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!
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 👍
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.
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.
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.👍
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.
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
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
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.
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. 👏👏
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 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!
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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. 😂😂
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.
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!
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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 ❤️
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.
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.
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
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!
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.😂
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.
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..
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. 👍
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.
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~
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! 😂
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 👍🏽
Enjoyed this,just subscribed .I'm 58 recently back into bikes and have a 2018 Kawasaki z900rs . I Love the retro look,and feel not to mention the comfort!.I'm lucky both my sons ride,25 and 21.Over here most young riders just stay on a restricted license. Looking forward to your content.
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!
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.
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... 😉
Aaaah all is not lost! This video genuinely made me smile. Thank you for bringing up thoughts like this. It might seem like a simple topic, but it really goes much further than you would expect. I'm just waiting for my first bike to be delivered in couple days and I'm already loving how bikes connect people. Can't wait to join the community! Great work boys.
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.
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 👍
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.
doing a comparison like this with the 401 and the Triumph 400 would be interesting to see what the result would be, i expect the Triumph would possibly still get the same response
Fully agree with you Lucas ... Darcy knows how to put the 'human element' back into motorcycling ... engage with passersby, make them welcome, let them have their say. Much more interesting than just talking tech specs.
@@MrDarcy-OlMan You and your Dad are a standout cornerstone of motorcycling on RUclips in so many ways Darcy. It's always so nice to watch your content, see the lovely countryside and hear your sensible words. Kind regards from the south west coast of the island of Australia.
@@MrDarcy-OlMan I think it would be a great idea to make a few episodes with a „human element” for example involving a few different types of communities. Not only to open motorcycling to society but also to increase knowledge of how motorcyclists are perceived by other road users.
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! 😂
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?
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.
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 👍
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.
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.
Interesting to see what the youngsters think and they love the old school look the best 👍🏼
Yes it was 👍🏼
The youths have spoken and they have good taste!
💯
It is a difficult choice to make,,,, but I think I like the one with the blow-up skirt best. 😎😎
@@longjonwhite noted....
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.👍
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
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.
Really interesting, based on the youth's options the bikes will look more retro in the not so far future 👌
Great job, lads 👍
💯
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 👍🏼
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
Cool Video. I am 58 I am riding a Moto Guzzi V7 from 2015 and a Honda CB 500 Four from 1974.
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
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 👍🏼
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.
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!
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 😊
The Husky looks like a bastard child of a wheelie bin and a fridge 😂. The Guzzi looks classic and cool. Retro is always cool.
I think the most genuine people on planet bike 🚴
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 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 😊
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
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.
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.
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 👍🏼
Great take on a video! You should do this more often with different bikes… I love the excitement among the young crowd!
I like seeing other people's response, this was a cool video.
Thanks 😊
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 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.
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. 😂😂
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.
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
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!
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?
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
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 👍🏼
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.
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.
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 😊
ME WANT BOTH!😄Husky for scratching on the twisties and guzzy for general riding.
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!!!
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 ❤️
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.
Glad to see that so many young people still know a beautiful thing when they see it. Now if the manufacturers could take note.
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.
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 like the 401. I'd have a blast on it, but my money would go on the retro bikes..
And it did.
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 😊
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.😂
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.
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 😊
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 👍🏼
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.
Great video,
Love seeing the young people and their responses,, great video 😊
Thanks so much!
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~
I’m an older biker, so something practical and easy to maintain appeals more. Bring back two strokes!
Like the old man said about the Triumph Speedmaster 1200. "Beauty is everlasting".....no matter the age or the generation
Make a husky that looks like the one McQueen rode in any given Sunday. I’d buy it
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 👍🏼
That Vitpilen, with a styling redesign along traditional lines, would be brilliant.
I think Hot Rod was Model A Ford BTW. Another great Video Gentlemen, many thanks for them all. All the best to you both
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
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 👍🏼
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 👍🏼
The industry needs to bring back the classic styled 50cc tiddlers.
Get 16 year olds back into bikes.
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.
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 👍🏼
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.
Even the modern futuristic bikes dont look like the futuristic bikes you would really imagine from anime or movies.
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 😊
Adults want to feel young, young people want to feel adult. Its so easy but no one gets it!
I hope this video will inspire more people to get into motorbikes.
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 👍🏼
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 👍🏼
You have the audio perfect on this episode ! I can actually hear those young people. !
Enjoyed this,just subscribed .I'm 58 recently back into bikes and have a 2018 Kawasaki z900rs . I Love the retro look,and feel not to mention the comfort!.I'm lucky both my sons ride,25 and 21.Over here most young riders just stay on a restricted license.
Looking forward to your content.
Great to hear, welcome to the channel 👍🏼
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!
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.
I bought a Quadlock system for my bike because of this channel. 👍
Great to hear! It’s a great product
What lovely young people in that town never mind the bikes
One was particularly lovely
no surprise to me,a motorbike should look like a motorbike and not a computer generated design.
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... 😉
Aaaah all is not lost! This video genuinely made me smile. Thank you for bringing up thoughts like this. It might seem like a simple topic, but it really goes much further than you would expect. I'm just waiting for my first bike to be delivered in couple days and I'm already loving how bikes connect people. Can't wait to join the community! Great work boys.
Thanks very much, enjoy your bike when it arrives and we hope it brings you years of enjoyment, as it has to us 👍🏼
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Thanks guys! It's an Interceptor, so I think the joy is kind of guaranteed. Wish you all the best!
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.
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!
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.
The production quality of your every videos are insane 🔥..I appreciate your efforts and it's a joy to watch
@@interstellargod6959 thank you 😊
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Watching from India big fan of your channel mate
@@AKASHROY-i9f great to hear 👍🏼
The youngsters love retro in this current day and age
doing a comparison like this with the 401 and the Triumph 400 would be interesting to see what the result would be, i expect the Triumph would possibly still get the same response
Just goes to show how well Triumph knew the market.
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 😂
You cant beat quality ❤
💯
Yes, yes! This’s what we need. More integration with younger generations. Great video! Great idea!
Fully agree with you Lucas ... Darcy knows how to put the 'human element' back into motorcycling ... engage with passersby, make them welcome, let them have their say. Much more interesting than just talking tech specs.
Glad you think so! 😊
@@MrDarcy-OlMan You and your Dad are a standout cornerstone of motorcycling on RUclips in so many ways Darcy. It's always so nice to watch your content, see the lovely countryside and hear your sensible words. Kind regards from the south west coast of the island of Australia.
@@MrDarcy-OlMan I think it would be a great idea to make a few episodes with a „human element” for example involving a few different types of communities. Not only to open motorcycling to society but also to increase knowledge of how motorcyclists are perceived by other road users.
Really interesting actually, love to hear the manufacturers comments. As always, super video guys!
Kind regards.
Thanks bro. Yes it would be very interesting to hear what manufacturers think