Britain rides the wrong bikes...but we're learning

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Which is entirely the point of the signature. Britain is traditionally a sportsbike buying nation when compared to other nations round the world. The majority of brits have always wanted the lastest, greatest and fastest race replicas, regardless of what it is they are intending to do with them. (Only a Brit could go round the world on an R1!)

That trend is changing, more and more riders are starting to try different bikes and realise that they actually enjoy their riding more, because the bike does something for them which they wanted (maybe faster leaving the B&B in the morning 'cos luggage clips on in two seconds, maybe a comfy seat lets them ride a full tank without stopping, maybe sub speed limit hooliganism on a supermoto, maybe they found that they really enjoy green laning), but they never realised they wanted it , because they walked into a showroom every three years and immediately put down a deposit on a new sportsbike. It could also be because the biking population is getting older and wants and needs are different.

I have found this thead interesting reading but it hasn't answered what I was hoping it would answer. It seems Britain is obsessed with sportsbikes compared with countries around them with similar roads. Why?

There must be a reason for it. I don't know maybe this country is obsessed with speed. Many of the formula 1 teams are based here etc etc (i know this is cars but still speed). Goodwood, Brooklands race track etc. Is it history, culture?

Or maybe we have more riders who are into getting the best out of their bike, wanting to 'work their bike'.

Maybe we have less riders who are interested in touring and looking at the scenery compared to other countries.

It's probably something silly & strange we haven't thought of.

Or maybe it's just what we're used to here and marketing.

Maybe one day we will find out.

Congrats to everyone on the forum for having such a civilised debate on here.

Safe riding everyone