Yamaha predicts loss

[TEvo]

Almost all motorcycle companies are in the same boat, maybe not 22% but pretty close. I wonder if its the same with auto sales though as super-luxury cars are not really taking huge hit. Obviously total sales are way down, but does anyone know if super-bikes or high end cruiser sales are dipping?

Bright spots are harder and harder to come by these days... in any industry.

http://motorcycledaily.com/10february09_08sales.htm

Everyone is looking for a piece of the stimulus/bailout pie... New motorcycle purchases may (are?) eligible for tax deductions.

http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=627

As for Indian, perhaps it is best they be remembered as a legend instead of having every last drop of brand equity sweated out of the historic marque?

[Theweapon52]

I think that if Indian does survive, all it suggests is that the wealthy are staying wealthy and are willing to spend the money in a lavish way. If you look at companies like Ferrari or Lamborghini they have been surviving by only selling elite cars to a small percentage of people. I wonder what the difference is between elite motorcycle companies and elite car companies is and why the motorcycle companies are taking such a hit.

[RhadamYgg]

Almost all motorcycle companies are in the same boat, maybe not 22% but pretty close. I wonder if its the same with auto sales though as super-luxury cars are not really taking huge hit. Obviously total sales are way down, but does anyone know if super-bikes or high end cruiser sales are dipping?

Bright spots are harder and harder to come by these days... in any industry.

http://motorcycledaily.com/10february09_08sales.htm

Everyone is looking for a piece of the stimulus/bailout pie... New motorcycle purchases may (are?) eligible for tax deductions.

http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=627

As for Indian, perhaps it is best they be remembered as a legend instead of having every last drop of brand equity sweated out of the historic marque?

I should be noted that there is a dollar limit to the price of the vehicle to qualify for stimulus on the sales tax. If I remember correctly, it is 36K sale price. I think the Indians were even more expensive.

Hell, my wife's minivan was 32K, and if we picked another couple of options would easily have gone over 36K. Seems like a low limit.

RhadamYgg

[RhadamYgg]

I'm not a history buff for Indian motorcycles, but I feel sure when they started out they weren't ultra-expensive rich people toys.

Hell, maybe they were, but even if they were I doubt they were as expensive (in proportion to current dollars) as they are now.

RhadamYgg