You're not out of touch. I also believe that Baby Boomers are driving the current "mid-size" motorcycle sales, despite what the makers' advertising would have you believe.
Most younger people are either just not interested in power sports, or can't afford it due to college debt and the choice to spend their time and money on media and phones.
I see some younger riders on "mid-size" motorcycles, but they're outnumbered.
From what I've seen, Harley's "Street" line is mainly sold to girlfriends and wives of HD riders. I don't see many young men on them. I'm sure there are some, but the younger guys are always on Sportsters.
I agree with this statement in its entirety. Younger people can't tell you how many cylinders a car has. Most have no idea how to do maintenance on it and manufacturers are playing on this. Look under the hood of a modern car and all you will see is a sheet of plastic. BMW has even made the oil dipstick obsolete with computer oil monitoring. Kids today are more interested in connectivity features of a vehicle than how many horsepower it has.
Up here in Canuckistan it is cold and snowy for the winter months so a motorcycle is essentially a luxury item. Insurance is expensive and if you are a young new rider it is really expensive. Seen quotes for young riders in excess of $2000. Hell most large displacement riders 60 years old with 40 years experience are paying in the $1000 range. What young person with student loans. a mortgage and rent could afford this. Heck, they would have to give up there cellphones and we know that is not going to happnen,
Cheers, Tim
