Motorcycle Resurgence
Naveen Kumar
| 26-03-2024
· Auto Team
An industry once considered a sunset industry has now seen a surprising growth rate of over 40%, and that's none other than the medium to large displacement motorcycles.
Popular among the affluent in the 1980s and 1990s, motorcycles became symbols of personal freedom for today's youth, breathing new life into an industry once forgotten on street corners. Last year, production and sales exceeded 20 million units.
This resurgence is fueled by the enthusiasm and purchasing power of the youth, coupled with the relaxation of "motorcycle bans" in many cities. The sight of motorcycles roaring past, accompanied by exhilarating melodies, seems like a call of the times.
Do you know why we love riding motorcycles so much?
1. Environmentally friendly:
Compared to cars, motorcycles have smaller pollution footprints. Additionally, their compact and lightweight bodies make them less likely to contribute to traffic congestion and offer more significant parking advantages.
2. Cost-effective:
From fuel consumption and insurance to maintenance and customization, motorcycles are undoubtedly cheaper than cars.
3. Physical activity:
Serious riders know how physically demanding riding can be, especially for those racing on tracks. Achieving unity between body and machine requires tense muscles throughout the day, leading to inevitable muscle soreness.
4. More enjoyment:
While many perceive motorcycles as more dangerous, the thrill-seeking crowd pursues precisely that. Moreover, the joy of riding a bike surpasses that of driving a car for many.
5. Avoiding traffic congestion:
Particularly in congested urban areas, motorcycles are significantly faster than cars. While cars are stuck in gridlock, motorcycles have already zoomed ahead.
6. Stress relief:
In today's society dominated by technology, most people are constantly tethered to smartphones. However, riding a motorcycle offers a sense of liberation from this digital rope, with the roar of the engine and the rush of speed providing a refreshing escape.
7. Community bonding:
While car enthusiasts also have gatherings, motorcycle meetups resonate more profoundly.
8. Lower barriers to entry:
Although obtaining a motorcycle license may be required, it's generally more straightforward and quicker than getting a driver's license. Moreover, the diverse range of motorcycle models allows beginners to start with smaller engine displacements, often at lower prices, making entry more accessible.
9. Affordable supercar experience:
Particularly for men, the desire for the adrenaline rush of a supercar is universal. However, many are deterred by supercars, which often cost hundreds of thousands or even millions. Yet, many sports motorcycles can quickly achieve 100 km/h speeds in under 3 seconds, rivaling, if not surpassing, supercars.
10. Mechanical knowledge cultivation:
A proficient rider will seek to solve minor motorcycle issues, replace parts, and customize their ride. The sense of accomplishment from repairing and customizing a bike fosters mechanical knowledge and skills.
In modern urban life, while enjoying the conveniences offered by virtual technologies, individuals are still constrained by their physical environment. In most cities, people navigate their daily lives amidst constant movement and transportation. Modern transportation merely facilitates movement from one destination to another. As spontaneous trips become increasingly implausible, motorcycles provide young people with a sense of controllable freedom within limits.
In the fast-paced urban environment, human mobility fuels vitality, and among all forms of transportation, motorcycle riders embody the city's most dynamic essence. They traverse the streets and alleys, permeating every capillary of the urban fabric. Their vehicles reflect diverse and subtle aesthetic choices, creating a lively and fluid cultural landscape.