I bought my first bike around 1996 for $500. Today with inflation that =~$740 It was a 1984 Honda NightHawk 650. It cost me $5 to fill the fuel tank ($0.50/L)

I bought my first bike around 1996 for $500. Today with inflation that =~$740 It was a 1984 Honda NightHawk 650. It cost me $5 to fill the fuel tank ($0.50/L) That same bike now costs $1000-$1500. Depending on amount of work needed. (and would cost $20 to fill the fuel tank) So it's a multi-part problem. (a) disposable income (b) actual cost Used bikes are too damn expensive for what you are getting. If I can buy a used car (from a newer model year) for LESS then the cost of an older motorcycle then the 'value' proposition will never make sense. I'd love to ride again. Until these 'hobby items' get priced accordingly they won't catch on again. I'd also suggest that the 'kids' today grew up with helicopter parents and had to wear 'bike helmets' and other 'safety' gear. Being left alone to get a broken arm or other chances to 'get hurt' is a good thing. I wonder if we haven't scared that out of too many kids.