Let's start a New Revolution

With Polaris (manufacturer of Indian Motorcycles) and Harley-Davidson's announcement of fourth quarter earnings last week, we are seeing the two year trend of declining sales that is industry wide. And one of the major factors behind this? There are less and less new Bikers getting on the road.

Why should you, as a rider and motorcycle enthusiast, care? Because without new riders, groups like ABATE and the AMA will cease to make an impact on legislative issues that threaten our sport. For instance, the "self-driving" cars that everybody seems to be leaning towards, not being able to "see" motorcycles - exactly what happened last December in San Francisco. 

Not to mention, we'll have fewer friends sharing the road with us. I know I love, love, love sharing my riding adventures with old and new motorcycling friends that "get it." 

We are a rare breed that truly know how live, and we're facing extinction.  

By starting a Revolution (a sudden, complete or marked change in something; a procedure or course back to a starting point), we can change this.

To help ensure the future of motorcycling, Harley-Davidson has already pledged 100 new bikes in the next 10 years, and recently announced plans to bring an electric motorcycle to market within 18 months. 

And this is why Robert Pandya, a fearless moto industry expert in public relations and marketing, has started Give A Shift, or GAS. They are bringing together all interested parties to identify problems and find solutions; and they want to hear from everyone - from newbies to veteran industry personnel.

What can we as Bikers do? 

It all begins with us - all of us have to get involved in order to turn this trend around. We cannot just leave it to the motorcycle manufacturers and dealerships. 

Here's some suggestions:

• Share your passion with everyone: I'm talking about your family, friends, organizations you're involved in (Elks Club, City Council, etc.), and co-workers who don't ride. Tell them about your riding adventures - especially how complete strangers come up to you to admire your bike. Be sure to tell everyone exactly how motorcycling enriches your life.
• Share on your Social Media: Instagram, Snap-Chat, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn -post pictures of you riding, packing for a long motorcycle trip, sitting on a bike at the dealership, hanging out and partying with other Bikers (because as we all know, whenever Bikers get together it's always a party!). 
  
• Have a Dinner Date: Invite the mentioned non-riding friends over to your house for lunch or dinner and a movie. I suggest such motorcycle cinema classics as "21 Days Under the Sun," "World's Fastest Indian," "The Motorcycle Diaries," "On Any Sunday" or the classic "Easy Rider." Then take 'em out to your garage, let them sit on your bike and pick it up off the kick stand. Even teach them how to start it up. This just might spark them wanting to get on a bike.
• Take them to an event: Take them to an International Motorcycle Show. The Syracuse Super Swap and FXCHD's Chili Cook Off happen every February. In April you'll have Spring Open House events, and May will feature a Season Opener event at our dealership. Explain to your non-riders what's going on, introduce them to other motorcyclists, and include them in on the fun.
• Bring them to a dealership: Show off the casual clothing as well as the Riding Gear (I've always said it starts with the clothes!), the branded collectibles and auto accessories. And of course the bikes themselves - all the different colors, shapes and sizes they come in.
• Get involved: Join Give A Shift if you're interested in lending your voice to the wide variety of riders. Or join your local ABATE, H.O.G. Chapter or the AMA.

I am asking all my riding friends to convert at least one non-riding person into a motorcycle enthusiast this year- get 'em on and get them riding. 

We Bikers are a passionate people who have found our freedom with a life on two wheels, behind bars. We can do this and ensure the future of motorcycling will be around for generations to come.