Impact of cheap cars on motorcycle sales

The advent of cheap mass-produced automobiles spelt death to many motorcycle makers. By the early 1920s there were around 400 manufacturers of cars in America, and you could buy a good one for $400, the price of a sidecar outfit. Through drastic cost-cutting, Harley-Davidson managed to survive, but it was a close call, and the market had changed for good. In North America, more than in Europe, the days of the motorcycle as basic transport were over; they were increasingly becoming sporting machines for enthusiasts, and this was reflected in Harley-Davidson's concentration on big bikes.