The Motorcycle Industry Council released sales figures for motorcycles in 2005, showing once again, that the popularity of bikes continues ...
The Motorcycle Industry Council released sales figures for motorcycles in 2005, showing once again, that the popularity of bikes continues on.1992 - 278,000
1993 - 293,000
1994 - 306,000
1995 - 309,000
1996 - 330,000
1997 - 356,000
1998 - 432,000
1999 - 546,000
2000 - 710,000
2001 - 850,000
2002 - 936,000
2003 - 1,001,000
2004 - 1,063,000
2005 - 1,116,000
The MIC said that the "zenith year" was 1973, when more than 1.5 million bikes were sold, following the commercial success of the film "Easy Rider".
MIC President Tim Buche cites fuel economy as a key reason why motorcycle sales continues strong...
"Rising fuel prices are just another reason that millions more Americans have purchased a bike, or are seriously considering one. With many motorcycles capable of 50 to 70 miles per gallon, and many scooters getting 60 to 80 mpg, dealerships and manufacturers are fielding a lot more inquiries about fuel economy."Another point worth mentioning is that helmet laws seem to come and go with the popularity of bikes. Historically, most States had helmet laws, then in the 1960s and 1970s, those States began repealing the laws. In the 1980s and 1990s, those laws were put back. And now once again, we're starting to see helmet laws repealed again, with Florida and Pennsylvania leading the way.
Perhaps the best weapon for bikers and biker-friendly legislation, is to have more bikers who vote.
