Where were all the Airheads....

[Lucky_Lou]

During my recent visit to the USA I sadly didn't see any Airheads despite doing over 1500 miles on my road trip, Loads of Harleys a few Goldwing's the odd Triumph and a couple of Oilheads most of the Harley riders had scant regard for personal safety with no helmets and "T" shirts... Darwinism will eventually prevail......
I did manage to get a off road ride in Colorado though and tie up with some R65 members in Fort worth Monte (Montmil) and Mike (Bengt Phorqs)

[Bob_Roller]

You don't see very many airheads on the road .

I live in Phoenix and ride just about every day and I may see an airhead once a month in my daily commute .

Out on the  back roads on weekends may see an occasional airhead .

Seems like no one wants 30 + year old bikes, let alone ride them .

Try looking for Guzzi's on the road, I've seen two in the five years I've had my Lario !!!

[Barry]

It's not  much different in the UK.  I ride most every day and while modern BMW's are common enough I rarely see an airhead and even more rarely see a type 248.  

[montmil]

Denton, Texas -30 something miles north of the DFW MetroMess- has a population of 121,000, more or less. I know riders of at least ten Airheads here in town, one of which rolls a sidecar rig. Also quite a few "modern" BMWs out n' about.

I believe us Airheads avoid the Interstate highways as much as possible. That means Bengt Phorqs and I must do a few super slab miles to get to our favorite Blue Hangar Cafe breakfast ride. Otherwise, us'uns stick to roads we refer to as "the cowboy way" where there are far fewer cagers.

[Lucky_Lou]

It's not  much different in the UK.  I ride most every day and while modern BMW's are common enough I rarely see an airhead and even more rarely see a type 248.  

Fair point Barry but through the summer months there seems to be far more bikes on the road here than in the states.
I think the Interstate routes especially in or near the cities are quite Hairy so Monte I don't blame you for enjoying the scenic routes, the picture is taken on Highway 24 Colorado plenty of bikes up there nearly all Harleys and nearly always in groups.
On the way back to Denver there were a couple of hardy souls riding small bikes in the rain on I 70 just wondering if there is a restriction on the Interstate routes regarding engine size like we have here on the Motorways ?.
Lou

[Bob_Roller]

About the only restriction I've seen on signs when entering an interstate highway, was ' motor driven cycles ' , or cycles under 150 cc's .

I don't know about other states, but  Arizona interstate highway speed limit in rural areas is 75 mph .

Most traffic is 10-20 mph faster .

If you can't do at least 80 mph, you'll get yourself run over !!!!

[wilcom]

I just looked up some demographics for the US motorcycle market and they have sold more bikes in the last 5 years than they ever did...they still worry about the aging biker ( 47yrs average) but they have been doing that for 20 years. If their data is including dirt bikes all bets are off, yes they are motorcycles but they are toys not a mode of transportation. They said a lot of their gains had been with young people and women, That suggests dirt bike to me.

My observation has been just like Lou's, what's out there are mostly Harleys,   every once in a while an oil head or two, haven't seen a K bike in years. What happened to those 8 billion Gold Wings they sold, must be in someone's garage, not on the road for me to see. I have been 7000 miles plus this riding season across the Southwest into the South for my observations, No bikes.

The morning commute in Southern Calif. has lots of bikes maybe more than before. With cars making mileage close to what a bike gets(and more than a R80) you would seem that would push folks back to cars in the morning. Go figure

[Barry]

A generalization - you would expect to see more bikes being used on a daily basis in warmer climates so the number on the roads in the UK are going to reduce at this time of year. I might see 2 on my commute to work and one of those is a scooter.  Weekends would see many more sport riders.

For commuting I think the improved fuel economy of cars must be a factor when compared to a modern sports bike although it doesn't apply in my case. I get a minimum of 65 MPG on my short commute while my old car would never make more that the high 20's on a short run.

The real reason I ride almost every day sometimes in miserable conditions is because it's addictive. Why else have many of us been riding for over 40 years.

[Kookaburra]

Has been a recent upsurge in bike ownership and usage in Australia. Increase in bikes and scooters for commuting to the CBD as overloaded public transport and hideously expensive parking for cars. Scary seeing beautiful young things on 2 small wheels with no protective gear at all apart from the mandatory helmet.  Bikes are exempt from parking meter tickets but need to observe the time limits or risk a fine. Out on the road it is later model BMW's and packs of posers on Harleys. Still a few earlier airheads getting around. Given the asking prices on the net they are highly prized.

[MichaelSydney]

Hmmm Kookaburra. 63 years old, living in Sydney and has an R65. Are you me?

You are right, two distinct camps of Beemers or Harleys. I attended a Ulysses Club meeting last night and there was a constant banter between the two.

There is a third tribe emerging of cafe racers and other custom built bikes which looks like a bit of fresh thinking. Spring time here so many bikes and scooters on the road.

[Tony Smith]

You are right, two distinct camps of Beemers or Harleys. I attended a Ulysses Club meeting last night and there was a constant banter between the two.

I just want to place it on record that I have only one problem with Harley Davidson products, and that is that they are not described correctly on their importation documentation and essential equipment is omitted.
 
If they came described as "Agricultural Machinery" and came equipped with a standard three point implement mount (for things such as rakes, mowers, ploughs etc.) I would have no problem at all.

The problem is that because they are currently not accurately described, certain cognitively challenged individuals think that they are motorcycles and ride them on the road which was clearly not their intended purpose.

[wilcom]

If they came described as "Agricultural Machinery"  

Tony , you must have a smother airhead than mine... Compared to a any Japanese multi, were on pure AG equipment too

[wilcom]

I got to thinking about this and I'm probably one of the worst culprits.

I moved to an area with "real winters", I work night and day, and at 69 I'm not as apt take a take off on a 3000 mile trip the way I used to. I might be doing 10% of what I was riding 10 years ago. So,  I am definitely one of the reasons there are less Airheads out there.

How bout you?

Don't know why the poll didn't attach to this message. they were together when I previewed it

you can check more than 1 box. I did , too busy and "old"

[Tony Smith]

Tony , you must have a smother airhead than mine... Compared to a any Japanese multi, were on pure AG equipment too

It's not about how "smooth" they are, its about fitness for purpose.
 
One is a motorcycle and one is a two wheel tractor.

[wilcom]

It's not about how "smooth" they are, its about fitness for purpose.  

Mine makes valve noise like a tractor. It shifts like a tractor. (and if we were not use to them) they look like a freaking tractor with their funny heads sticking out.

I still love my tractor, but a tractor it is