Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
An unexpected side effect of Covid-19 An unexpected side effect of Covid-19
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Like Tree4Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Jun 2020
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Belper, uk, EUROPE
Posts: 573
An unexpected side effect of Covid-19
I recently went for a test ride on a Royal Enfield Himalayan - see https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hu...b500x-100952-3 for more information.

Whilst I was in the bike shop I asked how busy they were given the Covid-19 situation. I was really surprised - and very pleased - to hear that they had been busy. Busier than they hoped for. They had sold some Royal Enfield products but the ones that really moved off the show room floor were the second hand scooters for people that needed to get to work but wanted to avoid public transport (as the UK government had been advising). Whilst I was there they sold a brand new scooter too so it isn't just cheap second hand ones that are selling. the demographic appeared to be younger people as well.

Now we, as a consumer sector both in the UK and in the USA, have seen over the last few years the number of new entrants dropping but this is a massive reversal and the question is whether, like cycling, motorcycling can ride the wave. For example, cycling are reporting that new bikes are now being ordered for January delivery. Can we convert the scooter riders into motorcyclists, that is the question and if we are to do it how will we do it?
__________________
You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Jun 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,120
Not sure we need to. I was overtaken (on my 125) the other day by a two up scooter that was loaded up and doing some distance. They even had those blanket things that scooter riders use to cover their legs. Looked like it would be a good set up to use in cold / wet weather.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Jun 2020
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Back in March I took my old bike into a local dealership I trust for a service. I was also pleasantly surprised that they told me they were actually busy. Using social distancing, they were doing everything by appointment only. The service tech told me that they were servicing lots of bikes for spring, and there is a big increase in the demand for cheaper used bikes. Plenty of people getting a cheap bike for a second vehicle so they don't have to use mass transit, etc.

I sold that bike and bought my TW200 at the end of May. Again, the same story. The showroom is now open, but they are limiting it to 3 customers on the floor (it's a big place). They are selling quite a few scooters, cheaper bikes, riding gear, parts, service. The larger or more expensive bikes aren't selling as well, as folks don't want to make big financial commitments, but even some of those are selling.

I suppose also that people are looking for something to do in spare time that encourages social distancing, and certainly motorcycles are good for that!
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Jun 2020
Scrabblebiker's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Posts: 342
Last month I took my bike to my BMW dealer in Victoria, BC and chatted with the owner. He told me that business was "solid" with service accounting for a large part of it. So it's good to see the industry holding its own.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Jun 2020
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts: 124
I get to visit all of the motorcycle dealerships & gear retailers in my mid-sized city in the southwestern USA for my job, and across the board, all have near record-setting sales numbers over the past couple of months.
The motorcycle riding school I work for & manage is also having a great couple of months.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Jun 2020
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Belper, uk, EUROPE
Posts: 573
I have to say that it is good that this is not in isolated dealership in experiencing a boom. Again, the hard part is going to make the new comers stick with bikes. I wonder if organisations like the UK’s Motorcycle Industry Association have detected the numbers and what they are doing to ride the wave.
__________________
You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Peru: Unfinished Business - Two 200cc Chinese Motos naotweed Ride Tales 50 23 Apr 2016 21:23
crank side play zigzag Yamaha Tech 4 9 Oct 2015 17:48

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:36.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top