in the United States. According to the CDC, alcohol-related accidents kill 28 people per day and cost more than $44 billion in damages. The U.S. Department of National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) found that 30% of motorcyclists who were killed in a crash had illegal blood alcohol levels. The number of motorcyclist drunk driving accidents and fatalities are increasing.
But neither Indian nor Jack Daniel’s is giving the green light to taking a few shots and hopping on their bobber. In fact, they coined the mantra, “Drive Responsibly: Bottles & Throttles Don’t Mix,” which is featured prominently on the bike. At every turn, and throughout the unveiling event, their PR campaign drives home the message that motorcycles and whiskey are best enjoyed separately.
The collaboration doesn’t give a license for irresponsible behavior
The emphasis on ethical branding has been on the rise over the past few years. Most controversy surrounding alcohol marketing is aimed at keeping alcohol out of the hands of kids and teens. This motorcycle isn’t geared toward that group.
At its roots, Jack Daniel’s is known for its gentlemanly persona and moderate stance on issues. Take, for instance, one of their slogans: “We support all parties: socialize liberally, drink conservatively.” Infused with values of maturity and refinement, the Jack Daniel’s-Indian Motorcycle collaboration might just be conveying the opposite of what the opposition fears, and infusing an interesting take on the rebel nature of the motorcycle culture.
At first glance, the Jack Daniel’s Limited Edition Indian Scout Bobber might seem like an unusual partnership. But at the end of the day, Indian and Jack Daniel’s are heritage brands with more than a century of history, and craftsmanship, behind them.
Does a gentlemanly take on motorcycles minimize the culture we’ve come to know? Do you think there should be more of an outcry over the branding of the Scout Bobber, or is the public making too much out of nothing?
Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]
American-made motorcycle prices could be about to skyrocket
The American motorcycle market has been struggling to get back up after the 2008 recession. Despite Harley-Davidson’s declining sales numbers, they remain at the top of the U.S. market. But now, they’re facing a new challenger—the new tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.
President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign was heavily fixated on revitalizing the steel industry. He had said, “It will be American steel that will fortify America’s crumbling bridges” and he’s now making good on that promise—in what may be to the detriment of many American businesses—including iconic motorcycle manufacturer, Harley-Davidson.
In early 2017, President Trump had thanked Harley-Davidson “for building things in America,” In March 2018, he approved a new tariff (tax), imposing 25% on imported steel and 10% on imported aluminum—a move that many experts fear may negatively impact not only jobs and trade, but the very company he had thanked just a year before.
Harley Davidson’s spokesman Michael Pflughoeft said in response to the latest steel and aluminum tariffs that they would have a “significant impact” on three of the motorcycle company’s main areas: sales, suppliers and customers.
Decades of steel and motorcycle tariffs precede the present
President Trump isn’t the first to apply tariffs on steel—or make decisions that could affect the motorcycle industry (for better or worse). Former Presidents George Bush and Barak Obama had both established limited steel tariffs on China for its under-market sales.
In 1983, President Reagan enacted a heavy increase in tariffs for heavyweight motorcycles imported from Japan (which held 98% of the small bike market at the time). When Honda made its move for the big bike market in 1969, Harley took a hit. In an effort to protect the American tradition, Reagan imposed the tariff.
But the same tariffs that are meant to fuel the American steel industry and U.S. businesses today is already sparking controversy among economists, businessmen, steel manufacturers and motorcycle companies—including the brand that Reagan’s tariffs tried to protect in ’83.
But what is all the controversy about, and how will it impact American-made motorcycles? Here’s a quick look at what it all could mean.
How the tariffs could do more harm than good
More expensive products
While the tariffs bode well for steel and aluminum makers in the U.S., they could drive some serious price hikes for domestic-made goods. The lower prices of imported steel had enabled many companies to stay in business.
But with the imposed tariff on foreign metals, experts are anticipating that the higher prices of American steel will drive up costs for a host of industries dependent on steel for their products, like motorcycles, resulting in higher prices for the consumer.
Potential trade wars
The U.S. is the largest steel importer in the world. About 13% of all steel in the U.S. is used for automotive purposes. One-third of the 100 million tons of steel used by American businesses each year is imported, as is 90% of the 5.5 million tons of aluminum. The tariffs are making a sizeable dent in the global economy. It’s causing many steel producing countries such as the E.U., Canada and China to threaten retaliation with their own tariffs against U.S. goods—including motorcycles. In light of this, Harley-Davidson’s plan to grow international business 50% by 2027 might be just a pipe dream.
Said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker “If the Americans impose tariffs on steel and aluminum, then we must treat American products the same way.” Which American products? Harley-Davidson, bourbon and Levi’s.
Decreased motorcycle sales
A not-so-distant history of falling sales, and now the Trump tariffs could see the bike manufacturer incur $30 million in costs. A 13% decline in company shares, and the retaliatory tariffs that Europe (which currently imports 16% of Harley’s bikes) is threatening to impose could end up causing Hog sales to plummet even further.
The future of motorcycle sales in the U.S.
Said Vaughn Beals, Harley’s CEO and chairman during the Regan tariffs, “For years, we tried to figure out why the Japanese were beating us so badly [at owning the Motorcycle market]. First we thought it was their culture. Then we thought it was automation. Then we thought it was dumping. Finally we realized the problem was us, not them.”
If tariffs skyrocket the price of a motorcycle in an already struggling market, what will become of our favorite home-grown (and iconic) brands? Should government be allowed to boost profits for one industry while potentially harming others? What do you think?
Clint Lawrence, founder of Motorcycle Shippers. Helping give riders more freedom to enjoy the bikes they love. [email protected]
It’s been a decade since the recession, and motorcycle sales still continue to sputter. Well-regarded companies like Harley Davidson have seen global retail salesdrop 6.7% in 2017, following a previous three-year drop in sales. As Baby Boomers age, future-minded motorcycle companies are continuing to shift their focus to meet the changing needs of a new rider demographic.
For some companies, that might just mean expanding into the automobile market. But while it’s traditionally been difficult for new players to enter the saturated car market, rising stars like Tesla have challenged the notion and seen growing success. The company has emerged as an automobile powerhouse, showing that innovation and fresh ideas can beat established players and traditional thinking.
Expanding the marketplace
Some of the big automobile players have proven that it’s possible to expand their brands. BMW and Honda have been successful at building some of the best motorcycles and cars on the market.
But could it work the other way around?
Jennings Harley Davidson created some unique renderings of what cars designed by motorcycle companies might look like. The result went viral in the motorcycling community, with unique sleek designs that look very different from the cars we know today. While the renderings are currently fanciful artwork, the turning tides of the motorcycle market, along with the established reputation for quality and innovation of that bike brands bring might just be what it takes to successfully break into a saturated automobile market. (Photos courtesy of Jennings Harley Davidson)
If motorcycle makers made cars…
Harley Davidson
Their first electric motorcycle (EM) will be released this year. With the motorcycle industry already lagging behind in the electric vehicle space, the EM launch could give the company a needed facelift. But with the Harley rendering of the classic American hot rod upgraded with some contemporary touches, the company might just find automobiles to be a profitable and successful endeavor. Unlike most cars, this design has an exposed engine, configured as a ‘V‘, with brutalist straight pipes and wider-than-average whitewall tires. The classic Harley styling includes a leather trunk where the saddlebags would be, along with loads of chrome.
Aprilia
Aprilia’s design was made with the Dorsoduro 900 supermoto in mind. The car is light and sporty, in the vein of true sports cars, but with some edge from the rally lights. The interior is enclosed, and the high ground clearance offers numerous off-roading options for the outdoorsman.
Ducati
Ducati’s rendering takes inspiration from the styling of Audi’s cars. It looks like the Diavel, and has an exposed cage with a passenger seat like the Ariel Atom. With its exposed suspension, riders could glide over the rough roads with ease..
Kawasaki
For Kawasaki, the artist kept with the theme of classic Japanese design. The neon touches give it an air of the super-fast Ninja H2. The rendering looks like an urban dream, with some serious edgy styling. .
Triumph
Unlike some of the other bike brands, Triumph has actually built cars before. The new rendering looks strikingly similar to the resto-mod TR7, but with some American muscle car thrown in.
Vespa
Vespa might just have the most iconic styling for scooters on the market. If they were to break into the automobile industry, their cars would likely be just as distinctive. The rendering highlights smooth curves, somewhat like the VW Beetle, but packaged in an even smaller two-seater. The covered rear wheels keep the engine hidden. .
An innovative take on style may just enable motorcycle manufacturers to increase their falling sales by branching into the automobile market . Consumer tastes are changing and preference for well-designed, efficiently-sized vehicles is growing. And this shift could just bring with it the unique opportunity for motorcycle manufacturers to enter the game in a bigger, cooler way.
Do you think entering the automobile market is a smart move for motorcycle makers? Will they be able to create this new market in the next 10 years? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
R90s ($28,070) and the 1990 Honda VFR750R Type RC30 ($91,065). We know. If these are “low priced” classics, what are some of the top vintage bikes going for?
it cheaper for a global base to buy in America and ship to other countries. And thanks to the world wide web, vintage bikes are no longer a world away. The web and online auctions have made vintage bikes accessible to a global customer base, bringing more buyers to the table (and more demand always means higher costs).
