"Brompton profits plunge more than 99% amid bike industry turmoil"

[wafter]

Saw this article this morning, looks like the slump is happening with Harley Davidson, revenue down by 60%

https://newatlas.com/motorcycles/harley-davidson-revenue-slumps/

They have factories in the US, Brazil, India and Thailand, and parts are sourced from various other countries.

Despite this diversity, things are not looking good for this iconic brand.

A comment to the article says 'they are mostly seen as ridiculously expensive, heavy, slow, and old'

The HD showroom in Reading closed recently, not sure if it's a victim of the decline

The "slump" is happening everywhere. Really I think it's reasonable to view it as a correction to a more sustainable (less unsustainable) model where the finiancial cost of manufactured goods is starting to reflect their real costs in terms of energy, natural resources and labour - rather than some unsustainably low value underpinned by the merciless exploitation of less "developed" labour markets, rampant pillaging of natural resources and debt.

Seems we might be living through end-stage capitalism.

 

[Gunk]

I popped in to our local Brompton dealer this morning to see if I could cadge a box. They didn't have any because they are just not selling many new bikes, their refurbished used ones are also taking over a month to sell where last year they would have sold in a matter days.

I have two advertised at the moment, and so far the response has been very lukewarm, last year they would have sold in a couple of days, so the market has definitely changed. IMO it is a combination of a lack of disposable income, people working from home and the fact that Brompton's don't really wear out, so if you have a serviceable 15 year old bike why splash out £1500 on a new one if it's not really necessary.

 

[wafter]

I popped in to our local Brompton dealer this morning to see if I could cadge a box. They didn't have any because they are just not selling many new bikes, their refurbished used ones are also taking over a month to sell where last year they would have sold in a matter days.

I have two advertised at the moment, and so far the response has been very lukewarm, last year they would have sold in a couple of days, so the market has definitely changed. IMO it is a combination of a lack of disposable income, people working from home and the fact that Brompton's don't really wear out, so if you have a serviceable 15 year old bike why splash out £1500 on a new one if it's not really necessary.

I've noticed this in other non-cycling areas too; I think on a broader scale it's probably the manifestation of ongoing cost-of-living issues against the backdrop of the inevitable festive drain.

 

[biggs682]

I have been noticing over the last few weeks that second hand Bromptons are not selling anywhere near as quickly as they were and also some are being reduced in price to move them on .

So perhaps then second hand Bromptons have finally been hit like the rest of other bike sales

 

[Gunk]

I have been noticing over the last few weeks that second hand Bromptons are not selling anywhere near as quickly as they were and also some are being reduced in price to move them on .

So perhaps then second hand Bromptons have finally been hit like the rest of other bike sales

Definitely

 

[TheDoctor]

They're just so expensive these days. An electric Brompton costs £2900 and up.
Once I've fitted a Swytch kit to my modded M9, I'll have a bike that cost me £1200 in total, has practically the same gear range as the latest 12 speeds, and more battery range. And I've been using it for 16 years already.

 

[wafter]

Wow; a quick cursory inspection suggests prices have really plummeted..

For example this 2022 C-Line Explore with various extras in Swindon for £550.

That's knocking on the door of half what mine owes me for broadly similar gear.. even with things as they apparently are that still seems like a proper bargain if anyone's in the market!

 

[biggs682]

Getting inundated with a from £35 per month offer to rent a Brompton don't they realise I don't pay that much for my bikes