The latest face lift for the Multi is here; and if it follows that the next model will be in four years time ,2029. While the UK has no definitive answer to when you will no longer be able to buy a petrol powered bike; it could follow what they are planning for cars, being 2030. As it takes around four years in development to bring a new model for sale; it seems unlikely that manufacturers would invest any more on future combustion engine bikes. While small bikes used for commuting can run on batteries; bikes that are used for leisure will be obsolete, unless there is a quantum leap on battery technology . I dont read of any of the big bike players saying they are developing a new electric adventure bike that can do 200 miles.
(Hopefully) good debate thread - looking at many factors for me, not just "the electric switch" - possibly all large vehicle manufacturers are feeling hesitant about plans for releasing budgets for the next exorbitant retail/"small sector" markets.
yes, the ICE/electric legislation has put the car and motorcycle development for manufacturers into a state of flux
I think bikes are way more viable than cars and larger transport if they can resolve charge times and locations etc the potential for lack of maintenance needs could change the bike market entirely: no more services every few thousand miles etc
Nowt to do with petrol, electric or owt else environmental. Bike viability as anything more than leisure use is inversely proportional to the percentage of theiving scrotes per capita. Until we start locking up the shitbags, you will never be able to casually park up anything decent anywhere.
I doubt that stolen bikes cause manufacturers any lost sleep. I would think they are quite happy effectively selling 2 new bikes for every one that gets stolen!
The American market has just opened back up so maybe new bikes will still continue to be developed for that if nothing else.
https://www.racfoundation.org/motoring-faqs/mobility#:~:text=In the United Kingdom, there,the end of June 2024. At the end of June 2024, there were 41.7 million licensed vehicles in the UK, an increase of 1.0 per cent compared to the end of June 2023. Cars make up the majority of licensed vehicles. In the United Kingdom, there were 33.93 million cars (81.3 per cent), 4.8 million LGVs (11.5 per cent), 0.54 million HGVs (1.3 per cent), 1.47 million motorcycles (3.5 per cent), 0.14 million buses & coaches (0.3 per cent) and 0.87 million other vehicles (2.1 per cent) licensed at the end of June 2024. Given that this is supposedly about saving the planet by cutting pollution, I would hope any decent Government would be busy enough sorting out the cars & goods vehicles to be not too worried about troubling motorcyclists for the minuscule proportion of the issue that we represent. The obvious flaw in this particular argument is that it requires a decent Government, something sadly lacking in this country for a number of years, regardless of their leaning.
The ageing profile of bikers is the reason for consistent sales drops. ‘Da yoof’ are happy ragging around on electric bikes, like we were on ‘field bikes’ in the 70s so they might not be concerned about the loss of petrol engines. Development of EV charging is so fast who knows what will be possible in 5-10 years? My work EV can add 200 miles in just over ten minutes on the decent chargers. Will the older generation want electric bikes is more of a question than whether they will be viable range/ price wise. I have been completely blown away by my EV car - amazing performance for price point, stupid cheap to run, loads of features that make life easy (e.g. remote heating/ cooling of interior). Would I buy an EV bike? Not at present and can’t see me doing anytime soon. Bikes are different from cars, there is something primeval about the connection when riding one. I would be happy to be proved wrong but can’t imagine an electric bike doing that.
As it's only a minor facelift, I was under the impression that a new model will follow in 18-24 months. I'm keeping an eye on what other models they bring out next, as a V2 Hypermotard could be my next bike, if they make one. That 950 has been around for donkeys years!
Can. Kicked. Down. Road. Imo. Thank Trump, thank reality. No way will infrastructure be in place by 2030.
I have to agree. A lot of people with a dislike for EV's or that pose the argument for infrastructure not being there to support them I would say have an opinion based upon public opinion rather than experience. If you have owned and lived with a half decent EV they are a revolution for most people (for some there will still be exclusions for location and travel patterns). I am a petrolhead, however the speed and ease and convenience of an EV are impressive, and only getting better.
Surely EV ownership is 100% down to location and lifestyle? I can imagine it is perfect for city workers and those with a short commute. Useless for me living between rural France and a two day drive to the North East! As to touring on an electric motorcycle, that idea is pure fantasy atm.
