Bike sales slump?

[txbikerdude]

I was at my local dealer today and they had a ton of ZX-14's, Busa's, etc. Oddly enough they had three of the 09 ZX-14 black\orange "special editions" just like mine... made me feel like mine was not no "special edition"... lol They were selling these for a smidge over $10k. I have 700 miles on mine, and they said if I wanted to trade it in for a Concourse or something the best they could give me was $7k. Bike is worth more than that to me, besides I would not sell it anway

[mad]

At least they offer a trade. Many dealers don't right now...too much inventory.

[txbikerdude]

Originally Posted by mad

At least they offer a trade. Many dealers don't right now...too much inventory.

true......

[Mike P]

I've mentioned it a few times but my local dealer STILL has a midnight '08 14 on the floor.

[Shifty1]

I stopped by a couple of shops in Jacksonville last month and there were brand new leftover 07's (zx6r's, 10r's). I couldn't believe it...two years old and been sitting on the floor brand new.

[txbikerdude]

you would think that the sales would increase... seeing that the bikes have pretty good gas mileage... Considering I have the ZX and a corvette that gets about 18mpg... :)

[jpooch00]

One of the larger Denver area dealers has sold exactly one 14 this year and there are lots of '08's and a few '07's left in the warehouse.

As far as I can remember, I've only seen one or maybe two 14's on the road since they came out. Pretty sad.

[Shifty1]

Originally Posted by txbikerdude

you would think that the sales would increase... seeing that the bikes have pretty good gas mileage... Considering I have the ZX and a corvette that gets about 18mpg... :)

People are still broke.

More people have been looking towards scooters to save money since they are a bit cheaper and, in most states, you don't need a license to ride one smaller than 50cc.

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by jpooch00

As far as I can remember, I've only seen one or maybe two 14's on the road since they came out. Pretty sad.

I know a few are around here based on sighting reports from friends but I have yet to see one before or after I purchased mine. Now on the other hand, I can't count how many stupid looking none functioning stretched and slammed with huge rear tire Busa's are around here.

[185EZ]

Originally Posted by txbikerdude

you would think that the sales would increase... seeing that the bikes have pretty good gas mileage... Considering I have the ZX and a corvette that gets about 18mpg... :)

Insurance is expensive on these bikes and loans are harder to get.

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by 185EZ

Insurance is expensive on these bikes and loans are harder to get.

Yes and yes. My FJR1300 was $40 less a month on insurance. Also the credit union I had the FJR financed through changed their lending policies over the summer. Now they only finance 75% of the cost on any recreational vehicle, new or used. It did not bother me at the time simply because I had it but I can see where coming up with 25% down could be hard for some.

On the insurance thing, my company when I had the FJR told me they were based on CC's. When I got the 14 I was thinking "cool I won't see that much of an increase coming off the 1300".......WRONG. I asked WTF happened then they said the 14 fell into a high pay out category based on other dumb fuckers claims. I find that funny considering there's not that many 14's on the road and most that have them are older and more responsible.

[mad]

Originally Posted by Mike P

On the insurance thing, my company when I had the FJR told me they were based on CC's. When I got the 14 I was thinking "cool I won't see that much of an increase coming off the 1300".......WRONG. I asked WTF happened then they said the 14 fell into a high pay out category based on other dumb fuckers claims. I find that funny considering there's not that many 14's on the road and most that have them are older and more responsible.

Oh come on. Bigger, better handling bikes kill people all on their own just like guns. Has nothing to do with the operator, right? We should be assessed on risk based upon personal history...not the bike.

[txbikerdude]

all good points....

[185EZ]

Originally Posted by mad

Oh come on. Bigger, better handling bikes kill people all on their own just like guns. Has nothing to do with the operator, right? We should be assessed on risk based upon personal history...not the bike.

I'm the worst at reading internet posts but I think that's what Mike P was saying. Insurance shouldn't be based on the size of a bike but the person operating it. I'm one of the older more responsible people and I feel I got a high rate due to the bike and not for me or my past history.
Or were you being sarcastic?

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by 185EZ

I'm the worst at reading internet posts but I think that's what Mike P was saying. Insurance shouldn't be based on the size of a bike but the person operating it. I'm one of the older more responsible people and I feel I got a high rate due to the bike and not for me or my past history.
Or were you being sarcastic?

You got right what I was trying to say. I have a ubber clean driving record, neither myself or my wife have had any claims our fault or not in over ten years and I've had tons of toys........it sux.

[mad]

Originally Posted by 185EZ

I'm the worst at reading internet posts but I think that's what Mike P was saying. Insurance shouldn't be based on the size of a bike but the person operating it. I'm one of the older more responsible people and I feel I got a high rate due to the bike and not for me or my past history.
Or were you being sarcastic?

Just being sarcastic...all points had been covered and I felt the need to type.

Unrelated but I'll make it related...just finished another incident free 350 mile ride on the 14 today and I carried my pistol. Neither bike nor pistol killed anyone. Woohoo!

[jpooch00]

Originally Posted by Mike P

You got right what I was trying to say. I have a ubber clean driving record, neither myself or my wife have had any claims our fault or not in over ten years and I've had tons of toys........it sux.

A lot of it has to do with where you live and how old you are. I'm 60, live in Boulder CO, and have never gotten a ticket or been in a wreck (by the grace of God apparently - nothing else could explain that!) and my insurance on a 2010 14 would be $24.29/mo for full coverage with $250 deductible collision and zero deductible comp with State Farm.

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by jpooch00

A lot of it has to do with where you live and how old you are. I'm 60, live in Boulder CO, and have never gotten a ticket or been in a wreck (by the grace of God apparently - nothing else could explain that!) and my insurance on a 2010 14 would be $24.29/mo for full coverage with $250 deductible collision and zero deductible comp with State Farm.

Damn, I don't even want to say what this 40yr old with a clean record is paying.

[185EZ]

I guess insurance is a reason for the sales slump in this thread.
On my 14, I'm 50+ with an unblemished record and paying $630 a year with a $1000 ded. Can't imagine what a 25 year old would be paying.
This is where it isn't fair, my 1300 cc cruiser which is also capable of triple digit speeds, is only $200 year.

[mad]

Originally Posted by 185EZ

I guess insurance is a reason for the sales slump in this thread.
On my 14, I'm 50+ with an unblemished record and paying $630 a year with a $1000 ded. Can't imagine what a 25 year old would be paying.
This is where it isn't fair, my 1300 cc cruiser which is also capable of triple digit speeds, is only $200 year.

I hear ya. The difference was huge between my 999cc 999 and my 996cc ST4s. 3cc really makes it much more dangerous...right? lol Oh, since confessions are pouring out now...and I'm 48.