Letters
LETTERS
That was then, this is now
Richard Taylor’s economic analysis as quoted in David Edwards’ February editorial “Men of Letters" is spot-on insofar as relative price changes among motorcycles and accessories are concerned. But he fails to acknowledge that the hidden costs of technology have to be factored into the costs of a modern machine. To be sure, on a dollarvalue basis, today's retail prices are “affordable" relative to our increased income. But the repair cost of a 1990-model luxo-tourer, with its silicon-chip technology and sophisticated bodywork, cannot be related to a mid-’60s Twin or even to a mid-'70s Multi, both of which any half-way decent home mechanic could wrench on (and usually did).
Brian Zeemer -Spring, Texas
Regarding your editorial comparing the prices of motorcycles over the past 25 years, you missed one essential point: If potential customers think that the price is too high, then the price is too high. Whatever the performance value of a Honda Hawk, it is not worth $4200 if it is sitting on a showroom floor gathering dust.
Peter Akraboff
San Francisco. California
I thoroughly enjoyed Richard Taylor’s comparisons between 1965 bikes and their 1 989 counterparts. And I suppose that comparing engine sizes is the most-fair way to do it. But another way to compare would be to consider the fact that the Triumph 650 Bonneville was, in 1965. the biggest, fastest, mostexpensive bike Triumph offered. If you compare that to the top-of-theline Honda, rather than the 650cc Hawk GT. you'll see that the percentage of price difference becomes much larger.
Anyway, thanks for producing a top-of-the-line magazine. I started reading Cycle World in January,
1 962, with Vol. 1 No. 1., and I still have it. It compares very favorably with today’s magazine. And I really don't mind the $2.25 cover price.
It's a better bargain than some of today's bikes.
Jim A. Smith Cincinnati, Ohio
If Mr. Taylor really wants to compare costs over the last 25 years, he should look at a CBR600’s $65 rearview mirror, a Gold Wing's $ 10 oil filter, a Hawk GT's $ 1 50 rear tire and the $60 in parts that it takes to rebuild o/?eCB750 carburetor.
David Heald Laramie, Wyoming
In 1 965, the Sportster was one of the fastest, most-technically advanced bikes around, so Taylor should have compared its price to that of today's ZX-1 1 or CBR 1000, not a 1 4.40-second cruiser like the current Harley XLH. Please send me an FZR 1000 so I can compare it to my 1965 Sportster.
Jeff. R. Collins Glenpool, Oklahoma
Sure thing. As soon as you send us $7949. That's in 1990 dollars.
Mr. Taylor’s statistics are very interesting and, I have no doubt, accurate, but they don’t take into account the rest of life’s sad little story. Some years ago psychologist Abraham Maslov developed his “Hierarchy of Needs" theory, which stated that before a man could move onto the things he wanted, first he had to fulfill certain basic needs: food, shelter, clothing, warmth, etc.
My point is that although certain people’s paychecks may be keeping pace with the rising costs of motorcycles, they may not be cutting the mustard when it comes to basic survival needs. You don't have to be a genius in economics to see that the standard of living in the U.S. has taken a beating over the last 25 years. All you have to do is walk down the streets in any major city in this great land and open your eyes.
Yes, people are earning more money now, but they are realizing fewer spendable dollars.
What this means to the motorcycle industry is that I cannot afford a new motorcycle, and apparently I’m not alone.
Jim Podeszwa Piscataway, New Jersey
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