Modern Vespa

This was a news article on the Powersports Business website, today....
The Piaggio Group released its first quarter results for 2018, which were highlighted by a strong start to the year in emerging countries, an upward trend that offset general weakness in European sales.

In Western countries, Piaggio demand ended down versus the prior year. European two-wheelers declined affected by extremely unfavorable weather conditions and challenging comparison base for 50cc vehicles; scooters declined about 11 percent, dragged down by 50cc plummeting 35 percent after an unusually strong Q4 2017 which saw a 93 percent increase year over year. Spain was the only major country ending up versus the prior eyar. Overall, bikes ended slightly up at about three percent, with positive trends spread across all major countries.

North America continued its decline in scooters, trending downward and ending in a double-digit decline, the eighth-straight quarter of decline.

Somewhat sidetrack but related topic. Was discussing with a fellow dance dad who happens to be a Hell's Angel member. He was discussing test riding a BMW, because many of the older "brothers" are switching from Harley's to the BMers. Maintenance is easier (He claimed) and better fuel economy. More comfortable ride for the same engine size.

In the past two weeks I've had discussions with 2 other parents from my son's Boy Scout troop about switching over to a commuter bike situation for them and their families. Gas prices on the rise, plus the additional California Gas tax are the main reasons. Well, that and the weathers getting nicer but also, gas jumps after the end of this month for summer. Granted, they are looking into the secondary market, person to person/craigslist type sales not dealer direct sales.

Back on topic, American's love their cars and as the economy is still doing strong I can see the decline in two wheeled purchases. I bought my first Vespa right before the 2008 crash. I did see an increase of activity both on this site, and locally (Royal Bastards Club as well as more motorcycles on the road) during the crash and throughout the recession.

I don't hope or wish for another recession but I'd imagine the numbers would increase again if that were to happen. Also, as previously mentioned with Gas prices on the rise nationally more and more people will consider or move over to Two Wheeled options as an alternative.

http://powersportsbusiness.com/top-stories/2018/05/09/the-piaggio-group-releases-2018-first-quarter-results/