Haven't bought one in years. I use their website occasionally just to check basic reviews bit that's about it. If I get any bike related reading it tends to be RIDE magazine, and that's only if it's either free or very cheap
Used to regularly read their website fairly often to catch up on bike news, but they pissed me off when they installed the adblock blocker script.
My local market sells (new) previous copies of Ride, Bike, Classics etc for a quid. Usually only a month or two out of date
high end, expensive, technologically advanced machines
There used to be 7 main dealers in my City up until just a few years ago selling all the brands. Every single one has closed down. Says it all
technologically advanced machines that most riders dont want
There seems to be a lot more to choose from in the way of new bikes
There seems to be shit loads more bikes on the road.
The impression I get is that bike sales are relatively healthy.
Quote from: VNA on 27 June 2019, 06:36:35 pmThe impression I get is that bike sales are relatively healthy. The other week you were telling us how it was all going down the pan due to the dreaded B word
Never been a regular reader of MCN.The impression I get is that bike sales are relatively healthy. I suspect also cheap credit and PCP deals are keeping the stock rolling out the door.Harley Davidson seems to be one of the big sellers up here – piloted by folks dressed up as outlaws and often wearing silly masks as if they are off to rob a bank or hold up a post office or something.There seems to be a lot more to choose from in the way of new bikes, but then it seems hard to find something to fit the bill.There seems to be shit loads more bikes on the road. But then as bikes are now generally kept for leisure use or toys, they seldom get run into the ground and scrapped.Quotetechnologically advanced machines that most riders dont wantIt seems to be there is a demand for stuff like rider modes, traction control and electronically adjustable suspension etc.Can’t argue with ABS. I’m surprised that tyre pressure monitors are not mandatory now as they are in cars – it can be a life saver.I’ve been pouring over the options list for BMW’s R1250RI like and I want;Heated grips, Tyre Pressure Control, Cruise Control and Centre stand. (why are these not standard on the beemer anyway FFS?)I’m tempted by Dynamic ESA (electronically controlled active suspension)I could not care less about;Keyless ride, daytime running lights, Quick shifter, Riding modes pro, GPS prep, alarm, Intelligent emergency call etc.
Quote from: VNA on 27 June 2019, 06:36:35 PM The impression I get is that bike sales are relatively healthy. The other week you were telling us how it was all going down the pan due to the dreaded B word
Wow. Bikes are a rare sight indeed down here in the east midlands. When i first started work in 68, i reckon perhaps 20% of the workforce at the old steel works travelled to work by motorcycle, 30% on pushbike (including me) 30% by bus (there were dozens servicing the steel works daily at all times), and the rest either walked or could afford a motor car. When I finished work 3 years ago, my motorcycle was generally the only one in the bike racks, along with half a dozen cycles. No buses came into the site (a major pharma site), and the car parks were rammed such that you had to arrive really early to get a parking spot at all. The Council twigged on and introduced a car park tax
Right now, its Practical Sportsbikes and Classic Motorcycle Mechanics for me.