In 1968 ..I rode twice around the block and did an emergency stop at walking pace for my test in the UK. At 75 and 400,000 miles later ..I am still here and still riding.
Fab. I passed my test in 1967 on my Mum's Lambretta 125. Same type of test as you. Then went out and bought a 1950s Matchless 350 for £8. I rode to school on it and maintained it myself. 73 now and also still riding.
I'm 37 and I have never looked at any motorcycle with lust that wasn't retro. The Royal Enfield Interceptor, Moto Guzzi V7, Triumph Bonneville... those are the bikes that just feel right. I'm an American but the Indians and Harleys have just never piqued my interest.
Same, I'm looking at modern japanese models and they all have the same alien/insect design with a colored tablet, meh. Classic designs look so much better to me. Round headlight is the first design feature to catch my eye.
As a Swede I am disappointed with the styling of the Husqvarna. The initial version/design looked quite "different" and avantgardistic if you like, but this... nae .. Im am not in my late teens or early twenties though! 😂
I'm 24 and decided to do my CBT last year at 23. I now ride a Mutt Akita 125 (Retro styled scrambler/cafe racer style) and looking at doing my test next year in the hopes of getting a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. Loving your videos!
When I'm out on my classic 350 it gets so much attention from young and old which makes me a very proud owner. Think most manufacturers haven't got a clue what people want. Royal enfield seem to be the most switched on as regards to what people want.
Hi I'm living in Australia, I grew up in the motorcycle culture in 70s and 80s, I personally like all styles, my life style has been free enough to indulge in on road and off road. At 67 and retired from that scene. Keep up the great work cheers mate 👍
She’s an A&E doctor and her knee jerk reaction is he’s not riding a bike! I’ve been riding since 1970s, I’m also a retired paramedic, I’ve seen plenty of motorcycle tragedies ( including my mate who was killed whilst on a 999 on his paramedic m/c) I’ve also seen many other ways of ending your life. Life should be full of challenges and risks it’s what has made my life enjoyable. I love a challenge. As for the two bikes, they don’t float my boat, I’m more into dual sports, I ride an enduro 480 at the moment, I started riding on a Suzuki DR 400 twin shocker and I’m coming to the end of my riding on a similar bike that’s so much fun.👍
Just showed this to my son, An he's 26 doesn't have a license, But he prefers the Guzzi, I do as well 👍 I own a Royal Enfield Interceptor and Hunter, Been riding motorcycles for over 50 years Great channel 👌 Cheers Paul
Old Man asks: "Do motorcycle manufacturers and the design team go out and actually put a bike in front of real everyday people and actually ask these questions?" And he answers his question by expressing doubt that they do. I agree 100%. When I go to demo events, I'm never greeted by product people after each ride asking me what I thought about the bike. This would be the best place to gather market intelligence and it's ignored by all manufacturers. If they tapped into this rich source of real world feedback, I doubt the new Harley Sportster S and Nightster would look the way they do. I also doubt they spend much time reading posts on bike specific forums. If they did, Indian would have addressed the primary complaints Scout owners have expressed for years instead of making mostly cosmetic changes with the new Scouts. PS 1 - it's interesting that a country with declining motorcycle riders has so many great motorcycle vloggers. PS 2 - Between your licensing requirements, speed cameras, and goofy yellow license plates, England doesn't seem like a great place to own a bike. Great place to visit though 🙂
I've been to demo events and I have actually been asked to fill out surveys about the bikes afterwards! I do think manufacturers have twisted themselves into all kinds of knots trying to appeal to a smaller and smaller group of people though.
To be honest England has a very rich bike culture, even with the weather and all, there's plenty of bikers on the road in England and pretty much every town has a bike shop or more around. Speed cameras are easy to maneuver around since the are marked in bright yellow.
I wanted a bike since I used to stand on the footboards of my dad's vespa in 1958 and glide effortlessly up and down the hills of Torquay. I'm 70 now and still riding, it's in the blood.
Really interesting video guys. I'm 58 and I've ridden bikes since I was 16. I have four sons (all over 20) who have always been around bikes but only one of them rides. The reason? The cost of getting a licence. I own a Bonneville T120 and a Tiger Sport 1050 - all of them prefer the Bonneville and my son who does ride bought a Triumph Street Scrambler. His reason? Retro bikes just look so much cooler.
What a charming collection of young people. On this small sample it doesn't conclusively prove preference for the classic style, but enough to indicate that might well be the case. Manufactures take note, and ask for input from your customer base.
I think motorcycles and bikers are genuinely misunderstood in so many ways, and for those outside of it they’re seen as noisy, menacing and dangerous which seams ridiculous. It was genuinely refreshing to hear the positive comments from everyone in this vid, young and older. If you’d had a Ducati scrambler then I’m sure that would have done well and that bike definitely had consumer research from non bikers involved in the design process. Great video
As a 24 year old, I love my enfield interceptor, and so do my friends. I think most of my sports bike mates are jealous of how much attention I get compared to them. 😂 but tbf, to an untrained eye, most sports bikes look the same. Not to mention its alot easier to convince a girl to get on the back of a modern classic than a sports bike. And it's a lot easier to convince her parents. 😂😂
37 so I’m definitely not “Young” but I got my license this year. Flipped flopped between many models and ended up getting a Triumph Speed 400 as my first bike as it’s the most vintage looking beginner friendly bike on the market. And priced gloriously as a first learning bike
This wasn't quite a fair comparison, since the price and power range is quite different. After you mentioned the prices to some of thse guys, they seemed to warm to the Vitpilen a little. Something like the Triumph Scrambler 400X vs Svartpilen 401 vs KTM Duke 390 (Svart/Vitpilen in sporty clothes), as they all are in a similar price/power bracket. I just started riding a motorbike (although I am 29) and I picked the 2024 Svartpilen 125, although the 125 market is different to the broader motorbike market. I mainly wanted a scrambler style and features, from a more 'premium' 125 bike with the full 14.75hp allowed on a learner bike. This was one of the only bikes that really fit that criteria. The Svartpilen is interesting as it kind of incorporates classic and new aesthetics to make something quite unique. Also the included features for the pice is very good compared to other bikes. I probably won't hold onto it for long though after I pass my full test (doing training now), as I am wanting a Royal Enfield; something like the scram 411 or upcoming scram 440, as I would prefer something easier and cheaper to maintain in the long run (and has a similar old/new styling). I might get the 401 as a second bike though.
Excellent idea for a vid. Very surprising responses. Never viewed any RUclipsr pose this real world honest comparison with real people and two great bikes. 👏👏
I can’t believe BMW have done any market research (actually asking people as you guys have done), when it came to deciding that their motorcycles no longer required a dedicated rear brake light. (How is that even legal in the UK ) I’ve also noticed the trend amongst car manufacturers to use tiny rear indicators that can’t be seen when the brake lights are on at the same time.
This channel just gets better and better. Great original idea for a video, something I've never seen before and a result that probably surprises a lot of people. The ultimate look for me is my Classic 350. The worst stuff on the road (as far as visual appeal is concerned) for me is something like a Yamaha MT-10. The science fiction futurist angular plastic power ranger look leaves me stone cold. I would say put a new Honda Hornet or Suzuki Gsx 8S alongside the Guzzi and do the survey again. And I bet they still like the Guzzi. Reason.... It's gorgeous.
Moto Guzzi all the way. Also owned a v7 stone! Love it. I've been riding for about 40 years, so a long way from the target audience, but the 401 is kind of a toy bike. The Guzzi (any Mandello del Lario) is the most authentic bike today, the only still manufacturing in the same factory for more then 100 years.
You say you're in a minority Darcy, that's because your brain is wired correctly! I cannot envisage a life without motorbikes in it. You would get a completely different response in Spain and Italy. In the UK biking is discouraged and villainised. Non bikers miss out on so much. To me all bikes are gorgeous, but your Guzzi is stunning. Thanks for your vids guys, they make an old,old man happy.
You did also go to one of the most rah-rah public school well-heeled rural towns in the country. In that context it's not so surprising they liked the retro-styled one (speaking as someone who loves classic bikes).
I believe that everyone should take a motorcycle test before they are allowed to take a car test, simply because of the acute road and traffic awareness that comes with learning and riding a motorcycle; it would make for better car drivers too!
A very interesting research! Bike manufacturers should take note! But, on the other hand, that's the good thing today! There are so many choices and designs for all of us! Stay strong, ride on!
As a 57 year old the Guzzi hits the spot. In a conversation with a 25 year old, they liked the retro look 125 bikes that are on the market. Bike manf may have missed the point. Yes, bike license is too expensive/hassle to get for most.
Fascinating results. Seeing the responses actually doesn't surprise me. Could it be that the younger generations are swamped through social media marketing 24/7 on what is a must have & what you should own so that when they do see something physical & in situ that resembles clasic in design to us (older generation) in fact to them is not clasic or old school design but just something new & out of the there norm? & a million miles away from what social media tells them or shows them to like?
I wonder if u asked the same question on the continent of Europe what one would the younger people pick, love the video's with general public interactions
Many youngsters in Europe prefer scooters. I have a bike and scooter, love them both. As a motorcyclist of over 50 years I find it stupid that some only like one particular type of bike or make.😂
I'm 39 passed my test last week I put it off this long because it was really confusing and quite long winded. The guzzi v7 is the bike I really wanted but insurance etc made it unviable for now so I've got Meteor 350 which I love smiles per gallon. I think the two test thing is daft you should be able to do your test on a full powered bike before 24 but have to ride restricted bikes until you're 24 then automatically get the full entitlement.
Would be interesting to compare a sports bike and the retro bike, and see what the younger generation would choose. I would assume the sports bike but it may not be? Nice to see you in Stamford. 👍
Just seen your video. Started ridding when I was 16, now I'm 71 and still ride, and it is pure enjoyment when that engine fires up. The Bandit I have is OK to around 155 kph and the R6, I have yet to find the top end. Good video.
When the marketing team don't bother doing proper research and completely missed the mark.. it happens with cars too. Designers make a lot of assumptions about their market and this shows the proof in it. Great video!
The A1 license should be promoted better in UK, many people don't know that you can do this test on your own bike. What I think should happen is that they should allow you to ride up to 250cc after 2 years of passing your A1, this will give people an incentive to take the A1 and think about improving their riding rather than staying on the CBT. Keep the A2 license and A the same.
What a pleasant surprise. I was glancing at the opening scenes and thought, "I know that street - that's Barn Hill, Stamford - I used to work at A Monk and Co back in the 1970s!" I've been living in Australia since 1992 but grew up in Rutland and used to shop in Stamford most weekends and drop into the Golden Sheaf for a pint and learnt to play pool in the London Inn. Lovely to see the town again. However, I didn't think your survey was particularly scientific. That Husqvarna is particularly ugly! I am sure that you could present an alternative modern bike that might generate a more favourable response.
The way you carry yourself is cool i thought you would be much older than 22! im 26 and would prefer moto guzzi as well i like the retro-look and the spoke wheels
I used to live in skeffington but still live in Leicestershire, Just bought a 125 project that im building back up, can't wait to get out on these roads on a bike!
Not a scooter fan only ever had one which was an Prima 195cc German made in the mid 60s , but must admit I did like the Lambretta in the clip , lovely looking machine 😀
Nice touch at the end with the Honda 250 Superdream riding past. Very modern in its day, and still looks good 45 years on… I had the same model in the same colour back in 1979.
Very interesting 🧐 didn’t expect that , I think the impracticality, weather , Cost , nowhere to park make owning a bike very difficult ! Bikes don’t quite work in this country as our main form of transport . They are toys for us older boys 😊 great video 👍
As a 59 year old rider who owns a 1972 Triumph TR6 Tiger and a 2023 DRZ400s, I love the looks of the Svartpilen (in black) and have considered picking one up. That said, I like the older model looks (though not the Lucas electrics in my 72) as well. Edit: In thinking about this, I wonder if the reactions you are getting are influenced by the visual media people are consuming? What kinds of bikes are we seeing in Movies, TV, and Video Games? Familiarity from seeing a type or design in popular media may be a cause of bias in those you have questioned. I am old enough to have seen the original “Tron” movie in the theaters for example, so that may be a reason I like the more modern design, because as a kid in my teens when I saw it I wanted to ride a light cycle.
Here in NZ there is a solid preference for modern classics and adventure bikes. Young riders have to get bikes that are smaller capacity (based on a power to weight ratio) before they can get a full license. As an older rider (71) who has 4 bikes in the garage I can say that our motorbike club has great difficulty getting new members from the younger age groups.
Brillant!!! Manufactures aren't going to buy competitor bikes and do surveys like this. Doing this also gets people interested because of truly different choices instead of sticking to one brand. I think Harley tried this with the Pan-America launch offering a KTM 1290 and Triumph Tiger 1200 for comparison test drives. Its funny, but i could watch this stuff for hours wondering what younger people think about motorcycles and which they really prefer if they aren't on the hook at the moment to purchase one at a dealership. It's great market feedback. Cheers and great work!!!
To Old man sir, the husky has scandinavian looks that is edgy,squarish and plain jane coloured so it is not a very eye pleasing design ❤ , now India is where the 400cc bikes are now talk of the town and RE controls 85% market of around 80000 units per month!!!
I've found exactly the same as you. My 2002 Triumph T100 gets all the attention, from both young and older people than any of my other bikes have ever done, new KTM dukes, new Yam xsr, or anything else.
Looks wise, so true. My R80 got many looks and comments. Even my Ex bike the Triumph 900 Truxton got many comments. But usually, young motorcyclist love Super sport Bikes. Just look at the success of the R series of Yamaha. The seconds criteria for youngsters is Money, and that's why the MT-07 is so popular. That bike is just the best bang for you buck you can buy since 2015~
It would be interesting to return to Stamford with the Husqvarna and perhaps a Royal Enfield Guerrilla or Triumph Speed 400 to pose the same question. The Guzzi is gorgeous, but it is also somewhat imposing compared to the Husqui... 😉
Great vid, I myself am 24 and grew up around the classic/retro looking bikes, I have always appreciated the design and looks and the beautiful craftsmanship in them. My first bike was a royal Enfield interceptor 650 and man that bike was gorgeous and everyone would always come up and compliment the bike. But now I just recently gotten a Indian scout which funny enough it was one of your videos on the Indian scout that convinced me to go out and get one and I absolutely love it for its looks, its power and its fantastic handling and it’s always good to see people and especially the elderly come up and compliment on the bike. Love your vids keep up the great work ❤️
Great idea! How about you two do it more often? With various different bikes (even the ones you don't like) and different locations, and ask which people prefer!
Love this vid. Modern classics are the way to go for all generations. I’d like to see the V7 next to a Speed400 and the price advertised to the youngins to see their response. Might be on to something here with these comparison vids to help the industry foster in new riders 👍🏽
What an excellent video guys, loved it!🥰 isn’t it amazing how everyone goes for old school Classic looking bike. It’s simply that the old classics looked right, like a motorcycle should look. Amazing about the younger generation, my daughter 16 today said to me, even music today is shocking and all the good tunes were from my time! 😂 me being 55 now but it’s true! 😂
Sorry for the second comment but I feel something needs to be pointed out regarding cost comparison between bikes and cars. A few years ago driving lessons were £60 for an hour lesson and they reckon an average of 12 lessons. Then add cost of theory test and the on road test. Insurance for a 1.2 Corsa-ish type car according to his mates at college, is £4-5,000 for the first year. How much you pay for the car depends on how old and condition. My son paid £200 inc bike hire for his CBT. His bike, an old Yamaha SR125 (£200), insurance was £980 for the first year and £400 the second year. A day trip with mates, to the seaside was a tank of petrol. This year he bought a 98 Bandit for £750, insurance is £1,200 and the test was £90. As he'd been riding 125 for a couple of years, he only really needed practice on the training schools ground, which cost him a tub of Heroes (lol) each time (Some schools are more keen to get younger riders on the road, it seems). So the cost, or expense of a bike compared to a car, leaves plenty for kit like helmet, cloves, boots, waterproofs. Edit: I forgot the restrictor kit for the Bandit - £40, which he fitted with my help
In talking to young people in the United States, I find most of them to be very nice and respectful, but also somewhat afraid of life in general, and motorcycling just doesn’t fit into a fear-based existence.
Riding your first bike could be made easier. I'm surprised the manufacturers don't come up with an Automatic 125 road bike (not a scooter). If those youngsters could put a leg over the saddle and simply twist'n'go all the way up to 60mph they'd be hooked.
Great video thanks Mr Darcy & Ol' Man. What an interesting exercise this has proved to be and it has opened my eyes to what young people would like out of a motorcycle. Let's hope motorbike manufactures watch this video and learn from it (maybe you should both consider sending them a link so they can view it too). keep up the good work both you are producing some brilliant and professional content which is a must watch.
Interesting - I would have expected the young people to like the Svartpilen but glad to see they preferred the classic looks of the Guzzi - there is hope for the future!
Last summer l was in Hunstanton, maybe there was a ride out, whatever the promenade had a load of bikes lined up. I watched and the public were 90% fixed on one bike, an RE Interceptor, there were Bonnies there too but they look "modern" in a way the RE doesn't. All other regular bikes appeared invisible to them.
I'm an OLD man and when I was 15 1/2 years of age (1964) I got a motorcycle permit that allowed me to ride a motorcycle (no displacement limitations) until I became 16 where I could get my car license. There was no test and the only limitation was that I couldn't have a passenger. At 16 I took the automobile test which automatically allowed me to ride any motorcycle with any displacement and with a passenger. It wasn't until the late 1970s that California introduced a motorcycle test..... a very easy written test with a simple ride around cones and a ramp. That's it! At age 75 I still have my motorcycle approval stamp on my drivers license without having to take any other tests. AND when I moved to the state of Arizona, all they did was to transfer any information over. No more tests! Oh, and I've had NO accidents or crashes in the last 60 years.
The motorcycle culture took off post war. Cheap transport. It no longer is. It had a brief re flourishing in 70s Britain, then another when Born agains took to the roads. Now it’s mainly the same riders who never gave up. I’ve been riding since the bug bit me in 1974. I began riding in 1978, but not continuously until buying a new VFR800 in 1997 and then owning a bike ever since.
Filming and presenting ''we can do that'' wow what a mind bendingly difficult thing to take on.. people don't realise. It's great to see a father and son that get on, bloody fantastic in fact, worth it's weight in more than Gold. Praise the lord..
Agreed. Once you've proven you can handle yourself on the road the only requirement should be that you show you can handle the bigger, more powerful machine. Don't need a full test for that. That said, the obvious hole this opens up is people getting their A1 at 17, just sitting on it, rocking up on a hired A2 bike at 19, sitting on that for 2 years and then going unrestricted as soon as possible, but without the four years of riding smaller bikes behind them. Those skills are peroshable, just sitting on your A1 and A2 doesn't help in any way. The sillier thing for me though are the age restrictions. By all means keep the machine class restrictions, but open it up to all ages. If you can show you can handle the A bike at 17, then what's the problem?
@233kosta Statistics prove you wrong. The fatality rate in the UK is more than twice the rate in the EU. And YOU want to kill more Brits? Get a grip on reality.
There might be a different reaction if you tried this in a less posh area. I've worked in a disadvantaged area for years as a teacher ..lots of the boys were into bikes..they would definitely prefer the look of a sports bike over my HD Heritage .
To use your phone reference, I think the manufacturers don't understand the importance of the materials. Plastic case backs are considered cheap, everybody prefers the phones with glass or metal case backs. They just give a sense of quality. I'd reckon this is true no matter how old a person is. A bike doesn't have to LOOK like an iPhone to attract younger riders, it's gotta FEEL like an iPhone. I can't help but wonder what the results would have been if the choice had been between the V7 and a Z900rs which looks like an even more archetypical motorcycle.
I'm 28, which I hope still qualifies as young. I owned the previous model year vitpilen, it looked way better than the new one (more retro, spoked wheels with bronze rims, etc). I also own a V7. I only sold the Vitpilen because I realized I didn't need so many bikes, but honestly both were good in different ways. PS: the Vitpilen was definitely quicker, especially in the twisties.
PS - I’m 30 and on my CBT right now, I have a Mutt currently and plan to test the V7, Inty 650, and an old Bonneville to decide which to buy. All retro styled bikes. Never had the slightest inclination towards a Husqvarna or any modern styled bike. Love your V7!
I taught in Secodnary schools for over thrity years and found that, like the majority of the population, "young" people are inherently conservative in their taste. You could do the same test with paintings, one abstract and one realistic and the majority would go for the realistic. A motorbike that looks like the motorbike that fits their mental image of what a motorbike is will always win out.
This is Very interesting young people like the classic design they are not swayed by brand ....an old friend bought a Royal Enfield hunter last year and I am constantly surprised by the people who love the looks ..including Harley riders .it does have an older Bonnie look to it ....this vlog is one of the best of the year ...excellent work keep it up .
In 1968 ..I rode twice around the block and did an emergency stop at walking pace for my test in the UK. At 75 and 400,000 miles later ..I am still here and still riding.
Fab. I passed my test in 1967 on my Mum's Lambretta 125. Same type of test as you. Then went out and bought a 1950s Matchless 350 for £8. I rode to school on it and maintained it myself. 73 now and also still riding.
In 75 I rode a lap in the parking lot of the DMV. I didn't fall over so that was it.
I'm 37 and I have never looked at any motorcycle with lust that wasn't retro. The Royal Enfield Interceptor, Moto Guzzi V7, Triumph Bonneville... those are the bikes that just feel right. I'm an American but the Indians and Harleys have just never piqued my interest.
Same, I'm looking at modern japanese models and they all have the same alien/insect design with a colored tablet, meh. Classic designs look so much better to me. Round headlight is the first design feature to catch my eye.
I think some of the contemporary Ducatis were able to elicit some of that desire.
I get the sentiment. I'm also American and I just started riding in December. I have two Bonnie 1200s lol
There is a reason Royal Enfield and the other "Retro" bikes are popular.
As a Swede I am disappointed with the styling of the Husqvarna. The initial version/design looked quite "different" and avantgardistic if you like, but this... nae .. Im am not in my late teens or early twenties though! 😂
I'm 24 and decided to do my CBT last year at 23. I now ride a Mutt Akita 125 (Retro styled scrambler/cafe racer style) and looking at doing my test next year in the hopes of getting a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650.
Loving your videos!
Awesome great to hear 👍🏼
Where do you found these young folks? They are friendly, have manners and so on.
They were in a market town, replicate in centre of big city.
In short: you two are doing what the industry should have done. A simple survey with the public. Congrats! Nice video!
It was interesting to see and we were surprised with the outcome 👍🏼
Would love to see this done in California… up for a trip?
Interesting to see what the youngsters think and they love the old school look the best 👍🏼
Yes it was 👍🏼
When I'm out on my classic 350 it gets so much attention from young and old which makes me a very proud owner. Think most manufacturers haven't got a clue what people want. Royal enfield seem to be the most switched on as regards to what people want.
Hi I'm living in Australia, I grew up in the motorcycle culture in 70s and 80s, I personally like all styles, my life style has been free enough to indulge in on road and off road. At 67 and retired from that scene. Keep up the great work cheers mate 👍
It is a difficult choice to make,,,, but I think I like the one with the blow-up skirt best. 😎😎
@@longjonwhite noted....
Really interesting, based on the youth's options the bikes will look more retro in the not so far future 👌
Great job, lads 👍
💯
She’s an A&E doctor and her knee jerk reaction is he’s not riding a bike! I’ve been riding since 1970s, I’m also a retired paramedic, I’ve seen plenty of motorcycle tragedies ( including my mate who was killed whilst on a 999 on his paramedic m/c) I’ve also seen many other ways of ending your life. Life should be full of challenges and risks it’s what has made my life enjoyable. I love a challenge. As for the two bikes, they don’t float my boat, I’m more into dual sports, I ride an enduro 480 at the moment, I started riding on a Suzuki DR 400 twin shocker and I’m coming to the end of my riding on a similar bike that’s so much fun.👍
Cool Video. I am 58 I am riding a Moto Guzzi V7 from 2015 and a Honda CB 500 Four from 1974.
Just showed this to my son,
An he's 26 doesn't have a license, But he prefers the Guzzi,
I do as well 👍
I own a Royal Enfield Interceptor and Hunter,
Been riding motorcycles for over 50 years
Great channel 👌
Cheers Paul
The youths have spoken and they have good taste!
💯
What a lovely set of youngsters. Had some sass but didn’t feel they were complete no hopers
Old Man asks: "Do motorcycle manufacturers and the design team go out and actually put a bike in front of real everyday people and actually ask these questions?" And he answers his question by expressing doubt that they do. I agree 100%. When I go to demo events, I'm never greeted by product people after each ride asking me what I thought about the bike. This would be the best place to gather market intelligence and it's ignored by all manufacturers. If they tapped into this rich source of real world feedback, I doubt the new Harley Sportster S and Nightster would look the way they do. I also doubt they spend much time reading posts on bike specific forums. If they did, Indian would have addressed the primary complaints Scout owners have expressed for years instead of making mostly cosmetic changes with the new Scouts. PS 1 - it's interesting that a country with declining motorcycle riders has so many great motorcycle vloggers. PS 2 - Between your licensing requirements, speed cameras, and goofy yellow license plates, England doesn't seem like a great place to own a bike. Great place to visit though 🙂
Motorcycle marketing in general seems to be very blinkered and behind the times and the aspects you mentioned are extremely important 👍🏼
I've been to demo events and I have actually been asked to fill out surveys about the bikes afterwards! I do think manufacturers have twisted themselves into all kinds of knots trying to appeal to a smaller and smaller group of people though.
Yamahas MT-09 headlights for the last 4 years are the answer to a question no one asked and designs nobody outside Yamaha wanted :D
To be honest England has a very rich bike culture, even with the weather and all, there's plenty of bikers on the road in England and pretty much every town has a bike shop or more around.
Speed cameras are easy to maneuver around since the are marked in bright yellow.
I wanted a bike since I used to stand on the footboards of my dad's vespa in 1958 and glide effortlessly up and down the hills of Torquay. I'm 70 now and still riding, it's in the blood.
Great vid. Would love to see a similar vox. pop. between the Husky 401, RE classic 350 and the Triumph 400. You know apples with apples.
Oh my, I've got fond memories of Stamford, it's a gorgeous little town.
Certainly a lovely place to set the video in and show the bikes off.
Yes it is a lovely town 👍🏼
Really interesting video guys. I'm 58 and I've ridden bikes since I was 16. I have four sons (all over 20) who have always been around bikes but only one of them rides. The reason? The cost of getting a licence. I own a Bonneville T120 and a Tiger Sport 1050 - all of them prefer the Bonneville and my son who does ride bought a Triumph Street Scrambler. His reason? Retro bikes just look so much cooler.
What a charming collection of young people. On this small sample it doesn't conclusively prove preference for the classic style, but enough to indicate that might well be the case. Manufactures take note, and ask for input from your customer base.
Yes they were full of character 👍🏼
Retro bikes it is !! The right way. I am 23 years old and I recently picked up my first ever bike and it was a RE Hunter 350!
Awesome, enjoy your bike 👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlMan RE Meteor is one of my fAVOURITE BIKES although Triumph Boneville is my favourite
@@AKASHROY-i9f awesome 👍🏼
Best choice
I think motorcycles and bikers are genuinely misunderstood in so many ways, and for those outside of it they’re seen as noisy, menacing and dangerous which seams ridiculous. It was genuinely refreshing to hear the positive comments from everyone in this vid, young and older. If you’d had a Ducati scrambler then I’m sure that would have done well and that bike definitely had consumer research from non bikers involved in the design process. Great video
I think the most genuine people on planet bike 🚴
As a 24 year old, I love my enfield interceptor, and so do my friends. I think most of my sports bike mates are jealous of how much attention I get compared to them. 😂 but tbf, to an untrained eye, most sports bikes look the same. Not to mention its alot easier to convince a girl to get on the back of a modern classic than a sports bike. And it's a lot easier to convince her parents. 😂😂
37 so I’m definitely not “Young” but I got my license this year. Flipped flopped between many models and ended up getting a Triumph Speed 400 as my first bike as it’s the most vintage looking beginner friendly bike on the market. And priced gloriously as a first learning bike
This wasn't quite a fair comparison, since the price and power range is quite different. After you mentioned the prices to some of thse guys, they seemed to warm to the Vitpilen a little. Something like the Triumph Scrambler 400X vs Svartpilen 401 vs KTM Duke 390 (Svart/Vitpilen in sporty clothes), as they all are in a similar price/power bracket.
I just started riding a motorbike (although I am 29) and I picked the 2024 Svartpilen 125, although the 125 market is different to the broader motorbike market. I mainly wanted a scrambler style and features, from a more 'premium' 125 bike with the full 14.75hp allowed on a learner bike. This was one of the only bikes that really fit that criteria. The Svartpilen is interesting as it kind of incorporates classic and new aesthetics to make something quite unique. Also the included features for the pice is very good compared to other bikes.
I probably won't hold onto it for long though after I pass my full test (doing training now), as I am wanting a Royal Enfield; something like the scram 411 or upcoming scram 440, as I would prefer something easier and cheaper to maintain in the long run (and has a similar old/new styling). I might get the 401 as a second bike though.
I like seeing other people's response, this was a cool video.
Thanks 😊
Excellent idea for a vid. Very surprising responses. Never viewed any RUclipsr pose this real world honest comparison with real people and two great bikes. 👏👏
Thank you 😊
I can’t believe BMW have done any market research (actually asking people as you guys have done), when it came to deciding that their motorcycles no longer required a dedicated rear brake light. (How is that even legal in the UK ) I’ve also noticed the trend amongst car manufacturers to use tiny rear indicators that can’t be seen when the brake lights are on at the same time.
I’m 64 and the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S is the bike I purchased to enjoy during my retirement. It’s a very enjoyable motorcycle!
This channel just gets better and better. Great original idea for a video, something I've never seen before and a result that probably surprises a lot of people. The ultimate look for me is my Classic 350. The worst stuff on the road (as far as visual appeal is concerned) for me is something like a Yamaha MT-10. The science fiction futurist angular plastic power ranger look leaves me stone cold. I would say put a new Honda Hornet or Suzuki Gsx 8S alongside the Guzzi and do the survey again. And I bet they still like the Guzzi. Reason.... It's gorgeous.
Thanks, pleased you enjoyed it. We are definitely going to do it again with different bikes 👍🏼
The Husky looks like a bastard child of a wheelie bin and a fridge 😂. The Guzzi looks classic and cool. Retro is always cool.
Moto Guzzi all the way. Also owned a v7 stone! Love it. I've been riding for about 40 years, so a long way from the target audience, but the 401 is kind of a toy bike. The Guzzi (any Mandello del Lario) is the most authentic bike today, the only still manufacturing in the same factory for more then 100 years.
You say you're in a minority Darcy, that's because your brain is wired correctly!
I cannot envisage a life without motorbikes in it. You would get a completely different response in Spain and Italy. In the UK biking is discouraged and villainised. Non bikers miss out on so much.
To me all bikes are gorgeous, but your Guzzi is stunning. Thanks for your vids guys, they make an old,old man happy.
Totally agree with you, thank you for the lovely comment 😊
You did also go to one of the most rah-rah public school well-heeled rural towns in the country. In that context it's not so surprising they liked the retro-styled one (speaking as someone who loves classic bikes).
I believe that everyone should take a motorcycle test before they are allowed to take a car test, simply because of the acute road and traffic awareness that comes with learning and riding a motorcycle; it would make for better car drivers too!
P.S. I ride a Moto Guzzi V7 850 Stone. Bonza! 👍
A great point 👍🏼
Awesome 😊
A very interesting research! Bike manufacturers should take note! But, on the other hand, that's the good thing today! There are so many choices and designs for all of us! Stay strong, ride on!
I like the 401. I'd have a blast on it, but my money would go on the retro bikes..
And it did.
Great video, really terrific getting the public involved. your channel is excellent. Interesting results !
That was the intention but we could not find the right spot and the traffic warden had asked us to move in five minutes 👍🏼
Will be interesting if u showcase several more types bikes: a sport bike, adventure bike, and touring bike to see what ends up being most popular
As a 57 year old the Guzzi hits the spot. In a conversation with a 25 year old, they liked the retro look 125 bikes that are on the market. Bike manf may have missed the point. Yes, bike license is too expensive/hassle to get for most.
Fascinating results. Seeing the responses actually doesn't surprise me. Could it be that the younger generations are swamped through social media marketing 24/7 on what is a must have & what you should own so that when they do see something physical & in situ that resembles clasic in design to us (older generation) in fact to them is not clasic or old school design but just something new & out of the there norm? & a million miles away from what social media tells them or shows them to like?
I wonder if u asked the same question on the continent of Europe what one would the younger people pick, love the video's with general public interactions
Many youngsters in Europe prefer scooters. I have a bike and scooter, love them both. As a motorcyclist of over 50 years I find it stupid that some only like one particular type of bike or make.😂
Great Vlog who would have thought Royal Enfield would have got it so right i get more comments on my Interceptor than my other bikes 😊
I'm 39 passed my test last week I put it off this long because it was really confusing and quite long winded. The guzzi v7 is the bike I really wanted but insurance etc made it unviable for now so I've got Meteor 350 which I love smiles per gallon. I think the two test thing is daft you should be able to do your test on a full powered bike before 24 but have to ride restricted bikes until you're 24 then automatically get the full entitlement.
Would be interesting to compare a sports bike and the retro bike, and see what the younger generation would choose. I would assume the sports bike but it may not be? Nice to see you in Stamford. 👍
We are definitely going to do this again as it was shocking the results on this one 👍🏼
Just seen your video. Started ridding when I was 16, now I'm 71 and still ride, and it is pure enjoyment when that engine fires up. The Bandit I have is OK to around 155 kph and the R6, I have yet to find the top end. Good video.
ME WANT BOTH!😄Husky for scratching on the twisties and guzzy for general riding.
I’m an older biker, so something practical and easy to maintain appeals more. Bring back two strokes!
When the marketing team don't bother doing proper research and completely missed the mark.. it happens with cars too. Designers make a lot of assumptions about their market and this shows the proof in it. Great video!
Fair point and thanks 😊
Great take on a video! You should do this more often with different bikes… I love the excitement among the young crowd!
The A1 license should be promoted better in UK, many people don't know that you can do this test on your own bike. What I think should happen is that they should allow you to ride up to 250cc after 2 years of passing your A1, this will give people an incentive to take the A1 and think about improving their riding rather than staying on the CBT. Keep the A2 license and A the same.
What a pleasant surprise. I was glancing at the opening scenes and thought, "I know that street - that's Barn Hill, Stamford - I used to work at A Monk and Co back in the 1970s!"
I've been living in Australia since 1992 but grew up in Rutland and used to shop in Stamford most weekends and drop into the Golden Sheaf for a pint and learnt to play pool in the London Inn.
Lovely to see the town again.
However, I didn't think your survey was particularly scientific. That Husqvarna is particularly ugly! I am sure that you could present an alternative modern bike that might generate a more favourable response.
Awesome. Yes watch this space; 2 different bikes coming up in due course
The way you carry yourself is cool i thought you would be much older than 22! im 26 and would prefer moto guzzi as well i like the retro-look and the spoke wheels
I used to live in skeffington but still live in Leicestershire, Just bought a 125 project that im building back up, can't wait to get out on these roads on a bike!
I'd have to have that Lambretta in your intro.
Not a scooter fan only ever had one which was an Prima 195cc German made in the mid 60s , but must admit I did like the Lambretta in the clip , lovely looking machine 😀
I have 401 Svart. It appealed to me as I was a bit tired of so many bikes looking like Triumph Scramblers…….I am nearly 50 😂
Nice touch at the end with the Honda 250 Superdream riding past. Very modern in its day, and still looks good 45 years on… I had the same model in the same colour back in 1979.
Awesome 👍🏼
Great video,
Love seeing the young people and their responses,, great video 😊
Thanks so much!
Make a husky that looks like the one McQueen rode in any given Sunday. I’d buy it
Superb Video. I got my Licence in 2013, and jumped on a 1200 Nightster. I was 38. I love the look of the 401, just to be different.
For me and a Kawasaki 650 RS owner it's classic style everytime, even fancy buying a new BSA, good job with the videos guys
Very interesting 🧐 didn’t expect that , I think the impracticality, weather , Cost , nowhere to park make owning a bike very difficult ! Bikes don’t quite work in this country as our main form of transport . They are toys for us older boys 😊 great video 👍
Very true 👍🏼
Agreed, finding a safe place to park and then worrying about it being stolen when you do park it!
As a 59 year old rider who owns a 1972 Triumph TR6 Tiger and a 2023 DRZ400s, I love the looks of the Svartpilen (in black) and have considered picking one up. That said, I like the older model looks (though not the Lucas electrics in my 72) as well.
Edit: In thinking about this, I wonder if the reactions you are getting are influenced by the visual media people are consuming? What kinds of bikes are we seeing in Movies, TV, and Video Games? Familiarity from seeing a type or design in popular media may be a cause of bias in those you have questioned. I am old enough to have seen the original “Tron” movie in the theaters for example, so that may be a reason I like the more modern design, because as a kid in my teens when I saw it I wanted to ride a light cycle.
Here in NZ there is a solid preference for modern classics and adventure bikes. Young riders have to get bikes that are smaller capacity (based on a power to weight ratio) before they can get a full license. As an older rider (71) who has 4 bikes in the garage I can say that our motorbike club has great difficulty getting new members from the younger age groups.
Brillant!!! Manufactures aren't going to buy competitor bikes and do surveys like this. Doing this also gets people interested because of truly different choices instead of sticking to one brand. I think Harley tried this with the Pan-America launch offering a KTM 1290 and Triumph Tiger 1200 for comparison test drives. Its funny, but i could watch this stuff for hours wondering what younger people think about motorcycles and which they really prefer if they aren't on the hook at the moment to purchase one at a dealership. It's great market feedback. Cheers and great work!!!
To Old man sir, the husky has scandinavian looks that is edgy,squarish and plain jane coloured so it is not a very eye pleasing design ❤ , now India is where the 400cc bikes are now talk of the town and RE controls 85% market of around 80000 units per month!!!
Like the old man said about the Triumph Speedmaster 1200. "Beauty is everlasting".....no matter the age or the generation
I've found exactly the same as you. My 2002 Triumph T100 gets all the attention, from both young and older people than any of my other bikes have ever done, new KTM dukes, new Yam xsr, or anything else.
Looks wise, so true. My R80 got many looks and comments. Even my Ex bike the Triumph 900 Truxton got many comments. But usually, young motorcyclist love Super sport Bikes. Just look at the success of the R series of Yamaha. The seconds criteria for youngsters is Money, and that's why the MT-07 is so popular. That bike is just the best bang for you buck you can buy since 2015~
It would be interesting to return to Stamford with the Husqvarna and perhaps a Royal Enfield Guerrilla or Triumph Speed 400 to pose the same question. The Guzzi is gorgeous, but it is also somewhat imposing compared to the Husqui... 😉
You cant beat quality ❤
💯
Great vid, I myself am 24 and grew up around the classic/retro looking bikes, I have always appreciated the design and looks and the beautiful craftsmanship in them. My first bike was a royal Enfield interceptor 650 and man that bike was gorgeous and everyone would always come up and compliment the bike. But now I just recently gotten a Indian scout which funny enough it was one of your videos on the Indian scout that convinced me to go out and get one and I absolutely love it for its looks, its power and its fantastic handling and it’s always good to see people and especially the elderly come up and compliment on the bike. Love your vids keep up the great work ❤️
Great idea!
How about you two do it more often? With various different bikes (even the ones you don't like) and different locations, and ask which people prefer!
That's the plan 👍🏼
What lovely young people in that town never mind the bikes
One was particularly lovely
I think Hot Rod was Model A Ford BTW. Another great Video Gentlemen, many thanks for them all. All the best to you both
Love this vid. Modern classics are the way to go for all generations. I’d like to see the V7 next to a Speed400 and the price advertised to the youngins to see their response. Might be on to something here with these comparison vids to help the industry foster in new riders 👍🏽
We are definitely going to do it again with other bikes as it was interesting 👍🏼
I bought a Quadlock system for my bike because of this channel. 👍
Great to hear! It’s a great product
What an excellent video guys, loved it!🥰 isn’t it amazing how everyone goes for old school Classic looking bike. It’s simply that the old classics looked right, like a motorcycle should look. Amazing about the younger generation, my daughter 16 today said to me, even music today is shocking and all the good tunes were from my time! 😂 me being 55 now but it’s true! 😂
We wish your daughter a very Happy birthday and look forward to seeing her more on the channel 👍🏼
Sorry for the second comment but I feel something needs to be pointed out regarding cost comparison between bikes and cars. A few years ago driving lessons were £60 for an hour lesson and they reckon an average of 12 lessons. Then add cost of theory test and the on road test. Insurance for a 1.2 Corsa-ish type car according to his mates at college, is £4-5,000 for the first year. How much you pay for the car depends on how old and condition.
My son paid £200 inc bike hire for his CBT. His bike, an old Yamaha SR125 (£200), insurance was £980 for the first year and £400 the second year. A day trip with mates, to the seaside was a tank of petrol. This year he bought a 98 Bandit for £750, insurance is £1,200 and the test was £90. As he'd been riding 125 for a couple of years, he only really needed practice on the training schools ground, which cost him a tub of Heroes (lol) each time (Some schools are more keen to get younger riders on the road, it seems).
So the cost, or expense of a bike compared to a car, leaves plenty for kit like helmet, cloves, boots, waterproofs.
Edit: I forgot the restrictor kit for the Bandit - £40, which he fitted with my help
Younger people have good taste.
Cheers.
Chrome has charisma. Sadly, some people want to ban chrome.
In talking to young people in the United States, I find most of them to be very nice and respectful, but also somewhat afraid of life in general, and motorcycling just doesn’t fit into a fear-based existence.
Agreed. I hope this isn't a 'Murcan thing, but a youth thing....
Riding your first bike could be made easier. I'm surprised the manufacturers don't come up with an Automatic 125 road bike (not a scooter). If those youngsters could put a leg over the saddle and simply twist'n'go all the way up to 60mph they'd be hooked.
Glad to see that so many young people still know a beautiful thing when they see it. Now if the manufacturers could take note.
Great video thanks Mr Darcy & Ol' Man. What an interesting exercise this has proved to be and it has opened my eyes to what young people would like out of a motorcycle. Let's hope motorbike manufactures watch this video and learn from it (maybe you should both consider sending them a link so they can view it too). keep up the good work both you are producing some brilliant and professional content which is a must watch.
Awesome, great to hear 👍🏼
Interesting - I would have expected the young people to like the Svartpilen but glad to see they preferred the classic looks of the Guzzi - there is hope for the future!
............then again that's Stamford for you 😯
Last summer l was in Hunstanton, maybe there was a ride out, whatever the promenade had a load of bikes lined up. I watched and the public were 90% fixed on one bike, an RE Interceptor, there were Bonnies there too but they look "modern" in a way the RE doesn't. All other regular bikes appeared invisible to them.
That's a very interesting observation, I think a lot of people in the industry have their eyes wide shut!
you didn't even need to specify where, this happens regularly at any kind of bike event.
Yeah, the Interceptor looks exactly how we picture a motorbike.
I'm an OLD man and when I was 15 1/2 years of age (1964) I got a motorcycle permit that allowed me to ride a motorcycle (no displacement limitations) until I became 16 where I could get my car license. There was no test and the only limitation was that I couldn't have a passenger. At 16 I took the automobile test which automatically allowed me to ride any motorcycle with any displacement and with a passenger. It wasn't until the late 1970s that California introduced a motorcycle test..... a very easy written test with a simple ride around cones and a ramp. That's it! At age 75 I still have my motorcycle approval stamp on my drivers license without having to take any other tests. AND when I moved to the state of Arizona, all they did was to transfer any information over. No more tests! Oh, and I've had NO accidents or crashes in the last 60 years.
Great to hear, those were the days! 👍🏼
@@Scout4x Pretty much the same here in Indiana. Years ago, a license to drive a car was also a license to drive a motorcycle. No separate testing.
Cracking video with great production. Thought your approach to people was excellent and got some interesting outcomes.
Thank you, yes we were surprised by the overall outcome 👍🏼
My mount is a Husq Svart 2022 model. She is my ride or die. I'm never replacing her 😅
just another example why the 1960’s were the peak of culture. everyone knows it deep down
The motorcycle culture took off post war. Cheap transport. It no longer is. It had a brief re flourishing in 70s Britain, then another when Born agains took to the roads. Now it’s mainly the same riders who never gave up. I’ve been riding since the bug bit me in 1974. I began riding in 1978, but not continuously until buying a new VFR800 in 1997 and then owning a bike ever since.
Filming and presenting ''we can do that'' wow what a mind bendingly difficult thing to take on.. people don't realise. It's great to see a father and son that get on, bloody fantastic in fact, worth it's weight in more than Gold. Praise the lord..
Thank you 😊
Agreed. Once you've proven you can handle yourself on the road the only requirement should be that you show you can handle the bigger, more powerful machine. Don't need a full test for that.
That said, the obvious hole this opens up is people getting their A1 at 17, just sitting on it, rocking up on a hired A2 bike at 19, sitting on that for 2 years and then going unrestricted as soon as possible, but without the four years of riding smaller bikes behind them. Those skills are peroshable, just sitting on your A1 and A2 doesn't help in any way.
The sillier thing for me though are the age restrictions. By all means keep the machine class restrictions, but open it up to all ages. If you can show you can handle the A bike at 17, then what's the problem?
@233kosta
Statistics prove you wrong. The fatality rate in the UK is more than twice the rate in the EU. And YOU want to kill more Brits? Get a grip on reality.
That Vitpilen, with a styling redesign along traditional lines, would be brilliant.
There might be a different reaction if you tried this in a less posh area. I've worked in a disadvantaged area for years as a teacher ..lots of the boys were into bikes..they would definitely prefer the look of a sports bike over my HD Heritage .
Agreed, young riders here love speed, noise and odd one into cruisers, never seen a young kid on a retro bike unless its chinese.
To use your phone reference, I think the manufacturers don't understand the importance of the materials. Plastic case backs are considered cheap, everybody prefers the phones with glass or metal case backs. They just give a sense of quality. I'd reckon this is true no matter how old a person is. A bike doesn't have to LOOK like an iPhone to attract younger riders, it's gotta FEEL like an iPhone.
I can't help but wonder what the results would have been if the choice had been between the V7 and a Z900rs which looks like an even more archetypical motorcycle.
I'm 28, which I hope still qualifies as young. I owned the previous model year vitpilen, it looked way better than the new one (more retro, spoked wheels with bronze rims, etc). I also own a V7. I only sold the Vitpilen because I realized I didn't need so many bikes, but honestly both were good in different ways.
PS: the Vitpilen was definitely quicker, especially in the twisties.
PS - I’m 30 and on my CBT right now, I have a Mutt currently and plan to test the V7, Inty 650, and an old Bonneville to decide which to buy. All retro styled bikes. Never had the slightest inclination towards a Husqvarna or any modern styled bike. Love your V7!
Great to hear, thanks and good luck with the CBT 👍🏼
I taught in Secodnary schools for over thrity years and found that, like the majority of the population, "young" people are inherently conservative in their taste. You could do the same test with paintings, one abstract and one realistic and the majority would go for the realistic. A motorbike that looks like the motorbike that fits their mental image of what a motorbike is will always win out.
This is Very interesting young people like the classic design they are not swayed by brand ....an old friend bought a Royal Enfield hunter last year and I am constantly surprised by the people who love the looks ..including Harley riders .it does have an older Bonnie look to it ....this vlog is one of the best of the year ...excellent work keep it up .