Politics and health concerns aside, the early days of the pandemic had us all on edge. But what does a global pandemic mean for motorcycling?
Like all great adventure rides, 2020 has had its fair share of challenges. COVID-19 caused production struggles, event cancellations, shop closures, and travel restrictions, all of which pointed to a potentially lousy year for the motorcycle industry. However, after a rocky start, there seems to be some light at the end of the quarantine tunnel.
According to Cycle World’s report from Motorcycle Industry Council President and CEO, Erik Pritchard, “The powersports industry is in a much more positive place than where we thought we’d be earlier this year.” In the same article, Honda, Ducati, and BMW all reported optimistic sales data and retail powersports sales were better than the three years prior.
No one really knows why motorcycle sales would be up mid-pandemic. I can venture a guess.
Perhaps it was the government stimulus checks, or an aversion to public transportation, or maybe everyone was sick of just rearranging their garages. But, personally, I can think of no better social distancing activity than going out on a motorcycle ride.
I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if the second half of the year sends us through another unexpected hairpin (or two or ten) and I’ll be eager to hear what the year-end reports look like. In the meantime, I’ll rest a little easier knowing that there are a few more happy people out there with protective gear on and a fresh set of knobby tires.
Header Image by Charles DeLoye on Unsplash | Bottom Image by Eric Welch on Unsplash
Motorcycle Industry News by Eva Rupert. Follow Eva @augusteva.
