The economy is angry! Today Harley-Davidson reports in their 2009 financial results that they've netted a loss of $55.1 million dollars. With Q4 net loss of $218.7 million. Dropping Buell, trying to unload MV Agusta, the US economy, their finacial services, all making a difficult year for the motor company.

Now for more bad news!

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council's research, year over year estimate is that sales are down 40.8%. A total of 520,502 motorcycle sales for 2009 compared to that of 879,910 back in 2008. That's a pretty damaging drop.

Scooters suffered the biggest sales blow as the gas-price buyer bubble has popped. Scooters had a huge influx of sales with gas prices at their highest in 2008.

Gas prices are starting to creep back up ($2.69/gal for 87 octane at the time of this post) we may see another resurgance of all cycle sales as the gas pump strangles us. I put in three gallons in my tank today and came to $9.89. Just 15 years ago I could have filled the tank in my 1990 Crown Victoria Interceptor for $10.

I used to hit up my old man for gas money, "Ten dollars?!?! Why so much? You on empty or something?!?!!", I can't imagine doing the same today, "Hey Dad, I need $65 for gas". He'd drop dead, ressurect himself only to kick my ass.