Bikes on the comeback

[Dodgyiti]

If you have been following the news in the last 6 months, you will know about the imminent increases in crude oil prices.
China, in it's desires to catch up with the western world, has huge demands of the world's oil reserves. Instability in the Arabic nations is also causing the prices to go up.
What does this mean to us?
Well, with fuel going up and up, and our dependence on road transport for consumer goods, it means everything will cost more for every increase per barrel.
Petrol at the pumps will cost over $2 a litre by this time next year.
Truckies,reps and all other large petrol consumers will suffer, and the public will look to alternitive means of transportation.
Suddenly, like the rationing times during WW2, the humble motorcycle will be seen in a new light.
For cheap commuting and parking, a wee 250cc will seem like a good thing, and that can also lead to more bikers as our population of motorcyclists has been in decline [ and aging ]for many years.
But we knew we were onto a good thing, way before that happens..
Thoughts anyone?

[Wenier]

dont say that $2 a litre this time next year NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

[Blakamin]

Suddenly, like the rationing times during WW2, the humble motorcycle will be seen in a new light.
:

I think they'll do what they did in the 70's (?)
petrol day stickers!

edit: was meant to be carless....

[Motu]

Carless day stickers - I had several wrapped in gladwrap,just stick up the correct one next to the gladwrapped rego sticker.I reckoned I was immune from restictions because I rode a bike 90% of the time.

[ManDownUnder]

Carless day stickers - I had several wrapped in gladwrap,just stick up the correct one next to the gladwrapped rego sticker.I reckoned I was immune from restictions because I rode a bike 90% of the time.

Cool! Carless days!!!!!

Does that mean 1/7 less cars on the motorway on the way home do you think??

OH YEAH!!!!!!

[dhunt]

For cheap commuting and parking, a wee 250cc will seem like a good thing, and that can also lead to more bikers as our population of motorcyclists has been in decline [ and aging ]for many years.
But we knew we were onto a good thing, way before that happens..
Thoughts anyone?

That would certainlly increase bike awareness which would be good but for the wrong reason.

David

[Ghost Lemur]

Prices will not reach $2.

Yes some of the things you mention are playing a part in crude prices, but a lot of what you are seeing happening is due to speculators. OPEC is not running at capacity. Yes china's increased consumption which wouldn't be so bad if Yukon wasn't in the shit with Putin. Yes Nigeria is having it annual upheaval (hello it's Africa - makes sure gf isn't around so as to avoid slap), Yes Iraq is well... Iraq.

But most of the price movements you are seeing are market games. Nothing more.

[riffer]

Cool! Carless days!!!!!

Does that mean 1/7 less cars on the motorway on the way home do you think??

OH YEAH!!!!!!

Yippee!

It will be just like the school holiday weeks. Bugger all traffic jams...

[tuscan]

Beats public transport, that's for sure

[Dodgyiti]

Carless days eh?
[Someone is showing their age] :cool2:

[bgd]

Carless days implies only cars? I assume bikes were exempt? So long ago I can't remember.

[Motu]

Yes,bikes were exempt - you nominated a day were were not going to use the car,and had a sticker for that day on the screen,you were a bad boy if you were caught out that day.I could use my car any day I liked - so could my friends if they were smart enough to gladwrap the sticker...

[Velox]

dont say that $2 a litre this time next year NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Mate - your avatars are just getting dodgier and dodgier! Is there something you want to tell the group?
(Sorry - completely I know)

[Bob]

It seems that motorcycle sales are increasing in the US as their fuel prices are hiked... as reported (to some small degree of abuse, it has to be said) by this humble scribe

So bikes suddenly make sense to people as commuter vehicles... could things go further? Could there be a return to... the sidecar?

Suppose that'd be pushing things too far - I don't know, but I'm guessing bikes with a sidecar probably aren't that different in fuel-efficiency terms to a small car, what with the additional weight of the outfit?

[vtec]

Yep I commute on my 250 even though I've got a car, cause it gets 20k/l, and my car gets a reasonable 10k/l.

Also I've noticed that since I've been riding to uni from the start of the year. Two other guys in my Physics lecture at Tamaki have decided that they will get bikes. Free parking in town, and traffic only slows me down a bit.

And the rather obvious fun factor. I drove my car on the weekend and got really frustrated with the traffic and lack of parking out near botany downs. And started to wish I had taken my bike.

OT I know, but my dad might have bought a TL1000s by tonight. That would be awesome, I'd ride it even though i'm on my restricted.