Buying Stuff

[craigs23]

So, apparently, we're in a recession or something. Unemployment has gone up a bit and some companies are closing down.

My industry hasn't really been hit and I can't see it happening in the near future (however naive to the current climate I might be).

So far the only thing I've noticed that really does effect my day to day life is the price reduction in petrol.

I'm thinking of buying another bike. Is this wise?

Why shouldn't I?

Thoughts?

[Itchy]

I think based on the you only live once principle you should buy...



In that we are in strange times in that prices of things are rising ie the thread of a few weeks ago where everybody had noticed bike things had gone up in cost , my Africa bars went up from £95 + VAT to £110+VAT recently.

In that this is uncharted territory in that it doesn't quite satisfy inflation or deflation, in that for inflation to occur wages have to climb but this isn't happening as people are trading salary increases for job security. Deflation isn't happening as prices of imported things is going up petrol has been going up steadily btw.

As said if I knew which way the economy would go I'd be a very wealthy man.
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[panrider_uk]

[hellkat]

Its not making *that* much difference.

I wanted to go to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras, I was even prepared to swallow on the atrocious exchange rate. So I left it till this week to look at ticket prices. Last week they were £350 return, now they are £650. Obviously fvck that, even I'm not that mad.

The airlines are talking about cutting jobs (Virgin are dropping 600 soon, I think) ... but not prices - so even those of us with money to spend are not really being encouraged.
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[panrider_uk]

Diesel is back up to £1/l btw

Mark
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Current bikes: Honda ST1100 Pan European. Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel

[Al]

I work in an industry that is fairly venerable to the currant financial mess.
But we're still very busy, so I'm hoping that I'm working for a good company that will be strong enough to come through the recession

My day to day spending hasn't been affected at all, but I would be wary about taking out any long term finance.


So basically I'd say yes if you have a secure job go for it
But as its you craig I'm not so sure, the new bike will never meet expectations and your end up selling it and pining for that CG you're always going on about
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[craigs23]

Hmm, I keep hearing horror stories in the media, it's just that I can't see much change from my point of view. I wondered whether this had been blown out of proportion, or whether it's the calm before the storm.

I'm not looking to spend a lot, but wondered whether, given the current 'crisis' I should be saving rather than spending. My query's not solely based on buying another bike, but whether I should be a little more careful on purchasing things I don't, for all intensive purposes, actually need.

[Clanger]

Actually petrol has started creeping back up in prices.

Winter is usually a good time to buy a bike anyway, isn't it?!

I am looking around to get a newer car, because it looks like it is the right time to do this...my problem is, which car to get...and where from. Decisions decisions.
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[The Original Muzza]

Bloody petrol prices. Bought my TT as I thought "Ah, fuck it petrol is cheap now, everything will be fine."
Might not sell my 125 now as it gets about 3 times the fuel economy. TT will be kept for fun times, whilst the 100mpg P.O.S can commute.

I say go for it! Get a new bike. What if you die in the next year? You'll never have the experience of your dream bike, and unless you have dependants, your savings will be wasted.
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Current Bikes: Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 (2020)
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From then on, I and the bicycle feelings deeper.

[WildGoose]

Buy it.

I have noticed food prices spiralling up recently in my local shop (Somerfield, greedy swines). Pain in the arse given that we are supposedly in a recession. As mentioned diesel is going back up, another pain.

I am getting paid the same, and have a bit in savings.

There is basically no advantage to saving anything, as every month your money is in a savings account earning 2% interest, its losing its value because inflation is 5%, more likely 15% (20+ if my food price observations are to be used).

Very frustrating, i'm getting poorer technically and there is nowt I can do about it. Goes to show what a joke this whole money system is.
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So in other words, he stopped you for being flagrantly in posession of a motorcycle in direct contravention of the Hippies, Darkies and People Whose Face I Don't Like The Look of (Police Powers) Act. 1976

[D O G]

Correct me if I'm wrong Craig, but you still reside with the folks and have a decent job.

IMO it is up to people like you to keep the demand high, since unfortunates like myself who have a growing family and one income cannot do so.

So yeah, spend away mate.

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

Petrol's gone up 2p in the past week near me.
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[Phoenix]

[Villers]

Ive never been better off to be honest, but......

Although my savings dont make any interest, the interest could never get near to the rate at which I'm saving. Having been presented with the proposition of having to pay up to 25% deposit to get a house I have no option but to save.

As for the original post, buy a two or three year old bike for four or five grand and you will never lose much, buy a similar aged car and watch your investment turn into piss within the year!

Life is short, if you want it, get it
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[Dischord]

It's a great time to buy a vehicle, I got my Honda for about 1k less than it's normal average value...some people are desperate for money so use it to your advantage and get a bargain!
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[colin1]

[McJamweasel]

Craig, spend away. If you are secure then why not? The more people who are like you and have the money but hold onto it, the worse this recession will hit. We need to keep the money circulation as that is where it does the most good.

IMHO there are far too many people who listen to the media and scare themselves into recession. Maybe if the media coverage had been more positive more people who are secure would be spending and Honda wouldn't of had to close for 4 months (as a very general example).

In the bike trade it has (for the most part) been a very good start to the year, in fact for us Jan 09 was twice as profitable as Jan 08!
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[Charlie]

The way the media conveys any slightly different story to the normal is always over exaggerated, when I now read an article I look how the statistics used could be mis-interrupted to give the impression it is a lot worse than it is. Same things apply to quotes and quite often the journalists even contradict themselves in the same article by quoting people out of context (although very slightly related context).

I'd go for it Craig, if you have currently got the money and your job is secure why not go for it. It is there to be enjoyed.
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Past: Honda x8rs, Honda City fly, Honda Hornet 250, Honda VFR750, Yamaha xt600e.
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[Phoenix]

So you all believe Gordon Brown, get spending and the problem will go away. The mess has hit because everything from companies to people were propped up with gigantic loans rather than real income? So no petty spending on cars, bikes and leather sofas is going to get us back to normal.

[Sparks!]

There is nothing stopping you going for a new bike really.. if you can afford it and want it then go for it... should get a good bargain too.

When I was saving for my new car, at £3000 in savings I got about £9 interest... then a month or so later at £6000 savings I got................ £9 in interest..... The rates just keep dropping and dropping, it's not worth saving for savings sake, unless you want a house or something expensive, or just to save instead of spending without worrying about how much interest you're getting...

Go for the bike
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[The Shaggy D.A.]

[Itchy]

[hellkat]

Thought I might buy a wheelbarrow.

To put all the useless pound notes in when the arse REALLY falls out of the world, and I need to buy a loaf of bread...
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[tutton]

So what your all saying is putting money in the bank is pointless at the moment? and you might as well blow it all on fun things and then when the shit really hits the fan, youve got no money left for it?
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[iooi]