The online edition of the New-York times published a good article titled “A Motorcycle For Moguls”. The subject? Limited edition motorcycle models up to $120,000. What justifies paying such a price? Like for all very luxury items, 3 main reasons. But I let you read the article. These high-end motorcycles can be found in almost all major brands. The reason? They are very profitable when produced in quantities of about 100 units and, something that the NYT don’t talk about, is that 1- they provide a huge image added-value to these brands and their basic models (it can be “speed”, “technical expertise”, “design skills”, etc. 2- Imagine the value of all free articles and features that these models generate in the medias all over the world. It’s done by comparing what would have been the cost of paid advertising in the same medias to obtain equivalent coverage. And of course all the standard motorcycle line will benefit from the aura created by these limited edition models. MV Augusta F4CCs at $120,000, Confederate B120 Wraith at $80,000, Desmosedici RR at $72,500, etc. Whatever the economic situation of the country you live in, expect to see more and more coming from your preferred manufacturer. Now you know the reasons.(picture Ducati Desmosedici RR)
Cyril,
Both you, Arlen Ness, Jeff Nicklus, Ron Simms, Joe Martin, Jesse James and many other big name builders have known this for many years! No new news here! People with money always want something to distinguish them from the pack and they are willing to pay for that difference. I say good for them and all of you who can build for the elite!
Gar Out and off to Sturgis!
I rode the Tail of the Dragon in NC and TN this past weekend on my cruiser but I am not ashamed to say I would have been stoked to ride the Duc pictured above! peace
I once owned a rare Yamaha OW02 R7 which was a WSB homogolation bike. The story was that Yamaha lost money on everyone.
I’m with ‘burnout’ on the Duc and it is quite good value all considered!
Burnout – there’s nothing to be ashamed of about riding these types of bikes. The lean angles are really fun, man, and on a road like 129, it is poetry in motion.
The automotive has been doing and known about the good monetary returns from limited edition models for years and Harley has been successful with their SVO series. Limited Edition models make extra money for the companies however the fine balance is if the manufacturer gets too greedy and over produces then the resale and the aura to stand out disappears. So far Harley has been able to maintain this fine balance.
I once had a limited edition Dunstall Norton, limited to the number of Dunstall pieces I could afford
Earth to Pinch Saltzberger…. Dahhhh….!!!…. Over?
And this industry of “luxury item” bike builders will disappear just like the “luxury boat” industry did following the “tax the rich” schemes supported by American Leftists.
So keep supporting the NYU Socialist line.
-nicker-
RE:
“…Whatever the economic situation of the country you live in, expect to see more and more coming from your preferred manufacturer….”
Right, and the numbers indicate the last quarter GDP was up 2.9%
So, go-get-em all you luxury product craftsmen and women.
-nicker-