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You are correct. There was one day when it was 118 (F) here, and I got stuck in traffic. The motorcycle read 238 (F) on the temperature gauge and I was in full gear (which was always my personal requirement). That day, I "threw in the towel" got off the highway, went to a bar, re-hydrated, then went home (once traffic subsided).
I think the main reason more people don’t own motorcycles is safety, followed by the high price point for three wheels, enclosure, and climate control. I’m included in that demographic. However, I felt “reasonably safe“ test driving the Arcimoto FUV, but cancelled my order when they couldn’t deliver on their promised half and full doors. Glad I did, or I’d own a vehicle with engineering/reliabilty issues and nno access to service or parts that is likely going out of business. Oddly, many FUV owners love the ride, but didn’t recognize or think of the FUV 3 wheeler with it’s seat belts and partial enclosure, as a motorcycle classified vehicle. I require a four wheeler AWD in my snow belt climate, but wanted a FUN to drive three wheeler as an “&” vehicle for around town short commutes and errands. No way we are going to see a fully enclosed, climate controlled, five star safety rated three wheeler with local sales and servicing dealerships on the market for under $20K………more than the average commuter demographic will pay for 3 wheels.
Personally, I don't need a five star safety rating, nor is it something I research when purchasing any vehicle.
Honestly, most people do not care. Since the FUV (just like every other three wheeler) does not have to follow crash testing like a car does, then it's a moot point. People just accept that they just will not be like a car. This is the reason for 3 wheels. You circumvent the rules that apply to cars. The main reason for this is if companies like Elio would have started selling 250K per year (the original business plan) then I would expect that the US would change their rules and Elio to be heading that front as their autocycle was to have a 5 star car crash rating. If you are going after the motorcycle crowd, then expect motorcycle numbers when it comes to sales.
If a three wheeler startup company is focusing on the motorcycle crowd….demand will be low and limited production numbers means a much higher MSRP than the average non-biker mentality will spend on 3 wheels. They will choose to buy an affordable car. Honestly, the non-motorcycle demographic does care about safety, however, a few may waive that concern if the vehicle is affordable, high mpg, has a seatbelt, upper frame assembly/full enclosure, and fun to ride/drive.They are likely not counting the number of wheels, providing it doesn’t have a kickstand. Hard core bikers know the rules of the road, the non-motorcycle demographic doesn’t have a clue about safe riding practices, particularly when the motorcycle endorsement is waved
My uncle had one and it was a junker. It seemed like it started rusting immediately no matter if it was clear and sunny out. He had it for a few years but sold it to some guy that was buying them up, stripping them down and selling the parts (since you couldn't buy parts for them any more). He even bought out the dealer parts departments.
I think that the pre rust was their way of protecting the metal. Someone looked at a bridge and decided, we can do that too.