Perhaps they won't. But it's never been tried. As I stated earlier, VERY FEW people even know they exist. You never know what people will buy until they know it exists.
Also, one of the greatest potential markets is the -- I want to ride on two wheels but I'm intimidated by a motorcycle- group. A few nights ago a worker at a convenience store was impressed by my Xciting 250. He seemed to be in his late twenties or early thirties. He said that he'd always wanted a motorcycle but was scared. But he also didn't want something that was going to get him run over. He'd only seen the little 50cc scooters and they seemed too slow and too small and just like toys. He asked me what I paid for mine. And he thought it to be reasonable. He felt that he'd be brave enough to possibly handle something like I had. I told him about the downtown which is only slightly smaller and still in production.
He then asked where I had purchased it. He only knew of the OTHER scooter store that only sells 150cc and under Chinese scooters that's widely known due to its proximity to The 2 universities. I let him know where the REAL scooter dealer was. He even asked about how to get the motorcycle endorsement.
All that within a 15 minute conversation. Will he buy one? I don't know. But two wheels now seems to be in his thought process now.
Ok and here's how it comes down.
The late 20-30 something walks into cycle dealer and says "show me the majesty etal" the dealer takes the kid the long way across the showroom floor, so he sees the bikes, and finds the dusty NOS scooter in the back.
After he talks down the scooter and talks up the advantage of a "real bike" .
Then He drops the big one. "For so much less money you can get a superior ride on a cycle., He talks about everything from speed to weight and why the cycle is foe you. Kid says he's intimidated by the cycle saleman explains that the risks are the same.
Kid thinks it over and never rides ......or buys a motorcycle.
Happens everyday and dealers I know are more than happy to admit it. They don't care for doing service etc on stuff they see on the rare day. People know all about maxis they just done want.
Maxis scooter are the ride of old dudes that don't want the cycle anymore.
Youngsters just see what they are. Big bloated scooters.
I know about old dudes I give the speech at least 100 times a year. Everyday 15000 boomers call it quits and head for retirement. If they want two wheels and are of able body the vast majority will pick a cycle over a scooter. Most likely a HD or Goldwings.
Just the way it is. The 200-300cc class ,IMO, is where scoots can make their mark.
AMAC