Japanese motorcycle production down - Substantialy down!

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TC · #1 Post by TC » Sun Jun 08, 2008 1:30 pm

Figures released today by the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) show motorcycle production in April 2008 down by a frightening 44.2% compared to April 2007. Exports for the same period were also down by 39.3%.

Samray · #2 Post by **Samray** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 2:45 pm

Is this Japanese production? cos I bet Indian and Chinese production went up by even more.

#3 Post by **Kwackerz** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 4:48 pm

I'd be shocked if Chinese production hadnt trebled to be honest. Cant move for another cheap riceburning Chen something or other going by..

HowardQ · #4 Post by **HowardQ** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 11:36 pm

Depends on exact figures TC. I would recon that production of small 2 wheelers and walk throughs will have gone down massively with more being built in China and Korea, (some by Japanese companies).
It had to happen eventually, this is how things all started for Japan!

Gio · #5 Post by **Gio** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:48 pm

Well seeing as I don't have a Jap bike, I'm not worried.

But then I'd not buy a commie chink bike or anything made in the Sub(standard) continent

TC · #6 Post by TC » Tue Jun 10, 2008 7:48 am

HowardQ wrote:Depends on exact figures TC. I would recon that production of small 2 wheelers and walk throughs will have gone down massively with more being built in China and Korea, (some by Japanese companies).
It had to happen eventually, this is how things all started for Japan!

#

I agree entirely, and too be honest though my understanding is that this relates just to the Japanese home market rather thabn overseas subsideries, but I could be wrong.

HowardQ · #7 Post by **HowardQ** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 12:38 pm

If it is really a major dip in their home market, I hope it doesn't mean they will not be able to afford to re-design their 600 and 1000 sportsbikes every 15 minutes, for something much smaller and faster. Oh and not forgetting the fact that the latest litre bikes MUST now have 200 bhp plus and be capable of approaching 250 mph. Bit simpler for the 600s they must obviously just be as fast as last years litre bikes and be even lighter. They may now need to rev up to at least 20,000 revs for the next model.
How will we survive without these constant "improvements"?
Sad thing is that the Brit market is the main one that drives these constant changes to sports bikes more than any other.
Perhaps if money is tighter they would just have to develop bikes that people could actually ride, with performance we can actually use, in the mid range where we need it. Then thay could keep a model for 4 or 5 years with just a few minor improvements each year, if needed, following real rider feedback.
Then again one manufacturer would start on the old two year cycle again, make the rest look old fashioned and silly and the Brits would start all buying them all over again.
Me I'll just stick with the Falco I've had for 4 years.

TC · #8 Post by TC » Tue Jun 10, 2008 3:29 pm

HowardQ wrote: Me I'll just stick with the Falco I've had for 4 years.

The same reason I stick to the Blackbird which has now been in production since 1996 with only slight tweeks. Plenty fast enough and comfortable enough for me.

HowardQ · #9 Post by **HowardQ** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 4:29 pm

TC wrote:
HowardQ wrote: Me I'll just stick with the Falco I've had for 4 years.
The same reason I stick to the Blackbird which has now been in production since 1996 with only slight tweeks. Plenty fast enough and comfortable enough for me.

If things had gone to plan I would be riding one as well.
Decided 4 years ago to sell my old 1995 CBR1000F and buy a Blackbird, long story but ended up buying a Falco in stead for a very good price, good enough so I could keep both of 'em. Mainly use the old CBR as a winter hack, and something for long trips or with a pillion.
Dead comfortable and built very well.
Now thinking again about getting rid of the CBR, can I get a decent Blackbird cheap and have that and the Falco.

We'll see how it pans out! But won't be getting rid of the Falco.
Always liked the idea of having two quite different bikes rather than one expensive new one. If I could afford it I'd have a garage full!

Gio · #10 Post by **Gio** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:36 pm

HowardQ wrote:
TC wrote:
HowardQ wrote: Me I'll just stick with the Falco I've had for 4 years.
The same reason I stick to the Blackbird which has now been in production since 1996 with only slight tweeks. Plenty fast enough and comfortable enough for me.
If things had gone to plan I would be riding one as well.
Decided 4 years ago to sell my old 1995 CBR1000F and buy a Blackbird, long story but ended up buying a Falco in stead for a very good price, good enough so I could keep both of 'em. Mainly use the old CBR as a winter hack, and something for long trips or with a pillion.
Dead comfortable and built very well.
Now thinking again about getting rid of the CBR, can I get a decent Blackbird cheap and have that and the Falco.
We'll see how it pans out! But won't be getting rid of the Falco.
Always liked the idea of having two quite different bikes rather than one expensive new one. If I could afford it I'd have a garage full!

There were a few 2000/01 Blackbird models around a couple of months ago for good money (around the 2.5-3k mark) not had a look again yet but they might well be cheaper come the autumn, when the weekend warriors hide for the winter.

TC · #11 Post by TC » Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:47 pm

HowardQ wrote: Now thinking again about getting rid of the CBR, can I get a decent Blackbird cheap and have that and the Falco.
We'll see how it pans out! But won't be getting rid of the Falco.
Always liked the idea of having two quite different bikes rather than one expensive new one. If I could afford it I'd have a garage full!

I know what you mean about the old CBR 1000, I had 3 of them prior to my first Blackbird, all from new all did in excess of 100,000 miles each, seriously comfortable, seriously quick (even by todays standards) seriously reliable and too be honest I woud not be adverse to having another one.

The price of the Blackbirds are starting to drop considerably and I think that if you hang on a little longer you will probably pick up a real bargainas Honda plan to drop the Blackbird from the range in the very near future and there are no plans at the moment for a replacement.

I picked up my current Blackbird on an X plate (01 Reg) with under 4,000 miles on the clock for £1800. OK it was the last new bike I ever supplied, I know the last owner and it is absolutely showroom mint, but there are similar biks out there for similar money. I have seen 99 and 00 registered bikes for under 2K albeit with higher mileage, but they have bullet proof engines and will take 100,000 miles of abuse (as I can testify too with my 3 previous BB) without any problems.

If you enjoy the CBR1000 you will really enjoy the Blackbird!

HowardQ · #12 Post by **HowardQ** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:56 am

Thanks TC and Gio for your advice, in my position I have no reason to rush anything, as I won't be selling the Falco. Can just sit back and see how prices go, but I have not seen anything reasonable drop below £2k yet, more like the prices Gio mentions, nearer £3k, even the early carb ones, if low miles. Higher miles don't bother me too much with a BB as I won't be putting too many miles on it myself and I have had numerous Hondas in the past, and know their reliabilty record.
I have considered other bikes to replace the CBR with, like a VFR800 or Triumph Sprint ST/RS, even been tempted by a ZX9R and a ZZR, but keep coming back to the Blackbird as I will use it quite a lot in winter.
Plus it needs to be comfortable for an old fart like me!
Let you know when I do jump!