Are we alone?

**JohnR** · 22nd October 2009, 10:52

Correct me if I've missed something but my observation is that there has been little or nothing from "the motorcycle industry" in the media, or even on this forum.

I can recall hearing a sound byte from MNZ and that is all.

Some form of public support for the intended "victims" of this outrage would be appreciated perhaps. Especially as they may become commercial victims themselves.

A statement from Hondayamazuki regarding the inappropriateness (if that's a word?) of using engine capacity as a criteria for setting differing levies, e.g. power to weight figures comparing a 1200cc cruiser to a 400cc sprotbike, might be a start.

**kunoichi** · 22nd October 2009, 10:55

I know that mt eden motorcycle crew has been participating in protests and meetings etc. However, i don't think they represent the business, just representing themselves and bikers in general.

**Skyryder** · 22nd October 2009, 11:02

Yep have been silent for awhile on this. They could be getting orgnised or working behind the scenes. Their buisnies are going to be hit hard by this.

I'll be surprised if they are doing nothing.

Skyryder

**Katman** · 22nd October 2009, 11:09

I think the talk of trying to get the off road riders paying their way has got many motorcycle businesses wary of speaking out lest they get off-side with a large percentage of their customers.

**JohnR** · 22nd October 2009, 11:28

Originally Posted by Katman

I think the talk of trying to get the off road riders paying their way has got many motorcycle businesses wary of speaking out lest they get off-side with a large percentage of their customers.

I can understand that...to a point. But surely helping to clarify the engine size point that we are raising would be helping their "other customers".

Who better to quote accurate specifications for bikes than the manufacturers/importers?

**Marmoot** · 22nd October 2009, 13:01

Originally Posted by JohnR

Who better to quote accurate specifications for bikes than the manufacturers/importers?

Kiwibikers

**Laxi** · 22nd October 2009, 13:06

bowled into the local bike shop on saturday to see if they had any acc stickers(figured they'd the logical 1s to get those out quick) was told they didn't have any but they're "organising protests and stuff"

we'll see i guess

**ckai** · 22nd October 2009, 13:07

See I find the lack of noise for the industry interesting as well. I had a talk to a guy in a shop and he said it has the possibility to close them! Now that's a pretty big statement and to not be really pushing it to be changed seems like you're accepting the fact that your doors will close.

But that could just be me...

**QMOTO** · 22nd October 2009, 13:12

QMOTO is right in behind it as you possibly know with a fair few hours involved in the TShirt side of things.
We are unsure what else we can do, we will be attending as many protests as we can also, including the welly Bikoi

**JohnR** · 22nd October 2009, 13:25

Originally Posted by QUASiMOTO

QMOTO is right in behind it as you possibly know with a fair few hours involved in the TShirt side of things.
We are unsure what else we can do, we will be attending as many protests as we can also, including the welly Bikoi

We all know the contribution yourselves and others are making and it is much appreciated.
But I was referring to "the big boys", (no disrespect intended

) the importers/manufacturers. As I said they are in a position to point out to ACC, et al, that size isn't everything when it comes to motorcycle performance and to back that with bona fide (possibly a little sales hyped but nevertheless) factory performance figures.
They also could/should DO THIS PUBLICLY (sorry for shouting) via the media.

**QMOTO** · 22nd October 2009, 13:41

Originally Posted by JohnR

We all know the contribution yourselves and others are making and it is much appreciated.
But I was referring to "the big boys", (no disrespect intended

) the importers/manufacturers. As I said they are in a position to point out to ACC, et al, that size isn't everything when it comes to motorcycle performance and to back that with bona fide (possibly a little sales hyped but nevertheless) factory performance figures.
They also could/should DO THIS PUBLICLY (sorry for shouting) via the media.

Yes of course, I saw the Rep from Kiwirider mag, he suggested I take out an advert............NAH
Im hoping he didnt mean that as I would have thoght it was a standard article kinda deal as opposed to a paid advert deal.......considering the readership interest etc.

But you are right, I aint heard boo !

**Ixion** · 22nd October 2009, 13:45

There's an article supporting us from MVA in Kiwibiker

And other approaches are being made

**jetboy** · 22nd October 2009, 13:52

On the personal front I am doing as much as I can

From an industry point of view I can't say anything but rest assured I'm working on it!

**wysper** · 22nd October 2009, 14:12

Like the OP I am surprised the Suzuki NZ, Yamaha NZ, Kawasaki NZ, Harley NZ etc aren't saying anything. Maybe they are told to keep out of local politics by their parent organisations.

But it does seem strange the the Retail arms or said manufacturers seem quiet.

In some ways it will possibly hit the retailers hardest.. for alot of us it is a hobby, pastime, method of commuting, but for others it is their livelihood.
Would seem something worth making waves over if you wanted to continue with it as your livelihood.