Riders wanted
What is wrong with motorcycling? How do we get more riders? Is it becoming less accessible?
I’ve heard these questions asked over and over in the last six months. I don’t really have any answers, but I do know that if we don’t take a critical eye at the industry, it could very easily disappear. Too often I hear excuses about “kids these days” from people, and even from myself on occasion. I recently heard a quote from Gary V (cliché I know) about complaining about other generations. The reality is, that they are who they are and complaining is not going to change a damn thing - it might actually make it worse.
What we need to focus on is what we can do to access those kids, millennials, Gen X, etc. where they are most active. And most importantly, deliver a product that they get excited about AND CAN AFFORD. My overwhelming reaction is this - why are we not focusing 1000% on riding?
Riding is what got us here. The roads, the dirt, the adventure, the friends, the missed turns and close calls. What we ride is merely the tool we use to get to those feelings and sensations. Sure, some of tools might be cooler than others, but the ride is what says it all. That’s what sells.
A couple months ago, I meet up with a handful of guys that I admire. They’re young riders and creators that love the untouchable freedom of being on two wheels. We laughed and shared stories about the bikes that stranded us, the awful rainstorms we weathered and the trips we have yet to make. To me, that was, is and will be what motorcycling will always be about.
Jacob’s dad sold his Harley-Davidson to buy him and his brother a 1973 Honda z50. Their love for riding continued to grow as they moved up to bigger motorcycles. Eventually, it led to Jacob and his brother to ride harescrambles throughout high school. The family even kept a trailer at a local racetrack to serve as home base during racing season.
It was a family affair and the passion never faded. He still rides dirt bikes, but has turned his attention to hooligan racing recently. His daily, a custom Sportster hit the sand at the HD 115 beach races earlier this month.
This custom Sportster has lots of cool bits thoughtfully added throughout.
A hooligan bike in its natural environment.
Philip’s dad bought him and his brother a dirt bike when they were in fifth grade. Once he got to college, he started riding street bikes because he couldn’t afford a car. Also, girls dig motorcycles. The freedom and adventure of going out and getting lost still hasn’t gotten old.
A very sleek and very fast Husqvarna 701.
The Husky was more than willing to comply with my request for wheelie photos.
Ian took to motorcycles because it was something new. No one in his family did it. It was rebellious and edgy, so of course he had to give it a shot. A friend of his older brothers rode, and after hearing some of the wild stories he shared, Ian set his sights on buying a motorcycle and making his own stories.
Ian has several motorcycles in his garage, but this particular CB200 caught my attention.
Ian’s shop is nice and clean. And full of motorcycles I’d ride.