Motorcycling is slowly dying
Discussion
bigothunter said:
There's a ring of truth about this film, especially the line "...getting dangerous, polluting, out of date vehicles off the road and motorcycles are first."
In an increasingly authoritarian world committed to Vision Zero, how long will motorcycling be tolerated?
Not watched that but no they won't. Sitting in the House of Lords are several high profile classic and vintage car enthusiasts, not least Lord Montagu who owns Beaulieu motor museum. And Prince Michael of Kent is a vintage car enthusiast. Any regulation to get vintage bikes off the road would also have to get cars off the road, and would have to go through the House of Lords, so they'd vote no on it.In an increasingly authoritarian world committed to Vision Zero, how long will motorcycling be tolerated?
Classic and vintage cars aren't subject to inheritance tax, which is why so many of the very wealthy have large collections. Ever wondered why when there's a high society wedding there's usually "the family's" classic Aston Martin or Rolls Royce involved.
As for "bikers are a dying breed" I look forward to the next thread moaning about 'hipsters' and anyone young who is into a different type of bike. Sports and touring bikes may well be on their way out, but the game's just changed. Loads of the younger lads I work with are into bikes but I only know one under 40 who has a sports bike now.
Looking at my riding over the last 6 months I imagine the weather plays a large part, especially when using the machine for pleasure and not as general transport. My garage ornament has been used 5 times since October. It was lovely weather when I left but I ended up soaked. That is not a pleasure.
If I lived in a warmer climate, I would be on a bike daily. Even for solo transport. It just doesn’t work here.
If I lived in a warmer climate, I would be on a bike daily. Even for solo transport. It just doesn’t work here.
PT1984 said:
Looking at my riding over the last 6 months I imagine the weather plays a large part, especially when using the machine for pleasure and not as general transport. My garage ornament has been used 5 times since October. It was lovely weather when I left but I ended up soaked. That is not a pleasure.
If I lived in a warmer climate, I would be on a bike daily. Even for solo transport. It just doesn’t work here.
Admittedly, I live further south than you, although Bristol is pretty damp, but I've managed to do just shy of 5000 miles since October 1st, and I was caught in the rain only once.If I lived in a warmer climate, I would be on a bike daily. Even for solo transport. It just doesn’t work here.
Being retired has its advantages, like being able to ride on any day of the week (although I'm not sure that the advantage outweighs the disadvantages). Perhaps that's why there are so many ancient motorcyclists.
I don't enjoy riding in the UK anymore. Roads are too crowded, even on a Sunday, drivers too careless and ignorant and road condition is terrible.
If I lived in France, south of Troyes, I'd probably ride much more often. The French in general, can drive properly, the roads are very well maintained and the food and weather is much better.
If I lived in France, south of Troyes, I'd probably ride much more often. The French in general, can drive properly, the roads are very well maintained and the food and weather is much better.
PT1984 said:
Looking at my riding over the last 6 months I imagine the weather plays a large part, especially when using the machine for pleasure and not as general transport. My garage ornament has been used 5 times since October. It was lovely weather when I left but I ended up soaked. That is not a pleasure.
If I lived in a warmer climate, I would be on a bike daily. Even for solo transport. It just doesn’t work here.
i use bike as my commute in my home coutnry most of the time bar the snowy winterIf I lived in a warmer climate, I would be on a bike daily. Even for solo transport. It just doesn’t work here.
my bike in UK barely do more than 1000 miles a year. It is only a use for occational weekend ride now
Using it for commute make no sense for me. Rain alot, lack of storage compare to a car, lack of proper parking in many location, and risk of theft
Biker9090 said:
PT1984 said:
Even for solo transport. It just doesn’t work here.
I mean, it does. I'm not bothered about getting wet. I've done about 5/6000 miles since January with practically zero commuting. Lot's of people ride in all weathers.Edited by PT1984 on Monday 1st July 14:38
PT1984 said:
Well you gents are welcome to it! I can’t think of anything worse. And I can’t imagine would be much different. I ride for fun. And the rain for me is not fun. You can add cold into that!
Me too.Used to go out in all weathers when I was a teenager, including show, loved it.
These days, bugger that for a game of soldiers.
It would have to be a minimum of 15c/60f with hardly any chance of rain.
andrebar said:
croyde said:
I was a dispatch rider in the early 80s and we had the 'Ton up Park Lane Club'.
You had to hit 100mph headed north. No cameras back then.
Why only heading north? I always found southbound traffic was more challenging when I wanted to make fast progress there. You had to hit 100mph headed north. No cameras back then.
Too long ago to remember to be honest. Maybe traffic lights?
It's not surprising though is it.
Thick end of £1k to get a licence.
Same again for decent riding gear.
Roads are appalling.
Driving standards are worse.
Then you have to buy a bike, pay over the odds for insurance, then some
with a battery operated grinder helps themselves to it with a load of onlookers gawping and filming.
I won't even start on the weather...
I've been toying with the idea of getting another bike, but for err... reasons... I need to do a bike test and I just CBA with the cost and hassle now.
Thick end of £1k to get a licence.
Same again for decent riding gear.
Roads are appalling.
Driving standards are worse.
Then you have to buy a bike, pay over the odds for insurance, then some
with a battery operated grinder helps themselves to it with a load of onlookers gawping and filming.I won't even start on the weather...
I've been toying with the idea of getting another bike, but for err... reasons... I need to do a bike test and I just CBA with the cost and hassle now.
srob said:
Not watched that but no they won't. Sitting in the House of Lords are several high profile classic and vintage car enthusiasts, not least Lord Montagu who owns Beaulieu motor museum. And Prince Michael of Kent is a vintage car enthusiast. Any regulation to get vintage bikes off the road would also have to get cars off the road, and would have to go through the House of Lords, so they'd vote no on it.
Classic and vintage cars aren't subject to inheritance tax, which is why so many of the very wealthy have large collections. Ever wondered why when there's a high society wedding there's usually "the family's" classic Aston Martin or Rolls Royce involved..
That 2 minute video referred to all motorcycles whether ancient or modern. If EU takes the initiative to outlaw bikes, UK would be under considerable pressure to follow suit. But death by a thousand cuts would be easier politically.Classic and vintage cars aren't subject to inheritance tax, which is why so many of the very wealthy have large collections. Ever wondered why when there's a high society wedding there's usually "the family's" classic Aston Martin or Rolls Royce involved..
Wacky Racer said:
PT1984 said:
Well you gents are welcome to it! I can’t think of anything worse. And I can’t imagine would be much different. I ride for fun. And the rain for me is not fun. You can add cold into that!
Me too.Used to go out in all weathers when I was a teenager, including show, loved it.
These days, bugger that for a game of soldiers.
It would have to be a minimum of 15c/60f with hardly any chance of rain.
For me the other big issue is lack of time. I work in construction and I usually have a full set of PPE plus a laptop bag to cart around to muddy building sites. this limits the use of my bike for getting to and from work which leaves leisure riding only. Life outside of work is always busy and whilst I really do enjoy riding I'll be lucky to break 3000 miles this year.
bigothunter said:
srob said:
Not watched that but no they won't. Sitting in the House of Lords are several high profile classic and vintage car enthusiasts, not least Lord Montagu who owns Beaulieu motor museum. And Prince Michael of Kent is a vintage car enthusiast. Any regulation to get vintage bikes off the road would also have to get cars off the road, and would have to go through the House of Lords, so they'd vote no on it.
Classic and vintage cars aren't subject to inheritance tax, which is why so many of the very wealthy have large collections. Ever wondered why when there's a high society wedding there's usually "the family's" classic Aston Martin or Rolls Royce involved..
That 2 minute video referred to all motorcycles whether ancient or modern. If EU takes the initiative to outlaw bikes, UK would be under considerable pressure to follow suit. But death by a thousand cuts would be easier politically.Classic and vintage cars aren't subject to inheritance tax, which is why so many of the very wealthy have large collections. Ever wondered why when there's a high society wedding there's usually "the family's" classic Aston Martin or Rolls Royce involved..
Hasn't there been rumours of the EU wanting/planning to ban bikes since the 80s and it's never come to anything? I wouldn't want to be the bloke that broke it to the Italians that Ducati were being shut down
Things like driverless cars are the only thing that could pose a bit of a risk. As far as I can see the only way they're ever going to work is if all cars are driverless, or specific routes or roads are. I don't think human controlled cars and driverless will ever be compatible, and as there's not likely to be riderless bikes I can see that may cause some issues. But again, we're a long, long way off that and I'd be surprised if it happens in any of our lifetimes in anything other than very small scales or trials.
It would be quite a thing to ban the use of motorcycles in Europe/UK, turning a huge amount of expensive metal into paperweights overnight.
I'd suggest that it is more likely it will simply become more and more difficult to obtain a bike licence and/or more an more limits on what can be sold new, for example no new ICE bikes after 2030 or 2035.
Out in the sticks powered two wheelers are still very much an alternative to poor or non existent local public transport for youngsters wanting transport before getting a full 4 wheel licence.
I'd suggest that it is more likely it will simply become more and more difficult to obtain a bike licence and/or more an more limits on what can be sold new, for example no new ICE bikes after 2030 or 2035.
Out in the sticks powered two wheelers are still very much an alternative to poor or non existent local public transport for youngsters wanting transport before getting a full 4 wheel licence.
Wacky Racer said:
It is quite obvious that if you go to any bike meet, Devil's Bridge, Matlock Bath, Rivington Barn, Squires cafe etc, that nearly all the bikers are in the age range 40-75.
....
You see very few twenty/thirty year olds at these places, I'm not saying no new blood is coming through, but not enough to sustain motorbike shops in thirty years time.
Can only speak for myself but as a typical 30 something, two young kids, DIY to do, work etc etc on the occasions I have an opportunity to get the bike out I want to be sat on it, not milling around a venue. Not that there's anything wrong with that of course.....
You see very few twenty/thirty year olds at these places, I'm not saying no new blood is coming through, but not enough to sustain motorbike shops in thirty years time.
Also I passed my test at 31, long wanted to, but buying a house, doing it up, having kids meant it kept getting delayed from necessity.
Edited by Robb F on Monday 1st July 14:54
“Classic and vintage cars aren't subject to inheritance tax, which is why so many of the very wealthy have large collections. Ever wondered why when there's a high society wedding there's usually "the family's" classic Aston Martin or Rolls Royce involved.”
Classic cars and motorcycles are subject to Inheritance Tax, unless considered a “National Heritage Asset”. They are exempt from Capital Gains Tax.
Classic cars and motorcycles are subject to Inheritance Tax, unless considered a “National Heritage Asset”. They are exempt from Capital Gains Tax.
Notsofastfrank said:
“Classic and vintage cars aren't subject to inheritance tax, which is why so many of the very wealthy have large collections. Ever wondered why when there's a high society wedding there's usually "the family's" classic Aston Martin or Rolls Royce involved.”
Classic cars and motorcycles are subject to Inheritance Tax, unless considered a “National Heritage Asset”. They are exempt from Capital Gains Tax.
That's interesting. I'd always thought cars were exempt but bikes weren't. Never really looked into it as we don't have any classic cars! Classic cars and motorcycles are subject to Inheritance Tax, unless considered a “National Heritage Asset”. They are exempt from Capital Gains Tax.
I'd imagine those mentioned above would almost certainly have them listed as national heritage assets though!
It seems that since 2000 the number of registered bikes in the U.K. has risen from 900k to 1.3 million. However that doesn’t necessarily mean the number of riders has gone up as it could be an increase in multiple bike ownership. Those figures don’t break down what type of motorcycle either. There could be lots more 50 cc bikes (food delivery?) and fewer proper bikes.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/312594/motorcy...
https://www.statista.com/statistics/312594/motorcy...
Skeptisk said:
It seems that since 2000 the number of registered bikes in the U.K. has risen from 900k to 1.3 million. However that doesn’t necessarily mean the number of riders has gone up as it could be an increase in multiple bike ownership. Those figures don’t break down what type of motorcycle either. There could be lots more 50 cc bikes (food delivery?) and fewer proper bikes.
https://www.statista.com/statistics/312594/motorcy...
Does that include scooters? If it does then Just Eat, Uber Eats deliveroo etc will have bumped the figures considerably https://www.statista.com/statistics/312594/motorcy...
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