Harley owns the cruiser market, they always have. Current sales show Harley with 50% of all motorcycle sales in the U.S. ( across all motorcycle categories ) all the other brands divide up the rest of the pie. For 2022 Yamaha has dropped the entire Star cruiser line up. They still have a top of the food chain, big V Twin full dress bike that they categorize as a trans Continental tourer, the pee wee 250 V Twin and the 950 Bolt have been reclassified as standards. Will the other Japanese brands follow suit? Outside of Harley, the market has been shifting towards adventure bikes and sport touring and very modern standards.
I’ve mentioned that when I bought my new C50 , in a dealership showroom that was nearly devoid of new bikes, there was my C50 shoved into a hallway, neglected and covered with dust! ( Side note: I just read a 2005 road test of a C50 and the list price then was just $150 less than what I paid for a 2021!! That blows my mind! ). When I was shopping for my bike, I considered buying a used one. There were a boatload of them, hardly
ridden , primarily offered by old Baby Boomers who have aged out of riding. I am not knocking cruisers, I had one before and I just bought a new one, but I’m also 65, maybe I am the demographic. I think a lot of younger riders are snapping up the good deals on used bikes, and that’s good, they make for reliable transportation.
A few bikes back, I bought a new 2011 Suzuki 650 V-Strom, which may be the most well rounded and competent bike I’ve ever owned. But having said all that, I deliberately chose this C50 because I wanted a well made, comfortable and dependable bike for riding around town and the occasional day trip of 300 miles or less, and for that intent, I think this bike is just about perfect. 😃
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I’ve mentioned that when I bought my new C50 , in a dealership showroom that was nearly devoid of new bikes, there was my C50 shoved into a hallway, neglected and covered with dust! ( Side note: I just read a 2005 road test of a C50 and the list price then was just $150 less than what I paid for a 2021!! That blows my mind! ). When I was shopping for my bike, I considered buying a used one. There were a boatload of them, hardly
ridden , primarily offered by old Baby Boomers who have aged out of riding. I am not knocking cruisers, I had one before and I just bought a new one, but I’m also 65, maybe I am the demographic. I think a lot of younger riders are snapping up the good deals on used bikes, and that’s good, they make for reliable transportation.
A few bikes back, I bought a new 2011 Suzuki 650 V-Strom, which may be the most well rounded and competent bike I’ve ever owned. But having said all that, I deliberately chose this C50 because I wanted a well made, comfortable and dependable bike for riding around town and the occasional day trip of 300 miles or less, and for that intent, I think this bike is just about perfect. 😃
