2024 motorcycles sales slip in
Motorcycle sales are on a downward trend and slipped by 1.7% nationwide for 2024 according to Motorcycledata.com.
Many popular brands such as Harley Davidson, Yamaha, and Suzuki have reported a standstill in new motorcycle sales in the U.S., thus leaving many bikes on the showroom creating an oversaturation of inventory for which many dealers are having a hard time finding new buyers. Many external factors such as higher interest rates, low approval rates for loans, and high insurance premiums are making the entry price to motorcycle ownership a difficult choice for those who are interested in owning a motorcycle according to motorcycledata.com.
“Bay Area riders have been seeing high inflation, and interest rates creating uncertain economic times making it less accessible and attractive to buy a new or used motorcycle,” said Billy Betts, certified motorcycle technician of Bad Billy Cycles in Brentwood. “Maintenance costs alone have been on the rise as parts and labor costs are on the rise.”
In many parts of the world, motorcycles are seen as a primary mode of transportation where they have always been seen as efficient in fuel economy, reducing traffic
congestion, and relatively easy to maintain.
However, the American market has brought the standard to a level where the financial risk of owning a motorcycle has turned away many potential buyers. With a starting price of $27,000 - $37,000, the popular Harley Davidson Road Glide is just an example of how much inflation and cost of materials to build the popular motorcycle have risen compared to prices before 2020 when the average price was about $18,000 per motorcycle, according to JDpower.com.
Globally, motorcycle sales are rising. New motorcycles sales increased by 2.7% as the motorcycle market recovers from its 2020 downfall due to loss of sales during COVID19, according to Motorcycledata.com.
Popular brands such as Suzuki reported their 2024 third-quarter sales globally are up 8.3% with their fastest-growing markets in Ukraine up 3,700%, Albania up 1,100%,
“Bay Area riders have been seeing high inflation, and interest rates creating uncertain economic times making it less accessible and attractive to buy a new or used motorcycle,” said Billy Betts, certified motorcycle technician of Bad Billy Cycles in Brentwood.
and Bosnia up 300% but slipped in the United States as sales were down 5.4% in the first quarter of 2024.
Honda Motor Corp. having the largest market share globally reported motorcycle sales are up 7.9% having their top-selling countries in Japan, China, and India, as well as an increase in sales in the U.S. market up 3.7% year over year remaining the top Japanese brand in the United States.
Why are motorcycle sales down in the U.S.? One major factor comes down to the banks, experts say.
Banks are taking less risk with motorcycle loan approvals because delinquency rates of auto loans rose by more than 4% in 2024, and repossessions increased by 23% in the third quarter of 2024, according to Cox Automotive report. Banks see motorcycles as a luxury item in the American market and are more likely to have a higher standard of
credit approval ratings coming with higher interest rates 6%-9%. Monthly payments of a moderate ($10,000-$15,000) to premium grade ($16,000) motorcycle can be as high as $450-$750 a month for a 36-month loan even with good or excellent credit. American motorcycle owners are holding onto their motorcycles while they wait for prices to drop as demand for the popular machines declines and inventory remains stagnant, experts said.
For new riders, more affordable options are available in the sub 600cc entry-level category such as the Honda Rebel 500 with a base price of $6,749 and Yamaha R3 with a starting price of $5,499. These bikes are popular for many new riders who are looking to settle for a cheaper alternative to the more premium and expensive models, experts say.
As motorcycle sales in the U.S. hang in the balance between global and domestic trade restrictions, as well as personal economic factors for many Americans, the future of riding the open roads in the United States remains uncertain. Motorcycle brands in the U.S. will have their work cut out for them as there are fewer younger buyers in the market. Generation Z consumers realize their buy-in for cars and motorcycles is just too high of a price to pay between rising cost of gas, insurance, maintenance, and are opting in for more practical means of transportation such as ride sharing, public transportation, and e-bikes, experts said.
ANDREW RULLODA
Photo by Adobe Stock
How to paint your car to retain its value
According to Popular Mechanics, oxidation can harm iron-based metals. That can put vehicles in jeopardy and take significant time off their life expectancy. The good news is that rust and other issues that can affect a vehicle’s paint job and appearance are typically avoidable. That should be music to the ears of new vehicle owners, who likely need no reminder of the sizable financial investment required to drive off the lot with a fresh set of wheels. Drivers who want their cars and trucks to maintain their looks over the long haul can consider these simple strategies to protect their paint jobs:
♦ Make car washes part of your vehicle maintenance routine. Seasoned drivers are undoubtedly familiar with the conventional wisdom surrounding oil change intervals, but those same motorists may not recognize the importance of routine car washes. Over time, contaminants such
as pollen, dust and pollution can settle on a vehicle’s exterior, potentially jeopardizing the paint job. Routine car washes can prevent such damage and help a car look like it was just driven off the lot.
♦ Wax the exterior of the vehicle. The automotive experts at Carfax report that waxing is a significant and simple way to protect vehicle paint. Carfax notes that certain paste waxes contain mild abrasives that help remove fine scratches from painted surfaces. Wax also can protect paint jobs from fading related to exposure to ultraviolet rays. That’s especially noteworthy for drivers who do not routinely park their cars in a garage.
♦ Use a car cover. Car covers may or may
not be practical for cars drivers use every day, but they are an effective way to protect a paint job from the elements. Drivers who have a spare car they rarely drive or even those who do not drive their primary vehicle a lot each day can purchase a universal-fit car cover or a premium cover designed specifically for their vehicles. Car covers protect paint jobs from ultraviolet rays and the elements, and may reduce the need for more frequent trips to the car wash.
♦ Park in the shade, but choose spots wisely. Parking in the shade may protect vehicles from the ultraviolet rays of the sun, but it’s important that drivers pick the right shady spot to park their cars and trucks. A shade tree might seem like a great ally to vehicle owners, but if birds nest or rest in the tree, drivers could be exposing their cars to bird droppings. That’s no small threat, as bird droppings are high in uric acid, which quickly damage a vehicle’s exterior. Parking directly beneath a tree also might expose the paint job to sap or fallen leaves or berries, each of which can harm vehicle exteriors. If you plan to park in the shade to protect the paint job, ideally choose a spot that is not directly beneath the tree.
A well-maintained paint job can improve the appearance and life expectancy of a vehicle, which is something drivers should keep in mind as they hope to get the most out of their automotive investment.
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
♦ Check all fluid levels and condition.
♦ Inspect engine air filter and cabin air filters, and replace if needed.
♦ Check for leaks and any worn or damaged suspension components.
Spring and summer are right around the corner, which in all likelihood means more traveling and many folks embarking on a road trip.
An estimated 92 percent of Americans plan to travel in 2025, with 56 percent of Americans planning to travel more than they did in 2024, according to travel industry trends and statistics from www.ipx1031.com/ americans-travel-report-2025/. Another 35 percent of Americans are planning a vacation over spring break. With people spending more time in their vehicles and on the road, there are tips and advice to keeps vehicles in tip-top shape and running smoothly, whether people are getting ready to hit the interstates for that multi-state road trip, commuting to and from work, or sticking around locally.
According to Brian Cornelius, Quick Lane Manager at Bill Brandt Ford in Brentwood, the tires on the vehicle are at the top of the list when it comes to safety before a long road trip.
“Tires give vehicles the traction to take off from a stop, as well as the traction needed
to slow the vehicle when stopping,” Cornelius said. “A vehicle with bald tires will not be able to stop as needed during an emergency situation. It is paramount that tires have tread life remaining and even tread wear before taking your car on the road.”
Cornelius also stressed the importance of tire rotations at every service along with proper tire pressure using the recommended tire pressure from the vehicle’s manufacturer ensures that the tires sit square to the ground. This ensures that the vehicle is getting the most out of its tread, while inspecting and replacing tires is also strongly encouraged if needed.
“Not only does the tire pressure ensure that you are getting the most miles per gallon, but it ensures that you have the best acceleration and braking traction,” Cornelius said.
While tire maintenance is crucial before a long drive (or at any time), getting a vehicle serviced is also recommended, along with the following recommendations from Cornelius:
♦ Having regular oil changes.
♦ Having batteries tested.
♦ Having four-wheel alignment performed.
♦ Having brakes inspected and ensure proper operation.
For electric vehicles, Cornelius says that the main difference is that there is certain maintenance that is not needed for electric vehicles, as gas vehicles have fluids that must be changed in order for its internal combustion engine to run properly. Gas vehicles have engine oil changes, fuel filters, and engine air filters that need to be changed in regular intervals. However, Cornelius added that the biggest addition to electric vehicles is periodic software updates, which can be performed at a dealership or in some cases, from the convenience of your home.
80,000 to 100,000 miles depending on the manufacturer. Also, brakes and wiper blades have to be changed as needed.”
How to keep your car running smoothly this spring and summer
Cornelius added that aside from fuel, oil is the single most important thing to ensure a vehicle is able to run for a long time. Oil should be changed every 5,000 and 10,000 miles depending on manufacturer recommendations and driving conditions. Over time, oil breaks down and loses it viscosity and will eventually turn to sludge and gum up the internal parts of the engine. That can cause the engine to not run cleanly and eventually seize.
The Bay Area is considered severe driving conditions when it comes to vehicle wear and tear.
– Brian Cornelius of Bill Brandt Ford
Additionally, brake fluid should be tested and replaced every 30,000 miles, coolant should be replaced between 75,000 and 100,000 miles, while transmission services should be done between 60,000 and 100,000 miles depending on the manufacturer and vehicle use, he said.
“When it comes to electric vehicles, there is no ‘engine’, therefore no oil to change,” Cornelius said. “The biggest maintenance items on an electric vehicle would be to rotate the tires every 6,000 to 10,000 miles and replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Electrical vehicles also have coolant to cool the batteries, which should be changed every
“The Bay Area is considered severe driving conditions when it comes to vehicle wear and tear,” Cornelius added. “The reason being is a large amount of stop-and-go traffic and hilly areas in the region. It is always best to find out each individual manufacturer recommendations for your make model and year vehicle.”
SEAN TONGSON
Tips for how to drive safer at night
riving requires drivers to use their senses so they, their passengers and their fellow motorists can safely traverse the roadways. When any of those senses are compromised, the risk for accident increases.
Sight is vital to safe driving. Individuals who have vision problems must correct them by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses to stay safe behind the wheel. But what if the condition affecting vision is nighttime?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that more accidents happen at night, when the passenger vehicle occupant fatality rate is around three times higher than the daytime rate. That’s despite the fact that there are far fewer cars on the road at night than during the daytime.
Reduced visibility and drowsiness behind the wheel after the sun goes down may cause many people to avoid driving at night. But driving at night isn’t always avoidable, especially during the months when the sun sets early. When forced to drive at night, drivers can follow these tips to make it safer and easier.
♦ Get enough rest. Skip the road trip if you are feeling tired or if you have taken medication that can cause drowsiness.
♦ Improve headlight visibility. Make sure headlights are in good working order and that the plastic covering on the headlights is not cloudy, which can dim light output. The angle of the lamp also is a factor. Some headlights may need a periodic angle adjustment.
♦ Stick to multi-lane roadways. Today’s vehicles are typically equipped with LED lights rather than halogen or incandescent bulbs.
A study in the SAE International Journal of Passenger Cars found that these LED lamps were “generally perceived to be brighter than a standard incandescent lamp.” Although these lamps may help drivers see in front of them while driving, oncoming drivers often claim they are blinded. Oncoming lights can be particularly intense on a two-lane road. On a multi-lane road, you can put yourself at a distance from oncoming cars if you stick to an outer lane.
♦ Clean your windshield. A dirty windshield can cause additional glare and also make it challenging to see the road.
♦ Slow down and watch the shoulder. It can be difficult to see pedestrians and animals at night. Deer often are struck at dusk or overnight, particularly between October and January.
♦ Get an eye exam. Age-related vision changes can compromise vision and perception of glare. Speak with an eye professional about which coatings can be applied to glasses to help with glare and if any tweaks to prescriptions need to be made.
Image courtesy of Metro Creative
When forced to drive at night, drivers can follow these tips to make it safer and easier.
Although smartphones are convenient, they should be stored out of reach while driving to limit the temptation of use, experts say.
The dangers of smartphone usage while driving
ew likely imagined that a day would come when a person could communicate, browse the internet, take photos and videos, play music, and much more all from a device small enough to store in a pants pocket.
But that’s just what one gets with a smartphone. These amazing devices have transformed how people engage in everyday life. Although smartphones have their upside, there are disadvantages to the connectivity they provide – including the threat phones pose when used while behind the wheel. Anything that causes a driver to take his or her eyes off of the road, even if only for a few seconds, can prove disastrous. And smartphones have proven particularly distracting for drivers. In fact, according to Franciscan Health, one in four accidents occur because a driver was using a cellphone, hands-free or not. Distracted driving contributed to 3,522 deaths and 362,415 injuries in the United States in 2021, the most recent year for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s published estimates. More than 20 percent of respondents in a 2022 NHTSA survey admitted to using at least one smartphone-based distraction, such as social media, texting or video calls, while driving. Each time a driver gets away with using
a phone without incident while behind the wheel, he or she may feel like it is no big deal. However, there is real danger in doing so. Here are some facts that highlight how dangerous using a smartphone while driving can be.
♦ The National Safety Council has found drivers using hands-free and hand-held cellphones fail to see up to 50 percent of the information in their driving environment. This is known as “inattention blindness.”
♦ The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says using a cellphone while driving increases crash risk, as researchers have consistently linked texting or manipulating a cellphone to increased risk. When the IIHS monitored drivers who frequently use cellphones while driving for one year, those drivers had the highest rates of near crashes and crashes.
♦ Using driving simulators or instrumented vehicles, various analyses have found typing or reading text messages significantly slowed reaction time and increased lane deviations. It also increased the length of time drivers looked away from the roadway. The NSC says drivers using cellphones had reaction times slower than drivers impaired by alcohol at .08 blood alcohol concentration.
♦ When a person sends a text message or reads a message, it takes his or her eyes off the road for five seconds. Going 55 miles per hour while texting is like driving the length of a football field with one’s eyes closed.
Tips for cleaning and interior maintenance
Drivers who want their cars and trucks to look their best should not forget their vehicle interiors. Drivers unsure where to start can spruce up their vehicle interiors in the following ways:
♦ Remove any trash. Wrappers, receipts, empty water bottles, and other items can quickly pile up inside a car, especially for drivers who have young children. Routinely go through the vehicle to gather and remove debris.
♦ Vacuum the interior. Start with a can of compressed air and blow out dust and any other dirt that has accumulated in tight crevices. Then use a high-powered vacuum to conduct a thorough cleaning. Pay attention to the seams of car seats, door handles, armrests, floor mats (and under them), underneath child safety seats, and the trunk or cargo area. If you don’t have a vacuum with a lot of suction, use one at a do-it-yourself carwash location.
♦ Scrub floor mats. Drivers with rubber mats can remove them and make a mild cleaning solution of a few drops of dish soap and warm water. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the mats. Upholstered mats can be shampooed using a carpet cleaner. Then rinse and hang to dry. All mats should be completely dry before being returned to the vehicle.
♦ Clean the upholstery. Seats can get dirty and dingy over time. For cloth vehicle seats, use a proper spray or foam upholstery cleaner. All-purpose cleaner can work on vinyl seats, but leather seats require a special leather soap and conditioner. Avoid products with silicone, which can stain your clothes and may make interior surfaces too slippery.
♦ Address glass surfaces. Turn your attention to the windshield, windows and mirrors. You can use a store-bought glass cleaner on these surfaces and a lint-free cloth. Avoid products containing ammonia, which may damage tinting on windows.
♦ Consider lingering odors. If the interior of the car has an odor, the cabin air filter may need to be changed, or there may be water entering the vehicle somewhere and creating a musty smell. Seek out any problems and address them. A car air freshener can further improve the interior smell.
A thorough deep cleaning can be done at least once a month to keep a vehicle’s interior fresh and clean.
